Happy New Year!

Here’s a goal I have for the New Year. I don’t want to read the cover of all the magazines at the grocery store. I don’t want to read any of them! I go to the grocery store every Monday and as I stand in line to check out I read all the covers of the crazy magazines. I catch up on all the celebrity gossip. I find humor in the outrageous claims that are made. I marvel at how many diets the magazine people can come up with. How to lose 20 pounds in 20 minutes. Lose weight while you sleep. Eat what you want, never exercise and still look great in a bikini. For some reason I search out for People magazine because in my mind they tell the truth. I only rely on what they have on the cover as fact.

It’s crazy! I would never buy one of those magazines and read it. (Wait. I did buy one fan mag and it was because my friend Elliott was in it!! I still have it!) But, on the whole I would not buy or read one. I don’t watch “Extra” to get celebrity gossip. I don’t read internet celebrity gossip. So, why do I read those covers? Am I just bored as I wait to load my groceries? Why is it since I haven’t wanted to read them that they’ve been taunting me at the store? It must be a gossip demon.

Well, my goal is to avoid them all. I will refuse to look at them. I will have to let you know what I find to do productive while I wait in the grocery line.

My Special Post

This is a very special post for me. It’s my 300th post. Yes 300. No one else is near that kind of number in our small Blogville community. That’s either because I happen to find myself more interesting than I ought or I have a lot of time on my hands. (I don’t really thing either of those is true.) I just enjoy writing and sharing. Obviously, with my big 300 birthday I’m not going to try to tackle some crazy “300 things I Love” or “300 things I hate” or “300 things I’d like to do.” If I were going to make a list I think it would have to be “300 Things I Can Think Of.”
Instead I decided that I would bring back to memory my very first two posts. It was titled: Taste of What You’ll Find Here. It dates back to April 10, 2006.

Taste of What You’ll Find Here.

I want to use this blog to get out into the air all the wonderful observations that go on in my mind. I say wonderful in the sense that some are wonderful/great and some wonderful/Full of Wonder. As a mother of 5 small children I hear all the time, "I don't know how you do it". I think this would be a nice place for some of those people to come so they can read for themselves all the "Wonderful" details.
Now I have read an article between the difference of a blog and an online journal. I do realize that they are not the same thing. Honestly, I'm not sure which mine will turn out looking more like.

Here's my observation for the day. It will be a pretty good example of what you will find here so if you're not interested now you may never be.

I was about to go to lunch today with my husband when my 4th (Melody) starts crying all over the house because she is simply finding it impossible to put on her Hello Kitty shoes. My husband comes home and he's having a hard day so I'm snuggling with him for a minute or two when Melody comes in with her shoe still undone and she climbs up on me and wipes her nose all over my shirt. OBSERVATION: I think there has only been about 30 days total of the last 7 and a half years that I haven't had snot, spit-up, vomit, or poop on my shirt! (I know I just lost Erica as a reader).

That's a long time. 7 and a half years! Now for the kicker...when will it stop? Melody is three already and she did it today. Who knows when Miles will stop doing it. The way he's still spitting up I'm not doing the countdown anytime soon.

THOUGHT: Here's something that crossed my mind today. Another good example of what you will find here.
I thought about how people think juggling is impressive. If someone can juggle three things pretty well it's a neat trick they can do. If someone can juggle five things and throw a bowling pin or a stick of fire in there then they can make a living at such a talent. I haven't touched a bowling pin today but let's see what I've juggled today:
2 boys up and ready for school
signed folders and tests
packed 2 lunches
brushed and fixed 6 people's hair
breakfast for 6
clean up breakfast for 6
made coffee
dressed 4 people
made a medicine bottle- 4 different medications one of them he has 3 times a day
fed baby
had one therapy and talk session with a friend that came to help with Miles (40 min)
put up laundry for 7 people...That's a lot to put up!
encouraged 2 friends
put 3 kids down for a nap...2 of them twice
went to lunch with husband and 3 kids
watered 5 plants
kissed a few boo boos
gave 4 spankings

It's now 3:00 and the busy part of my day begins. I'm about to have all five kids here. There will be homework and much more. I'm making a dinner for a friend of mine that just had a baby . They have 6 in their family and I have 7 in mine so I will be making dinner for 13 and there's no dinner party going on here!

I'm off to the second part of my three part day. I like to call 3:00 "crunch time". If handled properly then the rest of the day goes smoothly.

So, there's a little taste of what my blog will look like. No worries to Randy. When he saw what I was doing he gave me instructions to not put my address or phone number on here. He recently saw a expose on blogs where teens give out too much information. I dare say I'm safe from 40 year old perverts. Not many of them like women with a lot of children and spit up on their shirts.

Post #2
I was thinking about my last post. I know when reading it's easy to read over things without understanding the scope of the material. In my list of things that I did this morning I said that I fixed 6 people's hair. Look at this more closely. When I said that I fixed 6 people's hair...5 of them did not want their hair done! Two people were eating Cookie Crisp cereal while I sprayed their hair down with a water bottle and then brushed their hair. Two of them are little girls that had many many tangles. One of them cannot hold their own head up! I had to hold Miles who weighs 22 pounds with one arm, balance his body where his head is available to me, spray his head with the water bottle with one hand which he hates, put the bottle down, brush his hair while still balancing him, curling his wet hair with my fingers then putting him back down. Then, the last person is me. Of course by now all that is done with my hair involves a brush and a pony tail holder. Thank goodness Randy does his own hair!

So, go to my last post and add this more involved list with each item. Now, you get a better idea of what my day looks like.




That’s it. My first two posts in Blogville. Happy 300th to Me! Was it an accurate representation of what you will find on my blog?

Hugs

I am a learned hugger. I’m not a hugger by nature.

I remember when we first started going to our church I had to get used to hugs. I remember bracing myself before church because I knew the hugs would come. I had to tell myself that I would be just fine. Now I look forward to the hugs and I dish them out myself. There are some people that I look forward to receiving a hug from. I love getting a hug from Trish. I just feel healed after she hugs me. There’s something about how she embraces you, and I’m not talking about her boobs, that just makes you feel loved. She has healing in her hands and hugs. My favorite person to get a hug from is Rose. She hugs you with her whole being. Also, she doesn’t hug and release. Her hugs linger. Even if you try to break away from her hugs she doesn’t release until she’s ready. After the hug she lets out a happy sigh. Somehow after a hug from her I feel better about life.

Personally I’m not a great hugger. I’m a quick side hugger. It’s affectionate but not too intimate. It’s a step above a handshake.

What kind of hugger are you?

*Next Post Is A Very Special One For Me.*Stay Tuned.*

Just Stuff

We got our wheelchair lift. I’m so thankful. Freedom 2 Go went way beyond what they had to do for us. I’m really going to have to get used to it. It takes a couple of minutes to get it all set up. I think I will like it a lot more when I’m used to it. I feel very blessed and taken care of by God in the area of Miles’ needs.

The other day we were on our way to go get breakfast and Jocie didn’t really want to eat at McDonalds. She really wanted to go to a restaurant by our house called Dixie Pig. Only she forgot the real name and she kept calling it “Picky Dicks.” Too funny.

My last day of work was last Thursday. I will still be volunteering on Mondays so I’m not too sad. Miles is going to go with me and we’re going to work up there. I know he will love it and all the kids love Miles so I think it will work out well. The principal said that Melody can still go to pre-k for free. That’s a huge blessing. She’s so good to us! The school gave me a $100 Christmas bonus! How sweet is that? Melody loves school so much! I’m glad she gets to stay. I’m really looking forward to going to Intercessory prayer of Tuesdays and hanging out with some of my friends during the week while the kids are in school. I’ve missed them.

Right now we’re redecorating the boys room. We’re making it into a Star Wars room. We’re using all their amazing stuff they got on Ebay. I’ll get some pictures up soon. We (I mean Randy) is building them some shelves to display their stuff. I’ll be painting when he’s done. That’s our Christmas present to the boys.

Miles is still looking around at everything. He smiles when he sees me! That’s such a joy to my heart. He’s been interested in toys for the first time in his life. When JoBeth, his physical therapist saw him last week she almost started crying at how great he looked! Todd, his other therapist was so impressed. We’re all very excited and thankful! We’re expecting big changes!!!

I took my sister in law to the hair store the other day. (She’s black.) While she was getting some hair I saw some pink hair. For years I’ve wanted pink highlights in my hair. I can’t help it. I just love it! Erica, my sister in law, told me that she could hook me up. I bought the hair, some thread and curved needle and some clips. She’s going to sew the hair on the clips and I can wear them in between my hair and it will look like I have some pink hair mixed in my hair. I’m so pumped. I think she will have them done by tomorrow. Yay me!

Game night was so fun. It always is. We schedule our family stuff around that party. I would like to win one time though. I did almost win one year. You may not remember but it was a show down between me, Honeycutt and maybe one other person. Brandon ended up beating me at the very end. Dang it.

Today (Christmas Eve) would have been Sharon’s birthday. Sharon is Randy’s sister that died of cancer. I still feel sad and confused about her death.

I’m excited about the kids opening up their presents this year! The girls got everything they wanted. I got a great drum set for Miles. I know we’ll have fun playing with that together. The boys got their R2D2 they’ve been saving up for. They have no idea! How exciting!!!! I love Christmas!

I guess that’s all for now! I’ve got a lot of work to do still!

Miles' Vision

For a few months I’ve felt that the Lord was reveling to me that I needed to concentrate my prayer on Miles vision and that he would understand what he’s seeing. When that thought would come to me I would quickly dismiss it because I thought it was better to pray for his complete healing or for his brain. Well, the thought wouldn’t quit coming to me. I kept picturing me talking to Kathy about his vision and how I thought it Miles could see and understand what he was seeing then all the other development things would follow.
A week ago, before Miles’ eye surgery I talked to Kathy about what I had been thinking about. She prayed with me and told me that she would agree with me about Miles’ vision. She said something funny that I keep thinking about. I was talking about how valuable it would be for Miles to have eye sight and she said, “Yes, without vision the people parish.” All the other times I’ve heard that verse it’s been about vision as in “destiny”. It really is true about physical vision as well.
Okay, so last Monday evening we drove to Ft. Worth for Miles’ surgery the next day. We got to the hotel about 11:00. We were so tired that we went to bed almost immediately. Miles was all tucked in his big bed all by himself while Randy and I quickly fell asleep. All the sudden I was woken up by Miles letting out the most hilarious rolling laughter. He was squealing so loud I was afraid that he was going to wake up the people in the next room. He was laughing so hard that he had trouble catching his breath! I began to laugh at him laughing. After a while of his crazy behavior I finally asked Randy what time it was. He looked at the clock and told me that it was 12:41. His laughter continued. 1:00, still laughing. I ended up bring Miles in bed with me so I could settle him down. I let Randy get in the other bed so he could hopefully get some sleep. 2:00 laughing his head off still. 3:00 I had given up on sleeping at all. The t.v. was off and Miles and I just laid in bed and laughed and laughed. He was so full of joy that I couldn’t help but just lay there and laugh with him. I sang worship songs over him and just enjoyed listening to him enjoy the presence of the Lord. 4:00 came and we were both still in bed laughing. Our alarm was set for 4:30 in the morning because we had to be at the hospital at 5:30. We never did get to sleep. We just laughed the night away. This has never happened ever! Ever! He was just filled with the Holy Spirit! That’s the only thing I can say that makes any sense!
We took him to the hospital and he continued his laugh fest. He made the nurses so happy. I think he probably made their day. I don’t think they had ever seen such a happy child before surgery before. Miles was cracking them up. They kept asking us if he was always like that and I kept saying, “No way! I don’t know what’s going on with him.” This one lady said, “It looks like the Lord is talking to him. He looks like he’s talking to someone.” I’m thinking she was right.
We had to wait in the waiting room after admission while we waited on the doctor to arrive. We were sitting there with other parents and Miles was laughing so hard his face was turning colors. He was quite the spectacle. Finally, the lady next to me couldn’t stand it any more; she asked me, “What did they give him?” When I told her that he had received absolutely nothing she just looked at me with a confused look and she said, “Well, he sure is happy!”
I was enjoying him so much that I almost didn’t want to let him have surgery. I just wanted to laugh the rest of the day away with him! His eyes were still not straight so I went ahead and let him have the surgery. I had peace about it. Miles had the surgery and everything went according to plan. The doctor came to tell us that all was well and that the eyes were perfect. We waited forever for Miles to wake up after surgery. It always takes him so long to wake up from anesthesia. After being there already for 8 hours we begged them to let us leave. Everyone else had been long gone that had surgery the same time as Miles. Finally they had mercy on us and let us leave although he was still asleep. I assured them that he was playing possum. He would wake up as we left there. He always did.
Sure enough before we got to our car that kid was wide awake and LAUGHING again! The people that we passed in the hall had no idea the kid just had surgery! We got in the car and he was cracking up! We stopped for lunch and he was the loudest person in The Cracker Barrel. He was so happy which was crazy because his eyes were bleeding! People would go to talk to the happy kid in the wheelchair and then they would see his eyes dripping blood. There’s no telling what they thought. I didn’t offer any information. I was getting a kick out of the whole thing.
So, back in the car and more and more and more and more laughing! He didn’t stop all the way home. He didn’t take a nap. He just looked all around and laughed. All the sudden I said, “Randy, do you think that kid can see?” We started messing with him the car and we were amazed at what we saw! For the first time since we left the hospital for the very first time three years ago (almost to the day) Miles followed objects with his eyes and head. We were shocked! He was looking back and forth. For so long he had been keeping his head to the right. I thought it was because of muscle tightness, but I really think it was because he had a little bit of vision that way. I say this because since that day he has had full range of motion in his neck. He is constantly moving his head side to side to take in the view.
It’s a week later and Miles can see. He’s still moving his head side to side to check things out. He’s following objects sometimes. It’s not 100 percent of the time, but it’s more than he has even done before. And, yes, he’s still laughing all the time! That’s one reason that it’s taken me a week before I wrote all this. We’ve all be so entertained by him. I’ve been on a high for a week now as I’ve celebrated the wonderful gift of vision and joy in Miles!
I’m not entirely sure how well he sees. He has a follow up appointment with the eye doctor on the 5th of January. We’ll know more facts then. Right now I have to rely on what I can tell myself, and I KNOW he sees more than he ever has before. I know that the Lord is not done with him. God is doing something amazing with Miles right now. He’s so full of the Holy Spirit. He’s making sweet noises that he’s never made before. It just isn’t getting old! We were trying to watch a movie the other day and Miles kept cooing really loud with this new angelic noise. Every time he would do it we were all distracted and would say, “Awwwww, you’re so sweet Miles! We love when you talk.” Then he would answer us with a new beautiful phrase. We just kept melting over him.
So, that’s how my week has been. I’ve so overjoyed at the Lord!
Not only is he healing my son, but he’s healing my husband’s heart. He had given up on Miles’ healing. The Lord gave him a dream of Miles’ healing and it is changing Randy. It’s so beautiful to watch. The Lord is melting his heart of stone towards healing. I’m so thankful. Thankful isn’t even a good word. I actually can’t tell you the burden that takes off of me.
I’m renewed, refreshed, in love, overjoyed, thankful, excited and enjoying life. Jesus is doing things in my family that is world changing. My heart can’t stop praising him!

MORE!!!!!!!!

Christmas List 2007

Randy
Dewalt cordless set
Miles’ healing
My debts to Uncle Richard & Michael to be cancelled
Emglow compressor
All expenses paid vacation to Corpus Christi Texas for my family.

Brandi
Miles to be totally healed
Gift certificates to all my favorite places.
Something made from Rachel. I just can’t get enough.
Hello Dolly on DVD.
An embosser from Williams & Sonoma.
New flooring in my entry way.

Joey
Books from the Warrior series by Erin Hunter
Nintendo DS

Spencer
R2D2
Xbox 360
Star Wars Legos The Complete Saga
Wii
All the Mario games for the Wii
And I want all the other game systems.
And a baby boy bulldog.

Jocie
A little tea cup with a tea party set
Tea
A Barbie
Ballerina dress
A little ball that’s gooey and it makes the ball blow up. Okay?

Melody
I want a baby crib, highchair, rocker and chair
A new baby
When I’m a grown up I want to be a balloon maker.
I want a computer when I’m a grown up.
I need to go to the bathroom.

Miles
To run and play with my brothers and sister.

Vision

Tuesday, tomorrow or today depending on when you're reading this Miles is having eye surgery in Ft. Worth. The surgery is to align his eyes to make the best of the vision that he does have.

I would like to ask you to pray that when Miles gets out of surgery, by some miracle of God that Miles will have 20/20 vision and that he will understand what he sees! This surgery will not be able to do this for him. It's a brain issue more than an eye issue. So, I'm asking you to pray that God will let the blind see!

I believe that if Miles can see then other things will follow.

Also, please pray for me to have peace.

Also, gifts and surprises are always welcome! :) I've been a little sad about all of this. Thank you dear friends for hanging in there with me while we wait on such a huge miracle of God in Miles!

Kindergarten Moment

There is a girl in the Kindergarten class that is known by all as a talker. She knows everything already so I don’t know why she comes to school. I’m sure if she were taller then she could teach. She’s a sweet and sassy girl! Her mouth is always moving. You don’t know this girl. Rachel, I think you met her at a birthday party!

Well, today she decided that she wanted to make a picture for Jocie’s little brother Miles. I told you she was sweet. She was making her picture and telling everyone she was making the picture for Miles. This is how the conversation went:

Sassy Girl: I’m making a picture for your little brother Jocie! Hey, what’s wrong with him?

Jocie: Oh, he got some brain damage I think.

Sassy Girl: What does brain damage mean?

A Boy: That means your brain doesn’t work too good.

Another Boy: No, it means you can’t walk.

Jocie: No, it means you can’t talk.

Sassy Girl: (Very sure) Oh, then I never had that before!

Mrs., Brokaw and I laughed so hard we had tears rolling down our face. I’ve been cracking up about it all day. If brain damage means that you can’t talk, then I agree that girl doesn’t have any brain damage at all!

How's This For Random?

Publicly I would like to say whatever type of sense of humor that Jennifer Chavez has is my favorite. Nothing makes me laugh as consistently as her take on things.

Gifts & Surprises!

You know we've been confessing certain things on Sunday mornings. Well, I always get the most excited about the "Gifts & Surprises" one! Today I got a Surprise Gift!

When I got off of work today I went to get in my car when I saw a large envelope on my wind shield. It had Miles Wilson's name on it. I opened it up and it was one of the most touching gifts I've ever recieved! There was a framed photo in there.




When I saw it I just sat in my car and cried. It was such an unexpected blessing to my heart. When I showed the boys the picture frame they teared up too. The picture was so touching to our family.

There was not a card to say who it was from. I hope God shows that person how much the photo meant to me. Just thinking about it makes a little teary eyed.

It Cost What?

Miles had Botox shots again this week in Ft. Worth. This time the Botox was injected all over his legs. The Botox helps him move his muscles more freely. He gets pretty tight all over so the injections helps relax more so he can move. I'm very thankful for it and I know Miles must be. He went just 5 weeks ago to get his top half done. Well, I just got the bill from the hospital. Basically, he has a brand new Kia Spectrum in his little body. The total for the last two visits was $14,000! It only lasts three months! WOW! It works great for the three months, but it seems so crazy that it costs so much! I have to say it's worth it because if I couldn't move on my own for three months I would really like something to help me. I would hate feeling so stiff.
So, again, I praise the Lord for Miles' insurance! It continues to help his quality of life all the time!

What's Wrong With Me?

After months of phone calls and getting the run around I finally find out that Miles wheelchair lift is going to be paid for ($2,500) and I thank the Lord for the wonderful blessing and then with my next breath I’m complaining about having to get tonight ready for Life Group. How wicked is that?

After watching a movie about the Holocaust and seeing their suffering I complain because Joey has grown out of his new jeans again and I “have” to buy him more jeans again.

Compared to 99% of the world I don’t even know what it means to suffer. I don’t know what it means to be without. I have no reason to complain. I should be the happiest person on the planet. The thing is that I am happy, but I get riled up about the smallest of things. To complain about having to go grocery shopping is so ungrateful. I should be so thankful for the money in my wallet and the blessing to get to feed my family. How many people in this world can go weekly to the store with money to buy all the food their family needs? To whine about having to pick up the kids from school is terrible. What if I had to walk every where I wanted to go? What if I had to ask for rides?

Why in the world would I complain because a bunch of people that I really like are coming over to my house to eat, have fun together and talk about Jesus? Is it really that hard? Is it really such a sacrifice? I think not. It’s fun. I have to do thirty minutes of house work that I would do if they were coming or not.

Forgive me Lord for being such a brat. I’m thankful for you and everything you do for me. I do not want to grieve you with my complaining heart. Again, Lord wash me clean and I choose to have a thankful heart towards you and the people you’ve put in my life.

Me want!

It's true. I am a gaget girl. This thing is so cool! You can check it out at amazon.com. It's called Kindle. If any of you plan on buying me a $400 gift for Christmas please get this! The great thing is that shipping is free!

I'm Thankful For...

Thanksgiving is only one day away. In Randy’s family they have a wonderful tradition before we eat. We all hold hands in a circle and say at least one thing we’re thankful for. It’s always a sweet time. One thing that I’m thankful for that I won’t be sharing with that group is Blogville.
I love the thrill before I delve into a new post and to check out the comments on controversial topics and of course all the quick wit. Usually one of you will make my day with an offbeat post.
Blogville is an easy place for me to stay connected with my dearest. I get to rant and rave and be silly and share things I won’t bring up if we’re face to face. Also, I get to peek into the lives of all of you. I know things about most of you that I wouldn’t know without Blogville. I like that this place isn’t a replacement for relationship, but an enhancer.
So, this thanksgiving, as strange as it seems, I’m thankful for Blogville.

Melody's Heart

The girls and I were just painting some upcoming birthday presents and we were chatting and painting together. I squirted Melody some black paint on her plate and it shaped itself into a heart. Melody told me to look at the black heart. Then she said, “I have a black heart.” I looked at her and told her that she didn’t have a black heart. But then she looked at me very seriously and assured me that she did. She said, “Yes, I do have a black heart because I haven’t ever been bath-a-tized.”

She’s been asking a lot of questions lately about having a clean heart. I think it will be very soon that she asks Jesus into her heart. It’s so exciting!

My First Turkey!

Well, I’m cooking my first turkey today! I’ve never even cooked a whole chicken before! I’ve never even touched a slimy whole carcass of any kind before. I’ve definitely never pulled anything out of a body cavity. That was interesting. I actually had Randy do that. I was having flash back memories of my cousin chasing me around the house with a turkey neck while I screamed my head off. I locked myself in the bathroom and he stood outside the door telling that he and the neck were waiting for me! Sweet memories!
Last night we prepared the turkey to get it ready to cook and it was a whole family event. We had out the video camera and the video is already an instant classic. We were all so grossed out by the whole thing. Melody kept saying, “I see its ears.” She was talking about its wings. The she asked us, “Is that an animal turkey?” When we told her yes Jocie acted like we were barbarians. She thought it was gross but she liked hanging out with us to talk about how gross it was. Spencer who is an “almost vegetarian” had nothing to do with us. He would peek his head in the kitchen every once in a while, but he took advantage of no one else on the computer while we prepared our young turkey. Miles was neither excited nor troubled by our acts. Joey was right in the middle of the whole thing continuously repeating, “Giblet Gravy! Giblet Gravy!” How in the world does anyone eat giblet gravy? That’s horrifying!
So, today I got up so excited to get that turkey in the oven! The spices I put on it last night smelled up my whole house in such a yummy way! I’m looking forward to smelling that turkey all day. Between last night and this morning I’ve called my Mom several times to ask her turkey questions. She doesn’t seem to mind. So far, it’s all good. It will be done around 3 or 4 this afternoon. I really want it to turn out great! Oh, the reason I’m cooking it today is because I’ve got to take it to the church and it has to be de-boned. Mom said I should do it today so that’s what I’m doing.
Last night after we finished preparing the turkey I was talking to my brother on the phone. Melody ended up talking to her 3 year old cousin Connor on the phone. She said, “We cooked a huge turkey! A animal one! A dead one!” He said, “A turkey! Gross!”

Really?

I was walking by the bathroom when I saw Jocie brushing her teeth. My brain said, "Really? A slinky? How did that happen?"

How do you just go about your business and brush your teeth when you have a slinky tangled in your hair? How did it get in there?

Cast Your Vote

Hey, remember this summer when Becky and I went on our mini getaway? Do you remember me telling you about our fantastic shoe shopping? Well, I recently remembered that Miss Becky has not followed through with our plan to wear our fancy Sneaker Heel shoes to church on the same day. Now, I was going to wear mine AGAIN to church yesterday, but I decided to wait so you guys could convince Becky to wear her shoes as well! (Peer Pressure Works!)

So, if you would please cast your vote on the comments and give a little encouragement to Becky to wear her shoes this Sunday you can see us both wear our one of a kind shoes to church! I will also add that I have one more pair in size 9 if anyone else wants to join us. They are hot pink and black. I will admit that they kill your feet after one hour, but it's worth it. I would wear the silly things all the time if they didn't hurt so bad!

Anyway, please help me convince you know who and her husband!

Learning the Letter 'W".

Teacher: When I call your name tell me a ‘W” word and use it in a sentence.

Kid #1: Wagon. I play with the wagon.

Kid #2: Wash. I was my hands.

Kid #3: I need help.

Teacher: Okay, what is made of glass and you look out it?

Kid #3: A Window! I look out the window.

Kid #4. Wax! I don’t know a sentence.

Teacher: I like to Wax the floor.

Teacher: Jocie, can you give me a “W” word?

Jocie: WINE!

Teacher: (smiling) Yes, Jesus drank wine.

Jocie: My Daddy drinks wine!

Indian Vests

After working on a project for the Kindergarten class today I needed a boost for my self esteem. November is here so that of course means Indian vests made out of paper sacks for Kindergartners all over the country. Well, I was given the task of making them ready to decorate. That means that I took a regular paper sack and turned it into a wearable vest for nine sweet kids I know. Well, I decided to take the sacks into the cafeteria to work on them because the paper sack was a little loud to work with. I thought I would be a distraction to the kids while they learned their lessons.

Well, Mrs. Brokaw showed me how to make the vest, but my brain could not figure it out once I was in the cafeteria all alone. My rapidly growing scrap pile mocked me as I tried to figure out this quite simple craft. I started out with a few extra sacks but I was just about out of extras when I decided to pray and ask the Lord to please spare me the embarrassment of having to ask how to make them again. At once He showed me the way and I began to cut up those sacks like a pro. I will say that those sacks did not want to submit to their higher calling. They were determined to stay sacks. They were not interested in being vests. Oh how they begged me to leave them alone. Believe me. I have a blister on my thumb from the scissors to prove it. I did wrestle them and they did submit. I even made an extra one just to prove to them who was boss. Somehow during the cutting process the sacks convinced the principle to do a fire drill. I had to stop my cutting to help Kindergarten get out safely and quickly. The soon to be vests probably were convinced that I would be too distracted with the fire drill to return to them, but indeed I was not. I returned with determination that got the job done.

Tomorrow I will watch the vests be turned into one of a kind art creations as they are colored by chubby little hands.


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I'm afraid I have some bad news. I'm going to have to go to a password protected blog. I'm going to keep the same blog it's just that you'll have to sign in to be able to read it. It will be like Becky's (if you read Becky's). If you read this and I don't know it or I don't have your email address then please leave me a comment on here that you would like to continue reading and I'll send you an invitation. I'll give you about a week before I shut er' down.

What's for Dinner?

Sunday nights are one of our busiest evenings. It’s the night that we get our house and paperwork in order for the coming week. After our afternoon nap I make a list of things that have to be done. It always has put away laundry on it. That’s a big chore. It also has organize calendar, sign kid’s folders, make lunches for the next day, clean house and clean house. It takes us hours to get all these things done, but it makes for a beautiful Monday morning.

I always do these things.

Well, last night was Sunday night, and after I made my list I had an unfamiliar feeling. I didn’t want to do those things. When those things are done I feel so good about the week. I feel accomplished and together, but last night I didn’t care. I wanted to do something fun with Randy and the kids. We had already spent all weekend together enjoying each other but I wanted more free time with them.

I told Randy what I was feeling and a great idea came to me about what we could do. Very quickly we all threw on clothes and headed off to H-E-B. We told the kids before we left what we were doing. We told them that we were going to go to the store and they were going to get to pick out what ever they wanted to eat for dinner. I was really determined in my heart not to say no. I was just going to let them pick out what they wanted.

Before we got there Spencer knew he wanted some plums. Unfortunately for him they were out of season so he didn’t get any, but I wasn’t the one to say no…nature was. Okay, so right off the bat I did say no, but it was only one time, and it was when Joey wanted to eat caramel apples. That’s more of a project than a food. So, no more saying no after that.

No longer than it took me to say, “Hey, let’s all keep our eye out for something that Miles would like.” Spencer brought me the perfect thing. In the bakery he saw a little cup of Trifle like he had for his birthday cake. It’s his favorite sweet. Miles was very pleased at dinner time. Joey wasn’t too thrilled though because Miles was sitting by him and kept sneezing whip cream all over Joey. By the end of dinner Joey had big chunks of white stuff all in his hair.

Melody was easy. She wanted a Lunchable for dinner. The other kids get a Lunchable once a week for lunch and she doesn’t get one. It’s a big deal every week so she was excited that she could actually get one.

Joey found some nacho cheese so he could make nachos at the house.

Jocie decided she also wanted a Lunchable but instead of the regular kind she wanted the Hamburger Lunchable. I’ve never bought one of those before but she loved it.

I decided that I would go check out what was in the deli. I never shop at the deli. It was such a treat to pick out some rotisserie chicken salad. Randy and I bought some tomato and Club crackers and shared the chicken salad for our supper.

Also, Randy was really in the mood for cottage cheese so he bought some of that to eat with crackers as well. I can say that I’ve never been in the mood for cottage cheese. I don’t even like typing it.

Spencer was the last to pick. He always is. He likes to take his time and evaluate all his choices. He ended up seeing some rice pudding in the deli section and he decided on that. He ended up eating some rice pudding and sharing nachos with Joey.

We also bought a Coke to drink. Then Spencer and Randy saw some red CRUSH that they were sure they needed.

We went home and had our feast. All the smells made my stomach hurt so I couldn’t really enjoy the chicken salad too much. I was sitting by Jocie and she was eating that pre-fab hamburger. It totally grossed me out. She loved it, but I did not like looking at it. I did eat my chicken salad for lunch today and it was good.

Last night our table was filled with trash from our packages. There were empty red CRUSH bottles every where. There were lots of things half eaten and several people had shared their food. I made a request before we were done with dinner. I asked that no one throw up that night! There were so many different colors, textures and smells going on that the throw up would have been too much. Thankfully everyone paid attention to the request.

Anyway, we had a great time. It was a nice treat for everyone.

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I'm afraid I have some bad news. I'm going to have to go to a password protected blog. I'm going to keep the same blog it's just that you'll have to sign in to be able to read it. It will be like Becky's (if you read Becky's). If you read this and I don't know it or I don't have your email address then please leave me a comment on here that you would like to continue reading and I'll send you an invitation. I'll give you about a week before I shut er' down.

New Changes

I'm afraid I have some bad news. I'm going to have to go to a password protected blog. I'm going to keep the same blog it's just that you'll have to sign in to be able to read it. It will be like Becky's (if you read Becky's). If you read this and I don't know it or I don't have your email address then please leave me a comment on here that you would like to continue reading and I'll send you an invitation. I'll give you about a week before I shut er' down.

My School Picture

I haven't had one of these for a long time so I just had to share. This is my school picture. I think it came out so cute.

It's Like The Best Thing Ever

For My Boys Anyway...
This week my boys were blessed beyond what I can describe to you! Last Saturday I was doing laundry when Joey ran to me telling me that I HAD to see something on ebay. A Star Wars collector was having to get rid of his stuff to make room for an addition to his family. The auction was on the front page of ebay. Joey was so excited about it! He asked me if he could bid $10 on it. No one had bid on it yet and the auction still had several days left. Joey and Spencer have been saving up all their money to buy a R2-D2 robot they found at Books a Million. We haven't been letting them spend their money on anything else since they're saving up, but this auction was just too awesome to not let them bid. Especially since just that morning at breakfast I was talking about how much I would like to finally decorate their room in...guess what? Star Wars!
So, I let them bid $10 with a limit of $30. Of course I knew that was a ridiculous bid for such a gigantic amount of stuff, but it was what they boys had. All day I kept getting this feeling in me that just longed for the Lord to help my boys get that stuff. Normally I wouldn't put too much stock in such a thing, but I just wanted my boys to be blessed extravagantly.
The day before the auction ended Joey's $10 still was the only bid. The day of the auction another bidder over bid him. I ended up pitching in another $50 and they won the whole thing!
I know it might sound silly, but it meant as much, possibly even more to me than it did to the boys. TO me it felt like the Lord was showing me that he cares about the things we care about. Even though that stuff should have sold for a lot more he still blessed us. You should have seen Joey, Spencer and I on Tuesday night. We were refreshing the ebay page every thirty seconds. We were creaming and dancing around and praising the Lord when we won. They've been drooling over these pictures for days! They've got such great plans for their room. I think Randy's going to have to make them a really cool shelf to hold all of the figures.
There's no way that Joey and Spencer should have been able to buy all this with $80. They are blessed indeed!
The seller is going to get me a UPS quote tonight and then...it will come to our home! Can you imagine what that will like for Joey and Spencer? It's going to be THREE boxes weighing 83 pounds in all!
You might want to send them a congratulations comment. They're telling anyone who will listen long enough!

Nurse Care Talk

I have not talked to my husband about this. It really just came to me today. It is something that has been building up in me, but an answer to the problem hasn’t felt right until today. Yes I know I’m beating around the bush. It’s a hard thing to commit to or to put to words. It’s a huge topic to me. It’s a huge topic for our whole family. There I go again, stalling.

Okay, I’m thinking about not having nurse care any more.

I miss Miles. I feel like I’m missing out on taking care of him. Of course I take care of him from 3:45 until bed time and on weekends but that’s not the main time for Miles. In the evenings he’s kind of spent for the day. He’s tired and sleeps a lot or he’s kind of zoned out. Sometimes he’s full of life in the evenings but not all the time. Also, another big thing is that because I’m working I’m missing out on doctor appointments and therapy sessions. You may be wondering why I would not want to miss those, but it’s like me missing all the ballet practices of Jocie’s. Physical therapy sessions are a big part of Miles’ life. I’m missing out on those. I’m getting them reported to me second hand. I don’t like that.

Also, I try to keep up with all of Miles stuff after I get off and it’s hard to juggle all those things. There is so much paperwork involved with Miles’ care. For example, right now I’m waiting on a call from a medical supply place so I can set up an appointment with him so I can get a form sent to a doctor so the doctor can send in a form to the insurance. Then when I get the form back from insurance I have to see if Miles was approved or denied. If approved then I’m done. If not then I have to make an appointment with another agency and get set up with their program so they can pay for the wheelchair lift that I’m requesting. See. For one piece of equipment there’s a lot of thinking, planning and calling involved. Christy can only do so much of that sort of thing. Anyway, that wasn’t my point. That was a rabbit trail.

Back to the topic at hand. I just feel like I’m missing out on Miles. I work until noon. I have a couple of hours at home until I pick up the kids and that’s the time that I run errands, eat lunch, usually write and get business done. I don’t really spend time with Miles during that part of the day. After the kids get home they really take up most of my time and energy.

Today I missed another appointment. I called Christy and checked out how it went. She gave me the report and I realized that I was going to miss his three year old check up because the doctor went ahead and gave him his three year old shots and the flu shot so I didn’t have to bring him back in. That appointment was important to me. I wanted to talk to the doctor about how Miles was doing and about his progress that he’s made over the last year. Now that appointment won’t even happen.

So, while I was in class thinking about all this…again. I had an idea. I thought about (of course after Randy and I and agree) working until the Christmas break and then taking over the nurse care. That would give Christy all of November and most of December to find a family that she liked. I really want to make it as easy for Christy as possible. I know how much she loves Miles and how much she likes working here. I would hope that would give her enough time so process the new changes.

Also, if I did it that way then the school would also have enough time to find a replacement for me. I love working there so much. I love everything about it. Well, everything but one very important thing…my divided time with Miles.

When I first got nurse care I needed it so bad. Miles had on that horrible body cast. My hair was falling out I was so overly exhausted. I didn’t care about my birthday I was so tired! That’s a really big deal! Believe me! Anyway, I needed her help a lot then. It was also nice to have her so I could taste a little freedom for awhile. I was stuck at home with small children for so many years that it felt nice to be able to hop in and out of the car without having to get a babysitter for Miles.

But now, I know I can do what it takes to give Miles great care. It sounds fun to stretch him daily and make sure all his medicine is in order. I like the idea of going to therapy and doctor appointments. I’m ready to have my house back all to myself during the day.

I don’t know what this will mean for Melody. She loves pre-k so much but I doubt that she will be able to attend when I’m not working there. I don’t want to pay the money that it will require for her to go. That’s okay though. It will give me some special time with her before she goes to school next year.

It sounds like my mind is made up, but I will admit that I’m a little nervous about the whole thing. Miles requires so much! For his quality of life to be what it is now I have a lot to live up to. He’s gets such great care from Christy during the day. She gets paid handsomely to take care of his needs. I’m a little afraid of my romantic ideas of taking the best care of Miles will fizzle into just doing what I have to with him. That won’t work out well for him. Also, it will make me feel like a loser. And, I won’t be able to get Christy back. And, I don’t want another nurse.

Please pray with me about these things. It’s such a big decision. This idea is the first time that I’ve had peace about letting Christy go. Randy and I need wisdom. We need to know what the Lord wants us to do in this situation. I would like to make a decision about this by the end of October so that would give Christy and the school plenty of time to make plans.

Please, please pray. We’re talking about the well being of our family.

Crying Over Spilled...Water!

My laptop had an accident.

Someone spilled water on the key board.

No one has confessed.

I took it to Best Buy to have the Geek Squad fix it. They wouldn’t even send it off to be looked at for less than $180. Then the guy told me that it wouldn’t be fixed for less than $500, but it would probably be more like $800. I told him that it was not fair for him to talk to me like that! 

I took it to another place and he gave me a number for a guy.

When I called “the guy” I told him what happened and then I told him that I took it to Best Buy. He started to laugh at me. He told me to bring it buy and that he would check it out for free.

Well, I took it over there and didn’t hear anything from him for awhile. I finally talked to him and he said that he was having a hard time finding a new keyboard for me that would fit my laptop. He’s still looking. He did have a temporary solution for me. He sent my laptop home with a detachable full size keyboard.

It works but it looks ridiculous!

I’m trying to have a good attitude but I really just want my laptop fixed and I want it fixed cheap. Is that too much to ask?

Please agree with me that “the guy” will quickly find what he needs to fix my laptop and get it working properly very soon! And, that it will be at a good price! I don’t feel too creative with all this equipment.

Word Up 2 All My Strange Peeps!

*See Last Post's Comments*

This strange thing I do...

Here’s something strange and unknown about me:

I do this weird thing. I’m not even sure if I can accurately explain it.

It all started in the 8th grade. I used to be in track. I loved it. I never could run long distances but I was always fast. I was on the relay teams, but my favorite thing was the 100 yard dash hurdles. I won all the time with that race. For some reason it came natural to me.

Running that race has a lot to do with timing…obviously. To practice while in the car I started doing this thing with my head and feet. Now, no one would ever know I was doing this because I looked like I’m being still, but on the inside I was running a race.

In my head my toes would run (they actually moved) and when the car would come up to a crack in the street or a shadow I would jump just like I would jump over a hurdle. But like I said no one would see me jump I would just pick up my toes like I was jumping and I would pretend that I was jumping.

Well, all these years later I still do it! I do it all the time! I don’t necessarily think of them as hurdles any more. I just keep my toes moving around all the cracks, shadows and tar marks on the street. I don’t even think about it anymore. I just do it. I’ll catch myself doing it and then I try to think back to where in the trip I began it.

Here’s something funny. I never thought anyone would ever understand this little thing I do UNTIL…Joey told me one day, “Hey Mom, I do this weird thing with my feet.” I looked at him with intense eyes as he explained this laser game he plays with the edges of the couch. It’s the same game! In our house he plays it with any straight line that’s in the house. He pretends that there’s a laser beam that he has to jump over so he won’t break the line. HOW INTERESTING IS THAT? I mean, of course I didn’t teach him my own game. How could I? He just made up his own strange game like mine.

Every once in awhile we’ll be in the car and he will tell me that he’s playing his laser game. Then I tell him that I’m playing my line game too.

Do any of you know what in the world I’m talking about?

Naptime

I didn’t save the world today. I didn’t sell all my possessions and give the money to the poor. I didn’t stand out on the streets and talk about Jesus to everyone that passed by.

I did sacrifice my nap today though.

Yesterday was a busy day for me. Miles had an appointment in Ft. Worth so we took him there. He had Botox shots again. That trip in one day usually makes me tired the next day. We got home late, and I had to get up early.

I went to work, came home fixed us lunch and then was very excited to take a nap with Mella. I laid Miles down for a nap. I set my alarm to wake up in time to pick up the boys.

As I was getting my bed ready for Melody and I the phone rang. It was a woman calling me as a personal reference for Joanne. I talked to her for awhile and I think I was helpful to Joanne. Although, she could have told me that her real name is Kimberly! That threw me off.

Then I laid down and was just drifting off to sleep when the doorbell rang.

I got up and it was Randy’s niece. She needed diapers for her daughter. Miles gets his diapers sent to us for free and I always have several packages left over. I give them to our niece. She’s a single mom and she doesn’t have a lot of extra money. The diapers help her out a lot. We had 3 packages of extra wipes, 4 packages of diapers and lotion for her today. She was thrilled. I was happy to give them to her.

After she left I quickly got back in bed with Melody who was already fast asleep. I dozed off quickly and soon was interrupted by the doorbell again. I had no idea who it could be. When I got there it was Angela, the girl that cleans our house. She wanted me to laminate several copies of an obituary for her friend’s family. She came in while I laminated them for her, talked for awhile then she left.

After she was gone I looked at the clock and decided it was too late to get that nap. Instead of feeling upset or really tired, I actually felt refreshed. I was pleased that I had unexpected guests that needed help and that I was able to help them.

The Goal of My Life

The goal of my life is that while I’m alive, when I die and long after my death I’m known as a woman who trusted God no matter what. I want it said about me that I trusted in the goodness of the Lord all my days. I want to be known as a friend of God in the good times and the bad. I don’t want it to be said that I ran a good race for awhile but that I got tired and gave up. I never want to be known as a bitter woman.

I want it to be known that I saw many miracles first hand. Also, that I trusted and believed when others gave up. I want to be thought of as a woman that refused to be offended at God and man. I want to live my days with joy in my heart and with a peaceful mind.

I want the supernatural to be super natural to me. I want to believe every word of the Bible. I don’t want to water down even one word of it. I want to live above natural laws. I want to see through eyes of truth instead of circumstance. I want everyone to know that I believe with God all things are possible. I want to be best friends with the Holy Spirit.

I want to be known as a woman that worshipped God outwardly and inwardly. I want to have a thankful heart even on my hardest days. I want for my flesh to praise the Lord even when all it wants to do is die. Also, on my best days I want to bless the Lord with shouts of praise and thanksgiving. I do not ever want to turn and thank the clouds more than I thank the Lord.

One day I want my children to stand and call me blessed. I want them to be world changers because of things I pour into them today. I want it to be said that I trained up all my children in the way they should go and that they never departed from it.

I want to be known as a woman that built her husband up and never tore him down. I want to always be a Godly example of a wife. I want to respect and honor my husband all my days. I want to be the perfect help mate for him. I want to prefer him over myself every day. I want to meet every need in him that I was intended to meet.

I look forward to the day when I’m told by Jesus that I was a good and faithful servant.

Here’s some comic relief:

Jocie: Spencer you’re having bad manors! Your elbows are on the table!

Spencer: It’s not like if I have my elbows on the table that there will be an alien invasion to come and take us all away and vaporize us!

Jocie: Yea Right!



p.s. I’m doing better.

Dear Me,
I’m so sorry you’re having a hard time today. Today should be a celebration. Your son that could be dead is not dead. He’s alive and now three years old. I know you’re overwhelmed with how things are changing with his services. I know that you didn’t plan for Miles to still be so limited in his mobility. I know you didn’t plan for a wheelchair, more medicines than you knew was possible, a full time nurse for your son and of course the fact that Miles still isn’t healed.
I, more than anyone don’t want you to be sad. I wish you could just be comforted by the fact that Miles is doing so well now and that he’s happy. I suggest that you continue to meditate on all the wonderful things you have in Miles besides the sad and frustrating things you have to deal with. Of course that’s a lot easier said than done.
I’m sorry you feel lonely and like there’s not anyone that understands how you feel today. How could they? No one else knows exactly what your life is like. Don’t let that discourage you. Even though they don’t know exactly how you feel I’m sure you know how much they love you and want to support you.
Also, quit beating yourself up about being disappointed today. You don’t live in disappointment. These changes have just stirred up feelings that you haven’t visited in a while. Everything still is the same. Miles is still adorable. He still brings you so much joy when you hold him. Just remember that these changes are all going to work out just like everything has. There have been many things that you thought you couldn’t do, but you’ve over come every one of them. This will be the same. You will get everything organized, and you know the Lord always sends you a helper. You’ll see that this is just another thing that you’ll get excellent at. You can manage his case just as well as anyone else. You really are doing it now. You’re just delegating others to make calls for you. Don’t worry about how it will get done. You’ll do just fine.
Miles will be healed when Miles is healed. When that day comes then all the days like today will not compare to the uncontainable joy that you will have then. Don’t get depressed that the day hasn’t happened. Be excited that the best day of your life hasn’t happened yet. Not many people have something that big to look forward to.
Even though all that’s true I know it’s still hard today. The good news is that it won’t be hard next week. You’ll be over what you’re feeling today. Try to enjoy your son’s birthday. This is the only day that he will turn three.
Love,
Me

I'm 30 and very loved.

Please forgive me for taking so long to blog about the perfect party! I’ve wanted to get on here, but I’ve been really super crazy busy. I mean even busier than usual!

My party was so perfect for me! My husband and then later Rachel asked me what I wanted for my birthday. I thought about it for awhile and I finally pinned down what I wanted for my 30th birthday. After I figured out what I wanted I was a little embarrassed to admit it out loud. I told them that I wanted to feel really popular and get a lot of presents! I would suggest that if you’re ever asked what you want for your birthday that you would say the same thing! That’s exactly what I got!

Rachel, Joanne and Krissy threw me a slumber party with all my best girlfriends! We had a blast! It was my favorite birthday ever! It was decorated like a princess party. Joanne made wonderful cupcakes and delicious chocolate. Rachel had a punch fountain going that lit up and flowed beautifully. It was such a treat to drink punch out of it.

Then we made our own pita pizzas. They were way yummy. I’m incorporating this recipe in my menu for my family.

Then…PRESENT TIME!!!!

This was the most fun I’ve ever had opening presents. The word got out that I wanted a lot of presents! It took me almost an hour to open all of them. We all laughed so hard! I’m not really sure what we were all laughing about but it was really funny! The most wonderful presents kept coming and coming!

After that Amy brought out the pinata! Can you believe it? She had it filled with all kinds of chocolate treats AND fun stuff. There was finger nail polish, manicure stuff, mittens and lip gloss! Everyone made a mad dash for the pinata treats! That was a lot of fun!

Then, we talked and talked and talked and talked and talked and talked and talked and talked and talked. We talked until about 3 in the morning! Then we popped in my “fav” movie “Stomp the Yard.” We stayed up until 4:45 in the morning. I don’t know when I stayed up that late before…besides at a Lock in at the Skating rink back in the day.

The next morning we had a small make up party and Joanne gave us a ton of Mary Kay make up. That was so fun. I loved everything about the party! I want the same party every year! I loved being with so many of my best girls all evening.

Hopefully I will get some of the pictures from Kelly soon. Until then I will just be able to share all the pictures I have of my presents! I’m so blessed. I have the best girlfriends in the world!







And by the way….You Win Rachel! THANK YOU!!!

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun!

Maybe I will post about the funeral soon. It was a really sad day, but encouraging at the same time if that makes any sense. Thank you for all the food, encouragement, and love!

BUT FOR NOW...I'm ready to trade my mourning for dancing! (or whatever it is that we're doing tonight!) I'm SSSSSSSSSOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO looking forward to being with my best girlfriends tonight! I've looked to this night all week as my getaway from sadness. I know it's going to be great!!! Hopefully I will see most of you tonight...except Kevin & Aaron! No Boys Allowed! Well, except Jaxon!

Randy's sister Sharon died today of cervical cancer.

We were about to leave the house to go out for my birthday when his brother called and said that Sharon took her last few breaths.

Please pray for our family, especially Randy's Mom Shirley and Nathan, Sharon's husband.

What a Day!

I’m Semi-Speechless.

Today Randy and I got up and went to church like every Sunday. We got there early to greet the visitors. Nothing out of the ordinary happened except we were given our new Life Group Leader badges. We were looking very official in the hall. As we were waiting there to meet new people I shouted with joy (out loud) when my eyes saw Ray & Christy. I think it’s possible that Randy and I were the happiest to see them today. We have some history with them that goes back to our first year at KLF. Christy was a wonderful example to me of what a Godly mother was like. She loved people and both her and Ray knew the Word like no one I knew. Anyway, when they left our church my heart really hurt for a long time. Even recently I was talking to Randy about how much I would love it if they came back to our church. I had not seen them for years so when I did today I was filled with excitement! We ran over to them and hugged them and told them how happy we were to see them. I hope they stay.

So, anyway, Ray gave his incredible testimony about the miracle God did in his body. I was hanging on his every word…that is when I wasn’t laughing at his unique humor. I felt like I could have listened to him all day. Everything he said I could picture in my head. I’m so hungry to hear about real encounters of healing and the super natural.

Then Bryan got up to preach and I think it was the most powerful sermon I’ve ever heard him preach. Well, maybe the Easter sermon this year, but today was so good. It was full of passion and wisdom. He was talking about how we cannot be offended at God. I loved how he talked about Ray and when he wasn’t sure if he was going to live he asked his daughter to trust God if he lived or if he died. That was so powerful. Bryan was talking about how past disappointments cannot be a barrier between you and God. As he was talking about these things I was searching my heart to make sure that I was not offended at God about how long it has taken for Miles’ healing. I was feeling good inside but a part of me was worried that other people around me were concerned that I was holding up Miles’ healing because of my own heart. As I was praying and asking God if he was pleased with me in this area Bryan called us out and said that he was so pleased with us. In front of 300 people he said that if this was in Bible times that he thought that Randy and I would have been on the pages of the Bible. Oh my gosh, I broke. Something in me was released and affirmed. I really left there feeling 20 pounds lighter. Bryan was so kind to us and talked about how proud he was of us for going through what we’ve gone through with Miles and still chosen to love and serve God. I cried so hard. It felt so good.

Then, as if that wasn’t good enough…Brandon got up at the end of the service, mentioned us again and everyone gave us a standing ovation. Man, that was amazing! I felt so validated and loved. I loved seeing all the people who have stood with us during this whole time. Again, I was over whelmed with how loved and supported we are. Everyone goes through things that are hard. I don’t know of anyone who has as much love and support as we do when they’re going through it. Thankful doesn’t cover how blessed I feel by so many people.

I kept thinking today, “Wow, that was unexpected!” I mean, who in the world gets a standing ovation unexpectedly? We didn’t have to sing or preach or anything really but show up and worship our Lord the way he deserves to be worshipped.

I don’t think I did today justice, but I wanted to get something up here explaining how thankful I feel!


AND, on a side note: Besides the standing ovation, that’s hard to beat, but Randy got a great offer on the house he’s building! It looks like a Go on that! We’re thrilled! Also, Randy’s sister Sheila stopped by the house for a little while and she gave me $100 for Miles skating party! It looks like we get to have the birthday party that I really wanted for him! And, let’s not forget the fancy life group leader buttons we got today! The last day of my twenties was a very good one!

Wow...on a less depressing note...Man, I'm tired!

Well, that's not too cheery either.

Okay, how about...I'm so excited because it's my wonderful friends birthday! I am excited about that! I've got plans up my sleeve that have required me to think about her no less than 2,289 times this week! RACHEL, you're gonna love me! I adore you!

Birthday Feelings

An interesting phenomenon has happened. Interesting bad, not interesting good. I will be turning 30 in just a few short days. I’ve been asked several times how I’m handling turning thirty. Every time I hear that I’ve been caught off guard because it doesn’t make any sense to me why it would bother me to turn thirty. I’ve actually been excited about it.

It’s not my own birthday that I’ve been dreading. It’s my son’s. Miles will be three in about two weeks, but I’ve caught myself avoiding the subject and even panicking about it. How is it possible that I’m upset about my son turning three instead of myself turning thirty?

Miles’ third birthday does not conjure up exciting birthday plans for me. I think about how therapy services will stop coming to our home. I think about renewals of services and new routines that will begin. I think about how last year he didn’t have a party (the first one of my kids to not have one) and how depressed that made me. I didn’t have a party because I was thoroughly exhausted from his body cast. Plus, I had given in to nurse care which made me feel defeated. Also, the thoughts of how no one seems to know what to get him for a present saddened me. We did have an extremely lame cake cutting over at Randy’s aunt’s house for his birthday since a family get together was already planned. Someone gave him a box of diaper wipes for a gift. It made me so mad I said bad words about it when we got home. I mean actual bad words that I can’t type here.

Then I also think about how Randy’s niece Amanda that also had cerebral palsy always had lame birthday parties. I remember the family, behind Sharon’s back of course saying things like: Why does she have a party for Amanda? Amanda doesn’t care. Or, I hate giving Sharon money for Amanda because what’s she going to spend it on?

I mean who the hell cares? What do you give presents for? To make people happy! If you can’t make the kid happy you can sure make the parents happy! We’ve all given presents to kids to actually make the parents happy. Giving a two year old diaper wipes for his birthday because he can’t enjoy a toy train does not make a parent happy. It’s just another reminder that he’s not normal. It’s just sad.

So, what do you get a little boy that is turning three that can’t do much but be adorable? There are many things. He loves noise so CD’s are great. Clothes are useful. The kids love to read him books. That’s one of his favorite things because his very favorite things are his brothers and sisters. McDonald’s money so he can take his family to dinner. Cards saying that you love him. Safari decorations for his room. If you really want to spend the big bucks you could get him an adaptive swing for his wheelchair in the backyard. That would only set you back about a thousand dollars. Diaper wipes, spare me the repentance.

Regular day thoughts about Miles are filled with love with an air of excitement about the day of his healing. Milestone days are also filled with love with a few dashes of mourning, frustration and bitterness. I wish it weren’t so, but it is. Do I worship the Lord on those days? Absolutely. As Miles’ birthday has begun to creep up on us I have taken on the position of thankfulness that he has a birthday to celebrate. The enemy’s plan for Miles was death, and he did not succeed. Miles will turn three and that in itself should be cause for celebration. In a perfect world this would be my continued position.

The thing is I’m also a mom. I have a mother’s heart. I long to see the unseen. As I patiently and sometimes impatiently wait to see the miracle I crave I’m forced to deal with things like this. I can only pray that I will be able to receive the grace needed to celebrate his birthday with a joyful and thankful heart for the blessing that he is today.

Say Cheese!

Picture three ladies, exactly 365 days ago, early in the morning sitting around a beautifully built kitchen table, chugging coffee while wishing that it could be intravenously shot right into the veins. Their own hair had not found a brush that day, but you can sure bet that all their kids had that morning because it was SCHOOL PICTURE DAY! The day had snuck up on them as if none of them had ever had a photo shoot before. They were unprepared for getting up early for extra fancy hair and even fancier clothing. More than that the women were not prepared for the fight to get their offspring into sweater vests or shoes without Velcro.
The ladies sat around for three hours trying to discuss various things, but the topic of the dreadful picture day could not stop itself from popping back up. The day was blacked out on their calendar. Declarations were made for better preparation for the following year. Vows were made to not fight with their kids the next year.

Fast Forward 365 days from then. Man, how time changes things. And yet, how some things time does not touch. The beautifully built table was left alone, undoubtedly disappointed for not getting the scoop firsthand. You see one of the three ladies now worked where the actual pictures were being taken so she could not debrief with her friends about the morning events.

Her morning was quite different than it was the previous year. Not only did she have to get herself and four of her children ready to have their picture taken, but she also was extremely involved with helping nine kindergartners get their picture taken. And, I assure you that wrestling, I mean managing nine kindergarteners while getting their picture taken is more work that can be told. For some reason five year olds that are about to get their photo taken are attracted to sand. They must play in it. Also, for some reason it’s harder than you usual to control oneself when you want to throw a football at a little girls head. Then, unbeknownst to her, she realized that her elder teacher was compulsive on picture day about brushing the children’s hair repeatedly. The lady was shocked at the number of times; with the same brush mind you that the kindergarteners were groomed by their teacher. After hours of picture taking, the first lady was sure that she had it easier the year before.

The other two ladies, although all details have not been reported, seemed to have a similar day to the one many moons ago. For instance, one of them found out their son had chicken pox. Then the other one, for some strange reason almost missed picture day all together because she thought that her son must have a hair cut BEFORE school! I wasn’t previously aware that it was even possible to get a hair cut before 8:00, but apparently someone was bribed to do it just in time for a great school year photo.

So, the ladies, although not together this morning, made it through another school picture day. The saga lives on.

Hot News

I just found this information and I believe that all my friends and family need to be aware of this important break through news. I do this because I care.

Americans will eat 24.2 million Hot Dogs in major league ballparks -- that's enough to stretch coast-to-coast from Dodgers' Stadium in Los Angeles to Camden Yards in Baltimore.
Travelers passing through Chicago's O'Hare airport purchase 2 million Hot Dogs each year according to restaurant and concession stand reports. This makes O'hare the biggest Hot Dog seller in the United States.
• Actor Bruce Willis proposed to Demi Moore at Pink's Hot Dog stand in Hollywood, California.
• Americans typically consume 7 billion Hot Dogs between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
• On the Fourth of July, Americans will enjoy 150 million Hot Dogs!
• On every Independence Day since 1916, at its original Coney Island hot dog stand, Nathan's Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest has celebrated this iconic American food.
• The United States Chamber of Commerce officially designated July as National Hot Dog Month in 1957, and the tradition has been going strong ever since.
• July 20th has been declared National Hot Dog Day.
• Every second of every day, 450 Hot Dogs are eaten in the United States.
• Nearly one-third of all Americans eat Hot Dogs one to three times per month.
• Sixty percent of Americans prefer their Hot Dogs grilled.
• Twenty one percent prefer their Hot Dogs boiled.
• The world's longest hot dog was 1,996 feet, made in honor of the 1996 Olympics.
• People who cook Hot Dogs tend to be women, 25 to 44 years old, married with school-age children.

Hot Dog Etiquette
If you think eating Hot Dogs is all about slapping a wiener on a bun, you're in for a surprise. If you're going to dine on dogs properly, you'll need these do's and don'ts from the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council.

Don't ...
• Put hot dog toppings between the hot dog and the bun. Always "dress the dog," not the bun.
• Leave bits of bun on your plate. Eat it all.
• Use ketchup on your hot dog after the age of 18.
• Use a cloth napkin to wipe your mouth when eating a hot dog. Paper is always preferable.
• Put fresh herbs on the same plate with hot dogs. Mustard, relish, onions, cheese and chili are acceptable.
• Bring wine to a hot dog barbecue. Beer, soda, lemonade and iced tea are preferable.
• Send a thank you note following a hot dog barbecue. It would not be in keeping with the unpretentious nature of hot dogs.
• Ever think there is a wrong time to serve hot dogs.
Do ...
• Apply condiments in the following order: wet condiments such as mustard and chili are applied first, followed by chunky condiments such as relish, onions and sauerkraut, followed by shredded cheese, followed by spices, like celery salt or pepper.
• Serve sesame seed, poppy seed and plain buns with hot dogs. Sun-dried tomato buns or basil buns are considered gauche with franks.
• Eat hot dogs on buns with your hands. Utensils should not touch hot dogs on buns.
• Condiments remaining on the fingers after eating a hot dog should be licked away, not washed.
• Use paper plates to serve hot dogs. Every day dishes are acceptable. China is a no-no.
At the Movies
"How can I trust a man who won't eat a good old-fashioned American hot dog?". --From the movie S.W.A.T. starring Samuel L Jackson.
"Nobody, but nobody, puts ketchup on a hot dog anymore!". --From Sudden Impact.
"You look like the Fourth of July! Makes me want a hot dog real bad!" --From Legally Blonde.
"I can't forget it. I am sorry. I had no idea it was your cab. Let me make it up to you. How about a nice hot dog and a beer." --From Planes, Trains and Automobiles.
"Eat the hot dog, don't be one!". --From Steel.
"I want to buy eight hot dogs and eight hot dog buns to go with them. But no one sells eight hot dog buns. They only sell twelve hot dog buns. So I end up paying for four buns I don't need. So I am removing the superfluous buns. Yeah. And you want to know why? Because some big-shot over at the wiener company got together with some big-shot over at the bun company and decided to rip off the American public. Because they think the American public is a bunch of trusting nit-wits who will pay for everything they don't need rather than make a stink." --From Father of the Bride.

Only Six More Shopping Days!

My Dear Friend will be THIRTY in seven days. I will openly admit that she’s hard to shop for. I’m not sure if it’s because she’s picky or if it’s because of the pressure I feel when I’m trying to find a great gift for her. You see, she gives me the best presents ever that are dearest to my heart so I always feel in debt to her in the area of gifts. I don’t know how she does it but she comes up with the most perfect gift for me that I didn’t even know I wanted! This situation is quite troublesome for me because I’m known to be a great gift giver myself so it should come easy for me to find something for one of my most special friends.

If money was no object I would…

Sneak her off to New York for her birthday and we would stay in the nicest hotel with room service and on call massages.

Or

I would take her to her favorite store Ikea and let her furnish her home with their wares.

I would pick up one…no two of every thing in Hobby Lobby, buy an air conditioned portable building and make her very own card making store in her backyard.

I would go to Lowe’s and set up an account where she could pick up whatever she needed for all her continuous projects and the bill would always be sent to me.

I would find her someone who would go through all the labor pains with Jaxon while she drank coffee at a local cafe, and after he was delivered she could just go pick him up…in her pre-pregnancy jeans of course!

I would loan her my husband for the whole month of October to build whatever she needed built for children’s church or home…handy man services only please!

I would pay to have her cloned so the clone could do all mundane or disgusting jobs that she has to do. The clone would do all cleaning, jobs that produce sweat, kid’s homework, anything that involves poop or throw up and take boring or complaining phone calls. Most importantly the clone will listen to ALL whining!

I would pre pay her college tuition at HSU and get babysitting for her kids while she gets her degree in criminal justice. Not to mention that I would buy her all the lawyer movies ever made and have them put on one single non-scratch-able DVD.

I would set it up where for every one hour that she spends on line looking up whatever it is that she looks up, $100 would be electronically deposited into her bank account.

Hey, I’m searching High and Low for the perfect gift for you…although the problem I keep coming up with is that money is an object! AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!

I'm on my LUNCH BREAK.

Please pray for me today. I'm overly tired and feel emotional.

Thanks!

Amen Sister

Today in class I was walking around helping the kids with their papers. I came to one table and there was a little boy that was being too silly. One of the little girls looked at me very seriously and maturely said, “Oh Please, I’m not happy about him!”

I've felt that way about a few boys during my lifetime.

In Their Own Words

Today I was working on my book and I asked the kids if they would tell me how they felt about Miles. I asked them to just talk to me about Miles. I asked them a few questions. This is what they had to say:



Joey:

I don’t really feel different about Miles than I do about Melody, Spencer and Jocie.

Sometimes people ask me what’s wrong with Miles. I don’t really like it when they ask me that because I don’t like to tell them all the details. I just like to say that he has brain damage. I don’t like to talk about how he died. It makes me sad.

Miles is special because he has a lot of people that care for him.

I like it a lot that Miles has a nurse at our house because we will know if he’s being taken care of. It’s also fun because we can have dates together because Christy will take care of Miles.

Miles wheelchair it’s cool because everyone likes to play with it a lot. Kids at church like to push him around.

I’m glad that God healed Miles because we’re able to play with him. I think God’s going to heal him more. I think it’s going to be kind of like what God did to Saul when he became Paul, and Miles is going to have a big testimony. Miles will be able to do everything that I can do. Miles will be really smart. It’s really tough to know how old Miles will be when God heals him.

Spencer:

He’s my baby brother. I love him. He’s special because he’s my brother and God made him. God raised him from the dead. I like that. I mean I love it. I know God’s going to heal him because I believe that he will, and I know that God is good and that he will heal him. I don’t really have an idea how he will do it. When Miles is healed I want to bring him to my school and show him to everybody. I think they will be happy because they have prayed for him a lot. I think he will be healed tomorrow. I’m just kidding. More like when he’s five.

When people ask me what’s wrong with Miles it makes me feel good because they care about it. I usually tell them that he died but that God raised him from the dead. I think the kids are surprised about that.

Comment by Spencer: I forgot how much I’m getting paid for this. Can you please tell me?

I don’t like that he has to have a wheelchair. I do like pushing him around in it because its fun and I get to push around my own little brother.

I like that Miles has a nurse because she’s there to help Miles. Also, she’s fun. She’s nice to us. I don’t think other people have nurses in their house. Well, Cody (his friend) does. It’s his own Mom. I like his therapists because they help Miles too, and they let me play with their toys…sometimes.

My favorite thing about Miles is that he’s always there to be with me.

Jocie:

I like playing with Miles. He’s very cute and I love him. I have fun playing with him. I have a lot of things to do with him. I like how he laughs.

That little boy at school asked me what happened to Miles. I didn’t answer him but I would say that he had casts. He had to go to the hospital to get his casts on. I don’t really know why he had to have casts on.

I like playing with his hair because it’s soft.

I like Christy the nurse because if you (Mommy) wants to go somewhere you can just go because Christy can take care of Miles. She gets to go some where with us, and she gets to ride in the car, and we might get to buy finger nail polish. She’s nice to us, and once she bought some finger nail polish and we were at McDonalds and they didn’t have ice cream making so you know what? We went to Sonic. It was just plain vanilla kind and we came home and she put soda in it. Christy makes him exercise, gives him baths all the time, takes him at the office all the time.

When we go to horse therapy I like playing with that girl. Sometimes JoBeth and Todd brings toys and I like playing with them. Also, I like when Miles has therapy because I get a snack and get to eat stuff.

I like how Miles wheelchair lights up. I like pushing Miles in the wheelchair because I have something to do. But sometimes I just do it because I like to help you do stuff. I like going places with Miles because I have fun with him. I like going to the coffee shop with him because I get chocolate milk.

I think God is going to heal Miles. And I’m thankful that he’s going to turn three. I will play with him at school when he’s healed…maybe.

My favorite thing about Miles is everything.

Melody:

I don’t like the colors of the wheelchair. I think they should be pink and purple. I do like pushing him around because I like to go every where I want to. It’s fun to push him at the store.

I like Christy because she gotted us that finger polish. It was only one dollar. That’s a lot. Is one dollar a lot? Ten is a lot. I want ten monies. I can count to ten. I like JoBeth because she bees nice. I like Todd because he plays with Miles. He makes Miles laugh. Todd lets him play with his toys. He lets me play with them a little bit. JoBeth plays with Miles. He likes it. Miles favorite thing to do is play with JoBeth.

I think God is going to heal Miles. Miles will be able to play with his toys. I think he will be a Dad when he grows up. He will be a good dad. I don’t know how many kids he will have. He will give them a bath and take them to the church we go at.

My favorite thing to do is to play with him. I rub his tummy and he laughs. I also read him books. I read him the itsy bitsy spider.

Christy gives him some food and stretches his arms.

That’s all I want to say.

Funny for the Day.

Today in class Mrs. Brokaw was teaching her heart out during Bible time about the resurrection of Jesus. She reviewed the resurrection and then the responses of some of his followers. Today her main focus was the time he was on earth and then his ascension into heaven. That woman can tell stories about the Bible that even gets me mesmerized! She’s a great teacher of the word! Well, she was well into the story when a star student of hers (my precious daughter Jocie) raised her hand perfectly to ask a question. At the time that she did this I was not facing the class. I was organizing papers in another part of the classroom.
So, Mrs. Brokaw asked Jocie what she needed and Jocie asked, “Tan we tollow?” Mrs. Brokaw did not understand her so she asked Jocie to repeat the question. “Tan we tollow?” Jocie asked again. Again, she was asked to repeat herself. I understood what Jocie was asking, but I didn’t want to be “the mom” speaking for her daughter so I just let them work it out. Jocie wanted to know, “Can we color?” I guess she was tired of the story and she was ready to get onto the inevitable coloring.
Mrs. Brokaw heard something else. Mrs. Brokaw asked, “Can we tell others? Yes! Of course we can tell others! Did everyone hear what Jocie just asked? Can we tell others about Jesus!” Mrs. Brokaw was beaming with pride about her evangelistic student. Jocie beat her to the punch line of the lesson! Here she was talking about the last days of Jesus being on the earth. He was making sure that his disciples knew they were supposed to teach the world about him. That’s what the story was about, and her young pupil was moved by the story so much that she wanted to tell the world about him. Mrs. Brokaw went on and on about how they can talk to others about Jesus. She told them that they could tell everyone about Jesus. Then a little boy blurted out, “Mth, Brokaw, We canth tot to thrangors!” Mrs. Brokaw agreed but she assured them that they could talk to children on the play ground and their cousins.
So, here I was, not facing them, on purpose at this time. I was afraid that I would totally crack up! When Mrs. Brokaw finally went on to end the story I turned around to put papers away. When I did Jocie looked at me with a look that I’m sure was saying, “Did you see how that went down? I made out pretty well!” I giggled at her and we shared a little classroom secret. She was quite pleased with herself. I was pleased too. I was so glad that she didn’t burst Mrs. Brokaw’s bubble by clearly asking if she could color!