A night alone . . .

Has it really been almost four months since an update? Seriously?? Where have I been?

1. Dealing with an addiction to Facebook. I think I'm in the rehab phase as I can now go for a couple of days without a hit. For a while there, it was touch and go. I was spending FAR too much time catching up with people I haven't talked to in, oh, anywhere from 14 to 18 years. What a trip and a delight to find out about the people they are becoming. I think that's why I was so unfaithful to the blog, but it also could have been . . .

2. At Synergy Fitness Boot Camp from 5:30-6:15 Monday -Friday. Today ended week six. I ran two miles this morning in 44 degree weather. Because I chose to do it. Because I was expected to do it. Because I've never done it before in my life. Because I had an I-Pod attached to my arm. Because I need to get in shape. We are running a 5K two Fridays from today. And you know what, for the first time in my life, I think I might actually be able to do it. Is that crazy? For the past six weeks, I have been writing down everything that goes into my mouth, how many calories it contains, how many carbs it contains, how much protein it contains, and how much fat it contains. Then, at the end of the day, I calculate the totals. I am also recording my heart rate, time spent exercising, time in zone, and calories burned EVERY DAY, my friends. Has it made me think before I put something in my mouth? Oh yea . . .

Although I haven't lost but one pound, as of last Friday, I had lost 1.6 points of body fat, which is a much needed thing. In January, I'm signing up for the 6:15-7:00 a.m. Boot Camp because, quite frankly, I am losing my mind running on no sleep. I cannot make myself wind down before 10 on any given night and I have to get up at 4:55 to get dressed, fed and to the Red Barn by 5:30. The other benefit to the 6:15 class? No nutritional journal. PRAISE GOD! And Fridays off, too. Although I'm still going to run on Fridays and go to Spin on Saturdays because it's become a habit and it doesn't need to be broken.

3. Standing in awe watching my brain adjust to deafness. It is INSANE how good God can be. In four and a half months, I have learned how to tolerate noisy/loud restaurants and settings, I have learned to be comfortable looking at total strangers and saying, "I'm sorry. Can you repeat yourself? I'm deaf in my left ear," my children have learned that if they really want my attention they need to approach me from the right, and I am still able to know fully and confidently that God is totally in charge here and this has happened for a reason. Also, the TransEar has come out with a new and improved model--the 380 H-F, "a major breakthrough in bone conduction technology." Although I have to wait until January to ensure that I'm really deaf for the rest of forever and God isn't going to show off with a miracle, I love the TransEar option. It's much better for my needs (and my stomach--I get literally nauseated just thinking about the BAHA--which stands for Bone Anchored Hearing Assistant). Here is what a BAHA implant looks like inside your brain (the white part is your skull--yes, your skull bone--they remove the hair follicles around the area permanently--about the size of a quarter--and if you have a weak stomach, stop reading and looking HERE!!):

Here is what the outside of your head looks like after they have inserted the titanium screw into your skull (I was told the screw would be above my ear):

And this is what the processor looks like when it's attached to the screw:

Here's a picture of the whole BAHA system:

I kind of wish I wasn't such a wuss, but my doctor in Houston said that he believes research is 5-10 years away from regenerating nerves with stem cells. And, the Transear will give me hearing. Maybe. It looks like this on a person and on a table (and this is not the new and improved sports car version):

So--now you know what options I've been exploring--or I can just spend the rest of my life saying, "huh??" No thank you!

4. Chasing after my two precious young'uns. They are both LOVING school and have the best teachers in the entire world--such a blessing for us. After creating two spelling tests of his own words (because hers weren't "hard" enough), Luke is now the recipient of his own personal spelling list at school. And his own personal spelling test. Because his teacher, "doesn't want him to be mad at me for not challenging him!" He's reading like a crazy man--loves non-fiction most of all. He also had his bottom two teeth pulled because the permanent ones were coming in behind--crazy! I swear the root of one of the teeth had to have gone to the child's chin. It was the nastiest thing I've ever seen. My favorite story from his school year involves a podcast. His teacher created one asking the kiddos, "What would you do if you were president?" on Election Day. My precious baby's response? "I woud stop all the hunters from shooting and killing animals." That's my boy! And he's growing up in the heart of killin country--I'm so proud!

Sistah is enjoying her school so much. According to her teacher, everyone just adores her and she is friends with everyone she meets. Of course, that's my dream for her life. Her little personality is really coming out and she it just a HOOT! What a blessing my babies are.

5. Looking at bridesmaid dresses and listening to my mom talk about my sister's amazing wedding. It is going to be an incredible event. My entire family is in the wedding party (husband and both kiddos). Baby girl and I are headed to Chicago in a couple of weekends (party time for the boys) to try on bridesmaid and flower girl dresses. I. can't. wait!

6. Working diligently on my Christmas card. It's going to be fabulous again! I LOVE Snapfish and their collage option--make my days happy! I'll be back much sooner with (hopefully) a much more interesting post!

What ELSE has been happening in my life . . .

Enough about the hearing situation . . . super quick update and then info about what ELSE has happened in my life since the 7th of July! I was able to talk to a friend of a friend of Nancy Chandler's in Dallas who went through this last year. She hooked me up with the email of the nation's top doc in SSNHL, Dr. Jeffrey P. Harris in San Diego. Figuring he would never email back, I took a shot at it anyway . . . and. . . he emailed me back in 10 minutes! Then we corresponded back and forth several times. . . he is AMAZING! He wanted me to go to a guy in Houston who is out of town on vacation, but they got me in with another doc in the same clinic. So, I have now moved from my fabulous, wonderful, delightful, Dr. Fred Owens: to this hunk of a doc, Dr. Robert Williamson:

who also happens to be one heck of a physician. He started me on Prednisone for 3 weeks (woo hoo!) and a diuretic with it, in addition to all the Dr. Owens Niacin 3x day, Lipoflavonoids 2x day, C-Histamine 2x day, Benadryl, and no caffeine, low-sodium diet. Still praying something will work--if not, Dr. Williamson has let me know about several hearing options I have. Could I be more blessed to have an audiologist in the family?? Regardless of the outcome of all this, I will still be able to hear, with or without assistance, and that itself is a HUGE blessing!

Okay--I'm going to start with the most recent and work my way back, because it's easiest for me mentally . . .football season is coming upon us and my little guy has decided that he HAS to play football this fall. And, of course, at age 7, that means FULL TACKLE football. He and Dad went out and started practicing last night. . . .look at these guys . . . .

And have I mentioned lately that my husband has the BEST legs in the world?? Whew--I can't keep looking . . .must. get. cold.water. Of course, during "half-time," our little guy did what every good football player does . . .he read a Time-Life book about "Living Wonders: The Marvels of the Earth." He is just something else, I tell you . . . such diverse interests!

Last Friday, July 25, my precious baby girl decided to use scissors for something other than she had been instructed to do . . . lecture after lecture after lecture about scissors are for paper only resulted in this:
And no, I haven't told my sister or mom yet--I'm thinking it will be better for them just to see it for themselves when we go to Chicago next Tuesday . . . but won't that be cute for the wedding on May 30th?? At least she cut the groom's side view and left the bride's side aisle view for cuteness . . . .of course, she'll have to stand with the groomsmen during the ceremony if my sister wants her standing during the ceremony! I'm thinking that her love affair with my gag-gift-birthday present of the pink "Foxy" hat might actually be an okay thing . . . .
Izzy continues to grow more and more adorable every single day. I don't think God could have created a more perfect Bichon. She is LOVE, LOVE, LOVE! Even my vet recommended that we breed her--everytime she goes for grooming, the groomers all freak out at how adorable she is, and she is so CALM compared to Belle, our crazy last little pup. She's a little dream--could she BE any cuter??? Last week while I was driving, we witnessed the most perfect clouds I have seen in a while, and of course, I grabbed my camera and started snapping without looking through the viewfinder (I was driving, people!), hoping to capture a little bit of what my eyes were seeing--amazing! On July 22, the most precious friend in the world, Stephanie Oliver, hosted a little surprise shindig for me at the Museum of East Texas. Samie Montes helped with decorations, as did Michelle Combs (who created the centerpieces by spray painting tree branches--these people are too talented for me, I tell you), and everyone brought something yummy to eat. And please look at this cake! Mom and Dad sent the flowers . . .I am beyond blessed to have such incredible people in my life--they make me feel so very special and I will never deserve them! This birthday party came after a weekend at the beach with the girls that was just phenomenal. If you ever go to Galveston, Texas, you need to stay at Pointe West. It is the most beautiful I have ever seen Galveston--truly--they actually had blue ocean water and sand that you could walk on--a sand bar that stretched for miles, three pools, a lazy river, workout room--it's incredible! What a great wy to feel wonderful about turning 36!

The week before my beach getaway was spent in Dallas with family and friends. After a fun day with Aunt KK on Tuesday, we spent Wednesday, Wednesday night, and Thursday morning with the Nutting crew, who are truly like family to us. The kids HAD A BALL and the Nutting's new (enormous) house was just beautiful. Alison is a once in a lifetime friend--they had flown in from a two-week trip to Savannah the day before, yet she still opened her doors wide and embraced us. As you can see, the kids didn't have fun at all . . . .

Okay, a few more pics--while Kevin was in Ireland for 10 days (I didn't mention that until he was home safe and sound--never know who is reading this!), this is what our bed looked like:

(And yes, I did squirm in there after taking this picture)

And here are the final pics: my ballerina swimmer and Star Wars fan--I LOVE MY BABIES!!!

Good Thoughts from Max Lucado

His Wing Shelters You
by Max Lucado

“He will shield you with his wings. He will shelter you with his feathers.” (Psalm 91:4)
My college friends and I barely escaped a West Texas storm before it pummeled the park where we were spending a Saturday afternoon. As we were leaving, my buddy brought the car to a sudden stop and gestured to a tender sight on the ground. A mother bird sat exposed to the rain, her wing extended over her baby who had fallen out of the nest. The fierce storm prohibited her from returning to the tree, so she covered her child until the wind passed.
From how many winds is God protecting you? His wing, at this moment, shields you. A slanderous critic heading toward your desk is interrupted by a phone call. A burglar en route to your house has a flat tire. A drunk driver runs out of gas before your car passes his. God, your guardian, protects you from
“every trap” (Ps. 91:3);“the fatal plague” (Ps. 91:3);“the plague that stalks in darkness” (Ps. 91:6);“the terrors of the night…the dangers of the day” (Ps. 91:5). One translation boldly promises: “Nothing bad will happen to you” (Ps. 91:10 NCV).
“Then why does it?” someone erupts. “Explain my job transfer. Or the bum who called himself my dad. Or the death of our child.” If God is our guardian, why do bad things happen to us?
Have they? Have bad things really happened to you? You and God may have different definitions for the word bad.
God views your life the way you view a movie after you’ve read the book. When something bad happens, you feel the air sucked out of the theater. Everyone else gasps at the crisis on the screen. Not you. Why? You’ve read the book. You know how the good guy gets out of the tight spot. God views your life with the same confidence. He’s not only read your story…he wrote it. His perspective is different, and his purpose is clear.
God uses struggles to toughen our spiritual skin.
Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way. (James 1:2–4)
Trust him. “But when I am afraid, I put my trust in you” (Ps. 56:3). Join with Isaiah, who resolved, “I will trust in him and not be afraid” (Isa. 12:2).
God is directing your steps and delighting in every detail of your life (Ps. 37:23–24). In fact, that’s his car pulling over to the side of the road. That’s God opening the door. And that’s you climbing into the passenger seat.
There now, don’t you feel safer knowing he is in control?

Magic in Dallas!

Whew! My second shot is behind me--praise God! I received the shot at 2:40--so much for a 1:00 appointment today. So thankful that kids were with Aunt KK who is a wonderful, fun, and loving babysitter. They had a BLAST painting, swimming, and playing and I didn't have a moment's worry.

Funny story from the shot experience today--within 5 seconds of Dr. Owens putting it in my ear, my phone rang. I answered it immediately and it was my precious baby sister, Ashley. She said, "How are you?" I answered honestly, "Not so good--kind of dizzy and spinny right now. I'll balance out in the minute." (The first minute after the shot throws you for A LOOP--like you've had about 30 cocktails in a 30 minute period--then it settles down.) After we talked about 45 seconds more, I told her that I was terribly uncomfortable beause they forgot to bring me a pillow and that I was going to call the front desk to have someone bring me a pillow for my one hour on the same side sit.

I immediately called the front desk and told them that I was a patient in a room and that they were going to have to bring a pillow if they wanted me conscious in an hour--my head was placed below my neck and it was not so very comfortable. They immediately came with a pillow. As this was going on, my precious sister called my mom, worried sick. She told mom that I wasn't feeling good and that I was dizzy and nauseated (Which I was the first minute after shot). So Mom, who was shopping in Chicago with a precious family friend, immediately sprang to action. She called 411, got Dr. Owens number, called their front desk, and told them to tend to me immediately! The nurses sprang to action and came running in the room, "Are you sick?? Are you puking?? Your mom just called and said you are feeling awful!" That Mom of mine, she can get things hopping, even from 1000+ miles away. Cracked me up!

The kids and I went to dinner at Asado's and it was Kid's Night--Mark the Magician was there and "Kids Eat Free!" Mark was a HUGE hit--made baby girl a flower balloon and baby boy a bow and two balloon arrows. The kids had a BLAST. We didn't make out on the kids eat free thing, as my children wanted only one thing for dinner: queso and tortillas. I'm raising them right, I tell you. Since we're on vacation, it was acceptable. We are excited for a fun and fantastic day tomorrow! Moved my Thursday appointment up to 10 a.m. to assure that I get the "luxury suite" room I had last Thursday (pillow included without call) and that we get on the road sooner than later! The prayers are working and I'm going to be hearing again soon--I just know it!

When It Rains . . .

It really, really pours. I went to work today so that I wouldn't feel so guilty about picking up my paycheck at the end of the week, so I left the kiddos with a babysitter. When I called in the afternoon, they sounded GREAT--energetic, happy, having a BALL. When I arrived home just a few short hours later, Sis was sleeping--out cold sleeping--moved her to a new location and put on a diaper and she didn't move sleeping--and hot. Brother--he looked "off"--and he is. He's running a fever of 101, my friends, and he is now soundly sleeping. So, God has given me this gift--two children sleeping at 6 in the evening when I should be packing and getting ready for tomorrow's early departure. But you know what I'm going to do? I'm going to bed. Because, dadgummit--when they both wake up at 9 ready to party, I'm going to be ready to pass out if I don't. Of course, an enormous thunderstorm has just moved in--it's solid rain outside right now, so that makes the sleep option even more inviting. Lord, watch over and protect these babies--please keep them safe and all of us safe on the road to Dallas. I'd give anything to re-schedule the trip, but the shots have to happen within ten days and this is my only opportunity. Yes, Granny B, I'm trying to stay strong . . . .

Good News

Okay--so yesterday morning, I played my favorite phone game (that started Tuesday morning) and called the lovely time and temperature lady to see if I could hear anything but tinfoil crunching. And guess what? I heard intonations in her voice! I couldn't make out all of the words, but could make out most of them (probably because they are memorized??) and it was such a positive thing that I just started screaming and praising God. So. . . there's progress!

Later on in the day, I made my precious Mom talk into the left ear and was able to repeat verbatim what she said. Hallelujah! All this with just one steroid injection and mounds of prayer--imagine what two more injections and a team of prayer warriors will do!

My friends have been amazing--such sweet emails, calls, one even prayed for me over the phone, which was completely incredible and so powerful--she will never know. I have faith that a full recovery will be happening and can't wait to share this story with people--God is so good.

The ear is still buzzing like CRAZY, but I know that will improve with time. The kids thought it was fabulous yesterday outside of Target when an evenly timed beep went off about every four seconds in my head. I felt like I was picking up their radar signal or something--it was BIZARRE! Once we drove out of the parking lot and across the loop, the beeping stopped. They must have a high frequency transmitter or something . . .

Everything is coming together for our mini-vacation in Dallas--it'll be such fun. My sister-in-law is taking off work on Tuesday to watch the kids during my appointment, on Wednesday, we are going to PLAY, and on Thursday, Alison Nutting and her kiddos will be with mine during my appointment. God is really showing off with this, and I couldn't be happier!

Things I Have Learned Today

Here are things I have learned today after spending six hours in the car, one hour with a dear friend, and four hours with my favorite otologist ever:

1. My hearing loss is a "major medical emergency."

2. My NSHL (Neuro Sensal Hearing Loss) is profound.

3. According to my audiologist's conversation with the receptionist, my report looks, "so bad." She was totally stoked about my awful results and wanted everyone to know that she got the deafest girl of the day--I think she forgot I had one good ear and could hear EVERY SINGLE WORD SHE SAID!

4. According to my audiologist's conversation with the good Dr. Fred Owens, my hearing loss is, "really, really bad." (this was outside the door--again, I think she forgot I can hear in one ear!)

5. I can only hear 4% of spoken language in my left ear--rock on. There is no clarity there.

6. I can't hear the high notes of Bohemain Rhapsody in either ear (like when they sing: "Galileo! Galileo!" but I can hear "Galileo Figaro!" This freaks me out, because I thought my right ear was all good--and apparently, they are waiting to share the happy news that I am losing hearing in both ears with me at a later date.

7. After the steroid shot I got into my inner ear today (after they bored a hole through my ear drum . . yum . . .), and the two more I get to have next Tuesday and Thursday, I have a 60% chance of fully regaining my hearing. I didn't listen for the other percentages--as soon as I heard there was a 1% chance, I was ready for the stupid shots! I've had a miracle before, and by gum, I know I can have another one!

8. There is something about having the door closed in the audiologist's booth that makes me cry every single time. Don't know what it is. The headphones on my ear. Listening for beeps that I know I won't be able to process, or feeling locked into a sound proof room, but it's bad . . and they need to have a box of Kleenex in there for saps like me.

9. The song "Because He Lives" especially when sung by Kristin Chenoweth, makes me weep. It played as I was turning onto the Baylor Hospital campus (I keep my IPod on random so I never know what's coming next--love the surprise element of that) and I just absolutely lost it when I listened to the beautiful words. Want it to be a song at my funeral--just for future info in about, I don't know, 60 years or so . . .

10. I can't get my ear exposed to water for the next six weeks--which means, no pool, no showers, etc. unless I have "a cotton ball smothered in Vaseline" in there. Ewwww . . .I'm going to Walgreens to buy me some earplugs tomorrow.

11. The Shack is a book worth reading. I know because I've been working on it all week long, which says a lot. I read Mrs. Kimble Sunday afternoon--yes--Sunday afternoon. But The Shack--it's making me think. Which is really good. Especially when I have to lay completely still on my left side for an hour while my inner ear absorbs the steroids . . . .

12. I really hope and pray and want a miracle so that I can hear my children's voices as they grow, the cries of my grandbabies, and the gurglings of my great-grandbabies. There is a huge amount of longevity in my family (Gran til 95, Granny's mom til 92, Meme is still kicking at 97, my dad's granddaddy was chasing rabbits at 88, and I could go on) and I desperately want to be able to hear the sounds, precious expressions, cries, and laughter of my loved ones in the years to come.

12. God is good. I am tremendously blessed. I have an amazing family, some extremely worried and precious friends, and everything working on my body but one stupid ear . . . which, given the possibility of things, isn't all bad.

God is so Good

It's more than just a song, my friends. It's the truth. On a whim this morning, I decided to call Dr. Owens' office and see how long it would be until they could schedule an appointment for me. (It normally takes several months). After hearing about the sudden hearing loss and non-stop ringing, his precious receptionist said, "We'll see you at 1 tomorrow." So, this doctor, who normally takes months to get an appointment with, is penciling me in tomorrow AND I get to drive to Dallas by myself, which means I'll have six hours of uninterrupted music choices, choosing when and where to stop and eat, and more. I know better than to say six hours of silence, because, well, my damn ear won't stop ringing . . .sigh . . . anyway, my sweet sister-in-law, who just so happens to be an audiologist, called me and said that I had to insist on being seen by someone within 72 hours of the attack, and tomorrow at 1 will get me into that window. It made me oh so happy to call my lovely doctor in Lufkin and cancel the appointment they scheduled for Monday. Kelly, my sister-in-law, thinks it might be a viral attack on the nerve, and if it's caught in the first 72 hours, something can be done. Such good times--I'll let you know what I hear (no pun intended) tomorrow . . . .

Health Issues

It's summertime. . . and we're sick! Baby boy had strep last week, baby girl is battling an infection, and I lost my hearing in my left ear at 11 o'clock two night ago--party time! When I was pregnant with baby girl, I lost my hearing in my left ear in about my sixth month of pregnancy. When it still hadn't come back and she was five months old, I went to a doctor in Lufkin, who told me (as I was holding my five month old on my lap) that it was quite possibly a brain tumor. SOOOOO, I decided to go elsewhere.

Went to Dr. Fred Owens in Dallas, who is a SUPERSTAR--he ran three thousand plus tests on me (I wish my camera had been there, as I had three or four 18 inch needles sticking out of my head at one point) and said that I had lower tonal hearing loss and an imbalance of fluids in my ear. He recommended for me to take LipoFlavonoids three times a day, Niacin til I flushed (a lovely experience--let me tell you--pins and needles all over your body for about 10 minutes), a Benadryl every night, and a special drug that only Baylor pharmacy could make (they didn't have the ingredients in Lufkin). He also told me I had to completely eliminate caffeine and bring my sodium intake down to 2000mg or less a day. Within six months, and after an MRI, my hearing was restored and I was overjoyed. I also happened to lose 25 pounds after eliminating salt and caffeine (read--chocolate) from my diet. Of course, six months after all of this, I resumed my old eating habits and ditched the pills--after all, I was better!

All was well. . . until . . . two nights ago, when I literally felt a loud pop in my head and then the ringing began. . . and it hasn't stopped since. Except this time, I have upper and lower tonal hearing loss--when I put the phone up to my left ear, it sounds like aluminum foil getting crunched, which is not such a great thing. The good news about this (I am hoping) is that I will be eligible for a hearing aid with the upper tones . . . the bad news is that this ringing is driving me nutto. Needless to say, I have started my low sodium, no caffeine thing back up again, so at least I'll lose a few pounds, even if I don't regain my hearing again! Good times!

SO MUCH NEWS!

First of all, my precious little baby sister is ENGAGED! She called last night while we were driving home from Shakerag, Texas (outside of Henderson, in case anyone's interested) and told us the amazing news. We are so thrilled that John FINALLY proposed (they've been dating over two years) and he gave her the most amazing ring ever. She texted me a picture of it. Have I mentioned lately just how much I LOVE technology?? Less than 12 hours after his proposal in Columbus, Ohio (okay--actually New Albany), I'm seeing her ring! I just wish I could see her to hug her and give her loves. . . and him, too. He's a great guy and the whole family has fallen in love with him over the years. He's definitely a keeper, and I'm over the moon excited that he'll be a part of our family (and that he knows what he's getting into!). Woo!

We spent almost all day yesterday at the Broken A Ranch in Shakerag, Texas, where our friends have their farmhouse. We had a ball and I can't remember the last time I was as filthy as I was when we returned home. Baby girl rode a little horse
they saw baby pigs (so cute!) they selected eggs and put them in a styrofoam container tasted milk straight from a cow (although, admittedly, it was in a 35 degree cooling vat) rode around on Rangers and 4-wheelers (doesn't this look so safe??)
and basically had the best Fourth of July EVER! The kids were asleep within a mile from our departure and they are still sleeping (praise God!), so they don't know about Aunt Ashley yet--they'll be so thrilled.

Summer has been FAST and furious! Oh course, the fact that my poor baby boy has been signed up for something every single week has increased the passage of time immensely. He's been in Vacation Bible School, Art Camp, Zoo Safari Camp (with three other boys and sixteen little girls--how bout that ratio??), taken classes at Angelina College (Power Point and Ooey Gooey Science) and come down with strep and the summer isn't even half-way over! This week he'll participate in a Golf, Tennis, Swim, and Etiquette (can you believe??) camp, then more Art Camp and another class at Angelina College. He is totally into college and thinks it's the best thing ever, which is the best thing ever for me as a parent.

As we were driving to AC for his first class, he said, "Mom, I'm a little bit nervous." "About what?" "Well, I am a little young for college, and what if everyone is much, much older than me?" So precious--of course, he had nothing to worry about, as this is part of the community service program and the oldest children allowed in his age group would be nine. There were only two children in the Power Point class and he had such a great time and learned so much--it was a great experience. Of course, he missed the last week of Ooey Gooey Science, thanks to strep, but he loved his first week!

Oh, he also celebrated his birthday with a pirate party--it was such fun. Here are some pictures of our pool-side pirate party. The tables were covered with black tableclothes, vases painted by my precious babies, sand, beads, coins and shells--of course, we had to have balloons, too!
The kiddos each got an inflatable sword (hanging outside fence), beads, coins, eye patches, hats, and a goody bag. Food was kept simple and easy with just snacks and nuts and fruit snacks and cake--lots of drinks, too!

The cake was exactly was he asked for--he was SO excited about it! Here is the birthday boy with mommy and daddy--can't believe he's getting so big!

I have blabbered on far too long . . . so let me add this final statement. Remember that butt-kicking, totally intensive exercise class I was going to sign up for? Haven't. didn't. Haven't exercised since April now . . . (except for two water aerobics classes). However, now that there's a wedding in the near future, I'm going to get serious. Really. Also, cleaned out some toys and such from upstairs, where the kiddos live, and donated six large trash bags to Salvation Army--need to do it again this week to really clear out all we don't want--crazy excess!

Water Aerobics

Can you find me in the picture??? I didn't think so. So, it's a million plus degrees outside, as summer has started, and the thought of doing anything physical just about makes me want to gag. I have two friends insane enough to work out at an UNAIRCONDITIONED gym in Lufkin. Those girls need to take a trip to Rusk . . . permanently. But I digress . . .

A local gym in town is offering water aerobics classes at a pool that is, oh, roughly four blocks from my house or so. So I went to the demo class on Saturday. It was wonderful! I was sore all over, yet managed to never sweat (maybe being in water up to my chin and blowing bubbles during many of the moves helped with that). At the end of the "demo class," I eagerly signed up for class Tuesday-Friday (it's not offered any other days).

I had to work on Tuesday, so I missed my first official day of class. I woke up all gung-ho yesterday morning, eager to go and get a great workout. I get to the pool, and . . . well, it was a scene similar to the one above, except these ladies look more active than we ever did. Our instructor is a girl who used to be an accountant for my husband's office and has had no training in fitness instruction at all, except that she's now an accountant for this gym's office. Ummmm . . .don't think I'll be doing the Wednesday-Friday class after all. I am going to try the class today and see if there's a different clientele (I've been promised it's a different instructor).

Then I guess I'm going to call the gym and sign up for their booty-kicking, fat-burning, sweat-inducing Fitness Fusion classes at 9:15 MWF. What's another hour out of my day?? Wait a minute--I hate sweating! And I'm going to sweat! Oh, sigh . . . guess I'll go eat some leftover birthday cake while I ponder this through . . . .

Letting Go

Okay. So one of my closest and best friends in the world is leaving town tomorrow. With her husband. And her two precious babies. And the dog they adopted four years ago. And I have been bawling inappropriately and unexpectedly on and off for a couple of weeks now (as I did when I learned they were moving late in December). And they're only moving three hours away. That's all. But still. . . she won't be across the street for me to run to. Her house won't be open for my babies to intrude into at all hours of the day and night. Her wisdom, guidance, calm, cool nature and authenticity won't be directly across the street from me anymore and doggone it, I'm pretty devastated about that.

This friend, Alison, is an absolute GEM. I have met very few people like her in my lifetime and know there won't be many more. She is a rock, a cornerstone, and so many of us lean on her all the time. She has introduced my children to crafts, cheese balls, beading projects, shrinky dinks, and so much more.

Alison has been such a role model to me about how to be as a mother, what really matters in life, how important it is to be accessible and loving to all and I'm just going to miss her more than I can even imagine. When she came, her oldest was 3 and my oldest was almost 2. Her youngest daughter turned 2 three months after my little guy did. These girls served as his sisters long before the arrival of my daughter and Alison served as his surrogate momma on the days I thought I would lose my mind. They ran around in diapers together and now run around all over together.

So, this song I LOVED in college has been running through my mind all day, after an, oh, fifteen or so year hiatus--here it is: "Letting Go" by Suzy Bogguss--now I just have to figure out how to let them go tomorrow without throwing down on the driveway!

She'll take the painting in the hallway,
The one she did in jr. high
And that old lamp up in the attic,
She'll need some light to study by.

She's had 18 years to get ready for this day
She should be past the tears, she cries some anyway
Oh oh letting go
There's nothing in the way now,
Oh letting go, there's room enough to fly
And even though, she's spent her whole life waiting,
It's never easy letting go.

Mother sits down at the table
So many things she'd like to do
Spend more time out in the garden
Now she can get those books read too.

She's had 18 years to get ready for this day
She should be past the tears, she cries some anyway.
Oh oh letting go
There's nothing in the way now,
Oh letting go, there's room enough to fly
And even though, she's spent her whole life waiting,
It's never easy letting go.

Oh oh letting go
There's nothing in the way now,
Oh letting go, there's room enough to fly
And even though, she's spent her whole life waiting,
It's never easy letting go.

Yikes!

Has it really been so long between posts? AGGGHHH!! Sorry to have been away for so long. We are having some fun in survival mode until the end of school. Four more school days after today and we are officially off for summer! Imagine it . . . an entire summer to . . . go to VBS, Zoo Camp, Art Camp, Kids College, Golf, Tennis and Swim Camp. . .wait a minute--is it really summer? I got a call last night from a friend of mine who works full time. She wanted for us to synchronize our children's schedules for the summer so we could trade off driving to and from events. After reminding her three. . no, four. . . times that I don't work full time, I finally convinced her that my little one was going to have a few days that he didn't HAVE to be somehwere--but just a few.

Tonight is our last t-ball game--woo hoo! We are ready to celebrate the end of the Cubs season and possibly the end of our ball career (keeping fingers crossed) . . .

Registration materials are out for Art Camp at the Museum, which is a really good thing. Now we just need 400 or so babies to come and fill the slots and we'll be good to go.

Encountered a "Hmmmmm" situation yesterday. Our cleaning lady, who is always reliable, didn't show up on Wednesday, which was alarming. We planned to entertain this Sunday night, of course. . . .SO, I asked my mom if we could borrow her cleaning peeps on Thursday. They came to our house (two of them) and--Kevin and I seriously think they summoned the fairies to come in. Our house is cleaner than it has been since we moved in--they even organized DRAWERS, people! I don't know how they accomplished so very much in six short hours, but I am blown away. So now, we love the way they clean. We love the way Old Faithful irons. What to do?? What to do??

The puppy is officially a part of the family. She is just precious and such fun. The kids adore her, of course. And we also got through rodeo! Here are a few pictures of the little ones in their gear--they had a blast! I'll be better about writing--promise!