Chandra Had Her Baby!!

I think a lot of you have heard me talk about my friend Chandra. She truly is one of the best Moms I know and she now holds her precious new baby in her arms! I won't go into a lot of detail but I'll quote from her blog (I hope you don't mind Chandra!!)"Two years ago at this time, we were contemplating our first IVF. Last year at this time, I was newly pregnant from my second IVF. This year, after our third IVF, I get to have a baby! Modern Science and Miracles all rolled into one precious bundle of sweet baby girl."

I just have to say "Praise the Lord"!!

Her name is Makenna Brette and she weighed 6 pounds 13 ounces and was 20 inches long! She was born at 7:28am on January 3rd!

Ok so I'm almost a month late with the news. Better late than never!! Congratulations Chandra!!!

Happy Birthday Breanna!

Today Breanna turns 6 years old! It doesn't seem like 6 years ago that I was awakened with the pains of labor!!!

We had a great day, Breanna opened presents at home and we went to Chuck E. Cheese's for a party! We had a great time and Breanna got a lot of the things she's been asking for!!

She had a lot of friends there from school and friends from our playgroup but nobody from our family. That is the one stinky thing about moving away. She did get some fun e-cards though from my Mom and my Aunt. She enjoyed playing them and printing them out.

She also got a card and a check to buy something she wants (or put in savings) from my Mom and she got a game and hat and gloves from my Step Mom in Law.

All in all it was a great fun day.

So six years huh? I hope the next six don't go by as quickly, yikes 12 years old!

Trick or Treat!

We had a great day yesterday! Dan was on vacation so we went to both girls parties at the school. We got to Autumn's class just in time to see her do a book report. That was fun and I got her on video tape. She was glad we were there.

When it was time for Breanna's party to start, I asked Autumn if she was ok with us leaving to go to Breanna's party and she said "No, as long as one of you stays here" and I asked "which one do you want to stay"? and she said "whichever one wants to". Talk about being diplomatic! lol

Breanna's class did a song and dance to Monster Mash. It was really cute. Rand went nuts in her class whereas he was calm in Autumn's. He played with toys, played games with the other kids and hugged Breanna every chance he got.

Breanna was glad we were at her class too.

I'm going to see if I can get a few pictures up in a few minutes.

Last night, Jenna, Dawn, her MIL and the kids and Chandra, Wayne and Ryan came and we had yummy potluck and then hit the streets for trick or treating. It was too cute seeing all the kiddos run for the door.

Rand was loose for the first part of it and the very first house, he ran inside!! He didn't know and we didn't tell him that you just stand at the door, you don't go in.

He was saying Twick O Tweet and Tank You before long! Unfortunately for him he didn't have a candy bag because I couldn't find Breanna's and she borrowed his! He didn't mind though. He did get a sucker and threw it in the street, so it's probably best he didn't have a bag.

I think the girls bags weigh about 5 lbs a piece now so I'm sure they can spare some candy for the rest of us!!

Hope you all had a fun day :)

p.s. It's much later and I've added pictures. The family picture is from November 3rd I think of the fall festival at our church.

Hello again!

So many things have happened since I posted last. I'm sure I won't list them in the proper order, but I will do my best.

The kids and I had a wonderful trip back to Alabama during our fall break. We got to see family and friends, ate lots of good food and got to see one of my nephews "Tyler" play football on a Friday night. He plays for the Susan Moore Bull Dogs and they stomped the crap out of the team that they played - I can't remember the name of the other team but I think the score was 44 to 0!!!! That was a lot of fun.

We also got to see my nephew Austin who has gone to college but came back for the game, and to see his girlfriend Jenna take the Homecoming Queen crown!!

It was a chilly fall night and perfect football weather. It was really fun but sort of sad that it will probably be our last football game to watch there.

The girls enjoyed feeding the horses that live behind my Mom's house and we took some pictures of them.

I didn't get to see my middle sister Debra though. She's been having a mysterious illness, has had numerous tests, and has lost a ton of weight. I can't imagine that in this day and time they can't figure out what the heck is wrong with her. I just pray that they figure it out soon and get her well.

My sister Patricia got to get a kiss from Rand! It was so cute and I tried to snag a picture but he was too quick. I just managed to get the back of his head.

My Mom is doing well and she and my Aunt (her sister) were getting ready for a trip to Orange Beach the next week. They had a blast.

My Aunt "La La" usually gets to stay with us for most of our trip down but she's been having some major allergy issues lately and only got to make a couple of day trips with my Uncle Art to see us. She's having to give herself a shot a week for 3 years I believe to try to get to where she isn't allergic to the things that she is allergic to.

My friend Diana came for a visit and went with me and the kids to see our friend Yolonda. We all went to church and to school together for a lot of our younger years! It was good seeing them.

I'm sure I've left something out from the visit but I'll go on to the next part.

The day after we got back, we got the news that my Uncle Vern from Mississippi had died. He has been in a coma for almost 7 years from an injury car crash.

I'm so excited for him that he's finally in Heaven. We really don't know how much he was aware of during the time after the crash but he could communicate for part of the time.

He was one of the funniest, most loveable people that I have ever known. He always knew how to make you feel better when you were down. My Grandmother was pretty rough around the edges and Vern could change our mood from sad or mad to happy just by taking everybody out in the yard for a game of "Indian Bat Ball" or flying kites, playing video games, or anything else he could think of.

He could take any situation and make a joke out of it. We always looked forward to being around him when we would go there. I know that as much as we miss him, his wife, children and grandchildren miss him even more.

He will be so missed. I know that my my Dad must have been one of the many who welcomed him into Heaven.

And for some happy news........... Jenna is home!!!!!!!!! She gets a three week pass home until the next round of chemo!!!!! We have really enjoyed playing with them again. The girls have been worried about her and were glad to see her too. We've been shopping too which was fun!

ok I know, I've flooded the blog after a drought, so I guess that's all for tonight!

And if you made it this far, you must really love me or your bored. Either way, love and hugs to you!

I'll Hold You in Heaven (Squishy's Story)

For anyone who didn't know, almost 2 weeks ago, I took a pregnancy test and it was positive. Dan wasn't convinced just yet because the line wasn't very dark and I was apprehensive because I'd never experienced the line not getting darker with time.

To try to make a long story short I took at least one test a day for the next few days and the line never got darker.

I went and had a blood test done and the numbers (after two days of waiting) were in the ballpark of where they should be so I began to get excited.

We began to tell people and the girls were so excited. They wanted to give the baby a nickname and "Squishy" became the name - it's out of the movie "Nemo".

Then just a week and a day after taking the first test, I began having spotting which got heavier and lasted 4 days. It was heavy enough at times to make me really worry that all hope was lost.

However, at times throughout, I felt tremendous peace that everything was ok. As you probably know, I have to really work hard at not stressing and worrying about medical/health issues so this was a really tough time. I really wanted this little baby but something in me was afraid that if the pregnancy continued, there might be problems with the pregnancy/baby and it litlerally had my blood pressure up and my body stressed to the max.

Even after giving it to God, I still kept taking it back and worrying and stressing, but overall, I knew that we'd be ok and would get through it.

Tuesday I went in for an ultrasound and nothing was detected - no sac, no nothing. They drew blood at the Dr.'s office and told me to come back today for another draw and they would compare numbers.

Rand and I went in today and were told that the doctor was going to call me this afternoon but since we were there, he would come out and talk to me. I knew that that meant that either the numbers were exactly where they should be and so there was no need for further testing or that they were so low that there was no need for further testing. It was the latter.

After almost an hour of waiting, he came and let me go just inside the double doors to tell me that it was an early miscarriage. He's putting no restrictions on me and said that the good thing is we know I can get pregnant. It's God's way and the body's way of taking care of things if there's something not right with the baby. I have to say that if it has to happen I'd rather it happen earlier than later.

And so little Squishy Caboose, We love you and we miss you and we can't wait to meet you in heaven.

I'm Still Here

I have put this off so many times, I guess because I feel like writing it makes it so. Even though it is so. Here goes, Anyone who knows me, knows or knows of my friend Jenna. She is a friend anyone would be blessed to have and I am blessed to call her my friend.

We have known each other four years now - we met shortly after moving to Tennessee. We hang out, watch each others children, laugh, cry, do life together. And our children are friends.

For 3 or more weeks, Jenna began to feel sick. Over time it got worse. I remember her saying she had no energy, and even that she felt like she was dying. I remember saying that she should go see the doctor and she said she was afraid to "but she did go" and that she felt like the cancer was back.

After a long wait for blood test results, she got a call telling her to hurry to the emergency room where she spent too many hours only to finally be admitted into the hospital. She was there four days waiting and wondering. She had a blood transfusion and platelets and a bone marrow draw only to be told that it was either leukemia or a virus.

They wanted to send her straight to Vanderbuilt but someone there had mercy on her and allowed her to go home and spend a few days with her children - Ashlee, Kaitlin and Jake. She had been able to see and nurse Jake in the hospital but hadn't been allowed to see Ashlee and Kaitlin.

She treasured her few days at home and reported to Vanderbilt that Friday where she found out that her worst fears had been realized and she did indeed have leukemia. She would have the weekend with her family and then go to Vanderbilt for one month of chemo.

I believe that had I gotten that news I would have melted into a puddle but Jenna is strong. She teaches me daily about strength and courage and faith. She went home spent a good weekend with her family and nursed her baby for the last time and reported to the hospital Monday.

Her Mother and Father have come to town and are helping them and I don't know what they would do if not for that. The rest of us are doing what we can and one of the most important things is to pray and I just ask that if you are reading this, you stop and pray for Jenna and for her healing and for her family.

Thank you!

A fun Day

We had a pretty fun day! The girls and I went to church and all had a good time, we had a relaxing afternoon, then took a walk this evening. The weather is so perfect! It's finally in the 70's!!!!!!

Tonight, our friends/neighbors Daren and Vanessa invited us over. They have a fire pit in the backyard and were roasting marshmallows!! Daren made up some silly songs and played guitar.

The girls had been saying how they'd never gotten to roast marshmallows over a fire everytime they see someone on tv doing it, so now they can't say that anymore!

But they have something else they're talking about now, we're going to camp out soon at Daren and Vanessa's. They said they have a two family tent! Two rooms and then a room in the middle for eating and playing games.

I LOVE The fall! Friends and fall is a perfect match :)

A Full Day

Yesterday Breanna had her first full day of school. It was just about as difficult for me as her first day of pre-school. I have to say I was surprised. I thought I was used to the idea of her being at school! I hung out with some friends so thank heavens the day went by quickly. The morning was tough though.

Today seems to be better. I did notice though that when Rand and I walked into the house this morning after dropping Autumn and Breanna off at school, the quiet was deafening.

This is really going to take some getting used to. I can't imagine what it will be like around here when Rand is in school too.

On the one hand I think of all the freedom I'll have but on the other hand, I think it will be really sad and lonely for a while!

Boo Hoo Brunch

This morning was the first time that Breanna was in the car line going to school - we'd been parking and walking her up. She and Autumn held hands walking up to the school! It was really a sweet sister moment! Rand called out their names and I said they were going to school. He said "Oh". lol

The parents of the First Graders and the Kindergarten Teachers threw a brunch for the parents of the Kindergarteners! It was so sweet. It was a good opportunity to meet other parents and we got to meet the new principal.

The girls are both excited that tomorrow is Breanna's first full day of school. Autumn keeps saying tomorrow Breanna gets to go to school for 7 hours! I think she's just excited that Breanna doesn't get to go to anymore playdates without her!

Breanna is better!

It's been a stressful few days here. Thursday early am, Breanna came into our room and said her throat hurt. She was having trouble getting back to sleep and it sounded like she was swallowing with her mouth opened so I thought she just had some sinus drainage making her throat hurt.

Later in the day it still hurt even after eating and drinking so I took a look. It looked pretty bad. I called and our Dr. was on vacation and I called the Dr's office I go to and they used to go to and they didn't have an opening until Friday afternoon so I took it.

A friend called and I talked to her about it and she suggested Colloidal silver. It's what her family uses for colds, viruses, strep, ear infections, etc. We went and got some and I just gave her a little because I didn't know how she would react to it. She said it tasted like water.

I only gave her two doses Thursday but Friday I started giving her a small dose every two hours like the directions said. Around 12:30pm her temp shot from like 99 to 104! I just about had a stroke! I put her in the tub and she hated it and it didn't make her temp budge so I loaded her and Rand up and headed for the Dr.'s office. They were at lunch but by the time we got there, they were back and said we could come up.

Her temp had gone down to 101 something and they did a strep test and it was positive. They prescribed a sulfa antibiotic and I hate antibiotics but I went ahead and got it. By the time we got home, her temp was down to 99 something and it hasn't come back. I really think the cs was working but I couldn't take a chance. I wasn't positive but with her temp spiking the way it did, it reminded me of when Rand had a bacterial infection a year and a half ago and they gave him a strong antibiotic shot and a couple of hours later his temp shot up. They said that was normal, that the bacteria was releasing toxins as the antibiotic went to work on it.

So basically I will keep the cs around and at the start of a sore throat or any other ailment, ears, throat or otherwise, I will use it. It would be great if it could keep us from having to use antibiotics!!! And it's only $16.00 for 4 ounces.

I'm so glad Breanna is better and that nobody else has gotten it!!!

P.S. If you got this far, God Bless You!!! I know this was a long one.

Big Girls

This morning, I asked Breanna if she wanted us to walk her into her class or if she wanted to go in by herself and she said she wanted us to walk her up to the big doors (outside doors).

I have to admit I was secretly hoping she might want us to walk her in but I'm glad that she's becoming more independent and separating without sadness.

I pulled them aside for a hug and kiss and have a good day and then we walked her up to the doors and Autumn big girl that she is went straight to her class and Breanna big girl that she is went in! She took a few steps, looked back to see if I was there and I thought, uh oh, and she came out and asked "Did you put my lunch in my backpack?" I said "yes" and she said "ok" and turned around and hurried into her class!

Then Rand goes "Sissy, Auum" and reached for the door and I told him we couldn't go in that they wanted to go by themselves.

I'm so proud of them and then there's a sadness inside that it feels like this is just one step closer to them growing up and going away.

I know it's just a part of life though and I'm glad I'm aware to some extent that time is short and it will seem like tomorrow that they'll be grown and gone. I try not to dwell on it though because then I won't enjoy the here and now, the "Perfect Present".

Oh yeah, we went to see Heather P for a little bit, she gave us some candle stuff and some stuff from the fridge that would have had to be thrown away, and even though I know and have known that she is leaving, it's starting to hit me now. I refrained from getting upset/crying, but it's there, welling up.

I'm grateful for e-mail, blogs and phones though. I know we will keep in touch.

ok tears are sprouting, I'm done!

Love You Mama!

Well I do love my Mama but this is about Rand. He's been saying that! Not articulating it quite like that but I can tell that's what he's saying! Isn't that sweet!!!??!!

I'm Not Proud of This!!!!!

First Day Back to School!

This morning went well! Even though I couldn't get to sleep last night until around midnight! I managed to get up early enough to get ready, get them ready, and Dan went in late so he could help get breakfast and go with us to school. Thank heavens! We went to Breanna's class and took pictures and talked to the teacher and Dan walked Autumn to her class and Rand and I stayed with Breanna. I was so glad that Breanna seemed happy to be there, if she hadn't I don't know that I could have taken it.

Even when Dan got back and it was time to go, she gave us a hug and a wave and not a second look. She was happy. There was a little girl from her pre-school class in there and I know that helped.

Knowing Mrs. Jordan already helped too. And she always loved the classroom, when we were there when Autumn had Mrs. Jordan, Breanna always loved looking around the class and playing in the different centers.

I just am grateful to God that everything worked out so well with her getting the teacher she wanted and that things went so smoothly this morning.

I hope to get some pictures up in a few minutes but just in case I don't, I wanted to go ahead and post.

Twas the Night Before Kindergarten!

And all through the house, there were sleeping children and a Mama who's about to cry! Ok so it doesn't rhyme, oh well!

Breanna's ready to start "real school" and she's excited so I'm excited too. I read the book "Twas the Night Before Kindergarten" to them tonight and when I got to the part about the parents crying, I got a little choked up. Let's hope I can......Be Strong tomorrow!!!

Autumn is excited about starting 2nd grade but doesn't think it's fair that Breanna gets a few half days before the whole days begin. :(

Breanna told me that now when I want to go upstairs for a few minutes (computer) I'll have to take Rand with me (instead of getting one of them to watch him):( He's probably going to search all over the house for them tomorrow calling "Sissy, Auum"!!!

Guess I'd better get to bed so I can get up bright and early!

Monday

We had a candle party here today! It was really fun. Heather P was actually the hostess. She brought the food - yummy by the way - but they are going to be moving shortly and so it worked out best to have it over here.

Rand was Mr. Cling Meister part of the time but he managed to let me do my thing when it came time for the actual candle part. SpongeBob SquarePants had a big hand in that. :)

I forgot to mention that while we were in Alabama last week, Autumn's new teacher Mrs. Mullins called, so now we know who both of the teachers are now and we are really happy about who they have.

Also while we were gone last week, Dan bought a really pretty bench for the front porch and painted it. It looks great!

He bought a tv stand for our big tv in the Living Room. It looks so good. He cleaned the downstairs carpet and it looks great! He also put up a ceiling fan in the girls bedroom and they love it!

Who knew a two year old could have so much testosterone!!

Rand was in rare form today. He threw one fit in the kitchen that was so big, I just walked out of the room and sat down in the living room and started reading. He finally got exhausted and quit. And it's over little stuff too! Basically when he doesn't get his way. Sheesh!!!

School is Just Around the Corner!

Yesterdy we got a call from Autumn's Kindergarten Teacher Mrs. Jordan saying that she will be Breanna's teacher this year! We are all really excited about it! Breanna really wanted her for a teacher since she already knew her. Now we are just waiting to find out who Autumn's teacher is!! We already know who a couple of her friends have and I'm guessing Autumn's not in their class or she would have heard last night when they did!

Welcome!

I'm finally here. Most of my friends are blogging and although I have a blog for my business, I didn't have one for my family and felt a little bad about that. I can rave on and on about my business but not my family life?

So anyway after reading Jacy's new blog, I was inspired to start my own. I hope that I will put pictures on and update it the way the rest of you guys do! And I hope that it will be a place for my family and out of state friends to take a peek into our daily lives.

Just a word of warnning though, I may start rambling incoherrently and if so, just feel free to back away from the computer! Or touch the little x up in the corner or something, I hope you enjoy yourself here!