Good News:
I'm feeling 100% better. I can't tell you how bad I felt Friday! Really, the Lord healed me! Whatever I had I don't think it was "supposed" to be only three days. I'm so thankful.

Bad News:
3 of my kids have strep throat...and vacation is in...um...one day. That is if Holli will still let me come to her house with three kids having strep throat.

AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH.

Oh we're going. Believe that.

Please


Pray



For



Me.


I'm



So
So
So


Sick.


Vacation is in three days.

So Sweet.

Last night the boys and I were playing Monopoly. When I walked through the living room I came upon this wonderful scene. Jocie read Randy and Miles to sleep. How sweet is that? It just made my heart happy.

I love the Beach!

Only 11 more days until vacation!

I'm so excited! We're going to the beach in Corpus Christi! Another thing I'm so very very very excited about is that on the way up there (on the 30th) we're going to spend the night with Brandon and Holli in San Antonio. I miss Holli so much! We're going to have a great time together! I can hardly wait to see her family!

Our hotel is right on the beach! We're taking all the kids except Miles. I think he would have a miserable time. My Mom and Shirley will take turns taking care of him.

Anyway, I'm so excited! I'm ready for a week without having to share Randy with his work!

She Has What?????

Hey, here's something interesting...

You know how I thought that everyone in the family but Miles and I had the chicken pox?

Well, it wasn't the chicken pox!

Jocie got covered in spots again last week so I took her to the doctor and he said, "Have you been in a hot tub lately?"

Yep, sure have.

"You've got Folliculitis."

(That sounds scary!)

It's also called Hot Tub Rash. It's an infection in the hot tub. Lovely.

Jocie got a perscription and a cream and we were told to call the Hot Tub place and see what we need to do. It's not going to be that hard to fix it. We got the stuff from the spa place.

Dr. Wiley asked who serviced our hot tub and I said, "Uh, Randy."

Dr. Wiley just smiled.

So, that's why no one was itchy or had fever...they didn't really have chicken pox...although it looks JUST LIKE the chicken pox! Anyway, I thought that was funny.

PARENTING...Money

Early on Randy and I decided that we would watch what we say to our kids about our money situations. When I was a kid I knew way too much about our money situation. My Mom was a single Mom raising three kids and she did the best she could. As far as I’m concerned we had everything we needed. The problem was that I was always told that we didn’t have any money. Being a kid I didn’t know what that meant. I didn’t know if we were going to get kicked out of the house or if that meant that we just couldn’t get the toy I wanted. Either way, as a child I thought too much about money.
A child can’t do anything to help the parent make more money. That being true, there’s no sense in children knowing the details of the money situation.
If we’re at the store and the kids want something, regardless if I can afford it or not my response is:
1. Yes.
2. No.
3. Not right now.
4. You should save up for it.

I do not tell them that I don’t have enough money for it.

What about when you’re at the store and you are buying a few things, but when your child asks you to buy something for him you say no? The kid wants to know why you get to buy something but he doesn’t.
This is when you have to remember that you’re the parent. You just say, “This is what I’m buying today and nothing else. I don’t want to spend my money on anything else today.”
That’s it. You’re the parent. You’re the one with the money. That’s not cruel or harsh. You do not involve the child in the bill paying and you don’t involve the child in the shopping unless that’s what you’ve gone to the store to do.

So, my advice is: Watch what you say to your kids about money. There’s no need to put a burden on them that is premature.

Ouchie Wowchie!

We spent all day Friday at the pool. Randy ended up coming with us which was a blessing.

Some of us got a little sunburned. Some of us didn’t get any sunburn at all.

One of us got CRAZY, RIDICULOUS, EVERYTHING HURTS…WHY DIDN’T HE PUT SUNBLOCK ON…SUNBURNED! More like sun-scorched!



Tell me…why did Randy’ knees not get sunburned?

Must Read!

I read THE SHACK yesterday.

Hurry and read it!

I'm still trying to catch my breath!

I'm so Blessed!

Today is Spencer's 8th birthday!!!!

He got a $7 gift card from Children's Church and he asked if we could go to Wal-Mart so he could use it. I said yes.

I took him today and what did he want to buy?

I'm not kidding!

This was HIS idea!

HE WANTED TO BUY HIS MAMA SOME FLOWERS!!!!

He picked me out some beautiful flowers and then bought 2 baseballs with the rest of the gift card! How incredible is that? My sweet boy!

Burritos, Wine and Skating

Today the kids and I were eating at Taco Bueno on South 14th. The girls asked if we could Pllleeeaaaassseeeee go to the Skatin' Place after we ate.
Joey said, "Yeah, I don't think that's going to happen."
I said not today.
Then Melody said, "But it's just right over there. We can just walk there."
Spencer replied, "Yeah well, Pinkie's is just right over there too, but that doesn't mean we're going to walk over there!"

(For those that don't know, Pinkie's is a liquor store.)

All the way home Spencer was pleased with his quick wit. He repeated it all the way home and continued to remind me of how funny he is.

PARENTING

Friday night I was asked by Cherith if I had any advice to give. To which I replied, “Yes. I have lots of advice. Are you looking for anything in particular?”

She wanted parenting advice about having children close together.

I gave her a cheap joke instead of real advice.

The next day I could not get her request out of my head. I realized that I was asked parenting advice by three different people in one week.

All the time I’m asked: How do you do it? What do you do to make your kids so good? How do you discipline your kids? What would you do IF…

Well, I think I will take at least once a week on here in Blogville to pass out Parenting Advice. Some will be Old. Some will be New. Some will be Borrowed. Some will be Blue?

My qualifications to being an Advice giver are: Joey, Spencer, Jocie Melody and Miles. Also, I have 9.5 years experience. Also, this is My Blog so I can put anything on here that I want.

Hey, I actually wrote all that before today’s sermon so I feel really good about this now!


COMING SOON…My 2 cents about Parenting.

Groovy

This wallpaper is in the kitchen of the house that Randy is remodeling right now. I LOVE IT! I totally thought of Pam when I saw it so I took a couple of pictures of it. I would love to do my whole kitchen like this.

Deep Thoughts by Jocie

Jocie, in a very serious Valley Girl sort of way said to me:

Oh My Gosh...I don't like commercials. THEY ARE ALWAYS BRAGGING about the stuff they have. They're always like, "My stuff's the best." or "Buy my stuff because you will like it better." They should not be bragging because bragging is bad. And it's rude. That's why I don't really listen to what they are saying to me.

Young Love

I just got finished cleaning out a drawer in my desk that hasn't been touched in a very long time. Periodically I would put stuff in there but I haven't looked at anything in there in so long.

It was filled with LOVE LETTERS between Randy and I. (Mostly in high school but throughout the years as well.

I'm blushing! There was some risque material in there! I had to use two different storage boxes to hold them all. I made one box with neat stuff like my pregnancy journals, some sweet love notes from Randy, a flower book I made in the 7th grade and some pictures the kids have made me through the years.

Then I made the TOP SECRET...my kids cannot read until they are age...I mean when I'm not around anymore to answer all their questions "Special Box." Instead of labeling it that...I think I will label it "Bills" or "Washing Machine Instructions Manuals."

Here's a spicy photo I found while I was cleaning stuff out. It's of Randy and I when I was 16 and he was 18. We had been together for about 8 months. That's our nephew Andrew in the picture with us. He has a baby now!

I Heart Cornerstone!

Today something so awesome happened!!!

Today was the last day of school for the kids so they had a half day. When I went to pick the kids up I had to talk to the Principal. I clean the school once a week on Saturdays so I have keys to the school. I wasn’t sure what to do with the keys so here’s how the conversation went:

ME: What do you want me to with the keys after I clean the school tomorrow?

P: Oh, you can just keep them.

ME: (confused look on my face) Why?

P: Well, you agreed to clean the school next year so you might as well just keep the keys.

ME: (Really confused look on my face) Um, no I didn’t.

P: Yes, I thought we talked about this.

ME: I don’t think so.

P: I thought we talked about you cleaning next year on Wednesdays and Saturdays for Melody’s Kindergarten tuition.

ME: WHAT??? Are you kidding?

P: No.

ME: Yes Yes Yes I’ll do it! That will be great thank you…(then me hugging the Principal and being genuinely excited to clean a boy’s bathroom twice a week)


I am so thrilled! I’m more than thrilled! A couple of months ago I felt like the Lord told me that I didn’t have to worry about the kid’s school next year. Well, every time I started feeling a little panic about how much four children in private school would cost I just reminded myself and the Lord that I don’t have to worry about it! Today I was as happy as I could be about my HUGE blessing! I just had to share that with you!

P.S. Can you find Spencer in the picture?

Living and Breathing WORD!!!!

Tonight before Life Group, Miles was laying down on my bed and I decided to read the Bible to him for a couple of minutes. I flipped open the Bible and this is what I read:

There was a man in Lystra who couldn't walk. He sat there, crippled since the day of his birth. He heard Paul talking, and Paul, looking him in the eye, saw that he was ripe for God's work, ready to believe. So he said, loud enough for everyone to hear, "Up on your feet!" The man was up in a flash-jumped up and walked around as if he'd been walking all his life. --THE MESSAGE Acts 14:8-10

How awesome is that? Let's continue to believe the same thing for Miles!

Are You A Mitchum Man?

Randy has used the same deodorant since I've known him.

It used to be the "cool" deodorant, but I think they started going for another crowd.

Their slogan has always been: So Effective You Could Skip A Day.
(Like that's the goal in life)

Anyway, they've got something new on the lid that Randy just can't get into. Now it says: IF YOUR FAVORITE VEGETABLE IS A CORN DOG, YOU'RE A MITCHUM MAN.

Are you Kidding me?

Everyone in my family has the Chicken Pox except for Miles and I.

Yes...even Randy!

They're a spotty bunch!

How crazy is that?

NKOTB

THEN



NOW!!!!


Oh my gosh! They got cuter!

New Update on my Cooks Hospital account. Last Wednesday cost $69, 335.

Miles looks great and he's feeling great! Does he look like a house or two brand new cars...no, not really, but he can lift his arms above his head for the first time in his life.

Aw, the things we take for granted!

Hospital Pictures

Hospital stay #...oh, who can remember?

This is the outside of Cooks Hospital. Looks like a hotel...smells like a hospital.

This is the inside of the lobby. It's so beautiful to me. It looks like a castle.

I loved this light display.


This is where the pump was put in. Now he has an "Outie" belly button.

Stitches on his lower back. That just makes me hurt looking at it!

Obviously not too terrible for him. That smile blesses me more than I can explain!

Miles was hooked up to all this and more while in ICU. Can you believe that? Who designed this thing?

I bought this salad for $4. At this point I had already eaten as much as I could. That is one huge salad.

The wagon ride from ICU to the regular room.


The surgery was a success even though he had a rough recovery. I can't tell a huge differece in his body yet. The dose they have him on is too low to tell. The doctor didn't want to pump him too full of medicine before we knew how Miles would handle it. I'm looking forward to being glad that we did the surgery. :) I'm sure I'll be glad when everything is working as it should.
I got a statement from the hospital showing how much the surgery cost. Just the surgery...not the hospital stay. Ya wanna guess the total? How about twenty thousand dollars? My goodness. What more can I say?
Thank you for covering us in prayer! We needed it and I felt it. I appreciate all of you more than you will ever know! I wouldn't want to do all this without you.

(UPDATE)
One day later and a lot of difference! Miles stretched today! Randy pulled the covers off him this evening and Miles lifted his arms above his head and stretched and smiled. Randy and I rejoyced! It was a beautiful thing! He couldn't do this before...EVER. He can move! The boy can move! He's happy, he's pooping better (big deal really!) he's moving. REJOICE WITH US!!!!!

New info

I swiped my brain card in heaven a thousand times in the last two days and it looks as if it didn’t work.
Part of the boy’s family (of the boy I told you about yesterday) came to my curtain today to talk to me. I told them how I’ve been praying so hard for their nephew. I told them that I was expecting a miracle. They told me that they didn’t receive their miracle. All the scans showed that he was brain dead. The Uncle smiled as he told me that a lot of little kids were about to helped out by all the organs that were being donated. I lost it. I just couldn’t believe it.
The couple that came over brought me snacks. Can you believe that? They said that they’ve been watching me take care of Miles and they just wanted to be nice to me. They were sad that I was alone. I told them that I had a crew back home that supported me, but they were still sad that I was alone. They told me that if I needed anything to let them know. WHAT? If I needed anything?
These people were saying their last good bye to their nephew, their eyes were red from sobbing and they asked me if I needed anything!

As Miles and I were being wheeled out of ICU the parents of the little boy were going in the room to say good bye to their son. I don’t remember a time that my heart has broke for someone else as it is right now. That couple looked like the perfect couple. They were surrounded with a ton of loving family. Their son was their only child. The wife miscarried a baby about a year ago. Now their son is gone as well.

I say that, but I don’t know it for sure. I have an alternative plan.

While Miles and I were still in there Miles was having one of his hours long laughing fits. I was woken up this morning by all the nurses that were surrounding him because of all his laughing. One lady kept yelling, “That boy is seein’ Angels!” He didn’t sleep all night. He stayed awake happy and laughing.
This morning after the family came to talk to me I went to Miles to love on him, but his eyes were fixed on something and he was laughing and yelling. I did something I’ve never done before.
I spoke to Miles very seriously. I told him to send those angels that he’s seeing over to the other boy to minister to him. When I said that his eyes seemed to change to a grey color. He was laughing loud and moving his head. He was so happy. I told him to send the spirit of death away from that boy. I told him that he could see and do things that I couldn’t do and that I needed his help. I prayed that Jesus would listen to Miles.

Miles continued on with all his laughing and carrying on. As soon as we left that floor and made it to our regular room the laughing stopped. He got quiet and fell asleep.

I don’t know if any of that made a difference. I do know that Miles can see better than me even though he’s legally blind. I know his spirit is full of the Lord’s joy.

I don’t know what happened to that little boy. I know my heart is so heavy for their family. I’m also humbled by their kindness to me. I’m also thankful for the part that Miles has in God’s Kingdom. I’m praying that all the things he knows and sees now he will remember when he’s healed. He has a lot to teach us.

I believe we’re coming home tomorrow. That will be a great Mother’s Day gift.

My goodness, tomorrow that lady won’t be a mother anymore. Pray for her. Please, as a favor to me, pray for her. In the last two days she’s seemed to age about 10 years. When she first came to the hospital she looked all cute and dressed up. Today she looks like she’s been ran over. She doesn’t even look like the same person. Please pray for her.

Miles has been in the ICU for the last two days. It's been crazy. He's stable now and hopefully we will be put on the regular floor sometime today.

This ICU is so emotionally draining. On this floor there are no rooms. Just curtains. Last night a child was moved in across from me that has broken my heart. I could take two steps into his room.
He is 8 years old. Perfectly normal and healthy. No problems at all. Last night he told his parents that his head hurt then he was totally out. He had a brain anurism. His brain is bleeding. He's totally sidated. I've heard the doctors on the phone saying that he will probably die. One minute the kids is totally normal and the next minute his brain is bleeding. Right now I can see all his family is the room crying for the 12th hour straight. His Mom, Dad, Grandparents and other family are in their wailing. My heart is so full of pain for them.
I've been crying all night and day for their family. I'm a wreck. I've prayed for that boy more than I have for my own son in a year it feels like.

It's beyond a nightmare for them. It's the worst thing I can think of.

He needs a miracle. A true miracle. The great thing is that "we know a guy" that is in the miracle business. Please pray for this boy. Jesus is his only chance! Agree with me that all things are possible! Also, agree that Jesus is going to heal is brain quickly!

Even the nurses here are crying about this boy. It looks like a horrible tragedy! Let's believe for this family when it's too hard for them to believe.

More Surgery Talk

We talked to the surgeon this morning. I felt so much better after meeting him and talking to him. He showed us the pump. I kept picturing the thing as light weight plastic, but it’s heavy and steal. He will actually weigh a little more with this thing in! It’s a little bigger than a hockey puck. It’s about as thick. (I’m not sure how it’s going to fit.) The doctor said that it was going to be a challenge but he said he’ll make it work. The Wilson’s all have “innie” belly buttons…but tomorrow that will change. Miles will be an “outie”. They have to detach his belly button so they pump will fit.
Wednesday we have to be at the hospital at 4:30 A.M. I haven’t previously known that the world exsisted at that hour so I’ll be looking forward to checking that out. It will really be interesting since I’ll be required to answer a million medical questions at that hour. We’ll see how that works out!
He has to go in so early because since they’re putting in an implant infection is a big concern so he has to have a round of antibiotics before the surgery. Please please please pray against infection. Also another concern is that his chest is sounding rattley. (The spell check is telling me that’s not a word, but it is in my book.) The humidity here is different and it always seems to mess Miles up. I don’t want the anesthesiologist to mess with me about it tomorrow. They tend to be a panicky kind of people when it comes to Miles. One of them checked him out today and she seemed to understand that this was normal for Miles.

So, tomorrow is the big day. Thank you all for praying for us! I can feel your prayers. I have peace where I’ve had no peace. Please keep praying!!!!!!!! The doctor’s name is Dr. Honeycutt.
I’ll update tomorrow.

Oh, and Happy Birthday Pam!

Pump Surgery

Well, the schedule was changed up a little so we’re leaving today for Ft. Worth instead of tomorrow. A last minute appointment came up for 8:00 in the morning so we ended up having to find someone for the kids tonight. I didn’t want to add anything to the people I already had on the schedule so I was talking to Randy about what I should do. Spencer piped up and suggested that they spend the night with Ashley and Cody. Randy said that he was thinking of them as well. Normally I wouldn’t ask a couple with one little baby to watch four school aged kids, but it felt right. I called her up and said, “Hey, I’ve got a crazy thing to ask you!” She was excited. She talked to Randy and it’s a Go. They’re going to watch the kids tonight and Ashley will get them ready and take them to school tomorrow! How funny is that? I talked to her today and she said they felt like real grown ups today because they will have a big family tonight and their going shopping for a lawn mower.

Well, I’ve been a lot more emotional than usual about this upcoming surgery. It’s a pretty big deal. Long term I know it’s a good thing. I’m just not looking forward to the next 2 weeks. PLEASE pray for all of us.
PRAY THAT:
Miles’ surgery will go perfectly!
That Miles’ body responds well to the pump in his body.
The medicine does a great job in his body! FREEDOM!!!!!!
That I will have peace. (PLEASE pray for this one over and over!)
Everyone will follow the schedule that I have made for the other four children.
That my kids will have peace while I’m gone. Teachers talked to me today about how concerned the boys are about the surgery.
Miles will recover quickly from surgery.
There will be no staph infection in Jesus’ name!
We will have safe travel.
I will not be upset about being there by myself.
We will be in the hospital for the right amount of days.
I will make good choices when I’m eating at the cafeteria for all three meals every day.


Thank you for praying. I’ll have my laptop up there so I’ll make sure and update on all that’s going on.

DID I MENTION THAT I NEED PEACE? I still do.

Creativity at its finest.

Today I was out shopping and as I was almost to my car I saw a sticker on the back of a minivan that totally caught me off guard.

Okay, I know its crude, but I still had to share it.

The time is coming...

Miles surgery is coming up pretty quickly. In a week and a half I'll be in Ft. Worth with him for about five days. I'm trying to get a schedule ready for the rest of my crew for when I'm gone. I was kind of impressed with it so I thought I would share it.
Hey, if you see a blank you want to fill then let me know. Also, you have a sweet idea that you want to do for the kids while I'm away that would be awesome too. More than anything I ask that you pray for us! This surgery is a pretty big deal for Miles. Also, it's a big deal for my other kids for me to be gone this long. I'll probably give more details about the upcoming surgery soon.


TUESDAY May 6:
Randy and I will drop of the kids at school then leave for Ft. Worth at 9:00. Pre-op appointment at 12:00.
Shirley will pick up Melody and keep her.
Aaron will pick kids up from school and drop them off at my house. Phone # here.
Shirley will watch the kids until Mom comes and gets them after 5:00 when she gets off.

WEDNESDAY May 7:
Miles will have his surgery. We have to be there at 5:30 A.M.
Mom will drop kids off at school.
Amy Yates will pick up Melody from school and keep her until ____. Phone # here.
Aaron will pick kids up from school and drop them off at my house.
Shirley will watch the kids until Mom comes and gets them after 5:00 when she gets off.
Randy will come home sometime this evening when we’re settled at the hospital.

THURSDAY May 8:
Shirley will pick up Melody and keep her.
Aaron will pick kids up from school and drop them off at my house.
Shirley will watch the kids until Randy comes home.
Pam Park bringing dinner about 6:00. Phone # here.

FRIDAY May 9:
Shirley will pick up Melody and keep her.
Aaron will pick kids up from school and drop them off at my house.
Shirley will watch the kids until Randy comes home.
_________ bring dinner about 6:00.

We will need someone to watch the four kids while Randy picks us up from the hospital either Saturday or Sunday.
__________ will watch the kids.


Still need to arrange:

I would like to ask Amy or Krissy or Joanne to pick up Melody one of the days so Shirley would only have the four for a couple of hours one day.


Maybe someone could watch the kids from 3 until Randy gets off one day to give Shirley a break.

Tell Cornerstone who will be picking up the kids.

Find someone to bring Randy dinner on Friday night.

Princess Jocelyn Jocie Girl...That's What We Call Her.

Jocie wanted me to fix her hair in buns this morning. We used to call them Princess Leia Buns.




But, she's grown up a little I guess. Now she calls them Padme Buns.


Padme is from the last three episodes that were made, which is really the first three episodes...but no sense going into all that. Padme actually was a queen, not just a Princess like Leia. Also, Padme was submissive to her husband. Granted he ended up being Darth Vader, but that's not who she fell in love with. She was fruitful and had twins (Luke & Leia). We all know the good that came with that.

SO, I can see Jocie's point on moving from Princess Leia to Queen Amadala/Padme.

Here are a few of my favorite things:

Hanging out with girlfriends and talking a lot about nothing and everything.

Alone time with Randy!

Eating at a nice restaurant with my whole family. Tonight we all ate at the Olive Garden. We’ve never taken the whole gang there before. It’s neat to hear what everyone has to say. For Example: We were talking about our upcoming vacation this summer to the beach. Joey told us that the thing he’s looking forward to most is peeing in the ocean. I had no idea that was up there on the list!

I love any kind of spa treatment where I get to lay down in a dark room with soothing music and someone is messing with me! Ahhh.

I love when I go to pick up the kids from school and all the teachers and a lot of the parents want to talk to me.

I love shopping for clothes all by myself.

I love picking up Miles and hugging him for a long time before I put him in his wheelchair.

I enjoy the afternoons when Melody and I decide to watch a movie together on my bed with lots of covers before I pick up all the other kids from school.

I love the way new clothes feel before they’ve been washed.

It makes me so happy when you know you run into a person for a reason and you’re used to encourage someone.

One of my very favorite things is gifts and surprises. Big and small I just can’t seem to get enough of them! They make me so happy.

I love when I take perfect pictures of my kids.

I like when I leave the kids school after I’ve worked a long time and know that I’ve done a lot of work and that I was a good helper.

One of my very favorite things is when I’ve written a perfect piece and I surprise myself with the finished product.

I love when I feel popular.

I like when I have a shirt that my boobs look good in.

I love getting mail and packages.

Oh, I really love shopping online.

I love cooking with my iPod. It totally takes the edge off. I like dancing around and singing really loud as I’m cooking. (My secret fear is that Randy will catch me singing really off key and record me with the camcorder when I’m not looking.)

I really enjoy going to the library with the kids. Hey, did you know that they have about a million books there that you can take home for free, read and then return and it’s all for free! I’m not kidding! I’ve been going there every week with the kids! It’s all free! I’m so impressed!

I love doing paper work! I don’t like doing Randy’s paper work. It has too many numbers, but I like doing Miles’ paper work. I just love filling in the blanks, writing neatly and explaining things.

My favorite kind of movies are musicals! I can’t get enough of them. We sing songs from musicals at my house just about every day. Hey, have any of you seen THE PAJAMA GAME? It’s our current fav. It has Doris Day in it.


One of my all time favorite things is writing letters of encouragement and decorating the envelopes. It just makes me happy.

There are many many other things that I enjoy, but these are a few of them.

Oops...

Last night was a PTA meeting at the kid’s school. Kids were not allowed. It began at 7 and didn’t get done until 8:30. The meeting was uneventful and it dragged out. I was one of only three parents that went.

When I got home I tossed my purse down as I was going to check on Miles, Randy asked me how the meeting was. Without thinking whatsoever I said that great inflexion, “Boring as Hell.”

Right after I said that I heard Joey giggling at what he heard.

I really don’t talk like that ever! I don’t know what came over me! I told Joey that I shouldn’t have said that. He snickered a little.

Well, today I was sitting at the table with Joey and Jocie when Joey said to me, “I can’t believe you said that last night.” I said, “I know. You didn’t tell anyone I said that did you?” His face immediately got flushed and he nodded his head slowly.

When I caught my breath I asked who in the world he told.

He said that he told his three friends while they were on the playground. I let out a sigh of relief, but I was still shocked that he told his friends that I said that!

I informed him that neither one of us should be talking like that….he already knew.

I asked him what his friends said, but evidently they weren’t as impressed with my comment as much as Joey was. Hopefully the will keep that comment to themselves!

Got the Pedicure!

Yesterday I was so blessed!
Cherith called me Wednesday and asked if I was free Thursday morning to go with her to get a pedicure...her treat. It was so unexpected! I was thrilled. She already had an appointment with Megan Cheek and she just added my name to the list.
Oh my gosh...
I've had pedicures before. I always go to the in and out places where you can't understand what anyone is saying. I'm ruined now.
Megan is incredible! Her shop is so awesome! You have to go.
I'm not sure how much she is...ask Cherith, but it's worth it! I'm sure I will find out soon enough how much she costs because I have to go back to her! She's so delightful! She does not give the "wham bam thank ya ma'm" pedicure! Megan gives you the hour and a half, sit back and relax in the candle light pedicure! By the way she is an artist on the toes!


I know my picture is a little hard to see, but my toe nails are leopard! Can you believe it? That girl has talent! So go see her! She's a joy to talk to.


Cherith and I had so much fun. We were there ALL morning! We took Justice and Miles. They were perfect. Cherith amazes me all the time. She's so generous and fun to be around. I love her! I smiled all day about the fun time we had yesterday!


GENEROUS:
characterized by a noble or forbearing spirit : magnanimous, kindly b: liberal in giving : openhanded c: marked by abundance or ample proportions

That's Cherith!

Here's what's up with me

Update on me and mine:

I still volunteer at the school on Mondays and Fridays. I still love it. I know I will be a great teacher someday. I’ve had the pleasure of watching Jocie grow in wisdom and stature, and favor with God and man. Being able to watch her in Kindergarten fulfilled a desire of my heart that I didn’t even know I had.

Speaking of teaching…I will be going back to Hardin Simmons this fall. I have a past due balance of $2500 that I need before then. I’m not having any trouble believing that the Lord is going to take care of that minor detail! SCHOOL PAID OFF!!!! Honestly, money isn’t the thing I’m worried about school. I’m mainly concerned if I have any brain cells left to go back to school. I’ve been out of college for three years now, and I’ve exhausted my mind during that time lapse. I need the Lord to encourage me in this area! I’m excited and nervous. I like having something exciting and nervous to look forward to.

I’ve got a new diet on the horizon. I’ll have to give details later. Jennifer, don’t spoil my glory.

My husband has a lot of work right now. That’s a major major blessing. The only bad thing is that he’s really backed up and people are waiting on him. He’s been having to work more than he ever has. Time together with Randy is my love language so I’m having to work hard at not being a whiny baby! The Lord is proving to be faithful to me! I’m glad that Randy is busy, and that I’m growing in maturity in the area of my time with my husband. It’s been a long time coming.

My kids are getting older. Francesca just had another baby. I think about how far away I am from that…and yet, not far enough away from that. Joey just took his first out of town trip without me. I didn’t worry about him a bit. He had a blast. Jocie’s about to graduate from Kindergarten. Miss Melody just turned five years old. She had her first friend to spend the night with her. That was fun. Spencer’s still in love with me, but also enjoys boy stuff. He keeps me laughing and screaming at him all the time.

Miles, well, God knows I love that boy, but I’ve had a rough year dealing with his sicknesses. The poor guy has been unusually sick for months. He’s been well very few days this year. Yesterday I took him to church and went to get him prayed for at the end of the service because he had a stomach bug. The only one in our family to get it by the way! And, only a day of feeling better after getting out of the hospital with pneumonia! Crazy! Anyway, I went up to get prayer for him. While Jim and Brenda was praying over him someone came behind me and said in my ear, “Expect a miracle.” My first response was, “Yes. I do expect a miracle.” Then immediately, my thoughts went to something like, “Are you kidding me? How in the world are you going to tell me to expect a miracle? Do you know how many miracles I’ve been expecting, and I’m still in this stupid prayer line? How would you like it if I went ahead and punched you in the face, break your nose and then you can expect a miracle!” You know, something like that. All afternoon I struggled with my flesh to expect a miracle. I’ll be danged if Miles wasn’t healed yesterday of that stomach bug that he had for days! Yesterday afternoon he ate for the first time in several days. He kept it down and wanted more. He’s been feeling great today and eating well. Obviously, I can’t say that my faith healed him. My humor may have impressed the Lord and he gave me a break. What ever it was, I’m thankful.

May 7th Miles is scheduled to have that baclofen pump put in. I will remind you that it’s never been placed where they want to place it, and it’s never been done on someone so small before. PRAY! I have a peace about it that I can’t explain so I’m going along with it. I say that and then I slightly freak out. It’s a pretty big deal.

I’m wondering why it is that I started out writing about me, but it mostly is about Miles. He really is a huge part of my life. He’s my full time job. The other kids go to school and I’m home with him. I do everything for him. Just as Francesca is fully responsible for her newborn baby, I’m still fully responsible for Miles care. If anything is done for him it’s done by me. I can tell the other kids to go take a shower, or to go get dressed, but I still have to do those things for Miles. And, not just regular things, but a seemingly million more things.

My writing is, well, slow going these days. I’ve got vision for my writing, but as I heard on the radio today…It’s not enough to have vision for where you’re going. You need focus as well. Focus is something I’ve been lacking. I don’t really feel discouraged about it. I just know I’ve been having to endure extreme circumstances lately. I will get back on the writing wagon soon. The Lord will see to it.

I still haven’t had a pedicure.

My mother in law is officially employed to watch Miles now for me. She’s getting paid $7 an hour when she watches him. She’s so giddy about that. It makes me really happy! Last week she watched him for 11 hours. That $77 she made!

Hey, today I wanted to have the afternoon all to my self in my clean house so I did something I’ve never done before. I took Miles grocery shopping with me. It’s Melody’s day to spend the afternoon with Shirley, and yesterday she asked me if I wanted her to keep Miles too so I could go to the store. Well, I decided to go this morning so I could just have a quiet home for awhile. That never happens! I wasn’t sure exactly how it would all work, but where there’s a will there’s a way! I pushed Miles and pulled the cart at Wal-Mart. I got a lot of attention which I liked. I pushed and pulled all the way through the store! I bought a mountain of groceries! As I dumped all the food on the grocery belt I told the checker that it all HAD to go into one cart! She was really sweet! She ended up calling someone to take my groceries out. I was trying to protest and she said, “You can’t carry these groceries and the baby out to your car. I’ll get you some help.” I thought: How do you think I got all these groceries to your line? Anyway, I was thankful for the help. My arm that I was pulling with was starting to hurt anyway.

I miss my girlfriends! I’ve missed a lot of things lately. I’m not sure when that will change, but I hope soon.

Well, I guess that’s all I can think of right now. Let me know that you haven’t forgotten me!

Our feet need help

Miles needs his feet to have better color and for the swelling to go down.

I need a pedicure!

Money Money Money

In the last week Randy and I’ve had 12,502 reasons to Praise the Lord!

Last Friday we got a call from the kid’s principal telling us that someone came by the school and anonymously paid for ALL our kid’s tuition for 2 months!!! That is $1,500 worth of school!!!!!!!

We were given a hot tub by someone that Randy is working for. The guy said that someone was wrong on the hot tub and asked Randy if he wanted it. Randy took it home, started working on it and figured out the problem was the pump. It will only cost $300 to get a new pump!

Then one day last week we got a “check in the mail” for $500 because we overpaid on our mortgage last year.


Thursday Randy got a call to meet Brandon at the church because he had a surprise for him. He told Randy that someone dropped off something for him but didn’t want to make themselves known. It was a check for TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS!!!!!! Let me say that again….TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS!!!!!!

And Miles is feeling absolutely fantastic! He’s as happy as he gets! He got to come home from the hospital!

Hospital Bath

When Miles is in the hospital I still do a lot for him. The nurses don’t know how best to feed him, pick him up and really what to do for him. They ask me lots of questions about Miles the entire time we’re at the hospital. I don’t mind it. I don’t know any different. I’m the one that gives him all his medications, except for the ones that go in the IV. I’m the one that gives him a bath. I brush his teeth and hair. I’m usually the one to change his diapers. If he needs to be suctioned then I just turn on the machine and do it. If I had to call the nurse every time he had to be suctioned then I’m be waiting on a nurse all day.
Well, for the last two days there have been students on the floor that only have a year left before they graduate as an RN. The same two students have been working with Miles. One is a male and one is a female. The male is the main student assigned to Miles. He’s been the fortunate soul that gets to do all the dirty jobs to “help with his training.” He’s been the one giving Miles enemas, taking out the catheter and changing the poopy diapers after the enema.
Well, I happened to mention while him and his teacher was in the room that I was about to give Miles a bath. His teacher said, “Oh, Anthony will do that.” I told her that I usually do that and that I didn’t mind. His teacher said, “Oh no, let Anthony.” Anthony being the very kind student he is said, “Yes, please allow me. That is unless you prefer me not to.” I figured if the poor guy could do an enema then he could give Miles a bath.
Anthony went to gather supplies and he brought his girl helper along with him. I sat back and observed. Usually when I do it I’m given a pink bucket, some rags, a trial size bottle of Johnson and Johnson’s baby wash and a tiny bottle of lotion. Well, Anthony had the hook up. He brought in the economy size of J&J’s body wash and the equally large size of lotion. They were brand new bottles. He got the pink tub about a third of the way full then tried to open the body wash. It was new so it had the protective seal still on it. He worked and worked and he could not get the little plastic protective label off. I tried not to giggle. He was really man handling the bottle, but to no avail. Without a word about his trouble he ended up unscrewing the bottle with the protective seal still on it. He opened it up and pulled out the pump. As he’s waving the pump around and dripping soap every where he tells me quietly, “I didn’t feel like messing with the plastic.” I didn’t reply. I was afraid I would crack up. His lovely assistant was oblivious to it all. She was busy playing with Miles.
Well, Anthony began to pour soap in the bath. I guess the steady flow of soap wasn’t good enough for him because he began to shake and jerk the bottle so more soap would come out. He was shaking the soap like it was a Ketchep bottle. More and more soap went into the three cups of water. I just stared and began writing this post in my head. More and more soap. As I watched him pour about a cup of soap into three cups of water I knew I would be rewashing Miles hair as soon as they left. There was no way that he was going to be able to get all that soap out of Miles’ thick hair.
When he was satisfied with his three to one ratio he began to wash Miles with the rag. He did a fine job. He was very detailed. So detailed in fact that this sponge bath lasted about 50 minutes. I couldn’t believe it. It went on and on. Nothing freaky was going on. I’m not implying that in any way. The guy was just set on doing a good job. Indeed if Miles had been inspected by the professor after the sponge bath there would not have been any dirt he missed.
After the bath Anthony was generous with the lotion. He spared no expense.
The kid smells great.
Right before the lotion began I got a call on the hospital phone. That was the first time the hospital phone had rang. Everyone else has called my cell phone. Well, I answer the phone and it’s Kathy Hawk. I only tell you who it was because you know her. She was saying the sweetest things and I was having hard time not divulging too much information when the students were in the room. She was saying some pretty personal things, and I was having a hard time responding. I couldn’t tell her that I would call her back because she’s so busy that if you get her on the phone then you just need to take advantage of it then.
So, I was trying to keep my composer while talking on the phone while Anthony began trying to put on the clean sheets. Towards the end of the conversation I began to wonder why he was still trying to make the bed. It was taking forever. When I got off the phone I saw that the girl student was holding Miles in a sitting position in the bed while Anthony was trying to work around her and Miles. He was getting no where. Somehow they were trying to strip the bed and make the bed all without moving Miles’ bottom off the bed. Anthony would get one side done and the other would pop off. He was slightly out of breath at this point. He had been hard at work for over an hour. Miles is totally exhausted at this point. The girl has him sitting up, and Miles is snoring he’s so tired. She’s hunched over the bed trying to hold Miles up while Anthony was reaching over her, beside her and underneath her while he wrestled the sheets and all the wires.
I said, “Uh, why don’t I hold him while you get done?”
“No, that’s okay. Don’t worry about it.”
I look at them huffing and puffing and I say to the girl, “I’ll pick him up, you manage the wires, and then you (Anthony) can finish making the bed.”
We got that all going and Anthony says, “Man, that’s better.” He rapidly finished the bed.
While I was holding Miles he gave me a slight grin. I think he was letting me know that he thought the whole thing was silly too.
Ya know…I haven’t seen Anthony in a while. I wonder what lovely tasks he’s been up to.

Okay, well, emotions were high yesterday. Yikes.
Things are more level today. Well, Miles is the same, but I’m more level.
Miles was put in the hospital. When we got here the nurse couldn’t even hear his heartbeat because his chest is so congested. I’m not sure how long we’ll be here. I just want Miles to hurry up and get better. The poor guy is miserable.
Anyway, that’s about all I have for now. I do hope we get a better night sleep tonight. Last night nurses were in Miles’ room all night. I finally gave up at five in the morning and got up to take a shower.
I’ll update when there’s something to tell.

It's not easy.

I’m taking Miles to the doctor at 2:00 this afternoon. (Sunday) He hasn’t had a wet diaper in three days. I’ve been giving him liquid with a medicine dropper. He chokes on the liquid most of the time. He went to the doctor last Monday and he’s already finished the antibiotic. He’s been on breathing treatments for almost two weeks now. His body temperature has been consistently 90 degrees. He’s been sleeping like he’s in a coma. I’ve been barley able to get his medicine down every day. I was proud of that until I talked to Trish and she told me that since he hasn’t been getting any liquid that the medicine is highly concentrated and that it could damage his kidneys. He can’t breathe well. His lungs sound slushy. His bruise from his fall won’t go any where because he has poor blood flow. The kids have complained because they haven’t seen Miles smile in so long. My husband is freaking out because Miles is so sick. I’m in awe of how little I can help him. He’s been sick more this year than he hasn’t.

I called a friend the other day because I was overwhelmed with all of this and this is what she said, “The thing is that you and Randy make it look too easy. We don’t realize how hard it is.”

Well, to dispel that I thought I would tell you how severe it is.

Right now I just finished giving his breathing treatment. He hasn’t had a full meal in days. His body is shaking from the medicine in the breathing machine. His eyes are flittering trying to open, but they can’t. His mouth is hanging open. And I can hear his breathing.

I’m going to take him to the doctor and I’ll be very surprised if he isn’t admitted into the hospital. I passionately don’t want to go to the hospital. Do you have any idea how much juggling I have to do when he’s in the hospital? I have four other children.

Is this a bummer of a post?
Yes.
If I’m making it look too easy, well, let me tell you…It’s not.
It’s hard.
It’s life sucking hard.
It’s a lot of bad words that I don’t say hard.

Lunch

Today I took a perfectly unhealthy lunch and made it worse.

I planned on making grilled cheese sandwhiches on white bread to go along with the tomato soup I already made.

When I was getting the cheese & butter out of the frige I saw that I had previously cooked up some bacon.

Grilled cheese bacon sandwhich. It was so yummy I ditched the tomato soup.

I washed it down with a Crystal Light Lemonaid. Does that help any? I didn't think so.

I'm watching the Laughlin boys while Aaron is working this week. They've been perfect. I've enjoyed having them around. I just love sqeezing that Jaxon boy!



Please pray for Miles. He's just not doing well. I'm trying hard to keep him from pneomia again. He's sounding pretty rough. Also, he's had some other major things going on that the Lord needs to heal. Please listen, I don't mean he's just got a cold and I'm asking you to throw up a 15 second prayer. I'm saying that Miles really needs the Lord to do something major in his body all over! He's not doing well. Thank you ahead of time.

Perseverance

Today I’m not in the mood to “endure all things.” Not that it really matters that I’m not in the mood. The Lord hasn’t asked me if I’m ready to have Miles healed, and go on with my medical equipment free life.
My life remote has not been delivered where I can push pause while I hide under my covers and try to find my center.
Vacation is not available.
Clones are creepy. Handy but creepy.
Unfortunately, I’m not very easy to replace.

James 1:2:4 drums in my spirit.
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kids, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

So although I’m not “in the mood” to endure all these things, I have a higher calling. I’m after perseverance. I know when perseverance has finished it’s work in me that I will be mature and complete and not lacking in anything.

So now I just have to convince myself that I will indeed have perseverance finish its work in me.

Lord, you know my inner most being You know that I’m weary. I need your rest. I need completion in the works that you’ve started in me and my son. I’m ready for you to show off in Miles’ body! He needs you in every fiber of his being. So do I.

Rough Week

It’s been a rough week for Miles. He was at the hospital for several days, he got a yucky cold there so I’ve been suctioning him every five minutes since we’ve got home and today…

Okay, really, it was one of the saddest things I’ve ever seen in my whole life! Me and the kids were outside getting in the car to go shopping and to go to the library this afternoon. Miles was in his wheelchair and Spencer had wheeled him to the back of the Suburban while I was locking the door. I saw the accident happen, but I can’t really say how it happened. I don’t know if Spencer tripped a little or if he just turned Miles the wrong way, but I saw Miles’ wheelchair fall to the side and Miles fall out of it onto the concrete. I threw my stuff down and ran to Miles. When I got to him he wasn’t moving at all! He wasn’t making any sound at all!

I tried to pick him up but the wheelchair had pinned his arm down. I lifted the wheelchair off of him and then picked him up. He started sobbing! He cried a terrible cry that I’ve never heard before. We were all just mortified! I took him to the porch to check him out and he had a scrape above his eye that was bleeding a little bit. He was crying so hard that I took him inside so I could just hold him and love on him. Spencer kept saying, “I’m sorry Miles. I’m sorry Miles.” I told him that Miles would be fine, and that I’m positive that Miles’ forgave him. Joey and I had tears in our eyes. We all prayed for Miles to be okay. Joey started to lay his hands on Miles’ head, but he didn’t want to hurt him he said.

After awhile Miles calmed down. The poor guy. He’s never been hurt like this before. Ya know, we had decided when we started using the wheelchair that the kids could push him and play with him. We decided that he’s a toddler and that toddlers get hurt sometimes. We don’t want Miles to be a sterile child where no one can touch him. What kind of life would that be? Well, until now it’s never been a problem. He’s never been hurt like this. He’s rounded a corner or two too fast, but never got hurt. As terrible as it was to see Miles like that I have to say that we will still let the kids push him. Spencer really wasn’t doing anything wrong. It was kind of a freak thing. Something great that I'm really proud of is that I didn't yell at Spencer. I was very calm throughout the whole thing. I would have felt even worse if I had taken out my emotions of Spencer. I know he never would have done anything like that on purpose! I'm so thankful that didn't scream and make things worse!

Anyway, I felt physically sick for about an hour afterwards. Seeing Miles is pain like that really hurt me. He’s the sweetest little boy I know, and I felt terrible that he got hurt.

I was shopping at Hobby Lobby and I caught myself avoiding people down the aisles. I mean, what does it look like when you’re little wheelchair boy had a black eye? That seems wrong! Poor little boy!

As hard as he cried I still think me, Joey and Spencer hurt more than he did.




Can you see the bruises on his forehead?

Here's What's Going On...

UPDATE:
We have to stay another night. Miles' body temperature was freaking everyone out. He already has a low grade temperature. I have to reassure them all the time of this. But, it did get really low. It was down to 90 degrees. That happened the last time we were at the hospital in January. I’m thinking that it happens a lot. More interesting info about that one later.

Also, his procedure was at 8:00 this morning and he didn't wake up until 3:00 this afternoon, again, freaking out by the nurses. It’s probably because of his temperature that he was so hard to wake up. Again, more details about that one later.

The good thing is that the test came back positive. His body responds very well to the baclofen. His body is so free right now. The doctor just came back in to check on him and told us that it was like "Cinderella" at night the medicine will wear off and his body tone will go back like when we came.

The shocking news is that the doctor wants to put this pump in Miles in two weeks instead of in a year from now. He totally agrees with me that Miles needs freedom in his body. He will be the youngest to get this pump. Tomorrow the neurosurgeon will be in to see Miles and tell us if he can possibly fit it in him body. As with everything with Miles I have mixed feelings about this. Part of me is so dang excited because it will mean that Miles will have continuous ability to move his arms and legs. He hasn’t been able to do this in so long that I can’t even remember it. Of course the other part of me absolutely detests the thought of something foreign in his body that is hooked up to his spine. I’m sure you understand.

So, that’s the update. Randy and I are getting another luxurious night in the hospital.

Intrathecal Baclofen Pump System

The first day of Spring Break and where am I? What kind of glorious day am I having? What exciting trip out of town am I having? Well, I'm in Ft. Worth doing a trial run of Intrathecal Baclofen on Miles. You can read and see what in the world it is. It's such a strange feeling to be praying that Miles will hurry up and grow a little more so he can get this done to him. Right now he's chubby enough to get it done. He just has to grow a little bit longer. His nuerologist wants him to have it done as soon as possible. Kids Miles' age hardly ever get it done this early. He just needs some freedom in his body!





What is baclofen?Spasticity is a motor disorder characterized by tight or stiff muscles that may interfere with voluntary muscle movements. Baclofen is a muscle relaxant medication. It is commonly used in adults to decrease spasticity related to spinal cord injuries or multiple sclerosis. Baclofen is also used to treat children who have cerebral palsy.

How does baclofen work?
Spasticity is caused by an imbalance of excitatory and inhibitory input in the spinal cord. This imbalance causes hyperactive muscle stretch reflexes. These reflexes result in involuntary spasms and increased muscle tone.
Baclofen works by blocking the release of excitatory neurotransmitters in the spinal cord. Ideally, baclofen restores the balance of excitatory and inhibitory input to reduce muscle hyperactivity. In this way, it also allows more normal motor movements

What is the baclofen pump system?
The baclofen pump system is the intrathecal (directly into the spinal fluid) method of delivering the medication. The system consists of a catheter (a small, flexible tube) and a pump. The pump--a round metal disc, about one inch thick and three inches in diameter--is surgically placed under the skin at the level of the abdomen.
The pump stores and releases prescribed amounts of medication through the catheter. The pump has a 10-mL fluid capacity and can be refilled by inserting a needle through the skin into a filling port (called the diaphragm) in the center of the pump.

THIS IS WHERE I AM TODAY!!!!!!!

How will my doctor know if the baclofen pump system will work?
If your doctor recommends the baclofen pump system, you will have a trial of the intraspinal therapy to test the potential effectiveness of the medication. During the medication trial, a small needle is placed near the spinal cord in the lower back. The medication is injected into the spinal canal and you are assessed over 8 to 10 hours to determine how well the medication treats the spasticity. If your muscles don't relax during the first trial, a larger dose may be given the next day to determine its effectiveness.
This procedure causes minor discomfort. You may experience temporary muscle weakness due to the relaxing effect of the medication. This is caused by receiving a large dose of medication all at once during the trial.
Patients who experience positive results with the intrathecal medication can decide with their doctor if they should have a baclofen pump system implanted.
What are the potential advantages of the baclofen pump system?

Typically, the intrathecal baclofen pump:• Effectively reduces spasticity and involuntary spasms, promoting a more active lifestyle, better sleep, and reduced need for oral medications.
• Continuously delivers baclofen in small doses directly to the intraspinal fluid, increasing the therapeutic benefits and causing fewer and less severe side effects than that seen with the oral medication.
• Can be individually adjusted to allow infusion rates that vary over a 24-hour period. It can be turned on or off or programmed to infuse different levels of medication throughout the day, depending on your needs. For example, people who find their spasticity helpful in maintaining leg extension for standing or walking can have a lower infusion rate during the day.
• Can be turned off if spasticity reduction has shown no benefit.

Alley Cats

Monday night at about 9:00 Randy was being a great husband by taking out the trash…without even being asked. He went out through the boy’s bedroom to the back yard and threw one bag away. A few minutes later he popped his head through the door and asked me to bring him the other bag of trash. His shoes were muddy so he didn’t want to come into the house.
When I took the trash bag to him he told me to come outside because there were four bums outside in the alley and one was playing a guitar. I stuck my head outside and sure enough there was really loud guitar music coming from beside our trash cans. We have a privacy fence so I couldn’t see anyone, but it was so loud I thought the lead singer could possibly have a mic some how. He didn’t. He was such passionate.
I crack up at the singer, just one of the joys of living three blocks away from the Salvation Army. Randy got a huge grin on his face and said, “I think I’m gonna join them!” I laughed, but Joey didn’t. He showed definite concern about this situation and voiced his disapproval. I said, “What, are you going to tip the guy or something?” Randy said, “Yeah, go get me a dollar.” I’m cracking up at my obviously entertainment deprived husband and went to get him a dollar. When I gave him a dollar he said, “Hey, and get me a beer from the fridge.” Joey just shook his head and washed his hands of his Dad’s behavior. I took Randy the beer, looked directly into his eyes and said, “Bring Back Details!!!!”

About 15 minutes later I saw him come in with a limp. I yelled, “What did they do to you?” He grinned real big and told me that he just had muddy flip flops.

He told me that if I wanted details that I needed to get something to write with. I grabbed my laptop and we sat at the kitchen and laughed so hard that we had to gasp for air.

Details:
So, at about 9:00 at night there were four homeless guys hanging out in our alley and one had a guitar and was playing it loudly and putting on a show. Each of the four men had their tall can of beer inside a tall brown paper sack. Randy went out there to join them when one of them said, “Hey, we’re just out here havin’ some fun. You ain’t gonna call the Laws?”

Randy assured them that he wasn’t going to “call the Laws.” He said, “My wife told me that if I was going to come join you that I had to bring a tip.” That’s when he gave the dollar to the singer. The guy threw it in his guitar case.
The singer’s name is C.R. Perdy. He is about 60 years old and has a small frame. It was easy for Randy to remember his name because he kept inserting it in all the songs he played. He began to sing a song he said he wrote himself about Johnny Cash called “The Man in Black is Dead.”
When Spencer heard this he kept repeating, “The man in black is dead. The man in black is dead.” Joey, who is above such nonsense said, “Stop saying that. It’s not appropriate.” That kid cracks me up with how serious he can be sometimes.
After that song C.R. said, “Do you want to hear some Jimmy Buffet?”
C.R. began to sing “Margaritaville” and all the guys got excited until they realized that ol’ C.R. was going to be making up the words as he went along. Randy said that for some reason C.R. kept replacing the words “Margaritaville” for “Austin Texas” or “Daytona Beach Florida.” Also during Margaritaville he kept going on a tangent about bikers and a woman with long black hair.
Randy said that C.R. had his guitar strap attached with a strap, and every once in awhile he would stop singing, sling his guitar to his back, say something, and then sling his guitar back to the front to continue singing. One such time he looked at Randy and said, “I don’t know your name.” Randy told him his name. Then C.R. said with a song, “Oh, Randy, like…On The Other Hand.” One of the other guys said, “Yeah, like Randy Travis.” Then the other guy said, “Hey, do you know any Randy Travis?” C.R. just shook his head and said, “No, I can’t know em’ all.”
Twice during this jam session two of the guys stepped about five feet away to pee in our alley. Nice.
The guys kept wanting to hear the blues. C.R. didn’t know the blues I guess. There was one guy there from Philadelphia. Randy said he was tall and stocky. Every once in awhile the big guy would get tickled during a song and he would punch Randy in the arm…Rather Forcefully Randy added. He said he was kind of scared of the big guy even though he looked happy.
One time the big guy started laughing and C.R. swung his guitar around and asked what they were laughing at. The big guy just said, “We’re not laughing at you. We’ve just got our own thing going on over here.”
Before Randy left he was reminded that Willie Nelson was going to be in town the next night. And, wouldn’t you know it…our very own Alley Performer was going to open for him. That’s what was told to Randy anyway. Can you believe that Randy had a Back Alley Pass to see the opening act for Willey Nelson?
Well, after all those details and laughing so hard I was crying I realized that it was 9:24 and the kids were still up. I couldn’t believe how late it was already.
Randy said, “Time really flies when your Jammin’ with Transients!”

Hats Off To Me!

Today at the kid’s school it was “Crazy Hat Day.” I guess that was fitting because I wore a lot of hats myself today.

I began the day with my Mommy hat on as I got four of our children off to school. They had their folders signed, their lunch boxes in their back packs and all their hair was brushed.

Then I put on my Nursing hat as I began to properly take care of Miles. I administered all of his medication. I put on his braces. I gave him his breathing treatments. I also did several other “Nurse/Mommy” things for him.

After that I put on my “Soon to be Student” hat and went to Hardin Simmons. Miles and I went up and down and up and down the elevator as we talked to several people about me getting back to school in the fall. That went well.

When I left there I put on my “I sign up for too many things Mommy hat” as I rushed into the store to buy Friday desserts for half the kid’s school. Miles and I went into the store, I picked out the snacks and we ran back to the car so we would be on time for lunch at the school. Then we took the snacks into school, arranged them, and picked up Melody from Pre-K.

After I dropped off Miles and Melody at home with Shirley I put on my Business Woman hat as I ate lunch with my business partner husband. We discussed both of our future business plans.

Next came my Janitor hat. I cleaned out, vacuumed and washed our Suburban. Then I went to the kid’s school because on Friday’s I’ve started mopping the cafeteria, cleaning the bathrooms, mopping the bathrooms, taking out the trash and then putting the chairs back down on the floor. That is a workout!

Then I threw the Mommy hat back on as I brought home our kids from school…plus one friend. When we got home I made them a snack for after school.

Now I’ve got my Future Author hat on as I try to be creative.

Next up is my Professional Shopper hat. I’m about to go grocery shopping for our family of seven. I will do it with precision and stick to the budget.

When I come home I will throw on the Cook hat to make dinner.

After that I will put on my Leadership hat while I go to a meeting tonight at church.

Then after the kids go to bed I will put on my Special Hat…well, I don’t think I’ll give any details about that one.

Hats Off To Me!

(Make Sure Your Sound Is On)

Oh Yeah! New Phone! Oh Yeah! New Phone! Oh Yeah! New Phone!




Okay, so I know I'm a copy cat! I have the same phone as Amanda, but it's so cool I don't even care if you call me a copy cat! This thing is TOO COOL! I just got it yesterday. So far, my favorite thing about it is when Rachel calls me... Jaxon, in all his chubby glory, flashes on my screen.

Love the song!

An Oldie, But Goodie

Becky took this picture of Miles when he turned one. I think it's so cute.

I'm so excited...I just can't hide it...I'm about to lose control and I think I like it...

Oh my goodness I’m so excited and filled with joy for what the Lord has done! I’m giddy with good news! Okay, so, I taught Kindergarten today. It was perfect. The kids were amazing. I got every single thing done that I was supposed to. I wasn’t nervous at all. I didn’t get flustered. It was actually more uneventful then I could have even hoped for. The day seemed like it lasted five minutes total. I had a great time and the kids loved me! They all wanted me to teach the class everyday.
During naptime when I finally had a minute to sit down I began to pray and thank God for helping the day go so beautifully. I told him that I was more confident than ever that one of the things I’ve been called to do is teach. Randy and I have been talking a lot about me going to school in the Fall to finish my education degree. 4 of my kids will be in school all day so it would be a great time to go back. Of course a major issue with that is what I would need to do with Miles. So, I was praying and telling God that I would need his help to get into school, to complete it and most importantly to help me find someone for Miles so that I would feel confident to leave him.
Okay, it’s about to get really good.
On the way home from work I had a voice mail. I checked it and it was a message from a lady from the program called MDCP. I won’t bore you with too many details, but it’s a program that I signed up for 3 years ago. THREE YEARS AGO! It’s a program for children with disabilities. He finally has made it to the top of the list. The program insures that no matter how much money Randy and I make in the future Miles will be qualified for Medicaid as long as he’s in the program. That in itself is reason to jump up and down and shout to the Lord. Randy and I plan on making a lot of money and it’s nice that all our resource won’t always be going to Miles needs. Also, this program provides respite care for Miles. Here’s what the lady said on the phone today: The provide respite care for Miles while I go to WORK OR TO SCHOOL! I have to find a babysitter just like I would do for any child and this program will pay that person to watch Miles for me!!!! How incredible is that? Last week I talked to Shirley, my mother in law, about watching Miles while I went to school and she thought it was a great idea. So, this program will pay Shirley to watch her own grandson while I go to school!!! When I heard that I just wanted to shout praises to the Lord while I was on the phone. Again, it’s just confirmation that this is the timing for me to go back to school. The lady also told me that they would pay a nurse to watch him if I wanted them to. I don’t really want that at this time but it’s nice to know it’s available.
On top of all that Randy’s realtor called and said that she had someone that wanted to buy the house he’s working on right now. They will be done with it next week and that’s the way we like to sell them! Also, we got a call from a couple today that want to buy our brand new house. They’re still trying to figure out if they can afford it, but they’re very interested! I’m totally pumped about that!
So, that’s my super, duper, fantastic, joyful news! Praise the Lord with me!!!!! He’s being so faithful to us!

As Promised...

Here is my Gift & Surprise~





Sunday afternoon we got a very unexpected phone call from our very own Blogville resident...Cherith Newman. She got Randy all choked up on the phone and then he handed it to me. On the other end was Mrs. Newman telling me that her and Cole wanted to buy us a brand new washer and dryer and that they would be by our house later that afternoon. We were so shocked! I've never owned a NEW washer and dryer before!

As promised they arrived and we all went to Lowes to pick out a washer and dryer. We got to pick out anything we wanted. I think we left with the perfect set. This is the super, ultra, you have how many kids?, washer and dryer!The washer is a General Electric 3.7 Cu. Ft. King Size Capacity Frontload Washer. The dryer is a General Electric 7.0 Cu. Ft. Super Capacity Electric Dryer.

I've already tested it out and it dries a thick comforter like a dream! It's just so dang quiet! Here's how fancy the thing is...it came with a DVD on how to operate it! You better believe I watched every bit of it. When it came time to operate it I knew just what to do!

So far I'm very impressed with it. Cole and Cherith are such amazing givers. They were so joyful when we were spending their money. Even Justus was happy to be a Lowes. I'm very thankful for their generous gift. Very generous gift! Thier family is a blessing to me!

Exciting Things!!!

Okay, I’m excited about many a thing! First of all I received an AMAZING gift and surprise yesterday!!!! I will write about it tomorrow when I have time to load some pictures on here! I mean it’s AMAZING!!!!!

The exciting thing for the day is that I’m going to take Miles to a doctors appointment in Ft Worth all by myself today. I’ve never done that before. I’m excited and slightly nervous about going by myself. Definitely more excited than nervous! I know how to get there and I will be brave enough to face traffic. The appointment just came up on Thursday and since I was just there last Tuesday Randy couldn’t take off again to go with me. I think it will be great. I’ll have time to pray, sing Really loud along with my iPod, and when I don’t know the real words to the song I can still belt out the words that I make up myself without anyone around that will care. I’m looking forward to stopping when I want and sneaking off to Starbucks if I want. I think it will be a good day.
Please pray for me because like I said…I’ve never made this trip by myself before. Also, I never actually stay awake the whole trip. I always get in a nap while Randy drives. I don’t think Miles will be doing any driving today so it’s all on me. Also, my gosh I could use some encouragement about Miles at the appointment today. It would take a miracle to get encouragement from this doctor today, but Lord knows I need one!

Okay, one more big thing to be excited about! I’m so giddy! I went to school this morning to tell Mrs. Brokaw that Miles has an unexpected appointment that I need to bring him to this morning. I asked her if I could possibly work Friday instead. She said, “Yes. That would be just fine. Actually, could you teach for me that day? I was thinking about taking a personal day.” ME TEACH!!!! I’m pretty sure I did something like squeal like a high schooler which I’m sure built up her confidence about me. I said, “Oh please let me do it!” She got clearance from the office and it’s a go! I have enough college hours to substitute. This Friday I will be the teacher for my great Kindergarten class! AAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!! I’m so thrilled! I love those kids and I know Friday will be a great day!

I’m very excited to tell you about my gift and surprise yesterday! Stay tuned!