We have unpacked and have designated places for most items in our new house. We have located most everything of importance and unimportance, and are caught up on laundry and dishes. So far, I've avoided getting sick this season despite most of Texas catching the crud. I'm ready to dive in and get organized, hang pictures and land some seating and rugs for the house. The back fence should be completed last week, and I just emailed an inquiry for a baby beagle. It is all coming together! I've especially enjoyed being able to watch the sunsets from our living room and dining room. Pretty, pretty.
After a week of decongestants and Starbucks, Van drove himself to a clinic on Saturday to get two liters of fluid. His mom's crew watched the kids, welcomed all the family (cousin time!) and started Christmas dinner while I went to retrieve my pale husband and poke fun at him during his first IV of his life. We still were able to have a nice visit and watch the kids open their presents. Van was still weak on Sunday, and I am scared of germs, so we went ahead and skipped celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior and got on the road. Van felt better yesterday, so we celebrated in Utopia at the Methodist Church Christmas Eve service whispering to our kids, "and that is your cousin, and that is your cousin, and that is your cousin....." I think it was the first time that we trusted them to hold a candle, and they did very well. No one managed to burn themselves or their neighbor, and the fire department did not have to be summoned. The service was beautiful, and it was a great worship time. The little white church with stained glass windows is special to me because that is where many of our family attend, where my parents got married and where I ate many Oreos and drank red Kool-Aid at VBS. I even remember the nursery toy that could either be a rocking boat or be turned over to be a bridge. It is also where my sweet late grandmother took me to "prayer meetings" where we recited the Lord's prayer. Last night we came home and heated up steaks and tamales (my mom has great leftovers--the pinto beans were just right) before opening presents with the kids. The children had wonderful presents. Avi received a Radio Flyer All Terrain Wheels wagon, Cade got a bike, and Zane got a Nintendo DSi handheld game from us. Avi also got a "Baby Walk" as she calls it. That girl loves baby dolls, and it and some other toys have gotten rides in her new wagon and have been really loved on. Cousin time has been especially sweet, but there is a virus a-brewin'. My health is holding pretty well, but I've been a little sluggish. Ew. Slugs.
Van is headed to Fort Davis this afternoon for some quiet time. It is about five hours from here. He's planning on staying in my parent's rustic, high-altitude cabin with the toilet that ignites waste and hiking and biking around. I'm not sure what I'll do in the meantime. I might stay here in Utopia or I might get Mom to drive us back to Waco after my sister's crew and my uncles head out. I might steal any of my sister's kids that escape the crud. I'm itching to get organized in the new house, but at the same time, I have realistic expectations about how much can be accomplished with my three children and neighborhood friends. The priority needs to be doling out pickles and crackers and not sorting paper stacks. Those can wait. I hope to settle on a plan for some seating and rugs while Van is off from work to get comfy in the new place. That way, his muscles and his truck can be utilized! I found some great deals on craigslist but he has his doubts and wants to buy new. We have been debating the same thing but different items for 13 years now! December 18 was our anniversary. We'll carve out some special time soon. Van was volunteering at Mission Waco that night, and we want to celebrate when we have a slower pace. Ha!
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
Saturday, December 8, 2012
Helpful Cows, Purple and Brown
November 12 was the official moving day. We moved in and Mom and Dad got to work. Dad did manly man things with drills and trips to Home Depot and carried things to me and said "Where do you want this?" Pretty handy. Mom cooked and did laundry and then did laundry and cooked. I was at a point where it was hard to eat at all (super weird, I know), and it was especially helpful to have a mom here to offer things like purple cows (grape juice over ice cream) and Lindor truffles. I lost a ton of weight. I'm at my highschool weight but not exactly in my high school shape! It is not fair to be skinny AND have a double chin! Anywho, a bunch of friends pitched in, too, and got our kitchen Contact papered, beds put together and hardware put on the furniture. I sat and coughed. I was very thankful for the help! Since then, folks have been putting in grass, sprinklers, and fixing stuff that didn't work out quite right the first time--thankfully surface issues. Most everything is out of the box, and we are very disorganized, but happy. Mom and Dad are "back at the ranch", and we are keeping up. One of our friends stocked the freezer so we can just heat up meals, but I did make a nice HEB run to buy staples and lunch box items. The house literally has bells and whistles that I'm still deciphering. The one that kept stumping us is the refrigerator that chimes if the door is left open too long. I'm still too scared to figure out the alarm system, but I have turned on the oven by pressing buttons like a microwave, and I have finally found the buttons to the dishwasher. Cade was happy after he came home from school on the first day here, "Do the toilets work?" (um, yeah...) "YES!!!!" and he ran off happy. Zane came in and did a kitty-pounce on the couch. Avi plays for literally thirty minutes at a time by herself in her room during the day. She loves her little toys and role-playing with them. Neighborhood children show up in our yard. One time, after a few visits, a group of three little ones rang the doorbell. The oldest was the spokesman. His eyes never quite met mine, but were focused on the game room. He said, "My dad said that we could...." and the three of them bolted into the house. I loved it. I'm actually a pretty shy person (a.k.a. socially awkward!) but little neighbor kids running through our house is great, especially now that I'm up at at 'em. (I've also taught them where the plastic cups are so they can get their own water!) Zane summed it up the other day when he said, "In our old house I used to wake up and look out the window to see if we had any new neighbors." (...because they were renting the house, and sometimes I couldn't tell exactly who was living there either.)
Thanksgiving was quiet but nice. I felt lousy that day, but mom decided to cook. A friend had brought lots of very nice leftovers because they celebrated early. I had gone to Wal-Mart the day before and picked up some pies because I knew the kiddos would expect this and some turkey napkins. It all came together, despite my couch potato-ness, and we had a lovely traditional meal with my parents. As long as we kept feeding them rolls and let them put on their own butter, the children sat--very unusual, and very welcomed. We had hoped that my sister's family would be able to come, but one had a fever, and although it was killin' us all, we knew better than for me to risk getting another virus. That made me super sad, but we knew we were going to see them the next week, and that made things better. Van's mom was able to come down on Saturday which was great and we had a nice visit.
Van took off the next Friday, we picked up the boys early from school--a little scandelous. We met my sister's crew at Great Wolf Lodge near Dallasish. It is a hotel with a water park inside. No sunscreen! Van's sister and her friend were able to meet us there that night, and my sister made us microwave hotdogs and had cupcakes ready for my niece's, Cade's and Avi's birthdays. It was great. My sister founnd the exact pony toy that makes noise from 2002 still in the box that Avi had liked playing with at her house. My sister does things like this. Again, I didn't feel so hot and every one else did all the work (hey, kid, can you carry this for me?), but it was so good to see everyone. I sported a swimsuit and determined to go in the "lazy river" with my Avi as she requested. We got in, and she practically crawled on the top of my head yelling, "I want to get OUT of here!" It seemed like a thrill ride to her, but we slowly made our way to an exit with her perched on my head and an inner tube around me. Oh, well. She and I were both happier with me watching her in the kiddie pool. I watched Zane and Elise go around the same "river". Every time Zane came around, he had a silly grin on his face and was doing something different. One time, just his head was in the inner tube so you could barely even see him. The next time, he was flipping over the edges of it. A place like that is great for a hollerer like Zane. His antics didn't bother a soul, and he was having the time of his life. The 5 oldest kids kept Van and Gil, my brother-in-law, busy on the big slides. Van was TIRED at the end of the time. My sister's family came back to Waco with us and helped and played. "A good time was had by all." as they say in church bulletins. Speaking of church, we left my oldest niece, Carly (just turned 10), at church while we headed out to McAlisters to eat. Between the two minivans, we didn't manage to count six children. She was retrieved and forgave us. Sweet thing will have a story to tell on us all.
We were in survival mode for a little while. I was living off of expensive yogurt (Brown Cow mango and apricot) and Duck Dynasty. Van finally got sick of me being so weak, and asked me to talk to my doc. I sent him an email (how handy is that?) and based on my complaints at the last visit plus more details that I was able to write out better than verbalize, his nurse gave me a call and took me off of the offending med. Then, she called the next day relieving me of another med. Sweet. My appetite has been gradually increasing! (Thank you life group for praying about this. God has been merciful!) Also, my Bone Marrow doc wanted me to take further action about my dry eyes due to Graft vs. Host disease, and my Waco eye doc agreed that I could have contacts again to keep the moisture in better. I probably use half the eye drops that I used to, and I feel so much better in-between. I was giddy after that appointment. I felt like I was giving real smiles, not just polite ones or tired ones to folks or worse the quick-and-look-away ones. I really hate it when I do those. I'm still weaning off of steroids, but simply because I can eat more Brown Cow and swallow Dr. Pepper better, I have been able to function! I'm able to unpack, and lift small things. I'm able to holler and to even sing a little if I am sitting. Cade was impressed that I knew the prologue to "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer". I feel confident watching my kids and others, and I can pull a whole day by myself. It feels really good. Pulmonary rehab is going well, too, and I can tell a difference in my breathing. I actually felt some satisfaction in mopping tonight because I realize that mopping is a privilege, not a right---ha!
It has hit me that the house will not be clean and organized by Christmas time. I'll shoot for disinfected and non-tripable paths. One reason is that although Van took two days off this week, much of that "free time" has been spent putting together a basketball goal for the kids. He said the instructions were written by an person who's first language was not English and more importantly....had never put together a basketball goal. And...it is missing 8 bolts that we'll need to pick up tomorrow. Ah, well. We still jaunted to Belton to cut our very first "real" Christmas tree. The imported ones were prettier, but we had beefed up the actual sawing experience to a degree that there was no going back. (We also snuck in a playdate with our long time friends.) Now, a naked tree is in our living room. It is quite lovely, do we have to unpack ornaments? I bought a candle stand as a table decoration at Goodwill, and Cade put it together for me. It is missing a candle, and the roundish candles are all warped from heat. Love it. I also bought two end tables to refinish at a consignment store. They will be cute one day, but right now, they are sitting in our living room being functional. Poor Van. He earned money for a beautiful, brand-spankin' new home, and I am filling it with practicality.
I've been thinking about this verse lately. James 1:25, "But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does." What in the world? "perfect law of liberty" Now isn't that amazing. My restrictions/guidelines are what give me freedom. Weird, but I like it. I'm going to keep an eye out for that. I want to be a "doer of the work". Now, how do I do that when there are days that I'm not capable of much "work"? Hmmmmmm...must be something there that I'm not looking at.
Cade is a little sick at the moment. Not fun. It is one of those in-between kind that makes me wonder whether or not to let him participate in the church program tomorrow. Zane has been pushing boundries (climbing shelves in the pantry to get to the gumballs) but happy as a lark. We're having to come up with a whole new set of rules in our new abode including neighbor etiquette and bus route protocol. ("And shut the refrigerator door. That beeping is driving me crazy!") Avi is in an easy phase--whew! She is content to color and cut and have playdates. I still don't have spell check figured out on this, so the reader will get to feel knowlegeable (see, I'm not sure how to even spell that one) and has permission to act superior.
Thanksgiving was quiet but nice. I felt lousy that day, but mom decided to cook. A friend had brought lots of very nice leftovers because they celebrated early. I had gone to Wal-Mart the day before and picked up some pies because I knew the kiddos would expect this and some turkey napkins. It all came together, despite my couch potato-ness, and we had a lovely traditional meal with my parents. As long as we kept feeding them rolls and let them put on their own butter, the children sat--very unusual, and very welcomed. We had hoped that my sister's family would be able to come, but one had a fever, and although it was killin' us all, we knew better than for me to risk getting another virus. That made me super sad, but we knew we were going to see them the next week, and that made things better. Van's mom was able to come down on Saturday which was great and we had a nice visit.
Van took off the next Friday, we picked up the boys early from school--a little scandelous. We met my sister's crew at Great Wolf Lodge near Dallasish. It is a hotel with a water park inside. No sunscreen! Van's sister and her friend were able to meet us there that night, and my sister made us microwave hotdogs and had cupcakes ready for my niece's, Cade's and Avi's birthdays. It was great. My sister founnd the exact pony toy that makes noise from 2002 still in the box that Avi had liked playing with at her house. My sister does things like this. Again, I didn't feel so hot and every one else did all the work (hey, kid, can you carry this for me?), but it was so good to see everyone. I sported a swimsuit and determined to go in the "lazy river" with my Avi as she requested. We got in, and she practically crawled on the top of my head yelling, "I want to get OUT of here!" It seemed like a thrill ride to her, but we slowly made our way to an exit with her perched on my head and an inner tube around me. Oh, well. She and I were both happier with me watching her in the kiddie pool. I watched Zane and Elise go around the same "river". Every time Zane came around, he had a silly grin on his face and was doing something different. One time, just his head was in the inner tube so you could barely even see him. The next time, he was flipping over the edges of it. A place like that is great for a hollerer like Zane. His antics didn't bother a soul, and he was having the time of his life. The 5 oldest kids kept Van and Gil, my brother-in-law, busy on the big slides. Van was TIRED at the end of the time. My sister's family came back to Waco with us and helped and played. "A good time was had by all." as they say in church bulletins. Speaking of church, we left my oldest niece, Carly (just turned 10), at church while we headed out to McAlisters to eat. Between the two minivans, we didn't manage to count six children. She was retrieved and forgave us. Sweet thing will have a story to tell on us all.
We were in survival mode for a little while. I was living off of expensive yogurt (Brown Cow mango and apricot) and Duck Dynasty. Van finally got sick of me being so weak, and asked me to talk to my doc. I sent him an email (how handy is that?) and based on my complaints at the last visit plus more details that I was able to write out better than verbalize, his nurse gave me a call and took me off of the offending med. Then, she called the next day relieving me of another med. Sweet. My appetite has been gradually increasing! (Thank you life group for praying about this. God has been merciful!) Also, my Bone Marrow doc wanted me to take further action about my dry eyes due to Graft vs. Host disease, and my Waco eye doc agreed that I could have contacts again to keep the moisture in better. I probably use half the eye drops that I used to, and I feel so much better in-between. I was giddy after that appointment. I felt like I was giving real smiles, not just polite ones or tired ones to folks or worse the quick-and-look-away ones. I really hate it when I do those. I'm still weaning off of steroids, but simply because I can eat more Brown Cow and swallow Dr. Pepper better, I have been able to function! I'm able to unpack, and lift small things. I'm able to holler and to even sing a little if I am sitting. Cade was impressed that I knew the prologue to "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer". I feel confident watching my kids and others, and I can pull a whole day by myself. It feels really good. Pulmonary rehab is going well, too, and I can tell a difference in my breathing. I actually felt some satisfaction in mopping tonight because I realize that mopping is a privilege, not a right---ha!
It has hit me that the house will not be clean and organized by Christmas time. I'll shoot for disinfected and non-tripable paths. One reason is that although Van took two days off this week, much of that "free time" has been spent putting together a basketball goal for the kids. He said the instructions were written by an person who's first language was not English and more importantly....had never put together a basketball goal. And...it is missing 8 bolts that we'll need to pick up tomorrow. Ah, well. We still jaunted to Belton to cut our very first "real" Christmas tree. The imported ones were prettier, but we had beefed up the actual sawing experience to a degree that there was no going back. (We also snuck in a playdate with our long time friends.) Now, a naked tree is in our living room. It is quite lovely, do we have to unpack ornaments? I bought a candle stand as a table decoration at Goodwill, and Cade put it together for me. It is missing a candle, and the roundish candles are all warped from heat. Love it. I also bought two end tables to refinish at a consignment store. They will be cute one day, but right now, they are sitting in our living room being functional. Poor Van. He earned money for a beautiful, brand-spankin' new home, and I am filling it with practicality.
I've been thinking about this verse lately. James 1:25, "But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does." What in the world? "perfect law of liberty" Now isn't that amazing. My restrictions/guidelines are what give me freedom. Weird, but I like it. I'm going to keep an eye out for that. I want to be a "doer of the work". Now, how do I do that when there are days that I'm not capable of much "work"? Hmmmmmm...must be something there that I'm not looking at.
Cade is a little sick at the moment. Not fun. It is one of those in-between kind that makes me wonder whether or not to let him participate in the church program tomorrow. Zane has been pushing boundries (climbing shelves in the pantry to get to the gumballs) but happy as a lark. We're having to come up with a whole new set of rules in our new abode including neighbor etiquette and bus route protocol. ("And shut the refrigerator door. That beeping is driving me crazy!") Avi is in an easy phase--whew! She is content to color and cut and have playdates. I still don't have spell check figured out on this, so the reader will get to feel knowlegeable (see, I'm not sure how to even spell that one) and has permission to act superior.
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Snug as a bug in a rug
I'm still in the hospial, but I feel much stronger. Van will be leaving a little late for work and coming home an hour early to take off some strain. I'm calling in favors for school pick up and childcare, and my parents will be coming this week. They'll get to be here on our big move-in date (Thursday or Friday) and I hope the three of us sit in sports chairs and point the movers to where the boxes need to go. Our house sold so quickly, that the boxes have way too general labels on them, so it will be a big surprise to open each one. "Cool! I had forgotten that I owned long-sleeved shirts!" she said opening the box labeled "cake pans". The kids will be ready to see their toys and ride their bikes!
I'm ancipating getting discharged or calling a cab tomorrow. I should be able to go home with just an extra "swallow" med and maybe an oxygen tank or compressor for when I'm up walking. Praise God! I was gearing up for another iv pole pet, but that won't be necessary. I'm not contagious, and it is a normal "bug". A little bit of visiting is good, and I'm so thankful with the little visits I've had so far, but I'm not up for phone calls. I can't stop talking because I truly like to catch up with people, and sometimes I end up with coughing fits that exhaust me. I honestly don't get lonely because there is good wi-fi here. Emails and Facebook are blessings. I do love all of you,and it means a lot for a person to take the time to come up here--Who wants to go to a hospital? Not me!-- so please don't feel snubbed. Please keep praying. The Lord is merciful. This one could have been really bad if we had waited any longer.
We have a mailbox at our new property (but no mail service yet). It is pretty, and we put some fossils in it. Neat. We're getting down to the doors on the doorknobs and towel racks. Very thankful. I'll trade you a door knob and an apple core for a new fence. It will be for baby beagle! And, our current three "pups". I'm getting very excited!
I'm ancipating getting discharged or calling a cab tomorrow. I should be able to go home with just an extra "swallow" med and maybe an oxygen tank or compressor for when I'm up walking. Praise God! I was gearing up for another iv pole pet, but that won't be necessary. I'm not contagious, and it is a normal "bug". A little bit of visiting is good, and I'm so thankful with the little visits I've had so far, but I'm not up for phone calls. I can't stop talking because I truly like to catch up with people, and sometimes I end up with coughing fits that exhaust me. I honestly don't get lonely because there is good wi-fi here. Emails and Facebook are blessings. I do love all of you,and it means a lot for a person to take the time to come up here--Who wants to go to a hospital? Not me!-- so please don't feel snubbed. Please keep praying. The Lord is merciful. This one could have been really bad if we had waited any longer.
We have a mailbox at our new property (but no mail service yet). It is pretty, and we put some fossils in it. Neat. We're getting down to the doors on the doorknobs and towel racks. Very thankful. I'll trade you a door knob and an apple core for a new fence. It will be for baby beagle! And, our current three "pups". I'm getting very excited!
Friday, November 9, 2012
tiny boy to my big boy
Cade celebrated his 8th birthday Star Wars style with a Darth Vader invasion (his dad). Unfortunately, I didn't have quite enough time to get the lightsabers ready (skinny balloons) so he just got pelted with tennis balls, paddle balls, and anything else lying around that looked like a weapon. Darth Vader was smart to take the kids to the bedroom for tickle wars.
His gifts included star wars toys and legos---perfect---and books (friends of the library book sale---love it!) and a paint set, a canvas and a pallet that hooks on the thumb. Cade hasn't ever shown much interest in art, but at one point over the course of this month he said that he had always wanted a pallet, so I jumped on it! He also got duct tape and clothespins. Zane jumped on the duct tape like a dog on a bone, and was going ninety miles an hour making arrows like street lanes on our friends tile floor (I hope it comes off!) and a boat out of box lid for the bathtub. Van said that his hands could hardly work as fast as he could think of ideas for the duct tape. Balloonies, you have a new competitor. I'm glad Cade let him use it.
Van got to visit Cade's classroom today to read a book. They both loved it. Cade was star student of the week, so here's what we wrote to his class on his 8th birthday:
November 8, 2012
Hello!
Here is a little bit about your friend, Cade. Cade is tenacious. This means that he will not give up, even when things are hard. He is an excellent rock climber, and one time, through his hard work, even beat his dad to the top of a giant boulder! Cade finds a way to make things work even when the task seems impossible to the rest of us.
Cade is a lot of fun. He smiles a lot, and laughs at his family’s silliness. From his very first words, he has been so friendly, and will talk to people and make them feel important. He is especially good at talking with elderly people.
Cade is handy. He is a great problem solver if something is broken or if there is a situation that needs attention. He has very good ideas about how to fix broken toys or how to fix a problem. He is also helpful and can see if someone like his mom needs a door held open, and he takes out the trash quickly when asked. He helps his younger brother and sister. Cade is tidy and orderly and prefers to have his clothes and toys organized. Although he likes messy things like mud, he wants to have his teeth brushed, his hair combed and he loves a great bubble bath!
Cade is prompt. This means that he likes to be on time or early. He also likes to work quickly. Cade is usually three steps ahead, and has a plan. If his parents are in charge of the plan, he wants to know it, and he really wants us to stick to it. He doesn’t like it when we miss out on an event like church.
Cade is good with numbers, and he enjoys reading. He likes to read books about science (like volcanoes, earthquakes or any other terrible natural disaster) or about events that really happened (like about the Titanic, another disaster). He has been riding his bike since before he was five years old, and he likes sports. His favorite is tennis, but he has mostly had the opportunity to play soccer, basketball and baseball. He is especially good at finding weaknesses in the other team and taking opportunity to intercept the ball. He is also a great encourager to his teammates.
Cade likes to play with Bakugans, Transformers, and LEGOS. Did I mention Legos? If Cade’s room is quiet, he is building. It is one of the few times that he plays alone or quietly with his siblings. We added up one of his house creations that took ten hours. He also likes to get ahold of string, tape and cardboard for all types of inventions. He once had our whole house strung up like a spider web. I suppose he was trying to get his parents stuck in the web. Maybe he was a fly.
Cade loves animals. He has owned a hermit crab named Crabby and a bearded dragon named Sir Hiss. He loves his grandparent’s dogs, but is really looking forward to having a dog at our house. Cade is very gentle with animals and can be trusted to take care of them.
Cade likes video games and he likes TV. His favorites include Phineas and Ferb, Wild Kratts and the Crocodile Hunter. He also likes the old cartoons like Yogi Bear and Scooby Doo. He likes to watch football games with his dad and even presidential debates! He always has a lot of good questions about shows that he doesn’t watch often.
Cade is our boy, and he makes us proud. This has been the best eight years ever. We thank God for Cade.
His gifts included star wars toys and legos---perfect---and books (friends of the library book sale---love it!) and a paint set, a canvas and a pallet that hooks on the thumb. Cade hasn't ever shown much interest in art, but at one point over the course of this month he said that he had always wanted a pallet, so I jumped on it! He also got duct tape and clothespins. Zane jumped on the duct tape like a dog on a bone, and was going ninety miles an hour making arrows like street lanes on our friends tile floor (I hope it comes off!) and a boat out of box lid for the bathtub. Van said that his hands could hardly work as fast as he could think of ideas for the duct tape. Balloonies, you have a new competitor. I'm glad Cade let him use it.
Van got to visit Cade's classroom today to read a book. They both loved it. Cade was star student of the week, so here's what we wrote to his class on his 8th birthday:
November 8, 2012
Hello!
Here is a little bit about your friend, Cade. Cade is tenacious. This means that he will not give up, even when things are hard. He is an excellent rock climber, and one time, through his hard work, even beat his dad to the top of a giant boulder! Cade finds a way to make things work even when the task seems impossible to the rest of us.
Cade is a lot of fun. He smiles a lot, and laughs at his family’s silliness. From his very first words, he has been so friendly, and will talk to people and make them feel important. He is especially good at talking with elderly people.
Cade is handy. He is a great problem solver if something is broken or if there is a situation that needs attention. He has very good ideas about how to fix broken toys or how to fix a problem. He is also helpful and can see if someone like his mom needs a door held open, and he takes out the trash quickly when asked. He helps his younger brother and sister. Cade is tidy and orderly and prefers to have his clothes and toys organized. Although he likes messy things like mud, he wants to have his teeth brushed, his hair combed and he loves a great bubble bath!
Cade is prompt. This means that he likes to be on time or early. He also likes to work quickly. Cade is usually three steps ahead, and has a plan. If his parents are in charge of the plan, he wants to know it, and he really wants us to stick to it. He doesn’t like it when we miss out on an event like church.
Cade is good with numbers, and he enjoys reading. He likes to read books about science (like volcanoes, earthquakes or any other terrible natural disaster) or about events that really happened (like about the Titanic, another disaster). He has been riding his bike since before he was five years old, and he likes sports. His favorite is tennis, but he has mostly had the opportunity to play soccer, basketball and baseball. He is especially good at finding weaknesses in the other team and taking opportunity to intercept the ball. He is also a great encourager to his teammates.
Cade likes to play with Bakugans, Transformers, and LEGOS. Did I mention Legos? If Cade’s room is quiet, he is building. It is one of the few times that he plays alone or quietly with his siblings. We added up one of his house creations that took ten hours. He also likes to get ahold of string, tape and cardboard for all types of inventions. He once had our whole house strung up like a spider web. I suppose he was trying to get his parents stuck in the web. Maybe he was a fly.
Cade loves animals. He has owned a hermit crab named Crabby and a bearded dragon named Sir Hiss. He loves his grandparent’s dogs, but is really looking forward to having a dog at our house. Cade is very gentle with animals and can be trusted to take care of them.
Cade likes video games and he likes TV. His favorites include Phineas and Ferb, Wild Kratts and the Crocodile Hunter. He also likes the old cartoons like Yogi Bear and Scooby Doo. He likes to watch football games with his dad and even presidential debates! He always has a lot of good questions about shows that he doesn’t watch often.
Cade is our boy, and he makes us proud. This has been the best eight years ever. We thank God for Cade.
Woe is me, me, me
Our friend is a Godsend. Not only does she put on my children's shoes to get them out the door quickly on a school morning (before she has to get out to her work herself), but she also does thoughtful things like switch the clothes from the washer to the dryer and fill up sippy cups from the now-no-doubt-about-it spoiled children. She is also a great listener and wise. Sweet lady came in very handy this week. I can't imagine how hard it would have been if we had still been in the neat little cabin on our own. I suppose it would have been like our baby girl innocently said out of the blue the other day, "Mama, what would happen if I pooped on the ceiling fan? Hee-hee!" Yep. Monday I woke up with an upset stomach. No biggie. Rest, rest. Video for child. Tuesday, a little tired. Rest, rest. Cancelled pulmonary rehab. Got the oil changed. Voted with kids in tow because it will be awhile before they will see another one that is so well publicized. I had warned them to use their library voices and to keep right with me. We happened to be at the most raucous voting site where the volunteers cheered for first time voters and handed out candy to my little ones. They lined them up for "I voted today" stickers. Rest, rest. Wednesday, more tired. Coughing begins. Rest, rest. Baked a cake mix with Avi. Haircuts for our shag-a-muffins. Rest, rest. Went to bed before we knew who was to be president. Thursday, ah, Thursday. Did not want to get out of bed. I finally did just enough to get boys to school. As soon as the cold air hit me, I got 30 minutes of chills, even after getting under a warm blanket. Avi and I made it to Walgreens to get Cade photos for his "Star Student of the Week", but was blasted tired in doing it. This is not good. I cancelled pulmonary rehab again. I caught a friend in the parking lot to take Avi into Parents Day Out for me. How lazy am I? I was lazy enough to cancel all errands for the day except for taking our sons Sonic chili cheese dogs for Cade's birthday up to the school. God must have known that I was doing this, and had pre-ordained a good friend who happens to have children that like our children sit at the same table. God is good like that. ;) She offered to pick up Avi from Parent's Day Out. I said yes because I just felt so tired and didn't want to put in another video for my girl (who happened to eat NINE fruit snack pouches the last time I slept while she watched a video). Vitamin C. I asked Van to meet with the house finisher to select where to put towel racks. I had once had an opinion about towel racks, but not that day. Slept the afternoon away waking every few minutes. Weird! Picked up the boys and barked at them, but thankfully, they were better behaved than I was and were forgiving. Iced a cake with Zaner. Cade put on the topper (Storm tropper that shot things?) and they shared poking in the candles. I picked up Avi and one of Cade's friends that lives next to our new house for his mini-birthday party. (Although, this would have been fine in itself, we'll celebrate a little bigger at Great Wolf Lodge with family for combined birthdays.) I was pretty much spent for the day. I'll tell you more about his party in the next post. I didn't want to get off the couch for the candle lighting or singing happy birthday, but I did. Van and our friend ran the whole show, and they did an excellent job and made our kids and Cade's friend feel important. The kiddos had a great time at the little party, and Cade's friend's parents picked up the precious boy. Finally, we took my temperature. Van freaked and was ready to take me to the clinic. I just wanted to go to bed. Sleep can cure most anything, and doctors are the pits. Well, I was wrong, and Friday, this morning, my temperature was even higher at 103.3, and I could tell that Van wasn't about to compromise and that I had better do what he said. He and my friend got the boys ready for school. We went to the clinic to get my vitals. Every blasted one of them was bad, so I promptly shut up and onto the ER we went (stopping by Panera to get an excellent peach smoothie--priorities-- and Van knew to do what I SAID at that point). The people at the ER are so efficient, and I was impressed. Van deposited Avi back at her friend's house (bless you, friend!), packed bags for me and our children, did a bunch of other stuff, and met his sister in Hillsboro to hand our children to her--they have been wanting to do this for so long that they won't think of poor puny mama, they are with Aunt Amy who is fun on wheels and Tye who is precious with them. I have mixed feelings that he did all of this on his day off, but I sure needed it. After a whole host of IV antibiotics (mind you, my normal weekly regimine includes 3 types of antiobitic pills and an antifungal) the fever is broken and I feel a ton better. People have been telling us about Duck Dynasty for a while now, and tonight happends to be a marathon. I'm enjoying it. I grew up country, but this is way more country. My people, especially on Mom's side, can tell you stories of this, but I'm so glad that there is real life living proof of this culture. So stinkin' fun. Tomorrow should be much less eventful.
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Coolest Mom Ever
"Mom, if dad didn't marry you and married someone else, then you wouldn't be the COOLEST MOM EVER!" This was the compliment that I got after notifying the crew that I was taking them to a giant book sale. I'll take it. After lingering around the juvenile fiction section unsatisfied, I pointed him towards the science section. A thick, battered "Sharks and Rays" as well as a science textbook were the big winners. Zane picked out two princess books for Avi. She picked out three little chunky books to share with him. She didn't want to carry the princess books (they were really heavy), so Zane carried them for her. I was so proud. Zane found a Nemo book. How can you resist after he did something like that?
Earlier in the day I had taken the kiddos out of school to put their little handprints in our newly poured driveway. Yeah, I'm cool. The concrete man was cooler, though. He had a bucket of water ready for messy hands, and made sure that they weren't getting into the muck while I was scratching in their names and a bible verse. Yep, he's cool.
After all the events of the day, we returned to the cabin. We had cereal for supper to save time for PACKING! Yea! More packing! Our time is up at the cabin, so we're moving in with a dear friend while her hubby is away with work. We'll be there until November 12, at which point we will be moving into a new house or into a construction zone. "Mr. Carpenter, would you mind moving over a bit so I may brush my teeth?"
It has been interesting staying in a weekend space and still pulling off work and school (and laundry). The kiddos have been such troopers. They have done homework in some very challenging situations, and have been creative with their "toys". Sometimes, though, it can be tough sharing a small space. "Okay, let's take a tv break and go brush teeth." "May I go out to the car to get my new toothbrush?" "No, just use whatever is in the bathroom- just really, really, brush your teeth this time." He emerges a few minutes later with a frothy smile and MY pink toothbrush. (hopefully inaudible, mental sigh) "Wow. Your teeth are really clean. You used my toothbrush." "Sorry." There was no indication of regret. I don't know how many times my sweet husband has loaded our cars down with Rubbermaid tubs with labels like "Immediate Kitchen", "Important Papers", and "Costumes" as well as 4 days worth of clothes for 5 people. He usually does this after a full day...no more than a full day...of work. "Here's your cereal, dear."
I was able to go to the toothbrush thief's kindergarten fall party. Precious. It brought back neat memories of when Cade was in the same classroom playing the same wrap-the-mummy-with-toilet-paper games. Avi also had a party in her butterfly wings, but I had to miss that one because of rehab. It is going well. Van took the boys to eradicate zombies at a local church. Funny! I thought it might be a bit scary, but Van says that although Zane was straight-faced the whole time, he squared his shoulders and pointed his paint gun without fear at the approaching crew and laid them down flat. Van said the older zombies took a bit longer to fall and kind of went down on one knee first. The teenage zombies took tumbles and fell rapidly. Cade had a blast. Many thanks to Mrs. Jennifer who let us know of the fundraiser, and who let Zane defend her from the beasts.
Earlier in the day I had taken the kiddos out of school to put their little handprints in our newly poured driveway. Yeah, I'm cool. The concrete man was cooler, though. He had a bucket of water ready for messy hands, and made sure that they weren't getting into the muck while I was scratching in their names and a bible verse. Yep, he's cool.
After all the events of the day, we returned to the cabin. We had cereal for supper to save time for PACKING! Yea! More packing! Our time is up at the cabin, so we're moving in with a dear friend while her hubby is away with work. We'll be there until November 12, at which point we will be moving into a new house or into a construction zone. "Mr. Carpenter, would you mind moving over a bit so I may brush my teeth?"
It has been interesting staying in a weekend space and still pulling off work and school (and laundry). The kiddos have been such troopers. They have done homework in some very challenging situations, and have been creative with their "toys". Sometimes, though, it can be tough sharing a small space. "Okay, let's take a tv break and go brush teeth." "May I go out to the car to get my new toothbrush?" "No, just use whatever is in the bathroom- just really, really, brush your teeth this time." He emerges a few minutes later with a frothy smile and MY pink toothbrush. (hopefully inaudible, mental sigh) "Wow. Your teeth are really clean. You used my toothbrush." "Sorry." There was no indication of regret. I don't know how many times my sweet husband has loaded our cars down with Rubbermaid tubs with labels like "Immediate Kitchen", "Important Papers", and "Costumes" as well as 4 days worth of clothes for 5 people. He usually does this after a full day...no more than a full day...of work. "Here's your cereal, dear."
I was able to go to the toothbrush thief's kindergarten fall party. Precious. It brought back neat memories of when Cade was in the same classroom playing the same wrap-the-mummy-with-toilet-paper games. Avi also had a party in her butterfly wings, but I had to miss that one because of rehab. It is going well. Van took the boys to eradicate zombies at a local church. Funny! I thought it might be a bit scary, but Van says that although Zane was straight-faced the whole time, he squared his shoulders and pointed his paint gun without fear at the approaching crew and laid them down flat. Van said the older zombies took a bit longer to fall and kind of went down on one knee first. The teenage zombies took tumbles and fell rapidly. Cade had a blast. Many thanks to Mrs. Jennifer who let us know of the fundraiser, and who let Zane defend her from the beasts.
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
The B-I-B-L-E class
This was posted on Facebook by one of Zane and Avi's bible class teachers. It is too good not to repeat:
Wednesday Bible Class: "I will do what the Bible says" - we made a Sword of the Spirit today. Actually, we just cut the sword out of paper. Thank you, Katie and Lily, for proving me wrong. I thought it would be the BOYS who started slapping each other with their paper swords .... Avery is so very good at behaving. She said she gets to behave a lot. Zane was a wonderful big brother again. He opened the Playdoh can for Avi, and made a snail for her. He even taste-tested her yummy playdoh pancake before she squealed that it was actually yucky. We live in a video world now; I tried to play The Quiet Game with the kids. Avi said, "Oh! I GOTTA tell you something - pause the game! pause the game!"
Sweet group of kiddos.
My day: Drug myself out of bed. Made sure I took my meds and had clothes on. Thanked Van for heating up breakfast for the crew and said a quick goodbye. Texted Van about something. The phone was on the cabin table. Dropped off Van's phone at his work. Dropped off boys at school making sure they were properly attired for the "jean-ous" of being drug-free on Red Ribbon Week. Kept Avi busy with food and a video in the back seat. Went by the storage units to see if there were any unmarked boxes to check for cabinet knobs for the new house. Went to Hobby Lobby to buy cabinet knobs that we must have accidently packed in a marked box. (They are so cute!) Drove back out to the Speegleville area to pay for the bunk beds we bought off of Craigslist. Drove to the Hewitt area to land on a friend and did laundry, painted her little girl's nails, stole from her trash pile (table legs- 3 of them!), and let her feed Avi and me while she homeschooled her older children. A babysitter came. I hadn't planned on this, so I had to choose quickly- what to do? I left Avi with my friend's babysitter and went to Wal-Mart. A poor quality bow and arrow set had snapped in my child's hands the minute he had gotten it out of the package. I was especially fired up about it because he had used his own money after getting a flu shot to buy it. They took it back and refunded the money! Texted Van: Do you want Spiderman, Avengers, blue or green birthday plates? His answer pleased me. I dropped of a treasure from my friend's trash at Goodwill. It was much more sellable than my 3 table legs! Lemonberry Slush from Sonic. Picked up a gift for Van. Picked up Avi. Picked up the boys. One had a discipline problem at school. What to do, what to do. Went to a landscaper early because I couldn't stand another minute in the car. He generously met me outside and spread the plans on my car hood while my kids downed bananas and a Dora video. Dropped the plans off at Van's work. Sped to the cabin. Started homework. Success! Play-Doh spelling words, and in Avi's case, Play-Doh in a saucepan! Spagetti was served on two kitchen chairs and a futon. Van's "home"! Ug. Van has more work to do. He eats, plays outside with the kids, and then the kids and I load up again. We dropped off Cade at music practice for the Christmas program. Back to the storage shed---where is the box of costumes that I saved back? Not there. Called Van. It is in the corner of the cabin. Ugh. I at least unloaded the 3 table legs!!! Zane, Avi and I were late to church, but I was so glad we went. I got to visit with two of my favorite people. Van is now done with work. I am now done writing. The dishes can wait because we're going to microwave breakfast on paper plates again. Backpacks are packed. Proper "keep a cap on drugs" attire has been prepared. Thank you, Lord, that these are the biggest issues that our family is dealing with! May you cover those that have had darker days and fill the night with peace and hope.
Wednesday Bible Class: "I will do what the Bible says" - we made a Sword of the Spirit today. Actually, we just cut the sword out of paper. Thank you, Katie and Lily, for proving me wrong. I thought it would be the BOYS who started slapping each other with their paper swords .... Avery is so very good at behaving. She said she gets to behave a lot. Zane was a wonderful big brother again. He opened the Playdoh can for Avi, and made a snail for her. He even taste-tested her yummy playdoh pancake before she squealed that it was actually yucky. We live in a video world now; I tried to play The Quiet Game with the kids. Avi said, "Oh! I GOTTA tell you something - pause the game! pause the game!"
Sweet group of kiddos.
My day: Drug myself out of bed. Made sure I took my meds and had clothes on. Thanked Van for heating up breakfast for the crew and said a quick goodbye. Texted Van about something. The phone was on the cabin table. Dropped off Van's phone at his work. Dropped off boys at school making sure they were properly attired for the "jean-ous" of being drug-free on Red Ribbon Week. Kept Avi busy with food and a video in the back seat. Went by the storage units to see if there were any unmarked boxes to check for cabinet knobs for the new house. Went to Hobby Lobby to buy cabinet knobs that we must have accidently packed in a marked box. (They are so cute!) Drove back out to the Speegleville area to pay for the bunk beds we bought off of Craigslist. Drove to the Hewitt area to land on a friend and did laundry, painted her little girl's nails, stole from her trash pile (table legs- 3 of them!), and let her feed Avi and me while she homeschooled her older children. A babysitter came. I hadn't planned on this, so I had to choose quickly- what to do? I left Avi with my friend's babysitter and went to Wal-Mart. A poor quality bow and arrow set had snapped in my child's hands the minute he had gotten it out of the package. I was especially fired up about it because he had used his own money after getting a flu shot to buy it. They took it back and refunded the money! Texted Van: Do you want Spiderman, Avengers, blue or green birthday plates? His answer pleased me. I dropped of a treasure from my friend's trash at Goodwill. It was much more sellable than my 3 table legs! Lemonberry Slush from Sonic. Picked up a gift for Van. Picked up Avi. Picked up the boys. One had a discipline problem at school. What to do, what to do. Went to a landscaper early because I couldn't stand another minute in the car. He generously met me outside and spread the plans on my car hood while my kids downed bananas and a Dora video. Dropped the plans off at Van's work. Sped to the cabin. Started homework. Success! Play-Doh spelling words, and in Avi's case, Play-Doh in a saucepan! Spagetti was served on two kitchen chairs and a futon. Van's "home"! Ug. Van has more work to do. He eats, plays outside with the kids, and then the kids and I load up again. We dropped off Cade at music practice for the Christmas program. Back to the storage shed---where is the box of costumes that I saved back? Not there. Called Van. It is in the corner of the cabin. Ugh. I at least unloaded the 3 table legs!!! Zane, Avi and I were late to church, but I was so glad we went. I got to visit with two of my favorite people. Van is now done with work. I am now done writing. The dishes can wait because we're going to microwave breakfast on paper plates again. Backpacks are packed. Proper "keep a cap on drugs" attire has been prepared. Thank you, Lord, that these are the biggest issues that our family is dealing with! May you cover those that have had darker days and fill the night with peace and hope.
Saturday, October 20, 2012
Weekend Waltz
The kiddos were watching a movie in the backseat while Van and I ran some errands this evening. Cade said, "Mama, I like this music." "That kind is called a waltz." "Oh, that must be why they call it Waltz Disney." Love it.
The house is lovely. The details of the interior are coming together, and evidently a yard can be put in within a day. Meanwhile, the bass boom at the Slippery Minnow will lull us to sleep tonight. We are so thankful for this little cabin, and are getting the hang of living in a tight space. One tool we use is bribery. We don't have a rocking chair, and the kids are sleeping in a loft on mattresses, so Van goes up with them, and we expect them to stay there. "If you go to sleep well, you may have a quarter towards the trampoline." We have considered getting them a trampoline on and off, but finally decided to after their swing set was stolen off of our lot. This was just a few days after the storage unit was broken into and Van's pride-and-joy chainsaw was stolen. That was a rough week. Anyway, we plan on helping them earn their trampoline quickly.
It is a good weekend. Van worked today and will work tomorrow afternoon, but that only happens about every six weeks. The kids are looking forward to seeing their friends at church tomorrow.
The house is lovely. The details of the interior are coming together, and evidently a yard can be put in within a day. Meanwhile, the bass boom at the Slippery Minnow will lull us to sleep tonight. We are so thankful for this little cabin, and are getting the hang of living in a tight space. One tool we use is bribery. We don't have a rocking chair, and the kids are sleeping in a loft on mattresses, so Van goes up with them, and we expect them to stay there. "If you go to sleep well, you may have a quarter towards the trampoline." We have considered getting them a trampoline on and off, but finally decided to after their swing set was stolen off of our lot. This was just a few days after the storage unit was broken into and Van's pride-and-joy chainsaw was stolen. That was a rough week. Anyway, we plan on helping them earn their trampoline quickly.
It is a good weekend. Van worked today and will work tomorrow afternoon, but that only happens about every six weeks. The kids are looking forward to seeing their friends at church tomorrow.
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
The grace of God
The fire alarm went off today. Evidently, you should check inside the oven before pre-heating. Thankfully, it was just pots and pans stored in there. It stunk in here for awhile, but nothing was damaged. During those loud, piercing beeps, my children were the quietest they have been in awhile.
The kids spotted an osprey on the lake when Van took us for a drive. Pretty neat.
While the boys were at school, and Avi was at Parents' Day Out I bought two pairs of jeans at Amelia's attic today that fit. Pretty neat.
The boys wanted to drive by the "old" house today. No one fell apart. They were a bit jealous of the new satelite on the roof. Pretty neat.
I have a laundry basket of clothes in my car with both pee and poop on them from various children. I've had numerous offers from people to use their washin' machines. Pretty neat.
So...by the grace of God, I think we're going to be okay in the next month or so in our little cabin.
The kids spotted an osprey on the lake when Van took us for a drive. Pretty neat.
While the boys were at school, and Avi was at Parents' Day Out I bought two pairs of jeans at Amelia's attic today that fit. Pretty neat.
The boys wanted to drive by the "old" house today. No one fell apart. They were a bit jealous of the new satelite on the roof. Pretty neat.
I have a laundry basket of clothes in my car with both pee and poop on them from various children. I've had numerous offers from people to use their washin' machines. Pretty neat.
So...by the grace of God, I think we're going to be okay in the next month or so in our little cabin.
Monday, October 15, 2012
Little cabin
Little cabin in the woods
Great big man by the window stood
Saw a rabbit hopping by
Knocking at the door
"Help me! Help me! Help me!" he said,
"Before that hunter shoots me dead."
Little rabbit come inside
Safely to abide
This song has been stuck in my head for the 28 hours that we have lived in this little cabin, and now I share it with you. After shutting the back door of the house for the last time, we have stayed with precious friends, a precious LaQuinta (after my child threw up on their carpet), and precious friends again. We birthday partied, soccered and faired. We did miss out on some fun things because we were just trying to stay above water. We did not try to travel because I still am not sure what is in whos suitcase, and I was a bit frazzled--okay, a lot frazzled. We were able to meet the young couple that bought our old house, and we couldn't be more pleased. They are so cute, and I thank God for them.
We cancelled our reservations at an extended stay hotel when one of Van's patients offered us a sweet deal on a cabin that he owns by the lake. It is perfect for our situation, and we won't have to load down the cars again until our new house is ready. It is crazy basic, but simplicity is nice right now. I do miss a washin' machine and the internet, but we've got our ways... Our children are doing pretty well with the transition, all things considered. Avi has never seen the Disney movies, so she calls her new doll "Baby Booty", I think after Sleeping Beauty even though it is Cinderella. Anywho, Baby Booty has not left her side, and has had quite the adventure. She gave her lessons on the letter "A" today. "Today we are going to learn about the letter A." and presented her with a written "A". Cade's "Beary" is snug in the loft with him now. Zane's "Baby Jaguar" had a close call. That cat was left at the LaQuinta as we were trying to get kiddos off to school and me to the closing of the old house. Thankfully, he was found today by the housekeepers and we drove by to pick him up. That would not have been good.
Tomorrow is rehab. Wednesday holds doctors appointments in Dallas. Yuck.
Great big man by the window stood
Saw a rabbit hopping by
Knocking at the door
"Help me! Help me! Help me!" he said,
"Before that hunter shoots me dead."
Little rabbit come inside
Safely to abide
This song has been stuck in my head for the 28 hours that we have lived in this little cabin, and now I share it with you. After shutting the back door of the house for the last time, we have stayed with precious friends, a precious LaQuinta (after my child threw up on their carpet), and precious friends again. We birthday partied, soccered and faired. We did miss out on some fun things because we were just trying to stay above water. We did not try to travel because I still am not sure what is in whos suitcase, and I was a bit frazzled--okay, a lot frazzled. We were able to meet the young couple that bought our old house, and we couldn't be more pleased. They are so cute, and I thank God for them.
We cancelled our reservations at an extended stay hotel when one of Van's patients offered us a sweet deal on a cabin that he owns by the lake. It is perfect for our situation, and we won't have to load down the cars again until our new house is ready. It is crazy basic, but simplicity is nice right now. I do miss a washin' machine and the internet, but we've got our ways... Our children are doing pretty well with the transition, all things considered. Avi has never seen the Disney movies, so she calls her new doll "Baby Booty", I think after Sleeping Beauty even though it is Cinderella. Anywho, Baby Booty has not left her side, and has had quite the adventure. She gave her lessons on the letter "A" today. "Today we are going to learn about the letter A." and presented her with a written "A". Cade's "Beary" is snug in the loft with him now. Zane's "Baby Jaguar" had a close call. That cat was left at the LaQuinta as we were trying to get kiddos off to school and me to the closing of the old house. Thankfully, he was found today by the housekeepers and we drove by to pick him up. That would not have been good.
Tomorrow is rehab. Wednesday holds doctors appointments in Dallas. Yuck.
Sunday, October 7, 2012
It's just a house, right?
My babies are all snuggled up in their nests of blankets on their bedroom floor. Two more nights in our home. Two more nights of three loud snoring children in one small space. We have suitcases and food left here, but not much else. Meals are getting creative so that I don't have to move as much food. Most of our worldly possessions are in a 10x20 foot storage unit, so tidly stacked by very impressive moving men. So many have offered to house us while we are waiting for the new home to be finished. I have really been touched at the outpouring of love from friends that we know well and some that we don't know well. I hope to be a generous person like that. We're going to stay with some close friends to start off with, and go say howdy to my folks over the weekend forsaking all birthday parties, soccer games, church duties, fairs and festivals.
I have a photo of when we first moved into this house. Van and I are posed and smiling, and in the background is the pretty view of the lake. We're coordinated in white shirts (mine with a belly pooch) and blue jeans. We took photos of my side of the family from that view, too, and everyone looked so care-free. I was a few months along with Cade. Van had just finished med school and was employed, and I had stopped teaching and was ready to be a mama. It was our time to give back to others because so much had been given to us. We were to be in Waco three years for Van to do residency and for us to gear up for the mission field. It was just a couple of weeks later that our world changed so much. I was diagnosed with lymphoma. Cade decided to come early at a precious 4 lbs. 11 oz. The year was a rough one with a premie baby, chemo, radiation, and residency. The Lord led us through it, and the community of believers walked it with us. I was given a clean bill of health, and my oncologist encouraged us to "fill our quiver". Zane was born. He was a fat-cheeked little snuggler at 8 lbs. 3 oz. Van graduated and got a "real job"-ha! I was able to volunteer for a few months with our crisis pregnancy center. We relaxed. When I was a few weeks along with our third child, we visited Uganda to see what the Lord was up to and to ask if we would be involved full-time. Avi was born a delicate 6 lbs. 8 oz. Beautiful little thing. I just stared at her for hours that night. When she was about six months old, I was diagnosed with bad bone marrow, most likely the result of the treatment for the lymphoma. We knew this was going to be a rough one, but we didn't realize how rough. When a match was finally found, I had a bone marrow transplant. Now Avi is three and a half and is well acquainted with Mama going to doctors appointments and taking medicine. We've been in Waco 8 years now. It has been a long, hard road, and I am weary. I know Van is, too. We had assumed we would be the ones to serve. We would be the ones to give. Instead, we have been loved on by so many. We have been given so much. We've stuck together as a family and have struggled together and laughed together in this house, and I'll miss it. I won't miss the carpet. I've disliked this carpet from day one. This carpet holds memories that I need to steam clean before Wednesday.
Now we're on this side of the world for awhile putting down roots. We're building a home on our favorite site with our favorite materials. All our favorite stuff is in storage until we can move it into the completed project. We're even bringing our favorite children. So, I suppose I should be content. My friend tells me that we'll make new memories. I have to confess, though, that I really liked living here.
We will enjoy the new house. The kids can ride their bikes on the street and be within walking distance to friends' houses. They can climb trees and catch tadpoles in the river. Skinned knees and community. That is what we are looking for. Van is looking forward to a sprinkler system, and I'm looking forward to having the space to leave out the sewing machine. We won't be stacked on top of each other like we are here. Our builder said that it should be ready at the end of this month. Grain of salt.
My health is steadily improving. My lungs are the biggest problem, but the pulmonary rehab seems to have helped breathing. Here is the conversation that I heard last week between two tiny elderly women doing rehab. "How's Dorothy?" "Oh, my, she has had it rough. She is down to 89 lbs." "No! She's at least a solid 90!"
My activity level impacts how our family functions, so I am thankful that I can get around better. I hope to be weaned off of steroids completely in a few months. We have to go slowly so my adrenal gland will wake up. That conjures up all kinds of pictures in my mind. I need to go find an anatomy book and figure out what that means. All the anatomy books are packed, so my "cartoon brain" as my friend calls it will have to do.
I have a photo of when we first moved into this house. Van and I are posed and smiling, and in the background is the pretty view of the lake. We're coordinated in white shirts (mine with a belly pooch) and blue jeans. We took photos of my side of the family from that view, too, and everyone looked so care-free. I was a few months along with Cade. Van had just finished med school and was employed, and I had stopped teaching and was ready to be a mama. It was our time to give back to others because so much had been given to us. We were to be in Waco three years for Van to do residency and for us to gear up for the mission field. It was just a couple of weeks later that our world changed so much. I was diagnosed with lymphoma. Cade decided to come early at a precious 4 lbs. 11 oz. The year was a rough one with a premie baby, chemo, radiation, and residency. The Lord led us through it, and the community of believers walked it with us. I was given a clean bill of health, and my oncologist encouraged us to "fill our quiver". Zane was born. He was a fat-cheeked little snuggler at 8 lbs. 3 oz. Van graduated and got a "real job"-ha! I was able to volunteer for a few months with our crisis pregnancy center. We relaxed. When I was a few weeks along with our third child, we visited Uganda to see what the Lord was up to and to ask if we would be involved full-time. Avi was born a delicate 6 lbs. 8 oz. Beautiful little thing. I just stared at her for hours that night. When she was about six months old, I was diagnosed with bad bone marrow, most likely the result of the treatment for the lymphoma. We knew this was going to be a rough one, but we didn't realize how rough. When a match was finally found, I had a bone marrow transplant. Now Avi is three and a half and is well acquainted with Mama going to doctors appointments and taking medicine. We've been in Waco 8 years now. It has been a long, hard road, and I am weary. I know Van is, too. We had assumed we would be the ones to serve. We would be the ones to give. Instead, we have been loved on by so many. We have been given so much. We've stuck together as a family and have struggled together and laughed together in this house, and I'll miss it. I won't miss the carpet. I've disliked this carpet from day one. This carpet holds memories that I need to steam clean before Wednesday.
Now we're on this side of the world for awhile putting down roots. We're building a home on our favorite site with our favorite materials. All our favorite stuff is in storage until we can move it into the completed project. We're even bringing our favorite children. So, I suppose I should be content. My friend tells me that we'll make new memories. I have to confess, though, that I really liked living here.
We will enjoy the new house. The kids can ride their bikes on the street and be within walking distance to friends' houses. They can climb trees and catch tadpoles in the river. Skinned knees and community. That is what we are looking for. Van is looking forward to a sprinkler system, and I'm looking forward to having the space to leave out the sewing machine. We won't be stacked on top of each other like we are here. Our builder said that it should be ready at the end of this month. Grain of salt.
My health is steadily improving. My lungs are the biggest problem, but the pulmonary rehab seems to have helped breathing. Here is the conversation that I heard last week between two tiny elderly women doing rehab. "How's Dorothy?" "Oh, my, she has had it rough. She is down to 89 lbs." "No! She's at least a solid 90!"
My activity level impacts how our family functions, so I am thankful that I can get around better. I hope to be weaned off of steroids completely in a few months. We have to go slowly so my adrenal gland will wake up. That conjures up all kinds of pictures in my mind. I need to go find an anatomy book and figure out what that means. All the anatomy books are packed, so my "cartoon brain" as my friend calls it will have to do.
Monday, September 24, 2012
Tonight is Monday night
Avi woke up happy and we picked up the boys from school. They both had sweet interactions with friends today, and that makes a mama happy. Zane had even introduced two of his friends from different classes that didn't know one another so they all could play together at recess. Cade had reconciled a difficult situation. To my surprise, Cade was okay about starting the memorization process. Divine wisdom led me to use my computer to record him reading the poem a few times with different backgrounds. A thunderstorm, an alien ship, and a jail cell were the settings for this back to school recitation. Then, of course, the siblings had turns just being plain silly for the camera.
My mood picked up a tad, but not naturally. It took some effort which was frustrating because everyone was happy around me, and I was missing out. I'm playing the game "I would rather eat the food than move it" game, so we had a can of beets with our spaghetti. Zane said, "What those taste like?" (We're still working on inserting 'do' into his speech!) Cade said, "Beets me." Ha! Good one! No one ate the beets but me.
Later, they snuggled into their beds. I'm really going to miss the three of them sharing a room. As I was rocking Avi, Zane said, "Mama, will you tuck me in?....I getting too big." (We are working on inserting 'am', too!) Half of his body was sticking out from "Pretty Blanket". We decided that as soon as we can get my sewing machine out of storage it might be a good idea to sew "Pretty Blanket" and the Thomas the Train blanket together to make it long enough for him. Yes, we could just use a different blanket, but I'm sure it wouldn't be as cozy. Even after all that, I still felt lousy about life and the thought went through my head, "I just want to crawl into the fetal position and drink chocolate through a straw." I couldn't think of any chocolate in the house. Oh, well. God's grace is sufficient, right? The children were settled, so I walked to the livingroom. Van said our friends were coming over to see if their infant had an ear infection (which he does, poor baby). They showed up with a blizzard-type ice cream especially for me. It was a bit too thick to suck through a straw, and I managed to avoid the fetal position, so I think I'm better. I think I'll do a little reading tonight and hit the "reset" button for tomorrow.
My mood picked up a tad, but not naturally. It took some effort which was frustrating because everyone was happy around me, and I was missing out. I'm playing the game "I would rather eat the food than move it" game, so we had a can of beets with our spaghetti. Zane said, "What those taste like?" (We're still working on inserting 'do' into his speech!) Cade said, "Beets me." Ha! Good one! No one ate the beets but me.
Later, they snuggled into their beds. I'm really going to miss the three of them sharing a room. As I was rocking Avi, Zane said, "Mama, will you tuck me in?....I getting too big." (We are working on inserting 'am', too!) Half of his body was sticking out from "Pretty Blanket". We decided that as soon as we can get my sewing machine out of storage it might be a good idea to sew "Pretty Blanket" and the Thomas the Train blanket together to make it long enough for him. Yes, we could just use a different blanket, but I'm sure it wouldn't be as cozy. Even after all that, I still felt lousy about life and the thought went through my head, "I just want to crawl into the fetal position and drink chocolate through a straw." I couldn't think of any chocolate in the house. Oh, well. God's grace is sufficient, right? The children were settled, so I walked to the livingroom. Van said our friends were coming over to see if their infant had an ear infection (which he does, poor baby). They showed up with a blizzard-type ice cream especially for me. It was a bit too thick to suck through a straw, and I managed to avoid the fetal position, so I think I'm better. I think I'll do a little reading tonight and hit the "reset" button for tomorrow.
Today is Monday.
Zane has been called "little Van" throughout his five years of life, but I really saw it a couple of days ago. I guess Van was working late because I was swinging the bedtime routine. Zane could not possibly enter into pajamas until the plum seed that had just been found under the kitchen table was planted. I told him he could plant it if he could do it in ten seconds or less. He shot out of the back door and found a bare spot on the ground. He dropped the seed. Not satisfied, he ran and grabbed his newly disassembled training wheel. Using the metal edge, he scratched a hole, then dropped in the seed again. He patted the dirt over it with the flat side of the wheel. I could practically hear him thinking, "That should do it." It took him more like 20 seconds, but he had a big grin on his face just imagining the plum tree that would spring forth. If it had been Cade or me, it would have taken a diagram and 12 tools to do it properly.
We expect our "old" house to close on October 12, and our "new" house to be ready at the end of October. Van suggests that we live in a van down by the river in the interim. This would totally work, but I think it might be inconvenient not having laundry facilities and an internet connection during the middle of the school year. So, I believe we'll stay at a friend's house for a weekend and go to a hotel with a kitchen for the rest of the time. I think moving is an adventure in itself without adding a camping component! Someone please convince my husband of this!
My energy and spirits today were low. This wasn't logical because everything is actually going pretty well for us, and I've been in better health. I think it is the meds messing with my head, so I have to continually ask the Lord to speak truth to me so I can quit the pity party and unload the dishwasher.
Avi is asleep on my lap right now. Such a sweetie. It is almost 3:00 in the afternoon, and she is still in her faded Dora pajama pants that now fit like capris. I'm not sure where she found the lime green monkey shirt to go with it, but she has been a happy camper in them. I'll need to wake her (I may have to adjust the word "sweetie" at that point) to go pick up our boys and take the amended house contract to Van.
Mondays are "big homework" days around here. I am truly dreading helping Cade memorize a poem. Yuck. I suppose there is value to it, but Yuck. I'd much rather make a collage or even support him composing a poem. Memorizing? For the birds. Don't tell him I said that.
We expect our "old" house to close on October 12, and our "new" house to be ready at the end of October. Van suggests that we live in a van down by the river in the interim. This would totally work, but I think it might be inconvenient not having laundry facilities and an internet connection during the middle of the school year. So, I believe we'll stay at a friend's house for a weekend and go to a hotel with a kitchen for the rest of the time. I think moving is an adventure in itself without adding a camping component! Someone please convince my husband of this!
My energy and spirits today were low. This wasn't logical because everything is actually going pretty well for us, and I've been in better health. I think it is the meds messing with my head, so I have to continually ask the Lord to speak truth to me so I can quit the pity party and unload the dishwasher.
Avi is asleep on my lap right now. Such a sweetie. It is almost 3:00 in the afternoon, and she is still in her faded Dora pajama pants that now fit like capris. I'm not sure where she found the lime green monkey shirt to go with it, but she has been a happy camper in them. I'll need to wake her (I may have to adjust the word "sweetie" at that point) to go pick up our boys and take the amended house contract to Van.
Mondays are "big homework" days around here. I am truly dreading helping Cade memorize a poem. Yuck. I suppose there is value to it, but Yuck. I'd much rather make a collage or even support him composing a poem. Memorizing? For the birds. Don't tell him I said that.
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Tour de Wehmeyer
The "hill" (incline) at Poage Park is getting easier, and so is the one at church. It is barely noticable, but I am getting better. Thank you, Jesus. I had my first go at pulmonary rehabilitation today. The therapists had warned me that it would be very hard, and that they would push me to my limits and not to give up. I realized that I had been pushing myself beyond what they call "limits" with an oxygen monitor, so it's really not so bad. (For example, inclines at Poage Park and church...) Bonus: I get oxygen and a cheerleader twice a week. The idea is not to make me ablaze with bicepts, although that would be okay. We're trying to strengthen muscles, especially around the lungs to make breathing easier. I'm thinking it would be cool to have their tshirts made, "We're here to pump (clap) you up." I was the only one in the room on a machine without gray hair, so maybe not everyone would get the reference. Okay, so I have a couple gray hairs.
Grandmom came to town to have lunch at the elementary school with the boys. They showed off their school and everyone was reported to have big grins. I kidnapped her afterwards and we ate a burger with Van and stole Avi from parent's day out to have ice cream. Tour de Wehmeyer. Everyone had a great time, but the little stinker three-year-old feigned shyness.
We're expecting an offer on our current home in the morning. I celebrated by buying toilet paper and paper towels in bulk. That's a big no-no when selling a home because we are supposed to pretend that we don't actually live here with clutter, and no one wants to box up extra toilet paper. Even if these folks don't come through, though, it was worth the moment of freedom.
Favorite quotes of the day:
While picking up the boys in the rain, Avi said, "Wook! Evewyone is holding ga-willas (umbrellas)!"
In a deep discussion about if presidents could be assassinated, if terrorists go to heaven, the World Trade Center, appropriate punishments for criminals while going through a drive through and pulling over to see a jack hammer at work, Cade concluded, "Well, it will be nice to see Abraham in heaven." I said, "Yes, that will be wonderful." Cade added, "Abraham Lincoln. He was shot, wasn't he?" Yes. It wasn't really a humorous statement, he was just trying to make it all make sense and put it together.
Also, yesterday, Cade and Avi had a very serious discussion with very logical arguments about which would be a better pet, a tortoise or a turtle. I was impressed with the legnth of the volley. Better still, no one was injured and it stayed an intense discussion. Whoa.
Grandmom came to town to have lunch at the elementary school with the boys. They showed off their school and everyone was reported to have big grins. I kidnapped her afterwards and we ate a burger with Van and stole Avi from parent's day out to have ice cream. Tour de Wehmeyer. Everyone had a great time, but the little stinker three-year-old feigned shyness.
We're expecting an offer on our current home in the morning. I celebrated by buying toilet paper and paper towels in bulk. That's a big no-no when selling a home because we are supposed to pretend that we don't actually live here with clutter, and no one wants to box up extra toilet paper. Even if these folks don't come through, though, it was worth the moment of freedom.
Favorite quotes of the day:
While picking up the boys in the rain, Avi said, "Wook! Evewyone is holding ga-willas (umbrellas)!"
In a deep discussion about if presidents could be assassinated, if terrorists go to heaven, the World Trade Center, appropriate punishments for criminals while going through a drive through and pulling over to see a jack hammer at work, Cade concluded, "Well, it will be nice to see Abraham in heaven." I said, "Yes, that will be wonderful." Cade added, "Abraham Lincoln. He was shot, wasn't he?" Yes. It wasn't really a humorous statement, he was just trying to make it all make sense and put it together.
Also, yesterday, Cade and Avi had a very serious discussion with very logical arguments about which would be a better pet, a tortoise or a turtle. I was impressed with the legnth of the volley. Better still, no one was injured and it stayed an intense discussion. Whoa.
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Cough a go-go
My breathing seems better, and my energy level is better. I do have a new, wierd cough that isn't exhausting like the last one, just annoying. I skipped bible class tonight to cough and pray on my own while my family was in class. I'm going to see if I can sleep with it tonight or if it is a problem. The Lord has been giving me wisdom about where to put my energy reserves and patterns in when the effects of the steroids will hit. That is helpful to manage time well and not to be as frustrated. (Fold laundry now, take kids to the park later. Rest in-between. Stuff like that.) Mood swings (exaggerated anger, maily) are better. Sometimes I'm in the "Pit of Dispair" (The Princess Bride--love it!) and within minutes I'm coping and quite calm. Dull headaches and fatigue come and go with the wind. I'm trusting that the Lord's strength is made perfect in weakness. It is a good opportunity for my kiddos to pick up responsibilities that I normally wouldn't ask (Please go to the car and get Mama's purse...), and they have thankfully lowered their expectations of me. I think that Avi now understands that I love to hold her, but I can't carry her, and that the boys understand that they have extra chores and I am less likely to give in to their extra requests. That particular project that involves twelve steps can wait until the weekend. While I was rocking her, Avi said. "I love you, Mama. I pray for you. 'Dear God. Help Mama to be healthy and not need eye drops.'" Sweet girl. I try to reward and praise them for the extra effort. I vacillate between feeling that they are a bit American spoiled and them getting the shaft because I split my time between them and taking medicine, coughing, putting on sunscreen--just for my health, but of course my health benefits them, too. On the flip side, they also have a few extra priviliges like retrieving their own snacks, and going on easy outings like the air-conditioned Burger King playground. Oh, and "breaks" like PBS shows, Peppa Pig, and Phineas and Ferb. I picked up dollar glow-in-the-dark glasses at Target just for fun (guilt), and they were a big hit, but do they really NEED "moon glasses" when they go to bed before dark generally? Probably not.
Some quotes of the day: While I was rocking her, Avi was trying to convince me that she needed to sleep on the couch with me. I like my husband enough to rest in the livingroom in this season while I wake at night and am noisy. She said, "I'm going to say it one more time, and you will say 'yes'." Getting a little spunky, aren't we? Cade informed me tonight that I was "dramatic....and fuzzy. What does dramatic mean?" I think that he complimented me. It would be better to be fuzzy than not, right? Zane is really excited about typing on the "puter" at school. He wanted to demonstrate on mine, but without complete supervision, I've learned that "It is a tool, not a toy." One day soon, I'll make "puter" time for Zaner. I still don't know quite what is going on in his classroom. His creativity trumps reality, so evidently one of his friends hit a classmate, and then the teacher, and then her parents, and then the principal. The police came an took her to jail, and then she broke out. All of this with sound effects and large gestures with his arms and big blue eyes. So, Zane, did you color today? Did you play on the playground or practice a new letter? Silence. Glad we at least have the puter to work with.
I went through the "McDonald's" drive-thru to order a smoothie yesterday. During our discourse through the speaker, they informed me that I needed to pull up and talk with the fellow at the first window. No smoothie available, but they could offer me a Frosty. Annoyed, but smiling, I accepted in confusion. I pulled out of there and noticed that McDonalds was two businesses down the road. I laughed so hard that I could barely drive with my Frosty. It was tasty.
The house is coming along quite nicely. Maybe by November? Maybe I will be a bit stronger and my brain be more engaged by then! Pulmonary rehab starts next week.
Some quotes of the day: While I was rocking her, Avi was trying to convince me that she needed to sleep on the couch with me. I like my husband enough to rest in the livingroom in this season while I wake at night and am noisy. She said, "I'm going to say it one more time, and you will say 'yes'." Getting a little spunky, aren't we? Cade informed me tonight that I was "dramatic....and fuzzy. What does dramatic mean?" I think that he complimented me. It would be better to be fuzzy than not, right? Zane is really excited about typing on the "puter" at school. He wanted to demonstrate on mine, but without complete supervision, I've learned that "It is a tool, not a toy." One day soon, I'll make "puter" time for Zaner. I still don't know quite what is going on in his classroom. His creativity trumps reality, so evidently one of his friends hit a classmate, and then the teacher, and then her parents, and then the principal. The police came an took her to jail, and then she broke out. All of this with sound effects and large gestures with his arms and big blue eyes. So, Zane, did you color today? Did you play on the playground or practice a new letter? Silence. Glad we at least have the puter to work with.
I went through the "McDonald's" drive-thru to order a smoothie yesterday. During our discourse through the speaker, they informed me that I needed to pull up and talk with the fellow at the first window. No smoothie available, but they could offer me a Frosty. Annoyed, but smiling, I accepted in confusion. I pulled out of there and noticed that McDonalds was two businesses down the road. I laughed so hard that I could barely drive with my Frosty. It was tasty.
The house is coming along quite nicely. Maybe by November? Maybe I will be a bit stronger and my brain be more engaged by then! Pulmonary rehab starts next week.
Sunday, September 2, 2012
Lu-lu-lu!
The boys made it through the first 3 days of school without any major trauma for any of us. I am so thankful for their wonderful teachers. I was reminded of how little my guys are when they were getting ready one morning. Zane was supposed to be brushing his teeth, but was skipping in circles around in the dim living room with a light-up toothbrush singing "lu-lu-lu-lu..." Some day I would like a window into his world.
My sister and her family have come to Waco this weekend to celebrate 3 of our birthdays. We made Mom and Dad come, too. Our family is getting a little big to squeeze into our current house--it is do-able, but crazy-- so Tricia's crew is staying at a hotel. Van and I took the first night as a date night. It was great. We Olive-Gardened it and went to go see Van's step-brother at a highschool football game. Madisonville vs. Lorena. It had been a long time since I had been to a football game, and it was neat to see Van's old team. We really enjoyed getting to visit his brother. God has big plans for that boy, and that may include medical school. Van and I went from there to the hotel and watched PBS and caught up on the news. Charlie Rose. Cool cat. We are such the wild partiers! Tricia and crew arrived the next day, and we all enjoyed the hotel pool together. We had the easiest party ever. I decorated pre-made HEB cupcakes like Angry Birds (in honor of my nephew's 13th) with whatever was in the cubbard. They weren't very angry, though because I couldn't find any eyebrows that could be considered edible. The kids opened goodie bags with Angry Birds fruit snacks. The boys got a little Lego package, and the girls got nail polish. Then, the next 30 minutes they used the aforementioned Legos and nail polish. That was easy.
I got the best present ever. Both of my grandmothers were artists. My Nanny, although very talented, didn't take herself very seriously. She had a few paintings, but most of her stuff was here and there, this and that. Afgans and birthday cakes in various shapes and beautifully hand-sewn costumes filled my childhood. She had a drawer of scrap fabric that I was allowed to dig in and "sew" together Barbie clothes, and she let me use her good black trash bags to design dresses... sweaty dresses. Nanny didn't have much, but she was so generous. This talented, kind hearted woman was also a bit dis-organized. After Nanny died, my sister had run across some neat doodles stuck between magazine pages and various papers, Anywho, Tricia took these neat drawings, photocopied them and mounted them on a "useful box to put things in" because I have a container addiction. My favorite picture is two little twitter birds, a boy and a girl, chatting to one another. So sweet. There is so much character in the little drawing. My parents also gave me a thoughtful and beautiful present. It is jewelry made from agate from the "Ol' Bishop Ranch" in west Texas. Cool.
The rest of the Wehmeyers and my sister's crew are at Hawaian Falls, our oh-so-cool new water park with our church. Too fun. I can't wait to hear their reports.
My breathing seems a little better. My energy is much better. Tomorrow I go down another notch on the steriod dose, so I'm a little nervous that it will throw me for another loop. So many blasted side effects on the comings and goings of that drug. I pray that my focus will be Jesus and not fussiness, fatigue, muscle or joint pain, headaches, blah, blah, all the stuff that distracts.
We sang this at church this morning. Beautiful. It is stuck in my head and I like it.
Oh! to be like Thee, blessed Redeemer,
This is my constant longing and prayer;
Gladly I’ll forfeit all of earth’s treasures,
Jesus, Thy perfect likeness to wear.
Refrain:
Oh! to be like Thee, oh! to be like Thee,
Blessed Redeemer, pure as Thou art;
Come in Thy sweetness, come in Thy fullness;
Stamp Thine own image deep on my heart.
Oh! to be like Thee, full of compassion,
Loving, forgiving, tender and kind,
Helping the helpless, cheering the fainting,
Seeking the wand’ring sinner to find.
Oh! to be like Thee, Lord, I am coming,
Now to receive th’ anointing divine;
All that I am and have I am bringing,
Lord, from this moment all shall be Thine.
My sister and her family have come to Waco this weekend to celebrate 3 of our birthdays. We made Mom and Dad come, too. Our family is getting a little big to squeeze into our current house--it is do-able, but crazy-- so Tricia's crew is staying at a hotel. Van and I took the first night as a date night. It was great. We Olive-Gardened it and went to go see Van's step-brother at a highschool football game. Madisonville vs. Lorena. It had been a long time since I had been to a football game, and it was neat to see Van's old team. We really enjoyed getting to visit his brother. God has big plans for that boy, and that may include medical school. Van and I went from there to the hotel and watched PBS and caught up on the news. Charlie Rose. Cool cat. We are such the wild partiers! Tricia and crew arrived the next day, and we all enjoyed the hotel pool together. We had the easiest party ever. I decorated pre-made HEB cupcakes like Angry Birds (in honor of my nephew's 13th) with whatever was in the cubbard. They weren't very angry, though because I couldn't find any eyebrows that could be considered edible. The kids opened goodie bags with Angry Birds fruit snacks. The boys got a little Lego package, and the girls got nail polish. Then, the next 30 minutes they used the aforementioned Legos and nail polish. That was easy.
I got the best present ever. Both of my grandmothers were artists. My Nanny, although very talented, didn't take herself very seriously. She had a few paintings, but most of her stuff was here and there, this and that. Afgans and birthday cakes in various shapes and beautifully hand-sewn costumes filled my childhood. She had a drawer of scrap fabric that I was allowed to dig in and "sew" together Barbie clothes, and she let me use her good black trash bags to design dresses... sweaty dresses. Nanny didn't have much, but she was so generous. This talented, kind hearted woman was also a bit dis-organized. After Nanny died, my sister had run across some neat doodles stuck between magazine pages and various papers, Anywho, Tricia took these neat drawings, photocopied them and mounted them on a "useful box to put things in" because I have a container addiction. My favorite picture is two little twitter birds, a boy and a girl, chatting to one another. So sweet. There is so much character in the little drawing. My parents also gave me a thoughtful and beautiful present. It is jewelry made from agate from the "Ol' Bishop Ranch" in west Texas. Cool.
The rest of the Wehmeyers and my sister's crew are at Hawaian Falls, our oh-so-cool new water park with our church. Too fun. I can't wait to hear their reports.
My breathing seems a little better. My energy is much better. Tomorrow I go down another notch on the steriod dose, so I'm a little nervous that it will throw me for another loop. So many blasted side effects on the comings and goings of that drug. I pray that my focus will be Jesus and not fussiness, fatigue, muscle or joint pain, headaches, blah, blah, all the stuff that distracts.
We sang this at church this morning. Beautiful. It is stuck in my head and I like it.
Oh! to be like Thee, blessed Redeemer,
This is my constant longing and prayer;
Gladly I’ll forfeit all of earth’s treasures,
Jesus, Thy perfect likeness to wear.
Refrain:
Oh! to be like Thee, oh! to be like Thee,
Blessed Redeemer, pure as Thou art;
Come in Thy sweetness, come in Thy fullness;
Stamp Thine own image deep on my heart.
Oh! to be like Thee, full of compassion,
Loving, forgiving, tender and kind,
Helping the helpless, cheering the fainting,
Seeking the wand’ring sinner to find.
Oh! to be like Thee, Lord, I am coming,
Now to receive th’ anointing divine;
All that I am and have I am bringing,
Lord, from this moment all shall be Thine.
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Lazy, Hazy day
I blame the steroids. Glad to be weaning off of them, but I'm feeling the effects. Avi suggested candy this afternoon, and I was more than willing to get into our stash of M&Ms! My lungs are still struggling, especially up inclines. I hope and pray that by Oct 1 I'll be back to "normal" activity and can show off to the doctor. In the meantime, I'm fakin' it til I make it, by God's grace. I'm asking the Lord to help me see beauty in the midst of chaos. Today, it was easy because it was quiet and Avi was content with her little toys, blankets and watercolors. It gets much harder when someone is screaming in the backseat when trying to order at the drive-thru. Cade and Zane are at their 2nd day of school. Our school is a really good fit for our family. Such patient and kind teachers! I am amazed how much the children learn in just a short amount of time. Today has been a low-energy day for me, so I re-learned from Sid the Science Kid (PBS)that granite is an igneous rock and came from volcanoes, so it is okay that the laundry is still in the baskets. I am SO THANKFUL for my friend and her team of four that scrub our house down every other week.
Friday, August 24, 2012
Ol' Henri
West Waco Library has graciously loaned me a book with selected writings from Henri Nouwen. Van is the deep reader of the family, but I figured I could catch some snippets along the way. I have nearly returned it a hundred times, and Avi keeps pulling out the post-it note page markers (because SHE IS the librarian and NEEDS them), but I am determined to glean from the book.
Here is a great quote: The art of living is to enjoy what we can see and not complain about what remains in the dark. When we are able to take the next step with the trust that we will have enough light for the step that follows, we can walk through life with joy and be surprised at how far we can go. Let's rejoice in the little light we carry and not ask for the great beam that would take all shadows away. --Bread for the Journey, January 8
Here is a great quote: The art of living is to enjoy what we can see and not complain about what remains in the dark. When we are able to take the next step with the trust that we will have enough light for the step that follows, we can walk through life with joy and be surprised at how far we can go. Let's rejoice in the little light we carry and not ask for the great beam that would take all shadows away. --Bread for the Journey, January 8
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
I'll take some of that good with a swig of the bad
In a nutshell: The steroids may be doing more hard than good at this point, weakening the muscles around the lungs which inhibits my breathing further. So...I get to start tapering again! In a few weeks, I'll just be on a maintenance dose! Woo-hoo! Mom is in town for the next couple of days helping us hold it all together (fitting soccer shoes on two wiggly boys at Academy, etc.) while I can catch my breath and get a plan in place for pulmonary rehab. She the coolest.
I've lost a lot of weight, but it is impossible to tell because I'm sooooo poofery. Frustrating. I'm watching sodium intake---the trickiest diet I've ever been on. Naked foods straight from the grocery store and smoothies straight from the drive-thru seem to work. Sad thing is that it is muscle weight, and I'm weak and slow. Literally, the my sweet old lady friends at church are cruising past me. I say, good for them. Watch out ladies; in a few weeks you'll have to pick up the pace again.
Eyes are still crazy dry, but they have gone to the back burner for now.
As a church and as a family, we're attempting to focus on prayer right now for those who don't know Jesus and for those around us who are hurting.
The kids are loving having Grandmother here to have their favorite foods and look up important things like blue indigo snakes and tsunamis vs. hurricanes on the internet. Van seems more realaxed, too.
I've lost a lot of weight, but it is impossible to tell because I'm sooooo poofery. Frustrating. I'm watching sodium intake---the trickiest diet I've ever been on. Naked foods straight from the grocery store and smoothies straight from the drive-thru seem to work. Sad thing is that it is muscle weight, and I'm weak and slow. Literally, the my sweet old lady friends at church are cruising past me. I say, good for them. Watch out ladies; in a few weeks you'll have to pick up the pace again.
Eyes are still crazy dry, but they have gone to the back burner for now.
As a church and as a family, we're attempting to focus on prayer right now for those who don't know Jesus and for those around us who are hurting.
The kids are loving having Grandmother here to have their favorite foods and look up important things like blue indigo snakes and tsunamis vs. hurricanes on the internet. Van seems more realaxed, too.
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Screech!!!!
It's funny how life is cruising along, and then then a wee little virus crashes into it and how it comes to a screeching halt. Van was on call last week, so the kids and I gotoutta Dodge and went to Houston to see my sister and her family. We visited the zoo (baby giraffe!, baby elephant!), the health museum (completely facinating)and found Takara-So, my first apartment. It is Japanese-style and in a very diverse neighborhood ethnically and culturally. Van moved in after we got married and he graduated from A&M. We had so many fun memories there, but for some reason, the only one I could think of to tell the kids is when I got flashed by a jogger. I'm not sure why I told them that story.
The kiddos really enjoyed each other's company. Cousins are the best, you know. We just could not let the party end, so the six children and I headed for Utopia to meet my parents. They had been in Ft. Davis outfitting their cabin with cabinets and plumbing. Carly (9) had her first drive on the riding lawn mower. It is a right of passage in our family. I don't think that Zane wore shoes the whole time. He had a pink pair that he could have borrowed from his cousin, but I think that if I duct-taped some to his feet, he would still find a way to lose them. Daniel (12) fixed my telephone photo problems. Rootbeer floats were a big hit. Avi charmed Papa, and she got to take a stuffed animal with her on the lawn mower ride. I attended the senior citizens' rummage sale and got teased by my mutual garage-sale-loving friend that I made the trip every year for it. Scored two giant paintings (if not for the paintings for the frames) that I promptly hid in my parent's closet as to not put my husband in shock. Huffed and puffed and loaded the car, put my emotional children in it, and headed towards Waco. We whirlwinded into HEB, and met our babysitter at our house where she helped unload groceries. I met Van a few houses down the way where we escaped for a date night. We ended up on the porch of our new property, admiring the rock work. We ended up choosing white flagstone. I teased Van that we spent two years looking at the menu at Baskin Robins, and he picked vanilla, and he agreed. It sure is pretty, though, and we are thankful.
All Wehmeyers left early Saturday morning to help host a life group facilitator retreat in Lampasas. It was really fun, and I got to do the funnest with the kids with a story and craft while the facilitators did the dull, adult stuff. My kids were, of course, the least cooperative, but it still went well. We used river rocks from Utopia that the cousins collected to be honeybees to "bee prayerful" but by the time we had finished the story (Paul and Silas in prison) and done the craft, I forgot to pray with them. Ugh. They swam until they were a nice pink glow, and the owners of the home that we were borrowing were so generous in their grandparentness. We are really excited about life groups at church this year and are hopeful that the retreat was a bit of a re-charge for our dedicated facilitators.
Then, we were pooped on Sunday. Got sick on Monday. Stayed home the last two days. Ugh. I feel pretty good, but my breathing is bad. Avi is about finished up with her junk, but Zane is still gooey. My favorite quote so far is "Hey, guys! We get to make bologna sandwiches!" We had made a trip to Walgreens to "grocery shop" and bought bologna. He assembled the sandwiches for his siblings, and they brought them into the living room to watch Scooby Doo. Motherhood at its best. I have to go to Dallas on Friday, so I'm making myself stay on the couch so no one (my husband) doesn't send me to the doctor before that. Therefore, I've asked him to do even more extras and he smells the most alluring than he ever has--the smell of dishwashing soap. I'm thankful for a good one.
Cade has been healthy and has been a big help in many ways. He's ready for school, though! He's been very encouraging about school to his little brother. "You get to learn to read! You get to watch Magic School Bus!" He keeps telling him that he will have to get immunizations, though, which may actually be true, so that's not very helpful! Avi spends her day as a librarian with a legal pad, 2 pens, markers, and sometimes scissors. She is also seen at the end of the day covered in markers and her hair is sometimes shorter. Its a tough balance because she NEEDS these items to be a librarian. She occasionally asks us to check out a book and has many rules about how to do this, and she typically charges $10 a book. I've also seen her play drive-thru with her baby doll. "I would like a big sandwich and a little sandwich. $10? I only have $3. Okay." and she passes the sandwich to her baby who gets held in the front seat. Hmmmmm.... Zane is into sneaking fresh batteries into his toys. He has to sneak to the locked tool closet, find a screwdriver, pop it open, sheepishly approach me with it all behind his back because I'm in the way of the batteries under the sink and finally fess up that he needs new batteries. I unlock the stash, hand him the goods, and watch him emerge from his room loaded perfectly. Maybe he is ready for kindergarten after all. I can't keep up with that!
The kiddos really enjoyed each other's company. Cousins are the best, you know. We just could not let the party end, so the six children and I headed for Utopia to meet my parents. They had been in Ft. Davis outfitting their cabin with cabinets and plumbing. Carly (9) had her first drive on the riding lawn mower. It is a right of passage in our family. I don't think that Zane wore shoes the whole time. He had a pink pair that he could have borrowed from his cousin, but I think that if I duct-taped some to his feet, he would still find a way to lose them. Daniel (12) fixed my telephone photo problems. Rootbeer floats were a big hit. Avi charmed Papa, and she got to take a stuffed animal with her on the lawn mower ride. I attended the senior citizens' rummage sale and got teased by my mutual garage-sale-loving friend that I made the trip every year for it. Scored two giant paintings (if not for the paintings for the frames) that I promptly hid in my parent's closet as to not put my husband in shock. Huffed and puffed and loaded the car, put my emotional children in it, and headed towards Waco. We whirlwinded into HEB, and met our babysitter at our house where she helped unload groceries. I met Van a few houses down the way where we escaped for a date night. We ended up on the porch of our new property, admiring the rock work. We ended up choosing white flagstone. I teased Van that we spent two years looking at the menu at Baskin Robins, and he picked vanilla, and he agreed. It sure is pretty, though, and we are thankful.
All Wehmeyers left early Saturday morning to help host a life group facilitator retreat in Lampasas. It was really fun, and I got to do the funnest with the kids with a story and craft while the facilitators did the dull, adult stuff. My kids were, of course, the least cooperative, but it still went well. We used river rocks from Utopia that the cousins collected to be honeybees to "bee prayerful" but by the time we had finished the story (Paul and Silas in prison) and done the craft, I forgot to pray with them. Ugh. They swam until they were a nice pink glow, and the owners of the home that we were borrowing were so generous in their grandparentness. We are really excited about life groups at church this year and are hopeful that the retreat was a bit of a re-charge for our dedicated facilitators.
Then, we were pooped on Sunday. Got sick on Monday. Stayed home the last two days. Ugh. I feel pretty good, but my breathing is bad. Avi is about finished up with her junk, but Zane is still gooey. My favorite quote so far is "Hey, guys! We get to make bologna sandwiches!" We had made a trip to Walgreens to "grocery shop" and bought bologna. He assembled the sandwiches for his siblings, and they brought them into the living room to watch Scooby Doo. Motherhood at its best. I have to go to Dallas on Friday, so I'm making myself stay on the couch so no one (my husband) doesn't send me to the doctor before that. Therefore, I've asked him to do even more extras and he smells the most alluring than he ever has--the smell of dishwashing soap. I'm thankful for a good one.
Cade has been healthy and has been a big help in many ways. He's ready for school, though! He's been very encouraging about school to his little brother. "You get to learn to read! You get to watch Magic School Bus!" He keeps telling him that he will have to get immunizations, though, which may actually be true, so that's not very helpful! Avi spends her day as a librarian with a legal pad, 2 pens, markers, and sometimes scissors. She is also seen at the end of the day covered in markers and her hair is sometimes shorter. Its a tough balance because she NEEDS these items to be a librarian. She occasionally asks us to check out a book and has many rules about how to do this, and she typically charges $10 a book. I've also seen her play drive-thru with her baby doll. "I would like a big sandwich and a little sandwich. $10? I only have $3. Okay." and she passes the sandwich to her baby who gets held in the front seat. Hmmmmm.... Zane is into sneaking fresh batteries into his toys. He has to sneak to the locked tool closet, find a screwdriver, pop it open, sheepishly approach me with it all behind his back because I'm in the way of the batteries under the sink and finally fess up that he needs new batteries. I unlock the stash, hand him the goods, and watch him emerge from his room loaded perfectly. Maybe he is ready for kindergarten after all. I can't keep up with that!
Saturday, July 21, 2012
....continued
....mother when I'm not correcting a child for leaving fingerprints. One of our sweet babysitters took the kids to ChuckECheese so that our house could be viewed around their bedtime and Van and I had a date night. We landed at a place that was sweltering hot and gave everyone in the building the wrong order (late), but after our shaking with low blood sugar and stares into nothingness, we got a bit of food in our bellies and were able to have a conversation about VERY imporatant things like paint colors and toilet selections for the new home. I dig that. We went through a drive-thru for our required date night dessert. Mine was Blue Bell birthday cake ice cream in a waffle cone. Van picked vanilla. Vanilla. The man likes vanilla. We were both happy, though. The kids were asleep when we got home. Bliss.
Today we went to the circus with one of Van's co-workers and her precious family. I thought it was excellent. I especially enjoyed the animal tricks. I wish I could have captured Avi's face when the three elephants came into the ring. The boys liked the motor cycle stunts, and now they want a dirt bike. And...Van wants a dirt bike. Not happening in my lifetime. Cade wants to learn gymnastics so he can do a front flip. We might can work on that one.
Tomorrow Van will give it a go on a sprint triathalon. I am most worried about him figuring out what equipment to take and where to put his number at what time more than the heat or his physical condition. Seems complicated. I might be able to take the kids to see him jump in the water and visit a closer-by church that several of our friends attend. We'll see how it plays out--I may not be able to get the kids out of the door by 6:30
I'm still very slow. This GVH and the meds are battling each other for who is the meanest. I'm thankful, though, to be quite functional and able to take care of my sweeties. The summer has been so full of fun experiences with them. I struggle with breathing and with being grumpy during those times. I'm thankful for good friends who I can tag-team with, and beyond words for a wonderful husband who loves his kiddos and is able to do extras around the house to get it ready to show. Very blessed, indeed.
Today we went to the circus with one of Van's co-workers and her precious family. I thought it was excellent. I especially enjoyed the animal tricks. I wish I could have captured Avi's face when the three elephants came into the ring. The boys liked the motor cycle stunts, and now they want a dirt bike. And...Van wants a dirt bike. Not happening in my lifetime. Cade wants to learn gymnastics so he can do a front flip. We might can work on that one.
Tomorrow Van will give it a go on a sprint triathalon. I am most worried about him figuring out what equipment to take and where to put his number at what time more than the heat or his physical condition. Seems complicated. I might be able to take the kids to see him jump in the water and visit a closer-by church that several of our friends attend. We'll see how it plays out--I may not be able to get the kids out of the door by 6:30
I'm still very slow. This GVH and the meds are battling each other for who is the meanest. I'm thankful, though, to be quite functional and able to take care of my sweeties. The summer has been so full of fun experiences with them. I struggle with breathing and with being grumpy during those times. I'm thankful for good friends who I can tag-team with, and beyond words for a wonderful husband who loves his kiddos and is able to do extras around the house to get it ready to show. Very blessed, indeed.
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Summer Travels
We had a super great time with my extended family in Utopia. My uncles and cousins are very laid back and were happy with nutin' to do. We made a trip to the creek to hunt for fossils. Kudos to Mom to feeding us all major amounts of yummy beef. We also swung by the Alamo on the way back to Waco and made the little cousins sing Davy Crockett. Now, if Cade or Zane wants to push a button on little sister, they sing "Avi Crockett" and really make her scream. The children enjoyed ice cream from the vending machines at the historic site. It was fun, but HOT! My cousins (the adult ones) got to stay with us in Waco for the night and eat their first authentic kolaches. Fun times. (Sidenote: Cade is still mad at Santa Anna and the New Mexicans because of confusion with a basketball game that he watched with his dad. We'll get 'em next time.)
We headed to the YMCA of the Rockies, oxygen tank on hand a couple of days later. The car ride was smooth with Van and I and the children going through the stages of grief (denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance) at various times along the way. We visited the Big Texan for supper on the way through Amarillo, and stopped at the Pueblo Colorado Zoo. A penguin there adored Avi and followed her along the glass for a long time. It was precious. I packed up our bags one night around 2:00 am near Colorado Springs after smelling smoke and hearing sirens, and sure enough, around 3:45 a knock at our motel door announced that we would need to evacuate. Blessings on that town. They have been through it. We decided that we might as well get on the road, so we drove to El Dorado State Park for a short hike. I realized quickly that my breathing wasn't the best, so I had to lay low (very low) for the week. Continuing Medical Education filled Van's mornings, and the kids had two full days of day camp. The other time was spent with friends or just with mama doing crafts, putt-putt and nature classes--but I was moving SL-OW-LY, a few steps at a time. The facilities there were wonderful, but not air conditioned. We had brought the Texas heat with us, and there was not a lot of relief. We left some of the windows cranked open during the day to let a breeze through the cabin. The kids were at day camp, and Van and I had the afternoon to ourselves to cook a bit of lunch and then maybe go sight-seeing in the park. When we drove up to the cabin, Van noticed two round ears behind a boulder. Sure enough, a bear was just a few yards from us. We snuck into the cabin where there were paw prints on our kitchen floor, an overturned trash can and paw prints on our gatoraid tub. The peanut butter jar was missing. That thief had bent the screen on the window, let himself in, found his favorite snack and was eating it in the yard. I was glad that we had arrived AFTER he found his prize. Yikes. We did not follow the YMCA's instructions, and definitely did corrupt a bear.
On the way back, we visited Capulin Volcano. That was neat. We drove WAY up to the top and Van hiked down to the center with the kiddos who were so excited to be in a real volcano. Then, we stopped at McDonald's and had some stretch time at a great playground, a bathroom accident and a humdinger of a meltdown over a missing piece of a toy. Time to go home!!!!
Since then, we have enjoyed the plethora of library showcases in Waco, the YMCA pool and any sort of air-conditioned kid-friendly place that is NOT in our very-clean-ready-to-show-at-the-push-of-a-button home. I pack a lunch bag in the morning, and off we go. I decided I'm a better
We headed to the YMCA of the Rockies, oxygen tank on hand a couple of days later. The car ride was smooth with Van and I and the children going through the stages of grief (denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance) at various times along the way. We visited the Big Texan for supper on the way through Amarillo, and stopped at the Pueblo Colorado Zoo. A penguin there adored Avi and followed her along the glass for a long time. It was precious. I packed up our bags one night around 2:00 am near Colorado Springs after smelling smoke and hearing sirens, and sure enough, around 3:45 a knock at our motel door announced that we would need to evacuate. Blessings on that town. They have been through it. We decided that we might as well get on the road, so we drove to El Dorado State Park for a short hike. I realized quickly that my breathing wasn't the best, so I had to lay low (very low) for the week. Continuing Medical Education filled Van's mornings, and the kids had two full days of day camp. The other time was spent with friends or just with mama doing crafts, putt-putt and nature classes--but I was moving SL-OW-LY, a few steps at a time. The facilities there were wonderful, but not air conditioned. We had brought the Texas heat with us, and there was not a lot of relief. We left some of the windows cranked open during the day to let a breeze through the cabin. The kids were at day camp, and Van and I had the afternoon to ourselves to cook a bit of lunch and then maybe go sight-seeing in the park. When we drove up to the cabin, Van noticed two round ears behind a boulder. Sure enough, a bear was just a few yards from us. We snuck into the cabin where there were paw prints on our kitchen floor, an overturned trash can and paw prints on our gatoraid tub. The peanut butter jar was missing. That thief had bent the screen on the window, let himself in, found his favorite snack and was eating it in the yard. I was glad that we had arrived AFTER he found his prize. Yikes. We did not follow the YMCA's instructions, and definitely did corrupt a bear.
On the way back, we visited Capulin Volcano. That was neat. We drove WAY up to the top and Van hiked down to the center with the kiddos who were so excited to be in a real volcano. Then, we stopped at McDonald's and had some stretch time at a great playground, a bathroom accident and a humdinger of a meltdown over a missing piece of a toy. Time to go home!!!!
Since then, we have enjoyed the plethora of library showcases in Waco, the YMCA pool and any sort of air-conditioned kid-friendly place that is NOT in our very-clean-ready-to-show-at-the-push-of-a-button home. I pack a lunch bag in the morning, and off we go. I decided I'm a better
Saturday, June 16, 2012
Transitions
Our family has been running around like chickens with their heads cut off. Never actually seen that. I'm okay with that. Sounds messy. This week was wonderfully full of VBS, Sports Camp, important house decisions and doctors' appointments. All went well.
I'm back on lots and lots of medications, but they don't seem to bother me except I'm blowing up like a balloon, and it hurts the pocketbook. My Nanny used to call it a pocketbook. The money is not in my pocket, nor in a book. It is at Walgreens. My doctor emphasized to look at the big picture and to realize how sick I was a couple of years ago and how successful the transplant has been. I agree. I have been trying to thank God for the icky meds, too, because they are truly a blessing. But...I really don't want to spend the same amount for a thirty day supply of medication as I could for four toilets for the new place. Big picture...big picture.... We're not hurting for money. The Lord has supplied all our needs in the riches of Christ Jesus. That includes financially, so I should just shut up and be thankful! Shut up, Wehmeyer.
The kiddos have been troopers through the transition from one home to another. Many of their special toys have been packed away, and there have been extra rather dull errands to appliance stores and many long waits in the car while one parent communicates with the supplier. Many pieces of candy have been handed out, especially today. One supplier was across the street from a parade. Happy June-teenth! I love a good parade, and Zane loves candy, so we hopped out of the truck and blended right in! Fun times. The folks around us felt that Zane didn't have enough Skittles, Tootsie Rolls and lollipops, so they kept bringing him some. Everyone knew everyone at that parade, and the adults were as excited about the sweets as the kids. Grumpy girl got out of the truck to see the horses, and then they all got into the action for the spoil. We were still blocked from the supplier, so Van hunted down our friends that intentionally live among and minister to the neighborhood. My friend's fourth baby is due any moment, so it was really neat seeing them and seeing how they restored the 1912 house.
Because all three stay in one room, we moved out Avi's crib, and Zane and Cade slept in the same bed on the top while Avi slept on the bottom. My normally "early to bed, early to rise, the chicken with its head cut off gets the worm" kids have been going to bed later and later. It became very apparant tonight that Zane was better off sleeping on the floor! To top it off with another major disruption to a child's world, I hid Avi's beloved potty chair when we had prospective buyers come through, and she thought that we put it in storage, so I kept it hidden. Poor girl is going through a lot. The house is spotless, and I would like to keep it that way. Zane used furniture polish for me today, and Cade used Windex to get his sunscreen fingerprints off of the window. I'm becoming a little neurotic. Just a little. Avi just decided to deal with it in her very own way and throw tiny Legos across the room, and when that didn't get a big enough reaction, the lid to the box. Very uncharacteristic.
The kids and I are traveling to Utopia this week to see my uncles from Amarillo and my cousins from California. My sister's crew will also be there. Fun! I plan on leaving out after church, and I haven't packed our bags yet. Hmmmmm.... Avi, go to sleep! I think just ditching the whole deal and leaving town is a great idea. Van will do some touch-ups around the house while we're gone. (hint, hint) We'll come back to Waco mid-week in time to re-pack bags for a trip to Colorado for a medical conference/vacation at the YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park. We have some concern about my breathing in the thin air, but the lung specialist is making sure that I'll have access to an oxygen tank if needed. We're driving this time (two years ago we had a hard time with flying with 3 kids and delays) and giving me some time to acclimate. I need that anyway for Colorado. We had considered going to Pike's Peak in a train, but figured that was over the top. Ha- over the top. It will be the first time I've packed a blender for a trip. Smoothies rock. We're also packing plenty of videos for the kids. No major educational, wholesome activities planned for the car ride. Diego, Leapster and stuffed animals will have to do. I can't trust any of them with a pen or markers anyway. Who forgot to train these children, anyway?
I'm back on lots and lots of medications, but they don't seem to bother me except I'm blowing up like a balloon, and it hurts the pocketbook. My Nanny used to call it a pocketbook. The money is not in my pocket, nor in a book. It is at Walgreens. My doctor emphasized to look at the big picture and to realize how sick I was a couple of years ago and how successful the transplant has been. I agree. I have been trying to thank God for the icky meds, too, because they are truly a blessing. But...I really don't want to spend the same amount for a thirty day supply of medication as I could for four toilets for the new place. Big picture...big picture.... We're not hurting for money. The Lord has supplied all our needs in the riches of Christ Jesus. That includes financially, so I should just shut up and be thankful! Shut up, Wehmeyer.
The kiddos have been troopers through the transition from one home to another. Many of their special toys have been packed away, and there have been extra rather dull errands to appliance stores and many long waits in the car while one parent communicates with the supplier. Many pieces of candy have been handed out, especially today. One supplier was across the street from a parade. Happy June-teenth! I love a good parade, and Zane loves candy, so we hopped out of the truck and blended right in! Fun times. The folks around us felt that Zane didn't have enough Skittles, Tootsie Rolls and lollipops, so they kept bringing him some. Everyone knew everyone at that parade, and the adults were as excited about the sweets as the kids. Grumpy girl got out of the truck to see the horses, and then they all got into the action for the spoil. We were still blocked from the supplier, so Van hunted down our friends that intentionally live among and minister to the neighborhood. My friend's fourth baby is due any moment, so it was really neat seeing them and seeing how they restored the 1912 house.
Because all three stay in one room, we moved out Avi's crib, and Zane and Cade slept in the same bed on the top while Avi slept on the bottom. My normally "early to bed, early to rise, the chicken with its head cut off gets the worm" kids have been going to bed later and later. It became very apparant tonight that Zane was better off sleeping on the floor! To top it off with another major disruption to a child's world, I hid Avi's beloved potty chair when we had prospective buyers come through, and she thought that we put it in storage, so I kept it hidden. Poor girl is going through a lot. The house is spotless, and I would like to keep it that way. Zane used furniture polish for me today, and Cade used Windex to get his sunscreen fingerprints off of the window. I'm becoming a little neurotic. Just a little. Avi just decided to deal with it in her very own way and throw tiny Legos across the room, and when that didn't get a big enough reaction, the lid to the box. Very uncharacteristic.
The kids and I are traveling to Utopia this week to see my uncles from Amarillo and my cousins from California. My sister's crew will also be there. Fun! I plan on leaving out after church, and I haven't packed our bags yet. Hmmmmm.... Avi, go to sleep! I think just ditching the whole deal and leaving town is a great idea. Van will do some touch-ups around the house while we're gone. (hint, hint) We'll come back to Waco mid-week in time to re-pack bags for a trip to Colorado for a medical conference/vacation at the YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park. We have some concern about my breathing in the thin air, but the lung specialist is making sure that I'll have access to an oxygen tank if needed. We're driving this time (two years ago we had a hard time with flying with 3 kids and delays) and giving me some time to acclimate. I need that anyway for Colorado. We had considered going to Pike's Peak in a train, but figured that was over the top. Ha- over the top. It will be the first time I've packed a blender for a trip. Smoothies rock. We're also packing plenty of videos for the kids. No major educational, wholesome activities planned for the car ride. Diego, Leapster and stuffed animals will have to do. I can't trust any of them with a pen or markers anyway. Who forgot to train these children, anyway?
Friday, June 1, 2012
conversations
The second night in Utopia....
Me: Cade, do not wake me up before six o'clock. Do not wake me up before six o'clock. DO NOT wake me up before six o'clock.
Cade: Five fifty-nine?
Three hours into the trip back to Waco from Utopia...
Zane: I can see Waco with my goggle eyes! (He always keeps them handy.)
A typical day....
Cade: Zane and I are going to attach a bungee cord to the door knob and one to the little table, then slam the door. It will knock over the little table.
Me: ...and break my vase that's on the table.
Cade: Yes.
Me: ...and break my vase.
Cade: Maybe I should move the vase.
Me: Yes.
Me: Cade, do not wake me up before six o'clock. Do not wake me up before six o'clock. DO NOT wake me up before six o'clock.
Cade: Five fifty-nine?
Three hours into the trip back to Waco from Utopia...
Zane: I can see Waco with my goggle eyes! (He always keeps them handy.)
A typical day....
Cade: Zane and I are going to attach a bungee cord to the door knob and one to the little table, then slam the door. It will knock over the little table.
Me: ...and break my vase that's on the table.
Cade: Yes.
Me: ...and break my vase.
Cade: Maybe I should move the vase.
Me: Yes.
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Saturday, May 19, 2012
A lovely Saturday
Van took me to Dallas ysterday, and Zane and Avi stayed with his mama while my mama took care of the homefront and transported Cade to and from school. It takes a village. Everyone had Shipley's kolaches, and that takes the edge off. My doc and PA conferred with many more docs, and they all decided to treat my lung issue as Graft vs. Host disease (instead of just waiting for pneumonia to clear up). GVH can reduce the elasticity of the lungs. A Fightin' Texas Aggie would say, "That's bad bull, Ags." I was put on a high dose of steroids (sigh...I was so close to being weaned off of them entirely), and a combination of three other drugs that have shown really great results in other patients. Also, there is hope on the horizon for mis ojos. There exists, somewhere in the great U.S. of A. new technology that allows a contact lens to cover the entire exposed part of the eye preventing this drying out and decomposition that can follow. It is also possible to produce a "serum" made from my own blood and put into little bottles for me to use as eye drops. They call it "snake oil" and sell it for $50 a pop. A bargain, really. For real, though, one or both of those options may work out. The docs and insurance are working on it. I go back to a special specialist on Thursday in Dallas to especially talk about the GVH in the lungs and have a new CT and breathing tests done. Oooohhhh....I hope I pass! Not sure how to study for this one... The last two days I've seen much improvement. Again, not sure if it is the one dose of the treatment regimine or the grace of God, or Him exhibiting his mercy through treatment...I still haven't teased it all out, but I will give him much thanks for being able to pick up a fallen Cheerio or holler across the house. It's the little things.
My friend down the road treated my kids to swimming and me to a delicious poolside lunch today. Her son and Cade are classmates. She took care of us all and refilled my diet coke while timing the oven for the cookies. Luxury.
All of a sudden we have an almost framed house, and many windows and doors. Van is in charge of picking out faucets, and he chose well. We selected a stain for the beams, a color for the metal roof, and a trim color today while Mom managed the kids and "Air Buddies". Whew! I'm putting myself in charge of picking out the bathtub--that is all that really matters. :) It is looking so very pretty. At the same time, it is really weird not buying the faucets at the Mercy Mission Evangelical Jump Rope for Diabetes garage sale, and stressful. I was able to walk up the steps to our prayer room, and that was really nice. I've had two healthier days in a row now. We reported to the kids that they have windows in their rooms now, and they were very excited. I described the pantry to Zane, and his eyes got big and round. "A special place just for FOOD?" I might need to hang a bell on that doorknob!
I'm thinking that I'll be able to go to church tomorrow. That will be so nice.
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
The day to day
Mom made Van the Pioneer Woman's meatloaf from the cookbook that he gave me for Mother's Day. It was held together with bacon--the meatloaf, not the book, but that would have been okay, too. The meatloaf was accompanied by one of my favorite salad (of a list of two) that includes yummy avacado. She also made Pioneer Woman's blackberry cobbler and made sure Van got a piece. Last night, she made PW's lemon blueberry pancakes, and Zane just ate and ate with a sweet grin on his face. That kid can stick a smile for longer than anyone I know. He grins with certain foods, swimming or playing in dirt or any combination of these mentioned. Dirt+water= grin. Mixing food with dirt= grin. Swimming in food= grin. Mom, Zane, Avi and I all stayed home today. I got to play a couple of board games with the kids and watched them alternatively get into mischief and play like little angels. Zane and Avi see nothing unusual about crafting things out of toothpaste, hand soap and baby dolls. I don't know how many times Mom got them off of the kitchen counter, out of the refrigerator and helped them change their clothes after some tragic spill. Cade is decidedly addicted to reading. He announced himself at 9:00 last night into the livingroom with, "Oh, I finally finished it!", indicating the Boxcar children book in his hand. I didn't know he had stayed up, and was so thrilled that I ordered a box set of books for our travels on the spot. If I've got to feel puny, this ain't too bad.
Monday, May 14, 2012
rocket to the moon
Van is carting me to Dallas on Friday to see my Bone Marrow Transplant doc so he can look at my lungs, then on the 24th, I'll so see another pulmonologist that our local doc has been consulting with. Rumor has it that he is more specialized in Graft vs. Host disease and may have some insight into my weird "pneumonia". I just hope he can say "fluffy infiltrates" with as much charm. More tests. Urg.
Mom, the kids and I went to see THE BEAM that we had been waiting for in the new house. It started raining, and the work crew amd my crew hung out under the "roofed" portion awkwardly not sure which language to pursue. They mainly smiled at my sweeties. I jaunted--I use that term loosely--into the drips to gather up a few pieces of scrap wood because it is just so cool. THE BEAM looks really great, and I'm glad we took the time for it to arrive from Florence....Texas. We took the scrap wood home, and Cade reserved some to draw portraits of his friends on to "sell" in social studies class as a "good" using coupons that his teachers will provide. I hope the permanent markers that we are providing won't be his doom. The rest of the scraps were used to build some type of rocket that Zane insisted needed to blast off to the moon and PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE could he have a match. Van winked and said,"I've got this one." He got a match, lit it, and counted down with my happy child. The literal child of seven years was insistant that Van needed to try again because Zane was being "for real". Avi was just happy to stack the blocks in various locations around the sculpture.
Sunday, May 13, 2012
over the hills and through the cedars
Mom drove Avi and I to Utopia to see Dad this weekend and so Mom could have a bit of time at home. It went well, and we visited my great aunt. I had the oxygen tank on hand in case of emergency. Van wasn't real keen on the plan because Utopia is so far from doctors and hospitals, but he had a good time with our boys with baseball, fishing, swimming, church, and yardwork in Waco. Mom and I enjoyed the green countryside. It looks so different than last year's drought. The dam at the park looks so pretty after being cleaned out and some good ol' flooding. Avi, generally mild, is going through some kind of independence phase, so that was a bit tricky, but I think Mom and I still got some rest. Dad took Avi on a few lawn-mower rides and we went on errands. Since I was little, we've sung "to the dump, to the dump, to the dump-dump-dump" to the William Tell Overature. Wonderful simple time.
I'm tired of thinking about me and taking care of me. I'm ready to do projects of all kinds and get plans in my head, and then I get up to brush my teeth, get just enough breath to do it and then go sit on the couch again. I'll see the lung doctor again on Friday. I'm grateful for Mom's company and for her sweeping and starting the dish washer at this moment. I'll get the stitches out of my left eyelid tomorrow morning, but it will still look pretty out of whack. My eye doctor feels like the procedure was a big success. The idea is to close off part of the eye so that it won't get too dry and damage my vision. If I ever start producing tears again, it can be opened up. I was geared up to have the right eye done to get it over with, but I think I'll wait until I have to because this has been quite an adjustment. A hard adjustment.
Zane has Pre-K graduation at Parent's Day Out this week. I'm not ready for that at all. I'm not sure that he is either because he loves his teachers and classmates and has known them for so long. I still picture him as a chubby-cheeked toddler. He was such a cute baby, and now he is a handsome little five-year-old.
Today, I am blessed to be a mama and to have a mama. I pray that Avi will get to have this beautiful experience in her life. She's already practicing now with caring for a stuffed alligator and a plastic Dora figurine.
Saturday, May 5, 2012
Breathin' easy(er)
I generally have a general dislike for waiting rooms in general. However, on Friday, when I was still gasping, Van dragged me back to the pulminologist, and I giggled while waiting for the umpteenth xray. An 80 plus year old couple came in. The wife decided that she was going to read the ENTIRE medical history questionnaire to her vision-impaired husband. "DO YOU HAVE DIABETES?", she belted out. That started me laughing under my breath, and patted Van hoping to reach 80 with him and be so cute. "DO YOU HAVE ANY KIDNEY PROBLEMS?" "DO YOU HAVE LIVER DISEASE?" "DO YOU HAVE ANY METAL IMPLANTS?" I was about to loose it while Van gave me a slightly worried grin. "DO YOU HAVE AN I.U.D.?" At this point, I'm intentionally holding my breath to keep from bursting, and I excused myself while she was asking, "DO YOU HAVE ANY BODY PIERCINGS?"
The lung doctor continued with his diagnosis of pneumonia with slow healing because of my immunocompromisabilityinmyself. All of the billions of send-off tests came back normal. I took a breathing treatment as part of my breathing test, and it didn't make a difference. Van and the doc sextupled (6 times?) my steroid, and booked me with a GVHD lung specialist in Big D just in case we're missing something, which we are not. Before I got home, I was breathing without the tank that I was dragging around and ready for a trip to Sonic for a DP float. By the time I got home after running a couple of errands, I was able to help a little with kiddos, and I was grinning in my leisurely bath. Before, my non-portable oxygen tank wouldn't get to the bathtub, so my choices were to quickly pant through a bath or have to stand in the shower which was even more difficult. Thank you, Jesus. The rapidity of the change was so extreme, that there was no medical explanation. I had not responded to the breathing treatments in the hospital (four a day!) and they actually made me so sick that I discontinued them, so there is no reason to think that it was just slow acting in me. The steroids would not have had time to take effect. I was so pleased that I stayed up ordering a mother's day present. Today, Van carted me to two baseball games and set up a chair in the shade (Cade played short stop and got 3 outs!) (Zane had a wonderful time conversing with the first base coach...and he played well.), and Mom took me to our youth group's garage sale. My mom bought a rock tumbler for Carly. Most of my family speaks love to one another in the form of pretty rocks. I scored two handsome quilts and a nice-sized rug for the boy's new room. Someone was very generous in donating this top of the line totally cute work truck/puppy decor. I thought it was time given that the boys' toes stick out of their baby blankets, and they have to stack them in a certain way so that they are enclosed. Somehow, I don't see them giving up the tiny blacnkets, though, especially those that are named. "Pretty blanket" and "Thomas" still have a few years to go. Maybe Cade will at least give his sister's pink fuzzy blanket to her now that she fits into it better and he has an alternative. The kids helped me order look-alikes of the special stuffed animals that have gone missing in the last few weeks. If a person saw the overflow in their room from stuffed animals, they would sign me up for "Hoarders" on tv, but after "baby jaguar" was not lost but "went to the hospital to get her bone marrow tested" I couldn't help it. Ouch. I was willing to go buy a real pony after that one.
I got zonked around 5:00pm today, and I have been used to needing a nap by 8:00am, no kidding. I am so very thankful. Mom is amazing. She feeds us, does the laundry and keeps everybody occupied and happy. She's perfected smoothies for me--my main source of calories and protein. Well done.
Kids are happy. They are enjoying baseball and enjoying their cousin being here. Van got them a kiddie pool with a slide for the back yard. We were avoiding buying one this year because no buyer wants to see it, but they sure do enjoy it on a hot day. All four were crammed in there taking turns on the tiny slide. We just screamed, "Don't come in the house!" when they neared the door for an hour or so and then finally let them in for towels. Rumor has it that my sister and her remaining two kids will come for a visit to unkidnap her middle child. I'm looking forward to seeing her. Maybe by the time that she gets here, I can release my Mom. Dad went back to Utopia to catch up and open the mail, but I figure he'll come give her eventually. The fried chicken that he picked up in Bandera can only last for so long. (And, of course, she is his favorite side-kick.)
My eye that had surgery is healing nicely, but it still looks like I've been in a brawl with all the bruises from the hospital on my arms and my "shiner". My friend says just to tell people that I was the victor, and it will be okay. I don't know if Van will want me to go to church tomorrow because of my immunocompromisabilityinmyself, so we'll see. I can't figure out where the spellcheck is on this new format (blast it!), and the screen is still a bit furry to me, so I have a decent excuse for any typos.
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
couch tamato
Zane has a "ta-ma-to" (potato) plant in the garden that is growing better than anything I've ever planted. It's the only vegetable that we've grown this year, and he loves to show it off. Next year, that kid is planting our garden.
I'm sore in my left eye, and I'm still on oxygen, so the couch has been my friend again today. Thankfully, the computer screen has been tolerable, so that's helped. I intend on testing tv tonight. I'm frustrated to miss out on outiings with my friends and their kids and not to be able to run to the store. Mom and Dad are running our circus. We borrowed sweet Carly (9) from my sister, and she has been so kind to help in all sorts of ways--bathing Avi, playing with little ones and just keeping us in her sunshiney mood. She is homeschooled, and she and Cade plan on working on homework together tonight. She helped him find the right website last night. That is so helpful. Carly, Mom and Dad may go out tonight to spend some special time together.
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Eye bobs
I stayed 5 days in the hospital, and Mom and Dad have been helping a ton since then. I took a break from oxygen, but decided that I still need it for getting around the house. This morning, I have to go have an eye procedure. Chalk it up to GVHD again. My "eye bobs" as my kids would call them are crazy dry and don't show any signs of improving.
Both of the boys have baseball games tonight, and I'm hoping to get to see them play. Zane winds up to the tee about 10 times before hitting the ball. It is hilarious. It looks like he has a strategy as he looks around the field for placement. Cade really has the hang of coach-pitch, and has impressed me with his new skills. I was hoping that baseball would be eliminated as a favorite, but it looking like they are really having fun. I have to admit that they look adorable in their uniforms.
Zane and Avi are playing in front of me on the floor. Strawberry Shortcake now works for Texas A&M, and Avi is trying to coach Zane in the proper placement of hairbows. Cade is on a field trip to see the National Champion Lady Bears. He is very excited. What a wonderful experience. I forgot to tell him that they are tall, because he has just seen them on tv. It will be fun to see his reaction. When Van's mom was helping us over the weekend, they all went to see a Baylor baseball game. The kids wore their uniforms, and they had a great time. Despite my lack of knowledge in college sports, it seems that my kiddos are getting an early education.
Friday, April 20, 2012
Rumor has it that I might get to go home tonight or tomorrow. It might be tomorrow because The Heart of Texas Oxygen Tank Store Outlet Mall might be closed already. I'm going back on regular meds, plus a few extras like a giant stainless steel tank and will check back with the doc on Monday.
It is likely that this was just a pneumonia with "fluffy infiltrates" (said with a Spanish accent). I don't really feel any better since I came to the hospital, but my cough has disappeared, so that is progress. Mom and Dad are still here to help.
So thankful for prayers and for a God who listens. Please continue to pray for my eyes and lungs. You can pray for my elbow and nose, too, if you want, although there's nothing wrong with them.
Thursday, April 19, 2012
breve
As in Hee-Haw, I'm still a-pickin' and I'm still a-grinnin'. Grinning might be a little exaggerated...a lot exaggerated. I'm ready to be outta here, but some things just take time, and this is one of those beasts. I'm very happy to be here in Waco close to my family while we wait to figure out what kind of pneumonia is brewing. The lab tests were sent to California, so I'm hoping that my sweet cousin could swing by and use her charm to speed things up. It's actually the type of testing that has to sit on a petri dish, so I suppose we'll just have to wait.
In the meantime, I have been very encouraged by all the encouragers. One of my favorite notes was sound advise from one of Cade's classmates. I wish I could scan a copy to show his backwards letters written with blue and then green on top of the blue. "Get well son Msr. Wameire. try to breve harder. May by it will help." Precious boy. I'll do my best to "breve harder". Cute, cute.
Speaking of cute, Mom and Dad said that the boys got out of the bath a couple of nights ago and ran circles in the house trying to pop each other with a towel. I can't imagine them as teenagers! "They were as naked as jaybirds." Oh,and Mom saw a painted bunting in our yard! Oh, and there's a little bluebird on my shoulder!
In the meantime, I have been very encouraged by all the encouragers. One of my favorite notes was sound advise from one of Cade's classmates. I wish I could scan a copy to show his backwards letters written with blue and then green on top of the blue. "Get well son Msr. Wameire. try to breve harder. May by it will help." Precious boy. I'll do my best to "breve harder". Cute, cute.
Speaking of cute, Mom and Dad said that the boys got out of the bath a couple of nights ago and ran circles in the house trying to pop each other with a towel. I can't imagine them as teenagers! "They were as naked as jaybirds." Oh,and Mom saw a painted bunting in our yard! Oh, and there's a little bluebird on my shoulder!
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Rough Day
The highlights of today included extreme thirst and various things being stuck up my nose. I think the worst is over and those Nazis will let me be. Totally kidding. I have great care and I am ?thankful? for modern medicine. I'm especially thankful for my local pcp who made me come here despite my protests and gave me a hug and promised to continue praying and my two docs here at the hospital. Such kind gentlemen and freaking smart and patient.
Had some fun emotional meltdowns that poor Van had to deal with. I almost lost it whenever I thought I was going to be transferred to Dallas. I'm quite comfortable here, thank you--where is that nice man that stuck the cotton swab up my nose? Bring him here. I love that guy. The thinking was that Dallas doesn't have to send out samples because they have a big lab plus they have the majority of my records. Everyone agreed, though that a little more wait time would be okay. Another meltdown was when I discovered that my steroid (that I was ever-so-slowly weaning from) was increased. Van says it is temporary, though.
Mom and Dad navigated Elementary school, parents day out, an oil change for my car, HEB and tball practice and brought the kids to see me. The kids were happy to push all the buttons to raise and lower my bed and for some reason were really impressed with the size of the shower. Such timid little creatures.
We've had so many offers for help and meals. We are truly blessed by the body of Christ. If I had to pick health or Jesus-like friends, I'd pick the latter. I'll take health, too, don't get me wrong and really make me pick.
I listened to John chapter one (read by Johnny Cash--the best) and liked the scripture "in Him was light, and that light was the life of men". I also listened to some Fernando Ortega given to me by friends. Encouraging. I also had just downloaded some Kidz Bop the other day, and it was fun.
Anyway,
"Tomorrow, tomorrow! I love ya, tomorrow! You're only a day....a.....way!"
Had some fun emotional meltdowns that poor Van had to deal with. I almost lost it whenever I thought I was going to be transferred to Dallas. I'm quite comfortable here, thank you--where is that nice man that stuck the cotton swab up my nose? Bring him here. I love that guy. The thinking was that Dallas doesn't have to send out samples because they have a big lab plus they have the majority of my records. Everyone agreed, though that a little more wait time would be okay. Another meltdown was when I discovered that my steroid (that I was ever-so-slowly weaning from) was increased. Van says it is temporary, though.
Mom and Dad navigated Elementary school, parents day out, an oil change for my car, HEB and tball practice and brought the kids to see me. The kids were happy to push all the buttons to raise and lower my bed and for some reason were really impressed with the size of the shower. Such timid little creatures.
We've had so many offers for help and meals. We are truly blessed by the body of Christ. If I had to pick health or Jesus-like friends, I'd pick the latter. I'll take health, too, don't get me wrong and really make me pick.
I listened to John chapter one (read by Johnny Cash--the best) and liked the scripture "in Him was light, and that light was the life of men". I also listened to some Fernando Ortega given to me by friends. Encouraging. I also had just downloaded some Kidz Bop the other day, and it was fun.
Anyway,
"Tomorrow, tomorrow! I love ya, tomorrow! You're only a day....a.....way!"
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