Gracie

Dinner and a Show.....

2012-02-02T21:10:00.002-06:00

In case you were wondering, I had a fabulous birthday!

Even though I had to work, my amazing co-workers made my day extra special.

I got tons of txts, calls, facebook messages, cards and presents. =)

We celebrated by having Dinner with the Cousins and I had yet another birthday cake.

The Cousins thought it would be funny to use trick candles.

Just picture me trying to get the darn things blown out.

It was not a pretty sight. In fact, the more I tried to blow them out, the bigger the flame got.

Everybody in the restaurant was looking at us, lol.

Cousin's Hubby, BFF, was trying to sprinkle them with water.

Haley was asking where the fire extinguisher was.

Truth is, we really almost needed a fire extinguisher!

Seriously, it looked like a blow torch. I was trying really hard to blow them out.
But all I could do was laugh!
That was the "After"

It was hilarious! I'm sure the folks at the restaurant had no idea they were going to get Dinner and a Show! It was a fun day. Hope your week has been good, Blog Friends. We're only a few hours away from Friday! =) Friday ALWAYS brings a smile to my face. =) Love you MUCH, =],

Happy Birthday 2 Me......Tomorrow!

2012-01-26T21:33:00.003-06:00

Let me just start by saying, I have THE best daughters, EVER!

They baked me a cake tonight for my birthday, which happens to be tomorrow.

Isn't it awesome?!?! I was SO impressed. Keep in mind, they are 15 and 20.
Here are the candles from the top.

They made me laugh! I always told everybody I was 29 until Haley turned 20.

Then I decided I probably needed to add a few years. Ha! =)

They also gave me this..... Haley's art + Kylees's poem.
I'm sure you can't read it, but this is what is says.....

Happy Birthday Mom!
May every second, minute, hour, day and year of your life
be filled with the kind of comfort, security, and happiness
you give unfaillingly to me.
Happy Birthday, Mom!
Without you, there would be a gaping hole in my life,
an emptiness that only your love can fill.
Thank you for all that you do, for
the extraordinary person you are.
Happy Birthday, Mom!

Yes, I cried.

I love them more than any of you could ever imagine.

I am so blessed to be their Mom.

So, Happy Birthday to me tomorrow!

It has been an amazing 41 years!
Love you MUCH!
=],

Merry Christmas.....

2011-12-25T08:36:00.003-06:00

Merry Christmas
Friends and Family

Love you MUCH!

=],

Memories To Last a Lifetime.....

2011-12-17T12:19:00.004-06:00

Happy Saturday, Blog Friends!

Baby Kinley continues to improve everyday.

She will continue her IV antibiotics for another

week and they have set a target discharge date of Christmas Eve.

That means, she'll be home just in time for Santa's visit.

Thank you all for praying for this sweet baby.

God continues to answer prayers on her behalf.

________________________________

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than

all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us

~Ephesians 3:20~

________________________________

Ok, I told you in my last post I had a road trip to tell you about.

Those of you who know Hayden, the cutest 6 year-old ever,

know the #1 reason he is an Auburn fan is because of this guy......

Aubie

He's been to many a football games just to see Aubie.

We've waited at countless Tiger Walks to

see Aubie and give him a High-Five as he went by.

BUT....

We've never gotten a picture with him.....

Never been close to him for more than mere seconds.....

Never spent time with him.....

Until Wednesday night.

Haley, Kylee, Lois, Hayden, and myself loaded

up and went to Auburn to watch the Women's Basketball game.

Haley loves basketball and actually went to watch the game.

Kylee loves road trips and just went to be going somewhere.

Hayden, however, went with one purpose

in mind and one purpose only.....

to see Aubie.

Lois and I have been to a basketball game

before so we knew we would get to see Aubie.

He's generally all over the Auburn Arena

entertaining the crowd, and getting everybody fired up.

We just didn't know how amazing

the night would be for a certain 6 year-old.

I am confident there are not enough words

in my vocabulary to adequately describe it to you.

So, maybe these will help.....

Not only did he see Aubie, he spent time with Aubie.

He sat with Aubie.

He watched the game with Aubie.

He was on the sidelines with Aubie.

He cheered with Aubie.

He played with Aubie.

Most of all, he was loved on by Aubie.

Each and every minute was PRICELESS.

I confess, I cried.

It was so magical and so sweet.

If you only knew how much Hayden loves

him and how long he has wanted to meet him.

He said, "I've waited 6 years for this; It's the best day EVER!"

Oh, and for the record, I wasn't alone, Cousin cried too.

I am confident we were the only 2

people crying at the basketball game.

It didn't matter.

My girls were laughing us.

We didn't care.

This smile.....

Made EVERYTHING worth it.

It was worth getting off work early.

It was worth the 2 hour trip to get there.

It was worth every penny spent.

It was worth not getting home until Midnight.

It was worth being tired the next day.

It. Was. So. Worth. It.

It was a perfect day filled
with memories that will last him a lifetime.

=)

Here are a few of my personal favorites.....

In case you were wondering, Auburn beat South Florida 62-45.

War Eagle!

Have a wonderful weekend, Blog Friends!

Mine is off to a great start.

It's Noon and I am still in my pj's.

I have nowhere to be until a Christmas Party tonight at 7.

Love you MUCH!

=],

Kinley Update.....

2011-12-15T10:15:00.001-06:00

Yesterday was a rough day for baby Kinley and her Family.

They fought her fever all day long.

Her feet were purple, her respirations

were in the 60's and they called in a special team.

Imagine how hopeless you would feel watching your baby

suffer with a 104-105 degree fever while Nurses packed ice all around her.

They decided to do a 2nd spinal tap yesterday.

Kinley is being treated for meningitis and is now on heavy duty IV antibiotics.

Here's all good news.

Yep, it's a bunch.

Temp right now is 98.3.

Yes, you read that right 98.3!

Sounds to me like someone is responding quite nicely to her antibiotics.

Brain swelling has gone down.

Can we say, Thank you, Jesus!

Barring any further complications, she will be home for Christmas.

Remember that verse I shared with you yesterday?

It is so fitting I believe I will share it again.

____________________

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than

all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us

Ephesians 3:20

____________________

Thank you all for your prayers for this sweet baby girl and her family.

They are very good friends of mine and are near and dear to my heart.

I will have another post for you later on tonight or tomorrow.

I CAN'T WAIT to share our road trip last night with you.

It was so exciting!

Have a great day, Blog Friends!

Love you MUCH!

=],

Sweet Baby Kinley.....

2011-12-14T07:07:00.001-06:00

Good Morning, Friends!

Tis the Season to be EXTREMELY busy.

I finally bought my first Christmas present last week.

Needless to say, I am way behind, and have a lot of catching up to do.

Somehow, in the next 10 days, it will get done.

It always does.

I say 10 days because Santa comes to our house Christmas Eve.

I will have to explain that later.

This morning I have a special prayer request for you.

Kinley, the 7 month-old daughter of my very good friend,

Candace, was transferred to Children's Hospital in Birmingham last night.

They had to call an ambulance Monday after she had a seizure.

They admitted her to our local hospital and diagnosed her with pneumonia.

Despite IV antibiotics and other treatment,

she has continued to run an extremely high fever.

Last night, she developed swelling on her brain

and the decision was made to transfer her to Children's.

Last update, they were doing a spinal tap.

Please pray for this sweet baby girl.

Pray for her Mommy and Daddy that they will

have comfort and peace during this terrifying time.

Also, pray for those caring for her to have wisdom and compassion.

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all

we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us

~Ephesians 3:20~

I will update you as soon as I know something.

Have a great day, Blog Friends!

Love you MUCH!

=],

War Eagle from Room 842

2011-11-12T14:36:00.001-06:00

My Mom is in the hospital.

She's been here since Thursday morning when I brought her with chest pains.

After a battery of tests, including a Heart Cath yesterday afternoon, we have ruled out a heart problem.

In fact, her heart is "perfect."

Awesome news for a 64 year-old female who was having chest pains radiating to her arm and jaw, shortness of breath, nausea and who just happens to have a family history of cardiac disease.

Pretty awesome indeed.

What we have found out is she is a diabetic. She is now on insulin and we have started the task of finding the right combination to control her glucose level.

She spiked a Temp last night and we are waiting on blood cultures to see if there's any type of bacteria in her blood.

She is on 2 different IV antibiotics and has had what seems like a constant stream of people drawing blood for various tests.

He plans on keeping her at least til Monday. Hopefully, by then, we will have all the results and a lot of answers.

I honestly think the chest pain may be because of esophogeal spasms and quite possibly she needs her esophagus dilated.

I'm not trying to play Doctor. l like to think of it as thinking outside the box.

I mean seriously, I've had plenty of time to think. I've been here since her admission.

I have admitted the only thing worse than having a Nurse as a Patient is having a Nurse as the Daughter of a Patient.

Keep in mind I am a Nurse so I've been on both sides of this fence.

For the record, let me say I have been VERY, VERY good.

It is extremely difficult to be on this side of the fence and it's times like these I try to remember when I'm taking care of my own Patients.

We have had FABULOUS care. In fact, I couldn't have asked for better.

Let me assure you, I have sung their praises to everyone who will listen.

I know, from being on the other side of the fence, it is always nice to hear the positives of the care you're providing.

I hope she's better soon. I hate seeing her sick. I know she's ready to feel better and sleep in her own bed. I'm ready to sleep in my own bed too.

I will update later. I am about to watch my 1st ever Auburn game from a hospital room. Depending on how we play there may be two patients in this room. It might actually be a blessing in disguise we're on the Heart Floor.

War Eagle from Gadsden Regional Medical Center!

Love you MUCH!

=],

Gracie
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Game #7.....

2011-10-18T22:27:00.001-05:00

Another awesome weekend is in the books.

We headed to Auburn early Saturday morning with the
Cousins where we had a full day of tailgating and football.
Tailgating The Cousins Girls Just Wanna Have Fun The Row at North Park
Tiger Walk The Auburn Sky Breathtaking War Eagle! Our Section 39, Row 48, Seats 24 and 25 Friends(You will remember them from here.....) This is what we do to Gators. Yep, we beat Florida. =) Love you MUCH! =],

Hello Fall.....

2011-09-24T10:07:00.002-05:00

The only good thing about saying Goodbye to Summer, is saying Hello to Fall.

Fall means feeling cooler weather, beautiful foliage, and Football!

Auburn Football.

=)

Cousin, Lois and her Hubby, Jeff

Utah State Game

Me and Cousin

Utah State Game

Cousins

Mississippi State Game

Me and Cousin

Me and the Cutest 5 year-old EVER!

I love this boy!

Looking for Aubie at Tiger Walk

Found him!

We love Aubie!

Spirit

(before she hit the wall)

Aaaaaaaah, nothing like Saturdays in the South.

War Eagle, Friends!

Love you MUCH!

=],

The Days of Summer.....

2011-09-19T21:53:00.001-05:00

This Summer has been fabulous. Like, really, really fabulous.

The only problem, it has flown by.

We bought these and have
spent every free minute on the river. The Jet skis, Sonny and Cher
Don't get me wrong, there has been plenty to blog about,
there just hasn't been enough time in the day. We've been too busy fishing, wakeboarding, tubing, kayaking, making homemade ice cream, grilling out, and spending time with family. Paradise on the Coosa River Sweet boy Kylee and her friend, Morgan
The Hubby
Me and Hayden
Fishin'
Sisters (sniff, sniff) Goodbye Summer. I am sad to see you go. Please hurry back. I'll be waiting ~~patiently~~ on your return. =],

Nurses Are The Worst Patients.....

2011-08-25T20:46:00.001-05:00

They say Nurses are the worst patients.

They are right.

Gracie is a bit under the weather.

I have bronchitis/upper respiratory crud.

I am so sore in my chest and head
from coughing so much and so hard.

I finally decided to call my Doctor
after I started coughing up blood yesterday.

Yes, that is a symptom of bronchitis.

Don't freak out Mother; I tried to call you and tell you all about it.

I did come home from work early
today and have been in my pajamas ever since.

I think the rest has done me good.

I have GOT to get better, I have a very busy weekend ahead.

Enough of that.

I have a Friend that is in need of prayer.

I ask you, Blog Friends, to join me in praying for her.

God knows her name and He knows the storm she is facing.
___________________________________

Immediately he spoke to them and said,
"Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid."
Then he climbed into the boat with them,
and the wind died down. They were completely amazed...
~Mark 6:51~

___________________________________

I pray He will work in her life in
such a way that we are all completely amazed.

Happy Friday tomorrow!

I can't lie, I am looking forward to it!

Love you MUCH!

=],

You Are There.....

2011-08-20T10:35:00.004-05:00

I love when He sends us reminders of Who He is.....

Such was the clouds over our house Thursday night.

Amazing.

Simply amazing.

________________________________________

Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
Psalms 139:7-8
________________________________________

Love you MUCH!

=],

Waaaay Too Long.....

2011-08-17T22:53:00.028-05:00

Ok, you know it's been too long since you last blogged when your Mother calls you out on Facebook.

Yep, my Mother did that today.

I admit, *cough, cough* she's right.

It has been a long time.

Way too long.

This is what my Mother wrote on my Facebook wall.....

"Get your rear end out of the water long enough to up date your Gracie! I miss it. You are cheating a lot of people out of blessings they get by reading Gracie. I love you. Mom"

We have literally spent all of our free time on the river.

Maybe a little too much time, lol.

My Mom obviously thinks so.

=)

We've had a blast.

Here are a few pictures..... What a HUGE fish! How cute is he? Kylee and her Friend, Morgan My Haley-Girl
Ok, now let me catch you up on the life of Gracie.

My baby girl started high school Monday.

I drove her to school then cried, like a baby, all the way home.

Kylee was THRILLED to hear it....not.

All she wanted to know was 1.)If I waited until I got away from the school to start crying and 2.) Did anybody see me?

Ha!

Gotta LOVE teenage girls.

The cutest 5 year-old also started school Monday.

His Mommy said he had a great day.

He is such a big boy.

I was blessed to have the opportunity to go school supply shopping with him and his Mommy.

We had so much fun.

I was going to go to his school Monday and see him off, but I really felt like I shouldn't.

Don't get me wrong, I wanted to.Really, really bad.

It took everything in my being not to drive right over there.

I really felt like I shouldn't take that time away from his Mommy and Daddy.

Haley starts back to College Monday as a Sophomore.

She's enjoying her last week of Summer.

Here are the kiddos and myself..... I just love them.
16.

That's the number of days until Auburn Football.

=)

I got my Auburn Football season tickets this week in the mail.

WooHoo!

I can not wait to see my Tigers play, but I can't wait to see our Section 39, Row 48, Seats 24 and 25 Friends.

You can read about them here.

I hope all of you and yours are well.

I miss you terribly!

Love you MUCH!

=],

No Words Required.....

2011-07-05T13:51:00.000-05:00

Nothing Less Than Perfect.....

2011-07-05T12:25:00.001-05:00

I don't mean to brag but the weather here is nothing less than perfect.

Blue skies, as far as you can see, a nice breeze blowing off the ocean, and the sound of the waves crashing into the white, sandy shore.

I close my eyes and get lost, at least for the moment.

It's so soothing.

So peaceful.

I could stay right here, in this spot, forever.

Not a single care in the world.

We've been watching the dolphins play right in front of us all morning.

I've seen them early in the morning, but never this late.

There's a lot of boats out and they are following along, playing behind them.

I tried to get some pictures, but it's hard to predict exactly where they will resurface.

The girls are sleeping in today.

Of course, there's nothing unusual about that.

Haley developed an earache and swollen lymph node.

I called her Doctor yesterday, who called her in some medicine.

Hopefully, it will work quickly so she will feel better soon.

Thank you, Dr. Lovato, for taking care of us.

We watched the fireworks from the Beach last night.

They were amazing.

As I type this, the Coast Guard Helicopter is doing its daily coastline flyover.

I LOVE that!

It's one of my favorite parts of being at the beach.

Ok, where was I?

I'm at the beach.

We have a new Cabana Boy today.

I can't imagine why?! ;)

All I need is my umbrella moved every now and then.

That is not asking too much.

We have no real plans for this vacation.

No agenda.

That's the way I like it.

Isn't that what vacation is supposed to be about?

It makes me a happy, happy girl.

I'll be real happy when my girls are feeling better.

Til next time.

Love you MUCH!

=],
Gracie

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Where is Mom?.....

2011-07-04T09:55:00.005-05:00

Happy Birthday, America, Land that I Love!

You all know I am proud to be an American.

The price of Freedom isn't, nor will it ever be, free.

It comes with a HUGE price that we should never take for granted.

This Blog comes to you from the beautiful beach of Gulf Shores, Alabama.

Literally.

As I type, I can see waves crashing before me, and endless blue water.

A Coast Guard Helicopter is flying over,
their occupants waving to us below.

Of course, I'm certain it's me they are waving to. =)

Multitudes of families are beginning to make their way to the beach.

Kids are laughing.

Music is playing.

Sand castles are being built.

Books are being read.

Me?

I'm sitting on a lounge chair, under an umbrella
strategically placed by the Cabana Boy to keep me out of the Sun.

Not a care in the world, at least, not right this minute anyway.

The real world will come soon enough.

For the next few days though, it's Family, Sun
(yes, I will eventually leave the comfort of this umbrella),
sand, water, flip-flops, no make up, and seafood, my favorite.

2 little boys are fishing right in front of us.

They are probably 11 or 12.

They are using live mullet as bait.

They were so proud when they found this on the other end of the line.

Yes, that is a shark.

My question is, Where is Mom?

I'm sure you'll be hearing from me a lot this week, Friends!

But, right now, the Sun has shifted
and I must find Cabana Boy to adjust my umbrella.

Love you MUCH!

Gracie
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Good news!

2011-06-26T12:38:00.001-05:00

Good news.....

Bronson is better, much better.

So much better, they are moving him to a room.

Bad news.....

He has a really bad infection that will require weeks of IV antibiotics.

He may have to stay at Children's the entire time if they cant do them at home.

Pray that they will allow them to do them at home.

Love you MUCH!

=],
Gracie
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

My Soul Is Weary.....

2011-06-25T10:31:00.001-05:00

No new updates on Bronson.

I have no brilliant or eloquent words.

That's nothing new, though.

To be honest, I'm pretty much at a loss for words.

My heart aches.

It aches for a Mommy and a Daddy who
are watching their child fight for his life.

It's a hell no one should have to endure.

My heart aches for Grandparents who are
helplessly watching their own children
endure the pain and reality of this hell.

To tell you the truth, it makes me sick to my stomach.

Like, literally, sick to my stomach.

I hate it bad.

My friends are hurting.

I feel helpless.

I do know, without a doubt, God has a plan in all of this.

Bronson being critically ill doesn't change that.

Let me say that again....

Bronson being critically ill doesn't
change the fact that we know, without
a doubt, God had a plan in ALL of this.

He formed Bronson, inside and out.

With His Hands, Bronson was fearfully and wonderfully made.

I don't know what the plan is.

I don't know what tomorrow holds.

I don't know what the next hour
or even the next minute holds.

However, I do know WHO holds every
minute and every hour of every day.

That will never change.

Ever.

Let us pray together for this sweet baby and his family.

______________________________

My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word.
Psalms 119:28
______________________________

Love you MUCH!

=],

Keep Praying.....

2011-06-24T21:25:00.002-05:00

Bronson is doing some better.

Temp is down to 101.

He has an infection in his blood and is in septic shock.

It is not staph but we still don't know what it is.

Please keep praying.

Gracie
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Update!

2011-06-24T18:32:00.001-05:00

Bronson is not doing well.

His temp is 104.6 and his heart rate is 270.

They have called in the Chaplain to talk to them.

PRAY!!

Gracie
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Urgent!

2011-06-24T18:21:00.001-05:00

Baby Bronson has been taken to Children's Hospital and is in very critical condition.

Please pray for this sweet baby and his family.

I will update you as I know more.

Love you MUCH!

=],
Gracie
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Eternal Healing.....

2011-06-08T21:14:00.000-05:00

Our community is deeply
saddened by the death of 11 year old, Ben Clough.

Ben was diagnosed with AML in 2009.

I received a txt, while I was in Honduras, from my
youngest daughter, Kylee, asking our group to pray for Ben.

He had relapsed for the 3rd time.

They were told there wasn't
anything else medically that could be done.

We have prayed, since Ben was
first diagnosed, for an earthly healing.

God had other plans.

Ben received eternal healing Sunday night.

Our hearts are broken.

We ask why.

But, we have to trust God.

We have to trust His plan.

Even when we don't understand.

Even when His plan is not our plan.

We have to trust.

Ben's service is tomorrow night.

Please, pray for Ben's family.

I cannot even begin to
imagine the pain they are experiencing.

Pray for Ben's friends.

As adults, we don't understand this tragedy;
how can we expect our kids to understand?

Ben loved all things University of Alabama.

More than Bama, he loved Jesus.

He was very passionate in telling others about Him.

I can't imagine the look on Ben's face
when he saw our Father for the 1st time.

Here is the link for Ben's Caringbridge site.

Take a few minutes and read about this
amazing 11 year-old and his journey with this disease.

Ben's Mother wrote the following words in
her caringbridge journal the night Ben died...

"At 9:15 p.m. June 5, 2011 Benjamin Todd Clough, Jr.
walked into the arms of our Risen Savior Jesus Christ.
Praise God and rest in peace our son.
Do not see him as a victim of cancer,
for he is a VICTOR against this world."

Ben is indeed a VICTOR, not a victim.

____________________________________________

No, in all these things we are more
than conquerors through him who loved us.
~Romans 8:37~

____________________________________________

Love you MUCH!

=],

Honduras, Honeymoon, & Home.....

2011-06-01T08:00:00.001-05:00

I have MUCH to share with you.

Where do I even begin?

I went to Honduras May 14th-21st.

We saw a over 1400 people in the medical clinic.

It was an awesome trip.

I will give you a full report soon.

I KNOW you can’t wait and are so excited to hear about it.

=)

My baby Sister, Aly, got married this past Sunday.

She was BEAUTIFUL and the
Ceremony was simply breathtaking.

She and her Husband, Tyler, are now enjoying their Honeymoon in Aruba.

=)

Now for the BEST news.....

Bronson is Home!

Yes, I said HOME!

Not only is he home, he is doing fabulous.

How awesome is that?

We have a party planned Sunday to celebrate this miracle from God.

~~Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess,
for He who promised is faithful.~~
Hebrews 10:23

God is Faithful.

No doubt.

I have many pictures to share with
you from Honduras, as well as, Aly’s wedding.

I'm sure after Bronson's celebration,
there will be more to add.

Love you MUCH!

=],

My Mom.....

2011-05-09T13:34:00.002-05:00

I do realize, even though Mother's Day brings
me joy, it is a painful reminder to some of what
can't be, what was, or what is missing from their lives.

I remember, all too well, all the Mother's Days
I spent trying, without success, to get pregnant.

It hurt.

Deeply.

I am blessed to still have my Mom.

She is the strongest woman I know.

I can honestly say, there has
never been a time she didn't put me first.

If I couldn't go somewhere, she
suddenly didn't want to go anymore.

If there was only one piece of pie,
magically, she wasn't hungry anymore.

Funny how that works, isn't it?

Through her example, I learned
what being a Mom was all about.

I now understand the sleepless nights,
pacing the floors, and worrying over,
what seemed to me at the time, nothing.

I understand the relief
hearing the car pull in the driveway brings.

I understand loving another person
more than you love yourself, and being
willing to take on the devil himself for them.

I understand how your heart can
literally beat inside another's chest.

I understand unconditional love, and love beyond measure.

I understand love so deep you
would be willing to lay down your own life.

I understand praying to take pain and
sickness away, and being willing to take it yourself.

I love you, Mom.

There aren't enough words in the
English language to describe what you mean to me.

I know now there were hard days
and hard times, yet, you never let me know it.

You taught me so many things
about life and about being a woman.

Not only did you teach me there were real life
Princesses, you taught me it was ok to be one myself.

You taught me I could do anything I put my mind to.

You taught me I could be anything I wanted
to be and what I always wanted to be was you.

You taught me to love passionately and forgive freely,
though, I'm still working on the forgiving freely part.

You taught me the importance of Family.

You taught me to hug, and not be afraid of human touch.

You taught me to say, "I love you"
and just how important those words really are.

You taught me the value of hard work, and a good name.

You taught me to be a Leader and not a follower.

You taught me plain talk is easily understood.

You taught me to speak my mind and that my opinion is valuable.

You taught me responsibility and accountability.

You taught me how important it is to keep your word.

You taught me to laugh and enjoy life.

You taught me it was ok to cry.

You taught me to adapt to change.

You taught me to take chances.

You taught me it was ok to fail.

You taught me it felt great to win.

You taught me how to lose with grace and dignity.

You taught me beauty is on the inside.

You taught me to be nice to others.

You taught me to give of myself.

You taught me to stand up for what
I believe in, even if it means standing alone.

Above all, you taught me about Jesus and His Love.

You taught me He has a plan for my life.

You taught me His timing is perfect.

You taught me to pray and read my Bible.

You taught me to carry my kids to church, never send them.

You taught me to take notes in Church.

You taught me to sing.

You taught me to never be ashamed of
Christ and the work He has done in my life.

You have taught me all this and more.

I'm proud to call you Mom.

I hope I can be half the Mom to my girls, you have been to me.

I love you MUCH, Always & Forever!

=],

Happy Mother's Day.....

2011-05-08T22:45:00.001-05:00

My sweet girls made
me cupcakes for Mother's Day.

All their idea.

All on their own.

I love you, Haley and Kylee.

I am thankful God entrusted me to be your Mom.

There is no title or job, that is, or will ever be, more important.

I am so proud of you both.

I will always be your biggest fan, no matter what you are doing.

Without a doubt, God had awesome plans for your lives.

Hayden, I am not sure why or
how we ended up in this situation.

There are times, I don't think I can take you not being here any longer.

I loved you when I first saw you on the
ultrasound and not a minute has passed when I didn't.

You have brought so much joy, happiness and laughter to my heart.

I couldn't love you more had I given birth to you myself.

Even with all the heartache that losing
you brought, I would do it all over again.

Happy Mother's Day!

Love you MUCH!

=],

Praise You In This Storm.....

2011-05-07T22:23:00.001-05:00

The storms came.

So did the Devastation.

More than 200 lives lost.

Homes and Businesses destroyed.

Countless still missing.

Complete. Destruction.

Please, continue to pray for us, in Alabama, as we recover.

God is still God, no matter how big the storm.

Love you MUCH!

=],

That's Cool To Me.....

2011-04-17T23:11:00.006-05:00

After the devastating storms
and tornadoes that came through Alabama Friday,
we've had nothing but gorgeous weather this weekend.

It has been a little cool, but beautiful, nonetheless.

By a little cool, I mean 68ish.

That's cool to me.

=)

I've actually had a lazy weekend.

It was nice. I am going back to work tomorrow.

I've been off since having my 2nd surgery, April 5th.

I am feeling much better.

I still can't sit for long periods of
time and I get tired easily, but feel much better.

I may be saying something different after working tomorrow, though.

=)

I do want to let you know Baby Bronson is doing fabulous.

He has been moved to a room in a Unit with 2 other renal babies.

He is not hooked up to his dialysis machine until 3pm, so, his Mommy and Daddy are able to take him for walks.

They start training Wednesday in preparation to transfer from hospital to home. Yes, I said Home.
They have to train for 9 days.

After that, they'll have to spend a week in the hospital doing everything for him themselves before he can come home.

So, he will more than likely be home the 2nd week of May. 2nd. Week. of. May.

His Mommy said she is going to try and
sweet talk them and see if it's possible to
double up on their training and get him home sooner.

Keep praying for Baby Bronson and his
Family as they prepare for this transition.

Before they call I will answer;
while they are still speaking I will hear.
~Isaiah 65:24~

God continues to hear us.

Miracle. By. Miracle.

He continues to listen.

Miracle. By. Miracle.

He continues to reveal Himself.

Miracle. By. Miracle.

We continue to thank Him.

Have a great week, Blog Friends!

Love you MUCH!

=],

Closer To Home.....

2011-04-14T22:57:00.002-05:00

Baby Bronson now weighs 7lbs 5oz.

He is now up to 150 on his fill volume
so, they are now able to put him on a machine!

=)

This means he is one step close to home!

=) =)

Can you image that Homecoming Celebration?

I can assure you it will be E-N-O-R-M-O-U-S!

There are so many people who have prayed
for this sweet baby, and he is loved by so many.

Oh, and more great news?

His Mommy got to give him a bath for the first time this week.

How awesome is that?

She says he is still having great urinary output, as well.

Miracle. By. Miracle.

God continues to work in Bronson's life.

"O Sovereign LORD, you have begun to show to your servant your greatness and your strong hand. For what god is there in heaven or on earth who can do the deeds and mighty works you do?
~Deuteronomy 3:24~

Love you MUCH!

=],

100 Totally Random Gracie Facts.....

2011-04-13T12:19:00.007-05:00

100 totally random Gracie facts.....

I am married
I have 2 daughters, Haley, 19 and Kylee, 14
I love writing in blue ink, it makes me happy
I am a terrible driver, kinda
Orange jello is my favorite
I love taking pictures
I am addicted to lip gloss and always have it with me and on, ALWAYS
I am a Christian and believe in the power of prayer
I recently joined Weight Watchers
I love being in my pajamas
I don't read music, but I love to sing
I love my big Family; we are really close
I might be just a little stubborn and strong-willed
Reese's Peanut Butter Cups are my favorite candy
I love to make lists; I draw boxes beside each item and when I finished it I put an X in it, if I didn't finish it, I put a / in it so I can add it to the next day's list, see #87
My facial expressions say EVERYTHING I'm thinking, good or bad
I just turned the Big 4-0, yep, I have 2 twenties on me as my daughter would say
Even though I can swim very well, I've never tried to dive
I am a Registered Nurse and work full-time
Daffodils, aka Buttercups, are my favorite flower
I honestly love my job
I always wash my face and take my make-up off before I go to bed
Mashed potatoes are my ultimate comfort food, they always make EVERYTHING better
I love to balance my checkbook, see #87
I believe in Miracles
Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday because it's like Christmas, without the emphasis on gifts
I am sun-phobic and wear, at least, 50 SPF sunscreen
I got my one and only tattoo, a butterfly, when I turned 30
I've never been arrested, and never been in jail
I was anorexic as a teenager, obviously healed now
I traveled and sang in a Southern Gospel Group for 10 years
I love flip-flops
I could almost meet the definition of a hoarder
I would rather read a story than watch it, that way I can imagine it how I want
I was hurt badly by someone I thought was a friend, and because of that, I don't trust easily
When I trust and love, I do it wholeheartedly and passionately
I have Auburn Football Season Tickets; there's no better place or way to spend a Saturday
I love writing my thoughts down and being part of the Blog World
I love all sports, though I've never played, unless you count that 1/2 season of church softball
I want to sing The National Anthem at a major sporting event
All of my Grandparents are in Heaven
I've never ridden a horse
I hate to hear people crunching food
I love all things Auburn and bleed Orange and Blue
I am extremely proud of my Daughters
I love seafood, it's probably my most favorite food
War Eagle are two of my favorite words
I refuse to watch scary movies, even the commercials freak me out
I come from a Family of VERY strong women
I love Francesca Battistelli's music
I just had surgery for the 2nd time in 3 weeks
I am addicted to Facebook
I hate raisins
I want to sing with Willie Nelson, really, really bad.....Willie, if you are reading this, hook a girl up.....pretty please! =)
I thought Gucci Mane was a fashion designer, sorry Gucci
I didn't know I was blind & needed glasses until I failed the vision part of my drivers exam at 15
I eat peanut butter with my pancakes and syrup, yummy
I am always cold
I've never done illegal drugs, and have never even seen any either
I've been described as dramatic, though I would never, ever in a million years be dramatic ;)
I wear contacts but take them out as soon as I get home and put my glasses on
I'm not afraid to say what I think
I've never been in a Police Car
I've been to Honduras twice for medical mission trips and will go again next month
I am a night owl
I know, without a doubt, God has great plans for my life
I've ridden in an ambulance as a Nurse, but never as a Patient
I have a terrible self body image
My paper money is turned the same way, face forward, and in order of smallest to highest
I am proud to be an American and cry when I hear the National Anthem, I know freedom isn't, nor will it ever be, free
I do not like surprises
Green is my favorite color
I believe everything happens for a reason
I always have my Blackberry with me
I have a fear of failure and inadequacy
I've never shot a gun, or even held one
I have a brother and 2 sisters
I will not lay in a tanning bed, nor allow my girls to
I had braces for the second time when I was 38
I don't understand people who don't put their children first; this makes me very angry
Raw celery is so gross, and I won't eat it
I've traveled out of the Country 4 times; been to Mexico, Cayman Islands, Jamaica & Honduras
I have a lot of friends but not a lot of friends, see #35
I hate drinking water
After many years in a SUV, I am finally back in a car, I love my Lexus
I love smiley faces =), my kids hate it =)
I am a Nerd and proud of it
All I ever wanted to be growing up was a Mom
I've never drank beer
I want to lose 30lbs
I always have my toenails painted
I love Mtn. Dew, not diet.... I want the REAL stuff
I was a cheerleader in high school
I only like the flat chicken wings, not the drummettes
I get tired of being everything for everybody; some days I just wanna be ME
My Mom is the best woman I know; she taught me how to be a Mom by being one to me
I love researching things, see #87
I wasn't close to my Dad growing up, but I'm glad that's changed now
I smile a lot, even when I don't really feel like it
I always have a song on my heart, and in my head, and will often sing it aloud wherever I'm at

Love you MUCH!,

Oh, no! What now?!.....

2011-04-12T19:16:00.001-05:00

Our Fellow Blogger, Kelly, from Kelly's Korner recently had an issue with
someone stealing her kids pictures from her Blog and using them without her knowledge or permission.

This creeped me out.

I spent the morning thinking about what I could do to safeguard my own pictures from such a freak.

This is what I came up with.....

Check it out!

Graceful Expressions

Love you, MUCH!

Nobody's That Perfect or Sweet.....

2011-04-10T22:31:00.002-05:00

Something else I've done
during my recovery is watch movies.

I am not normally a movie watcher.

Actually, I don't normally watch TV of any kind.

I'd rather have my laptop.

Movies have always been my sleeping pill, and I
am usually asleep by the time the previews are off.

There's just something about being home,
alone, in TOTAL control of the remote, though.

We have 892 channels on our digital cable.

Yes, it's true.

892 channels.

That's not counting "On Demand", which is
full of free movies, movies to rent, and TV Shows.

The possibilities are endless.

Romantic comedies, such as these, are my favorites.....

And just recently, I saw this for the first time.....

I will tell you, I was pretty ticked she died.

I couldn't believe it.

That funeral scene OWNED me though.

One minute, I was SOBBING my eyes out,
the next, I was laughing uncontrollably.

It was a great movie.

I absolutely REFUSE to watch scary movies and the only
Action Movies I'll watch have her in them.....

I LOVE Angelina Jolie.

I know, there are many people that
don't like her, (sorry Lois), but I love her.

She is so beautiful, and is an amazing actress.

And while we're talking, let me go ahead
and tell you, I don't really like this actress.....

**INSERT GASP HERE**

I know, I know, EVERYBODY loves Jennifer Aniston.

I don't.

**INSERT GASP #2 HERE**

Ok, someone please send emergency
personnel to my friend, Lois' house.

Not only does she totally LOATHE Angelina,
she equally ADORES Jennifer.

Don't get me wrong, Jennifer
hasn't done anything to me personally.

I just don't like her.

She is pretty, which is a strike against her
from the start, but she's just so perfect and just so sweet.

I mean, seriously, nobody is THAT perfect or THAT sweet.

Nobody.

Except maybe.....Me!

**INSERT DOUBLED OVER, BELLY LAUGH HERE**

Just kidding, just kidding.

=)

I've got to go call Lois and make sure they have her hooked up
to oxygen and she's receiving proper emergency medical assistance.

I love you, Lois!

Seriously, there is another good movie on that I'm about to watch.....

Love you MUCH!

=],

Schedule? What Schedule.....

2011-04-10T04:40:00.000-05:00

I'm not really sure why it's 4 in the morning and I am still awake?

Could it have anything to do with the
7 hour nap I took today at 6pm?

I'm sure it has A LOT to do with it.

Except, can you really call a 7 hour nap a nap?

Probably not.

I know, I know, one might ask why
I would take a 7 hour nap at 6 in the evening?

I was tired.

Really tired, obviously.

Plus, my schedule has gotten off really bad since surgery.

What I really mean is, I have no schedule.

I suppose that's not a bad thing until I have
to go back to work and actually be on a schedule.

Yeah, that will be bad.

Until then, I guess I will enjoy it.

I do feel better.

I am still laying around mostly.

When I say laying around, I mean laying around.

Literally.

I'm still not sitting up very well.

I'm sure that will get better as time goes on.

I am taking pain medicine when I need it.

I am doing much better with that.

I am just so ready to be back at 100%.

I know my family is ready for that as well.

One thing I have been able to do is catch up on your blogs.

Isn't it funny how most of us have never met, yet we KNOW each other?

I mean, I know your favorite foods, I've seen your vacation pictures,
I know all about your husbands, your kids and pets, the things you
love and hate about your jobs and yet we've never, ever met.

Non-blogging people don't understand that.

I've also found some new blogs.

I've enjoyed reading your stories and getting to know you.

We all have a Story.

Would you rewrite yours if you could?

Would you change a scene here and there
or would you have the exact same storyline?

That's something to think about isn't it?

I mean, Our Story is what made us into the person we are today.

Good or bad.

That's really too deep to think about at 4 in the morning
but is worth expounding on at a later, more refreshed time.

I really wish all of us could get together for a big Blog Family Reunion.

Wouldn't that be fun?

Let's plan it.

I'll host it at my house.

I think it would be great!

In the mean time, I think I am gonna try and sleep for a bit.

Hope your weekend has been and continues to be fabulous!

Love you MUCH!

=],

It Is What It Is.....

2011-04-07T21:53:00.008-05:00

I am alive....barely.

I have done better today with taking pain medicine, until this afternoon.

I guess, I get relief and then forget to stay ahead of the pain.

So, what ends up happening is by about 9:00pm, I am hurting
so bad that I can hardly stand it.

This is the second night in a row I have done this.

Yes, I am a Nurse.

Yes, I know better.

It's not like I mean to do it.

I don't lay here thinking, "Oh, I think I'll go
without pain medicine all evening, so that when
bedtime comes, I'll be in excruciating pain."

Again, I am not anti-pain medicine.

Actually, very far from it.

I always encourage my Patients to stay ahead of
their pain and not try to be brave and do without it.

See everyone thinks I am trying to be Superwoman and not take it.

That is not true.

Again, this may be TMI, but it is what it is.

I had a tear that was repaired vaginally.

In fact, it was a rather painful surgery.

Narcotic pain relievers have side effects.

One of the major side effects is constipation.

Now, think about it for a second.

Vaginal surgery + Constipation is not a pleasant combination.

I have tried to avoid the narcotics for this reason, not because
I think I am, nor am I trying to be Superwoman.

I have decided if I have to take colace, which is a stool softener,
by the handfuls, that is what I will do.

I can't continue to hurt like I have been tonight.

It really is a catch 22.

I have medicine that will alleviate the pain, yet I am
afraid of the side effects and am reluctant to take it.

That, in and of itself, is so frustrating and crazy.

So, what ends up happening, is I am hurting terribly and
I give in and take it,like tonight, but have to wait for it
to work.

I am drawn up in a nervous jerk because it hurts so bad.

I can't relax.

Tears stream down my face.

I just want it to stop.

I take everything I can and try and be patient to allow
it to work but it seems as though time stands still.

Finally, I feel a slight twinge of relief.

I am a strong woman, not a wimp at all,
but this has kicked my butt, literally.

I made improvements with pain control today and I
will continue to do so tomorrow.

I am trying to remember I am only 2 days
post-op, for goodness sakes.

I do appreciate all the well wishes, calls, txts, cards,
visits, food and prayers that have been sent to The Father on
my behalf.

I am immeasurably blessed to have such amazing Family and Friends.

I am expecting nothing but total success from this repair
and hope to be back to my normal self before long.

I know this post is scattered all over the
place and for that I do apologize.

I am under the influence of the good pain medicine now, which
is now working quite nicely.

I must apologize if you had to deal with me while I was hurting so bad.

I know I could not have been a pleasant person.

Please accept my sincerest apology.

I really mean that.

On a bright, positive note, the cutest 5 year-old boy came today.

I opened the door and was thrilled to see this smiling face.

It makes everything better.

He will be spending the weekend with us.

He looks like he has grown at least a foot.

He has played and played today and has been the sweetest boy.

Oh, I wish time with him would stand still and never end.

That's selfish, I know, but it is how I feel.

He is so cute and has been in the most loving mood since
he arrived earlier today.

I am thankful for this time with him.

Well, Blog Friends, my pain medicine has more than kicked in.

While it has, I am going to try and rest.

I hope I have not scarred any of you from my honest posting tonight.

Like I said earlier, it is what it is.

Love you MUCH!

=],

Consider Yourself Warned.....

2011-04-06T21:59:00.001-05:00

Surgery went well yesterday
but I have been hurting miserably.

When I say miserably, I mean MISERABLY!

It's not like I expected not to hurt,
I just wasn't expecting to hurt so bad.

I apologize, in advance, if this post is TMI.

If you are afraid it will be TMI, then don't read any further.

Consider yourself warned.

He was able to repair my tear and place
a mesh-type material to provide reinforcement.

I had both a catheter and vaginal packing
post-operatively that was quite painful.

I was REALLY glad to get rid of both of those.

I have only been laying down so far, no sitting yet.

It feels like my insides are falling out
and someone is trying to hold them in place with a knife.

I made the mistake of trying to manage my pain with only
Ibuprofen, which I SHOULD NOT have done.

I decided I NEED the good stuff
and ibuprofen does not equal the good stuff.

Sorry, Ibuprofen, please don't take it personally.

I have pelvic and lifting restrictions for 6 weeks.

I have GOT to get well so I can go to Honduras next month.

Sorry, I haven't updated sooner
but I, honestly, just haven't felt like it.

Please say a prayer, or two, for a quick recovery.

I know, I've really gotta take it easy this time.

Believe me, take it easy I will.

I don't have any other choice.

Love you MUCH!

=],

Same Song, Second Verse.....

2011-04-04T20:15:00.003-05:00

For the second time in 3 weeks, I found myself
in the Hospital waiting for Preadmission Testing to be done today.

I will be having surgery again, in the morning, to repair a tear.

It's not anything anyone did or didn't do.

It's just one of those things that happens sometimes.

I am not, in the least, looking forward
to it, not that anybody ever does.

As bad as I hate it, and I hate it
REALLY bad, it is something that must be done.

He did say if I had it done now and of course,
did well, he will clear me to go to Honduras next month.

We are already down Nurses this year so,
it is imperative I'm able to go.

We will be flying to Honduras May 14th
so that will give me almost 6 weeks to recover.

Please say a prayer that surgery goes
well and I recover nicely and quickly.

I will update as soon as I can.

Last time, they basically had to pry my
phone out of my hands to put me to sleep, Lol.

=)

I did ask if I could redeem "Frequent OR Miles."

This routine is becoming all too familiar.

Hopefully, the second time is the charm and there will be not be a third.

Love you MUCH!

=],

Heaven On Earth.....

2011-04-02T12:05:00.002-05:00

Can you imagine a Festival devoted entirely to this.....

Yes, it's true.

Today, we are celebrating
CHOCOLATE
at
The Alabama Choclate Festival
in Rainbow City, Alabama.

I am hoping to see some of these.....

Well, not just SEE them.....

=)

Have I died and gone to Heaven?

I like to think of it as Heaven on Earth.

Literally.

Wish you all were here.

I will be a good Blog Friend, though, and eat some for you.

Aaaaaah, the sacrifices we make for Friends.

After all, that's what Friends are for!

Love you MUCH!

=],

I Told You Ya So.....

2011-03-27T21:26:00.002-05:00

I am 12 days post-op.

In some ways, it feels like 2.

I worked for a few hours Friday.

I wanted to work for a few hours to build some
endurance up, since I had not done anything for so long.

I thought I was ready.

I wasn't.

There are several people who'd say, "I told you so,"
or as we say in the South, "I told ya so."

I really thought it was a good idea.

I've done very little this weekend.

The weather here has been rainy and dreary with storms yesterday.

James Spann, our local ABC 33/40 Meteorologist,
was wearing his suspenders and had his MAC.

Around here you know it's serious when
you see James with his suspenders and MAC.

I just love him.

Even though I hate the rain and storms,
it's perfect for staying in your pjs.

We did go to Church today, but as
soon as I got home, I put them right back on.

I'll be returning to work full-time tomorrow.

We shall see how that goes.

Baby Bronson is doing good.

He did have to have some blood but his Mommy says they are
basically in a waiting game to see when he can come home.

Please continue to pray for this sweet boy and his family.

Here's a picture of Hayden I took from last weekend.

I thought I'd share it with you.

I love this boy and I love this picture.

He was so engrossed in whatever he was watching.

I LOVE his little hand.

I hope you have a wonderful week, Blog Friends.

Love you MUCH!

=],

Do Over.....

2011-03-22T13:23:00.000-05:00

I wish life had a "Do Over" Button.

More specifically, I wish I
could "Do Over" the last week.

How many people wish that?

Maybe not specifically last week, but I bet there are
lots of people who wish they could get a "Do Over" in life,
at least one anyway.

Although, if you could only get one,
would it be hard to pick what you would "Do Over"?

Maybe.

In some cases, maybe not.

I just wished I could do last week over.

I don't mean my surgery.

It was definitely a success.

I saw my Doctor yesterday.

He told me my right ovary was normal and looked perfect.

That was music to my ears.

As expected, my left ovary wasn't so perfect.

It was encased with not just one, but multiple cysts.

So, I definitely wouldn't do anything different with my surgery.

It's just that since my surgery I've had some complications.

I definitely would like to do those over.

Oh well, we all know in life,
there are no "Do Overs".

It's very frustrating.

Very Discouraging.

I hate missing work.

I hate laying around.

I hate being out of my normal routine.

But.....

I am happy to have a perfect right ovary.

I am happy to be cyst encased left ovary FREE.

I am happy to be standing up straight.

I am happy to be moving, though it
is very slow, and only when I have to.

I am happy to have a FABULOUS Doctor, who doesn't mind
if I call his cell phone on Sunday night when I'm in excruciating pain.

I am happy to have awesome Family and Friends
to help me during this trying time.

I am happy for you, Blog Friends!

______________________________

When I said, “My foot is slipping,”
your unfailing love, LORD, supported me.
When anxiety was great within me,
your consolation brought me joy.
~Psalms 94:18-19~
_______________________________

This too shall pass.

Love you MUCH!

=],

This Is The Stuff.....

2011-03-19T20:48:00.001-05:00

Cute song by Francesca Battistelli

It makes me smile.

Love you MUCH!

=],

Sorry, Neighbors.....

2011-03-18T22:48:00.010-05:00

Post-op Day #3 has been, well,
just like Post-op Day #1 and Post-op Day #2.

Painful.

Miserable.

The minutes and hours run together.

I can tell in some ways I'm getting better.

I'm ill.

I am tired of being couped up in the house.

I'm hungry but nothing really sounds good.

I am still hurting.

My gut is tender and I can't stand up straight.

I decided today I was gonna cut my pain medicine down.

I'm sure I was on pain medicine when I decided this.

Although, I'm not really sure why I decided it.

I just know it was the wrong decision.

Needless to say, I started taking my pain
meds again this afternoon.

I feel better.

I hate to be whiny.

It really, really hurts.

I assume it's from all the
scraping he had to do to clean up the adhesions.

My gut is just raw and that's exactly what it feels like.

The kids have gone to my Mom's to spend the night.

I'm sure they needed to get away for the night.

Away from me, that is.
_____________________________________

My Roomie from work brought me a
basket of goodies from everybody today.

It was really sweet and YUMMY!

Have I told you I love my job and my work friends?

Mmmmm, Peanut Butter is my FAVORITE!

_____________________________________

My Friends, Jamie and Danny
sent me the most gorgeous flowers.

My whole house smells Heavenly.

Really good friends are rare and extremely hard to find.

Jamie and Danny are really good friends.

I love you, Both.

Very much!

I am thankful to have you in my life.

=)
_____________________________________

My kids also brought me flowers.

I'm not sure which of our Neighbors
are missing flowers from their yard.

Sorry, Neighbors.

=)

Just kidding.

Kinda.....

Daffodils, also known as
buttercups, are my most favorite flower.

I LOVE them!

It was really sweet of the kids to see these and think of me.

They are so beautiful!

=)
_____________________________________

Please, continue to pray for Bronson.

Last report, he was in stable condition.

This, after his Mommy and Daddy received a
call during the night telling them he had crashed.

I had no idea until this afternoon this had happened.

He filled with fluid that settled in
his right lung, causing it to collapse.

His Mommy said he was really swollen and they
have given him some Lasix to pull the extra fluid off.

He is still on the vent and may start dialysis back tomorrow.

Pray, Blog Friends.

God is in control.

He hears our cries.

With all of your might, Pray.

Without ceasing, Pray.
____________________________________

I love the LORD, for he heard my voice;
he heard my cry for mercy.
Because he turned his ear to me,
I will call on him as long as I live.
~Psalms 116:1-2~
____________________________________

Love you MUCH!

=],

Greater Is He That Is In Me.....

2011-03-16T20:26:00.001-05:00

Just wanted to let you know,
Bronson is out of surgery.

His hernias are repaired and the feeding tube is in.

His Mommy said he fooled them again.

They didn't have to do nearly what they
thought they would have to do.

When the Doctor went into the bladder, he was able to
fix the blockage without doing the vesicostomy.

He told them as soon as he
removed the blockage, pee flooded out.

They are gonna leave him off
dialysis for a few days and see what happens.

The Doctor is not very optimistic
that he will be able to stay off it.

However, Greater is He that is in me, than he that is in the world.

________________________________

"Ye are of God, little children, and have
overcome them: because greater is he that
is in you, than he that is in the world."
~I John 4:4~
________________________________

Keep praying, Friends!

Love you MUCH!

=],

My Best Friend is a Snuggie.....

2011-03-16T10:52:00.005-05:00

My surgery went well.

I am moving really slow and only when I absolutely have to.

I am hurting bad.

He took my left ovary and both fallopian tubes.

He also did a good bit of scraping
to clean up adhesions and scar tissue.

Did I mention I am hurting really, really bad?

I am.

I promise, I don't mean to whine, but it hurts so bad.

Actually, much worse than I expected it to hurt.

Mainly at my belly button and on my left side.

He had planned on taking the left tube and ovary all along.

I'm not sure what made him decide
to take the right fallopian tube.

I don't know if the tube its self looked
bad or if it was mixed up in adhesions
and it was easier to go ahead and take it.

He did say my right ovary looked good and healthy.

Hallelujah!

That means I don't have to take
hormones, which I am ecstatic about.

Thank you all for your prayers, txts,
phone calls, and facebook messages.

The couch, pain medicine, and this
snuggie have become my closest friends.

Also, sweet Bronson was having surgery this morning.

I have not received any updates about him.

I will let you know as soon as I do.

Please keep praying for this miracle baby and his Family.

Love you MUCH!

=],

Waiting!

2011-03-15T10:04:00.000-05:00

I am in the Outpatient Holding Room. Just got my IV. I heard he finished his first case earlier than expected and is well into his second case. I am the 3rd case so hopefully it won't be much longer. There is a sign that says please limit guests to 1 visitor. I have 7 in my room, Lol. I'm sure the other Patients didn't expect Surgery and a Show this morning. I'm a little nervous but mainly ready to get it over with at this point. I'll update soon. Love you MUCH! =], Gracie
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Feedings and Fallopian Tubes.....

2011-03-14T23:01:00.001-05:00

Bronson is doing GREAT!

He is peeing so much they have
cut his dialysis down to 12 hours a day.

They started his feedings back tonight, 7cc's every 3 hours.

Doesn't seem like much unless you're a Mommy
who has watched her baby go for days without eating.

Bronson is ready for surgery and the Doctor
is thinking it will be Wednesday.

I will keep you posted.

In other news.....

I will be having surgery in the morning.

It will be an outpatient procedure and I shouldn't be out
of commission for too long.

Hopefully.

I had a hysterectomy when I was 33.

At that time, he left my ovaries because I was so young.

Now, 7 years later, my ovaries have decided to go crazy.

I wonder if that's a 40 thing?

=)

My left ovary also has a really large cyst on it.

So.....

Tomorrow, I'll have my left ovary and fallopian tube removed.

He may take the right ovary and fallopian tube as well, but won't
decide until he gets in there and sees how it looks.

Hopefully, he will be able to save it.

I'd like to be able to produce my own natural hormones
for as long as I can.

However, if they both look bad and he has to take them both, so be it.

I just want to be healthy and feel good.

I told my Doctor I wanted to be awake so I could
see what he was doing and could talk to him during the procedure.

He told me, "That technology is not available yet."

I laughed and said, "Yes, it is! You just don't WANT me
awake, up in your business, trying to tell you what to do."

He laughed.

He never denied it though, Lol.

Hold the Fort down, Blog Friends and say an
extra prayer for Bronson and for me.

Love you MUCH!

=],

No NEC.....

2011-03-12T09:04:00.000-06:00

Look at this sweet face.....

The first picture of Bronson without tubes.

He now weighs 6lbs 2oz and is trying to smile.

The Doctors have confirmed he DOES NOT have NEC
though they will finish the course of treatment for it.

They have also taken him off continuous
dialysis for a few hours at a time to see how he does.

So far, he's had the output he needs.

His surgery is still on for next week, though they are unsure what day.

They are still planning to completely stop
dialysis after surgery so be in prayer for that.

Miracle by Miracle.

God continues to show Himself.

Faithful.

He is always the same.

Unchanging.

Miracle by Miracle.

He will continue to show Himself.

Faithful.

Have a wonderful weekend, Blog Friends.

Love you MUCH!

=],

No Tubes.....

2011-03-08T22:39:00.003-06:00

Bronson slept most of the day today.

That is a blessing considering he can't eat.

The Doctors came in this morning and told them his lab work, as well as x-ray results, are normal and are not suggestive of Necrotizing enterocolitis, otherwise known as NEC.

Did you get that?

The tests show he may not have NEC.

Oh, really?

Coincidence?

Absolutely not.

They think he may have a protein allergy.

However, they will continue to treat him as if he does have NEC.

They want to be cautious, until they know more.

They did remove the tube from his stomach today because there was no output from it.

That is a good sign.

This is the first time he has been completely without any tubes since birth.

How awesome is that?!

Still planning surgery for next week assuming things continue to go well.

Keep praying, Friends.

Love you MUCH!

=],

Urgent Prayers Needed.....

2011-03-07T21:35:00.001-06:00

Bronson began vomiting and having bloody stool last night.

They stopped his feedings and took x-rays
and have diagnosed him with necrotizing enterocolitis, or NEC.

This is a very serious.

It occurs in preemies and sick babies
and can be life threatening.

They are hoping it was caught in time
and can be treated with medication.

They will do daily lab work and x-rays
to make sure it isn't getting worse.

He has a tube down his throat, into his
stomach hooked up to suction.

Surgery for tomorrow has been cancelled.

Please, pray for this Family.

This sweet baby is sick.

This precious Mommy, I'm sure, is at her wit's
end, worried sick about her baby.

Big Sister, Emme, is sick with a fever.

Does it ever end?

I'm sure, Mommy is attempting to be strong,
yet, all the while wondering how much more she can take.

Wouldn't you wonder that?

I would.

We have seen God work miracle after miracle in this baby's life.

We will continue to trust Him.

We will continue to place our Hope in Him.

________________________________________

So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
~Isaiah 41:10~
________________________________________

He is with us.

He is our God.

He will strengthen us.

He will help us.

He will uphold us with his righteous hand.

Know what?

This will NEVER, EVER change.

I will update you as soon as I know something.

Love you MUCH!

=],

One Month Miracle.....

2011-03-06T23:11:00.002-06:00

Sweet little miracle boy is a month old.

Can you believe it?

Yeah, I know.

I can't either.

This is what his Mommy wrote in an update yesterday.....

".....On September 27, 2010 they told us that he probably would not make it to delivery, that he would pass in utero. If he did make it to delivery, there was only a 3% chance that he would survive because he would never be able to breathe on his own. Boy did he prove them wrong!!! When he was born the doctor was yelling, "He is peeing and breathing!" I was yelling back, "I told you he would!....."

".....He was taken completely off the vent by day 6 and now he is even completely off oxygen. He has proved them wrong again! The nephrostomy tube that quit working about 2 weeks ago and led them to the decision to go ahead and fix the valves mysteriously started working again on Thursday and he is putting out urine again!, And every diaper that they are changing is having urine in them! I can't tell you how excited we are about this! It is just God showing us that everything happens in His timing and we just need to continue trusting!....."

".....I can't say that in the very beginning that I didn't question God. I know we aren't supposed to but when something like this happens to your child you can't help but question. I had to take a step back though and remember that this is God's child and that He would take care of him in His way. Even if I don't understand why this happened to my child, God knows why and has a reason. Who knows, Bronson may grow up to be a Kidney Surgeon that fixes this problem for other little babies!....."

Words spoken straight from a Mother's heart.

How awesome is it to watch to Hand of God work
in this sweet baby's life!

They have decided to take him off continuous
feedings and let him take it all by mouth
with a bolus feeding if he doesn't take enough.

Bronson will be having surgery Tuesday
to do several different things.

They are going to see if he has a stricture in
the urethra or if it is really the posterior urethral valves.

If it is just a stricture, they will just fix it.

If it is the PUV they perform a vesicostomy.

This is an opening under the belly button that
allows the bladder to drain.

This will only be temporary.

The also told them they are going to hold
off on dialysis to see what kind of kidney function he has.

They should know this within 5 days of surgery.

His Mommy said he is doing great today,
looking around taking everything in.

Thought I'd share a couple picture of this one month miracle.

Miracle by Miracle, God continues to answer prayers.

Continue to pray for this sweet Family.

I know Tuesday will be hard.

Love you MUCH!

=],

More Than Imagined.....

2011-02-22T21:01:00.002-06:00

I promised you an update on sweet baby Bronson.

Not only is he doing things they said he would never do, he's doing
them earlier than ever imagined.

Remember this verse?

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably
more than all we ask or imagine
~Ephesians 3:20~

Bronson continues to amaze and astonish everyone around him.

So does God.

More Than Imagined.

They did a ultrasound last night to see if he is producing urine.

If he is, they will plan to do surgery to fix the
urethral valves that have caused his problems to begin with.

He is having pee pee diapers, so we know he is producing
urine, but is still requiring dialysis.

There are lots and lots of prayers going up for pee pee diapers.

There are lots and lots of prayers being answered for pee pee diapers.

Among other things.

News from his Nana this afternoon was that
he was moving to a regular bed.

How awesome is that?!

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably
more than all we ask or imagine
~Ephesians 3:20~

Miracle By Miracle.

More Than Imagined.

Keep Praying!

Love you MUCH!

=],

Things That Make Me Smile.....

2011-02-22T13:15:00.004-06:00

I'm sitting in my car, soaking up the sunshine.

I'm smiling.

I'm thinking about some of the things that make me smile.

Now, of course, this is not an all-inclusive
list and it's in no particular order.

Here we go.....

Sunshine
My sun roof
Wind blowing through my hair
Chick-fil-A chicken nuggets
Chick-fil--A diet lemonade
Mandarin oranges
Grapes
Strawberries
My 29 Weight Watchers points
My Family and their laughter
Following @toomersoaks on Twitter
Auburn Football
Spending 5 fun days with Hayden
Driving by the River everyday and enjoying its beauty
When my car is clean
Being able to floss my teeth without braces
My job
Awesome friends and co-workers
Being able to leave for lunch
Having someone hold the door open for me
People that let you over in traffic
Policemen that direct and control traffic
Pee Pee diapers
Miracle Babies

Hope the sun is shining, and wherever
you are, you are smiling.

Love you MUCH,
Gracie

p.s. I will have an update on sweet baby Bronson soon.
Miracle by Miracle, God continues to answer prayers.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

You Are Mine.....

2011-02-13T20:20:00.006-06:00

Bronson hasn't had a good day today.

He has started to retain fluid and his face is swollen.

His creatinine level is rising.

That being said, he will start dialysis tomorrow.

His blood level has dropped, as well, and they are going
to transfuse him, but want to wait as long as they
can before they do that.

His oxygen levels are good, so they
haven't had to put him back on the vent.

His Mommy called it "Ups and Downs" and that is exactly what
it has been for them.

The God we praise on the Mountain, during our
UP days, is the same God who is in
COMPLETE control of our
Valleys, during the DOWN days.

He is not wringing His Hands, pacing the floors of Heaven
wondering what to do, or what will happen next.

He is in COMPLETE control.

He knows ALL.

He has a plan for Baby Bronson's life.

He knew him before he was formed in his Mommy's tummy.

He has called him by name.

Bronson is His.

Please pray for this sweet baby and his family.

________________________________________

But now, this is what the LORD says—
he who created you, Jacob,
he who formed you, Israel:
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
~ Isaiah 43:1 ~

_________________________________________

It's been a laid back weekend here.

I cleaned all day yesterday.

Now, those of you that know me, are saying,
"I know, Princess, DID NOT clean all day."

See, I knew you would say that.

Well, for the record, I did clean all day yesterday.

For those of you that don't know me personally,
some might say I'm a bit spoiled.

Maybe I am, juuuust a little.

The problem with that is?

=)

Ok, where were we?

A few of my family came over last night.

We had wings, and rotel cheese dip.

It was YUMMY!

Lesha, Lois and Jeff, thanks for hanging out with us.

It was fun.

It felt good to laugh.

I haven't laughed that hard since, well, probably since
our Girl's Road trip to Auburn for the Championship Celebration
a few weeks ago.

We will have to repeat a Girl's Day Out again, SOON!

=)

I did hear from a sweet friend yesterday.

It was so good to hear her voice on the phone.

It's amazing what the voice of a friend will do.

See, God knows exactly what we need, when we need it.

I love you, Diane.

I can't tell you how thankful I am, that out of 85,000 seats
in Jordan-Hare Stadium, God placed us next to each other.

God is so smart!

=)

This morning, I sang at Gallant First Baptist Church.

They hosted a luncheon to raise money for our
Medical Mission Trip to Honduras.

We will be going there May 14th-21st.

Please be in prayer for this trip.

Pray God will prepare the village we'll be going to.

Also, pray that details, on our end, will begin to come together.

I heard today there are only 2 Nurses going, myself and another.

Last year, we took 4 and worked our hineys off.

Just like I said before, God has a plan.

He knows who is to be there and who's not.

I said this afternoon was laid back.

Well, it really has been.

That's because, literally, all I've done is lay around in my pj's.

Much needed rest.

That makes Gracie a happy, happy girl!

Have a wonderful week, Blog Friends.

Love you MUCH!

=],

Held.....

2011-02-12T08:28:00.006-06:00

Sorry for the delay in updating about baby Bronson.

I have had so many of you ask about this sweet baby and his family.

Let me see if I can catch you up to speed.

Bad news first.....

Creatinine levels are still high.

Yep, that's the bad news.

Isn't that awesome!

=)

I know you are all ~~anxiously~~ patiently awaiting the good news.

It's a MUCH longer list.....

Though Creatinine levels are up, they are remaining
the same and not climbing higher.

Blood gasses are good.

They were able to extubate him last night.

He shocked his Doctor's when he had pee in his diapers.

He also had urine from his nephrostomy tube.

His Mommy got to hold him for this first time yesterday.

How awesome is that?

She was told she would probably never get to hold him.

Yet, he was stable enough for her to hold him in her
arms at only one week old.

Amazing isn't it?

Can you imagine how it felt for her to hold him in her arms
when she was told she probably never would?

Indescribable

Miracle By Miracle
________________________________________

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than
all we ask or imagine, according to his power
that is at work within us
~ Ephesians 3:20 ~

________________________________________

Thank you for your Prayers, Blog Friends!

Love you MUCH!

=],

The Touch.....

2011-02-09T23:45:00.002-06:00

Bronson had surgery today to place a dialysis shunt.

His Mommy reports everything went well.

They decided to go ahead and do the shunt, so it will be
in place, if needed, as his creatinine levels continue to rise.

The doctors have said they don't think his kidneys
will ever function at 100%.

However, they are hoping to "trick" his kidneys to filter
by giving him extra vitamins, minerals, fluids, and milk.

Hopefully, they will be able to start that tomorrow.

It really depends on when they remove the vent.

When they were transporting him to surgery this
afternoon, his oxygen levels dropped really low.

They called his Mommy over to him and allowed her to talk
to him and touch him and hold his hand.

Know what happened?

His Mommy wrote this in an update, "This seemed to calm him down and his levels came back up to 100%."

Isn't this how we are with our Father?

We are panicked.

Can't breathe.

Then.

The Father speaks.

We feel His Touch.

The panic dissolves.

We begin to catch our breath.

Yes, we may still have problems, but the Father
has spoken to us, touched us.

And, that makes all the difference in the world!

Continue to pray for sweet, baby Bronson.

Pray for his Mommy, Daddy, Big Sister, and all other Family members.

Pray they will all feel the Father's Touch and hear the Father's Voice.

Pray they experience Peace that passes ALL understanding.

Love you MUCH!

=],

Miracle By Miracle.....

2011-02-08T21:34:00.001-06:00

Great News, Blog Friends!

Bronson has gained 2 ounces.

All his lab work, except for his creatinine level, is good.

That does indicate some kidney damage,
but what extent is not known.

The Doctor has told them it will be a day by day process.

Really, it is a miracle by miracle process.

That's the way I see it.

I'm sure if you ask Bronson's Mommy, she'd say the same thing.

God continues to prove Himself and His promises Faithful.

Why does it surprise us when He answers our prayers?

It shouldn't.

I keep going back to this verse.

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we
ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us
~ Ephesians 3:20 ~

Think about that.

He is able to do all we could ever
ask for, or even imagine!

Wow!

How Great Is Our God!

I am blessed immeasurably everyday, but I love it when
He sends an extra, unexpected blessing my way.

I received one this weekend.

A BIG one.

For it, I am SOOOOOO thankful.

I'll share soon.

Love you MUCH!

=],

Designed By God.....

2011-02-07T21:49:00.000-06:00

Baby Bronson has 60cc of urine right now.

Who ever thought 4 tablespoons of urine would represent a miracle?

That people everywhere would be thanking God
for 12 teaspoons of pee.

I told you yesterday, there is nothing too hard for God.

This includes Bronson's kidney function.

I mean, after all, He designed them.

Every intricate part of them.

He fashioned them.

With tender, loving care.

_______________________________________

For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place,
when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
Your eyes saw my unformed body;
all the days ordained for me were written in your book
before one of them came to be.
~ Psalms 139:13-16 ~

_______________________________________

Thank you for your prayers.

Please, don't stop now.

Love you MUCH!

=],

Baby Bronson Update.....

2011-02-06T19:10:00.004-06:00

Baby Bronson was transferred to Children's
Hospital this afternoon at 1:15.

There, the Doctors began evaluating and focusing on his kidney function.

He had his first surgery this afternoon.

They determined his right kidney is very large and
swollen and does contain urine.

It had very little tissue and the lining was very thick, which
is indicative of decreased kidney function, though they
don't know to what extent yet.

The left, however, is really small.

Last word was they had been able to cut the vent down
to room air, but had decided to leave it in,
just in case he needed it.

They are placing a PICC line now and will be placing a
dialysis shunt tomorrow as a precaution.

Please continue to pray for this sweet, baby boy.

Also, please pray for his Mommy.

She remained in a different hospital while Bronson
was transferred to Children's.

I can't imagine how her heart is torn.

Knowing, he has to go.

Knowing, that is best.

Knowing, that is where the best care awaits.

Knowing, she has no choice.

Yet, not wanting to let him go.

Not wanting to give him up.

But, doing what is best for him.

Oh, how deep a Mother's love.

Bronson is in the Father's Hands.

No matter what hospital he is in.

He's in the Father's Hands.

When he was in his Mommy's tummy, he was in the Father's Hands.

I'm not sure there are words that will make my friend
feel better until she can be with Bronson, but I pray
God will wrap His arms around her and give her peace
that passes ALL understanding.

Please continue to pray, my Blog Friends!

There is NOTHING, absolutely NOTHING, too hard for God.

________________________________________

See, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh; is anything too hard for me?
~ Jeremiah 32:27 ~

________________________________________

Love you MUCH!

=],

Bronson Max, Miracle Baby.....

2011-02-05T21:51:00.006-06:00

My friend, Stefanie, gave birth today to a beautiful baby boy.

She was 36 weeks.

He weighed 5lbs 3oz and was 17 1/2 inches long.

He was able to breathe on his own, but was put on a ventilator to help him.

He did have a collapsed lung, so they have inserted a chest
tube which corrected that.

His kidneys are small and they are unsure at
this time about his kidney function.

He urinated once during delivery and 2 times
afterward but has not since.

They tried to put a catheter in to drain his bladder but were
unable to get it in and also tried to drain
the bladder with a needle unsuccessfully.

They are going to try again in the morning.

Meet Bronson Max.....

Beautiful Gift From God

You can see his proud, Big Sister, Emme, in the background.

Please, my Blog Friends, pray for sweet Bronson,
his Mommy and Daddy, Big Sister, as well as
Grandparents and other extended family members.

There is no doubt God is in control.

He has shown Himself, time after time, throughout Stefanie's pregnancy.

Bronson is already a miracle baby.

We, however, can't wait to see what God does next.

Tell your Family, tell you Friends, tell your neighbors,
share with your Church family, tell everyone you
know about Bronson and ask them to join us
in praying for this sweet baby.
__________________________________________

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than
all we ask or imagine, according to his power
that is at work within us
~ Ephesians 3:20 ~
__________________________________________

I can always count on you, my Blog Friends!

Love you MUCH!

=],

The Bitter Cup.....

2011-01-30T23:42:00.000-06:00

We attended Church today with a sweet Friend.

It amazes me, how God knows exactly what we need, when we need it.

I say that all the time.

And I know, it shouldn't surprise us.

I mean, He IS God, after all.

But, He places us in the exact spot we need to be in, in order
to hear the exact words we need to hear.

Such was the case today.

As soon as the Pastor spoke the title of the
Message, I knew it was for me.

"How do we drink from the cup we hold in our hands?"

Hmmmmm, now think about that for a minute.

"How do we drink from the cup we hold in our hands?"

The text was taken from Matthew 26:36-46.

I'm gonna paraphrase.

Jesus goes to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray.

He is sorrowful.

Very sorrowful.

Actually, sorrowful to the point of death.

While He's in the Garden, He prays 3 different times to the Father.

The Pastor brought out today how each time was different.

I mean, honestly, if you read the story, it all
seems like the same prayer to me.

"Don't make me have to do this, but if I have to, your will, not mine."

That seems to be the jest of it really.

Today, I saw something different.

Give me a minute and let me explain.

What is the bitter cup?

To Jesus, it was the cross.

To us, it could be any number of things.

Loss of a child.

Death.

Cancer.

Divorce.

Addiction.

Betrayal.

Sickness.

Job.

Finances.

The list goes on and on and on.

It may be one thing or a combination of things.

What do we do when we are handed that cup to drink?

Most of the time, we do everything but drink from it.

I know I do.

I get sad.

I cry.

I scream.

I get angry.

I yell.

I stomp my feet.

I throw temper tantrums.

I become bitter.

I shut out people that I love and that love me and care about me.

I get mad at God.

I stop praying.

Yes, I said that.

I stop praying.

Sometimes, I throw the cup.

Sometimes, I walk away from it with no intention of ever going back.

Today, I learned how I should hold the cup, how I should drink from it.

I learned how Jesus did.

In His first prayer, He surrendered His will.

In prayer #2, He accepted God's will.

In the last prayer, He teaches us to never quit praying.

I know from personal experience, we stop praying
when it becomes hard or the cup is bitter, when
that is the time we should be praying the hardest.

I know we are more than our circumstances and are not defined by them.

I often wonder why God has forgotten about me and just exactly where is He?

I forget He is the One who brought me here to begin with.

He is the One who served this bitter cup.

There are times it IS hard to remember that.

It seems like today, as soon as I got out
of Church, I was given a refill of an extremely bitter cup.

I'm not so sure I held it, or drank from it well.

Actually, I know I didn't.

I'm mad.

My feelings are hurt.

But I am trying to remember, God sent me to that
Church today to hear THOSE words because He knew I'd
feel like I had been slapped in the face.

He knew that bitter refill was coming.

The hurt is still there.

The anger is still there.

And yes, I've prayed, even today, for God to take
this cup and pour it out or give it to somebody else.

But if He doesn't, and to be honest, the chances of that
happening are not looking good at this point, I know He IS Faithful.

He will turn this TEST into a TESTIMONY.

I can't wait to see it.

Love you MUCH!

=],

Princess Gracie.....

2011-01-29T18:09:00.004-06:00

My Husband and kids, with the help of some of my family,
threw me a surprise 40th birthday party last night.

It was my first birthday party.

My Mother, who nearly has heart failure
at this statement, adamantly denies this.

So, let me say, for the record, it is
the first birthday party I remember.

Heart still beating normally, Mom?

Good.

Let's proceed.

Obviously, they have been planning for a while.

They rented out our local Community Center,
hired a DJ, and we danced the night away.

My Cousin's Husband, Jeff, who is an award winning
BBQ man, smoked some meat and boy was it YUMMY!!

Add some baked beans, potato salad, and pecan twirls to
that and you've got the Southern Girl's perfect Birthday Bash.

Here are a few pictures for you.....

Me and my Princess cake

Haley and Kylee

Cousins

I love these Girls!

Singing Karaoke

The DJ, Crazy A and I

Princess Gracie

I really appreciate everyone's hard work to make my night fabulous.

I had so much fun.

Thank you to my Friends and Family who
came and celebrated with me.

I wish you, my Blog friends could have been there.

Love you MUCH!

=],

Happy Birthday to Me.....

2011-01-27T23:11:00.001-06:00

Happy Birthday to ME!

Yes, Friends, today is BIG day.

The Big 4-0 or the New 20, as I like to call it. =)

It has been an amazing day.

A really awesome friend called and sang to me, my Mother called and sang to me, my Doctor called and sang to me, and a co-worker, along with one of my Patients sang to me.

That's a lot of singing, huh?

It was great!

I enjoyed every one of them.

I've received countless phone calls, and txt messages and an overwhelming number of Facebook messages.

I went to Lunch with a group of co-workers who all share January birthdays.

We ate at the new Japanese Steakhouse in town.

It was YUMMMMMY!

The whole time the man was cooking and doing all his tricks, I was thinking "I wish I had my camera so I could put this on my Blog."

Ha!

Thank you all for making my Birthday special.

I am immeasurably blessed.

It is because of you, my amazing Family and Friends, I was able to have such a fabulous Birthday.

Love you MUCH!

=],

Bitter, Party of One.....

2011-01-24T21:02:00.003-06:00

Bitter.....

Bitter, party of one.

That describes me today.

Perfectly.

I'm not sure why.

Nothing new is going on.

Nothing has happened.

It is just the way it is.

It is the way I am.

I don't want to be this way.

It's my birthday week, afterall.

I should be happy.

Joyful, even.

Instead I'm bitter.

I am really so ill I can't stand myself.

That's pretty bad.

I'd really like to curl up under a blanket and forget about everything and everybody.

If I'm honest with you and myself, that's what I want to do.

Sigh.

Ok, enough about that; let's talk about something else.

My cousins and I had a Girl's Day out Saturday and traveled to Auburn for the National Championship celebration.

There were 80,000 Auburn fans in attendance.

It was great!

We had a really good time.

I laughed so much.

Here are a few pictures for you.

This was too cute!

A beautiful day in Auburn, Alabama for a National Championship Celebration

Cousins.

See, my weekend was great.

Hopefully, tomorrow will be better.

Love you MUCH!

=],

~~Ms. Bitter~~

The Ugly Truth, Snow, and Painting for a Cause.....

2011-01-16T00:13:00.004-06:00

Hayden left this morning.

I am some better.

I haven't cried, today.

Thank you for asking.

I had a great Heart-to-Heart with a Friend this
Week who encouraged me to be the
best "Aunnie/Mom" to Hayden that I can be.

To focus on all the memories He and I have
made and to look forward to new ones we're going to make.

I also heard truths that were very hard to hear.

Thank you, for being a great Friend.

You never cease to tell me like it is, yet provide unyielding support.

Though it may not seem like it, I really
appreciate your honesty and candor.

I know you have my best interest at heart.

You are an amazing Friend, and I love
you more than you will EVER know.

We got 7 inches of snow here last Sunday
night and still have snow today.

Crazy, isn't it?

We had a blast playing in it.

It was so pretty.

I don't know how those of you that have it
all the time deal with it though.

I KNOW, you all are chomping at the bit to see some pictures!

Well, without further ado, here you go.....

Hayden and I

Me and Baby Girl

The Eldest

Kylee and Haley

Yours Truly

This is Sunday night at the beginning of the snow

Hayden

This is BEFORE my ride.

This is AFTER.

Gracie

Don't you just LOVE my outfit?

Sweatshirt, Pajama Bottoms, Cute Rain boots, Auburn Toboggan.........

Aaaaaah, yes, fashion statement, for real.

I do LOVE my rain boots!

Seriously, we had an awesome time.

This has T-R-O-U-B-L-E written all over it!

Isn't this gorgeous?

I just LOVE it!

Last night, our Church hosted "Paint for a Cause".

It was a painting session to raise money for our Honduras Trip.

Kylee and I went and had a great time.

It was nice to have my baby girl ALL to myself.

That doesn't happen often.

Our masterpieces.

After this experience, we decided.....
1.) Yes, I will be keeping my Nursing License active
2.) Kylee will be attending College after High School
where she will major in something besides Art.

=)

We did have lots of fun though!

I thought this was funny.....

This is how my kids see me most of the time.

=)

Hope your weekend is fabulous!

Love you MUCH!

=],

Show Me How.....

2011-01-13T22:00:00.002-06:00

I'm not really sure why it happened or how it started.

One minute, I'm sitting at my desk, typing away and the next,
I have tears streaming down my face.

I, suddenly, am overwhelmed at this whole situation.

It's just wrong.

To be perfectly honest, it makes me
really mad and really, really sad.

My heart aches.

I want to vomit.

I can't breathe.

There is a war going on inside my head.

I am so hurt and mad, yet, I feel guilty for not
being happy with what I do have and what time I can spend.

Hayden has been here since Sunday, but all I can think about is when
he has to leave and more so, WHY he has to leave.

Why can't I just be happy he's here?

Why can't I just enjoy it?

Why can't I just savor the moment?

Why is my heart overwhelmed?

Why do my eyes well up with tears?

Why do I feel such bitterness?

I see him smile.

I watch him play.

I hear him laugh.

I see how happy he is and I'm sad he has to leave it all.

I tell myself, I'm not gonna do this.

I tell myself, I will be strong.

I tell myself, I. WILL. NOT. CRY.

But....

It doesn't work.

I feel a huge knot in the pit of my stomach, a lump forms in my
throat and tears begin to stream down my face.

I'm praying.

Praying for understanding.

Praying to make sense of it all.

Praying for peace.

I know there is a plan.

I know there is a purpose.

I still can't see it.

I can't make sense of it all.

I wonder, what could be the purpose?

Why does this have to be this way?

Psalm 119:25-32
I'm feeling terrible—I couldn't feel worse!
Get me on my feet again. You promised, remember?
When I told my story, you responded;
train me well in your deep wisdom.
Help me understand these things inside and out
so I can ponder your miracle-wonders.
My sad life's dilapidated, a falling-down barn;
build me up again by your Word.
Barricade the road that goes Nowhere;
grace me with your clear revelation.
I choose the true road to Somewhere,
I post your road signs at every curve and corner.
I grasp and cling to whatever you tell me;
God, don't let me down!
I'll run the course you lay out for me
if you'll just show me how.
~The Message

I'm praying for Him to SHOW ME HOW.

Love you MUCH!

=],

We're Here.....

2011-01-12T21:17:00.002-06:00

Auburn played Oregon Monday night in the
BCS National Championship game in Glendale, Arizona.

It was a very nerve-wracking game.

My beloved Tigers beat the Ducks 22-19, with the above field goal
from our AUsome kicker, Wes Byrum.

I took this at one of our games this year in Auburn.
Isn't it beautiful!

Congratulations, Tigers!

It has been an amazing year.

Now, only 8 months 'til the 2011 Season Opener against Utah State.

Until then.....

War Eagle!

Love you MUCH!

=],

I'm In Love.....

2011-01-05T22:20:00.008-06:00

I can't even begin to tell you.....

How in love I am with these smiles.

Totally.....

Deeply.....

Madly.....

Hopelessly.....

In Love.

Love you, MUCH!

=],

He Had His Hands Where?.....

2011-01-02T21:48:00.007-06:00

Today after Church, we decided to have lunch at the Restaurant
loved by many for it's fresh salad bar.

Right after we were seated, a group of ladies came
in and were seated right next to us.

7 of them, to be exact.

The youngest of this group was no less than 70, the oldest 87 or so.

Their appearance spoke money.

Don't you dare......

You've seen it.

You know EXACTLY what I'm talking about.

Ok, where was I?

Each of them spoke with a thick, Southern accent.

If you weren't looking, you could be fooled into thinking a bunch of very classy, very elderly Paula Deen's were at the next table.

They were loud, and each of them spent their fair
share of time fighting to talk over the next.

I must confess, them being loud was ok with me.

I was, after all, trying to listen to what they were saying.

It was like lunch and a show for one small price.

I would loved to have pulled up a chair and joined in.

I kinda felt like I had, only they didn't know it.

The poor waitress was drained trying to get
them to be quiet long enough to order.

Even though they had gone on and on about
their favorite food items there,
once it came to ordering,
they acted like they had never been there before.

A few of them had coupons for "Buy One, Get One Free".

Those that didn't, were highly offended Mr. Postman
had not left one in their mailbox.

They spent a great deal of time trying to figure out how
such an atrocity could occur.

When some of them got up to go to the Salad Bar,
the ones left behind, started having Hors d'oeuvres
made up of each other.

It went something like this....

Eleanor- "I don't know how in the world SHE got one of those
coupons. She doesn't eat here. She never even
gets out of her house except for when her kids come home."

Mabel- "It HAS to be something her daughter signed her up for.
You know, since she married that Doctor, she thinks she is sooooomething else."
**Nose turned high in the air**

Eleanor- "Either that or she is using her credit card a lot.
She may be having to do that."
**Spoken with much hope and satisfaction**
"You know, when you use credit cards,
they sign you up for all sorts of things."

This much I know is true, women of all ages are the same.

At this time, the others rejoin them at the table and an
array of topics fill the air.

Sybil- "How did you all enjoy the Service today?"

Groans erupt from everyone.

Not a good sign for whatever Church they just came from.

I snicker, out loud.

I can't help it.

Dorothy- "Well, I will say it. I didn't enjoy it, at all.
The music was too loud, and the Preacher preached
waaay too long."

"Yes", "You are right", "I agree", from everyone.

Dorothy- "I am not sure what kind of music that was.
I felt like I was at camp, not the Lord's House."

Margaret- "That music has gotten out of hand.
He just thinks he can do whatever he wants.
If Deacon Smith was still alive, this would not be happening."

"Yes", "You are right, "I agree", from everyone.

Faye- "I didn't think Pastor Matthews would ever stop preaching today.
He ran us so late; we almost didn't get a table here."

Eleanor- "Have they taken the clock down from the back of the Church?
We need to check when we are there next week and see
if it is still there. Maybe the battery is dead."

Dorothy- "I thought Pastor Matthews should have
worn gloves for Communion."

Miriam- "I thought so, too"

Sybil- "I really didn't want to partake in Communion after I saw
his hands on the bread. I mean, you never know WHERE his hands
were right before he touched that bread."

No, she did not!

Yes, she did!

What did I do?

Laughed.

Out.

Loud.

I'm sure Pastor Matthews wouldn't appreciate Sybil and her
Blue Hair Gang telling the whole Salad Bar Restaurant
he had his hands, well, wherever......

Miriam- "I saw Dr. Oz on T.V. saying there was truth behind the saying,
"An apple a day, keeps the Doctor away."

Mabel- "Oh, really?"

Miriam- "Yes, that is what he said."

Eleanor- "I guess that means I don't have to feel guilty
for eating apples anymore."

Chorus of "Why would you feel guilty for eating apples?"

Eleanor- "Because there are 100 calories in each of them."

No, women do not change.

Faye- "I eat fried fish."

Gasp, complete silence.

It's like confession.

They all look at her like she has grown 2 heads.

Eleanor- "You kill the nutrients when you fry it."

Faye- "Sometimes, I only believe half that stuff they tell you."

Side note....
Faye is the oldest of the group, I don't think missing
a few nutrients will hurt her at this point.
If you want fried fish, then by all means,
have you some fried fish, Faye.
Heck, have you a whole "mess" of fried fish.

I really don't know exactly how much a "mess" of fish is,
but my Granny use to say it and it seemed like it was always a lot.

Ok, I've digressed.

Our waitress, who by the way, was not wearing a stitch
of make-up and looked like she
just stepped out of a fashion magazine,
came to our table to ask us how everything was.

"It was great!", I said, laughing.

With a huge smile, she said, "The food was really, really good today?"

I said, "The food was great, but the entertainment was priceless.",
nodding my head to the group next to us.

She said, "They have worn me out.", smiling the entire time.

Ha!

For the record......

1.) This exact scene played out during our lunch today.

2.) I have no idea who these ladies were.

3.) I made these names up completely.

4.) I have no idea what Church they attend.

5.) The name of the Deacon, as well as the Pastor, was changed.

6.) Our waitress really didn't have any
make-up on and was breathtakingly gorgeous.

7.) I easily, could have not liked her,
had she not been so darn sweet.

8.) Their age estimates are correct.

Have a great week, Friends.

I hope the first week of 2011 is as entertaining as my lunch today.

Love you MUCH!

=],

Twenty Eleven is Fun to Say.....

2011-01-01T20:55:00.017-06:00

Happy New Year!

I wonder how many blog posts have that title today?

I had it as mine but must admit, I changed it, to be different.

Can you believe it is 2011?

Where has time gone?

Doesn't everybody always say that?

It sounds so cliche-ish.

But it's true, where has the time gone?

I turned 39 and had THE WORST birthday of my life,
which, for the record, had absolutely nothing to do with turning 39.

Yes, that means this year, I will be celebrating the big Four-O!

I heard that 40 is the new 20, so that's what I'm counting on. =)

2010 has certainly seen it's fair share of both good and bad times.

I witnessed a COMPLETE healing of my youngest
daughter, Kylee, from a terrifying nightmare called Seizures.

I learned that sometimes God does use Flashing Neon Signs to show us what He wants us to do, and I realized, I like that approach, A LOT!

I saw the movie Dear John, and have never
left a theater more emotionally drained.

I learned who Gucci Mane was. I swear, I thought he was a designer.

I was reminded over and over God keeps His promises.

The girls and I went to Gulf Shores for Haley's last Gulf Coast Classic High School Softball Tournament.

I saw firsthand, God can and does use ordinary people to do extraordinary things, as I traveled with 30 other people in April to
San Bartolo, Lempira, Honduras on a medical mission trip.

I rode a zip-line over the most beautiful waterfall in Honduras.

I learned sometimes in life ~~we are forced~~ we must take detours.

I quit my job after 22 years.

It was the hardest, yet, most liberating decision of my life.

I had a new friend come in to my life who taught me the following...
"There is an old quip about how to make God laugh:
Tell Him your plans!"
Thank you, Earlene. I love you MUCH!

I was reminded over and over in 2010, that His plans for me are FAR better than my plans for me could ever be.

I saw my first born, a member of the National Honor Society, graduate from High School and become a college student.

I FINALLY got out of the SUV and in a car again.

There was a boy who stole my heart.

We made some wonderful memories on the "Big Boat" cruising to The Cayman Islands, Mexico and Jamaica.

I started a new job.

Once again, He reminded me His plan is far better than mine could ever be.

I felt what it was like to be the "New Kid on the Block".

I was made a part of "The Sword" and formed some amazing friendships.

I made my first real slide-show.

My Blackberry crashed and I lost everything.
(No, I didn't have it backed up, before you ask).

Some of you would ask why this is monumental, however, those of you that know me, know how "close" my phone and I are. =)

My baby girl turned 14 and somewhere along the way evolved into this beautiful, amazingly, unashamed witness for Christ.

This is the same daughter God surprised me with
while I was on birth control pills.

No, I was not taking antibiotics; The Father knew I needed her.

The daughter we tried for 3 years to have turned 19.

Yes, that would be the same one I cried for, prayed for, got mad for, asked why for, and prayed and cried for some more, until I literally felt prayed and cried out.

The one that voted for the first time this year.
Yep, that's her, she turned 19.

I saw the love and pride I have for my children
grow beyond measure in 2010.

I faced heartache I never knew possible when my
baby boy was taken from our home.

I found out, all too well, what people meant by the words,
"It feels like your heart is being ripped out of your chest".

I realized, more than ever, it is entirely possible for your heart
to love a child more than words and have absolutely no
idea you didn't give birth to him.

I felt anger, bitterness and hurt toward God.

Don't gasp.

It's no secret; He already knows.

In fact, He's known for some time now.

Know what?

He's still madly in love with me.

There were times I didn't want to pray.

I felt the Spirit interceding on my behalf.

I felt YOU interceding on my behalf.

I was taught to Savor Each Moment.

I got lost in his eyes.

I cherished each kiss, each laugh, each smile.

I had my first picnic on the campus of Auburn University.

I only watched a few minutes of the Auburn vs Arkansas game.

I learned, there are Family and Friends I could depend on.

I learned, there are those I could NOT depend on.

I learned, there are some really, really sweet people in my life.

I learned, there are some really, really mean people in my life.

I learned, though people mean well, they say
some pretty stupid things.

I took a lot of pictures in 2010.

God brought a sweet Friend in my life, whose vocabulary doesn't include, "What's the big deal?", "You will still get to see him some",
"It will be ok.", or "It will all work out".
She knows it doesn't always work out, it's not always ok
and that winning the consolation prize isn't really winning.
I love you, Jamie!

I was Batgirl.

I read about a Father who begged Jesus for his daughter's life.

I realized, really for the first time, that God, Jarius and I all shared something in common, the loss of a child.

I was told to not be afraid and just believe, to SEE the UNSEEN.

I was given a choice, see the hurt or The Healer.

I fell in love with my Section 39, Row 48, Seats 24, 25 Friends.
I know, without a shadow of a doubt, God placed you in my life.
I love you, Phil and Diane, more than you will ever know
and I am so thankful God brought you in my life.

God showed me how He takes care of us when we don't even realize it
and how He protects us even when we don't know we need protection.

He reminded me He sees the WHOLE picture of life,
not tiny snapshots like I see.

I realized how much I love lazy, no make-up, hair pulled up,
glasses on, pajama days at home.

I watched the best player in College Football,
Cam Newton, lead my Auburn Tigers to an undefeated regular season.

We also won the SEC Championship game against
South Carolina and will play Oregon in the
BCS National Championship Game next Monday night.

It was reemphasized to me people love a scandal and there
is no greater rivalry than the Alabama-Auburn rivalry.

Did you know Auburn beat Alabama this year?

Cam Newton, the pretty Auburn quarterback, with the gorgeous
smile, won the Heisman Trophy.

I painted my first picture, a cross, that looks
like it is in dire need of Weight Watchers.

I saw, again, why Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday.

I witnessed a Christmas miracle when Hayden spent
Christmas Eve with me and woke up Christmas morning at Home.

I learned, there are people who keep their word.

I learned, there are people who don't keep their word.

Most importantly, I learned, God is always Faithful.

Yes, 2010 has certainly seen it's fair share of both good and bad times.

I never meant for this to be a "Year in Review" post.

It just worked out that way.

I am looking forward to the New Year.

I have watched God work in ways I never knew possible in 2010.

I can't fathom what He has in store for me this year.

I hope you and your family have a blessed 2011.

Happy New Year, Blog Friends!

I am so glad you are in my life.

Love you MUCH!

=],

Three.....

2010-12-09T21:57:00.000-06:00

Three.

That's the number of Christmas presents I've bought.

Yes, that's all.

Three.

I'm proud, actually.

Proud to say that each of my children have a present under the tree.

I couldn't say that yesterday.

I'm not the only one happy about it.

My kids are THRILLED!

=)

They are just hoping to see that number increase.

I'll get it done......

Eventually

There doesn't seem to be enough hours in the day.

I mean, I finally got a haircut tonight for the first time since June.

Yes, June.

How sad is that?

Oh well, it's just hair, lol.

When I weigh in the morning, I probably will have lost 5lbs from all the hair she cut off.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed anyway.

Wouldn't that be great?

Yeah, I think so too.

=)

In my last Blog I shared some of my favorite ornaments.

I added another one to my collection this week.

One of my sweet work friends, who is a Bama fan, gave me this adorable Auburn ornament.

I just LOVE it!

Isn't it the cutest thing?

Who would've ever thought to use a light bulb to make a Christmas ornament?

Question is, how many of you are saying, "Why didn't I think of that?"?

I know that's what I said.

Love you MUCH!

=],

A Few of my Favorite Things.....

2010-12-05T21:20:00.002-06:00

I love Christmas.

I love celebrating Jesus' Birth.

I often wonder how Mary felt.
(That's another post)

I love searching for that PERFECT gift.

I love hot chocolate and marshmallows.

I love all the parties and get-togethers.

I love spending time with my Family.

I love watching Christmas through the eyes of my children.

I love seeing my Christmas tree lit and decorated.

I love all the ornaments we've accumulated over the years.

They each hold a special memory.

Here are few of my favorites.....

Jesus is the Reason for the Season
1998

St. Simons Island
1999

Our first Disney trip
2000

Gulf Shores
2001

A Cross a Patient gave me
2002

He's got the whole world in His Hands
2003

War Eagle
2004

Our first Cruise
2005

Kylee's Cheering
2005

Kylee and her Besties
2006

Hayden
2006

Hayden
2007

Kylee
2007

Kentucky Derby
2007

Haley
2007

HD
2008

Gatlinburg
2008

Hayden
2009

The 1 and only Bama Ornament
Haley
2009

Auburn
2009

Hayden's hand-print
2009

Honduras
2010

Cayman Islands
2010

Jamaica
2010

Cozumel
2010

Yes, these are a few of my favorite things.

Have a great week, Friends!

Love you MUCH!

=],

We Comin' Ducks!.....

2010-12-04T23:43:00.003-06:00

War Eagle!

It was great watching my Auburn Tigers play Steve Spurrier's
South Carolina Gamecocks tonight in the SEC Championship game.

We won 56-17!

There were some people that picked Carolina over us.

Glad they were wrong.

SEC Champions.

I love the way that sounds!

This means we will be facing the Oregon Ducks in the BCS Championship game in Glendale, Arizona on January 10th.

I have been searching online for travel packages.

I REALLY want to go.

Yes, I know there are more important things than Football.

Actually, I know that very well.

All I have to do is look around my house right now and I'm reminded of that.

Haley is next to me on the couch.

Hayden is in the floor playing with his football men.

Kylee and her Friend are giggling, whispering, and sharing secrets, in her room.

Yes, indeed, there ARE things more important than football.

That being said, I would still LOVE to be in Glendale, Arizona January 10th.

Anyone wanna volunteer to send me?

Just let me know if you're interested!

=)

Today's been a really lazy day.

I made it out of my pajamas around Noon, I think.

Just to be honest, I probably wouldn't have if Kylee hadn't had company.

I didn't want to scar the poor child.

Hayden came yesterday.

He's played all day.

Oh, I LOVE watching him play and hearing him laugh, and pretend.

The girls are great, busy doing their own things.

They have become buddies.

I love that, too.

It was just ~~yesterday~~ a year or so ago they would rather have had bamboo sticks shoved under their fingernails than hang out together.

Haley is finishing up her first semester as a college girl.

She registered for next semester last week.

Kylee is, well, Kylee.

She cracks us up.

She says some of the funniest things.

She really is a blond in every way, Lol.

She has her own thoughts and ideas about
things and is not too shy or too afraid to share them.

She and I are a lot alike.

She definitely gives me a run for my money.

Work is great.

I am so blessed to have a job I love.

I know I've told you that before, but it is true.

I don't dread going to work.

I actually look forward to it.

How awesome is that?

Pretty awesome, if you ask me.

I hope all is well with you, Blog Friends.

Love you MUCH!

=],

Thanksgiving.....

2010-12-01T00:26:00.003-06:00

THANKSGIVING

1: the act of giving thanks

2: a prayer expressing gratitude

3a : a public acknowledgment or celebration of divine goodness
b capitalized : thanksgiving day

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday.

I've told you that before.

I won't even discuss Christmas until after Thanksgiving.

No really, I won't.

I think Thanksgiving deserves a day
all to it's own without having to compete.

That's why this whole post is about Thanksgiving
even though I have LOTS to catch you up on.

Why do I love Thanksgiving so much?

It is like Christmas, without the emphasis on gifts.

It's being thankful for what you have, not wanting more.

It's spending time with Family.

Yes, I double, triple, quadruple ♥ Thanksgiving.

I have MUCH to be thankful for.

Are there things I'd like to see different?

Absolutely!

Are there people I love that I don't see as often as I'd like?

Absolutely!

BUT.....

There are TONS of things I am thankful for, too many to name actually.

All of my kids were with me for Thanksgiving.

We had Hayden from Wednesday til Monday morning.

I am SOOOOOO thankful for every minute I spend with him.

We are all healthy.

Haley is recovering nicely from her surgery and is back
to sleeping like a teenager once again.

She is doing Therapy twice a week and is progressing well.

She wears a sling only when in large crowds so people will be
cognizant of the fact she has a hurt arm.

Kylee remains seizure free.

I LOVE my job.

Not many people can say they
love to go to work everyday.

I can honestly say that.

I have a Family that loves each other and is
there for each other no matter what.

I have amazing Friends, some of which I would have never formed a
relationship with or even met had the Detour not been placed in my path.

Yes, I am thankful for the Detour.

It is one I didn't plan, nor would I ever
have planned, but it has been an amazing journey.

I am thankful for His Promises.

I am thankful He sends us reminders of Who He is.

I am thankful He will never leave us, nor forsake us.
(Even though we allow ourselves to be convinced otherwise, at times)

I am thankful His mercies are new every
morning and there is always an ample supply.

I am thankful for Flashing Neon Signs.

Yes, Blog Friends, I have MUCH to be thankful for, including you.

Here are a few pictures from Thanksgiving.....

My Mother with Kylee and Haley

My Cousins, Lesha, Lois and I.
(We missed the rest of you, see you Christmas!)

My Nephew, CJ and Hayden

My Nieces, Laina and Grace

My Brother, Brandon (Hayden's Dad) and I

And

My ABSOLUTE, MOST FAVORITE
Picture of the Day.....

This makes me smile,
REALLY BIG!

=)

Hope you all had a fabulous Thanksgiving!

Love you MUCH!

=],

Post-Op Day #1.....

2010-11-19T22:45:00.000-06:00

Post-Op Day #1

My Patient is doing as well as can be expected after
her shoulder surgery yesterday.

The nerve block they gave her during surgery worked wonders.

It, combined with the pain meds every
4-6 hours, has kept her basically pain free.

She continues to be restless though.

That is the biggest problem she's had.

She only slept 2 hours after surgery yesterday.

I expected her to come home and sleep the afternoon away.

It didn't happen.

She cat napped off and on last night, never getting
into a good, deep sleep.

Needless to say, she is exhausted.

She is sleepy and tired but just can't seem to settle
down enough to actually go to sleep.

We are hoping that changes soon.

She can shower tomorrow so she is super excited about that!

=) =) =)

Tomorrow is Hayden's 5th Birthday.

This will be the first birthday he won't wake up with us.

I am trying not to focus on that.

I'm trying really hard indeed.

My Brother is getting him tomorrow afternoon, so we will see him then.

We are actually throwing him a party at our house.

We are so happy and thankful to be able to share some
time with him on his special day.

As I've said before, we are taking what we can get, whenever we can get it.

Savoring Each Moment

Love you MUCH!

=],

Surgery Update.....

2010-11-18T22:16:00.001-06:00

Haley had her surgery today.

Thankfully, everything went beautifully.

Let me just go ahead and tell you, everyone was amazing.

Before her surgery, our Doctor came in to talk to us at her bedside and led us in prayer.

Yes, the Doctor led us in prayer.

He was great to us, everyone was.

The staff of the Surgery Center did a FABULOUS job taking care of us today, too.

I couldn't have asked to be treated any better by either our Doctor, or the Surgery Center Staff.

He was able to do everything he needed to do.

The space between the bone and the rotator cuff was only 1/10th of an inch wide.

This means every time she moved her arm, the rotator cuff was compressed.

The rotator cuff wasn't torn, but it was inflamed and already had a groove that had been worn in it from the constant compression.

There's no doubt the rotator cuff would have torn had this surgery not been done.

She's in a sling and has a large bandage on her shoulder that we will remove tomorrow.

He did a nerve block in her shoulder, so at this point, she isn't really in pain as much as she's uncomfortable.

I've also been giving her pain medicine every 4 hours to stay ahead of any pain.

It's working but she is restless and has only slept 2 hours since surgery.

She's tired, worn out and sleepy but just can't seem to settle down enough to sleep.

Hopefully, that will change soon.

We will follow-up with the Doctor Monday and she will start Therapy just as soon as possible.

Thank you all for your texts, facebook messages, phone calls, visits, and prayers.

We will never be able to tell you how much each of you mean to us.

I'll update more later.

Love you MUCH!

=],

Row 48, Seats 24, 25 Friends.....

2010-11-14T22:10:00.008-06:00

A great weekend, as well as a great Auburn Season, is coming to an end.

We have made some amazing new Friends this year.

You all know, I believe NOTHING happens by chance and that God has a PLAN and a PURPOSE for everything.

The same holds true for our Auburn Season Ticket seats.

Yes, you read that right.

Our Section 39, Row 47, Seats 21, 22, 23, 24, 25 were divinely appointed by God Himself.

Yes.

I believe this.

Without a doubt, our seats were exactly where God wanted us to be, with the exact people He wanted us to be around, for the exact reason He wanted us to be there.

It's really awesome how you sit in the same seats week after week and you form friendships with the people around you that you will never forget.

You get to know them and their Family.

They get to know you and your Family.

You laugh, sing, yell, scream, cheer and even cry together.

Yes, cry.

You pray for them and you know they are praying for you.

They are the new friends at the beginning of the season that seem like old friends at the end of the season.

They become Family.

Such is the case with our Section 39, Row 48, Seats 24, 25 Friends.

I am so thankful God's Hand is in EVERY part of our lives, even our Auburn Season Ticket seat location.

I am thankful He placed these two precious people not only in our lives, but in the lives of our children.

He knows EXACTLY what we need, WHEN we need it, and EXACTLY who we need there.

I didn't ask their permission so, I won't post their names.

You know who you are.

Thank you both for your Friendship and for all the memories we've made this Season.

There is no doubt in my mind that God placed you in our lives.

We are not sure what we will do on Saturday's now?!

Thank you for your smiles, your hugs, all the laughs, and the high-fives!

Thank you for being patient with the little curly blond headed boy sitting in front of you.

Thank you for sharing your peanuts, your popcorn, your gum, and even your ball cap the game his head got hot.

Thank you for crying with me as my heart broke.

Thank you for praying for our sweet boy and this situation.

Thank you for loving our Hayden.

He would always ask us, "Are our Friends gonna be there?"

He loves y'all.

So do we.

A LOT.

We MUST keep in touch.

MUST.

Yesterday, my Beloved Tigers took on the Georgia Bulldogs in our last home game of the 2010 Season.

It was a great game!

We won 49-31.

It was a hard, ugly battle that got uglier as the game went on.

I remembered around the end of the first quarter that I had to sing this morning at Church.

I tried to lay off the yelling as much as possible.

It was hard.

I would forget and I paid for it, dearly.

When I woke up this morning, I could hardly talk.

I really didn't yell that much!

Seriously!

Maybe it was the cool, night air.

I'm not sure, but whatever it was had me in a bad way.

I got out of bed this morning and headed straight for the medicine cabinet.

Have you ever heard Nurses are the worst patients?

It's true, we are.

You wanna know what's even worse than that?

A Nurse that is treating herself, (with OTC meds, of course).

Anyway, I sang and I hope it turned out ok, I hope?!?!

Lord knows I prayed over that Mucinex enough! =)

I'm only working 3 days this week.

I told you all about Haley's surgery.

She has an impingement in her Left Shoulder.

What is a shoulder impingement?

Shoulder impingement syndrome is caused by compression of the tendons of the rotator cuff between a part of the shoulder blade and the head of the humerus. This can become a chronic inflammatory condition that may lead to a weakening of the tendons of the rotator cuff, a situation that may result in a torn rotator cuff.

She does not have a torn rotator cuff, yet.

It's just a matter of time if we don't get it fixed.

This is, by far, the lesser of the two evils.

What is causing the compression in her shoulder?

Her acromion is significantly sloping downward.

What's an acromion?

Glad you asked! =)

Acromion- the lateral extension of the spine of the scapula, forming the highest point of the shoulder.

Why is it sloping downward?

God designed her that way.

Literally.

It's always been this way.

She was born with it.

So, why is it causing her trouble now?

Not sure exactly.

There are a number of things that are contributing factors.

She is left-handed.

She has played softball since she was 5, so that's 15 years.

Remember, she was an outfielder, a Left Fielder, to be exact.

You know what that means.

Long, hard throws from outfield to get the ball in as quick as possible.

She hasn't played ball since July or so when she played in the High School Alumni game.

Her shoulder has NEVER hurt her one time throughout her softball career.

Her elbow, yes, from tendinitis, but never her shoulder.

She hasn't had an acute injury.

It will be done Thursday of this week as an Outpatient.

She is out of school next week, the week of Thanksgiving.

That's why we planned it now.

This will give her 10 days before she has to go back to class.

We are hoping that's enough time.

She will have to have Outpatient Therapy so we'll get that set up just as soon as we can.

Wanna know what's worse than having a Nurse as a Patient?

Or

What's worse than a Nurse that is treating herself?

ANSWER:
A Nurse whose child is a Patient.

That is THE WORST ever.

=)=)=)

Just kidding.

Kind of.

I have some really precious Friends.

One of them will actually be doing her Surgery and others will be taking care of her during and after Surgery.

Above all, My Friend, The Great Physician, will still be in COMPLETE control Thursday.

Haley belongs to Him.

He simply allowed me to be her Mom.

Have a wonderful week!

Love you MUCH!

=],

People Love a Scandal.....

2010-11-13T09:40:00.010-06:00

We are in Auburn for the last home game of the 2010 Season.

It makes me sad.

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE coming here.

There is nothing like watching Nova or Spirit circle Jordan-Hare Stadium before landing at midfield.

There is nothing like singing God Bless America and The National Anthem with 87,000 other voices.

Imagine Heaven.

I have that same thought every time we sing them.

There's nothing like watching and hearing our Country's fighter jets fly over the clear blue sky in God's Country.

There has been a scandal of sorts in the media the last week or two involving our cute quarterback with the beautiful, white teeth.

It REALLY, REALLY frustrates me to hear GROWN people actually say they WANT him to be in trouble and have trouble.

I mean, REALLY?

I don't care what team a person plays for or cheers for that is RIDICULOUS and they should all be ashamed of themselves.

Today, all over our State, there are people who are sitting on cloud 9 thinking Cam Newton is going to be declared ineligible and thus, all our games be forfeited.

Really, people?

He's a real kid.

With real feelings.

With a real Mother.

With real feelings.

I can't imagine how mad I would be.

I'm mad now and he's not even mine.

Ok, enough of that rant.

On to the world of the Johnson's.....

We have Hayden this weekend.

Nothing has changed.

We are taking what we can get, whenever we can get it and savoring every minute of it.

He is in Auburn with us today.

He is too cute and soooo sweet!

I am so in love with this boy.

I'm sure I'll have a picture or two to share with you.

Thank you, Father, for every single minute I get to spend with this sweet boy.

Kylee is fabulous.

Seizures?

What seizures?

No sign of any seizures, AT ALL.

Thank you, Father, for healing my precious baby girl and freeing her from that nightmare!

She is having a wonderful 8th grade year.

She is an excellent student who never fails to tell others of Christ and stand up for Him.

I am so proud of her.

Haley is good.

She is having shoulder surgery Thursday.

She has an impingement in her Left shoulder.

She is left handed, so that should be a little bit of a challenge.

Remember when she decided she didn't want to play college softball because she was burnt out and I was so incredibly sad about it?

Well, God has used that to show me how He takes care of us when we don't even realize it.

The Surgeon's words Monday after looking at Haley's MRI were, "It's a REALLY good thing she's not playing softball anymore. She would have REALLY, REALLY messed up her shoulder bad."

WOW!

Thank you, Father, for taking care of my baby when I had no idea that you were protecting her from anything

I'm so glad He knows far better than me.

He sees the WHOLE picture and not just a tiny snapshot like I see.

I'll share more about her surgery soon.

I'm in God's Country and I've got a 4 year old screaming, "Mom, come on."

I LOVE the sound of that!

Brings a smile to my face.

Every.

Single.

Time.

Enjoy your day, Friends.

I Believe in Auburn and Love It!

War Eagle!

Love You MUCH!

=],

Don't Be Afraid, Just Believe.....

2010-10-31T20:40:00.000-05:00

As I told you, we have Hayden this weekend.

I've tried to soak in every minute.

Savor every moment with him.

It's hard.

I can't lie.

As I walked through the preschool building to get him from Sunday School this morning, I got a lump in my throat and felt like I had been kicked in the gut and couldn't breath.

I had tears streaming down my cheeks.

I try so very hard to hold myself together.

I really, really do.

I mean, I can't tell you how hard I try.

I've always been the strong one, the one everybody else leans on, but it's just so overwhelming.

Basically all through the service this morning, he wanted to sit in my lap.

I hold him and as I nuzzle against his neck and he wraps his arms around mine I can't lie, I'm hurting, I question God, "Why, Why does it have to be this way?"

Our Sunday School lesson this morning couldn't have come at a better time.

Once again, God knows what we need, when we need it.

We studied in Mark about Jairus, whose daughter was dying.

The story goes like this.....

Jairus fell at Jesus' feet and begged him to touch his daughter and heal her.

There were some that said, "Your daughter is dead. There is no need to bother the Teacher anymore."

BUT.....

Jesus didn't pay any attention to them.

His focus was on Jairus.

His words to Jairus, "Don't be afraid; just believe."

Did you get that?

Jesus said, "Don't be afraid; just believe."

Then Jesus goes to Jairus' house where He finds a large number of people crying and making a lot of noise.

Jesus asks them why they are making so much noise because Jairus' daughter is not dead, only sleeping.

They laugh at Jesus.

He throws them out.

Then He takes the child's Mother and Father, along with Peter, James, and John to see the girl.

He takes her hand and says to her, "Young girl, I tell you to stand up!"

At once, she stood up and began walking.

At. Once.

I love this story.

See, Jairus was begging Jesus for his daughter's life.

There was no bargaining, or negotiations.

Simply begging, and pleading.

A desperate, heartbroken Father begging for his daughter's life.

Sounds sorta, kinda familiar.

I've been begging and pleading.

God, Jairus, and I share something in common.

God knows what it's like to lose a child.

Let me say that again, God know what it's like to lose a child.

Have you ever really thought about that?.

He knew how Jairus felt because He had been there.

He knows how I feel because He's been there.

He gave His Son.

How his heart must have broken.

Jairus' heart was broken.

My heart is broken.

Jesus ~~asked~~ TOLD Jairus not to be afraid and just believe.

He told him to SEE the UNSEEN.

The same with me.

He tells me not to be afraid and believe.

I have a choice.

I can either see the hurt or The Healer.

I'm trying so hard to stay focused on The Healer.

It's times like now, when I know our time with him is coming to an end that my eyes begin to well up with tears.

Don't be afraid, just believe.

Don't.

Be.

Afraid.

Just.

Believe.

Love you MUCH!

=],

Yippie.....

2010-10-30T09:01:00.005-05:00

Hayden is here for the weekend.

Yippie!!!

So, you know what that means?

Trick or Treating!!

=)

=)

=)

I'm sure I will have a picture or two, or twenty to post of him tonight.

I have told you all before how much I love my job.

It is great.

I mean really great.

Yesterday, we dressed up as Superheroes.

I was Batgirl.

The Rehab Superheroes
Batman and I
Poison Ivy and Myself

We had so much fun!

I'm so happy to be there.

Awesome job, awesome people!

My Beloved Tigers are playing on the road today in Oxford, Mississippi.

We are undefeated and #1 in the BCS poll.

Let's hope that is unchanged after today's game.

War Eagle!

Enjoy your Saturday, Friends!

Love you MUCH!

=],

Thank you, Friend.....

2010-10-27T20:23:00.003-05:00

I'm thankful for friends.

Today, I had the pleasure of eating lunch with a sweet friend.

It was wonderful to be able to talk and share my feelings without hearing all the things I spoke of here.

God truly does know EXACTLY what we need, when we need it.

He knew I needed you in my life.

Thank you, Jamie, for being a Friend, a non-judgmental, supportive Friend, whose vocabulary doesn't include, "What's the big deal?", "You will still get to see him some", "It will be ok.", or "It will all work out".

Thank you for listening, for knowing it doesn't always work out, it's not always ok and that winning the consolation prize isn't really winning.

You will never know how much you mean to me.

Love you MUCH!

=],

Brilliant Colors.....

2010-10-25T21:24:00.007-05:00

I absolutely LOVE Fall.

I love seeing the trees with all their brilliant colors.

It really reminds me WHO God is.

Here are a few pictures I took from our neighborhood today.

I hope you enjoy.

Love you MUCH!

=],

This Post Is For You.....

2010-10-23T10:34:00.007-05:00

Since this all started with Hayden, we have had NUMEROUS people call us, checking on us.

You have left precious comments on my blog, my Facebook wall, and sent text messages to my phone.

You have supported me in unfathomable ways.

You've let me cry.

You held me as I've cried.

You've even cried with me.

You've listened as I've screamed and didn't pass judgment when I stomped my feet in classic temper tantrum fashion.

You have called me out when I'd lie and say, "I'm ok" or when I would attempt to retreat in my shell.

You told me it was ok to be angry.

You have prayed countless prayers to the Father on our behalf.

You have prayed for me when I couldn't pray for myself.

You hold a special place in my heart and will never know how much I appreciate each of you.

However, there are some of you who haven't been as kind.

This post is for you.

You that have asked, "What is the big deal?"
Answer:
The big deal is we are talking about a CHILD, NOT A PIECE OF FURNITURE. A child we have raised. A blond haired boy that calls me Mom.

You have said, "He's NOT yours, you should want him be with his mother".
Answer:
Giving birth to a child doesn't automatically make you a Mom. A REAL Mother puts her wants and needs aside for what is best for her child. A REAL Mother will do whatever she has to do to protect her child, provide for her child and will love and nurture her child. My heart has no idea I didn't give birth to him.

You have said, "You should be happy she wants him."
Answer:
Happy? Happy she is taking him from the only stable environment he has ever known? Happy she is taking him away from his family? Happy she is unable to provide for him? Happy? Really?

You have said, "You will still get to see him some."
Answer:
Some? That is not a consolation prize. I don't want some. I want my baby boy back where he belongs, AT HOME. I want to tuck him in at night, I want to hear his laugh. I want him running out to my car when I get home from work.

You have said, "It will be ok."
Answer:
You know this how? It's certainly not ok now. Tell this to a Mother whose child has been diagnosed with cancer, a Mother who has lost her child to SIDS. It is not always ok.

You have said, "It will all work out."
Answer:
Again, how do you know this? You can't guarantee it will. What if it doesn't? What if he never comes home? Truth is, it may NOT all work out. What then?

You have said, "Why aren't you doing something to get him back?"
Answer:
This makes me IRATE! I can not begin to tell you how infuriated I become at this. Do you think I wouldn't do ANYTHING I could to get my sweet boy back? I mean, really? Do you think I love the feeling I have that my heart is being ripped out of my chest and someone has kicked me in the gut and I want to vomit?

You have said, "Why don't you prove her an unfit mother?"
Answer:
Because we have raised her child and provided monetary support for Doctor visits, prescriptions, clothing, etc., we have enabled her to remain a "fit" parent. No, it doesn't make a bit of sense to me, and there is nothing "fit" about someone who says, "I know he would be better off with y'all but he (my child support) is my only means of income" REALLY?, GET A JOB! That is mother of the year material right there.

You have said, "Where is your Faith?"
Answer:
It is in God, the only place it can be; however, He knows I am scared, and angry. I know He has a plan and a purpose in all of this but I can't see it RIGHT THIS MINUTE. I do trust Him, but I want Him to work hurriedly. I want Him to wave a magic wand and fix it!

You have said, "Why would God do this?"
Answer:
God didn't DO this to us. God allowed it to happen. Why? I don't know the answer to that, and I may not ever know the answer to that question but I know that He wants us to trust Him and believe Him and His word. I know that His ways are far wiser and better than MY ways as hard as it may be. There is good that will come out of this.

Ok, I feel better.

What now?
Answer:
I miss that sweet baby boy more and more every day. I don't know what is going to happen. I don't have that answer. I DO know I will continue to trust God and thank Him for His promises. I will delight in the fact that He will never leave me or forsake me and that His mercies are new every morning.

Love you, MUCH!

=],

An AMAZING Place To Be.....

2010-10-17T20:07:00.014-05:00

Sweet Hayden, I miss you so much already.

He spent the night with us Friday and Saturday.

We had a full day in Auburn yesterday and had the most wonderful time.

I must confess and tell you, even though
I LOVE my Auburn Tigers, I really didn't watch much of the game itself.

I do know that we won and though I never thought I'd say it, it really didn't matter.

Yep, I said it.

It didn't matter.

What mattered was the time that we were able to spend with that sweet, sweet boy.

It was an amazing day.

We went to Tiger Walk.

My girls have been to about 9,734 Tiger Walk's in their lifetime and normally they don't want to go and fuss about it A LOT!

We go because Hayden wants to see Aubie up close and personal.

Haley made the comment this past week that if Hayden was able to go to the game with us, she wouldn't complain about having to go to Tiger Walk at all.

Isn't it amazing how things change?

Things we thought mattered so much, really don't matter.

I mean, really.

Yes, we have been to many, many Tiger Walks before; however yesterday there was something so special in sharing it with Hayden yesterday.

Savoring the Moment, as I previously blogged about here.

After Tiger Walk, we threw down a blanket and had a picnic lunch while listening to the Auburn University Marching Band play.

Of course, I do have a few pictures to share with you.

The Magic Touch of Aubie at Tiger Walk

Crazy Hair

I love this picture of Haley and Hayden.
You can really see the love beaming from each of them.

Savor the Moment.

Each and every one.

We are not sure when he will be back or when we will see him again.

I miss him.

No matter what, I am trusting God.

He has a plan and a purpose in all of this, though I may not be able to understand it or see it.

I will trust Him.

Why?

He's never failed me.

He's never let me down.

He's never taken His love from me.

In fact, His love is immeasurable.

His mercies are new every morning.

He hides me in the shadow of His wings.

It's an AMAZING Place to be.

Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast. ~Psalms 57:1

My Refuge.

Safe.

Secure.

Who could ask for more?

Love you, MUCH!

=],

Savor the Moment.....

2010-10-17T14:47:00.004-05:00

Savoring Each Moment.....

2010-10-16T09:55:00.004-05:00

SAVOR
transitive verb

1
: to give flavor to : season

2
a : to have experience of : taste
b : to taste or smell with pleasure : relish
c : to delight in : enjoy

Savoring The Moment.

That is EXACTLY what I am doing.

My sweet boy is home, at least for today.

He spent the last night with us and is going to Auburn with us today.

He will be leaving again either tonight or tomorrow.

However, for the next 12 hours or so, I will be wallowing in complete, and utter happiness.

Savoring Each Moment.

Each and every minute.

Each and every hug.

Each and every time he says, "Mom".

Each and every time he takes my hand.

Each and every kiss.

Each and every laugh.

Each and every smile.

Each and every question.

Each and every look in those beautiful green eyes.

Each and every "I Love You".

Each.

And.

Every

Minute.

Savoring Each Moment.

Savor your moments today, Blog Friends.

Love you MUCH!

=],

This Very Moment.....

2010-10-14T21:13:00.003-05:00

I want to thank each of you for your sweet comments and for all the prayers prayed on behalf of our Family.

I don't really have much of an update for you.

I have not been able to talk to Hayden, nor have I seen him.

We may be able to see him tomorrow night.

I am trying not to get my hopes up, as my heart can not take any more pain.

Basically, right now, I am pretending as if it won't happen and if it does, it will be a wonderful surprise.

I can now talk about it without crying.

That may not sound like much to you, but believe me, it is a HUGE improvement.

My heart still aches for him.

I want to hear him laugh.

I want to get lost in his beautiful green eyes.

I want to feel his arms around my neck.

I want to know he is ok.

I want him home where he belongs.

I must admit, I still don't know how or what to pray.

Quite honestly, praying for His will is hard for me.

I want what I want.

I want him.

I know that is wrong.

You don't have to tell me that.

I'm thankful for this verse found in Romans.

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints
in accordance with God's will.
~Romans 8:26-27

I am confident the Spirit is interceding on my behalf at this very moment.

For that I am thankful.

Love you MUCH!

=],

My Heart is Broken.....

2010-10-10T21:00:00.001-05:00

Gone.

He's. Gone.

My. baby. boy. is. gone.

My heart is broken.

I am hurt.

Sad.

Angry.

Bitter.

I knew there was a chance this day would come.

I knew it was possible.

Yet, I loved a blond haired, 4 year old with all of my heart.

Now, he has been taken from me.

If you don't remember what is happening or if you're new to my blog, here's what's going on

It would be different if she was any kind of parent at all.

She has no education.

No job.

No home.

It makes me physically ill.

Makes me want to vomit.

Do I blame God?

No.

God has a plan and a purpose in ALL of this.

God knows every tear I've cried and has held them in the palm of His hand.

He knows I am mad.

He knows I am sad.

He knows I don't want to pray for her right now.

He knows I want Him to wave a magic wand and fix it all.

He knows I'd rather not cry myself to sleep every night.

He knows I just want to hold him.

He knows I want to smell him.

He knows I lay in his bed so I can be near him.

He knows I wonder where he is.

He knows I worry about what he's eating.

He knows I don't think I can take this anymore.

He knows I want my baby back.

He knows my heart has no idea I didn't give birth to him.

He knows it ALL.

My bitterness.

My anger.

He still loves me.

I don't know how this will end.

I am trusting God.

That is all I can do.

Love you MUCH!

=],

Tigers, Tigers Everywhere.....

2010-09-19T22:34:00.004-05:00

We spent the day yesterday in Auburn,
where my beloved, Auburn Tigers took on the Tigers of Clemson.

It was a NAIL-BITER!

We finally pulled it out in overtime 27-24.

Did we deserve the win?
Uh, NEGATIVE, but a win is a win and I'll take it any way I can get it.

We didn't get home until 1:30 this morning.

That means I am exhausted!

It was worth it though.

Of course, I have one or two pics to share with you.

Hope you enjoy!

War Eagle!

Me and Hayden

Again

Haley and Hayden waiting for Tiger Walk, I love this smile

Good Times

Hayden

Haley, Hayden and Kylee

Fearless and True

THIS IS AUBURN FOOTBALL

We'll head back to Auburn Saturday for the Auburn vs South Carolina game.

If we don't get our act together, Steve Spurrier and his Gamecocks will embarrass us, BIG TIME!!!

Have a great week, Friends!

Love you MUCH!

=],

It's The Most Wonderful Time of the Year.....

2010-09-06T03:10:00.001-05:00

We spent today in Mentone for sweet baby Emmaline's Christening.

It was great to see the family and be able to spend some time with them.

This is a pic of me and my cousins. My cousin on the Right, Juanita, is Emmaline's Grandmother.

It's college football time, the most wonderful time of the year.

We traveled to Auburn yesterday for the season opener between Auburn vs Arkansas State.

Auburn won 52-26.

We saw Aubie, tons of Policemen, the Band and ate popcorn.

Mission accomplished.

We had a great time.

I took this picture last night.

It is breathtakingly beautiful if I do say so myself.

I'm pretty confident it confirms the fact that God is an Auburn fan with the sky being Orange and Blue and all.

It is a holiday tomorrow but I will be laboring on Labor Day, as I have to work.

Have a great week friends!

Love you MUCH!

=],

Sweet Emmaline.....

2010-09-05T09:15:00.006-05:00

Good Morning, Blog Friends!

It seems that Fall is in the air.

It may be short lived but it feels wonderful today.

We are on Interstate 59 heading to beautiful Mentone, Alabama to spend the day with Family and Friends for Sweet Emmaline's Christening.

Emmaline is the daughter of my cousin, Blake and his wife, Quincey.

They are an adorable family and we are thrilled with being able to share Emmaline's special day with them.

Mentone is a town of about 450 people. It is so beautiful there.

I'm certain I'll have some more pictures to share with you later in the day.

Hope you all have a great Sunday!

Love you MUCH!

=],

Happy Birthday, Haley

2010-09-04T12:16:00.005-05:00

I have told all of you before, all I ever wanted to be when I grew up was a Mom.

I never had aspirations of being a Nurse or a Teacher or any of the other things little girls dream of being when they grow up.

I simply wanted to be a Mom.

We tried for 3 years to have a baby with no success. I cried, I prayed, I got mad, I asked why, I prayed and cried some more, until I literally felt prayed and cried out.

19 years ago today, God proved Himself All Powerful and Faithful when He did what I thought wouldn't ever be possible. He made me a Mom.

Happy Birthday, Haley.

You are truly are a wonderful gift from above. I am so proud of you and the person you are.

I say it all the time, but I really mean it, I would pick you EVERY SINGLE TIME.

I love you more than you will ever know or words could ever say.

=],

The Week In Review.....

2010-08-29T13:12:00.008-05:00

As you can see the previous mobile Blog was a success, however I should tell you it took me about 20 tries to get it to work. When I finally figured out the problem I was like, "Oh yeah!, how simple".

How many times does that happen? We struggle with something, get mad and frustrated with it, feel like throwing it down and then it happens, it clicks, it works, then we wonder why it took us so long to figure it out in the first place, lol.

Though my mobile blogging is once again working, and I am back on my laptop, I am still mobile. I am in the car traveling to visit with my Mom on this rainy Sunday afternoon in Alabama.

It is really, really storming. In the short distance we have traveled, we have already seen 2 bad wrecks.

The eldest Daughter traveled to Tuscaloosa Friday to spend the weekend with her friends. She will be driving back this afternoon. I am worried sick about her driving in this mess.

I should also tell you I am the mother of a College student. She started classes this week. Everything went really smooth. She got to enjoy the pleasure of fighting for a parking space, going from one end of campus to another for class, and all those other fun things that go with it, lol.

She has decided not to play college softball. It breaks my heart, I cannot lie but she told me she was really burnt out with it and didn't want to play. I think she will regret it later but it is her decision and I have to respect it.

My baby girl turned 14 Friday. She had a great birthday. She is growing up fast. It seems like yesterday I was craving and eating only watermelon. It was the only thing I could eat. I just love that girl. I am so proud of her. We were talking this weekend about the choices some of her Friends are making. I am so thankful she is not ashamed to stand up for what she believes in. That makes a Mom proud.

Baby boy is great. He has been busy in preschool this week learning letters, and shapes and playing with his Friends. He spent the weekend with my Brother.

I am still loving my job. Things are going great. I am settling in and beginning to get in a routine.

Auburn football begins next weekend. We play Arkansas State at 6pm. Have I told you how much I love Auburn football? I love the campus, the atmosphere, Tiger Walk, tailgating, the whole thing!

I wish you could experience it with me. There is nothing like it. We would have a BLAST I know without a doubt! =)

I hope you all have an awesome week. I promise to try and do a better job blogging.

I've missed you MUCH!

Love you MUCH!

=],

This Is A Test.....

2010-08-29T12:45:00.001-05:00

Hey Blog Fiends!

This is a test to see if my mobile blogging is working again.

When we were in Jamaica my BlackBerry crashed and I lost EVERYTHING!

It's amazing how dependent we are for our cell phones. I admit I am THE WORST!

Hopefully, this post is a success. We will know in a second.

Hope you all are well this last Sunday in August.

Love you MUCH!

=],
Gracie
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Honduras Mission Trip Slideshow

2010-08-12T19:06:00.005-05:00