Mom is still really sick. Being a dialysis patient is a tricky thing. You can not have an IV for fear of overload because your kidneys don't work. The doctors didn't want too much additional fluid because that can drive up the blood pressure so an IV was out for sure until the BP was controlled. Last night at about 11:00 pm the declared that under control but she was still really nauseated. Today they took her to dialysis and removed another couple of lbs of fluids resulting in an almost 10 lb weight loss since Tuesday when she got sick.
Dialysis for the most part is very hard on the body. They remove all the blood from your body while simultaneously putting it back inthis takes 4 hours three times a week. It filters through a machine that works a lot like a fish tank filter to clean the blood of any toxins. This is normally what your kidneys do. While they are cleaning the blood thay can increase or decrease your body weight with fluid. They should have added to mom's today but instead they lowered her again resulting more nausea due to dehydration. My brother convinced the doctor to try an IV drip to hydrate her, and miracle of miracles,she is feeling a bit better tonight.
She is grateful for all the flowers calls and visits. Thanks you and I'm on my way back to the hospital for another night stay. The doctor still wants someone with her 24 hours. She is really weak and dizzy and tries to get up alone.
The hospital is amazing and staff is really caring and will do almost anyhting for reeces peanut butter cups. We have no idea of a release date or what is coming up next.
More later
Friday, December 29, 2006
Thursday, December 28, 2006
Mom is in the hospital again
We are back again in the hospital with Mom’s second serious battle with her blood pressure. She was feeling sick (fever 102 and stomach virus symptoms) when we went to Baylor Regional (5 minutes from her apt) last night after dialysis. She continued to worsen until they admitted her at 5:00am to monitor her condition and get her crazy high blood pressure in check. The vomiting made the pressure go up, in turn that makes her nauseated so she continues to be sick which continue to drive her blood pressure up. It’s the same cycle her system was in back in February 2006 when she went into end stage renal (kidney) failure and started dialysis.
As of right now she is in 426 at Baylor regional and they have set up round the clock one on one care because of the extreme conditions. She is not in ICU but if she continues to vomit with the same intensity they are starting to look for a tear between her esophagus and her stomach. If that were to occur it would mean emergency surgery and sedation, chest tubes and all sorts of other things that are too scary to mention.
Please pray for her and the doctors, Dr. Patel specifically. We are waiting on the documentation from Medical City to confirm which meds she was given that she reacted too so poorly and caused the seizure in February.
I'll update when I know more.
As of right now she is in 426 at Baylor regional and they have set up round the clock one on one care because of the extreme conditions. She is not in ICU but if she continues to vomit with the same intensity they are starting to look for a tear between her esophagus and her stomach. If that were to occur it would mean emergency surgery and sedation, chest tubes and all sorts of other things that are too scary to mention.
Please pray for her and the doctors, Dr. Patel specifically. We are waiting on the documentation from Medical City to confirm which meds she was given that she reacted too so poorly and caused the seizure in February.
I'll update when I know more.
Monday, December 25, 2006
Merry Christmas!
GOOD MORNING, ALL!!! A bit sleep deprived but happy is the was I would categorize this very exciting morning. We were all greeted by tons of toys (mostly My Little Pony and Star Wars) and shrieks of delight punctuated by periodic squeals and laughter. I got it all on tape for blackmail purposes later on in life. Garrison is running around battling the dark side of the force in his underwear while Kamydn has a tea party for her pony's and princesses. It's been a very loud morning. I'd say it was a roaring success.
It's been a weekend of exciting fun and family events. We went to see the lights in Deerfield had Sean's family over for gift exchange Friday night my side Saturday night, Sunday was Christmas eve worship at PC and then cookies for Santa and then the main event! Santa Gifts. My mom has spent the last two Christmas Eves at our house and it's been a great new tradition. Now today is the big deflate from all the hype and anticipation. The kids will play all day and then we will go over to Tracey and Greg's tonight to have dinner before life returns to normal; our version of normal that is. I still have holiday cards to send and a house to clean but it will keep until tomorrow today is all about being a kid again and watching my kids have the time of their lives.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
It's been a weekend of exciting fun and family events. We went to see the lights in Deerfield had Sean's family over for gift exchange Friday night my side Saturday night, Sunday was Christmas eve worship at PC and then cookies for Santa and then the main event! Santa Gifts. My mom has spent the last two Christmas Eves at our house and it's been a great new tradition. Now today is the big deflate from all the hype and anticipation. The kids will play all day and then we will go over to Tracey and Greg's tonight to have dinner before life returns to normal; our version of normal that is. I still have holiday cards to send and a house to clean but it will keep until tomorrow today is all about being a kid again and watching my kids have the time of their lives.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Thursday, December 14, 2006
My night at the hooker hotel, as in prostitute.
I'm going to start off by stating the obvious I didn't know I was going to end up there and had I known it was that sort of establishment when I arrived I would not have checked in in the first place.
Last night was my first night to stay over in Ft. Worth.
"You really don't need a reservation Steph. There are lots of hotels over by TCU."
Okay I bought it and didn't make a reservation. At 6:00 pm I left work, left my cell phone and my art pad (all of which I needed) at the office. I began searching for a hotel in a city of which I am only vaguely familiar. I followed the directions given to me and stopped at the hotel.
"Full up. No room at the inn."
I go across the street to option 2.
"Full up, sorry. Try the Courtyard."
Off I go again this time to the Courtyard. But not before I completely dump out my purse and tear my car apart looking for my cell phone. No cell phone.
The Courtyard had the same answer, but there I asked, "What in the world is going on around here?"
The reply went something like this. "TCU graduation, National Cutting Horse Show, blah blah blah blah..." I quit listening took a map off the counter and thanked the lady. She did stop me any say there was one room available a two room suite with a whirlpool bath for $185 a night. "Thanks, but no thank you."
Had I but known where I would wind up I would have taken it in a heartbeat.
On to dinner at Macaroni Grill. Asked for a phone book and the paper on the table suddenly became very useful. A nice wait person, Libby, found one room available in a hotel off I20. "I'm not sure how you feel about this particular hotel, Mrs. French. Do you want the room? It's at the Super 8"
"Yes. I'm not worried about the hotel. If there's a bed at this point I'll take it." Big mistake.
I couldn't find it 20 minutes away. Got all turned around in the dark in South Ft Worth and finally I see a small sign about a mile away.
Upon arrival I was greeted by a police officer inquiring at the front desk about a 911 call from the main hotel line. The clerk hands me my check in paperwork and informs the police man, in broken English I might add, that no such call had been made. He calls the dispatcher confirms another 911 call has come in from the hotel and wants to look at her call log. Neither can find an 911 call but that could mean (this was confirmed by the clerk) that it could be coming from one of the rooms but routed through the switchboard. GREAT! I did hesitate but at this point it's drive home and back to Ft. Worth at 6:00 am, sleep in my car or attempt to sleep at this scary highway Bates Motel. I chose the latter and said a prayer.
Outside, I said to the officer, " I'm not inspired me with confidence."
"Are you staying here?" He asked. There are actually 4 officers and 2 patrol cars at this point. They look at one another and laugh. "Just push something in front of your door. You'll be fine."
"Like what?"
"Like a couch or a desk." and they laughed again. "Would you like for us to wait until you get to your room, ma'am?" The other officer asks.
"Please!" was my very anxious reply.
I got my stuff walked up the stairs and bolted the door and pushed a huge stripped down desk in front of the door, which is really dumb because there is a HUGE plate glass window and anyone could easily break it to get in the room.
So there I was in the worst part of Ft. Worth, in a seedy motel, surrounded by yelling people and backing up to several XXX rated book stores. There was also a store with the slogan, "you can get it here" on the roof in neon. I have no idea what the it was.
Obviously I was safe and not harmed in any way buy I am seriously sleep deprived. I pulled all the covers off on the floor and slept under the sheet only. I didn't know what was on the bed. I laid my head on a towel over the pillow and basically watched movies all night because I was paralyzed with fear.
It wasn't funny at the time but now it's terribly funny.
I later learned that hat hotle rent by the hour as well as the night and that there are regular drug busts there. It's flanked on all sides by strip clubs book stores, movie theaters and sex shops.
Nice.
Last night was my first night to stay over in Ft. Worth.
"You really don't need a reservation Steph. There are lots of hotels over by TCU."
Okay I bought it and didn't make a reservation. At 6:00 pm I left work, left my cell phone and my art pad (all of which I needed) at the office. I began searching for a hotel in a city of which I am only vaguely familiar. I followed the directions given to me and stopped at the hotel.
"Full up. No room at the inn."
I go across the street to option 2.
"Full up, sorry. Try the Courtyard."
Off I go again this time to the Courtyard. But not before I completely dump out my purse and tear my car apart looking for my cell phone. No cell phone.
The Courtyard had the same answer, but there I asked, "What in the world is going on around here?"
The reply went something like this. "TCU graduation, National Cutting Horse Show, blah blah blah blah..." I quit listening took a map off the counter and thanked the lady. She did stop me any say there was one room available a two room suite with a whirlpool bath for $185 a night. "Thanks, but no thank you."
Had I but known where I would wind up I would have taken it in a heartbeat.
On to dinner at Macaroni Grill. Asked for a phone book and the paper on the table suddenly became very useful. A nice wait person, Libby, found one room available in a hotel off I20. "I'm not sure how you feel about this particular hotel, Mrs. French. Do you want the room? It's at the Super 8"
"Yes. I'm not worried about the hotel. If there's a bed at this point I'll take it." Big mistake.
I couldn't find it 20 minutes away. Got all turned around in the dark in South Ft Worth and finally I see a small sign about a mile away.
Upon arrival I was greeted by a police officer inquiring at the front desk about a 911 call from the main hotel line. The clerk hands me my check in paperwork and informs the police man, in broken English I might add, that no such call had been made. He calls the dispatcher confirms another 911 call has come in from the hotel and wants to look at her call log. Neither can find an 911 call but that could mean (this was confirmed by the clerk) that it could be coming from one of the rooms but routed through the switchboard. GREAT! I did hesitate but at this point it's drive home and back to Ft. Worth at 6:00 am, sleep in my car or attempt to sleep at this scary highway Bates Motel. I chose the latter and said a prayer.
Outside, I said to the officer, " I'm not inspired me with confidence."
"Are you staying here?" He asked. There are actually 4 officers and 2 patrol cars at this point. They look at one another and laugh. "Just push something in front of your door. You'll be fine."
"Like what?"
"Like a couch or a desk." and they laughed again. "Would you like for us to wait until you get to your room, ma'am?" The other officer asks.
"Please!" was my very anxious reply.
I got my stuff walked up the stairs and bolted the door and pushed a huge stripped down desk in front of the door, which is really dumb because there is a HUGE plate glass window and anyone could easily break it to get in the room.
So there I was in the worst part of Ft. Worth, in a seedy motel, surrounded by yelling people and backing up to several XXX rated book stores. There was also a store with the slogan, "you can get it here" on the roof in neon. I have no idea what the it was.
Obviously I was safe and not harmed in any way buy I am seriously sleep deprived. I pulled all the covers off on the floor and slept under the sheet only. I didn't know what was on the bed. I laid my head on a towel over the pillow and basically watched movies all night because I was paralyzed with fear.
It wasn't funny at the time but now it's terribly funny.
I later learned that hat hotle rent by the hour as well as the night and that there are regular drug busts there. It's flanked on all sides by strip clubs book stores, movie theaters and sex shops.
Nice.
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Meeting myself coming and going
Okay. While it was a good effort to have a huge family get together it's been nixed for a variety of reasons. Now instead on one big dressy really fancy dinner I'm having 2 casual game nights where everyone brings food and we open our respective family gifts. Yes, two instead of one. I know. I know.
Today was the Ladies Class luncheon for about 85 people and I have to say thank you to My mom, Traci and Leslie who really helped me out of a big bind. See I was asked to coordinate and give the list of others who had signed up to help for the luncheon. I tried, in vain, to contact all of them and only a couple returned my calls and were able to really help. At the very last minute Leslie and I traded favors, she helped me and I gave her a Princess Leia action figure (Christmas present)and all was right with the world. Traci, because she understands me and likes me anyway took pity on me and dove right in to help. Leslie offered to help before the trade offer but that just sweetened the pot for her (and Brady). THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!! I didn't even have a stressful moment after they agreed to help me out. My mom is such a trooper and is always there for me. It was a success and we all ate way too much and enjoyed great company.
What else, I have had my Christmas shopping done for several weeks but I've run out of wrapping time. We spent the night at Plaza of the Americas, Westin Hotel the past Saturday. I really needed a small break. Sean and the kids have all been sick. Kamy had, "a really bad bronchitis/slight pneumonia" to quote the ER doctor. She was really sick. Her asthma kicked back in high gear and her fever was up over 103. She is still on antibiotics, steroids and breathing treatments every 4 hours. She is getting better finally.
She and Garrison were able to perform in their school Christmas pagent. Kamy was a reaindeer and stood on stage calling, "Mommy" for the better part of the song "Run Rudolph, Run". Garrison sang carrols while the older kids acted out the navitity. Can you believe they actually told the story? I think the can get away with it because it's a private school/day care. That was my guess. It was really funny and we all had a great time. Then Sean and I went to the Westin for his company party.
This week is chaotic, Monday I Read the Polar Express at Garre's school to several grades, then set up for the luncheon with another lady Nancy. Then worked last night. Today you know what happened. I did indulge in a pedicure. My feet really hurt. Now I'm supposed to be working. I'll go get the kids at 6:00 pm tonight. Tomorrow and Thursday I'm in Ft. Worth working. I'm going to the Kimble Art museum tomorrow night. I LOVE ancient Roman and Egyptian antiquity and there is a special showing on Egypt. Then I'll get the kids Thursday night, Make cookies, wrap Teacher gifts, do the dishes that were not gone while I was away and go to sleep about 1:00 am. Then Friday I take Mom to the airport at 10:00 am and then fly back to Garre's school for the Christmas party and gift exchange at 1:00pm. I might sleep Saturday. I know I'll be cleaning and wrapping the rest of the family gifts. Next week I've cleared for these family parties and max cleaning.
Does anyone know a cleaning crew? I'm looking to hire one going forward. Sean and the kids seem blissfully unaware of the growing mess all around them and that is a blessing because if I lived with a man who insisted on a clean house then I'd be in divorce court right now.
I'm counting the days until the week after Christmas so I can sleep.
Today was the Ladies Class luncheon for about 85 people and I have to say thank you to My mom, Traci and Leslie who really helped me out of a big bind. See I was asked to coordinate and give the list of others who had signed up to help for the luncheon. I tried, in vain, to contact all of them and only a couple returned my calls and were able to really help. At the very last minute Leslie and I traded favors, she helped me and I gave her a Princess Leia action figure (Christmas present)and all was right with the world. Traci, because she understands me and likes me anyway took pity on me and dove right in to help. Leslie offered to help before the trade offer but that just sweetened the pot for her (and Brady). THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!! I didn't even have a stressful moment after they agreed to help me out. My mom is such a trooper and is always there for me. It was a success and we all ate way too much and enjoyed great company.
What else, I have had my Christmas shopping done for several weeks but I've run out of wrapping time. We spent the night at Plaza of the Americas, Westin Hotel the past Saturday. I really needed a small break. Sean and the kids have all been sick. Kamy had, "a really bad bronchitis/slight pneumonia" to quote the ER doctor. She was really sick. Her asthma kicked back in high gear and her fever was up over 103. She is still on antibiotics, steroids and breathing treatments every 4 hours. She is getting better finally.
She and Garrison were able to perform in their school Christmas pagent. Kamy was a reaindeer and stood on stage calling, "Mommy" for the better part of the song "Run Rudolph, Run". Garrison sang carrols while the older kids acted out the navitity. Can you believe they actually told the story? I think the can get away with it because it's a private school/day care. That was my guess. It was really funny and we all had a great time. Then Sean and I went to the Westin for his company party.
This week is chaotic, Monday I Read the Polar Express at Garre's school to several grades, then set up for the luncheon with another lady Nancy. Then worked last night. Today you know what happened. I did indulge in a pedicure. My feet really hurt. Now I'm supposed to be working. I'll go get the kids at 6:00 pm tonight. Tomorrow and Thursday I'm in Ft. Worth working. I'm going to the Kimble Art museum tomorrow night. I LOVE ancient Roman and Egyptian antiquity and there is a special showing on Egypt. Then I'll get the kids Thursday night, Make cookies, wrap Teacher gifts, do the dishes that were not gone while I was away and go to sleep about 1:00 am. Then Friday I take Mom to the airport at 10:00 am and then fly back to Garre's school for the Christmas party and gift exchange at 1:00pm. I might sleep Saturday. I know I'll be cleaning and wrapping the rest of the family gifts. Next week I've cleared for these family parties and max cleaning.
Does anyone know a cleaning crew? I'm looking to hire one going forward. Sean and the kids seem blissfully unaware of the growing mess all around them and that is a blessing because if I lived with a man who insisted on a clean house then I'd be in divorce court right now.
I'm counting the days until the week after Christmas so I can sleep.
Friday, November 17, 2006
Thankful for...
My faith in God and that He answers prayers.
My children's prayers, hugs, kisses, pats and smiles.
My husbands encouragement, support and stability every day.
My family and my friends; their love and understanding.
Health and insurance.
We have a home, a car, a heater (and an AC),a fridge and a phone.
I live in America and we have real freedom.
My friends understand my chaotic life and forgive me for it and like me in spite of it.
Garrison's teachers, Ms. Smith and Dr. Kirkham; their praise, hugs, consistancy in message which teaches me to be consistant too.
Kamdyn's teachers and her school and the way they encourage her to be herself.
My father reconnected with God and all of us before his death.
My mom's health and stress level is much improved.
Tickelopes
Penson and promotion for Sean
Renewed relationships
A President who, I believe, really want the best for our country and do want to do the right thing.
Second chances.
My children's prayers, hugs, kisses, pats and smiles.
My husbands encouragement, support and stability every day.
My family and my friends; their love and understanding.
Health and insurance.
We have a home, a car, a heater (and an AC),a fridge and a phone.
I live in America and we have real freedom.
My friends understand my chaotic life and forgive me for it and like me in spite of it.
Garrison's teachers, Ms. Smith and Dr. Kirkham; their praise, hugs, consistancy in message which teaches me to be consistant too.
Kamdyn's teachers and her school and the way they encourage her to be herself.
My father reconnected with God and all of us before his death.
My mom's health and stress level is much improved.
Tickelopes
Penson and promotion for Sean
Renewed relationships
A President who, I believe, really want the best for our country and do want to do the right thing.
Second chances.
Sunday, November 05, 2006
Family Pix for Christmas
This is not going to be our Christmas Picture but I wanted to put something current of the whole family.
If you haven't had you family picture taken by Collodi Photography (Stacy) then you are missing out. She really captured the personalities of the whole family. I won't ever go anywhere else again.
It's hard to believe it's time to be looking toward Christmas and Christmas cards already but it is upon us. Santa will be sliding down that chimney before you know it.
If decided to have a huge family Christmas dinner on the 23rd this year. I want to do it like Martha or Oprah on china with real silverware and GREAT food and family; I want it to be a night that everyone will look back on and remember with great fondness. Yes it will be stressful but I have 2 months to plan it. Some people get married in less time. I should be good on time.
Garrison has a shiner and it's getting worst by the day. I think tomorrow it will be all over his eye lid and under the right eye. His nose is still really swollen and looks sort of flat from the front. I'm just glad pictures have come and gone. I have take one for posterity but that's all he would allow.
Well it's late and I'm driving back to Ft Worth tomorrow for a 45 minute companywide meeting with the owner of the Tickelopes. I've doubled my hours and my responsibilities which is exciting but also stressful. I feel a little like I'm betraying my family but Sean is behind me 100% and the kids love that I draw Tickelopes. I'm also starting Project Management and believe it or not departmental organizing. Most of you reading this didn't know me in my working days, lo these many years ago. But once upon a time I was an organizational fanatic. I'm hoping some of it will spill over into my home life.
Well it's late and I'm off again. Goodnight
Saturday, October 07, 2006
Halloween and more pix
These are Halloween pix for this year. Yes, Kamy in totally airborn in the slide picture.
I have to say, blogging has become a source of anxiety for me. I LOVE to reach out to people, I love to read others blogs but I swear I can not find the time in the day to write a blog. SO as a result, no one may ever see this.
Today Garrison broke his nose, we think. There;s really nothing to be done about it so we didn't bother with x-rays and a tramatizing ER trip for an already VERY upset little boy. I got a call about 9:45 this morning from the school nurse. That's always a great source of fear when you see the school number pop up on caller ID. It can never mean good news. That has been my experience thus far anyway. Ms. Annie informed me that Garrison had been involved in an accident in gym class; a collision, of sorts, with another student and that he was okay but very upset and bleeding quite a lot from the nose. He also had a decent sized goose egg (I'd later learn cause by his face hitting the floor too hard, post collision.) Of course I asked if she thought it was broken and she said that she was just trying to stop the bleeding and could not really tell.
If you don't already know this a face/head wound bleeds quite a lot as a general rule. I dropped everything I was doing and rushed to the school. Thank God for anti-anxiety pills because I was remarkably calm through-out the entire event. I HAD to be for him because he was not calm. As soon as he heard my voice he fell apart.
This is Garrison's second trip to the clinic this year and his second trip home. The first "incident" occured during a stomach virus and won't go into anymore detail. Someday he'll read this and I don't want him to be mortified.
I watched him at home for several hours and kept him awake, all the while looking for signs of a concussion. He seemed content to lay on the couch with an ice pack on his face. There is minor swelling even tonight (nothing compared to when I got to school. I confess I wanted to take a picture for posterity but felt it might be cruel.) He will have two very excellent shiners and he is already the talk of the kindergarten. Apparently there was quite a lot of blood on the gym floor so he's the "tough kid". Oh did I mention the child whit who he collided is a girl who only comes up to his shoulder? She head butted him while running with her partner. I'm still not totally sure how that happened. Never the less it was so different excitement in an otherwise normal week.
These are some of Garrison's drawing of Star Wars and his first elementary school picture. That is going in the scrapbook! Sorry these are sideways. I have a new MAC and I'm back to square one on the programs. I'll fix it later
Darth Vader and Princess Leia
Hoth the Ice planet and Luke "taking out" an At-At. His words.
Jedi Heros.
School Pic
At the Fall Fest at PC
Make it a good one friends!
It's been such a long time
It's been such a long time that I forgot my password. There has been so much going on that it would be impossible to recap so let me list and sum up.
Garrison School
Volunteering
ARBONNE
Tickelopes
Driving to Ft. Worth every week
Kam's new school starting
More Volunteering
PTA
Soccer
Basketball Camp
PTA Fundraising
Library Lady
Illness
Ladies Class
Dental Reconstruction
Just between Friends
These are just the notable items that have happened and are for the most part ongoing. 2006 will not go down as an easy (or boring) year.
On the bright side I have started a diet that is really working. When I started as an Arbonne Business Builder in August, I decided I'd start the weight loss program. So far I'm down 12 lbs (give a water pound or two) and the program is easy. that's the best part is I don't mind the plan and the weight is slowly coming off. I have so much more energy. I had a skirt on this week that I haven't worn since before Kamdyn was born and THAT FELT GREAT!!!!
Here are some recent pictures. Also if you want to buy Tickelopes you can now get them online at our web site. We are testing in Hobby Lobby and very soon in Kroger in Houston and hopefully in Tom Thumb! It's like a rocket on the launch pad just getting ready for blast off and it's fun to be a part of it.
Garrison School
Volunteering
ARBONNE
Tickelopes
Driving to Ft. Worth every week
Kam's new school starting
More Volunteering
PTA
Soccer
Basketball Camp
PTA Fundraising
Library Lady
Illness
Ladies Class
Dental Reconstruction
Just between Friends
These are just the notable items that have happened and are for the most part ongoing. 2006 will not go down as an easy (or boring) year.
On the bright side I have started a diet that is really working. When I started as an Arbonne Business Builder in August, I decided I'd start the weight loss program. So far I'm down 12 lbs (give a water pound or two) and the program is easy. that's the best part is I don't mind the plan and the weight is slowly coming off. I have so much more energy. I had a skirt on this week that I haven't worn since before Kamdyn was born and THAT FELT GREAT!!!!
Here are some recent pictures. Also if you want to buy Tickelopes you can now get them online at our web site. We are testing in Hobby Lobby and very soon in Kroger in Houston and hopefully in Tom Thumb! It's like a rocket on the launch pad just getting ready for blast off and it's fun to be a part of it.
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
Saturday, August 12, 2006
Thursday, August 10, 2006
First Day of school
Well I had this really funny blog written with terrific pictures and the system crashed and I lost it all so.... it took me nearly 1 1/2 hours to write so I will not be recreating it.
Here are the first day pics. Thank you to everyone who called to check on me. It was nearly impossible to leave him at the school but in his own words, "You can go now Mom. I'm really fine!" and "If you keep on hugging me I can't color!"
First words at the end of the day:" That was just the BEST DAY EVER!!! I want to go back tomorrow, okay? Then I can be in 1st grade!"
Here are the first day pics. Thank you to everyone who called to check on me. It was nearly impossible to leave him at the school but in his own words, "You can go now Mom. I'm really fine!" and "If you keep on hugging me I can't color!"
First words at the end of the day:" That was just the BEST DAY EVER!!! I want to go back tomorrow, okay? Then I can be in 1st grade!"
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
The new woman
We'll we've gone to meet the teacher. Garrison was not the least bit shy or nervous about it. I thought he'd be a little bit nervous but thanks to his terrific previous teachers he was very well prepared, knew what to expect and went right in and gave Ms. Smith a huge hug. He's even made a new friend, Wylie.
Thank you to these special teachers who have prepared us for today and tomorrow.
Thank you to these special teachers who have prepared us for today and tomorrow.
Ms. Amber, Ms. Kristen and Ms. Krista
Ms. Amy
Ms. Nicole
Ms. Leslie
Ms. Rutledge
Tomorrow morning we will be there at 7:40am ready to begin Garrison's school career. For the next 12 years and beyond this will be our schedule. My baby is not a baby any more...Ms. Amy
Ms. Nicole
Ms. Leslie
Ms. Rutledge
...and it's just about to kill me.
Monday, August 07, 2006
The Dolphin Helper
More than anything in the world my Kamdyn wants to be a "dolphin helper". She eats, sleeps, dreams, thinks of little else. Currently she owns about 20 small plastic dolphins of various shapes, quality and sizes. There is no special favorite;all are equally important in her eyes. There are mommy and daddy dolphins and cousins, aunts, uncles, nannies, grandma's and grandpa dolphins. Sea World was just for her birthday because she desperately wants to communicate with a dolphin. I've really never seen anyone so fixated on one thing. Last night we watched and IMAX special on dolphins and one special dolphin named JoJo and his "keeper" Dean. They live in the Turks and Caicos Islands. http://www.oceania.org.au/soundnet/features/jojo.html
No joke, that show has been on all day! She know can tell the difference between dusky Argentina dolphins, pink fresh-water river dolphins, Atlantic Bottle nose and so on... If this were a passing fancy I probably wouldn't be telling you about it but this obsession started over a year ago when she was only 2!
I made this picture for her in Photoshop so that she could actually pretend she swims with Jojo herself. It is her most important treasure and has been printed over 20 times.
Maybe someday her dream will come true. Ithink they are neat too; not like she does but maybe I'll get to touch one too.
Monday, July 31, 2006
Sea World Fun 2006
We are back, tired and very happy. We went with My sister, her daughter and my mom. We all stayed in one room with our dog. It was 100 degrees and there were about 2 million people there. Yes, it was crazy but it was a blast!
Here are some photos:
Trying to touch a dolphin
The entire reason we went to Sea World was for Kamdyns birthday and to see,
Here are some photos:
Trying to touch a dolphin
The entire reason we went to Sea World was for Kamdyns birthday and to see, "Dolphin, my friend!"
Kamdyn's first Roller Coaster with Aunt Mimi. She LOVED IT!!! Garrison was tall enough to ride the BIG roller Coaster, The Steel Eel. He has not stopped talking about it and describing how it felt.
Dinner Birthday!
Birthday Girl!
The Three Amigos
I think this picture best sums up how we all felt.This is on Saturday night with everyone else awake all around her.
She is holding Sally Spinner Bunny and Sally Spinner Dolphin. Her names...
Sunday, July 30, 2006
Summer Vacations 1.0
We are in San Antonio right now but I PROMISE I will blog with pictures from all our summer excursions as soon as we get home. I really need to get better about blogging more often (as I am often reminded.) We are heading back in a little bit and going shopping at the San Marcos Outlet.
Love to you all.
Love to you all.
Sunday, July 02, 2006
Rites of Passage
Garrison has become quite the photographer and I wanted to share some of his work with you all. 
Summer if flying by so fast and I just want to hold on to every last minute before I turn Garrison loose on the world, or rather let this big-ole bad world influence him. Every day aging, growing into this little man right before our eyes. He is using words and phrases lat remind me that I'll be am embarrassment to him sooner than I'd like. He is taller and thinner and he looks like a young boy rather than my little angel that I held in my arms not so long ago. I savor every moment that he and I spend together. I'm literally counting the days and weeks until that fateful moment when he walks through those doors and becomes a student, still a child, but no longer a baby who trusts moms and dads every word. Now he will question things and learn worldly things at an alarming rate. Things that have never been a part of our world. Have we done enough to cement faith in his young soul? Has God been a part of out daily lives so much so that He is daily walking with Garrison through life? Will Garrison still believe all the innocent things we've taught him? When will he question Santa? The Easter bunny? Will he question God?
This morning Garrison lost his first tooth. It was a monumental occasion marked by fear (of the pain) and then the excitement and pure joy of cold, hard tooth-fairy cash! All day the question was, how much cash? Of course to Garrison a quarter is still all that is required to get that ever elusive gumball or tame a pony at Wal-Mart. So Dad and I will make sure he gets a lest enough for a couple of gumballs and a couple of rides. I've been waxing sentimental all day about the changes it's made in his appearance. Gone is the face of a baby and in it's place is a young boy ready to start the next great adventure. To quote him, "Hey! Loosing a tooth is no big deal, Mom." On to the next big thing....
Kamdyn is going through summer with the aplomb of a 2 year old. She seems to bounce from day to day, following "Buba" into trouble over and over again. This last Saturday she and Garre were playing upstairs and it's been a while since there has been any significant "trouble". (A welcome respite...) Garrison decided to (his words), "...rub his forehead on the carpet to see what would happen." See the pictures...
Kamdyn decides to go to the bathroom and rub "lotion" (Bath and Body Works Bath Gel) from her head to toe; Cucumber and Green Tea to be exact. It is nearly impossible to clean bath gel out of carpet so I sat her in the tub and also set the bath mats in the tub. I feared the mess if I put them in the washing machine. That much agitation and there could be a another significant mess in the laundry room. WHAT A HUGE MESS IT WAS!!!!!
Our house is also overloaded with many boxes of stuff from my childhood home. Things that I couldn't simply throw away and there was no room for at my mom's new place. We currently have three couches and an overstuffed chair in one room and you can not see the dining room table because of the china and crystal from my grandmothers home in Georgia. There are scores of children's books, puzzles, frames, glasses, knick-nacks and various other items strewn about the house. It's a colossal mess. I have every intention of having a garage sale but now it's so hot and nasty out that I just plain don't want to bother with it. As I've stated before I'm not a sterling house keeper and this has truly added to the chaos, and it's all of my own doing.
What else have we been up too??? Lone Star Park and horse racing, birthday parting, light traveling, working, emptying out mom's house, painting, tying bows, Garrison's learning annex classes each week, Swim class, VBS and a million other things too numerous and trivial to interest anyone.
I have been reading quite a bit; Wuthering Heights(Bronte), a favorite of mine, Pride and Predjudice (Austen), a new favorite, The Visitation by Frank Peretti, and scores of magazines while sitting in the car at swim class. I'm totally up to date on all the latest Hollywierd gossip and trash. I've also discovered that I really like talk radio. Particularly conservative day-time talk radio. Thank you, Dad. I also got a terrific new Bible called the archeological Bible. It got all the historical evidence to support the Bible along side the text! VERY COOL!
Summer if flying by so fast and I just want to hold on to every last minute before I turn Garrison loose on the world, or rather let this big-ole bad world influence him. Every day aging, growing into this little man right before our eyes. He is using words and phrases lat remind me that I'll be am embarrassment to him sooner than I'd like. He is taller and thinner and he looks like a young boy rather than my little angel that I held in my arms not so long ago. I savor every moment that he and I spend together. I'm literally counting the days and weeks until that fateful moment when he walks through those doors and becomes a student, still a child, but no longer a baby who trusts moms and dads every word. Now he will question things and learn worldly things at an alarming rate. Things that have never been a part of our world. Have we done enough to cement faith in his young soul? Has God been a part of out daily lives so much so that He is daily walking with Garrison through life? Will Garrison still believe all the innocent things we've taught him? When will he question Santa? The Easter bunny? Will he question God?
This morning Garrison lost his first tooth. It was a monumental occasion marked by fear (of the pain) and then the excitement and pure joy of cold, hard tooth-fairy cash! All day the question was, how much cash? Of course to Garrison a quarter is still all that is required to get that ever elusive gumball or tame a pony at Wal-Mart. So Dad and I will make sure he gets a lest enough for a couple of gumballs and a couple of rides. I've been waxing sentimental all day about the changes it's made in his appearance. Gone is the face of a baby and in it's place is a young boy ready to start the next great adventure. To quote him, "Hey! Loosing a tooth is no big deal, Mom." On to the next big thing....Kamdyn is going through summer with the aplomb of a 2 year old. She seems to bounce from day to day, following "Buba" into trouble over and over again. This last Saturday she and Garre were playing upstairs and it's been a while since there has been any significant "trouble". (A welcome respite...) Garrison decided to (his words), "...rub his forehead on the carpet to see what would happen." See the pictures...
Kamdyn decides to go to the bathroom and rub "lotion" (Bath and Body Works Bath Gel) from her head to toe; Cucumber and Green Tea to be exact. It is nearly impossible to clean bath gel out of carpet so I sat her in the tub and also set the bath mats in the tub. I feared the mess if I put them in the washing machine. That much agitation and there could be a another significant mess in the laundry room. WHAT A HUGE MESS IT WAS!!!!!
Our house is also overloaded with many boxes of stuff from my childhood home. Things that I couldn't simply throw away and there was no room for at my mom's new place. We currently have three couches and an overstuffed chair in one room and you can not see the dining room table because of the china and crystal from my grandmothers home in Georgia. There are scores of children's books, puzzles, frames, glasses, knick-nacks and various other items strewn about the house. It's a colossal mess. I have every intention of having a garage sale but now it's so hot and nasty out that I just plain don't want to bother with it. As I've stated before I'm not a sterling house keeper and this has truly added to the chaos, and it's all of my own doing.
What else have we been up too??? Lone Star Park and horse racing, birthday parting, light traveling, working, emptying out mom's house, painting, tying bows, Garrison's learning annex classes each week, Swim class, VBS and a million other things too numerous and trivial to interest anyone.
I have been reading quite a bit; Wuthering Heights(Bronte), a favorite of mine, Pride and Predjudice (Austen), a new favorite, The Visitation by Frank Peretti, and scores of magazines while sitting in the car at swim class. I'm totally up to date on all the latest Hollywierd gossip and trash. I've also discovered that I really like talk radio. Particularly conservative day-time talk radio. Thank you, Dad. I also got a terrific new Bible called the archeological Bible. It got all the historical evidence to support the Bible along side the text! VERY COOL!
All is well on this front; We just desperately need some rain. It's bee a while since I've written in the blog. Just bear with me, I'm distracted as usual.
Sunday, May 21, 2006
Light summer reading...
First off let me say my spell check is not working so forgive the type-o's
Since things are slowing down a bit and it's summer, I thought I try a bit of light reading. I selected a simple meaningless book called the Di Vinci Code. I'm serious when I say a meaningless book. I've been watching the history channel to see what all the fuss is about and really it is silly. I'm not here to be political about this book or even get up on a soap box. All I'm saying is this: if you know your Bible and it's validation throughout history how or better yet why does anyone but any stock in this fictional tale about "what-if"?
Yes the Knights Templar existed but all records disappeared over 700 years go.
No one doubts the writings of Aristotle, Plato or Nostradamus and yet there are vastly fewer actual documents validating their existence and writings; why doubt Christ and His divinity with all there is to back Him up both theologically and secular?
It's all very interesting because what it says to me is that there are so many people actually looking for something to believe when the truth is right in front of them. You can play what if over and over again but it doesn't make it real, it's still just "what-if"
That's my take on the whole thing. I am reading the book because I want to be equipped to refute or at the very least have an intelligent debate on the subject. I don't feel like boycotts work because they actually fuel the fire. What's more it makes the boycotting side look superior, not a good stance to open a topic. You also can not ignore it so educate yourself and go from there.
Random moment...
My STUPID dog(s) just ate an entire box of 96 crayons. What do you do with that?
Stupid. Stupid. Stupid.
Since things are slowing down a bit and it's summer, I thought I try a bit of light reading. I selected a simple meaningless book called the Di Vinci Code. I'm serious when I say a meaningless book. I've been watching the history channel to see what all the fuss is about and really it is silly. I'm not here to be political about this book or even get up on a soap box. All I'm saying is this: if you know your Bible and it's validation throughout history how or better yet why does anyone but any stock in this fictional tale about "what-if"?
Yes the Knights Templar existed but all records disappeared over 700 years go.
No one doubts the writings of Aristotle, Plato or Nostradamus and yet there are vastly fewer actual documents validating their existence and writings; why doubt Christ and His divinity with all there is to back Him up both theologically and secular?
It's all very interesting because what it says to me is that there are so many people actually looking for something to believe when the truth is right in front of them. You can play what if over and over again but it doesn't make it real, it's still just "what-if"
That's my take on the whole thing. I am reading the book because I want to be equipped to refute or at the very least have an intelligent debate on the subject. I don't feel like boycotts work because they actually fuel the fire. What's more it makes the boycotting side look superior, not a good stance to open a topic. You also can not ignore it so educate yourself and go from there.
Random moment...
My STUPID dog(s) just ate an entire box of 96 crayons. What do you do with that?
Stupid. Stupid. Stupid.
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
It's been almost a month
It's hard to write about such a lengthy amount of time but "sufice to say", it's been intensly busy!
Let me sum up what I've been doing and the lesson's I've learned.
Birthday and program pictures!
Let me sum up what I've been doing and the lesson's I've learned.
- Mom moved into her new place.
- We had an estate sale.
- We enrolled Garrison in school.
- We enrolled Kamy in a new school near the house.
- Garrison had a birthday.
- Darth Vader came to school for Garrisons birthday
- Doctors appointments
- Pre-school teaching
- Pre-school let out (very bitter sweet, for me! I'm really going to miss everyone.)
- We began to packup the remaining belongings in the house (ongoing)
- Garrison had a Star Wars birthday party.
- Arranging for summer swim lessons
- Daily packing up mom's house
- Lot's of tears for taimes gone by
- Missed my friends because I feel like we've all been sucked into a black hole for the last 11 weeks
- Learned that there are just some things in life that I can not worry about.
- I have had to learn to trust more.
- Learned to appreciate my mom a lot more
- Learned that every moment in life is good when you are with family
- Learned what it means to give more of myself than I ever thought I could
- Learned to ask for help
- Learned to lean on friends and reach out
- Learned whe "Let go and let God" truly means
There is fear in the unknown if your destination is uncertain. I've learned to have more confidence in the love and compassion of Christ and my brothers and sisters in Christ.
There will always be people, things and circumstances that I do not understand. But I have to accept that they are also on a walk toward heaven. Who am I to ask or say what should or should not happen? I am still growing in my relationship to everyone. I hope it never stops.
Enjoy the pictures.
Birthday and program pictures!
These are some pictures it took me a year to get developed. We did not get to take 2006 pictures. The bluebonnets were not abundant this spring. It was amazing in 2005 though
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
Pictures pictures pictures!!!
Yesterday was a landmark day in our family. Garre reached his 5th birthday (with no broken bones or stitches, yet) and to mark the occassion Darth Vader came to meet him. Garrison was so overwhealmed that he couldn't even talk. He actually hid in a corner trying to catch his breath. He kept saying, "I'm his biggest fan and I'm just too nervous to meet him!" At the very last moment he went up to him and we were able to get a picture. Here are several of the photos. The quality isn't the best because it was very dark and Sean was taking the pictures with my camera. I should have changed the settings but I forgot.
Here are some Easter memories
Pure joy at seeing her Easter basket for the first time!
Things continue to move at a insane rate. There are never enough hours in a day to accomplish anything. I'm reading a great book, "Mommy Guilt". It is all about how to find a good balance and how to prioritize you life in such a way that you really get to enjoy the important things and de-stress your life withtout feeling guilty. I struggle with that and with asking for help so those are two things I'm working on personally.
Mom is in her new place and trying to get used to all the "new" in her life. There is no order, no consistancy and no faimliarity to any of this for her and it's a tough transition. But praise God we are all growing closer as a family, lending each other a hand and sometimes fighting our way through the insanity. I've learned a new definition for togetherness; leaning on one another in rough times. I've come to rely on my brother and sister a lot.
Special thanks to my brother who has played many different roles in his life; the Easter Bunny, Santa Claus and now the mighty Darth Vader. Mel and I already know when it's our turn and they need a princess phone call (sorry, but we can not make personal apprearences, unless they want a queen or stepmother. My days of playing the princess are long past, if I ever really had those days to begin with???) we'll be there!
Later on ya'll!
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