A Night of Little Miracles

I arrived at home at 10:00pm. Angii and Alana were still up. (Hmmphf!)
I spozed it was because Angii just didn't want to deal with the nightly "going to bed tantrum". Alana is growing into the most beautiful personality, but two sticking points continue to be bedtime and hair brushing! You HAVE seen that head full of delightful curls. As soon as she sees the hairbrush and detangler, she exclaims, "yoo hur me dramma".

Angii's explanation for the delayed bedtime, "we're having so much fun". A quick game of "where's lana" whilst I prepare for the battle. "Time to go to bed, Miss Alana Lynn", then the most amazing sight as I watched her get up and walk down the hall into her (formerly my) bedroom. I'm not quite sure what to make of this. Is it a joke? Is she playing? I give her a minute and creep in to find her in gramma's "big bed" pulling the fluffy down comforter up so that she can snuggle inside. Angii joins her with a bedtime story. A smile and prayers and Alana goes to sleep.

There WILL be ice cream today!!!!
(grandma's prerogative)

Then at 3:00am as I'm tossing in my living room chair again, I realize that there is an empty bed in our house - that is, an empty bed other than the ELMO adorned toddler bed. As Jhinel is en-route to West Virginia -brrrrrrrrr, a real bed lies vacant!!! What a treat!!! And yes, I slept through the alarm going off......but it was such a wonderful rest!

Praising God in the little things!!!

Happy Birthday!

A Day in The Life.............

November 24, 2008.

In the past two days, Alana has asked and effectively used the potty chair twice "WHO-RAAAAAAAYYY!!!"
Today myNel announced that she has been nominated by her school for the Pathfinder Scholarship/Award.

My life is so cute.

Thank you, Father.

A Confession

Yes, I am stressed. Somehow, it feels a bit "unChristian" to admit that. And I've come to the conclusion that it's easier to be ill myself than to go through the same with my children.

Please lift in Prayer today:
Jennifer (she had a colposcopy last friday)
Jhinel - who is in severe back pain (we are waiting on the appointment for an MRI, she recently finished a course of physical therapy)
Holly and Walker and family for a healthy pregnancy
Alana Lynn (she's two and living with her grandmother!! - nuf said)
Baby Luke that his lungs will heal - and his family who are waiting for him to come home.

UPDATE 11/25: Jhinel's MRI showed a herniated disk. She is being referred to a pain management program. Our doctor said this is certainly better than what could have come back. So far her ski trip and softball season can stay on the calendar, but no conditioning until after we meet with the specialist. Please keep her in prayer.

Who Said It?

"We'd better stop before she asks us to sing this at her funeral"

(in a very distorted Bri-ish accent): "there'll be no tissues for your issues"

(They're crazy I tell ya!!)

Chickens and Pirates and Lions..... oh my!!

(The mime is not mine, but we often pick em up as we go!)
I LOVE CHICKEN!!!!

Treasures

Younguns who aren't mine call me "mom"
What an awesome blessing this is.

Funny............the things that we think of as treasure as we get older!

Date Night

A football game and ice cream date with a the most beautiful band nerd, her kid sister, neice and Jeni!! The perfect Friday night. K-girls rule!

and who WAS that "cross-dressing (?)" fool that Katherine brought over on Wednesday??? (yes, he IS wearing a tiara!!!) hehe

(Thank you, Father)

September 2008

Almost Two

She sang to me all the way home. Her enunciation is limited, but the tune and the gestures are unmistakable. It' funny how quickly those pre-school songs come back to me.

I'll be glad when she can go home to her mommy, and I can be a real grandma again.

And I'll miss her.

September 11

Just a bit ago, I realized that I'm having an attitude problem this afternoon.

It's curriculum night at my daughter's school. And I'm mad.
I'm of the opinion that September 11th should be a national holiday.
As it's not, I want the "officials" to at least let us spend the evening at home with our families; or at a church with friends; or on the beach.

But a "good mommy" goes to curriculum night and meets the teachers, rushing around campus with a thousand other parents. So that was my plan. leave work at 3:30 to pick up Angie from School; drop her off at home. Go back to work. Have her meet me at my office at 5:30. Pick up Alana at daycare. Pick up Jhinel from high school. And to the scheduled event.

When I picked Angie up, I said "do your homework and meet me at my office at 5:30" at which point she said she couldnt go to school tonight. The administration had made it clear that students were to stay home to accomodate all of the parents. I'm guessing that if they don't want Angie there, then my granddaughter and myNel aren't welcome either. By the time I pick them up and get them home and get to school, they should pretty much be wrapping up the event.
oh well, so much for being a "good mom"
I guess I'll just go home and spend the evening with my family. which is really what I wanted to do afterall.

Seven years ago this day, we pined to see our kids and our spouses and to take them home. We stood in line to give blood. We went to church together as family and friends and prayed. On that day thousands of Americans went off to work or off to school or on a plane and didn't have the opportunity to come home to their families. Because of hate.

Today, I almost thought that we'd forgotten.
I cried. I'm going home with my kids!

Update on Jennifer

She is scheduled to be at residential treatment until mid-September. She had an intake at a halfway house today and was accepted - this means that when she leaves the residential program she will have an opportunity to be in a safe place while she continues outpatient treatment, gets a job and finds an apartment.

She sounded so great last night, happy, excited about life.......I asked her when was the last time she felt this way. Her response, "I don't remember........maybe five years ago".

Praise God!!! Praise God!!! Praise God!!!
Praying that Jennifer continues to heal and that Alana can live with her mommy soon!

Tuesday: Quick Update

August 23, 2008
Nel drove on I-95!!! :-)

August 25, 2008
After breakfast an Alana initiated trip to the potty chair - and success!!!!

August 26, 2008
This morning I commented that I feel as though my home has been invaded by aliens - partly due to the fact that I'm sorting and cleaning and organizing a car full of personal effects, loaded by Jennifer in a frenetic escape.

MyNel's response was...................uhhhhhhhh, mom you have!!!
Having had my feelings validated, I actually felt better!!!!! (lol)

Yes, Alana Lynn is living with us while her mommy is seeking help with addiction to opiate pain medication.

August 18, 2008

• First day of school
• First hurricane of the season

http://www.noaa.gov/

August 17, 2008

Beautiful Alana Lynn - playing at church

July 28, 2008

Today "myNel" is seventeen
She (finally) (insert rolling momma eyes here) got her driving permit
Today she "officially" became an organ donor
and she pre-registered to vote

What a special day today is.

Jeni's Mom's Wish List

• Sleep
• diapers/pull-ups
• Jeni's healing/recovery
• more hugs from Alana
• PRAYERS

Jeni's Wish List

• Blanket
• Cigarettes
• Laundry soap
• Nail polish remover
• tweezers
• quarters
• shampoo and conditioner
• T-shirts Xsmall
• Pajamas Xsmall
• Granola bars
• Lollipops
• Werthurs original
• Chocolate
• Cash for snack machines and weekly take out meal
  
  
  
  

This Moment

Things that I am grateful for at this very moment:

• Butterflys
• "runts" - tropical flavored
• TEENAGERS!!!!

Fun Things to Do When the Kids are Away

• take Alana to dinner at papa's
• go wedding dress shopping with Holly
• go to "Build-A-Bear" with no kids!! (hehe)
• hang out at the mall

Who Said It???

"Never inspect the teeth of a gift horse."

Another wonderful attribute of teenagers...........................

They don't wake me up at 3:30am and say, "Grandma, PLAY!"

Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

1 Corinthinas 10:31

Another Day, Another Blessing or Three

This morning the girls let me kiss them when I dropped them off for their trip to camp.

As we were waiting to pray and send them off, I remembered that my mom made this Monday morning trip last year as I had been released from the hospital on Saturday.

Which reminded me that I have been cancer free for a year!

Dinner with Dad and Nancy. Her last day of "work" - a celebration of retirement!

And a sleepover with my beautiful granddaughter!

God is Good
(all of the time)
and today he was especially kind to me.

ETB!

1860

Mynel is officially a Senior in High School
And she got her SAT scores today! oh my ........this is becoming more real each day!

I'm excited for her!
I'm proud of her!

I promise that I am smiling through these tears.

Vacation

My favorite part of vacation was cooking for my family!

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh

Monday we got home at 1:30am
Tuesday I got home at 10:30pm
Wednesday we got home at 9:30pm
Thursday we got home at 8:30pm

This is why I need to go AWAY for a vacation.
'Cept the girls are trying to schedule activities for our week away!
Should be interesting to see how it all turns out

June 9, 2008

My "almost seventeen" joined me for the game tonight. Our team lost. Mr. Ken Griffey Jr. hit #600. We had fun. Together.

I cherish these moments, especially from my "Senior" (H.S.)

An "Other" Family

Three years ago an Overcomers group had prayerfully decided to discontinue meetings. As brothers and sisters in Christ, we had come together weekly to share our lives, the good, the bad and the ugly. Some had been gathering for many years. A typical meeting included prayer, a lesson or testimony, then small groups where more personal challenges and victories were shared. We prayed for each other, encouraged each other and matured in our faith-walk. Folk from all walks of life, from various churches and communities, sharing a piece of our journey.

Through these past three years, I have spordically encountered some, once in a shoe store, at a concert, at our beautician's. I'd been called to pray for a brother for healing. When I was going through my drug trial and cancer last year, beautiful Diana came each week to visit and bring dinner. She didn't care that I was in my jammies, my family was truly blessed.

Recently, we got together for dinner at Beth's home.....
The first thing that I realized as I entered her home, was a sense that we'd all seen each other just last week. It was an immediate familiarity and joy to be together again. When I saw "mom"Arlene.........I cried. For some reason, she and I had bonded in special way those years ago, I dont think I understood until that moment how very much I love her. A son who was in treatment three years ago was vibrant and healthy and married! Children growing and grown up. Our lives moving into new directions.

After dinner, well, after DESSERT we gathered in one room, we prayed and then took turns updating the others on our lives since our last meeting, then prayed again. It was a very special evening.
Since than, I have found myself wishing........that everyone could have this kind of extended family.

New Shoes for me!!!

I got two new pair of shoes this week........and they're girly shoes!!!
It was so nice of myNel to clean out her closet!!!

ewwwwww GROSS!!

Who needs nose clippers when you've got HOLLY!!!

May 12

k................ so i slept in until 2pm on Saturday.
got up just in time to get ready for work - a fundraising event for work; had family time yesterday with both of my dad's (Father in heaven and earth dude!)

Today I'm on "vacation" yep..............took the teenagers to school and playing hookey! cept its raining, so my plans to go to the beach with a book are delayed. think I'll put some "socially acceptable for going out of the house" clothes on and maybe find an oil change and a pedicure!

Nel keeps trying to tell us that she's a Senior, but not til I see her report card.......(I'm not ready yet)

Yall have a blessed day.

Nancy, I love you and I miss Amy too.

Prayer Request

Please lift Eric and his family in prayer today
www.ericdolchfoundation.org

ETB!

An Observation

I've been noticing lately, that my energy is finally getting better.

I still love my naps, but I don't feel as though every day I must go home and sleep!

I don't go to track meets or Lake Ida with an umbrella to keep out of the sun.

At Mom's birthday party, I didnt need to take a nap.

Almost a year since the interferon and cancer surgery,
Praising God for daily miracles!

(Apparently KEEPING THE WEIGHT OFF REQUIRES EXERCISE!!!!)

BTW

Nel,
Thanks for taking me out to lunch at the Ritz Carlton for my birthday!
(hehe)

yer my "favorite".....

Update for Mother Aunt Holly

She got home at 4:30am.

Chelsea never left the prom to go to the concert, because she was having fun.

Jordan commented about the strangers who were taking pictures in the parking lot

and.............they DANCED!

A Princess

photo's courtesy of my favorite sister

April 18, 2008

Relay for life, 2008

Bedhead

John 6:40

This is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day.

Temporary New Nickname

"Napoleon" is now "Scarface" (temporarily)

Funny the seam and thread of the softball are visible on her cheek, kinda Frankensteinish. And she even seems a bit proud of her "boo boo". Not so bad for a geek, eh?

Please lift John in prayer today.

Rev 3:20

Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with me.

It Used to be .....

There was a time in my life when attending church services was a thing i did for me. It was about seeing all the "cool people". It was about singing the praise songs. And sometimes it was even about hearing a good sermon. If the music was good enough, and the message was good enough, my mood could be tranformed. I'd get high.

But sometimes, it fell short. And I would leave feeling disappointed, unfullfilled, dissatisfied. Something was wrong here, as i prayed on it and listened, i began to understand. It wasn't my church. or my friends. or the music. It wasn't the pastor or the sermon. It wasn't even the fact that the seats were filled with hypocrites. It was me. It was my attitude. And the Lord began to change my heart.

What I came to know has changed me. Sunday services aren't about Dawn. They're not about getting my weekly "fix". Sunday service is about worshipping God with other believers. This revelation has transformed my relationship with the Lord, and I am grateful. Some Sundays, the music makes me dance, or cry. More often then ever God reveals himself to me through the scripture. But if it doesnt, I don't walk away feeling disappointed anymore, because the praise that I lift up has been accepted as a fragrant offering and pleasing to my Lord.

Thank you, Father

March 23

Chrystus zmartwychwstat. Alleluja.

Moc szczescia, wiele dobroci od ludzi spokoju ducha oraz Radosnego Alleluja!

STS-123

2:38 a.m.
florida
God speed to the crew of Endeavor
photo www.nasa.gov

More Memories

A trip to the spa - sharing a cup of tea and a foot soak

"dropping in" at a tattoo parlor with her Dad's permission (he laughed at me)

playing 5 innings

wearing "jewel encrusted princess crowns" (plastic, of course) in the parking lot of Cracker Barrel

Makin Memories

On Monday night at a gathering the observation was made that we tend to "remember" negative things from our past more vividly than the positive.

Therefore I am on a mission to make sure that my children have good memories. Actually, this may just be my own justification for what my girls refer to as "weird" ("ooooooooo mo-om", and roll yer eyes!)

The TALKING CAR was a beautiful blue FJ Cruiser. Saturday, February 16th, 2008. CarMax, HEHE Napoleon!!!

Hot Flashes

Hot flashes are just a sweet reminder that I'm cancer free!

Thank you, Lord

Quotes From an Almost Seventeen Year Old...

"I love how you pretend to be a prude (mom)"

"Patchouli body wash and hemp shampoo & conditioner", "You're weird".

Alana Lynn

Beautiful Baby Girl

What Child is This?

ETB!

I knew I didn't have time for this blogging thang!!! hehe. (faithful readers will get it!)
I must admit that I spend much less time on the computer these days. That I attribute to better health and energy! Praise the Lord!
But to appease the "mass" (you know who you are, too few to claim as "masses") (lol):

Of course the past few days others have wished, "the best year ever" in 2008; some who know my 2007, have offered encouragement that "this year will be better."
I kinda chuckle. WHAT could be better than healing from cancer?

So many blessings the Lord has given, I've mentioned them all before in this forum. It would seem that 2007 was a time of trial for our family........and yet the greatest gifts can be found in and through our times of need. Friendship, faithful prayers, appreciation for "the little things", the realization that most of our "big things" aint so. The realization that our God is greater than ALL things! The understanding that everyone has their own story and that each is unique and special.

So...........In 2008, I wish you God's perfect love, strength and grace, whatever circumstance you encounter along the way.

My Favorite (Wet) Band Geek!