Back from Arkansas

Mom and I visited with Aunt Iva Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. She is doing better and is "behaving" and doing her therapy. We also talked her into eating more. She is gaining back her strength slowly.
Please continue praying for her.

Aunt Iva update

Well, Aunt Iva hasn't gotten any better. We found out that she can't keep anything down and that the dizziness was caused by blood not getting to her brain. After an MRI... they discovered that she has Alzheimers. She also won't try to walk on her leg and says it hurts to much.... we are hoping that she hasn't given up.
My mom and I are going down to see her on Sunday and to make sure her affairs are in order. They say that if she makes it out of the hospital, then she will need nursing care, most likely in a nursing home. We are trying to keep her out of there, so, we will see what happens.
She is still mentally active and only seems to have short periods where she doesn't remember things, so she is still doing well as far as the Alzheimer's is going.
Just pray for Aunt Iva's health and for my mom, as she makes decisions on Aunt Iva's behalf.

P.O.G.

One of my friends here in OK, Cheri, told me that we needed to get out and that she was taking me somewhere, so to get child care and then, of course, was cruel, and wouldn't tell me where we were going, until we were on our way yesterday.(my kids stayed home with Troy) She had gotten tickets to the "Point Of Grace" concert in Tulsa. I love POG so, It was a wonderful surprise (even if I don't like surprises) and couldn't be more timely.... It helped me to have a "girls night out" and some much needed "me" time.
(Thank you Cheri!)

Aunt Iva Update

Aunt Iva isn't doing much better. She is still in the hospital, but is now in rehab. She says her leg still hurts really bad and that she gets dizzy when she stands up. Please keep her in your prayers.

Please pray

Please pray for my Aunt Iva who is in her 80s. She lives in Arkansas.
From what we were told, she was out taking a walk yesterday evening, and she was hit by a car. We have also been told that the driver didn't stop. Someone called 911 and she was taken to the hospital with a hurt hip, knee and head injury. She has a concusion and remembers nothing about the accident. She had surgery on her knee today and is in recovery right now. We were told that she would have to stay in the hospital until she can get around with a walker and then was told that she needs to go into a nursing home, something that will NOT sit well with her (can't say I blame her).... so please pray for her healing and that she accepts what the doctor tells her. There is family there in Arkansas who are with her now, and mom and I are planning on going over there in the next few days.

UPDATE:
(WE FOUND OUT LATER SOME MORE OF THE STORY, THE DRIVER DID STOP AND CALL 911)
She is doing better after her knee surgery but is frustrated that she can't get up and walk because of the pain.... my Aunt Iva, even at 85 is more active than most people and is always going out and helping out all the "old people"

Well House

We finally have everyone well again. Ashleigh went back to school last Wednesday and Zachary went back today. He missed a whole week of school, but his sister brought home some of the work that he missed, so he won't be too far behind. I am just glad things are getting back to normal.
Both of the girls are playing T Ball this year, on the same team, thank goodness... and Zach will be playing his first year of "kid pitch". We should be getting their schedules soon.

Sick Sick Sick House

Well, I just got over the flu and now my 3 kids are sick! Fun Fun! The kids are home from school today with fevers, but are feeling better than they did yesterday. Troy somehow escaped the bug.

Happy dance!

Yep! I'm doing the happy dance! School is back in session tomorrow! If it wasn't going to be, I was going to offer my assistance to get the roads cleared. I am sure there are lots of parents who would've joined me, too! :)

Arghhhhh!!!!!!!!!!

As many of you know, we were hit with an ice storm about a week ago. 3 inches of the stuff! The kids have been out of school all week cause the neighborhood roads are like skating rinks and I am about to go stir crazy.... and as I am about to have SOME hope that my kids would get to go back to school, I find out that we could get up to 8 inches or so of snow.... when is it going to end?
So far, it hasn't snowed even 1 flake here, they say that the system has slowed down.
The way it looks, the kids may have to wait until the spring thaw before they can go back to school :(

A reminder of why I hate math! :)

My son Zachary, who is in the 3rd grade, started learning his times tables last week. They started with the 11s and 10s and are now on the 9s and 8s. As I am helping him study his flash cards, I remember how much I HATE math. Always have and I always will :) I didn't have trouble with my math facts.... just had trouble understanding that, in life , why does it really matter what the "value of 'x' is" ... my math teachers could never answer that question without the look of anger in their eyes, and never gave me an answer that suited me, so since, in life, it doesn't matter what the value of "x" is, I don't have to learn it. :) (Most teachers thought that I was trying to be a smart aleck when I asked that question.... but I really wanted to know)

Because of my struggles with math, I am being really hard on my son when it comes to math. When I was a kid, I hated math so much, that I neglected to learn some early math principles and then, had trouble when it came to algebra. So, I am forcing him to KNOW how to do math, whether he likes it or not. I told him that he doesn't have to like it, just know it. I don't want him to have the same struggles with it that I had. Who knows, while I am drilling and pounding these facts in his head, maybe I might learn something as well :)

I might even finally find out the answer to my question. Maybe Zach's teacher's will know ;)

Catching up

One of my friends told me the other day that it had been about a month since I blogged.... I hadn't realized that it had been so long :)
Our holidays were wonderful. We got to be at home here in Oklahoma for the first time in years.... and we had Christmas morning with our family here at our house!
Troy and I celebrated our 10th anniversary on Dec 21st. He took me to Branson, MO and we stayed at Chatteau on the Lakes. It was so nice to get to spend some alone time with my husband. When we went out to eat, Troy told me that I could cut up his food for him if I wanted, since that is what I am use to doing for the kids.... I told him that I didn't think that I was gonna miss that, but thanks for offering. It was nice going out to eat by ourselves! We also got all of the Christmas shopping for the kids done while we were there. I'm know that it wasn't the most romantic thing to do, but, it was the only time that we were away from the kids and we could get it done! It was a wonderful trip and I am very thankful for my sweet husband for taking me on a trip for our anniversary.
I realized something this morning, that since we have moved back to Oklahoma, we have had snow already with more snow coming this weekend and in Virginia, they have had unseasonably warm weather. Now what's up with that. Getting away from the snow was one of the things I was looking forward to when I moved back to Oklahoma. Several people here have blamed me for the snow saying I "brought it with me".... well, if you know me very well, you know how much I "love" snow, so, I figured that one of my kids must have prayed for it to snow here, cause they love it so much, and God answered their prayers. Who says God doesn't have a sense of humor?
Zachary and Ashleigh went back to school last Tuesday. Man has it been quiet in the house while they are gone. Allie misses them though, and asks "when are bubby and sissy gonna be home" and then she fights with them when they are here.
Zachary tried out for the 3rd grade spelling bee and was the first one chosen in his class. He even "practiced" the night before.
Ashleigh celebrated her 6th birthday on Jan 5th. She got a cheerleader doll from her brother and sister. The one thing that she asked for from us was an American Girl doll. So, we gave her a choice... choice #1. We buy here the American Girl doll, and she take one friend with her to Chuck E Cheeses, with no big party, or #2, We buy her a less expensive present and she has a big party here at home with her friends. She chose option #1 and she will be receiving the AG doll sometime this month (we had to order it) and will be going with a friend to CEC's soon. Turned out to be easier on us and she is getting what she wants for he birthday. We will be having a simple cake and ice cream get together with family soon to celebrate. I was looking at this coming weekend, but Allie's birthday was almost canceled, and probably should have been since they don't clear the neighborhoods here, and it was still very slick and icy after the snow storm. So, we will have is hopefully sometime this month.... she never got to have her party last year because Allie had Chicken Pox on every inch of her little body and Ashleigh had 2 pox, so we had to cancel the party!
Well, I think that about catches up the last month! Hope you all had a very Merry Christmas!

Christmas Traditions

Here are a few of our family traditions.... (I realize some are not traditions since we haven't done them long, but, our family seems to enjoy them!)

One of the things that we do, starting on December 1st, is read at least one book every evening about Christmas. It helps us keep focused on what Christmas is all about. Of course, all are centered on Christ's birth and steer away from Santa Claus. One of my favorites is "One Wintry Night" by Ruth Bell Graham.

Another family favorite is "What God Wants for Christmas".

On the night that we read "The Legend of the Candy Cane", we decorate a small tree with little candy canes. That way, whenever we see the "Candy Cane Tree", it reminds us of Christ's love for us.

(We have a lot of Christmas books that we share together and in a future email, I will list them all, for those of you interested.)

Then, on Christmas morning, before we do ANYTHING else, we sing Happy Birthday to Jesus and read the Christmas story.... We did this when I was a child and I have read it since I was old enough to read, and now that I have my own family, and Zach is old enough to read, he gets to read the Christmas Story. It is about the most precious thing you've ever heard, a child reading the Christmas Story for the first time. Then we all get to see what Santa brought and rummage the stockings.

What kinds of Christmas traditions does your family celebrate?

This is a NOT a holiday tree

(I received this today in the email)




This is a Christmas tree.

It is not a Hanukkah bush,

It is not an Allah plant,

It is not a Holiday hedge.

It is a Christmas tree.

Say it... CHRISTmas , CHRISTmas , CHRISTmas

Yes. CHRISTmas - celebrating the Birth of Jesus Christ!!!

Gabriel update

Here is an email that I received yesterday from my friend Dawn.... Praise God for His mighty works!

Dear loved ones,

We are home and Gabriel is doing great. I am sorry for not e-mailing sooner. Since we came home we needed to just focus on him and his continued recovery and for our recovery as well. The children are home with us again and we are all very happy to be together. The Doctors are very pleased with Gabriel's recovery and he has adjusted to being home quite nicely. I was worried that he would have a difficult time getting back into routine, but he is so happy to be home he has just picked up right where he left off. He is sleeping very good, napping good, and in good humor most of the time. He has become a little shy and wants only Mama but that’s a normal thing anyway.

I want to take this opportunity to give God the Glory for all He has done for us. We have had a very difficult year. The knowledge of Gabriel's heart defect was the beginning of this long and trying journey. On January 20th, 2006 we were told by my Doctor that most parents would just let their baby die. We were given no hope from her and we were devastated. I remember leaving the clinic in shock and fear. I also remember that we had a girl's name picked out but not a boy's name. That afternoon, the name Gabriel Michael came to mind and Brian confirmed that was the name for our son. I believe that was his God given name. We determined that we would face this challenge together and do whatever we could to help our son live and be thankful for time we did get to have him. He will soon be 6 months old. He has had 2 open heart bypass surgeries and is doing fantastic. (He will have another surgery in a few years. )

We are not guaranteed a perfect and happy life. We are not guaranteed anything in life. One guarantee that I hold to is that God loves his own. He did not spare us this trial, but He was with us through this trial. My prayer for my family and friends who do not have a relationship with God our Maker, is that each and every one of you will seek Him. This life is very short and we don’t know what tomorrow holds for us. God sent his son Jesus Christ to die for our sins so we could have peace and comfort in knowing our eternity will be with Him.

We have 4 beautiful children and our deepest desire and prayer is not that they are spared difficulties in life, not that they will have a happy and carefree life, it is that they will have a personal relationship with our Father in Heaven. That they will know Him and love Him. We pray for wisdom in the training of our children and we pray for guidance when we are facing trials.

I feel like we are at the end of a chapter in our life. Thank you all for your prayers and support this year. Your love and encouragement has been a blessing to me. I pray God will bless you for your faithfulness in prayer.

Love to you all,

Dawn

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!!

THANKSGIVING

TWAS THE NIGHT OF THANKSGIVING, BUT I JUST COULDN'T SLEEP

I TRIED COUNTING BACKWARDS, I TRIED COUNTING SHEEP.

THE LEFTOVERS BECKONED - THE DARK MEAT AND WHITE

BUT I FOUGHT THE TEMPTATION WITH ALL OF MY MIGHT

TOSSING AND TURNING WITH ANTICIPATION

THE THOUGHT OF A SNACK BECAME INFATUATION.

SO, I RACED TO THE KITCHEN, FLUNG OPEN THE DOOR
>
> AND GAZED AT THE FRIDGE, FULL OF GOODIES GALORE.

I GOBBLED UP TURKEY AND BUTTERED POTATOES,

PICKLES AND CARROTS, BEANS AND TOMATOES.

I FELT MYSELF SWELLING SO PLUMP AND SO ROUND,

'TIL ALL OF A SUDDEN, I ROSE OFF THE GROUND.

I CRASHED THROUGH THE CEILING, FLOATING INTO THE SKY

WITH A MOUTHFUL OF PUDDING AND A HANDFUL OF PIE.

BUT, I MANAGED TO YELL AS I SOARED PAST THE TREES....

HAPPY EATING TO ALL; PASS THE CRANBERRIES, PLEASE.

MAY YOUR STUFFING BE TASTY, MAY YOUR TURKEY BE PLUMP.

MAY YOUR POTATOES 'N GRAVY HAVE NARY A LUMP,

MAY YOUR YAMS BE DELICIOUS, MAY YOUR PIES TAKE THE PRIZE,

MAY YOUR THANKSGIVING DINNER STAY OFF OF YOUR THIGHS.

HAVE A WONDERFUL THANKSGIVING!
-Author Unknown

Son on TV

Well, I finally got to see Zach's team on TV today. They showed re-runs of last Saturday's championship game. It was so cool to see our little guys on TV. They were so cute! What will be fun is watching these little boys grow up together as a team, cause they will be together until 7th grade, then it will be fun seeing which ones go on to school ball together.
These little boys, on both teams, wanted to win so bad. You could see it through out the whole game. Neither team gave up! That in itself is a victory, even if Z's team didn't end up winning. They will always be winners to me!
It had been fun to watch them grow as a team... The only boy that Zach knew at the beginning of the season was a boy that he had met at the combine a few weeks earlier. Zach and this little boy almost had gotten into a fight because the boy butted in front of Zach in the line.... both the little boy and Zach were all "brisseled up" ready for a fight until they started the next drill. (I was kind of glad of that, cause this little boy was a head taller than Zach!) I watched from the bleachers during the combine, and watched Zach and this boy exchange looks on the field the rest of the combine. Well, wouldn't you know it, this little boy ended up being on Zach's team.... as a mom, I thought, "uh oh, nothing good is going to come of this." Well, I was wrong, now Zach and this little boy are friends and team mates... I think they have forgotten what happened in August! (it was hard on me to watch what happened at the combine, to let him handle it and not swoop in and "protect" my baby)
As for the rest of the team, only about 1/2 of the boys knew each other, because they had played together as Mighty Mights the last two years. The other half, except for a few "move ins" had never even played football before. You could tell that they were unsure and nervous around each other. Zach was so nervous those first few months. He had never played football before and had no idea what he was doing. I had to give him lots of encouragement during breaks as well as before and after practices. One day, I was giving him some encouragement when one of the other new kids who had just moved here, but had played football before, told him, don't worry, you'll catch on... then he taught him and easier way to get his helmet off... It was one of those feel good moments. It was something that this other little boy didn't have to do, but he did.
There was even a time, at about a month into it, where Zach said "Mom, I don't wanna play anymore." I told him that he signed up to play on this team and that he was going to stick with it this year, and then if he doesn't want to play next year, then that would be okay, but he was not going to quit on his team! A few weeks later, he came up to me and gave me a big hug and said, "Mom, thanks for not letting me quit, I love football now!" That's what it's about, for the love of the game. Although he doesn't get to play very much, he still enjoyed playing. And he played his heart out every time he was given a chance.
It was really fun watching them get to know each other and learn to work together. They really came a long way from late August til now.
I am one proud football mom!

CRAZY SOCK DAY

Yesterday was "Crazy Sock Day" at school.... doesn't she look cute?

Miss Owasso Outstanding Teen Pageant

My little cousin Chelsey, who is 15, was in the Teen Owasso Pageant yesterday evening. She did really well and looked beautiful as always!
(For those of you always asking where Ashleigh gets he blonde hair, just look at Chelsey!)
She did really well in all the aspects of the competition and for her talent, she sang the "Black horse and the Cherry Tree". She sounded awesome!
This was her first year to participate, and she won 1st runner up. She said that she definitly wants to do more pageants.
We are all proud of her!

Saying hello to those who came to support her.

Chelsey with her proud mom and dad.

Chelsey giving her first autograph.

WHAT A GREAT SEASON!

Today was the championship game. It was a total defensive game, with TBC ending up on top @ 6-0. We ended the season at 12-1.
We all are soooo proud of our boys for making it this far! We ended up being 2nd out of 60 other 3rd grade teams, so, they have nothing to hang their heads about!
The boys get to stay together thru 7th grade. I really like that, because they learn to play as a team. As far as I know, all of them will be back next year! Zach has been blessed to play on this team. I am thankful for them picking my son in the draft, even though he had never played before. There were about 5 or 6 that had never played football before and I think they learned alot this year. I am thankful for a caring and supportive coaching staff. Couldn't ask for more than that. Our coaches love these boys as if they were their own sons. It's a awesome thing to watch.
Zach is not playing anything else until baseball season, so we won't start getting really busy again until March or so. He has a tryout for a baseball team next weekend.
GO RAMS! Below are some pics that I took that day.....

THE GIRLS ARE READY FOR THEIR BROTHER'S BIG GAME! GO RAMS!

THE HIGH SCHOOL LET US BORROW THEIR BIG HELMET AGAIN. OUR BOYS LOVE THAT!

"WE ARE A TEAM!" This was taken during the opening coin toss. Our coach always told them no matter what, win or lose, we are a TEAM! He has always told them that when they make a mistake, not to worry cause they have the rest of the team to back them up.


TROPHY TIME! -------------->


Here is a pic of Zach holding the 2nd place team trophy. I am sure that Coach Tucker will display it proudly at his house!

WOOOOOHOOOOO!

WE WON! We are going to the Championships! Our boys have worked soooo hard this year and still remain undefeated! We won the game 19-13.
We were down 13-12 with less than a minute left .... and we tried a reverse fake and it worked! TOUCHDOWN RAMS! The TD was made with about 20 seconds left in the game.... Sapulpa had possesion with just a little left in the game and went for a long pass, but one of our boys intercepted it! It was AWESOME! (I wasn't aware that I could hold my breath for so long!)
We play Tulsa Boys Club on Saturday the 11th around mid-day at the Broken Arrow HS field. For those of you who can, please come out and support us! And for you guys who are local, and can't make it for the game, it is on Cox Cable - Channel 3. I will post the exact game time as soon as I know!