Book dedications

Since I changed school districts, I've had the opportunity to dedicate books in memory of loved ones to the school library. Through the loss of some friends and relatives, there are now several books bearing their names in the regular circulation at school. The hope is that a book is chosen that bears some part of the person now gone.

This year, we've lost my Grandma, my Uncle Leo, my Dad, and also my Aunt Vivian. I have chosen a book for everyone but Aunt Vivian. I hope to do that in January so there will be a book bearing her name, too.

For my Grandma, I chose a book about a Grandmother and her granddaughter - and their quilt. It is called The Patchwork Quilt by Valerie Flournoy. Here's a brief summary: Tanya's grandmother had begun to make a patchwork quilt using scraps from old shirts, Halloween costumes, and any other materials that had meaning to them. Tanya was so interested in how her grandmother so carefully cut pieces of material and sewed them together so she spent much of her time watching and helping her grandmother produce this "masterpiece." On Christmas morning, Grandma becomes sick and is no longer able to work on finishing the quilt. With the help of her mother, Tanya takes it upon herself to help finish the quilt for her grandmother. Finally, when Grandma is able to begin working on the quilt again, she finishes it by stitching on the last square, which reads, "For Tanya From your Mama and Grandma."

For my Uncle Leo, I chose a book about a joking rabbit called
bad hare day by Miriam Moss. Uncle Leo always had a great story or anecdote to share and this story reminds me of something he would tell.

For my Dad, I chose a book called If You Listen by Charlotte Zolotow. It is a story for children who have suffered the loss of a parent or someone they love through distance, divorce or death. The little girl's father had been gone for a long time. She asks her mother how you know if someone far away is loving you. "You have to listen inside yourself," her mother said, "just the way you strain to hear the dog barking in the hills, or the rustle of birds in the leaves of the trees. If you listen hard you'll feel someone far away sending love to you."

Recently, I've also enjoyed a book called Tear Soup by Pat Sweibert and Chuck DeKlyen. The story is about "Grandy," but she could just as easily be me or you, and Grandy has suffered a loss, so Grandy begins to make tear soup. Tear soup cannot be made just out of a can, but is an individual process, as unique as each chef; and only through the soup making can we fully heal and move on. Since receiving this book myself, I've bought several copies to share. It is a beautiful story and has beautiful illustrations.

I'm hoping these tributes will be meaningful as time passes. Blessings to you!

Christmas performance

I'll have to add the picture later, but Eli was a star in his performance at school -LITERALLY! He was dressed as a star when his group sang 'Twinkle Twinkle.' The performances were short but wonderful. When Eli was finished, he shouted, "I did it!" So proud!

Mom attended with us. If I haven't said it in awhile, I am so thankful that she is so close and can attend events with us, spend time with us and just BE with us. Not that it makes me miss Daddy any less, but it sure is nice to spend time with her and make sure Eli continues that connection.

Silly Eli

As I was cleaning the kitchen, Eli told me, "Get out of the kitchen, Mommy! Dangerous!"

Yesterday at breakfast, I put my hand on Eli's chair and he told me to "Keep your hands to yourself, Mommy!"

He's finally learned to say, "Another song, please!" in the car when he wants a different song. That's much preferable to crying or screaming! Aghhhh!

Santa

Before Thanksgiving, the line to see Santa is shorter.

This year, Eli told Santa that he wanted "cars and trucks" for Christmas. Hmmmm...I wonder what Santa will bring?

Turkey hats

Sleeping

Yesterday, Mom picked up Eli since I had a meeting after school. She took him to the park for a couple of hours and got him REALLY tired. So, he actually asked to go to bed - "Ready to go upstairs?" - half an hour early!

He should go to play with Grandma more often, right?

p.s. He didn't get up early today, either!

An update

Because Eli's been complaining that his back hurts after a short ride in his carseat, we got new carseat covers. Here he is, trying out the cover on the floor in the house before it got installed. And, we've been without complaints for almost two weeks until today...now, what do we do?


We went to visit the pumpkin patch after many, many rainy days. Here's a cute pic of Eli on the old truck. We also went on the hayride but Husband was in charge of the camera...'nuff said!


We fed the animals when we got there. We used lots of hand sanitizer after this - My face looks kinda funny 'cause this goat had some stuff (starts with an 's') coming out of his nose that was really, really gross! ewwww!


Eli's Grandma Marie (Husband's mom) came to visit us last weekend with her brother, Uncle David. It was nice to see them and catch up on things. We got some shopping done for Husband's birthday and watched Eli play.


Eli dressed as a dino this Halloween. Actually, he just wore his costume at school and refused to wear it to the town party. So, this picture is a posed one but we do have another one of him from school when he actually wore his costume. Just goes to show that you never know, right? I had planned on making his costume this year but then life got in the way...


We went to the downtown Halloween party. It's sponsored by one of the local churches and there are TONS of bounce houses, games and candy. There's also food and a DJ...anyway, we've been there for the past three years and this year was, by far, the best for us. Eli enjoyed the bounce house for the first time and his skeleton shirt was glowing in the dark so that made the evening that much better.


Eli likes to wear my duck slippers around the house. So, to all you 'naysayers' out there who believed Eli would be afraid of ducks...sorry! Your prediction was WRONG!


One night, after a shower, I caught the boys heading out of the bathroom and heard Eli say, "Carry Eli like a baby, Daddy!"

That's the catch up...see my Dad's blog for more on what's been going on with us. www.grandadgeigersblog.blogspot.com or click on the link 'Dad's blog' on the right.

Blessings!

We're moving

the crib out of Eli's room! We've been able to transition him into his race car bed without too much difficulty - it took three days for him to make it all night long! Yeah!
Here's the way it went down:
Sunday afternoon, he took his regular nap in the big boy bed.
Sunday night, he stayed in the bed from 8 pm to 12:45 am before we moved him into the crib. When I say, WE moved him, I mean that Husband moved the mattress from the big boy bed into the crib. And, it took some noisemaking on Eli's and my part to get Daddy to help us. But, he did it! It was very funny to hear Eli holler at 12:45 am "Daddy, move mattress, please!"
Monday night, he stayed in the bed from 8 pm to 4 am before we moved him into the crib.
Tuesday night, he stayed there from 8 pm until regular wake up time at 7 am! What a big boy!
Husband says the next thing we know, he'll be moving out! I'm not even gonna begin thinking about that. We've got lots to do before then!!!
Blessings!

Weekend questions

Questions I heard repeatedly this weekend:

Where did Daddy go?

Mommy, what doing?

Mommy, where going?

Mommy, Eli want 'nack?

Mommy, watch Nemo?

Repeat! Repeat! Repeat!

Which, on the one hand, is great because his language is improving so much. But on the other hand, it's the same questions again and again and again.

What a great little boy he is!

Blessings!

Dangerous!

I've had early meetings and late trainings for the last two days. (boohoo!) That's really cut down on my time with both of my boys. I've missed some of the funny stuff that happens with having a two year old around - and also getting to listen to some of the conversations the boys have together when Daddy thinks nobody is listening.

Here's the conversation I got when I came in the door tonight:

Eli: Mommy!

me: Hi! Did you have a good day?

Eli: Didn't go to park.

me: Why? (Thinking all the time - why didn't Daddy take you to the park? What did you do instead?)

Eli: Dangerous.

me: The park is dangerous?

Eli: Lightning. Dangerous.

me: Ohhh! (Suddenly dawning on me that the rainstorm had brought lightening/thunder so Daddy was keeping him safe! duh!)

Eli: Maybe tomorrow go park?

me: Absolutely!

What a smart boy! Who knew he really listened to us and would remember some of these big words a few hours later?

Also, one thing I did miss today was Eli playing the air guitar while singing the ABC's at dinner. I'm thinking that will be something we need to get on video before too long...

SONIC(R) Drive-In Limeades for Learning(SM)

I've listed a link to the Limeades for Learning program through Sonic. I have a project I'd like to be funded and you can help! For every Sonic drink you have between now and the 1st of October you'll get a code. Enter that code and vote for my project and I get a point. If you'd like to donate some $$ to my project, you can do that, too!

The project name is Colt Express Post Office. It's the intercampus mail system that my students run at the elementary school where I teach. It was started with a grant three years ago but we are needing other supplies to keep it going and get more enthusiasm from the students in the building. Not only are they learning a real world skill (letter writing) but they also learn about responsibility and the future opportunities available with the post office.

SONIC(R) Drive-In Limeades for Learning(SM)

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Love/Hate

I have a love/hate relationship with the rain. It's been raining for many days in a row...I'm so ready for it to stop! But we really need the rain since we've been in a severe drought for a really, really, really long time!

This Raffi song has been going through my head since all this rain started:

Who built the Ark?
Noah, Noah,
Who built the ark?
Brother Noah built the ark.

Old man Noah build the Ark,
He build it out of hickory bark.
He build it long, both wide and tall.
With plenty of room for the large and small.

In came the animals two by two,
Hippopotamus and kangaroo.
In came the animals three by three,
Two big cats and a bumble bee.

In came the animals four by four,
Two through the window and two through the door.
In came the animals five by five,
The bee came swarming from the hive.

In came the animals six by six,
The elephant laughed at the monkey's tricks.
In came the animals seven by seven,
Giraffes and the camels looking up to heaven.

In came the animals eight by eight,
Some was on time and the others was late.
In came the animals nine by nine,
Some was a laughin' and some were cryin'.

In came the animals ten by ten,
Time for the voyage to begin.
Noah said, "Go shut the door,
The rain's started fallin' and we can't take more."

Who built the Ark?
Noah, Noah,
Who built the ark?
Brother Noah built the ark.

Did you get a visual of all the animals coming to the ark? The best thing about it is this: Eli sings along! It's one of my favorite things!

Finished projects

Not sure why blogger isn't liking my pics in this post but the descriptions can be found below...






I was super busy this summer but actually found the time to finish some things. I used naptime almost every day to work on household tasks - thank goodness we're still napping - but also found the time to sew...

So, starting at the top is Eli on his new Nascar quilt for his big boy bed that he won't sleep in.

Then are the two denim quilts for Cheri and David.

Sherry and I also finished a quilt that had been ordered from our friend Bill - so that's the sports one in this post.

The red, white and blue on is for my friend Alyson and her husband Justin.

I have a couple of more projects that didn't get completed this summer but everyone has been so understanding about where my other time has been spent. I made myself (and Eli and Husband) available every day for Mom and Dad. I'm so glad I did. You just never know what's going to happen and how quickly things can change.

a little catch-up

Eli's feeling much better - ear infection seems to be good, surgery location looks much better and he's telling me it's better.

As for the rest of us, we're struggling to find our 'new normal.' Jen said last year that her family was like Humpty Dumpty putting the pieces together again. I think that's a perfect description.

I went back to work today. Husband worked some all week - off and on. My brother and Kit went home yesterday. Eli's been in school since Tuesday. Mom is looking for ways to keep herself busy. So, in some ways, things are much the same. But, in many other ways, not so much.

Another doctor visit

This morning, Eli was pulling on his ear and complaining that his 'cheek' hurt. I remembered that the doctor on Wednesday said he had some fluid in his ear and to watch if he had more symptoms of an earache by the weekend. So, off to the immedia-care place we go...

The result? Ear infection. Now we're taking pain meds and using a topical in addition to the antibiotic.

My question for the day is this: How do we address Grandad's death with Eli? He's not yet 2 and a half and I don't want to say anything about sleeping. So far, we've implied that Grandad is at the 'hosipital.' Any suggestions?

Little Surgery

Okay, this morning's surgery wasn't anything like we thought it would be!

First of all, it started late. I know that's to be expected, but they called yesterday to move it up an hour and then we didn't start until the original time! arghhhhh!

Then, the surgery was a little more involved than we had originally thought. So, without getting too technical, Eli has stitches around his body part, up the bottom and across the tip. And, no surprise, he's in a lot of pain! Consequently, it took longer than we had thought it would.

He was so unhappy and uncomfortable this afternoon that I wasn't able to go to the hospital to visit my dad. He's still in ICU and it isn't looking good. Check the link on the side to read my latest post about that.

My mom did come to our house for dinner, though, so at least I got to see her today. Eli was so pitiful going between her, Husband and myself this evening. His pain didn't hinder his appetite, though, and he stole food right off Mom's plate! Silly boy - now people will think we don't feed you!

Here's hoping we can all get some sleep tonight and everyone feels beter in the morning!

Surgery for Eli

We're going to have a little surgery tomorrow. No, not my dad this time, but Daddy's little buddy, Eli. We're having a circumcision revision in the morning. We hope it isn't too painful for him and we want to do it before he gets any older. So, as circumstances would have it, we're doing it now while things are still crazy with Daddy being sick and school just starting.
For the 3rd day of school, there will be a sub with my students. I know they'll all do fine. I just hate that it had to happen now.
Say a little prayer for us, will you? We need everything to go smoothly.

A new school year

Tomorrow is the first day of school (with kids) for me this year. And, as I look forward to this year, I'm thinking about all the students that will be excited to be back to a regular routine and all the students that will resist the return to a regular routine. We are continuing to modify Eli's night-time schedule so he'll get up a little earlier but we're otherwise not having any problems.

This is the beginning of my 15th year to teach and my sixth year in this current building/assignment. This is the first year that I might have had the same students for six years. You see, as a special ed teacher, I have the potential of having a student for every year from kinder through 5th grade. That being said, there are always new and different challenges (even with the same students some year) and it makes every year full of new surprises.

So for all of you beginning a new school year tomorrow or maybe you're sending your youngest child to kindergarten or your oldest child to college, think of the potential this year brings and try to smile! A new year brings forth all sorts of challenges but also many successes!

An Eli Burrito

When Eli was a baby, we wrapped him up into a 'baby burrito.' He absolutely loved it! He slept so well that way and he was really comforted. Then, within a few weeks, it was no longer effective, of course!

After Eli's bath (or shower), we wrap him up in his hooded towel and sing 'Rock a Bye Baby' to him. He loves it! We sometimes say something about Eli being a taco.

Tonight, after Eli's shower, I wrapped him up just like we normally do and Husband sang to him. Then when I was getting him dressed, I wrapped him into a burrito/taco and called him an 'Eli Burrito.' He just laughed and laughed! I didn't think of taking a picture until now but it was the cutest thing.

We had a hard time getting him to bed after that. He wanted to be wrapped up in his blankie in a 'brito, Mommy! Eli 'brito!'

'Night! 'Night!

Three Days

Eli has gone to his new preschool for three days. Not all full, long days but...

And, in those three days, he hasn't eaten his lunch, we lost a coolie thing for his lunchbox, his lunchbox was soaked with juice and he's had fun. So, here's hoping for a better eating week next week!

What happened to the summer?

Blogging

I've created a new blog just to chronicle my Dad's journey to being cancer free. If you'd like to check it out, check my side bar.
Until next time,
Tena

A numbers game

This week, is one for the numbers:

0 - chemo treatments

2 - PIC lines put in to aid in taking blood/giving meds to Dad

5 - trips to Medical City in Dallas for various reasons

2 - trips to the ER (1 admission)

2 - liters of fluid drained from Daddy's chest/lungs on Saturday

3 - nights inpatient stay (so far)

4 - number of iv's that were 'piggybacked' on Daddy tonight

5 - chest x-rays to confirm that Daddy has pneumonia

17 - minutes it takes me (one way) to drive to the hospital

20 - the number to which Eli can count! Who knew? He does occasionally mix up in the 'teens'...see what spending so much time with my parents can do for a kid?

10,000 or more - times Daddy has coughed since June 4th

many phone calls, cards and visits from family and friends

100,000 or more - prayers said for Daddy, for our family and for our caregivers/doctors as we work our way down this difficult road.

Thank you for being so supportive of us. We appreciate you so much! Keep the prayers and kind words coming!

A (mostly) photo entry

I love the summer! I love not having to be somewhere early in the morning and being home to hear, "Mommy, where are you?" when Eli gets up.

I love having breakfast with both my boys and sometimes lunch (and dinner), too.

I love going to the pool with Eli and my mom and having play dates with friends. I love sewing during naptime and late into the night. I also love finishing sewing projects and delivering things that have been 'cluttering' my space. (Sometimes there are too many projects and not enough space. When something gets finished, it's time for it to go to its' own home and then something else can take up that space!) I also love that I am doing an internet quilt swap! I added a slideshow to the side of this blog to show some of my projects but it's not currently working.

I love so much about summer that I'm sad it's almost over!

Here are some pics of what we've been doing!

We went to a birthday party not too long ago that included a petting zoo and pony rides. Here we are inside the little petting zoo with a couple of goats! Eli didn't like them charging at him but then he chased them down! (see below)

Eli said, 'Snack, goat!' and 'Here, goat!' after he warmed up to the rest of the animals in the space. He really enjoyed himself.

Eli also got to ride on a pony that afternoon. He held on to the saddle horn and had a nice ride - with the guy in the lead, of course! That's my little native Texan, ya'll!!

Eli was getting himself dressed and decided he needed to wear his shorts on his head. He'll probably be mad in a few years if he knows this was posted...but, doesn't he look cute 'showing his teeth' and wearing that new hat? This is a fashion statement, for sure!

The boys were playing and Eli put on his crazy hat! It reminds me of the kid from the cartoon Fat Albert - doesn't it look like he's wearing a shell on his head? My Gram won that hat this spring at Bingo. At least his shoes match his hat, right?

We read lots of books. Sometimes we snuggle under a quilt (imagine that!) and sometimes Elmo participates and sometimes he doesn't. This is one of the times he wasn't.

At our family reunion, Eli chose to drink his milk AND his water from a wine glass! It was so funny! The place wasn't very 'child friendly' so I let him choose anything he wanted so he'd be happy - who knew it would be a wine glass, though?

This is the quilt I made for Daddy. It has cars on it and also a block with cherries. Dad and I have had a 'thing' for cherries since I was in middle school. So, it was imperative that I include some cherry fabrics. Of course, he has a cherry quilt that I made him years ago but I felt he needed a new quilt to use during this cancer battle! As I'm typing this, I'm realizing that the pic is upside down! I guess I didn't notice while I was taking it - and we know that the quilt holder (aka Husband) wasn't paying attention, either! hahaha

We've seen my brother lots this summer! It's so fun to see Terry with Eli. Of course, Terry is coming up to see my dad but it's great for him to be able to spend some time with Eli, too! We've seen Kit this summer, too, but she's a bit camera shy...

As for Daddy, he's hanging in there. They weren't able to do his chemo on Thursday so he'll go back on Monday for another try. Please continue to pray that his body accepts the poision/treatment and that the cancer cells respond/die. It's been tough to see Daddy feeling so poorly. Please also pray for Mom as she continues to be the main caretaker - driver, errand girl, etc.

Thanks for everything, friends!

Emerging Language Skills?

Eli speaks in full sentences now. Not always in the right syntax but definitely full sentences. That being said, I can't think of examples out of order. Here are a few we've heard this week:

Where did the DVD player go?

Let's watch 'Elmo Loves You!'

We going swimming?

Eli pushed the buttons!

Go get Aunt Sherry!

Aunt Sherry back seat!

No night night Eli!

** My dad tolerated the first dose of chemo pretty well. They were at the hospital FOREVER on Thursday to make sure he did okay and there were a couple of glitches. But, we are glad to get this going and be on the road to slowing down/stopping that nasty cancer! Keep the happy thoughts and prayers coming!

What's going on?

I can't believe it's been a week since my last update! I had planned on uploading a pic of Dad's quilt that I finished last week and have had some issues with the laptop...but, it's back to it's normal self so I'll update now and get pics loaded at naptime.

Thanks to everyone for calling, emailing, sending cards, etc. It helps so much to know that there are prayers and happy thoughts for us - daily, hourly - to get us through this fight. We know that God is with us.

Today, Dad starts chemo. He'll go once a week for three weeks, one week off and then do at least one more series (four weeks is one series). He's taking a HUGE amount of meds to counteract the nausea, etc. that comes with chemo. But, he's mostly being a good sport!

Radiation was finished on Monday and they sent home his 'mask.' That's the deal they made so radiation would hit the same spot on the tumor each time.

His headaches have faded so that's a HUGE improvement but his voice has suffered lately. I called their house the other night and got the answering machine. Dad's voice (the one I'm used to hearing) was the one 'talking' and it made me so sad. I miss that voice - not the yelling voice from my teenage years...

Eli and I have been swimming with Mom twice this week and we've even had a couple of playdates! I love summer!

During naptime, I've been working on some projects for Husband, some sewing and some other Mommy jobs. I've finished two quilts, recovered three pillows, made two taggie blankets, and also a tooth fairy pillow! Whew! I wonder what I'll work on today?

We've been working on getting Eli to know our address and our names. It's confusing for him to know that Daddy and Uncle Terry have the same name...we'll work on that. But, he knows that he lives in Texas and he knows my first name now. Here's how I know: Yesterday, after his nap, he said, "Tena, where are you?" rather than the normal, "Mommy, where are you?" I quickly reminded him that he calls me 'Mommy'...

Have a great day and be sure to tell the people you love that you love them! Don't wait, don't delay, do it today!

Where did June go?

The summer is flying by! I haven't seen everyone I've wanted to see, done the things I've wanted to do or visited the places I'd planned on going.

But, I've spent a lot of quality time with my parents and the rest of the family. We even squeezed in a couple of playdates last week in between the other excitement! haha

Thank you so much for the calls, notes, emails, etc. We appreciate knowing you're supporting us through this battle. Anyone have a lead on a cure for cancer - or a clinical trial that Dad could qualify for? We definitely are fighting for his life! Cancer sucks. Please continue to pray that the doctors treat Dad the best way they can, that Dad continues to have a good attitude, that Mom continues to be strong and do all that's required of her, and that the family stays strong for this fight!

We had a little scare with Dad last week. On Wednesday, he woke up with is heart racing and we thought it might be another heart attack. (He had one in 2001 and then had a couple of stents at that time.) So, off to the ER they went. I was able to take Eli to Sherry's for a few hours so I could go and give support and comic relief. Thanks, Sherry! Love you!

They ended up keeping Dad overnight at the hospital to run some tests and then ran some more when they learned about the cancer diagnosis. It was so hard seeing Dad in the hospital bed. He's never been a fan of hospitals (who is?) but even when I was having Eli, Dad stayed away for most of the day until it was close to delivery time so he didn't have to be at the hospital for too long! Of course, they didn't change any of his meds, didn't recommend anything, didn't really do anything for him except verify that he wasn't having another heart attack and recommend that he see his oncologist. (duh!) He did miss two radiation treatments while at the hospital, though.

I drove them home from the hospital late the second night and made sure they got settled. As I was making Dad something to eat, I noticed a raccoon walking slowly across their backyard. His tail looked a little 'mangy' but otherwise he looked healthy. I haven't seen the raccoon at their house before since I leave before Eli's bedtime normally. They've been telling me about their visiting raccoon outside for a couple of years so this was pretty neat! In addition, we had a 'pet' raccoon for a few months when I was little.

My brother and his wife came up on Friday for the weekend. They cooked for us all weekend - which was an awesome treat! Thanks, you two!

Mom and I took Eli to a family reunion in Arlington on Saturday. This was my mom's dad's side of the family - and we don't see them very often. Some of them had traveled from Canada to be here! (Note to everyone who doesn't live in Texas: If you can visit here at a different time of year than summer, DO IT!) It was nice to see them but the place we met wasn't very kid friendly...fill in your own thoughts about what Eli might have been doing...one thing I'll share is that he drank water from a wine glass!

My parents' anniversary was on the 6th! They celebrated 46 years together - we know that the last 45 anniversaries have been better and that next year will be awesome, but this year kinda stank. They've been through a lot in their years together: moves across country, house fire, major car accident, etc. and this cancer will be another thing on their list soon. Knowing they've been through so much together reminds me that their marriage is a model for the rest of us! What an inspiration they are as Husband and I reflect on our short time together.

Monday also brought new radiation treatments for Dad. He's being a good sport about it but it's obvious that he doesn't feel well. His throat is swollen and he's coughing a lot which is making it hard for him to talk for very long and his headaches haven't gone away. Eli and I go over as often as we can so Dad can spend quality time with 'his little man' and Eli even says when we get in the car, 'Going to Grandma and Grandad's house!'

As for me, I've decided to do an internet mini-quilt swap and continue to finish some other sewing projects that have been 'hanging around' for awhile. I did finish the quilt for Dad and the new curtain for my classroom is done as well. I'm sleeping a little better and the house is remaining clean. But tell me this: why has Husband forgotten how to put his dishes in the dishwasher this summer? arghhhh!!!

Sadly, my Uncle Leo (dad's brother) passed away on Monday. He was probably the funniest of Dad's brothers and definitely a favorite. On one visit years ago, we noted that he was dressed like "Gopher" from the 'Love Boat' complete with high, white socks. His answer was something like, 'She buys me this crap, I might as well wear it!' (Referring to his wife, Alvina.) He was always ready to share a story or a joke and I don't remember him ever being mad. What a special man who will be missed! Please pray that all goes well as he is transferred from Illinois to North Dakota for the funeral and assorted events and that his wife and kids feel God's love as they mourn.

Quote for today:
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified, do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.'
Joshua 1:9

A confession and an update

I ran over the bike on Sunday. Yes, that's right - I backed right over it in my car. It was too big for Eli anyway and Husband had decided it would be YEARS before Eli could ride it. So it was waiting on the curb for a friend to come to get it - until I ran into it, dragged it into the street and bent the rim! OOPS! Sorry! But, I laughed so hard that I cried! And, I laughed so much when I told my parents that I cried again! I guess I needed a good laugh?

Even though it was damaged, it still got a new home!

Update on Dad: He went to the ER today because he was having really bad chest pains like a heart attack. The doc did some tests - CT, bloodwork, chest x-ray and something else to determine if it was heart attack or just the cancer making itself known. Couldn't decide without some more blood work at six hour intervals...They decided to keep him overnight to run some more bloodwork and also do an echocardiogram tomorrow. We were just feeling a little 'settled' with radiation coming along and then this! So frustrating!

Mom is at the hospital with Dad tonight and I'll be back in the morning to see if I can help. Thanks to Sherry for keeping Eli for most of the day today so I could be with my parents! What a blessing you are to us! I'm so glad Eli could play with his Aunt Sherry today!

I'm headed upstairs to finish Dad's quilt so I can take it to him tomorrow. Please continue to pray as we continue down this confusing road.

Radiaton At Last!

For the past three weeks, we've been shuffled from doctor to doctor, had many appointments and we've heard the word 'AGGRESSIVE' about a million times! We've been getting frustrated because if this form of cancer is so rare but aggressive, shouldn't we be doing something rather than wait around and let it continue to grow? ARGHHHHH!

Friday morning, my parents had another appointment with another radiation doctor. She did an exam, asked the same questions everyone else does, etc. Then, she tells my parents to make an appointment for Monday to begin radiation.

That's when my mom spoke up. To summarize, she said: He's been having these headaches for three weeks and we're hoping radiation will help alleviate some of that; We've been to so many doctors and we need to get treatment going if we're going to fight it aggressively.

I'm so proud of her for speaking up! Way to go, Mom!

The doctor said she had some scheduling conflicts with yesterday afternoon - babysitting, mostly. My mom volunteered to keep the 10 month old baby if she could figure out a way to get everything else ready for Dad's radiation. They told of how they have enjoyed watching Eli for the past two years while I've been at work and Dad even pulled a pic out of his wallet to show her! They talked a little more about Eli and her son and she excused herself to make a phone call.

A few minutes later, she was back with a plan for getting radiation started after lunch. The techs took Dad to make his radiation mask before my parents left for awhile. While my parents were gone, the tech finished the mask and the doc planned her radiation.

Dad didn't have any problem with the treatment yesterday but the car ride home made his headache worse. This morning, they will go back for another treatment and then no treatments until Monday.

Now I feel like we're moving in the right direction. The plan is in motion and we can fight this cancer. Why did it take so long? Maybe because we didn't want to start something and only discover it wasn't the right thing? Maybe because that's the way it works? Regardless, we're on the road to recovery!

I normally make a list of things to accomplish over the school break. I include stuff like: clean the house and sew this or that, finish this for school, send this email, spend time with these friends/family, etc. This break, though, I haven't even made a list! It's frustrating, in a way, since I really want to do some things that I don't get to do during the school year but it's freeing, in a way, since I'm trying to spend as much time with Dad, Mom, Eli (and Husband, too!) this summer. I'm still being productive in the way of sewing: a few projects finished, a few cut out, some fabric sorted and ready for sewing, etc. I'm feeling productive in spending time with Eli: going to the park, blowing bubbles, watering the plants, going to church, playing, playing, playing, etc. I'm feeling productive in the business arena, too: paying bills, working on new fliers for Husband, helping him decide how to handles some difficulties...I'm feeling productive but STUCK, too.

In STUCK, I mean that I've been on the other side of cancer many times. I've offered help, prayed with friends, made dinner/desserts/quilts, stood by as their loved ones either got better (or not) and really felt like I wasn't doing enough to support them. Now that I'm on this side of cancer, I still feel STUCK. I'm not sure what to have everyone do to help us - all I can say to do is pray. I don't want to be overbearing for my parents, my brother or my husband or Eli or any of my friends/family in constantly talking about this fight/war but I am such a control freak that it's hard for me to give it ALL to God and just let Dad's body respond the way it needs to the treatment the docs have prescribed.

My internal list for today includes visiting with my parents (if Dad can tolerate the rambunctious two year old!), praying for Dad and his journey, laundry, praying for Dad and his journey, dishwasher-ing, praying for Dad and his journey, paying some bills, praying for Dad and his journey, cleaning the house and sewing at nap time! Oh, and did I mention more praying?

I'll leave you with a quote for today:

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles. They will walk and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31

What's the plan?

It seems that we are waiting and waiting to get this treatment started. The diagnosis is correct - anaplastic thyroid carcinoma. It's very daunting, this task we are facing. This type of cancer doesn't like to be treated. It likes to spread and be obnoxious. We are going to hit it with everything the doctors prescribe and then hit it with prayer and positive thinking at the same time! So pray with me, that Dad stays strong, my mom continues her organized and calm thinking, the doctors make the best choices for Dad's care and that the rest of us continue to be supportive and not overbearing!

Dad's complete blood count was good yesterday while meeting with the Oncologist. Tomorrow, he will have at PET scan. It will help the doctor see the exact location of the tumor and it's specific size. Then, we'll meet with the Oncologist and the Radiologist on Thursday for more specific information as we begin treatment. Hopefully, we can really get this party 'started' by the end of the week!

Dad's had a killer headache off and on since June 4th. I'm hoping that he'll get some relief from that, in the very least, so he'll feel better and more like himself. (Obviously, I'm also hoping for more benefits from chemo but that's the place I'd like to start!)

My brother went home last night and is as eager as the rest of us to get this going. It was great for him to be here for an extended time - even if it were for bad reasons. Eli asked if we would see 'Uncle Terry' this morning at Grandma/Grandad's house. I had to remind him that Terry went home and then Eli replied, 'Home to Aunt Kit!' Such a smarty!

This morning, Eli was getting dressed and was struggling with getting his pants on. After a couple of times of dropping his pants and not being able to get his leg in his pants even with my guidance, he said, 'Get in there, leg!" and giggled this little giggle to himself! It was so cute!

Also this morning, we watered the plants outside. We tend to fill up two watering cans (one is adult sized and one is Eli sized) and then walk - slowly - to the plants. However, Eli decided he liked pouring out the water by the hose rather than water the plants! So, in the backyard, I left him to get himself soaked while I watered Husband's tomatoes and peppers and then my 'hens and chicks.' In the front yard, I made Eli stay with me like normal. He didn't want to do it but after we watered the plants I let him dump out more water on himself (and me) before we went inside. And, since it was HOT, it was almost cool!

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day to:

My dad: Thank you for always being willing to help me in all I've done. (Does everyone know that he encouraged me to teach and not continue working at the hospital? He even loaned me money to make sure I didn't 'go broke' in the process!) You are an inspiration and you've taught me so much. Today, I can't find the words to express the love and respect I have for you. But know that I'm ready to fight this cancer right by your side and see you enjoying life after chemo and radiation. I love you!

My husband: The best Daddy to Eli and my best friend! Also, he's the best cook, the best jokester, the best bed-hogger, the best lawn mower, the best insurance man, the best, the best, the best. Thank you for being my husband - although we've only been married four years, it seems like so many more!

Other dads that have touched our lives - you know who you are and THANK YOU!

Just a few short weeks ago, my parents delivered this cool trike for Eli. My dad just loves this little boy. He couldn't wait to buy him a tricycle and Eli instantly fell in love with it. Too bad it's too big! Soon enough, though, we'll wish he was small enough to ride it!

I think everyone knows my obsession with rubber duckies! If you don't, there's a story to ask me (or Jen) when next you see me! Eli has discovered my duck slippers and now wears them around the house. It annoys Husband to no end and I think it's adorable. Check out the fashion statement - with his Elmo jammies!

Here is a pic of my parents from this afternoon. In a couple of weeks, they will celebrate their 46th wedding anniversary. Their marriage has been the model of how you work through the rough patches and teach your children to love God, family and others. Thanks, you two!

After a yummy homemade dinner by Husband, we all got the chance to visit (watch Eli tear up the house and get out ALL of his toys) and discuss the events of the past couple of weeks. We also discussed our 'game plan' for this fight against cancer. We are strong, we are resilient, we are ready to fight! We're hoping to get some more answers tomorrow morning and we'll be going to the oncologist tomorrow afternoon.

Here is a pic of Eli and Grandad from after dinner. I'm not sure what my dad was telling him but he sure was listening! He's wearing his new Star Trek underoos! Remember those?

Please keep the prayers coming! And, thanks to all of you for your support, kind words and deeds. It's through your actions and thoughts and prayers that we are (feeling) more ready to fight and less scared as we head into battle!

As for me, the stress of my dad's illness and the loss of Gram in the past month have really gotten to me. I have become an obsessive cleaner and my sewing projects are getting finished up! So if you've been waiting for me to finish something for you - your wait has gotten shorter! For example, I 'whipped up' a quilt for Dad this week (which wasn't even on the list) and just need to finish the quilting/binding; Eli's new curtain is finished and hung 'with care;' I've uncovered a few finished projects ready to deliver and ironed a couple of projects needing binding and labels. In addition, I finished piecing the blocks for Eli's new quilt for his new racecar bed. Whew! I guess most of this productivity takes place when I would normally be sleeping but since I'm not sleeping very well...glad it's summer!

Details and a little more!

Thank you for the love and support so far! What a great group of people who stand ready to help at a moment's notice! I appreciate you!

Many of you have asked about how we learned of the diagnosis. So, here's a timeline:

June 4th: Dad found a lump on his throat when he was shaving that hadn't been there the day before. He made an appointment with his primary care doc to have it looked at. Once there, the doc referred him for an ultrasound and did a needle biopsy.

June 5th: Dad went to the hospital again for another test - don't remember what sort. And then met with the primary care doc who said it didn't look like 'normal cells' and referred Dad to an ENT surgeon.

June 9th: Dad meets with the ENT surgeon who says it looks like cancer but nothing too difficult to manage, etc. (The way I heard it was 'We can operate to take out the tumor, give you medicine to help with the needs you have once the thyroid is gone and then keep checking you to make sure it doesn't come back.') He wanted to do some more tests and then review those before he did anything else. He also did several needle biopsies at that time from Dad's neck and the lump had diminished in size by about 50% by that day. Next appointment was scheduled for the afternoon of the 12th to review tests from the 10th.

June 10th: Dad went in for another ultrasound, an MRI of his head, and MRI of his neck/chest, and a chest x-ray.

June 11th: ENT surgeon's office calls and wants to know if my parents can come that day or wait until the 12th for test results. Mom decides to go that day and on the drive to the doctor, they wonder if it's really bad news or good news. Note to self: when the doc calls EARLY with results, it can't be good. And, everyone knows that the news wasn't good, that the ENT surgeon said he didn't have experience with this type of tumor and referred my dad to UT Southwestern.

So that catches everyone up, kinda?

This week has been full of questions, concerns, tears, disbelief and sadness. We've asked many questions to the doc at UT Southwestern and his nurses. We've heard from many people about 'beating the odds' and we are hopeful, prayerful that we're able to do that.

As it stands now, we will go to meet with the Oncologist on Monday afternoon and learn the recommended treatment concoction and timeline. After that, we're hoping to learn about the plan for radiation.

My brother arrived this afternoon. I'm glad he'll be here for a few days. He may be able to provide a different perspective on the events of the last couple of weeks and maybe distract my dad a bit.

Also today, my parents picked up their new - very spiffy - car. I'm glad that after two years of debating, they finally did it. Of course, it's red - just like the last (at least) 6 previous cars they've bought in the past few years! They were hoping to break it in on a few road trips this summer but will break it in driving to UT Southwestern and Medical City instead. There will be time for road trips in the fall, though!

Eli and I have developed a new routine for this week. We'll have to see how things work out once the appointments for radiation/chemo get worked out but for the past few days, we've gone to my parents' house after some breakfast/playtime and stayed with them until after lunch. (Home for naps, you know!) Then, after nap, we head back over for some more playtime with Grandma and Grandad! It's really the only time my dad smiles - when Eli is around. And, who can blame him, right?

A Husband story for today:
When we met, Husband had a case (24) of soy sauce bottles that he bought at some sale. (He's a bargain hunter, you know!) That was many years ago and today, I cleaned out the pantry to make room for all of my stockpile of items I found at the grocery store. And, I found 2 bottles of soy sauce! I don't know whether to be disgusted that we have used so many bottles of soy sauce in the years we've been together or glad that there's only two left! Does that stuff ever expire?

The scoop

Okay. So we went to see the specialist at UT Southwestern today. He was very personable and very informative. However, he gave us a very grim picture of the tumor that has invaded my dad's body. It's the absolute worst type of thyroid cancer that you can get. Currently, the tumor has paralyzed part of my dad's left vocal chord and is growing next to his trachea, into his chest cavity/lungs and up the side/back of his neck (near his left ear).

Basically, this cancer is inoperable, invasive, and aggressively growing. The doctor has recommended a plan of action - a combo of radiation and chemo. We will find out more details/specifics tomorrow but, for now, please pray:

• the doctors are recommending a plan that will benefit my dad
• my dad's tumor responds to the treatment
• my mom continues to be strong
• the rest of us can support my parents through the cancer maze

Dose of Reality

Nothing like a good firm shake to make you realize you're human. Today, my dad (who can walk on water and make you laugh when you've been crying, the rock of our family and the best Daddy around) was diagnosed with an aggressive form of Thyroid Cancer. The tumor is in the left side of his neck/thyroid and goes into the base of his brain. The doc who diagnosed him said that it could be easily removed, he thinks, and then Dad would need radiation. But, this doc doesn't do the type of surgery my dad needs. He won't see a specialist/surgeon until next week.

So after we've just been dealt the blow of Gram's death, we have something else to work through. Please pray for the doctors and us as we figure out this maze of Cancer.

Plans have gone awry

Last week, Husband and I planned on celebrating our anniversary tonight - Tuesday the 9th. However, he made other (secretive) plans with my parents for Thursday night.

Husband brought Eli to me at school so Eli could participate in the last assembly of the year. When the boys got to school, Husband informed me that Eli's overnight bag was packed and that my parents would pick him up after the assembly. I was to come straight home from school (rather than pick up Eli) so we could head out for the evening. My parents had agreed to keep Eli so we could have a date on our anniversary!

So, after school, I went home and got ready for our date. We had dinner at Paul's Porterhouse. It had been so long since we'd been there - before we got married! What a yummy dinner! We opened our cards at dinner. I had ordered two copies of the Love Dare and also the movie 'Fireproof' for us. http://www.fireproofthemovie.com/ Husband on the other hand, bought me a gift card for the IPOD he didn't buy me for my birthday and wrote me a note to order the IPOD I have wanted!

Then, we headed to the Pocket Sandwich Theater. This is another place we frequented before marriage - and also before we moved out to the country! It was a hilarious musical called "Murder, the Musical." We laughed and laughed at the actors and their funny script! Sometimes, you get to throw popcorn at the actors but Thursday wasn't the night. It's my understanding that the next show is a popcorn throwing affair.

My parents hadn't wanted to keep Eli overnight (since they would have him again on Friday while I was at school) so we had to go and pick him up. It was rather late when we got there and he woke up while we were in transit. Husband doesn't understand that you don't engage children when you're trying to keep them sleepy...enough said! But, we didn't have any trouble getting him settled back down in his own bed once we were home.

What a great day! (It was full of celebrating: last day of school and our anniversary!)

On Friday, I had to finish moving my classroom and finish all the end of year stuff. In addition, I had to go to work for Parks and Rec on Friday. On the way to work, I stopped at the Coach store to see what they had. I have been looking for/salivating over a pink leather bag for over two years...So, with a coupon and gift card in hand, I had to visit. And, guess what I found? Yep! A new, pink handbag!!! No pics yet - but know that it's very cute!

Saturday brought another day away from my boys. I headed out to Arlington early for a Kosbab wedding. I was the designated photographer. And, with good equipment, anyone can take good pictures! I used the groom's father's new MAC DADDY digital and got some good pics. (After I trusted people to take good shots at my wedding, I wanted to make sure they got some good ones to choose from.) With some drama surrouding running out of room on the memory card when they were taking their vows and then wondering if we'd have enough digital space when we were taking family photos, we eventually ended up at the hottest reception!

The boys were supposed to join me after Eli's nap but I called after I got to the reception and told them to stay home. That was not a place for a two year old to be (think outdoor patio with no walls for containment with a tempting golf course nearby!) - plus, it was HOT. And, I was still 'working' and taking pics.

I did make it home Saturday evening to spend some time with Eli (bath and night time) and then some quality time with Husband. Whew! I was ready for the break we took together on Sunday.

Who's ready for summer?

Other news: Last week, my dad found a lump on his neck/throat. He went to his GP doc who didn't want to speculate about it and sent him to an ENT specialist/surgeon today. The doc thinks it might be cancer but wants to do some tests to be sure. He did two needle biopsies, an ultrasound and other test today in the office. Tomorrow, mom and dad go back to the hospital for those other tests to be run (and MRI, a chest scan and something else) and then find out the results on Friday afternoon. Please pray for us as we wait (and pray) hopefully for the results of these tests.

Happy Anniversary!

Four years ago today, I married my best friend. I know I don't talk about him in that way, but he really is the one I count on, lean on, depend on. He's the father to our beautiful boy and the best husband. I'm so glad to have him in my life.

I kinda feel sappy talking about him here 'cause I don't normally do that - we have 46 more years together and they can only get better!

Love you, H.B.!!!

Sadly, I don't have a pic to add to this post. Maybe I'll get a good one this weekend! Today's the last day of school with students! I am so ready for the summer.

Eli story for today: I pulled into Sonic on the way home the other day. As I was getting the window rolled down (why do we still say that when it's all electric?) and pushing the button, I hear this from the backseat: "Big coke, please!"

Think we go to Sonic too much? hahaha

Back to town

I'm having trouble with blogger and putting in photos. So bear with me. I actually wanted to put another photo here but the headstone one came up. I can't delete it.





These are the flowers from the casket spray. They are all from my Gram's yard. Mom and I cut them and then had the florist add some tiny Avon bottles into the spray. They were so fragrant.





The funeral was a nice tribute, I think. We had several of Gram's quilts at the funeral home - one draped on the casket, even. We also had lots of pictures of her through the years. I miss her so much! We loved having her here since August - I just wish she had enjoyed being here with us instead of missing her house and her friends so much!


Here's Eli with his black eye. It looks much better today, almost a week after this pic was taken. See below for the story about that! It all starts with "On the way to Gram's funeral..."

Blogger isn't cooperating as I'm adding these pics - but at least I was able to add them...

My post on May 17th discussed the new tricycle that arrived that day as a continuation of Eli's birthday. I neglected to add some of the pics we took that day - so, here you can see Eli being so excited and my mom taking the tricycle on a 'little spin'! What fun that was!

So, how did Eli get a black eye? On the way to Missouri for the funeral, we stopped to play and have lunch. When we were getting back into the vehicle, Eli fell and hit his eyelid. It instantly swelled and became purple. After calling the insurance company to find the closest hospital or clinic and getting no help, we ended up driving around Oklahoma for awhile until we happened upon a BLUE H sign and then an urgent care place so they could look at his eye. I was worried that he might have broken part of his eye socket...

In the pediatric waiting room, Eli got to sit on the Elephant exam table and receive his 'poking and prodding.' Then, he got two x-rays (nothing broken, thank God!), two suckers, a sheet of stickers, a new book and we were on our way! (With a two hour delay...)

Summer is quickly approaching - 5 days of work before the summer break! Woohoo!!! Have a great week!

Sad

I'm sad. My Gram passed away this morning. She fought a good fight but her body just gave out on her.
Please pray for us. What a blessing she was to us and how happy she must be to be with Gramps again in Heaven. I miss them both so much.
God called her Home before we were ready - but are you ever ready?

The birthday continues

Eli is now singing the 'Happy Birthday to Eli' song to himself. He just cracks himself up - every time he sings it, he just giggles and giggles!



My parents bought him a Red Flyer Tricycle for his birthday. It's a 12-inch rather than a 10 inch. I don't really know what that measures - maybe the wheels? They are nice whitewall tires and cute tassles on each handlebar. It also has a cool bell - which Eli rings by spinning the parts rather than pushing the lever...



But, the trike is too large for him. We put some blocks onto the pedals to see if that would help. It did, a little. However, he prefers to get a push ride. He seemed to enjoy the trike before we put the blocks on the pedals. After we 'fixed it,' he just didn't want to ride it. My parents were good sports, though, and didn't show their disappointment that he wasn't thrilled. But then after my parents left, he was more interested.



We even brought it inside so he could practice getting on and off and get another push-ride.



Tonight before he went to bed and after his 'fishie shower,' he had to give his trike some 'love.' He leaned into the handlebars first and said, 'ahh' and then leaned on the back wheel for some more.

Two Things

1. Gram has been moved to the hospital. She went yesterday afternoon after her blood sugar spiked and her leg swelling got worse. She also was getting more and more lethargic/less responsive and it definitely wasn't getting better.

The speech therapist and doctor caring for Gram want my mom to decide between a feeding tube down her nose/throat or a feeding tube in her stomach. I'm not sure if that would be permanent or if they're thinking it would be temporary. Also not sure what else the docs are looking for: she had a CT scan on her chest/heart this afternoon, some other test this morning and some blood work. Being a Friday, we probably won't know anything until Monday.

She did give Eli a kiss when we were leaving this afternoon (and me, too) but she slept most of the day today and yesterday. Please send prayers that God will make His will known.

2. Tonight, we were playing with some of Eli's birthday toys. One of them is the loudest, most obnoxious thing. I bought it. I can't blame anyone but myself...

I had turned off the main switch on the bottom so we could play quietly before we read a few books and went to bed. When Husband and Eli discovered that the racetrack wouldn't work tonight and looked expectantly at me, I said, "It must need new batteries. Daddy can do that for you later." I was fully expecting there to be no argument.

However, Husband looked at me questioningly, seeming to say, "That's a new toy with new batteries, what happened?"

I replied to his look with this: "There's a s-w-i-t-c-h on the bottom that I've fixed." (I spelled SWITCH!)

Before either of us could say/do anything else, Eli turned the racetrack over and said, "There's a switch on the bottom. There's a switch on the bottom." Found it, flipped it and then turned the toy back over.

Guess what? It was like magic! It worked!!!! No new batteries needed! HOW DID HE KNOW???!?!?!?! He's too young for me to have to stop spelling things!!! arghhhh...

Happy Friday!

Is he a model?

My friend, VondaKay, is in a Mothers of Multiples group. Each year, they do a fundraiser and schedule portraits. We've done it the last two years around Eli's birthday. Here are some of this year's shots.

Why is blogger so slow? I've been trying to upload for 45 minutes and all it's done is TWO pics! arghhhh! Maybe I'll try again later - but, for now, enjoy these!

Prayers needed

My Gram has pneumonia now. That seems like the kiss of death to me. Some older people just can't shake it and she seems so frail and weak that it scares me. That, along with her other issues, makes me think that maybe the doctors are right and that she's really not going to live very long. Selfishly, I don't want her to go. However, I'd like her not to suffer.

Eli is the only one who can get any big reaction from her. Yesterday, he startled her by saying, 'Grandma! Grandma!' a couple of inches away from her face. It's almost funny that it takes a two year old boy to get the attention of a 90 year old!

She does respond to my mom and I by mumbling and shaking her head but she actually opens her eyes and looks at Eli when she speaks! Maybe he's related to E. F. Hutton - anyone remember those commercials?

So, please pray for her and for us (mostly my mom) as we struggle to make the right decisions for her care.

Happy Birthday, Eli!

For weeks, we've been asking Eli how old he will be on his birthday. He answers most of the time with 'cookies' or 'cupcakes' rather than an age.

But, this morning, I went in to get him and started singing to him. "Happy Birthday to Eli, Happy Birthday to Eli, Happy Birthday to yoooooou, Happy Birthday to Eli!" He smiled and giggled as I sang so then I asked the big question.

"How old are you today?"

The answer was, "Two years old! Yeah for Eli!"

I had made mini cupcakes for Eli to take to school and share with his friends. I made sure to remind Husband that they were out before I left for school. However, before I reached the building, my phone was ringing.

Eli had picked up the Tupperware box with the cupcakes inside and shook it - creating a big mess with the cupcakes. Husband then called me to let me know and ask what he should do...I told him to 'problem solve' that issue rather than help him. Why did he leave the cupcakes where Eli could get them?!?!?!

So, this evening, we had a little dinner with the three of us. Nothing too fancy. We opened a couple of gifts and played with them before bath and after bath. He went to bed without a fuss - I was expecting one with new toys around!

This weekend, my brother, my MIL, my parents, my Gram (if she feels up to it) and a few friends will come over to celebrate with us. What a difference this boy has made in our lives in the two years he's been here!

In the past few weeks, he's started really singing to music in the car, music in his head and making up songs of his own. I love to hear him sing - or 'jabber jabber' to himself. It really gives me some insight into that little brain! What a blessing he is!

I hope you have a happy Thursday with your loved ones!

A visit to Gram

This afternoon, Eli and I went to visit my grandma. She's staying at a rehab/nursing facility in McKinney now. (It's much closer than the hospital or even the assisted living place.) When we got there, she was sleeping. Eli said, 'Grandma!' as he tiptoed up to the side of her bed. Once she heard that sweet voice, she opened her eyes and gave him a big smile. He climbed right up and gave her a kiss!

The docs say they can't do much for her and her heart is working at 15% - how do they know? That, paired with her kidney issue, congestive heart failure, her diabetes, her leaky valve in her heart, her blood clot in her heart, etc. can be pretty daunting and sad. And we just don't know what to believe or do next...

She's getting around (some) but her legs are really swollen and she can't walk very far. (But she's walking!) She seems a bit depressed - who wouldn't? - but she perks up when she sees Eli! He's such a heartbreaker!

She looks better today than she has in a few weeks and I had my camera with me when we were visiting. So, I had to take a picture of Eli sharing her bed while he had his snack! He wasn't there for long...

Then he headed off down the hall to talk to the other residents, the nurses and all the visitors. This boy doesn't know a stranger! Good thing the outside doors have alarms or I'd be worried he'd get out of there!

Eli's Fishie Shower

Eli loves to take baths. He also loves to take showers with Daddy. Lately, though, he hasn't been liking the shower. Maybe the new showerhead has something to do with it, but he won't stand under the spray anymore.

We went last week to look at new showerheads so maybe that would help. We did find a showerhead for us to try but Eli also spotted one called "My Own Shower" that hooks to the existing shower head and then is put at his height. The showerhead even looks like a fish shooting water at you!

He latched onto that pretty quickly. I thought we'd buy it, put it away for his birthday and then have something else for him to enjoy. I was wrong. Eli had to hold the Fishie Shower all the way to the checkout, all the way home and right into our bathroom. Husband hooked it up while Eli slept that afternoon.

So, now, we have Eli gear in our shower. He does really love it and it does shoot water at the right height and at the right power level for him. Here's the link:
http://http://www.onestepahead.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=1265 if you want to see it for yourself.

Today's another TAKS testing day! Everybody DYB!!!!

Acute Kids URGENT Care

I love the Acute Kids Urgent Care center! Last fall, after an incident at my parents' house, we ended up there for a couple of staples in Eli's head. Which happened to be the week of his hernia surgery. We had a great experience there - they were efficient, positive, quick.

After a fitful sleep on Saturday night (by all three of us!), we mostly stayed home yesterday and listened for wheezing. It had been over a year since we'd heard any wheezing but we didn't want Eli to be sick - duh! So, we determined that there was, in fact, some wheezing with his constant cough after his nap. Out comes the inhaler dealy and we gave him a couple of puffs. No change. Call to the doctor. It was the other doc in the practice rather than our doc...bummer.

We waited a little while and when the wheezing/coughing was making him more miserable, we headed back to Acute Kids. They didn't recognize us or anything like repeat offenders and they seemed happy to help us - even though we got there at about 15 minutes before they close...however, their assessment was that our inhaler was old - either from non-use or age and gave us a new rx along with some cough medicine! We decided that we were probably their easiest case last night!

To the Pharmacy we went to get our stuff. Once home, Eli got another breathing treatment with a much better result, some new cough medicine, some 'nuggle time with Mommy, some book readin', and then bedtime. He's hardly made a peep all night and I've visited his bedtime often!

If your doc is closed and you hate the ER, take your kids to Acute Kids. They are awesome!

In other news, my Gram has been moved from the hospital in Plano to the nursing center in McKinney. The docs don't agree about the timeline for when all of her systems will shut down and she isn't in any pain so they are going to try to help her get back to her assisted living place with more nursing care. So, although the news is better than last week, we just aren't sure how much time we have with her. And, why do docs try to tell us when someone will die? They aren't GOD - they don't really KNOW!

I took Eli to see her yesterday morning and he entertained her by sitting in her bed (with her) for his snack, throwing his ball all over her room and blowing bubbles at her. I think she enjoyed seeing him. My parents came not long after we'd been there so we got to see three grandparents! Eli can now say both of my parents' names - first and last. I talked to him about it months ago. Who knew he was paying attention?

I was TAGGED!! = 8 Things

I was tagged by Jodi at Heads Up, Seven Up. I will go ahead and respond to the 'tagging' but I'm not planning on asking anyone else to do it. So if you are a blogger and would like to respond, do so and let me know so I can read your post. Otherwise, maybe you'll learn something new about me.

Here goes:

8 things I look forward to:
1. hearing Eli say, "Love you, Mommy!" - isn't that sweet? It actually sounds more like, "uv you, Mommy!" Makes a girls' heart melt!
2. the weekend
3. time alone in my sewing room
4. drinks from Sonic
5. catching up with friends
6. vacations
7. playing at the park - we like the big, twisty slide the best!
8. Husband's cooking!

8 things I did today:
1. went to work
2. worked late
3. read books and played with Eli
4. said some prayers
5. re-printed the invites to Eli's party
6. attended one ARD meeting
7. helped staff with their ARD meeting paperwork
8. had dinner with my boys

8 things I wish I could do:
1. fix my Grandma. Her health is very bad right now and I'm scared she may not be here for much longer.
2. not work five days a week - I know, be thankful for work and for the fact that summer is coming! But, I'd like to work three days a week and have four days to be with my boys!
3. finish the sewing projects that are waiting
4. keep the house clean - when I was single and childless, I didn't have this problem...
5. spend more time with friends and family
6. decide on new flooring for the house - I've decided which one I like but Husband hasn't agreed that he likes it!
7. have a vegetable garden - we have the space here but the neighborhood has an animal issue. (Dogs that are loose all the time and will make a mess of my yard. So, until I can build a barrier fence, no veggie garden for us!)
8. save more money with coupons!

8 shows I watch:
ummm, I don't watch 8 shows. So, I'll say
8 reasons I love my Husband:
1. he loves me and his boy
2. he makes me laugh - crazy belly laugh! we have so much fun!
3. he is a great cook!
4. he keeps me warm in the winter - but also warm in the summer. ummm, maybe that shouldn't be on this list?
5. he tolerates my family - although they aren't too tough to take!
6. he can pick up any menu and predict what I will order
7. he knows when I need to spend some time alone
8. he takes care of me (and Eli, too!)

8 people I tag: I'll change this one, too. Since I'm hungry right now, I choose:
8 foods I love:
1. pizza
2. Mexican - pretty much anything
3. bagels
4. anything Husband has grilled or smoked
5. Husband's salsa
6. jello or pudding or applesauce
7. apple/chicken/bleu cheese salad with raspberry dressing
8. peanut butter and honey sandwiches

That's it! Hope you've had an excellent day!