Well, on Tuesday we got the results of Katie's sleep study. To make a long story short, she is definitely having sleep issues. Pretty bad ones at that. So, the tonsils must come out.
Do you ever kick yourself in the butt because you think "I should have done something about this sooner?" Well, this is one of those moments for me. I have known for about 2 years that those tonsils were not normal in that child, but I had left it for the pediatrician to decidewhen/if they would come out. Now, don't get me wrong, I love my pediatrician BECAUSE he is so conservative, but this time I should have gone with the mommy instincts over the pediatrician.
My poor sweet angel has not had a good nights sleep in.....well, I don't know how long it's been.
But, I am going to stop with the woulda, coulda, shouldas and be thankful that we are able to absolutely, beyond a shadow of a doubt know sure that the tonsils are going to have to come out.
I hate the thought of what she is going to go through, but I have to hang onto the promise of the better quality of sleep and a happier (and in the long run, healthier) child.
So, please pray for our little sweet angel. We see the ENT on Tuesday and my goal is to do the surgery over Thanksgiving break. I will keep you all posted!
For I know the plans I have for you....Jeremiah 29:11
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Monday, October 27, 2008
It's a boy!
One would think that being a mother of 3 kids, wife to 1 husband, owner of 2 dogs, 1 fish and sub-owner of 2 parekeets (I help Jayson out from time to time) would be enough for a woman to handle. Then add a few household chores and chauffer duties into that and it gets quite crazy around here. Sometimes it is a very delicate balancing act that has taken me years of practice to get to the point of not melting down over our schedule.
So, when my balance gets upset, I get a little upset. The latest un-balancer (is that a word?) came to me from the mouth of my own son. You see, his father (who was the initial un-balancer) informed my son that he could use his birthday money to buy 2 parakeets. Jay said to me "it will teach him a lesson, he will spend all his money and won't have any left and then he will have to work really hard to keep the birds and probably wish that he hadn't spent the money on them." Well, that lesson backfired because Jayson loves little Minnie and Daisy (cute huh?). He takes very good care of them and buys them all their supplies and researches everything he can on these birds. So (back to the unbalance), imagine my shock when Jayson came in to inform me that Minnie should be Donald! Yep, we have a Donald and a Daisy! Oh my! How in the world did that happen?
Can one sue Petsmart for undo stress on this poor mother? What in the world are we going to do? Jayson loves those birds, the girls love those birds and I have to admit, they are kinda cute....but my oh my, it doesn't take a genius to figure out boy+girl = baby birds!
Well, all I gotta say is my husband is in big trouble along with the people at Petsmart who sold us these two "gals." I have no time for this type of fiasco. No time!
Where is my lesson in this one? Well, I don't have one, but my husband sure does......he should listen to me when I say "no more pets!"
On Thursday, we go to the vet to see if for sure Minnie is a boy and if so, well.........anybody want a parakeet?
So, when my balance gets upset, I get a little upset. The latest un-balancer (is that a word?) came to me from the mouth of my own son. You see, his father (who was the initial un-balancer) informed my son that he could use his birthday money to buy 2 parakeets. Jay said to me "it will teach him a lesson, he will spend all his money and won't have any left and then he will have to work really hard to keep the birds and probably wish that he hadn't spent the money on them." Well, that lesson backfired because Jayson loves little Minnie and Daisy (cute huh?). He takes very good care of them and buys them all their supplies and researches everything he can on these birds. So (back to the unbalance), imagine my shock when Jayson came in to inform me that Minnie should be Donald! Yep, we have a Donald and a Daisy! Oh my! How in the world did that happen?
Can one sue Petsmart for undo stress on this poor mother? What in the world are we going to do? Jayson loves those birds, the girls love those birds and I have to admit, they are kinda cute....but my oh my, it doesn't take a genius to figure out boy+girl = baby birds!
Well, all I gotta say is my husband is in big trouble along with the people at Petsmart who sold us these two "gals." I have no time for this type of fiasco. No time!
Where is my lesson in this one? Well, I don't have one, but my husband sure does......he should listen to me when I say "no more pets!"
On Thursday, we go to the vet to see if for sure Minnie is a boy and if so, well.........anybody want a parakeet?
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Sleepy Head
Katie went for her sleep study last night.....she did really well. She slept great, wish I could say the same for mommy. But what matters is that they find the answers we need to decide on the tonsils.. She was such a trooper while they got her all ready for the study. They even asked her if the 3 year old next door could come in and watch her so that little girl wouldn't be afraid. Katie was so brave and Mrs. Kim told her that she was the best little girl patient she ever had! Her new friend's mommy told her they never would have made it without her.
Picture posted in case you ever wondered what it might look like if you were having a sleep study. Fun fun fun.
Picture posted in case you ever wondered what it might look like if you were having a sleep study. Fun fun fun.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Spiritual gifts
Have you ever investigated what your spiritual gifts might be? We have a class for this at Grace called Class 301. In a nutshell, it helps people zero in where they should be serving the Lord and where they should serve in our church. I have taken several spiritual gift inventories over the years and I know what my gifts are and I certainly know what they are NOT.
One place where I do not have "the gift" is in the area of Evangelism. And do you know when I see my lack of luster in that area? Every single, dog-gone time my son shows me how evangelism is really done. He gets it. It just HAS to be his gift. This child keeps on telling people about Jesus, bringing them to church and somehow leading them right to the altar of salvation. Now, I am embarrassed to say it, but in my life I have knowingly led 2 people to Christ and they were JAYSON and Hunter. He was already there, I just prayed the prayer with him and Hunter decided she wanted in on this salvation thing too.
Today Jayson came home and told me he invited this child to youth group. And you know how he told me? He said "Mom, I know you are going to be mad but I invited -----(insert name) to Youth Group". WHOA, hold up a minute. First, why did he think I would be mad? And second, why does he even think this kid will even come?
I think I can answer my own questions. One, Jayson knows I do not have any desire for him to hang with this certain child. Guilt by association rings loud in my ears. What if this kid drags him down? What if....what if.....what if.....???? Oh yes, I have made it clear, stay out of that crowd son!
Question two.....Jayson didn't THINK this kid would come, he HOPED he would come and maybe turn himself around WOW! My kid rocks!
So, I really had to apologize to Jayson (AGAIN) this evening and tell him how proud I was of him for caring about this child's salvation. I told him that I admired him for doing the one thing that I struggle with so much.....evangelizing to the lost. I told him that this child is welcome in our home on youth group nights and that I will be praying for this boy too.
Why does it always take my children to teach me a lesson? I am sitting here now thinking of Jesus going among the lepers, the prostitutes, the tax collectors. I think about how I would want Jayson to stay away from them because they may hurt him. And how Jayson gets the fact that I don't want him among these people (why else would he think I would be mad?). And, FINALLY, how this is where Jesus himself wanted to be. He wanted these people to see the light He came to give to their lives. So, my prayer tonight is that I can quit being an overprotective mom long enough to let Jayson's light grow from being a little candle to becoming the great big spotlight I know God has designed him to be!!!!!
And as I close up this blog, it becomes clear to me......Jayson's grandpa also had the gift of evangelism. I will never forget VT witnessing even on his last day here on this earth. He WAS the big spotlight that Jayson is going to grow into. The shoes are already here waiting for Jayson to fill them!
One place where I do not have "the gift" is in the area of Evangelism. And do you know when I see my lack of luster in that area? Every single, dog-gone time my son shows me how evangelism is really done. He gets it. It just HAS to be his gift. This child keeps on telling people about Jesus, bringing them to church and somehow leading them right to the altar of salvation. Now, I am embarrassed to say it, but in my life I have knowingly led 2 people to Christ and they were JAYSON and Hunter. He was already there, I just prayed the prayer with him and Hunter decided she wanted in on this salvation thing too.
Today Jayson came home and told me he invited this child to youth group. And you know how he told me? He said "Mom, I know you are going to be mad but I invited -----(insert name) to Youth Group". WHOA, hold up a minute. First, why did he think I would be mad? And second, why does he even think this kid will even come?
I think I can answer my own questions. One, Jayson knows I do not have any desire for him to hang with this certain child. Guilt by association rings loud in my ears. What if this kid drags him down? What if....what if.....what if.....???? Oh yes, I have made it clear, stay out of that crowd son!
Question two.....Jayson didn't THINK this kid would come, he HOPED he would come and maybe turn himself around WOW! My kid rocks!
So, I really had to apologize to Jayson (AGAIN) this evening and tell him how proud I was of him for caring about this child's salvation. I told him that I admired him for doing the one thing that I struggle with so much.....evangelizing to the lost. I told him that this child is welcome in our home on youth group nights and that I will be praying for this boy too.
Why does it always take my children to teach me a lesson? I am sitting here now thinking of Jesus going among the lepers, the prostitutes, the tax collectors. I think about how I would want Jayson to stay away from them because they may hurt him. And how Jayson gets the fact that I don't want him among these people (why else would he think I would be mad?). And, FINALLY, how this is where Jesus himself wanted to be. He wanted these people to see the light He came to give to their lives. So, my prayer tonight is that I can quit being an overprotective mom long enough to let Jayson's light grow from being a little candle to becoming the great big spotlight I know God has designed him to be!!!!!
And as I close up this blog, it becomes clear to me......Jayson's grandpa also had the gift of evangelism. I will never forget VT witnessing even on his last day here on this earth. He WAS the big spotlight that Jayson is going to grow into. The shoes are already here waiting for Jayson to fill them!
Friday, October 10, 2008
Grandparents
In 2007 my children lost both a Grammy and a Papaw. They were very close to Jay's mom and dad and spent quite a bit of time with them. They only have my dad and stepmom and my great grandmother left. And it seems, they just all live in a different universe as often as the kids get to see them. So, it seems in the grandparent department, they are often at a loss these days when they hear their friends talk about their grandparents. Hunter said to me the other day "it's weird to hear friends discuss their grandparents who are old, and mine weren't that old, but they are dead". And my poor Katie these days thinks every time we leave her, we will die. And then my sensitive soul Jayson just can't understand why God would take his grandparents when he (Jayson) was the one who needed them, NOT God. Well, needless to say, it has been a month of grief awakening in this house.
I am blessed that at the age of 37 I still have my Mamaw with me. We have always been very close. She helped raise me. She made incredible sacrifices for me so that no dream would be unatainable for me. She worked so hard and for so many hours to see that, even on her very small little salary, that I would not be without anything.........especially a college education.
It is sad that in the last 6 years I have watched my Mamaw's health decline to a point that she has become very restricted in what she can do. Her heart is basically functioning at 35% of it's capacity and getting weaker each day. I remember a time when she could play for hours with my children without stopping. Taking walks, playing dolls and playing video games (well, holding the controller and pretending anyway!). With each visit, I notice she is able to do less and less with the children and I see how it bothers her. The kids seem to have taken it in stride and just adjusted their way of "playing" with her, but she and I know how hard it is for her to not be able to do the things she used to do with them.
Well, last week, after an emotional outburst from Jayson, it dawned on me how badly my children are missing having grandparents. Jay's mom and dad went to everything.....dance recitals, gymnastics, football games (LOTS of football games). And during the outburst, I also realized my son is waiting to lose yet, another grandparent. My grandmother. He misses her now, but truly he is afraid that she is going to die before he gets to see her one more time.
So,I called her last week, knowing that she IS extremely ill and I simply said "Mamaw, Jayson is really missing you and is terribly worried about you. Would you mind coming to watch him in his play? I know you are really tired, but he is really missing having grandparents aroundand it would make him so happy. After all, he is the lead in this play. " And don't you know that this little tiny woman, who can hardly breathe these days said "yes". And not only is she watching it one night, but she will be there all three nights! She is coming for 8 days, just to see Jayson perform. BUT she also gets to go to a football game, and watch 7 dances class (yes, 7!).
NOW THAT'S A GREAT GRAN! Forget what is happening to her right now, Jayson needs her and by golly, she is going to come through for him.
My kids are so excited they can't stand it and are now counting the days until she gets here. They are all planning where she is sleeping (they like her to sleep with them, but I have had to put a stop to that since I know she needs lots of rest and who gets that with one of my kids in the bed????), what games they will play, where we will take her. And even though I know how difficult this trip is going to be on her physically, I can't wait either. 8 whole days of my children having a grandparent see them do the things they love! Having my grandma to myself for 8 days while the children are at school! It will be a good time for ALL of us.
Please pray for my grandmother's visit. I know the real cost to her. It is a real concern that flying could cause her blood clots again, that she will be beyond physical exhaustion the whole time and that she probably will put on a happy face even when she doesn't feel good. I DID promise her daily rest time while the kids are in school, after all, she doesn't have to watch ME do everything (that would exhaust even the fittest of all athletes! ).
You know, I can't think of a time in my life that I have asked my Mamaw for something and she didn't give it to me.....I need to make sure this time I let her know how truly grateful I am for the presence of her in mine and my children's lives. After all, we have seen that those we love can be taken from us in a literal heartbeat.
I am blessed that at the age of 37 I still have my Mamaw with me. We have always been very close. She helped raise me. She made incredible sacrifices for me so that no dream would be unatainable for me. She worked so hard and for so many hours to see that, even on her very small little salary, that I would not be without anything.........especially a college education.
It is sad that in the last 6 years I have watched my Mamaw's health decline to a point that she has become very restricted in what she can do. Her heart is basically functioning at 35% of it's capacity and getting weaker each day. I remember a time when she could play for hours with my children without stopping. Taking walks, playing dolls and playing video games (well, holding the controller and pretending anyway!). With each visit, I notice she is able to do less and less with the children and I see how it bothers her. The kids seem to have taken it in stride and just adjusted their way of "playing" with her, but she and I know how hard it is for her to not be able to do the things she used to do with them.
Well, last week, after an emotional outburst from Jayson, it dawned on me how badly my children are missing having grandparents. Jay's mom and dad went to everything.....dance recitals, gymnastics, football games (LOTS of football games). And during the outburst, I also realized my son is waiting to lose yet, another grandparent. My grandmother. He misses her now, but truly he is afraid that she is going to die before he gets to see her one more time.
So,I called her last week, knowing that she IS extremely ill and I simply said "Mamaw, Jayson is really missing you and is terribly worried about you. Would you mind coming to watch him in his play? I know you are really tired, but he is really missing having grandparents aroundand it would make him so happy. After all, he is the lead in this play. " And don't you know that this little tiny woman, who can hardly breathe these days said "yes". And not only is she watching it one night, but she will be there all three nights! She is coming for 8 days, just to see Jayson perform. BUT she also gets to go to a football game, and watch 7 dances class (yes, 7!).
NOW THAT'S A GREAT GRAN! Forget what is happening to her right now, Jayson needs her and by golly, she is going to come through for him.
My kids are so excited they can't stand it and are now counting the days until she gets here. They are all planning where she is sleeping (they like her to sleep with them, but I have had to put a stop to that since I know she needs lots of rest and who gets that with one of my kids in the bed????), what games they will play, where we will take her. And even though I know how difficult this trip is going to be on her physically, I can't wait either. 8 whole days of my children having a grandparent see them do the things they love! Having my grandma to myself for 8 days while the children are at school! It will be a good time for ALL of us.
Please pray for my grandmother's visit. I know the real cost to her. It is a real concern that flying could cause her blood clots again, that she will be beyond physical exhaustion the whole time and that she probably will put on a happy face even when she doesn't feel good. I DID promise her daily rest time while the kids are in school, after all, she doesn't have to watch ME do everything (that would exhaust even the fittest of all athletes! ).
You know, I can't think of a time in my life that I have asked my Mamaw for something and she didn't give it to me.....I need to make sure this time I let her know how truly grateful I am for the presence of her in mine and my children's lives. After all, we have seen that those we love can be taken from us in a literal heartbeat.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
This crazy world
I have said this before...I didn't start this blog to be a political statement, it's my therapy. And it just so happens that what I am going to vent about today has much to do with politics.
What is up with this crazy market and economy? What is up with all this media hype surrounding it? What in the world is the right answer to all these problems?
Well, I just don't really know. I am not paid to do that job, and can I honestly say that I do not want to do it. I actually think (no matter what the political party is) that it is a hard time to be in Washington these days. So, I will definitely be praying for wisdom and for God's will to be accomplished through each of our country's leaders.
But, let's get real here.....what is all happening in this world today WILL be used in God's plan, but this is NOT God's will. Satan has had a real hay day in this world. Greed, selfishness, ignorance and pride have taken over this whole country. Our wants for more and more and to become richer and richer are just out of control. Our pastor once said "we spend money we don't have to impress people we don't really like!" We (the American people, MYSELF included) buy houses we can't afford, drive cars we can't afford and spend money we don't have because credit is so easily available (or it WAS!). And then when we get caught we want to blame someone else for it!
But I think there is more to it than that. I think we are a world where we all believe we have this sense of ENTITLEMENT. We think we are OWED these things and the positions of power and comfort we have. And you know what, Satan couldn't be happier with our thoughts.
So, last night I truly was having a moment of panic after watching the news and I really started to get scared. And then I heard God's voice say to me "don't be afraid, I am in control. Focus on having your family ready for the day they meet me and don't worry about the rest". And then I also realized that I am so guilty too of thinking that I deserve what I have because we work so hard for it. And I immediately prayed for forgiveness at those thoughts and asked God to heal me of my way of thinking.
This song gently brings me back to where I need. It's NOT because of who I AM, but because of who HE IS.
What is up with this crazy market and economy? What is up with all this media hype surrounding it? What in the world is the right answer to all these problems?
Well, I just don't really know. I am not paid to do that job, and can I honestly say that I do not want to do it. I actually think (no matter what the political party is) that it is a hard time to be in Washington these days. So, I will definitely be praying for wisdom and for God's will to be accomplished through each of our country's leaders.
But, let's get real here.....what is all happening in this world today WILL be used in God's plan, but this is NOT God's will. Satan has had a real hay day in this world. Greed, selfishness, ignorance and pride have taken over this whole country. Our wants for more and more and to become richer and richer are just out of control. Our pastor once said "we spend money we don't have to impress people we don't really like!" We (the American people, MYSELF included) buy houses we can't afford, drive cars we can't afford and spend money we don't have because credit is so easily available (or it WAS!). And then when we get caught we want to blame someone else for it!
But I think there is more to it than that. I think we are a world where we all believe we have this sense of ENTITLEMENT. We think we are OWED these things and the positions of power and comfort we have. And you know what, Satan couldn't be happier with our thoughts.
So, last night I truly was having a moment of panic after watching the news and I really started to get scared. And then I heard God's voice say to me "don't be afraid, I am in control. Focus on having your family ready for the day they meet me and don't worry about the rest". And then I also realized that I am so guilty too of thinking that I deserve what I have because we work so hard for it. And I immediately prayed for forgiveness at those thoughts and asked God to heal me of my way of thinking.
This song gently brings me back to where I need. It's NOT because of who I AM, but because of who HE IS.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Doesn't take much...
To make this man happy.....
Remember I said Jay does NOT sleep naked? Well, take a look at this shirt, he will probably be sleeping in for the rest of the football season and basketball season. I won't be able to get him to take it off! This is one happy man. The coaches at Liberty have blessed him with the honor of allowing him to lead them in Bible study once a week. He truly loves his coaches, in fact, I have never seen him quite so excited about leading anything since he left the frat house. The man loves everything about football and basketball. The coaches gave him this shirt today to let him know that he is officially "part of the team" and they couldn't have made him a happier man. Just goes to show you that when you say "yes" to God's calling, He will always provide a blessing.
Thanks a bunch to all the Coaches for blessing my husband. He truly has enjoyed spending time with you, off AND on the field!
Remember I said Jay does NOT sleep naked? Well, take a look at this shirt, he will probably be sleeping in for the rest of the football season and basketball season. I won't be able to get him to take it off! This is one happy man. The coaches at Liberty have blessed him with the honor of allowing him to lead them in Bible study once a week. He truly loves his coaches, in fact, I have never seen him quite so excited about leading anything since he left the frat house. The man loves everything about football and basketball. The coaches gave him this shirt today to let him know that he is officially "part of the team" and they couldn't have made him a happier man. Just goes to show you that when you say "yes" to God's calling, He will always provide a blessing.
Thanks a bunch to all the Coaches for blessing my husband. He truly has enjoyed spending time with you, off AND on the field!
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