Life with the Wheeler Family

Madison oh Madison!

2010-07-10T00:59:00.005-04:00

Come home my dear Madison! It seems like you've been gone forever our sweet girl. You can't live with Grammy and Poppy. Sorry. Your turn is over. Come home soon. We miss you. :0)

Madison oh Madison!

2010-07-10T00:59:00.001-04:00

Happy Birthday Jesus!

2009-12-25T11:23:00.003-05:00

We've had a wonderful morning! I'll post more later but that's at the forefront of my mind. Emma was thrilled to be the one to put Baby Jesus in his manger this morning. She kissed him and passed him around before placing him in there gently. I love it. I hope you all have a wonderful day with family and friends. I'll try to post photos later.

Advent Workshop

2009-12-07T10:36:00.002-05:00

The children and I went to the Advent Workshop at our church last night. We had a grand time again. It is such a fun event! I remember going to the same function as a youngin. I still have a wooden reindeer that I made at one. I also remember making wreathes out of fresh greenery. I also made Chrismons, which are "Christmas Monograms". They are Christian symbols that adorn our Christmas tree in our church. I know if I looked hard enough I'd find some on there that I made as a child.

It is a family event where the fellowship hall is set up with different tables and stations. Each area has a different craft or item to make and then take at the end of the night. Last night, the gingerbread houses were a favorite. They also made birdseeded bagels, frootloop and cheerios garland, cranberry ornaments, Chrismons, ceramic tile trivets, Christmas cookies, hot chocolate mix gift jars, decorated gift bags, cards, to name a few. I love seeing my kids so comfortable at church. As tired as I was, I love the fact that they never want to leave. They always seem to be some of the last ones there. That's a good thing. Merry Christmas all.

Time is flying

2009-11-28T13:59:00.002-05:00

We went to mom and dad's for Thanksgiving and came back late last night. I found out this trip that I like traveling at night. We went down on Tuesday evening after school and visiting with Nanny and Granddaddy for a while. It was around 5:20 when we left so it was dark very shortly after we got on the road. We drove for about and hour and fifteen minutes and stopped for dinner. After that, the children were full and ready to sleep. They were very subdued and the ride was great. I decided to do the same thing on the way back.

We celebrated my brother's 40th birthday on Thanksgiving Day. The children were very excited to present him with a scrapbook that we made for him. I must give big "thank yous" to Stacey B. and my Mom for helping with that project! It wouldn't have happened without your help, you're both the best! The last page was a happy birthday page that was mainly from the children. I think he really liked the book. It had pictures from as far back as when our Mom was pregnant with him! It pretty much covered the gammut.

Here's a first: my Mom and I went shopping on Black Friday! We were at the Wytheville WalMart at 4:40 am! I was specifically looking for some electronic items for the children and hoping for the $198 laptop for Mom. We did really well working together and splitting up. I decided right off that I wasn't going to attempt the laptop when I saw the hoard of people lined up around the items and cordoned off with police tape. I finished my shopping and went to checkout. I struck up a conversation with the couple behind me about their laptop in their cart. The lady said that it was crazy getting it and that she had gotten up at 2:30 am to get in line for it but she was thinking of not buying it; she already had one and didn't really need another. I told her I was hoping for one for my Mom for Christmas but had given up when I saw all the people... Next thing I know, her husband put it up on the counter in front of me and said, "Tell your Momma to have a nice Christmas"!!! I couldn't believe it! They were there for that long and they gave it to my to buy! This just made my day! It made my mom's too! Great people- that was my experience on Black Friday... :)

Boo!

2009-10-23T00:53:00.002-04:00

Scared ya! We're back! Our computer finally went the way of the dump and we've been offline for a while. I bought a new desktop today. It was a good buy for a great price. So we're back and will be figuring out the new Windows 7 I guess.

The kids are doing really well. Mason will have his last flag football game on Saturday. He has absolutely loved playing. He's bummed that the season is ending. He'll be counting down to next football season. I guess I have two guys in the house like that now... :0) We're going to have him play one more season of flag fb so that he can really get the hang of the fundamentals of the game before moving on to pads and tackle. (Did I say anything about putting on a little bit of size too?) giggle giggle Boy, did he get aggressive once he got the concept of the game. He reminded me of myself when I played field hockey in school. They'd all size me up, and underestimate me of course, because I was the scrawny one. Then I'd let 'em have it! That was my boy too!

Madison is navigating her way through second grade. She seems to be having an easier time of school this year. She's not so caught up in her clothes. Last year I felt she was self conscious and always worried about everything being just so. Horrible for a 6 year old! It really had a lot to do with a group of girls in the class I think. This year, she doesn't really worry about things so much. I'm glad. She seems like she's happy being her, comfortable in her skin, perfect in God's eyes and her own. Just the way I want her to be. :)

Emma Grace is loving kindergarten. She is just writing up a storm! It's like she's just taking off this week! I love seeing those developments happen right before our eyes! She rounded the corner tonight and spelled out "I'll s-e-e you in the morning". She's writing all of our names in the family, love, and see. This all happened in two days! Well, it just came out on paper! I love it!

Tracy and I will be going to Belvedere Farm with Emma Grace tomorrow for her kindergarten field trip. It will be a special treat for all of us. I'll try to post some photos tomorrow. We'll see how that goes with this new computer.

First day of Kindergarten!

2009-08-25T09:18:00.003-04:00

Emma Grace had her first day of Kindergarten yesterday! She absolutely loved it! She woke up raring to go and as happy as she could be. To beat it all, she woke up the same way today too! She loved the bus, she loved her class, her teacher, the whole nine! She said she made two friends, Olivia and Paige. She checked out her first library book and had it in her hand to show us as she got off the bus! She couldn't be more pleased.

Mason and Madison came home as pleasant as they could be too. They said that they ate lunch together and filled us in on who's in the class and how everything goes. They seemed like they really enjoyed it too. I'm really hoping that they continue to grow closer with this new setup. They've even all seemed to be closer since they've all been back from Mom and Dad's.

I'm thrilled with both the teachers that we got this year. They are both seasoned teachers and it's very noticeable that they love what they do. Emma's teacher has been teaching for 20-some years and the twins' teacher is in her 36th year! I'm pretty sure that's what she said. I'm very excited for all of them. It feels like they're all good matches. God is good!

BTW: I'll post pictures later. Just having a little trouble with the camera lately.

School is drawing near...

2009-08-05T10:06:00.003-04:00

I've had the strangest conversation with the twins lately. They've asked that they be put in the same class this year. When they first asked, I was driving and thought I'd run off the road! They're going into second grade and they never have said anything about it; until now. I wondered where that came from but they both said they wanted to be together.

Now that I think about it, over the past two years, they've talked about their days and shown great interest in what was happening in the others' room. They've seemed like they missed what the other was doing during the day. They've told Tracy and me that they want to be able to eat lunch together and be on the playground together, just be together.

I found it kinda funny since they do fight but maybe this will be a way for them to foster a different kind of relationship, away from home. Some things that we've weighed are: there is not one twin who is more dominant, there is not one twin who depends on the other, and they both have established their own "sense of self" already. We've questioned them numerous times and they still say they want to be together. This is all initiated by them so we've decided to go with it.

I called our principal this morning and it's all set. We talked about the type of teacher that I feel would benefit them both and I have an inkling as to who it will be. We'll wait for the card to come in the mail. As for the full time job for me, we would have had to move the children to that school. I love them being at R.E. Lee and pray that good things are in store for this coming year. God is working. Our strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord.

Nothing new here

2009-08-03T08:57:00.002-04:00

We've been having a nice summer. The children have been swimming a lot and playing outdoors. We've had some rain and the usual thundershowers so that sometimes puts a damper on our outside time.

Emma Grace is now having her turn at Grammy and Poppys house. I went down to meet them about two hours from here on Saturday. We made the switch to get Madison and leave Emma. We met them at Cyrus McCormick Farm in Raphine, Va. It's a really nice place to stop over, especially now that almost all the rest stops are closed down. We had a nice picnic and then came home.

Yesterday Tracy and I took Mason and Madison over to Patriot Park to do some rollerskating. There is an ampitheater there with a smooth concrete floor that was perfect for them to put on a show! They then skated from the bottom of the park all the way to the YMCA playground! That's quite a distance for little legs like theirs!

Stepping out of the box...

2009-07-13T22:30:00.002-04:00

Some of you may know that I've put my feelers back out for a full time teaching position. This has been our (short) long term plan: when the kids are all in school, I'll go back to full time. Well, that happens this school year. The budget has been pretty bad with the school system so I've just figured that if it's meant to be, it'll happen. That's the way it's supposed to be anyway. Everything is up to God's plans, not ours.

So, I got a call today for an interview on Wednesday at 9:00. It's for a second grade position. I've never done anything with second grade. So, if it's offered to me I'll be way out of my comfort zone. Full time teaching: this time as a mom too, in second grade, at a school I've not been in, yikes! I'll do fine, I know, it's just a lot all at once. I'll just get past Wednesday first and then handle what comes next... keep us in your prayers please!

We're home

2009-07-10T23:38:00.002-04:00

All of our little ones are home for the time being. We'll have them all again for a couple of weeks and then Madison will be off to Grammy and Poppy's house around the 25th. We made a quick trip down to get Mason and to help Mom out a bit. She's been a bit under the weather so we went on Wed. evening and came home this morning. We did a little housework and grocery shopping and left her with a nice quiet house so that she can recoup a bit. :)

We have VBS at our church next week, July 20-24. That's Spotsy Presbyterian for those of you who may not know. It's always a fun and very God filled week if you'd like to come to volunteer and/or bring your little ones. Check it out!

I'll be working on posting beach pictures when I take the time. For now, there are three at the very bottom of this site, if you just scroll all the way down. Happy weekend!

Happy Independence Day!

2009-07-04T12:53:00.002-04:00

I just want to wish everyone a safe and happy Independence Day! We have one function down and two parties to go! We are blessed with wonderful friends who have invited us to their gatherings! We have a day of fun planned. :)

We are feeling a bit off balance without Mason but enjoying time with the girls. He is loving his time down at Grammy and Poppy's house! They went camping with Uncle Brad and Aunt Janet for a couple of days. He fished, swam, played volleyball, roasted marshmallows, you name it. The thing that is the funniest to me is that he rode his bike so much that he blew the tire out!! Now that's enjoying himself!!! Madison is next to go down there. Yay for her!

Have a great day! Love to ya!

He's called her Emma Grace Jackson before...

2009-06-29T00:04:00.007-04:00

This is Emma and her friend Cooper (Jackson) at our local fireworks tonight. Isn't that the sweetest picture? They are great friends and have been since they can remember. They just love each other too! He's my friend Raegan's little boy. She and I have been friends since grade school, forever friends, so they're carrying it on. :)

We've been so busy since school let out! We left for Myrtle Beach the day after school ended and stayed a week. Two days after we returned, my cousin and his family arrived from Colorado! David and Catherine stayed from Monday to Saturday with their precious 21 month old Lily Grace and 9 month old Emma Catherine. It was a wonderful visit! They flew home yesterday.

We went to the Spotsy Stars & Stripes Spectacular tonight and met many friends up there. I have lots of photos to share from the past few weeks. I'll need to take time to do a slide show but I have a few from tonight that I'll post quickly before I turn in. :)

Stacey and Lauren (aka: Bugga)

Mason, Cooper, Jack, Emma Grace, Madison, Caroline and Kendall

No more preschool!

2009-06-09T13:30:00.002-04:00

Emma Grace and Mrs. Roberson

Emma Grace had her preschool "graduation" this morning. It was an impromptu ceremony in her classroom. She is very proud of herself and ready to start kindergarten. She kept asking if she was going to kindergarten tomorrow. She doesn't want to wait. She has been going to a K classroom three mornings a week since December so she knows what it's all about. Her preschool is in a public school and she's had the luxury of attending K as well to get some instruction there too.

We're proud of her and think she'll do just fine. She's got a great pair teaching her and reading to her already so she's got a jump on it. Congratulations Doodle Bug!

Nature Rocks- for real!

2009-06-08T13:56:00.004-04:00

We took the children to Alum Springs Park on Saturday. Our friend John said that they were going hiking and that gave me the idea. We had a picnic, went to the bathroom, and changed our shoes. Just as we were setting out, John and the children pulled up! They were starting with their picnic so we set off ahead of them.

I took some good shots of the kids. I played at that park growing up so it was really fun to be there with them. We spent close to three hours there I think. One thing that has changed is the swinging bridge. It is no longer swinging. It is stationary and not near as fun as it used to be.

All of the children had field day at their schools today. Madison was a sack race fanatic and Mason enjoyed the "egg" and spoon race. I did get to squeeze in a photo of his beloved Miss Schwartz. He will miss her dearly I'm sure. (shh... I've heard her name and the word girlfriend uttered in the same sentence...)

Nature photos...Nature rocks!

2009-06-03T15:00:00.003-04:00

Our friend John, Emma's Godfather, wrote about spending time outdoors with family on his last post. It was titled "Nature Rocks". So here is what we've been doing outside the past week or so...

My aunt and uncle came to visit at the early part of the week and that's who is on the trampoline with the children. She's my mom's oldest sister. She has three. I must take this opportunity to say that she, NOT MOM, got on and jumped with the children! :) They will not ever have to struggle to remember who Uncle Tony and Aunt Charlene are now! They live far away and it's been almost three years since we saw them last. She seared herself in their memory forever!

Tracy and I participated in the Third Annual Frazier Mason Rally this past Sunday. It was a remarkable day. This was our third year taking part and I feel that we won't miss any if we can help it. Just to see all the people turn out for the memory of those men and to honor those men and women who give/have given of themselves is moving to say the least. I just am at a loss for words. We rode from Spotsy High to King George High and had people lined up along the roads all along the way. We'd see clusters of people of all shapes, sizes, and colors. One common thread was that they were all holding the flag, the American Flag that is, standing united.

Let us remember today....

2009-05-25T08:59:00.005-04:00

THE UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES VETERANS

He’s the man who sleeps beside you, or the one who brings your mail.
She might be the nurse or doctor who helped you when you fell.
The one who leads in preaching? The one who leads the choir?
The man who works at the bank, or the salesman just retired?
Maybe it’s the teacher who of history tells, Sharing sounds and smells one meets just before the tolling bell.
Could it be the corner man, with no legs, in a chair? Did you ever stop to ask him when hell lit up, it was – where?
Maybe she’s the mommy all the kids love to see. You’ve never asked, my child. Did you know it’s me?
Oh, you’ve heard the biggest names in war: Patton, Eisenhower, Lee.
I bet somewhere a Smith or Jones scouted from a tree.
Doesn’t take a fancy name or grandest job at all.
What it took was going where no one wanted to be, fearing death’s angels’ call.
A place where bombs and guns were ours, the other side’s as well.
A place where sights of horror were common and death’s stench was all you smelled.
A place far away from home, where mama and daddy sure won’t be, Nor that little girl of mine – she’ll soon be turning three.
And my buddy, he’s all torn up, his first baby’s on the way.
Chaplain came to him tonight – she lost the baby just today.
Buddies turn to brother not by blood that flows within, Nor by creed, or hometown, or color of one’s skin.
Buddies turn to brothers ‘cause they’re the only ones who understand the bond, the pride of ones who serve – the United States Armed Forces Veterans!
-Rolande, www.SgtGrit.blogspot.com

Here's Emma!

2009-05-11T18:41:00.003-04:00

I finally got Emma Grace's preschool pictures today. I was beginning to think

she'd lost the payment or something. Anyway, there she is; our baby. She'll be five in September. That's so hard to believe.

Mason had a different idea...

2009-05-05T23:42:00.004-04:00

I just did my sweep to check the kids one last time before turning in for the night. Mason is sleeping upstairs in his new room. We set up a bunk bed that belonged to my cousin. We had it and Mason wanted one so it worked out perfectly.

The one major issue with moving him up there is that he has been adamant that Gracie goes too. Well, she's going to be ten in a couple of weeks and slowing down on the stairs so she goes out for the night and then upstairs for good. This is only the second night that they've slept up there together and the top bunk was the big novelty. I don't even have any of the matching bedding for his room. These are just some sheets from mom and dad and his blankets. The only thing up there is the bed.

Anyway, here's the funny: this is a home of dog lovers. They are members of our family. BUT they are not allowed on the furniture; never have been allowed. That is until tonight I suppose! This photo shows what I found when I went to check on him. :) He could never really get her in his other bed. It is a firetruck bed that Tracy custom made for him. It has sides and is a twin so it just never worked out. Tonight: tonight was a charm for them I guess. They're on the bottom. It's a double and the top is a twin. So much for the top now.

She wanted to immediately get down because she just knew she was in for it. I told her to put her head back down, took the photo, and came back down the steps. I guess she's still up there with her boy. Good for her. Unfortunately as we found with our precious Sandy Girl, she won't be with us forever.

We're still here!

2009-05-05T08:53:00.005-04:00

Alright, I can't sit on these any longer. I've been waiting to receive Emma's but they are obviously taking forever. I ordered them from the school over 3 weeks ago I'm sure. I wanted to post them all together but I'll add hers when it comes. These are their first grade spring photos. They look so big to me. Well, they will be seven in the fall. They will always be my babies though. :)

He is Risen!

2009-04-12T10:06:00.002-04:00

Blessed be His Name. Have a wonderful Easter Day everyone.

I'm very disappointed to say that we are missing church as I type this. I woke this morning some time around 5 with a terrible stomach trouble that sent me to the bathroom. At the sake of making anyone else that way, we skipped and are going to attempt the trip to Mom and Dad's.

Have a great day!

What a memorable day!

2009-04-05T19:02:00.004-04:00

This is the first of three videos I took today. Our good friends Jen and Scott Huff hosted our Fredericksburg Area Mothers of Multiples Easter Party. Scott and another private pilot graciously gave our children rides in their airplanes. Scott and Rich are pilots for a national (?) program called Young Eagles and they awarded certificates and wings to those children who were ages 8-17.

In order to fit all of our children in over the course of the afternoon the pilots asked that the adults stay on the ground or wait until the end. If there was enough time they could go with their children after all the others had gone. Tracy and I opted to let ours go without me, not knowing if there would be enough time at the end. We also felt that it wasn't in our hands anyway. These men are very accomplished pilots and God would be carrying the plane so all would be well.

Before we closed the door, I covered my children and Mr. Richard in prayer then shouted, "Have fun!". If only Tracy could have been there, sweetie, you would have loved the excitement and sense of adventure in their eyes. Mason planned initially to scope out the Easter eggs that had been hidden on the ground near the hangar. He said that he'd get a good idea where they were. Madison and Mason had to do rock, paper, scissors for the front seat (per the ground crew man) and Madison won. Emma Grace was just taking it all in, not saying much but ready for what the ride held.

This was a memory that I think they will keep forever. My deepest gratitude to Scott, Jen, Rich, his wife, and the other gentleman who helped. My children and I had a grand time. I'm sure I'll catch it from some of the family but oh well. They're God's children, only ours but just for a short while. I want them to enjoy and experience life to the fullest.

I thought of this experience this way: Tracy and I have put so many children up in fire trucks to sit and look at the trucks. It's only just that though; to sit and look. Can you imagine what they'd do if he said, "Ok, today we're going for a ride"? Same goes for today. Let the kids sit and look at the plane but then tell them that we're not just going to look, we're also going to fly! That's just mindboggling. I can't imagine if at that age someone had told me that they'd take me for a ride in an airplane! That was just sooooooo out of reach for me, us, as a family. (Thanks Steve for that ride in that little hop so many years ago. I thought of you today. :)

Today we are blessed to have great friends like Jen and Scott who made that happen for our children. I took that opportunity to make a memory for our little ones. Thanks you guys. You are beautiful people.

Puppy Love

2009-03-30T09:44:00.003-04:00

Bella Boo and Gracie Girl

Blazer Boy and Mason Man (smile boys!)

Blaze and Mason

Bella and Mason

Mason loves our doggies! Well, we all do. I took some time to sit and watch him playing with them yesterday and got these shots of them. I thought they were worth sharing. He's becoming quite the little pack leader too. We all watch The Dog Whisperer sometimes and all of the children have become very instrumental in training and teaching our four legged children. We can't imagine life without them.

Cheer Fan-a-tics

2009-03-24T23:34:00.003-04:00

We went to watch some Special Olympics basketball games on Saturday. We signed up to be volunteer cheer fanatics for the athletes. We fit the bill well. The Broughtons came up with the idea and we went along for a fun day. I always welcome an opportunity to teach the children that we are all individuals and that we are all perfect in God's eyes. It was a fun day!

John and Stacey took some nice photos and have posted them to their blog. Take a peek at http://www.thebroughtonfamily5.blogspot.com/

Figuring it all out...

2009-03-18T22:24:00.002-04:00

Emma and I met some friends of ours for lunch on Monday. We try to get together but it doesn't happen often so this was a spur of the moment playdate. Emma was very thrilled to see Mark and Ethan. When we got there, they had already decided that she would have to sit in between them in the booth because they both wanted to sit by her. (they are twins) We all had lunch at Chick-fil-A and they all played in the play area for a bit while Michelle and I talked a while.

The reason for this post is as follows: she taught them a bit of a lesson on the way to the vans. We were all heading across the parking lot and she curtly notified them that, "Um, girls are supposed to go first". This was because they went out the door before her as we were leaving. She continued by saying, "Usually my brother holds the door for my mommy and me and waits for us to go out and then he goes out. Girls go first." Mark and Ethan kind of "harumphed" her and said that no, boys go first. She protested and then Michelle and I told them that it's being a gentleman to let a girl go first. They grinned and hid their faces at that. It was all pretty funny.

I made sure to tell Mason about this exchange when he got out of school. He grinned and thought that it was funny the way she told them. I emphasized the impact that he's made on her. I really made over him and how he's growing into a gentleman. Emma: She's obviously figuring out what she likes and dislikes already. I'm smiling right now. I'm praying we can keep setting that bar higher and higher...

Fun in the Snow

2009-03-04T09:47:00.003-05:00

Jack came over for a sleepover on Monday night. Mason and Jack both had a great time! They played games, wrestled, fought with the Hulk hands, had sword fights and watched movies. We went to get some groceries in the morning because it was too cold to play outside. We had lunch and then went outside when it warmed up to a whopping 30 degrees.

The dogs had a great time chasing us all down the hill as we sledded. Gracie loved going down on the sled with me. She'd come right back to the top and wait for me to get settled and tap on the sled to let her know when to get on.

Bella has decided that she loves Jack. I didn't think she was going to let Jack go to bed on Monday. She lay in the living room just gazing at him and doing this low rumble at him because he wouldn't look at her or talk to her. I then asked him to pet her so she'd stop and she was then in heaven. She loved him. She tried to get up and follow him when he and Mason went to bed. The next morning she was thrilled to see him again. Here's a photo of them in the snow. He was throwing snowballs to her. She'd catch them and eat them.

Madison, Emma, and Caroline had a sleepover at Caroline's house. They did all the girlie kind of things. They also got to go outside. John took them for a sled ride too. They built four snowmen. Oh, the one that the boys made didn't make it long after the photo. He met his demise quickly. You know how boys are...

Happy Birthday Tracy!

2009-03-02T20:22:00.004-05:00

Yesterday was Tracy's birthday. We had a very relaxing day. It was nice. The children organized a party for him in the afternoon. We then went out for dinner in the middle of the beautiful snowstorm! It was quite eventful. We responded to a fire call on the way home and were of a little help there. Well, let's just say, I wasn't riding in my van anymore...What a birthday! I'll never forget that one honey, and it wasn't even mine! I love you Daddy-O!

2009-03-01T11:13:00.005-05:00

We kept Ada and Willa last Saturday. They were a lot of fun! Ada is so funny. She kept coming out of Mason's and Madison's rooms wearing something different. I liked the Hulk feet the best. We took all five children to McDonald's for lunch and to play. They had a fun time and we did too. Nice children. Sweet babies, they are.

Mason and Emma had a sleepover last night. Madison was at her friend Lexi's house. I love to see them sleep. They look so peaceful. It takes the bad moments of the day away...

Happy Valentines Day

2009-02-14T10:27:00.004-05:00

I will miss all my sweet valentines while I am at work today... hope Emma and Madison feel better. Emma catch that mouse before I get home.

Papa's Salon

2009-02-10T13:35:00.004-05:00

Grammy and Poppy are back in town! The children (and we) are thrilled that they're here. The main reason is so that Dad and Tracy can finish framing the couple of little things upstairs. After that we can do the paint, carpeting, and fix the bathroom to the way we want it for the girls. It will only be a matter of time before they have bedrooms upstairs! They are both so excited! I was thinking of putting them together because they're so used to being together but Tracy wanted to give Emma her "own" room. This was such a great idea because she is so excited about it!

I said Poppy is here to work on their bedrooms but first he was put to work as a manicurist. I will say I believe that was the first time in his life! These girls of ours bring out the best in his heart, that's for sure!

Today's Blessing

2009-02-02T12:39:00.003-05:00

I tried to bless a guy at McDonald's this afternoon. I took Emma Grace to get a Happy Meal. Yes, the whole thing with the toy! We usually just pick and choose off the $menu... She was very helpful on our trip to WalMart. When I was waiting at the window I heard a lady with a stern, loud, commanding voice directing this young man to "see those fries over there?! When they're done they can't just sit there! You have to get them up and throw them over here! Look, come over here. Then you find something else to do! You don't ever just stand around with nothing to do! You find something to do! Make yourself look busy but you don't ever just stand there!" As he was listening, he had grabbed a rag and started wiping the counter...

So, I waited for Emma's food and for the woman in the background to be done. I then asked the one helping us if I could speak to him for a moment. I asked if it was his first day and was told no. Had to have been his second...He came over with a puzzled look and I just said with a smile, " I just wanted to tell you that the day will get better. Remember that you're very blessed to have this job because a LOT of people don't have jobs right now." He nodded with a weary head and I continued, " It just sounds like she's giving you a little bit of a hard time but just be thankful that you're here and the day will look up. You're doing a good job." He said thank you and we drove off. I'll just pray for him that he will see that she was trying to teach him a strong work ethic, though her way was a bit rough.

Blessings to you all today!

Showing the Face of Christ

2009-01-31T19:04:00.003-05:00

I read an article in the Free Lance Star today that was pretty interesting to me. Apparently, there was quite an event at a local church last Sunday that made the news. I already had heard of this through a friend who was there that day and had called to tell me about it. The whole thing seemed like what I call showing the face of Christ. I try every day to do that. Every day I fail, but every day I try again. I attempt to make choices that are Christ-like, what He would do, how He would treat someone. That's what this article made me think of.

Lifepoint Church meets at Chancellor High School. They have had a series of messages over four weeks pertaining to finances and how the Bible addresses money. They take in an offering of around $12,000 a week so last week they did something very different. In reading their website, I understand that they have spoken on saving in your budget a bit of a "cushion" if you will, to minister or pay it forward. After passing the plate, they passed the plates again and gave specific directions on what to do. 1. Take an envelope from the plate. 2. You may not give it back to Lifepoint Church. 3. Pray about who God would have you bless with this money. 4. Give it to whomever you feel led.

They passed out $12,000 that morning in envelopes in increments from $10-$1000. I read many comments today on their website on how people used the money to bless others. It's amazing how finding a simple ten dollar bill with strings attached could prompt so many to bless the lives of others. Most wrote that they matched the donation so that they could give an individual more. Just being directed to do it in a structured but not structured way gave so many people the push to care for others. The profound statement made by so many was that they felt so blessed to be involved. I read about it at http://www.lifepointgivesback.org/

This has me thinking of our teaching and rearing of our little ones. We're becoming regulars at SECA (Spotsy Emergency Concerns Assoc). We donate our things there that the children have outgrown so that others in the community can benefit. The children know it well and are very active in making the pile "for SECA". This is just a little part of giving back but we use it as a teaching opportunity each time we can.

The photos I enclosed today are of four individuals who are very instrumental in our raising of the children. They are their godparents. Renee, M&M's godmother, is in the photo with all three. Today is her 40th birthday. Happy Birthday! We love you girl! David, my cousin, is the twins' godfather. BTW, he has a really cool website called http://www.truemanhood.com/ Check him out. The Father broke the mold when he made him. Lastly, John and Stacey are Emma Grace's godparents. They are like a second mom and dad to our kids. I love you guys. Thank you all for all you do for the children and for us. You are blessings to us.

Weekend at Poppy's

2009-01-23T22:45:00.001-05:00

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

The ceiling is falling!

2009-01-21T23:21:00.002-05:00

Well, not quite. We got back from our trip yesterday. We had a great time. In all, there was about six inches of snow. The kids loved it! I'll post pictures later. Of course, they didn't want to come home. They don't ever when we're with Grammy and Poppy. :) The plus this time was that Mom and Dad were coming home with us because Dad had a drs. appt. here today.

We all got up this morning to start the day and Tracy went to work. Around 6:45 Mom noticed "a little bit of water on the floor over here honey". Long story short, something happened with the pipes upstairs in our seldom used extra rooms and bathroom. My Dad took a shower this morning and the water was coming down through the ceiling and walls. Tracy had everything shut off so that nothing would freeze since it's been so cold lately but I guess a line froze anyway.

So begins the process of insurance adjusters, demolition, and repairing. It could have been worse. The ceiling could have fallen on my head and splashed water all over me. Now that would have been drama! Emma thought our house was going to "splode Mommy, hurry and call 911!" How's that for a laugh? She's something now.

Gettin' outta Dodge

2009-01-15T23:57:00.002-05:00

Millions are slated to be heading this way and we're outta here! We're going south for a few days. I wish I could say for the winter but that won't fly. Our school system was "strongly encouraged" by the powers that be to close school on Tuesday, Jan 20. We already have the 19th off. So we're taking the four day weekend as a trip to Grammy and Poppy's.

The kids don't know yet. The girls are getting suspicious though. They saw the suitcases out and were full of questions. I managed to put them off. They would have been packing their whole rooms if I'd told them tonight. I'm sure I'll be in front of their 20 questions in the morning.

Have a great weekend. I plan to. Mom asked what I wanted to eat. We plan on cooking, reading, and playing. I love being at her house. Really it's not that. I just love being with her. I don't care where in the world we are. Just with her and the world is set right again. Manda and Stacey: Meninis, Gigis and Grammys are the best. Nothin' like em, huh?

Here it is Mrs. Burns! :)

2009-01-09T14:11:00.003-05:00

Yes, it's been a while. I'm sorry. We had a wonderful two weeks with my mom. Dad was also here for a few days. They both left right after Christmas but she came back a couple of days later and stayed until Jan. 4th! We all loved it! The photos are just a few of the funny shots that were taken lately.

Tracy and I went out with Amy and Mark for New Year's Eve. Mark kept blinking and every shot I took had his eyes closed. This one is a deer in the headlights shot because he forced his eyes open against the flash. He's such a goof! They called the place non-smoking, if only the basement wasn't the smoking section we would have been alright. Look at Tracy's eyes. Really, he's not drunk.

One of Mason's favorite toys from Christmas are these Hulk hands. He used some of his money to buy them. I told him that we had to get two pair. You know, fair is fair. We have all had a lot of good fun with them; even Nanny! That was a moment that I had to record with a photo! Notice his clenched jaw. They were having a blast. Tracy said that's the most fun she's had in months probably. They met her at the door and wanted her to put on the hands. She was a good sport. She's always pretty willing to try anything for them.

The week has been busy. The kids are back to school. I'm back to work. That's the extent of it. Yay, it's Friday! Oh, and Mom's gone, Poo.

What a wonderful day it was...

2008-12-26T09:16:00.005-05:00

It was a great day yesterday. Our earliest riser slept until @ 7:30 and we decided to let her get started. Grammy and Poppy were already in the living room and we called Nanny and Granddaddy to see if they wanted to come over. It has become a tradition that they come over to see "the babies" when they come out to discover the presents. Mom and Dad would come over too when they still lived here but they were already here since they live far away now.

So, we were all set except for Mason and Emma. They were still sleeping and it was close to 8:00. Madison woke them and the games began! They were all so thrilled with what they found. Madison, as you can see, got the American Girl doll from Mom and Dad. Emma Grace got her pee pee babies. (from Santa) She got b/g twins! She couldn't believe it! Mom and Dad also got her a Graco double stroller and she is just over the moon about all of it. Mason got a new bike from Mom and Dad. Santa left great things too but to me it seems that Grammy and Poppy took the cake... Nanny and Granddaddy got them a 3-in-1 game table that has pool, air hockey, and ping pong on it. It's really cool and we've already had a lot of fun with it.

Tracy's family arrived around 10:15 and we had an early lunch a little after 11:00. We then did more presents with them. When the last ones left around 2 we all went down for naps. We got up and played and played some more!

It was a fun day and the best part was being with my family and loved ones. To those of you who are far away, I miss you and love you. Peace out!

December is in full swing

2008-12-08T22:47:00.007-05:00

The children are really enjoying the anticipation of Christmas. We have been reading lots of Christmas stories in preparation of the big day. We have spent the past two Sunday nights reading about the coming of the Christ Child. We are looking forward to God's promise. 2 Peter 3:13

They have all been very excited about our Advent wreath and readings and prayers involved in our Advent Sundays. Madison came home last Monday and told me that "Mrs. Raymond doesn't have her own Advent wreath. She didn't get one." She sounded a bit concerned about it. Evidently they discussed it at school. I explained to her that a lot of people look forward to it being lit at church and don't have one at home and that's ok. I just hoped that that opened a door for Mrs. Raymond to have a bit of a discussion about it possibly. Anything child initiated and she's ok. :)

We had a pretty busy weekend. I took the children to their school for a breakfast with Santa and then to their holiday shop. The photo is Madison and her good friend Lexi from her class. That was the first time EVER that Emma Grace had her picture taken with Santa; well, without screaming that is. We then went to a beautiful musical service at church on Sunday morning and to the multiples Christmas party on Sunday afternoon. That was at the Playroom here in town. It's an indoor playground with inflatables, games, dress up stuff, etc. The kids loved it. Stacey's mom and dad came by as Santa's helpers. They're in the photo with Mason, Madison, Emma Grace, Jack and Caroline. We missed getting little Lauren in there. She was pretty ready for bed by then. We missed Stacey. She was in San Diego on business. Glad you're back girl! Missed you too Manda and Jason, hope you're back too

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-11-26T22:19:00.005-05:00

The house is quiet after a long day of preparing to head to Mom and Dad's. I spent it doing some things that I hadn't planned on doing but am glad I did. I was sharing, spending time with my sweet friend, and just slowing down a bit. My plans were to hustle and work all day but I didn't. I just did some of the day. I let the kids play with their best buds and had time with mine. I remembered what is important and gave thanks for that.

A lot of the time I get so wrapped up in what I think needs to be done that I miss what's right in my face. Today and especially tomorrow, I will be reminding myself of the important things. I have so much to be thankful for and I need to slow down to see it every day, not just on Thanksgiving.

Enjoy your day and all that you are blessed with. I know I will. We will all be together. This is the first Thanksgiving that I can remember that Tracy will be with us and not at work. He's off! We're taking a four day trip! Yippee!!

"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever, " Psalm 107:1

I've been tagged

2008-11-22T09:38:00.002-05:00

Manda at www.mandasladybugs.blogspot.com tagged me. I've never done one of these things but here goes.

Link to the person who tagged you
Post the rules on your blog
Write 6 random things about yourself
Tag 6ish people at the end of your post
Let each person know he/she has been tagged
Let your tagger know when your entry is up

1. I was just telling a friend last night about how thrilled I am that Tracy and I will have been married for 9 years on our next anniversary. Before I met Tracy I was always secretly worried that I'd find someone that I'd click with. I worried that I wouldn't find that man to fill the picture of what forever is in my eyes. Shoot, those nine years seem like nothing. We just roll with each other. I love that.

2. I am strong willed. Sometimes it makes me hard to deal with I guess. This has shown up in all of our children. It stands out in one in particular. Emma gives me a run for my money. Every day. Boy is she strong willed. Mom and Dad say she's just like I was as a little one, only more headstrong. That's that Tracy Wheeler in her! I love her like crazy though. I can't imagine our life without her; without that wonderful gift God gave us! ;)

3. I love dogs. I'm hoping to train Blaze as a therapy dog. He has the ability and the sweet temperament. Bella does too. I can't imagine taking both of them together though. I love the effect that Gracie has on people when I take her to visit nursing homes or the hospital. It's just wonderful how she can brighten someones day. It brightens my day to be able to make that happen just by sharing my dog with someone.

4. I'm still trying to get over my parents moving away. Yeah, it's been over a year but it still stinks. I've been going through some major mommy-sickness lately and she can't come to visit. She hasn't been feeling well enough to make the trip. That upsets me even more that they made the move because it's inevitable that they're getting older and I'm way up here. What happens when one gets sick? I can't just go right up the road "4.3 miles" to be there for them.

5. I'm glad to be back in a school location. I've been teaching remotely at students' homes for the past year. A couple of months ago I started teaching at R.E. Lee part time in the afternoons. That's at the school that M&M attend. I really like being in a school where I'm making new connections and having colleagues again. There's really something to be said for adult conversation.

6. I'm very thankful for all of my many blessings. I have many friends and family who impact me daily. I have a wonderful home and family that I couldn't have dreamed of. Because I'm so blessed I like to pass it on. My parents taught me that a long time ago. I try to remind myself of it every day so that I pass some type of blessing on to someone each day. So, may the Peace of Christ be with you today. :)

Tag:

Stacey
Jen
David
Ann
Amy
Lisa

Mall Santas

2008-11-20T08:36:00.002-05:00

I felt that I must write a little tidbit on this subject. Emma Grace and I had to make a quick trip to the mall last week. Our vacuum has been acting up so I had to take it to Sears to have it checked out. We also walked down to Gymboree to catch a couple of dresses on a wild sale. On the way down, she happily noticed that Santa was there. She was very apprehensive at first because she's always been afraid of him. She's never sat on his lap, and this was major since Mason and Madison weren't there to comfort her.

She pressed on because she just had to ask him for the "Pee Pee Baby". My point in writing this is the job he did. He wasn't just some jakey old dude sitting there to collect a check. He engaged her in a conversation about why Christmas is special. He emphasized the importance of our loving one another and that's why he gives gifts to children and it being better to give gifts than to receive them! He said this all on her level and finished by telling her to love her family and that he loved her. He inserted some of the usual Santa stuff and we were on our way. I was kinda stumped. He told her the most important thing about Christmas is love. I don't know that he even asked her the "have you been good" business.

I was just impressed by the exchange. I always find myself thinking as I stand there watching them talk to him, "How does this fit into our Christian traditions?" It doesn't. But we just kinda go with it for now I guess. Hmm. Oh, as a sidenote: when I told Mason about it and was saying to Emma, "tell Mason what Santa said the most important thing about Christmas is", Mason piped up " he said it's Jesus' birthday!" That's my boy. :)

My thanks to the veterans

2008-11-11T19:18:00.004-05:00

Many thoughts went through my mind today of what men and women are going through for our country today. I thought of what they went through and realized then and there that I couldn't really do that. I have no idea... no clue. All I know is that they have unconditionally given of themselves for our country. They are gone from home and family for a LONG time all for the choice of serving our country.

So, thank you to those faces that I don' know. Thank you to those that I do. Dad, Grandpa, Uncle Boub/(Wilbur), Uncle Jack, Uncle Tony, Uncle Frank, Uncle Richard, Cousins Ricky, Andy, and Shaun, my dear friends Nathan, Ginger, and Pops (aka:Mr. Burns) : our country is indebted to you for your service. Thank you. God Bless You all.

Jumping in the leaves

2008-11-07T21:54:00.008-05:00

I started something yesterday. I started raking up a pretty big pile of leaves in the backyard and the children found me back there in the act. All three dogs were already with me and were pretty excited to see what the pile was for, once the children showed them. Even though it's a little blurry, I love the shot with Emma and Blaze squinting as the leaves fall on their heads. The blur is Madison's sleeve as she's "raining leaves" down on them. And look at Gracie smiling with those pups on either side of her! All six of those crazy kids were jumping and rolling in those leaves!

I remember the fun I had outside as a child, jumping in leaves for hours on end. My three tried to run out back this morning before school to "go to the leaves". Someone had to remind them that we were going to meet the bus soon. Sorry! Of course, that's the first place they went when we got home from school today!

Wish Lists

2008-10-29T21:54:00.003-04:00

Here's something funny to end the day. We were over at the in-law's house for dinner and they gave the kids some goodies for Halloween. They've had goodie bags all week I think. Nanny gave them each a card that had two dollar bills. Emma was so thrilled with this. They all were but really Emma.
Granddaddy started asking them what they were going to buy with the money. The other day we were talking about making a list for Christmas and Madison only wants a doll that looks like her. She's been asking for one since last summer (2007). So she told him that's what she was going to buy. She means an American Girl doll that's personalized to look like her. She's just a tad short on the money.
Mason didn't come up with any definitive answer but Emma's was a hoot! She said (very loudly because he had taken his hearing aids out), "Granddaddy I want a Pee Baby!" He then had to clarify just what that was. She explained that it is a baby that pees and has a bottle to drink real water from. She must have said Pee Baby 10 times when she was talking about it and my brother-in-law and I were just cracking up at her. She had a terrible time explaining it to him.
In the end, she was telling him that's what he needed to get for her and that she "had a great idea, I'm going to give this money to God! We'll take it down to the mailbox and send it to him." I don't know where that came from but I guess she figured she didn't need it because Granddaddy was going to get what she wanted so she'd pass the money on.
I took that opportunity to explain that we couldn't mail it to God but that we do honor him by giving him our offering in the sanctuary and in Sunday School at church. She took that. Man she makes me laugh!

Rain, rain go away

2008-10-25T11:27:00.002-04:00

I usually don't complain about the rain because we need it so much but... we want to be outside today!!! We are planning on going to the Ladysmith Village Pumpkin Festival later today and we're hoping the rain will be finished by then. We went to this event last year and it was a great time. It is hosted by the Life is Good company and it benefits Habitat for Humanity. It's a fun day for a great cause. So, here's for a dry evening!

Another first for Emma Grace!

2008-10-15T22:11:00.003-04:00

Emma Grace had her first dentist appointment today. Our dentist's office doesn't see children until they are four so this was our first for LuLu. She was excited about it. When Madison and I were talking with her about it this morning she said something about, "when they take my teeth out..." and I gasped and laughed! Madison did too and then we assured her that she was just having them cleaned. She seemed just fine with them taking her teeth out though. ?!? :) Mom seemed to think she was thinking of my Dad's teeth (dentures) when I told her about it. Who knows what goes on in that little head of hers? :) She cracks me up.

She asked the dental assistant if she was "a nice one" because she hadn't met her when she was there with M & M before. When the lady was rinsing and vacuuming her mouth she abruptly said, "Done!" The lady was in stitches over her. She got two toothbrushes out of the deal because she was so funny and cute they said. Over lunch she told me that she never wanted to go to that place again because she didn't like that cherry toothpaste. I convinced her that the taste would wear off and she'd be fine soon. I think the fluoride that they brushed on was kinda yucky and that had to be left on for 30 minutes. She wasn't crazy about that.

It was a good day overall. On a side note, my current student, Douglas, is dealing with a setback and has been readmitted to Children's Hospital in DC. He's a great kid, 10 years old, and could use some prayers. Thanks in advance.

Emma with the "nice one"

Emma with Dr. Malgan

All is well

2008-10-10T00:17:00.008-04:00

Everyone is doing quite well here! The pups are adjusting nicely. Mom and Dad came up today. They haven't been to visit since well before the Disney trip. We love it when they're here. It should be a nice weekend.

There's a fun charity event being held on Saturday for the Grace Oughton Cancer Foundation. It's the third annual 5K Race for Grace and Children's Miracle Mile Fireman Chase. Go to http://www.savegrace.com/ for more info. The Children's Miracle Mile can be completed walking or running or with children in strollers. It's really fun because the firefighters start out first and the children try to "catch" them and then pass them for the end of the race. It should be a fun day. I believe all children get a t-shirt and a medal. Don't hold me to it, but I think that's how it goes.

Mom and I went through the photos on their camera tonight and I thought I'd share some of her shots. Enjoy.

Drum Roll Please....

2008-09-28T20:24:00.004-04:00

We'd like to introduce the newest additions to our family; Bella and Blaze! They are 11 months old and we got them on Friday night. My brother, Brad, and Janet brought them up with them. Funniest thing, Tracy found them on a classified ad site online and they turned out to be living in Wytheville, Va. That's where Brad and Janet and Mom and Dad live (5 hours away)! And get this, the lady who owned them knows Janet. Kinda crazy huh?

They are pretty well behaved for their age. They do get pretty distracted by one another though. They are crate trained and house trained. They've stayed right in the yard with us. The family who had them has three small children as well so they are great with our children. That family lived in a neighborhood where there wasn't a lot of room to run so the pups spent a lot of time in their crate. Both of the parents work full time and the pups had to be crated when they were gone. They were also crated at night, so that ended up being most of their hours. They wanted more for them than being cooped up all the time. It was very hard for them to make the decision to give them away but they just wanted them to be in a place that was better for them but with another family that would love them as much as they did. --Insert the Wheeler Family

They definitely need some training and work but they have great potential. They are big lovers and as sweet as they can be. They love playing with the kids. Bella is gentle and submissive and Blaze is just as his name states. :) He's a little hardheaded, a chewer, and a thief. Gracie has already started to let them know the deal and had some fun playing with them as well. She's still the queen.

This is taking some adjusting on our family, household, lifestyle, etc. but it will work out. The kids already have dibs on who belongs to whom. They also met Max, Tracy's dad's dog. He's almost 3 and very playful like them. That's him on the left. (They skinny black lab. Shhh, don't tell Gracie I said that...) Good old Gracie is rolling with the flow, growling every so often when she feels the need.

They're not babies anymore

2008-09-26T13:30:00.005-04:00

I tried for a half hour last night to post a happy birthday message for the kids. This crazy computer kept locking up so I finally just turned it off and turned in! I at least found the photos and got them scanned in. I figured the post would just have to wait until today.

For those of you who didn't know them then, here are the twins at 6 days old (I think). He was always sleeping, he still requires naps and more sleep. She was always fussing or yakking about something and not much has changed since. :) They were in one bouncy seat together in that one shot! The photos of Emma Grace are of when she came home at 3 days old and then after a bath at around 3 weeks old. (not her first bath of course...) I just have always loved that picture because of how peaceful she looked and all of that hair! Mason couldn't wait to get his hands on her when we brought her home! He was so in love with that baby. He was the main one who would love on her while I was still carrying her. He still does to this day.

Happy happy birthday to my babies! What precious blessings from above you all are. You make me laugh, cry, cringe, giggle, run, jump, and strive to be a better mommy every day. I love you all to the moon and back. You stinkers.

And here they are now:

We're back

2008-09-24T14:46:00.003-04:00

We got back from Disney last Friday, the 19th. We had a wonderful time! Who would expect anything less? We've had a busy week with more to come. Emma Grace turned four on Sunday. She's just tickled pink about that. She's telling everyone about it! Mason and Madison will be six tomorrow. I just finished my third batch of 24 cupcakes for the week. You know they like to take them to school...I have about three more batches to do for the little get together we're having over the weekend. I'm going to be about baked out before it's all over! I decided to do those instead of pay an arm and a leg for a big fancy cake like I've done in years past.

I uploaded the photos from Disney to my Shutterfly account but don't know how to do a slide show on here. Stacey, Lisa, or Manda- help! I'll put a couple on here for now. There are a couple of us as a family and then I had to add a couple of Mom and Dad. They were so great! They brought so much stuff for the week for us to eat and to use. Our place was a three bedroom condo so we had most of our meals in. We stayed at our Wyndham timeshare resort. It was beautiful. All we had to do was get perishables. Mom and Dad brought everything else from their kitchen at home. They drove, we flew. We loved being able to share this special vacation with them. The children loved having them there too. Shoot, they could be in the middle of the desert with them and be happy. So, Mom went down the water slide "for the kids" because she tries to seem so old sometimes and we reminded her she's not. And Dad was on Goofy's Barnstormer (a small roller coaster) before he realized it or decided to change his mind! It was a great time!

Oh, and we have something really exciting in store for the weekend!!!! I'll post about it on probably Saturday. Stay tuned..... ;)

Mason's first soccer game

2008-09-11T15:03:00.004-04:00

Mason had his first soccer game last night. They had a good time. They were clapping during the game and hugging each other when someone made a good play. They seem to be a pretty nice bunch of kids. Mason had the yellow shirt on for a bit while he got a turn to be goalie. The score ending up being 4-0 in favor of Mason's team but he never asked us about that at all! That's just the way I like it for now. It was for fun. :) Nanny and Granddaddy and Aunt Marsha and Uncle Paul came out to watch "our game" as Madison squealed with delight. She was thrilled to watch Boyd and Dot following us out the driveway and to "our game, Mason".

We are leaving on an airplane tomorrow! We're off to Walt Disney World for our first trip with the children. Tracy went there about 9 years ago when he went to Florida to pick up a new fire truck. I went with my mom and dad in 1988. So, this is a first family trip to Disney and we're all very excited! We'll post photos when we return! Everyone have a good week.

BTW, there's an article in the Free-Lance Star today about therapy dogs that helped out with grief therapy at the Pentagon after 9/11. Those people are a super bunch of folks who Gracie and I volunteer with at the hospital and libraries. It's a nice article as are the dogs and people. And, today of all days, Never Forget.

Check this out

2008-09-06T11:12:00.003-04:00

A friend at Riverview told me about a national tour of firefighters that is sure to pique anyone's curiosity. They're travelling the country in a PINK FIRE TRUCK and PINK TURNOUT GEAR!! Can you guess why? Breast cancer awareness! Just thought you may wanna look... www.pinkribbontour.com or www.pinkribbonnews.blogspot.com

Moms in Touch International

2008-09-05T23:42:00.003-04:00

I've contemplated this for over a year now. It's been in the back of my mind. I've known it would come one day, since the children would be in school, life's issues would face them. We can't physically protect them forever.

When I was teaching full time, before having my babies, my friend Lynn was the leader of the Moms in Touch group at Riverview. We teachers would find notes in our boxes signed "Moms in Touch", they'd have muffins and juice for us, whisper "we're praying for you and the school", etc. As a christian in a public school I was shocked but exhilarated! We were in Bible study together and she finally explained that it was basically a group of moms who pray for their children in that school, the teachers and staff, and any issues of the school. They met weekly for an hour, as a small group, in an impromptu way, with a small set of guidelines, to keep them to the task of praying for the matters at hand.

Fast forward six years to this morning and I had my first Moms in Touch prayer meeting for Robert E. Lee Elementary (the twins), Riverview Elem. (Emma), and Massaponnax High School (Blair, Lynn's daughter). So, if you know of any specific needs at those schools, please let me know and we'll put them on our prayer list! Her son DJ is a sophomore at JMU and she shared many instances where her involvement with her small groups, prayer, and relationship with God led her through parenting him thus far. Truth knows we can't do it on our own!

By the way, don't forget September 24th is the national See You at the Pole morning. This is student initiated prayer at the flagpole of the school, first thing in the morning. Go to http://www.syatp.com/ I think. If not, try org. Those of you in FAMOMC whose kids just started kindergarten, check with the PTA or front office to see if anyone else is participating. Chances are, staff is waiting on a student or parent to say something. You could just always be out there around 7:50 and be bold! Circle up and start praying. That's what I did with the kids last year. I spread the word a couple days ahead of time and we had @ 25-30 people there I think!

It was a good week!

2008-08-31T20:14:00.004-04:00

The children had a really good week. They seemed to enjoy their teachers and got good reports in their folders each day. We celebrated by going out on Friday night. We went downtown for a nice evening walk along Caroline Street and Sophia Street and ended it with a cone at Carl's. We drove over for that. :) We took Gracie along and we just all enjoyed seeing all the people out with their dogs. We saw a couple with a Great Pyrenees that was just beautiful. The kids had never seen a dog that big but gentle too.

We received a gift from Edible Arrangements on Thursday night. It was sent by my mom and dad with a note saying, "Happy School Days! Love, Grandma and Papa" . It was their way of letting the kids know they were thinking of them on their first week back. Thanks Mom and Dad. It was a nice surprise! We've enjoyed it. Mason asked for "just one more flower" this evening. They're long gone.

Today we joined Stacey and John in celebrating Lauren's first birthday. She is such a sweet baby. It was a nice get-together. I love this photo of her. It just shows her easy going, sweet, smiley nature. I just kissed her and squeezed her until we had to go.

In closing, I had to add this shot of Emma Grace in the mustang. I have a similar one of Madison that I'll have to dig up. I asked her to "just look at me a little (and not straight on) so that I can see your hair coming out of your hat". This is the pose she gave me. I love it. It scares me though. :) :[ :)

The Napping House

2008-08-28T14:13:00.003-04:00

I love that book! Here, Emma is piled up in the bed just waiting to be bitten by the flea... naah, we don't have those, just joking for the sake of the book! Gracie was napping too, but I woke her with the camera. She likes Emma's bed but only sneaks in there when we're all gone. It's just the perfect size and height for her, the stinker

Mason's on the Kicks

2008-08-26T20:56:00.003-04:00

Mason had his first official organized soccer practice tonight. We signed him up with parks and rec. fall soccer on a team with some friends of his. He really enjoyed it and asked if we could go back tomorrow. He asked for my phone so he could call Daddy and tell him all about it. He then called Granddaddy (here) and then Grandma (in Wytheville) to tell them all about it too.
He's already asked numerous people to come to watch his games. I think he's feeling important and enjoying the guy time. He's needed that. That's his own soccer ball there and it just happens to be the very same one that his buddies Grant and Landon have too. They were pretty impressed that they all chose the same one when there were so many to choose from at the sporting goods stores. Cool huh?

The day was enjoyed by all!

2008-08-25T20:29:00.002-04:00

Waiting for the bus- I only had time for one shot! She was almost 10 minutes early!

Emma Grace in Ms. Amy's classroom. She wanted to see where her room was before going to her class. Amy teaches 5th grade at Riverview where Emma attends.
Emma Grace's class coming out of the school at the end of their day- she made friends with a little girl named Morgan. She wanted to know why she couldn't go home with Morgan to her house. :) Emma said Mrs. Roberson helped her wipe her nose and write her name.

Madison said about Mrs. Raymond, "She wasn't as nice as we thought Mom. She was nicer than that! She let us have, like, three snacks". Mason also liked Miss Schwartz a lot. They both got great day marks on their folders. It's a good start.

Psalm 107:1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.

A new slate

2008-08-24T22:41:00.005-04:00

They're all starting a new school year in the morning. All is quiet now but not for long. They picked out their clothes, packed their lunches and have their backpacks ready. Now all we need is for Daddy to come home from work so that we can see them all off! They were in bed at 8 and sleeping shortly thereafter. It's going to be a fun day. Pictures to follow...

I have prayed that these teachers will make positive, indelible marks on these children. We try each day to give them a strong foundation and to trust them into the hands of those at the school. I sit here at my time of reflection again. Pray for my babies, that they will make good choices, hear their conscience, and let God be their guide. Thanks.

Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it. Proverbs 22:6

It's Going to be a LONG week....

2008-08-10T20:15:00.003-04:00

Daddy's going to Denver tomorrow. He was asked by his Chief to attend the annual International Fire Chief's Conference in Colorado. We've spent the past week preparing for his departure which is to take place tomorrow morning. The children said their goodbyes last night when they went to bed and I did at 5 o'clock this morning when he left.

They've already asked for him numerous times and he hasn't even left the state. When we were at church this morning, Mason asked, "where's Daddy?" when I picked him up after the service. I told him that he didn't come to church with us, that he was at work and then going to Colorado, "Remember"? They wanted to sing to Daddy over the phone, wanted to call him, asked if we were going to see him today, and on and on.

So, I have my work cut out for me to keep them preoccupied until the other love of their lives comes back. :) We do plan to go to Pennsylvania mid week through the weekend for our family reunion. That will be a fun diversion. I'm thrilled that Tracy is getting this opportunity to get away. He doesn't get much or take much down time so it's well earned. He'll certainly be bombarded with lots of love when he gets home, that's for sure!

Fun with Friends and Family

2008-08-07T07:57:00.004-04:00

We've been spending a lot of time with Tracy's parents, Nanny and Granddaddy. The children love to go to the garden with him. The dogs do too. Gracie loves to eat whatever he allows! We've had our eyes on the watermelon patch. He has some beauties in there that we're just waiting to be ready. The anticipation is almost too much for Emma Grace... it's so funny to watch her tiptoeing around the vines.

We thoroughly enjoyed the week at VBS. Some of the photos are of the Friday night celebration. My goddaughter Kendall joined us (she's with Madison) and Emma's great friend Cooper too. He's Kendall's little brother. It just warmed my heart to see and hear all the little ones praise God in such an uninhibited way. It was the best turnout on a Friday night that I'd ever seen. They sang to the heavens.

We've taken in a couple of free movies over the summer. We went on Tuesday with Stacey and the kids and then went to the YMCA playground. I got a good up to date photo of all the children except Lauren.

For now, ibbity ibbity, that's all folks.

A Quick Update

2008-07-21T15:59:00.003-04:00

We started VBS at Spotsy Pres. today. That's our home church. It was a fun day. I took my friend Amy's kids Emily and Solon with us. They seemed to really have fun too. Emily was a hoot during music. She picked up on the songs so quickly! I have a feeling we'll see her on American Idol on down the line (if it's still on in about 8-10 years...) .

After VBS we had a dentist appt. for Mason and Madison. They did well. I think this was their 4th time or so. There was nothing new to report; no loose teeth, no new teeth coming in, and still no cavities! Yippie for them!

I have a couple of pictures that I took this weekend with my new camera. It's a Kodak Z812IS. I like it so far. I just have to do some more figuring on all the bells and whistles... Friday was a day at home. They jumped in the little pool for some water dumping time. It ended with potting soil and rocks in it. Quite a concoction they cooked up! This shot was when it was not "Dr.Pepper".

On Saturday we went to the Spotsy YMCA for Family Fun Day. Gracie participated with the other dogs from Blue Gray Spirit-Keepers Therapy Dogs. She was thrilled to be there. Mason and Madison attempted a rock wall. As usual, the moon bounces were on hand but they only did one since it was sooooo hot (that was my decision). The Chick-Fil-A cow was there and not well received by Emma or by Gracie. They didn't care for him so much. Pretty funny to see Gracie check it out and then slink away. She usually is happy to say hi to anyone. Not that dude!

We're still here

2008-07-17T09:19:00.003-04:00

I guess I should post something but I just don't feel like it. Sorry. The kids are great. Tracy's great. He's getting the hang of his CPAP machine. We have a follow up at VCU today for Mason. I'm sure she'll be happy with his recovery. He's done well.

We've been swimming almost every day. That's all. Family time. Friends time. That's a wrap.

If I Die Before You Wake

2008-07-07T17:28:00.000-04:00

This song was written by some service men overseas. It touched my heart. I thought it may touch yours as well. Have a listen and give thanks for all the sacrifices being made and that were made for us.

http://us.f842.mail.yahoo.com/ym/ShowLetter?MsgId=4353_5628981_61906_2627_2059_0_25719_9476_4111923801&Idx=1&YY=80554&y5beta=yes&y5beta=yes&inc=25&order=down&sort=date&pos=0&view=a&head=b&box=Inbox

Home again, home again, jiggity jig

2008-07-01T22:58:00.003-04:00

We got back home on Sunday evening. We had a grand time at my parent's house and then in Tennessee. Mom and I volunteered for VBS at their new church the week of June 16-20. It was a nice week for us to spend together. The children really enjoyed VBS every morning and Mom and I did too. We were the craft ladies. She had some pretty ambitious projects planned and together we made them all happen.

Tracy came down on the 20th and we all went to a resort with our timeshare on the 24th. It was a lake community in the mountains between Knoxville and Nashville. We swam, golfed, boated, fished, and just had a fun time. Mason said he wanted to stay there forever. Dad got bikes for them to have at their house and he took them to Tenn. for them. They had a nice time riding those there too.

One major thing that I did was drop the camera in the lake! The five of us were on a paddle boat and Madison was in a big hurry to get off and go to the beach area. She decided to jump from the boat to the dock. I thought she was falling off the boat (my back was to her) and I instinctively grabbed for her and next thing I know I see in slow motion the camera flying into the lake! Grr! It was the first time the children heard me say a curse word. I quickly apologized for my slip of the tongue, the camera, the whole incident! :) and went to unloading the other two and our junk off the boat. Tracy and I just shook our heads at the whole thing. The kids working the rental area had a Gopher and they got it out of the shallow water. The camera is history but the SD card still works. I'll put the last photos on here sometime soon. They were taken on the boat, about five minutes before the camera met it's demise...

We're getting back into our routine. We all miss Grammy and Poppy. It's so restful and cozy there. Gracie loved it too. She sends her love to her Papa. She's missing the pond I'm sure. :)

2008-06-09T23:03:00.002-04:00

All of the kids finished their first semester with The Little Gym this past week. They all learned a lot and really had fun every time they went. Mason and Madison had their show on Monday night and the medal ceremony followed. Emma Grace had hers on Friday. Grammy was there for both shows and they all just ate that up!

Madison has gotten really good at the parallel bars; she is very muscular and strong. Emma is a free spirit and just loves to have fun! She's built just like Madison and soaked up everything that Miss Kat taught her. Mason's confidence really grew over the months. His skills got better too. We're very proud of all three of them!

A little summary

2008-06-08T21:29:00.003-04:00

Well, we had a nice weekend. Mason went back to school on Friday. He's feeling great. He did quite well through his recuperation. With the tonsils not being involved, it was pretty easy for him. The first day was kind of rough but after that he was back on his feet. We've been swimming quite a bit. They're all doing really well with that, even Emma Grace. She's feeling really confident. Thursday will be the twins' last day of Kindergarten.

Tracy and I went to the 2008 Frazier-Mason Some Gave All Rally on Saturday. It was about 98 degrees with a heat index of 105 I think. Hot Hot Hot! Despite the heat, the rough count was 600-800 motorcycles and 1200-1500 people who came out. It was a good day, all for a good cause. 100% of the money that was made by the Some Gave All Foundation will go to local Wounded Warriors.

Saturday will be another volunteer day for me (and hopefully Tracy). It is the 2nd Annual Grace Oughton Cancer Foundation Golf Tournament. As many of you know, the Oughtons are near and dear to our hearts. Crystal and Alec are working very hard to keep Grace's memory alive and to help other families who are fighting childhood cancers. All proceeds from this foundation go to directly to funding for research and families dealing with childhood cancer. If you know of anyone who likes to golf, go to http://www.savegrace.com/ for more info on this fun day!

I'm on my own

2008-06-06T21:58:00.002-04:00

Tomorrow is the 2008 Frazier-Mason Some Gave All Rally. It was planned that I would have support from a seasoned Soldier's Angel from northern Va. I heard from her earlier in the week and unfortunately she has a broken femur and won't make it. She had surgery yesterday and I've not spoken with her. So, I'm on my own tomorrow.

This all started out as an idea to spread the word on the many ways to support the troops. That's just what I'm going to do. I'm going to educate people on the fact that there's not just one way to help. You can adopt a soldier of your very own. That's the more personal way to impact those who are over there. But, there are also 20 teams and programs through Soldiers Angels that one could choose to get involved with as well.

I have info printed up. I have cards for people to sign for the service members. It should be a good day. It will be a hot day. We'll have the tent/canopy packed up and ready to go. Just think, if it's 95 here, it'll have to be about 130 in Iraq. I can handle it. May God sustain and watch over our men and women while they're over there and bring them home safely. Amen.

They're Outta There!

2008-06-03T21:10:00.003-04:00

Again. Mason did fairly well today with adenoid surgery #2. He was pretty aggravated overall. Being intubated is just yucky and made his throat and mouth yucky and he just didn't like any of it. Add the pain in there with the IV, pulse ox on the finger, wristband and he had a lot to obsess about. Once we got him unhooked and stressed the fact that he WOULD drink, he settled down and let his Tylenol 3 do it's magic. Daddy carried him to the car and we were home by 2:15.

In the grand scheme of things, compared to what so many of our dear friends have gone through, this was a cake walk. We have so many wonderful friends and family who were praying for him and calling when they had the slightest inkling we'd be out. Thank you all and we love you. Good night.

Yesterday was one year

2008-06-01T07:47:00.002-04:00

It was one year since Sandy passed away. It really is hard to believe. I still hear her barking sometimes. It's mainly when I'm expecting someone to come over. That's when I would hear her because she would always let me know when anyone was around. It's just all in my head.

We all went to PetSmart, Gracie included of course, to get a marker of some sort to put on her grave. We made one last year and unfortunately it's a little worn for the weather. So we found a cross that suits perfectly. Gracie had some socializing time and we headed home.

We all went out "to Sandy" and each told of times with her or things we liked about her. This is our way of keeping her memory alive for the kids. They do remember her too. We each let a specially chosen balloon go to her.

We miss you SandyGirl, SugarBear, Yella. Run Free Girl, Run Free. Mommy and Daddy love you.

The underlying reason

2008-05-30T15:19:00.008-04:00

Many of you may wonder where my involvement with Soldier's Angels came from. You may wonder why I'm doing what I'm doing. Praying, mailing cards and packages are ways that I make a difference for one or a few of the hundreds of thousands over there. It's been in my heart for a couple of years now and I'm just recently figuring out what to do about it.

It all started in the craziest of ways. Tracy and I were in San Diego (@2006?)visiting our friends, Rick and Tisa. We were just going out the door to meet others at a restaurant when I overheard on the television behind me, "Coming up next on the 6oclock evening news: When Sgt. Nathan //// of Blah, Blah Blah was hit by an IED in Iraq, he made it home and didn't let it keep him down, he just fought harder..." The anchor then went to break and I was left standing in the floor yelling to Tracy, "That's Nathan! Nathan and Ginger! My roommates from college!" I hadn't heard from them since we lost touch around 2003 due to address changes.

I was stunned and I Googled into the night and the next day. I found them and found out that they were at Walter Reed. We had a few visits while they were there and then they moved back out west. They are never far from my mind. They were wonderful friends (and family) in college when I really needed that, being so far from home. We were at Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. I lived with them for about 2 years. At that time, Ginger was already a veteran. She had been in the Army and then out before college. Nathan enlisted afterward, as I found out later.

They struggle daily with the injuries Nathan sustained in Iraq. He lost a leg, a finger, has shrapnel everywhere and had a rod put where his other femur was. His remaining leg gives him trouble because the hip socket and rod don't quite jive, to put it in my terms. His prosthetic leg is considered his good leg and it's very painful at the joint (stump). He has to have more surgery on his abdomen. This is following exploratory surgery that was performed to stabilize him in Germany before he was transported back to the States. He now has five hernias in there that have to be removed. He goes back to the VA hospital in Okla. City for his consult at the end of June to get the surgery date.

He's a very humble man and would probably fuss at me for posting all of this about him but I felt that I needed to tell his story. He's like all of the others over there, still here, or just back. They do their job without hesitation, they lean into danger when it's needed. His dedication is not forgotten. His comrades are not forgotten. I just hope he knows how inspiring he is and realizes it enough to care for himself so that he can continue to spread the hope that's in him; the hope that didn't die that day near that dreaded flower bed.

Nathan and Ginger are both awesome patriots and this has been simmering in me since our reconnection after Nathan's accident. I talked with her this morning and that conversation just adds fuel to the flames that are burning in me. These men and women sacrifice now and their futures for us, our country. So, in honor of them and the many other veterans, I have become dedicated to making deployment a little better for some of those in the military.

Wanna know how you can too? Go to http://www.soldiersangels.com/ or http://www.somegaveall.org/ The 2008 Some Gave All Rallly is June 7. That would be a good place to start.

Some Gave All, All Gave Some

Sunbums

2008-05-28T14:08:00.003-04:00

We spent some time Sunday evening and most of the day Monday over at Nanny Nanny's house. That's Amy's mom. Tracy, Mark, and Amy's dad installed a slide at the pool a few weeks ago. Emily and Madison have just about worn it out already! It really looks fun- I haven't gone down yet, but will soon enough. Here are some photos that Amy took. She said she didn't know where Mason was. I say he was busy remembering how to swim. He loves it! The girls love to ham it up for the camera. Mason doesn't have time for that when there's a pool at his disposal!

2008-05-26T17:03:00.002-04:00

Our Memorial Day weekend started on Saturday night with the illumination of the Fredericksburg National Cemetary. It had over 15,000 luminaries in memory of those who lost their lives in war for our country.
Our Sunday started at 7am when we met up with a group from the Fredericksburg area. We met on Princess Anne Street and had police escorts all the way to Washington D.C. We went to where the group has always parked, in a grassy, shaded area on Constitution Ave. just east of the Washington Monument. Well, as we started to make the 6? block walk to Thunder Alley and The Vietnam Wall, we were told that we would not be allowed to park there. This was all from the Dept. of Agriculture, not the police, as the police assured us.
This shot and the shot above are in front of us and behind us as we were waiting to head out for our ride up to D.C. I think our total was in between 200-250 bikes again this year. It was really neat to start the morning with a moment of silence for all those who have fought, died, are still fighting, and are POWs/MIAs--and then to see the overpasses with people on them cheering us on. They had flags hanging over the bridges and waving high. It is a memorable event. There really are no words that I can write to describe the whole day.
Here we are with our bike.(helmet head on me) If you zoom in, the White House is just over Tracy's left shoulder. George W. landed on the lawn in his helicopter while we were there parked on the Ellipse.
This truck had banners and family, I assume, rallying for the return of their beloved missing soldiers. Their faces are pictured on the banner on the side of the truck. This is part of the parade that started at 12pm and continued on for 2-3 hours (we were told). I'm sure we'll do this every Memorial Day. It's better than lounging on our butts at the pool. (We actually did the pool and cookout when we got home.:)

We're plugging along

2008-05-23T10:57:00.002-04:00

I think I've posted with that title before. Emma was sick with a virus. Now Madison has it. I have forbidden Mason to go near them. We've been making lots of cards. They are so sweet. Madison writes on hers "You be saf." "Bles You." Mason wrote, " I hop you win". He made a picture of a soldier with a gun. He wanted to know if they use swords. Such a boy. Emma makes lots of suns and grass and heads with legs sticking out of the bottom. :o) And her rendition of her name. They are such loving and compassionate children.
An update on the cards: my friend Amy is heading up the card drive at Riverview Elementary. The enrollment there is 709 students! Whoa! I'm working on having cards ready to take with us to Washington, D.C. on Sunday. We're riding to the Vietnam Wall. Last year we parked along Constitution Ave. and sorta picnicked all day. We walked around and down to the Memorials. We saw lots of people and were with lots of people so I plan to have plenty of cards for people to prepare.
Remember the sacrifices that our Veterans have made today, this weekend, and every day. While we sit here in our comfy homes, with comfy jobs and complain as we all do; think about them. Think about what they gave up. Think about what they are giving up today. And be thankful for those that made the decision to choose the line of work that they did. God Bless Them.

Think about this...

2008-05-19T12:23:00.005-04:00

"Being away from home and living in harsh conditions with combat and constant danger is difficult. Our troops need to know we have not forgotten them!! Mail from home helps to keep our troops' morale strong, making a very real difference in their lives. It keeps them motivated and focused when they know we care about them."

So, here is what I have planned so far:
1. May 25, Rolling Thunder Memorial Ride to the Vietnam Wall, I'll take cards with me and ask people to sign them there. I plan on asking a couple of private card shops to donate some cards to me.
2. June 4, Mothers of Multiples meeting, pack care packages for two of our Dads of multiples and one twin son who are deployed. We will also make out cards there as well.
3. June 7, 2008 Frazier-Mason Some Gave All Rally, GM Powertrain Plant, Fredericksburg, VA, see http://www.somegaveall.org/, I will have a table and tent set up with another Soldier's Angel and "her Marines" to pass out literature, recruit new Angels, and make cards
4. June 8, last day to collect cards from the congregation and any others at Spotsylvania Presbyterian Church, Spotsylvania, Va.
5. June 8, collecting cards from Riverview Elementary School, enrollment 709 students!!

Whew!! Any more ideas? Let me know!

Something About Me

2008-05-16T20:51:00.008-04:00

The last few posts have been about the fellas and this one is going to be about me. Well, kinda. I've secretly become passionate about something for about a year and a half now. I've been a volunteer in an organization called Soldier's Angels. The founder, Patti Patton-Bader, was just named America's Favorite Mom last week on a special put on by the Today Show and Teleflora. She started this organization so that "No soldier would go unloved" and it has grown and done phenomenal things.

Tracy and I went riding (on our Harley Ultra Classic :) last Wednesday for Bike night in the Burg. When we got to Big Daddy Leather it seemed different from other bike nights that we'd attended. People were holding flags and lining up on the sides of Princess Anne St. A friend of ours then told us that some troops were coming home and would be escorted right past us and on to the Fredericksburg Armory. About five minutes later, about 6-8 motorcycle police, a couple of state troopers, city police, and a group of Patriot Guard Riders led three charted coaches full of our service men and women right past us. To see them pressed to the windshield of those buses in order to receive our welcome was more than I could have asked for that day.

I've decided that I am going to do more than what we are doing for our adopted soldier. As some of you may know, I had originally posted about collecting cards for a drive that another SA was conducting. It is now going to be my card drive. For reasons that I cannot post, I am going to be going it without her but with the help of some others in the organization and some very dear and dedicated friends. So, the card drive is on, full speed ahead!

Check back for updates on what's happening. If you want to help out with cards, make them thank you cards for their service. Remind our service men and women that their countrymen and women haven't forgotten them. Keep your cards unsealed. Send them to me, bring them to me or if you want, we can meet somewhere to make the dropoff. If you want to adopt your own soldier, go to http://www.soldiersangels.com/ . It's a commitment of 1-2 care packages a month and weekly correspondence for 9-12 months. Last time I checked, there were 878 soldiers waiting to be adopted.

I remember my dad saying that "nobody did anything like that for me when I was 'over there' for a year and a half, and when I came back I had people spit in my face". I don't want anyone else to ever feel like he did. Like he does. I make a difference. I'm sure you can guess where he was.

The Latest Medical News

2008-05-14T08:14:00.002-04:00

We've had a busy week with the boys in our family. Mason was finally diagnosed yesterday with sinusitis. That sounds really crazy to think that it's just a sinus infection after all the crazy symptoms he was having! Today is his first day back to school since coming home last Wednesday. He had terrible headaches, vomiting, neck pain, and high fevers. At the highest he went to 105.1! We had blood drawn on Friday and Saturday. He's been on Omnicef, a strong antibiotic, since Friday night. He finally had a head CT of his sinuses done yesterday and that showed what Dr. Bradshaw suspected. Sinusitis, Maxillary....blah blah medical jargon...no abscesses, no structural problems, that's mainly what stood out to me! He's to be on the antibiotic for possibly up to 21 days but definitely 10 (5 more from today). He seems to be on the mend.

As for Tracy, he was diagnosed with Mild Obstructive Sleep Apnea. He has a consult appointment with the sleep specialist/pulmonologist? for June 4. He recommended a trial with the CPAP but our physician wanted us to meet with the specialist who conducted the study first. So that's the next step.

Oh, and Mason's surgery is rescheduled for June 3. It could happen on May 27 if any cancellations come in. So we hurry up and wait. Thanks for all your calls and prayers.

Happy Birthday Stacey!

2008-05-12T11:57:00.003-04:00

I just wanted to send out my love to my dear friend Stacey. Today she's turning 29...Her devotion is not found every day. Her friendship is everlasting and I treasure it greatly. I know that she's there in a moment's notice whenever I may need her. We laugh, we cry, we worship together, we parent, we play, act silly- I can do anything with her and she is the epitome of the word friend. She's there. She rocks. She's the sister that God didn't send to me biologically. He sent her to me in the form of a friend. I love you Stace. :0)

Surgery postponed

2008-05-10T08:25:00.002-04:00

Mason's surgery will have to be rescheduled. He has come down with something and is sick. I had to call yesterday and cancel with VCU. On Thursday afternoon he was 104.3 which was quite high but yesterday afternoon he spiked to 105.1! I called the pediatrician, gave him Tylenol on top of the ibuprofen he already had taken, and put him in the tub. Once we got him out of there we headed to town to see our wonderful Dr. Bradshaw.

He had a negative strep test so she sent us for blood work which came back with a high white cell count and a high bacterial count. So, she prescribed a prescription to start and was waiting for the cultures from the more thorough strep test. She also wants to see him again today and to have more blood work done today to see which direction it's going. She's not the kind of "let's wait and see" kind of gal. I like her a lot.

His fever was hovering around 101-102 through the night and into this morning so it's not as bad as it was. He's finally holding down his little bit of food and drinks so that's a good sign. Hopefully he's past the point of getting dehydrated. More later when we know something...

Tracy's turn!

2008-04-30T14:41:00.003-04:00

Tracy hasn't slept well since I've been in the sack with him. He says it was way before that too. It can't be my fault because he says that when I fall asleep "a train could come through the room, someone could set off a small explosion under me, etc" and I wouldn't know it. Those are the two that he usually comes up with. :o) I tease him and tell him he's jealous because I sleep so well. Now I feel bad because it's really true.

His sleep/work schedule with being a firefighter for 20 years would have something to do with it I guess. Imagine this: Go to bed and just get to sleep, jump out of bed 45 min. later for about 2 hours, go back to bed, jump back up at the next tone 50 min. later for about 3 hours and come back drenched, shower, lay back down for 1 hour and never get back to sleep, get up for good. That's just a hypothetical night out of my head imagining what he goes through. When he does sleep he snores, shakes, snorts, chokes... So, I'm seeing a pattern here. Then I/we wonder why he's not the most pleasant to be around. Anyone out there remember sleep deprivation? Try it for 20 years... So I try to be patient and love him in consideration for all that he does for our family.

The bottom line...he's having a sleep study done tomorrow night! One place called to schedule the appt. for the earliest in June. I said ,"ABSOLUTELY NOT"! I got on the horn and made it happen at the place where Mason went. It's happening tomorrow. Period. I don't know what we're looking for, just help for him to feel rested when he wakes up. If a machine does it, we'll take 10.

The Latest on Mason

2008-04-28T11:53:00.002-04:00

We went to VCU last week with Mason. He was super with the Pediatric ENT. She was very nice and had a great manner with him. She put her fiber optic camera "spaghetti camera" up his nose and took a look around. Her decision based on what she saw then and on his soft tissue xrays from 2005 and 2008 that we had in hand was as follows: we can't leave him the way he is. We must do either CPAP nightly or remove the adenoids again. The CPAP helped to reduce the symptoms of apnea greatly. Our worry is that we'd be setting him up to be dependent on this machine for an undetermined amount of time. She said that she's never seen a child need to have the adenoids removed more than twice. So, we're going on faith that they won't grow back again... His surgery is set for Friday May 9. We'll find out the day before what time it will happen that morning (for those of you who like to pray at that very moment...) More info when we get it!

Mason's sleep issues

2008-04-16T20:47:00.004-04:00

We've been having some issues with Mason's sleeping for a couple of years now. It started when he was two (2005) and hospitalized for dehydration brought on by strep. In an xray, his tonsils and adenoids were noticeably large. At the time he was under three and under 25 lbs. so we had to wait on doing anything about them.

Fast forward to April of 2007. He shared the guest room with my brother and had two episodes that Brad described as "he sounded like he was trying to swallow his tongue". He snorted and choked and Brad made him roll to his side. My mom told me this and two days later we were back at the ENT's office. Tonsils and adenoids were removed at the beginning of May. He seemed to be much better after that.

Now we're up to March 2008. I took Mason to the pediatrician for redness on his eyelid. We discussed nasal and breathing issues that seemed to be due to allergies. I explained that we felt that Mason had regressed; his snoring was back and he's hyperextending his neck when he sleeps. He looks ready to have CPR done on him, to give you a visual.

We've since had two sleep studies done. One polysonogram and a CPAP titatration (mask to sleep with). We also had a soft tissue xray redone that showed that HIS ADENOIDS HAVE GROWN BACK!! The pulmonologist concluded that he has sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome and that the CPAP helped to diminish the central apneas and the desaturations.

We're going to a pediatric ENT doctor tomorrow at VCU to see what the next step is. Please pray that she is who he needs and that she has the wisdom that we're looking for. I've learned some great mothering skills from some friends of mine who have had to navigate the hospitals/doctors with their children. I will do what I need to do to get what Mason needs at as little expense as possible to him. Let's just also pray that I'm polite, patient, graceful, and tactful while I'm at it....

Celebrating 8 Years on the 8th!

2008-04-08T00:24:00.003-04:00

Boy, was I on fire for him and not a thing has changed! (look at my ear :) These eight years have been the best years of my life so far. I say so far because I know we've only just begun. Tracy, you make my life just right, my sweet. I thank God for that person who said she knew "the perfect guy for me". He sent you to me and I am thankful for that every day.

You are a wonderful husband, friend, confidante, Wii opponent (I'm gonna beat you one day), provider, yadda, yadda, so on and so forth... I love you to the moon and back! Happy Anniversary Sweetie!

2008-03-29T22:16:00.002-04:00

We're home and I thought I'd post a few photos. These are all of our egg hunt that we had on Easter afternoon. We went to my parent's new church in Marion, Va. It was very nice. We had a big lunch and then did the hunt. Paul Bradley is on the far right. He's my cousin Paul's son. He's about a month older than Emma. The children all had fun playing together. (ie:running around like wild banshees chasing and wrestling)

It was a nice visit. They were all digging in their heels when we were loading into the van this morning. They already are missing Grammy and Poppy's house. It's not the building. It's who is in it...

We're in Smyth County... I think

2008-03-27T09:59:00.002-04:00

Atkins, Va. 16 miles south of Wytheville, Va. 54 miles north of the Va./N.Car. border. WAY down there. We're at Grammy and Poppy's again and having a Grand time. No pun intended...

Mom's computer is too slow for me to worry with pictures right now. It's not dial-up but not DSL. I don't know what it's deal is. Anyway, we're having a lot of fun. We had a big egg hunt on Sunday after church and the big feed. Janet and I thought we'd never get them all hid. I didn't realize we'd stuffed that many.

We've played on the tire swings, gone to the library and attempted to see Horton Hears a Who. Apparently life is so slow down here that they just don't open the theater in the daytime. We tried calling and went there twice. Finally after asking at a store nearby they told us they only show movies at night. So, we're going to try going tonight I guess. Believe it or not, my kids have never been to the movie theater. They're excited about the prospect of finally going. Hopefully we'll get in.

Daddy came down on Monday. It was nice that he finally got to come down too. He had to go back yesterday to be at work today. We miss you already, mister. We'll see you soon. Love you.

see ya!

All is well on the home front

2008-03-19T08:18:00.003-04:00

Mason's sleep study went well. He was such a trooper. It took nearly two hours for the tech to get him all hooked up to all the wires, tubes, and electrode thingys. Of course, I think he slowed her down a bit with a question about every little thing. Her concentration wasn't focused like it would be with a quiet adult. :) Finally, around 10:30 when she was finished tweaking and fiddling with everything, he zonked out within five minutes!
I went into the office with her and she showed me what everything was tracking. He was snoring very loudly and having substantial leg movements but his chest and stomach rise and falls (respirations) were fine. That was around 11pm and then I went to bed too. I don't know what else they tracked through the night so we'll have to wait a couple of weeks to get the results. Dr. Bradshaw (pediatrician) will get them and then call us. Thanks for all the calls and prayers for our little fella!
My student JP started his delayed intensification phase for his non-Hodgkin Lymphoma treatment yesterday. This is his last major phase (9wks) before being considered in remission. It has a reputation of being very harsh and is known as the red devil phase. I have a link to his CarePage on here if you'd like to follow along with him and his family. Thanks in advance for prayers for his sweet little self.

And in closing, we're on the downhill now to spring break. The children are counting down to travelling to Grammy and Poppy's house. I think we'll go on Saturday. Daddy will join us on Monday. It should be a fun time. My Aunt Paula, my cousin Paul and his family will be there too. It will be nice to have a nice family Easter. I might even organize an egg hunt for the little peoples!
Ciao' for now!

We're Back!

2008-03-13T15:00:00.002-04:00

Last Saturday a tree fell on the power line in front of the house. Well, way out by the road. When it happened, we heard the power surge and Tracy said, "something's frying". That something turned out to be the DSL modem. After the windstorm the computer could never make a connection to the internet. A technician came on Tuesday and verified that the modem was shot. We now have a new one and we're back!

Everyone is doing quite well. One update: Mason has reverted to some of his funny positions and snoring while he sleeps. I spoke with the pediatrician and she feels that although he did have his tonsils and adenoids removed, it must be checked out. So, we have a sleep study scheduled for this Sunday night. They will be checking for sleep apnea. I believe he was having an issue with this before the surgery last May. We thought that would have remedied the situation but Dr. Bradshaw said not necessarily. So, better safe than sorry. He asked if he could get a mask "like Granddaddy's". What a thing to ask for?!?

See ya!

Beware of Hackers

2008-03-05T14:10:00.003-05:00

Here is a bit of useful info.... I was reading the comments that were posted on my post to Tracy and I saw one whose screen name I did not recognize. It was Zulkijora. When I clicked on the profile it was described as GEOLOGY ALLEGHENY COUNTY BEDROCK. Here's the kicker! When I clicked on the comment, it started trying to download a version of "XP Antivirus" because my computer was "infected". Everything I did caused a new window to pop up asking if I was ready to download, do not close this window if you want to be PC clean, started automatically scanning my computer, etc.

I immediately called Amy, my personal computer guru, and told her that this was happening and it didn't seem on the up and up. She googled XP Antivirus and it explained that it is a bogus virus scan that loads 9 files that pretend to be viruses on your computer and cannot be removed without you buying their product to remove them. I KNEW IT WASN'T RIGHT! The windows shield didn't look right. It had the same colors but not the same shape. It was as if they were trying to look like Microsoft but not quite.

So, don't fall for any of that junk!!!

2008-02-29T22:11:00.004-05:00

Happy 40th Birthday Honey!

I'm hoping that when you get up in the morning you'll find this. I must say that I'm thrilled that you're here at this milestone. It's not one that most people get excited about, but I am. In your line of work, it's all too real for me to know that I must cherish every day with you; every birthday with you. I intend to do just that. I hope that you have a fun filled day and then a fun filled night when we go out later.

These are two of my favorite photos of us together. Of course, they're on one of the best days of my life. They show my feelings for you completely. You make me smile, laugh and want to dance any chance we get. And um...the bottom one says the rest... I love you sweetie. Happy Birthday!

2 Days Late but It Doesn't mean any less

2008-02-16T09:29:00.004-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day Daddy! Here's what we did yesterday afternoon. Our smiles and love are all for you. Although we may not fully understand Daddy, your sacrifices are not in vain. Just look at how we are thriving and how secure we are with our world. That shows that your love for us and our love for you are perfect. We thank you for all you do for us, all you give to us.

You're the best Daddy in the world! Love, Mason, Madison and Emma Grace

Happy 40th Anniversary Grammy and Poppy!

2008-02-03T15:01:00.001-05:00

Today marks 40 years that my Mom and Dad have been married. It's natural to me, to think of them together as that's all I've ever known. They've technically been together for 45 years. They dated for five before getting married.

They went through her finishing high school, him being in Vietnam for two tours (I think), moving away from all family to find work (after the steel mills closed in Pa.), and being pretty destitute for many years after all that. They've shown what it means to stay together "through thick and thin" and been pretty good role models.

Suffice it to say I'm pretty proud of them. What an accomplishment on their part. The greatest part is: they're still in love. They still want to be together, spend their todays and tomorrows together. You can tell it by looking at them. I'm happy for them that they have that.

Happy Day Mom and Dad. I love you.

What??

2008-02-02T21:07:00.000-05:00

I did not realize that it's been so long since I updated! I've had some projects going on, started work again, the house, the kids, yadda, yadda.... All is well here on the home front.
Mason and Madison got their report cards again this week. They both did very well. Daddy and I were quite pleased with their progress. They are both moving along very nicely with their reading. They both had improved marks in all areas except one for Madison. That would be the "demonstrates verbal control" area. Hmmm.... big surprise! She got a - for that one. She got all checks and even some + marks in all the other areas. They both also had entirely too many tardies. I'll take the blame for that one. No more Mommy bus for them anymore!
When I was growing up I was never rewarded for good grades because that was just what was expected of you. Well, Tracy and I are basically doing the same thing but we did take in a little celebratory dinner as a family. We went to Sakura Japanese Steak House. We have talked about it since around Nov. so we figured we'd do it in conjunction with the report cards. We all enjoyed the showmanship of the chef and the food! Emma Grace wasn't too thrilled with the big fire but was ok when it quickly died down! All in all it was a nice family night out!
Stay tuned: tomorrow is a special day... I'll post about it in the morning. :)

Outta town again!

2008-01-20T13:39:00.000-05:00

We're taking advantage of the long weekend. We are down at my parent's house in Southwest Virginia again. We came down on Friday night after school let out. My cousin Doug and his family came along too. It was a great visit! It was like old times, just with some more kids now; our kids. Doug was like another brother to me; a better brother, since mine never liked me.

We always got so excited to travel to visit each other (he lived in Ohio) and this trip was really cool since we were travelling to spend a weekend together. Only this time it was very different because we had our kids and their excitement was in the air with the sleepovers, sledriding and romping that was in store! Uncle Brad is right next door and he has a major hill right behind his house. We all conquered the hill, even Grammy and Aunt Janet!

My sweet babies...

2008-01-17T21:15:00.000-05:00

Just a tribute today to my sweet little stinkers... I thank God for entrusting them to my care. I am so blessed to have them in my life, they make it a happier place. Just look at their faces. They are full of joy, love, and compassion for others. Yeah, don't let me forget mischief but that's the fun of being a kid! They love life, their family, home, friends, dog, toys, school, to just name a few of the things they list in their prayers.

I take time many times a day to thank God for them and to ask him to assist me in being a better mother to them. A better role model. A better friend. A better confidante. Today I just thought I'd share them and my little ritual of thankfulness with you. And to those of you who are so uplifting to me, I thank God for you daily too. :)

Busy day...

2008-01-11T22:47:00.000-05:00

I had a pretty busy and fun day. I had another session with J.P., my student. He was on a roll today. After working for three hours, I had to sadly inform him that I had to go. Emma needed to be picked up and then the bus would be coming. I was thrilled to see him feeling better today. He had a transfusion and received platelets yesterday so I guess that helped to give him a bit of energy. He's due to go back to the hospital on Tuesday for another check of his counts/levels to see if he's well enough to resume treatment. For anyone interested, his story can be found at http://www.carepages.com/ and his CarePage is named JPLawsHope . I've known his mom since I was pregnant with Mason and Madison. She was one of the first friendly faces to welcome Stacey and me to the Multiples Club. All prayers are appreciated. Stacey (JP and Dale's mom) says they'll take all they can get!

After I finished with JP, I picked up Emma Grace and rushed home to pack a bag for Miss Madison. She's currently having a sleepover with her cousin Leah. Mason stayed at Doug and Delora's last Friday so tonight is Madison's turn. We then went to get them off the bus and head over to a trial class for Mason at The Little Gym. Doug met us there and took Madison home with him. When Mason's class was over he asked if we could still go to family movie night at their school. So, back home to get blankets for the gym floor for the humongous screen viewing of The Underdog!

And now the laundry is still waiting, the furniture is still dusty, the counter in the kitchen that catches all the junk is still covered with junk, but....tomorrow is another day and I'll try again!

Where are those fairies anyway?

I'm back in the saddle!

2008-01-08T14:16:00.000-05:00

I worked this morning! Outside the house that is... I started homebound instruction this morning and thoroughly enjoyed it. It just so happens that my student is a kindergartener so he's right up my alley! I have some technical/licensing issues that need working on at home office so pray that that all works out for this situation. I really want to continue with him.

He had a rough day at the hospital yesterday but still was a great student today. He gave a super effort for an hour and and half and then we finished up with a little recess on his playground out back! We'll have another session tomorrow and then he'll have to go to Fairfax for a short stay in the hospital. Hopefully he'll soon be well enough to start his chemo treatments again.

Enjoying the weather while it lasts.... for those of you far away, it's been 70 degrees here today and yesterday!

Mason has whiskers

2007-12-30T10:05:00.000-05:00

Daddy got a Batman Shaving Kit for Mason for Christmas. It is his favorite item by far! We have tapered him down from 3-4 shaves a day to just one! He would go missing and the first place I'd look would be his bathroom. It has really been a great bonding tool for Daddy. They are tight now! They do their shower, shave, and I don't want to know the rest...

Some Christmas photos

2007-12-21T21:08:00.000-05:00

Last weekend we took a trip to Richmond to check out Christmas lights at the James Center. The children really had fun. It was the annual "bus trip" with our dear friends, Amy and Mark. This evening was the live nativity at Emma's school. What a moving program! To see those children praising The Lord so open heartedly brought me to tears. The music was wonderful and the singing and signing to the songs was great as well. Merry Christmas to you all!

Busy little cutters

2007-12-15T13:48:00.000-05:00

We had a fun morning making Christmas cookies! Waiting for the finished product was the hardest part! Merry Christmas!

Almost all was quiet

2007-12-14T10:14:00.000-05:00

I was cleaning the laundry room out and wondered what happened of Emma. I heard this distant crinkling of paper and went in search of her. She loves wrapping paper! She said, "I'm covering up all the toys so you can't see them, then I'll show you I cleaned my room". Crazy girl she is!

O' Christmas Tree

2007-12-14T08:26:00.000-05:00

Our enormous tree is complete! Maybe. It is always such a task for us. It is said to be 9 feet tall but then so are the ceilings and we have the top branch bent down more than halfway so that the angel can fit. It was a labor of love again this year and we have worked on it on and off for over a week. The children love adding ornaments to it so we have left a box out so that they can pull from it and add more when they want. They've made some at Sunday School and then at the Advent Workshop at church so they add them periodically. The twins both asked for trees in their rooms this year so they are decorating those to their heart's desires as well.
Some updates, my cousin Andy and his wife Laura had their baby girl last week. They named her Caroline. Another sweet Caroline for me to love. :) Also, I've found that though we all may think we're preparing for the happy time of Jesus' birthday, some may not be feeling that this is a happy time. Please remember in prayer my friends Nicole, the Oughtons, the Ashtons, the Marshalls, and the Colburns. They are all facing this Christmas without their dear loved ones.
God Bless you all this Advent season.