Miracle and Musings

Reese is walking. He was 11 months old yesterday.

He is also NOT having surgery Friday. We have ourselves a miracle. God healed his eye! For eight days, there has not been a single solitary thing in his eye. Clear as clear can be. I cannot begin to explain to you what a miracle this is. I am not exaggerating when I say that I cannot remember a day since he's been here, that I haven't wiped goop out of his eyes. I have been so excited all week every time I thought about it... which was a lot.

I just wanted to put this in the records books, and let those of you who might have been praying, start praising.

It's been a busy month.

I haven't taken a single picture of anybody or anything.

I have participated in two yard sales, one at my house, the other at a friend's.

I had the carpet cleaned.

We've painted a few closets.

I've read several books that have encouraged me greatly.

Elle and Grady had their first sleep over. A friend's husband had surgery and needed some help with her kids. I had five kids 5 and under. It was awesome.

Elle's last day of school is this week. Followed by her end of the year musical. Which happens to be on mine and Steven's 10 year anniversary.

We always said we'd go to Hawaii on our 5th. Elle was born 10 days after our 5th anniversary.

Then we said we'd go on our 10th.

We have 12 days until we leave for a week at Disney World. Close to Hawaii, don't you think?

Maybe it will happen on our 15th.

We've told Grady Mickey won't let him in if he continues to pick his nose.

Elle made a paper chain to count down the days.

I ordered some swimsuits 14 days ago and after talking with several people on the phone, I'm convinced they are lost. The question is, will I get a refund or will the company send me more suits?

I already sent some back that I ordered from Land's End. They fit terribly. But let's face it, after having three kids and nursing all three, swimsuits just aren't what they used to be... or maybe it's my body in them:).

I've seen a lot of dead snakes in the neighborhood lately. At least they are dead.

There's only one more episode of Lost and then the finale. Sad times for me. Possibly my all time favorite TV show. At least, it's the only one I currently watch.

That's all for now. Maybe I'll have some pictures next and not as many words.

Happy Nurses Day

I never knew what I wanted to be when I grew up. I used to envy those kids who were passionate about a profession and confident they would become an airline pilot and then they actually did. {my friend Courtney comes to mind!}

I entertained multiple job fantasies throughout childhood. There were dreams of becoming a landscape architect, a pilot, a doctor, an Olympic gymnast, a teacher, even a florist. When I started at Troy my freshman year, it was no surprise that I did not declare a major. Only four quarters later, when I ran out of general classes, and the counselor told me I could not come back to them anymore, did I chose a major. The Biology Program. I still had no clue, but knew I really liked science, especially biology. The possibility of medical school loomed in the back of my mind. Two and a half years later, I graduated. Eight days later, I got married. My first job after graduating was as a Pharmacy Technician at a brand new Target in Daphne, Alabama. Circumstances brought us back to Troy within a few months. Steven got his scholarship back and was going to finish his degree. I got my old job back, one I'd had part time during college, working as a teller at Southtrust Bank.

Then I got the bright idea to go back to school. I've often told Steven that if a university would pay me to go to school, I would be a professional student. I've always loved school, learning, reading, even studying. But since I couldn't find that university, I took out loans and entered nursing school. It would take me only two and a half years.

I reasoned that I loved science, biology, medicine even. I liked the idea of helping people and caring for them. I also knew the flexibility of the field, mainly that I could get a job anywhere we were. I tried not to dwell on the time and money that would have been spared had I "reasoned" this stuff sooner and chosen nursing as my major instead of biology. And we were going to be in Troy for another couple of years anyway.

And here I am, seven years later. I have been employed a total of 10 months as a nurse. I have made less as a nurse than it cost me to legally become one. If fact, I'm still paying for it:). But my license is still current. And after I'm mostly done raising these precious babies of ours, I plan to work as a nurse again. I'm grateful to be here, at home with my kids, for this time. But I do look forward to caring for patients again. Patients that aren't my own flesh and blood:). Happy Nurses Day to all you wonderful nurses out there! I'm proud to be counted among you!

"Whatever you are, be a good one." - Abraham Lincoln

Another surgery

We have another surgery scheduled. Reese will get both tear ducts probed on May 21st. We are both very ready for this. His eye is crusty, goopy and red ALL THE TIME. He cries as soon as I start running water for the wash cloth because he knows what is coming. Sometimes he can't even open his eye after a nap because it's crusted together.

Three surgeries in two years. One per child. All different. But all very minor procedures. For that, I am extremely thankful. Grady was first back in August 2008. Elle came next in September 2009. Now, our caboose in May 2010.

The Lord was gracious even in providing the doctor. Back at the first of the year, we visited a developing church plant a few times. I met a guy there who is an opthamologist and we were talking about Reese possibly having to have surgery. A couple weeks ago, I called the pediatrician's office to get the referral for the opthamologist. She gave me two names at a practice where they refer their patients. I looked on the website and one of the doctors was the guy I met! Even though I don't really know him, it somehow feels better to at least have met him outside of the office, and know he has a heart for the Lord.

Pray for Reese, if you think about us. For safety with the anesthesia. For a speedy recovery. And for success--no more crust, goop, redness or unnecessary tears!

It was a zoo

Elle's school took a field trip to the zoo yesterday, along with at least 25 other schools:). She had a really fun time despite the crowds. The only animal-related highlight was feeding the giraffes. And let me just have a quick rant here. It was $2 per child to feed the giraffe {and 3 girls went up there together}. There was a wooden platform for her to walk up, get instructions from the zoo employee and have her fun. She got two pieces of food and it took a total of 2 minutes. Here's the kicker: they also charged the parents to walk up there with the kids. And because I felt that was enitrely ridiculous, Elle marched up there on her own. I mean, really? I have to pay to walk up there and stand behind her? Anyway...

Probably her most favorite thing was walking through all the bamboo.

And playing in the dirt.

And hanging out with friends.

Thomas

Our little town doesn't have much, but once a year we get on the map with a two week visit from Thomas the Tank Engine. The museum really is great and they have several fun outings throughout the year. However, Thomas and Sir Topham really know how to bring in the crowds.

One fun part is that the train tracks run through our neighborhood {but not close to our house!} by the pool, so every year we go down there and wave to Thomas and his passengers... multiple times. Steven took Elle and Grady for a ride last Friday. Mom, Reese and I went down to the pool so we could wave to them as they passed. For some reason, he felt the need to hold them up by their waists to get a picture.

Then, we met them at the museum to play with trains, get tattoos, dance to some live music, jump in an inflatable bouncer, browse the merchandise and take pictures without paying for the professional ones. Because I'm sure this dad (in the lower left corner) is regretting paying for this picture.

As always, Reese was just along for the ride. And happy to be there.

Still Catching Up

I didn't even know Elle could swing all by herself until last weekend. Dad and Sandi have just the right size swing set for solo swinging. She spent a lot of time out there swinging, and swinging, and swinging.

She got a new bicycle. She picked the one with the most shiny, sparkly decor and accessories. I'll admit, it's hard to resist streamers from the handle bars.

Grady has developed a new obsession. And I mean OBSESSION. He got the movie for Easter and has asked every day since, at least 45 times a day, to watch it. Specifically "tractor tipping". He and Elle think it is hilarious. They have so much fun playing "Cars" together. It's fun to see him so excited about something not involving a dress, tiara or tutu.

And this is all Reese wants to do.

Because those teeth still have not come through. But you can see white just beneath his gums. He is also standing without holding on to anything and has attempted a step or two!

We had a really wonderful weekend and enjoyed the beautiful weather. Steven and I went out to dinner with friends Friday night {and laughed really hard and had really great conversation} while the kids enjoyed a night in with my Mom. We did some much needed yard work Saturday afternoon and spent a good portion of today at Oak Mountain eating, playing, singing, hanging out and just being outside. Elle and Grady even rode a horse for the first time! We had the camera and Steven started trying to snap pictures. He couldn't get it to work and then we realized the memory card was not in there?! Oh well... we'll be better prepared next time. Hope everyone had a great weekend!

Catch Up

We have had a way more busier than usual week but it's been lots of fun too. It started last Thursday with dental check-ups for Elle and Grady. It was Grady's first time and he did great! Of course, he and Elle went back there together so I'm sure big sister helped ease any fears he might have had. I'm a little more concerned about his teeth from his thumb-sucking, but the dentist assured me I didn't have anything to worry about... yet. They take a picture of the patient at the first visit. He looks a little crazed. Maybe it was the flavored toothpaste. He also wore his dress-up policeman jacket to the check-up.

That afternoon, we drove to Dothan to spend an extended Easter weekend with family and friends. We stopped on the way for a quick visit on the patio with my Grandmother. And the kids cleaned up all the pollen on the patio with their clothes, hands and feet.

It always seems like there is never enough time in the short visits to see all the people and do all the things we want to do. We did manage to have some great time with friends without kids as well as lots of time for the kids to play with friends' children, and their cousins. I have no pictures to document, but it was the first time all four kids (my brother, me and my two step-brothers), our spouses, and all eight grandchildren have been together. After church Sunday morning, everybody came over to Dad and Sandi's for lunch, egg hunting, and candy eating. I didn't get a single picture of our immediate family together either. This was the best I could do.

We came home Sunday night and my mom got in around midnight. She's been here for the week (her Spring Break) and we've had a week consisting of doctor's appointments, eye doctor appointments, McWane Center, and we are going to see Thomas the Train in less than two hours! I also had some kind of "death" virus on Tuesday and was literally unable to get out of the bed all day. There were a few rounds of vomiting involved. Thankfully, since mom was here, the kids were taken care of and Steven came home for lunch and a little earlier than usual at the end of the day. That's all I have for now. Much more to write about and more pictures to share...