Fit 4 Life

Today is Fit for Life Friday...last week was also F4LF, however I missed posting. I should have posted last week, because I did MUCH better with all of my goals last week than I did this week!

Last week I walked 5 days, 1.75 to 2.0 miles each day. I did between 250-500 crunches each morning as well. My abs were on fire, but that was good because they were working! I only got donuts one morning, and kept going on the water. I read portions from my Bible each day while I walked.
Over the weekend I got sick. :-( I felt horrible on Monday and Tuesday, so I didn't walk or do crunches. Wed, Thurs, and Fri I just wasn't motivated to work-out either. So much for keeping on track! Those ab muscles are laughing thinking they get the last laugh! I THINK NOT!!! I will whip them into shape!
Time to get back on track...I CAN and WILL do better. I will do it for me (I want to be healthy! I want to love my body. I want to be a good steward of what God has given to me!) . I will do this for my husband (I want him to be proud of his wife!). I will do this for my children (I want to be able to run and have fun with them, not to mention be a good example to them!).
I will:

1. walk 5-6 days (1.5 or more miles)
2. do ab work ((200 or more crunches EVERY DAY!)
3. drink water! (pop only one day of the week)
4. limit the sweets (a SNACK once in a while is fine, not daily!!)
5. read more of God's word...and not so much "junk literature"
6. watch my "internal dialogue" I need to be more positive to myself, I have a very bad habit of down talking to myself, I need to be kinder and more loving to myself!
7. get more sleep! I need to be going to bed at 10 if I want to get up at 5 to walk!

That is a lot, but it is something I NEED and WANT to do! I would love to go visit my hubby's family in ND next summer and shock them at how wonderful and healthy I am!

Have a GREAT week everyone! Here's to health!

Go on over to Deena's blog to see how everyone else is doing...and it's never too late to join (or in my case, get back to it!).

Thankful Thursday

Thankful Thursday...what am I thankful for today? Soooooo much, but I know you all have lives, so I will just list a few. I am thankful

1. for my dad's continued progress. Three weeks ago he could not move anything below his waist...now he is able to sit on the edge of his hospital bed and kick his legs, wiggle his toes, roll his ankles...YIPPEE!!! I am thankful that his doctors continue to monitor him closely, and have put him back on his high-powered antibiotics because they are worried the infection in his spine is not completely gone. I'm thankful he has some continuity of care since he moved to a new hospital, that they continue to monitor him closely.


2. that we get to go to Wichita for a quick visit tomorrow-Saturday. It will be good to get to see Mom and Dad, and give them hugs...and see his progress!


3. for cool nights. I love snuggling up in the blankets and sleeping all cuddled in.


4. for Puffs Plus (my nose was so sore because of "regular" tissues...never buy them again! Only Puffs Plus for me!)


5. for yummy cookies! I made a double batch of chocolate/peanut butter chip cookies this morning! YUMM-O!


6. for a safe, successful surgery for little Hope. She is a member of our church, born at 27 weeks. She is now a very healthy (besides the ear infections!) almost 3 year old. She had to have her adenoids removed this morning, and is already home eating popsicles.


7. for God's grace and forgiveness. For His leading me, and helping to pick me up when I don't follow. For His continual love and mercy.


8. for the children in my care. Though sometimes I get frustrated, they entertain me and keep me busy. I would be so bored without them! (Yes, that is MY cheesy princess being silly!)
   

my life...

Dad has been kicking his legs!! He sat on the edge of his bed yesterday for 13 minutes. He was able to support his own weight and kick his legs as exercise, along with other exercises! 13 minutes!!! Three weeks ago he could not wiggle his toes, and now he is kicking his legs!!! I am just so excited about his progress!!! We are going to Wichita for a quick visit this Friday/Saturday, so I'm excited to see him.

I have been feeling icky for a few days. My sinuses and head have been aching, and my nose has been running! I used an entire box of tissues on Sunday...and they WERE NOT Puffs Plus, so my nose feels a bit like sandpaper now. I guess my body knew that I was going to have this dried up nose that feels like it's going to fall off...so it decided to grow a new one. I have the world's largest ZIT on the side of my nose...EWWW! I have been tired and cranky for a while now. I'm not a patient mommy. I tend to whine just as much as they do, and complain, and yell a lot. I hate myself when I'm like this. So...last night I got the kiddos to bed at 8:30, and I was in my bed by 8:45. 8:45! I cannot remember the last time I went to bed so early! Even with all that sleep, this afternoon I fell asleep while Bethany napped, for at least an hour! You'd think I'd be caught up by now...but I'm still sleepy! I need to go to a meeting at church this evening, but I'm planning on hitting the sack before 10!
Ok...enough complaining...off to the meeting. Have a great night all!
A

Ticklefest...and funny kids!

Tonight after supper, I think Andrew had eaten TOO much of my yummy food! He had a tummy ache, so he went to lay down. I crawled up on his bed to see if he was ok. While I was laying with him, Abbie joined us and decided to trace the lines on the back of my thighs left from the dining room chair...BOY HOWDY DID IT TICKLE!!! That began a ticklefest that lasted about 30 minutes. No tears, no crying, no screaming (ok, a bit of screaming, but it was good screaming)...just tons of giggling and laughing! All three of the kiddos and I were there having a good time. THIS IS WHAT MEMORIES ARE MADE OF!!! I cherish these moments with my kids. No one hurrying to get ready to go somewhere. No one fighting over who's turn is next. No one crying that so and so took their toy. Thank You, God for this time of laughter and fun to remind me what a joy my children are!!!
A few funny stories about my children...

Last night the kiddos had showers before bedtime. I got the girls all finished up and in their room for jammies. Andrew was using the restroom so he could get into the shower. The girls and I heard from the bathroom "OH MAN, THAT STINKS!!" Why are men (of all ages) fascinated with this? The girls and I about fell over laughing so hard! He IS his father's son!





Abbigail has an aversion to Lasagna. She had the beginnings of the stomach flu once when we ate it, and she threw up all over (we were at a fund raising dinner here in town, big mess...very embarrassing!) Since then she always says that lasagna makes her puke. This is very hard for me because lasagna could very well be the most wonderful food on the face of the earth...besides chocolate, but that is a universal understanding (BTW...did anyone else want one of those phones just because it was called "chocolate"?? I sure did!! But it's probably best I didn't get one, I would have probably ate it during a PMS craving!). I have a great recipe for a yummy dish called Mexican lasagna (layers of tortillas, meat, cheese, picante sauce, etc), and we have to change the name or this girl won't even try it! I also have a great recipe for "lasagna casserole" or "Italian pasta" as we called it tonight. Instead of lasagna noodles layered with all the good stuff, it's just pasta shells mixed with the cheese stuff, and then hamburger (I like to use sausage and pepperoni instead) and then sauce and cheese. All the ingredients of lasagna, just different shaped noodles. As long as I don't call it lasagna, she'll eat it. Even said it was pretty good. Andrew (I said he ate too much earlier) had 4 helpings and asked for another, but I had to cut him off!

OK...a funny story about me...I guess I can't just rat on everyone else. While I was cooking my yummy pasta supper, I tried to check and see if the shells were done boiling. I took one out of the water with a wooden spoon and blew on it (didn't want to burn my lips!). Well, apparently I blew a little too hard, or had the spoon leaning a little too far. The shell dropped...and landed DOWN MY SHIRT! You think having ice dropped down the back of your shirt is bad...try having a boiling hot noodle dropped down the FRONT of your shirt, and getting caught on certain articles of clothing, and thus it stayed pressed on my skin (a very delicate part of my skin I might add!) OUCH!!! Try explaining that one! (No pictures for this, sorry, it's not that kind of blog!!)

Thankful Thursday

Today is Thankful Thursday...but did you also know...

This is my 100th post!!!!

There is so much to be thankful for today...and every day!

1. I am thankful that my father continues to improve. He is now wiggling his toes, and even his foot. He can roll his ankle, and even push like he is pushing the accelerator of a car! He can flex his thigh muscles, but not really move them, YET! After having no voluntary movement for 6 weeks, this is a miracle! THANK YOU GOD!!!
2. I am thankful that this movement has given him and my mom a new bout of energy and hope that they were lacking before.
3. I am thankful that my husband is taking time for himself, even amidst the stress and business of pastoring two churches. I am thankful that he is taking care of himself so that he can care for so many.
4. I am thankful for the families I provide childcare for...such wonderful, loving families. I am thankful for the extra income it provides for our family. I am thankful that all the children are adjusting well. I can't wait for the new baby to start coming to me!! (she was born 4 weeks ago...I don't get her till mid-October).
5. I am thankful that my children are all healthy at this time. Andrew still has a bit of a cough, but it's so much better. Bethany still has that 'thing' on her eye, but it is not bugging her.
6. I am thankful that I have been able to get up to work-out three mornings this week. I'm even thankful for the sore muscles...it means that I'm working them and they are doing what they are supposed to!
7. I'm thankful for cooler weather (at least in the evenings!).
8. I'm thankful for my sewing machine! It is so much fun to create things...I feel such a sense of accomplishment! I finished a quilt top last night, and started it's twin this morning. My girls are going to have such fun quilts for Christmas!!!
9. I'm thankful for blogging...the fun, friendships, and connections with my family that it has brought to my life...I'm thankful for every single one of my readers!
10. I'm thankful for God's grace and forgiveness...I depend on these constantly!!!

That is a short list of the MANY blessings I have been granted this week. What are you thankful for? To read other people's lists, head on over to Sting my Heart.

Works for Me Wednesday

It has been so long since I have participated in WFMW!!! I have been doing something since school started that has really helped our family. I typed out a "routine" for my children. Actually I typed up several. One is a "Morning Routine" another is the "After School Routine" and the final one is the "Bedtime Routine." Each of these routines are a list of what they need to do at a particular time. Everyone has a mental list, but instead of having to repeat myself 300 times each day, now when the kids forget what to do I just tell them to go check the chart. I not only put the job in words, but I also found clip-art to go with each job so that my preschooler can 'read' the list as well.

I also made up a chore chart so that each child has a specific chore to do each day. We all help to tidy up the living room, patio (their toy room) and the dining room each day...but the chore chart gives them a specific job. I do not give the children an allowance (at this point), their chores are just their responsibility to help the family and keep our home nice. If they choose to do a chore that is not assigned to anyone else on that specific day (like vacuum or sweep when it is not assigned for that day) they can earn extra money (I pay a quarter per extra chore...if it is done correctly!). This way the kids learn the responsibility of doing something just because it is expected, but they also learn that if they go above and beyond, they are rewarded.

I printed out my lists and put them in plastic sheet protectors and posted them in the bathroom. We use a dry-erase marker to X out the chores that are done for the week. They are made in publisher, but if anyone would like a copy, I'd be happy to try to email it to you!

Routines are what work for me!

Dad update...and the rest of the family, too!

Dad did get moved to a different hospital on Monday. Last time I talked to them they were really liking their new doctor, seemed to want to be very involved. They were waiting to meet with the new physical therapist. He continues to wiggle his toes and flex his thigh muscles. We continue to pray for more movement and healing as the days go by.

Bethany brought home "Gonzo the Gorilla" from her preschool class yesterday. We have to write a story about what Gonzo does while he's with us. She has carried that thing everywhere with her! He's such a cute stuffed animal. I just might have to talk to her teacher and find out where she got him so that Bethany can have one for Christmas.

Andrew is getting better. His cough is going away, and he's acting more like himself. He does really well doing his homework, and always wants to read his library books. We've also been reading the Chronicles of Narnia...The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe. We try to read a chapter or two each night. They seem to be enjoying this! It's so exciting to see him beginning to read. His homework has words that he has to match to the picture...and he does a great job. I just love it when they begin to learn to read!!! Such a milestone!

Abbigail is doing great in school again. She met her AR (Accelerated Reader) goal about two weeks before the deadline. Most of the books she reads for the AR tests are third grade level or higher (she's in 2nd grade). I personally think she's picking ones that are a bit too easy for her, but she's still getting back into the swing of school. She'll be into the fourth grade level soon. Abbigail got a 102% on her first spelling test!!! Yippee for her! {I am the world's WORST speller! The year I taught Jr. High, I taught 8th grade spelling. When I told my parents this, they just started laughing!} On Monday, Abbigail took her new Bible for show and tell. She told her class that she reads it to learn more about God, and that she's a Christian. Her teacher told me that it just was so awesome! Mrs. Williams can't wait to share the story with her Bible Study group on Sunday.

Warren continues to do his vocation as pastor, both for our congregation and for the congregation in Bazine. He also has driven almost 3 hours to do a hospital call one day for the last two weeks. He's tired, but doing ok.

I actually got up to work out yesterday and today. I walked 1.75 miles both days and did between 340-450 crunches each day...OY are my abs sore! I REALLY want to get rid of this tummy...I can no longer blame it on the babies when the youngest is 3!!! I have also been sewing up a storm...what did I ever do when my sewing machine was not working??? I have sewn 7 slings in the past week and a half...and almost finished a quilt top. I'm hoping to finish the quilt top today and start on the matching one for the other daughter. I need to take samples of the fabric with me when I go shopping so I can find a quilt back that matches. The quilt colors are all bright, a bright pink, green, yellow and blue. I'm thinking maybe one back will be yellow and the other one pink so they are not identical. I'm going to use the back as a binding for the front...so it will have a solid color boarder. I'm thinking of just using a solid twin size flat sheet for the back, but we'll have to see what I can find.

The moms I do childcare for and I are talking about doing a supper swapping co-op. We each fix one dinner (enough for 4 families) and swap with everyone else...that way we only cook once and with the swap we get 4 meals. We are unsure if we will swap every week or twice a month. We're just started talking about it this week...but it sounds GREAT!!!!

I'm going to work on a "Works for Me Wednesday" post. I want to share about my "routine" pages, and my chore chart. They have really helped get the kids on track this school year!

Upate on Dad...

HE WIGGLED HIS TOES!!!!!

YES, Mom and Dad called to let me know the good news. He can now wiggle his toes with purpose! On purpose, and on command! YIPPEE!! It is a start, and hopefully the movement will go up his legs, and soon he will be able to walk again. I know he has a VERY long recovery ahead of him, but this is a start!

He will probably be moved to a specialty hospital on Monday. Not the rehabilitation hospital where he previously was, but a different one where they can continue to give him the help and care he needs...but not a "skilled nursing" facility. Their insurance will cover this hospital, so we are glad he gets to go there until he's ready for the rehab hospital.

Please continue to pray for his strength and courage, as well as mom's. Pray that they can continue to improve in the pain management area...and that movement will continue to return. Thank you to everyone for their continued love and support through all of this.

Blessings-Andie

Fit 4 Life Friday

It's been a while since I participated in the Fit 4 Life Friday...I haven't been doing very well on my goals, any of them! So, I NEED to get back to it! It all started going downhill the week my dad had surgery. I just had so much on my mind, and when I'm stressed, I eat...and don't exercise...and pray...but don't do a lot of reading. I have been reading fiction, novels to keep my mind busy, but nothing meditative, or reflective. I did get back on the scale this morning, dreading what I would find. But to my happy surprise, I'm right where I was a few weeks ago..at a grand total of -8 pounds. (I don't feel comfortable quoting the exact weight, that would be plain embarrassing!). Thanks, God, for the grace of not gaining everything back!

Thank God for a new day, and new beginnings!

This week, my goals will be to:

1. Walk 5 of 7 days...at least 1 mile each day


2. add some ab work


3. watch what I eat (no more doughnuts!)


4. get back to the water drinking


5. read my Bible


6. get to bed earlier so that the early morning walks will happen


7. take my medication!! I'm supposed to be taking medication for insulin resistance (part of my PCOS)..and I'm just not very faithful at taking it. When I am faithful about taking it, it usually helps with weight loss.

Good luck to everyone! Check out Deedra's blog for other participants!

Thankful Thursday...as usual there are so many things to be thankful for this week...let me list just a few:

1. My dad is doing even better. He still doesn't have any movement to speak of below the waste, but he is now working with a pain management team, and they think they have found the combination of drugs to help him deal with the pain so he can begin doing therapy again. Hopefully getting him moving will help his back to heal and get his movement in his legs back. I thank God that He has been faithful and been there when my parents needed Him most. I praise God for bringing my dad through two life threatening infections this year, and I pray that God continues to heal my father's body.
2. I am thankful that H has had two great days here at my home this week. No more crying, just plays happily. This will make the transition back to mom working full time after her maternity leave much easier. Thank You God!!!
3. I'm thankful for my silly kids. I'm sorry for being short tempered and impatient this week. I DO LOVE YOU! I'm sorry I'm not the perfect mom...I'm going to try to be more patient and understanding this week.
4. I'm thankful for safe travel for my hubby. He has been back and forth to the vacancy congregation 4 times this week...1 1/2 hours away. There was a death, planning the funeral with the family, and now the funeral. I pray God comforts the family, and brings my hubby safely home this evening.
5. I'm thankful for the vacancy congregation...the little bit of extra income will come in handy now since our air conditioner died this week. I'm thankful it made it through the hottest part of the summer, and that we will be able to have it replaced before next summer.
6. I'm thankful for God's mercy and grace...need I say more??
7. I'm thankful for my friends who love me no matter my moods. They even love me through my cranky/impatient days. Thanks!!!
8. I'm thankful that Christmas is coming...not for a long time, but it's coming! I love celebrating Jesus' birth...and all that goes with it! I love planning and decorating, and I'm starting my list already! I need to get the Children's Christmas program ordered!
9. I'm thankful my sewing machine is working again!!! I've felt very creative this week making 5 baby slings and working on a quilt for one of my girls.
10. I'm thankful for all my blogger buddies...everyone who reads my rambling.

If you want to read more thankful lists, head on over to Sting my Heart and see what others are thankful for this week.

Silly Bethany...my sunshine!

My Bethany...what a silly girl. What would I do without my little girl to make me smile? She is so darn cute!!!

This morning she was bouncing around the patio saying "Get me up! Get me up! YeHaw! I'm a girl cowboy! I'm bouncing by my lone!"

Translation...'Geddeup! YeHaw! I'm a cowgirl! I'm bouncing all by myself!"

Now she's out there singing "Row, Row, down your boat, just down the street. Merry Merry, like is got a dream." How can you hear that and not smile???? Even on my most tiresome, stressful day, my girl can make me grin. "Can I nuggle with you?" Is one of her favorite questions...of course I'll snuggle with you! She also loves to "swing"...actually ride in the sling, and how can I say no to that!???!!

Oh my Bethany...or "Betany Joy Pockno" as she calls herself! I love you so much!! You are growing up so fast. My last baby...you'll always be my baby, no matter how big you get! I'm so proud of the big girl you are becoming. I love to see your caring heart. I love to listen to you playing, all the conversations you have with any object or person. You are just so adorable! I thank God for sending you to us. You were the answer to many prayers...some we didn't even know to pray. I love you so much...thank you for helping me to smile. Forgive me when I don't make time for 'nuggles.

This last picture is of Bethany helping with the dishes. Monday night is her night to help with the dishes. Of course the first dish she picked up was a cup, full of water and she dumped it right on her clothes...so we stripped down and she continued to do the dishes. Thanks for the 'help' babe!

September 11...Where were you?

I was just reading a few blogs, and one hit me. September 11, 2001 was the Pearl Harbor of our generation. This is the event that forever changed our world. Everyone remembers where they were when they first heard of the attacks, and watched the tragedy unfold.

Where was I? you ask...ok, you didn't, but I'm in a reflective mood, so I'm gonna tell you anyway. We were in Ames, Iowa at a district pastor's meeting. We were in our hotel room getting ready for breakfast, and of course the TV was on. They started telling about the first plane, how it hit the tower. But at that point they were thinking it was just a terrible accident. We sat there mortified. We left to go to breakfast with all the other pastors and their families. We were talking about the plane "accident" with a couple who sat down at our table with us. they told us that a second plane had struck the other tower just before they left their room. The memories of the rest of the day seem to have happened in slow motion, in a fog. I remember not being able to eat anymore breakfast, feeling sick to my stomach, which was weird...I was 7 months pregnant and hungry ALL the time! I took Abbigail back to our room and turned on the tv. I sat there in horror watching everything unfold. When the towers fell, I cried. Poor Abbigail was scared, not of what was on TV (she was 15 months old)...but of what was happening to her momma. We sat on the bed, with her head resting on my tummy. Andrew kicked her head and it bounced on me. I remember crying more...how can I bring another child into this world that has just gone crazy? How can I raise two children in a world where people are crashing planes into buildings? I felt violated, scared, and so alone. I prayed constantly that God would help those people.

The district officials decided that they should cut the meetings short, that the pastors were not needed in a meeting, that they were needed by their congregations. So, we left Ames, and began the 3+ hour drive back to our small town. I remember stopping somewhere for lunch, and the people in the fast food restaurant were talking about normal, everyday stuff. And I kept thinking, "Don't they know what's going on? Don't they realize that our world ended today? How can they worry about who is dating whom or what they are doing this Friday night...Are any of us going to be alive on Friday???"

I think I was completely numb. Even remembering makes me a bit numb. I don't remember a lot from the next few days, I know I did a weekly bulletin (I was the church secretary at that time), and we had a special prayer service at our church...but mostly I sat in our family room, watching tv...what was going on in the world.

Two months later Andrew was born, and we rejoiced. I still worry about what kind of world they are growing up in. I cried last year when I found out that they do not only a fire drill, tornado drill, but also an "intruder drill" at school. They practice what to do if someone comes into their school (like a gunman)...I'm glad they know what to do to stay safe, I'm just so sad that it is even an issue. I do a lot of praying. I pray that they will know peace, love, and hope. I pray that God will watch over us and keep us safe. I pray that people around the world would be introduced to the TRUE God, who loves us, and died for all of us.

I pray for our military troops, especially my brother-in-law. He has been stationed in Hawaii(not a bad place) but will soon be deployed to the Middle East. I pray for the soldiers in harms way, and for their families left behind. I pray for the police officers and the fire fighters who put their lives on the line every single day to keep us safe. If I sit and think about what all is going on, I still start going numb...so I have to focus on what today brings. I focus on my children and making sure that I am doing all I can to keep them safe. I make sure I tell them every single day that I love them. I put them in God's hands...which is the absolute safest place to be.

This makes me think...I rely so much on God, for EVERYTHING...especially peace of mind. How do people who don't trust in Him make it through the day? How can they leave their children with someone else? How do they get through a tragedy with their sanity in tact?

So much has happened since that terrible day 6 years ago. Not only Andrew, but Bethany have joined our family. Thousands have died in the war...but I'm thankful that we have a President who took the war over there, and is doing his best to keep it from coming here to America. Will we ever be 100% safe? Not on this side of Heaven...but the President is doing what he believes is right. We have hope for a bright future.

Life is CRAZY!

Has it only been a few days since my last post? Seems like forever! So much is going on my head is about to pop off! I'm really thankful for the new phone/pda that Warren got me a few weeks ago, it's really helping me keep track of everything I have going on. Not only do I have my ever-changing child care family schedules. I also have all of my kiddos' schedules. Plus, Warren's schedule to keep me on my toes! Daily chats with mom and dad keep me updated on things going on with them. Here's a brief list of what's going on.

1. Abbigail...no, she didn't make the musical, but she started Brownies (Girl Scouts) today. I also got her all signed up for her dance class that begins in Oct. Her teacher wants to move her up to the next level because she memorizes the moves so quickly, and just in general loves to be there. She would also love to take piano lessons, and a girl we know plays wonderfully...we're thinking about asking her to teach Abbie the basics and see if she really wants to learn, or if it's a passing fancy. I just don't want her getting so busy that she doesn't have time to have fun on her own. How much is TOO much? Anyone know??
2. Bethany...preschool. She also is old enough for dance classes, but we haven't decided whether or not we are going to send her yet, or wait another year. I know she would love it, but it's just one more thing!
3. Andrew...has a bad cold/cough right now, so that means his asthma is acting up, AGAIN! I talked to his teacher this afternoon and she said his cough got progressively worse through the day (the medicine was wearing off I'm sure), and around 1:30 or so his lights started shutting down. By the time school was out he had that "look" about him. Just feeling icky. If he's not a ton better tomorrow, I'm going to keep him home. On the activity front for Andrew there is really nothing to report. We would love for him to be able to do Karate or something like that, but we would have to drive to Garden City (40 miles) and that alone would make it very expensive. A friend of mine has boys who participated in wrestling last year, I'm going to give her a call and find out about it...but I'm so hesitant about wrestling! My brother wrestled all the way through Jr & Sr High, and I only attended ONE meet the entire time. During that meet a boy had his elbow dislocated and he laid there on the mat screaming for over a half hour waiting for the ambulance to take him away. Is this something I want my son doing?????
4. Warren...went to Bazine last night to do their Sunday evening service (this is where he is serving as vacancy pastor). He planned to spend the night in their parsonage so he could go visit their shut-ins and sick people today. There was a lady in the hospital about 1 1/2 hours away that he had visited and was back in Bazine by 10:00 this morning. They took him all over to visit the shut-ins, and in the middle of the day they found out that a gentleman who was on the way to Wichita for a doctor's appointment, didn't make it to Wichita. He started feeling really bad just an hour into the trip, stopped in that town at the hospital, and died. So, Warren STILL isn't home yet, and I don't really expect to see him before 11 or so tonight. Tomorrow he is supposed to drive 3 hours in the opposite direction to Elkart, KS (literally, RIGHT on the Oklahoma boarder) for Winkle (pastor's meeting). I don't know how he can do it! He's already so tired, I will worry all day about him driving! So, now, above and beyond the normal stuff, he has a funeral to plan...for a man he only talked to, on the phone, once! Please keep him in your prayers.
5. We re-arranged the girls' room this weekend. They have twin beds that can be bunked, or separated. They have had them apart, and wanted them back together. So, that was an all day Saturday project. Warren was an awesome daddy! He took apart Bethany's dresser and redid it so the drawers actually work! This is the dresser my brother Aaron had growing up, I have painted it to match their room, but it was in such horrible shape that I had to take out the second drawer in order to access the clothing in the third! He said he would look at Abbie's dresser (the one I had growing up) next weekend...but now I think he'll be sleeping the weekend away!
6. Andrew is sick (did I mention that already?) He is such a boy...doesn't handle sick well, AT ALL! Is it just the men I know who don't handle being sick well, or is it all men (and by man, I mean boys, too!)?? He lays around whining, and whining, and mumbling, and whining. I know he doesn't feel tip-top, but give me a break!! God, please give me patience!!!
7. Dad...He continues to mend. The hospital is making arrangements for him to go to a long-term care facility. He just is too well for a hospital (yippee!), but not well enough to go home or to the rehab hospital. The rehab hospital wants them to be able to do at least 3 hours of therapy every day. They do mostly group-type therapy in a big gymnasium type room. This would require him to sit in a wheel chair for at least three hours a day. He simply cannot do that at this point. They turn his hospital bed into a chair (amazing thing!), and it causes him SOOO much pain in his back and chest that he just can't stand it for long. He's trying to go longer and longer every day, but it's so hard. He still has full feeling, but no voluntary movement to speak of below the waist. Please continue to pray for him and Mom.
8. My sewing machine is working again. Something stupid that I figured out, and now it's working wonderfully!! I've made 5 slings and 3 hooded towels in the past few days. I'm also working on quilts for the girls' rooms. I might even find something to make for Andrew's room. I started the girls' quilts almost two years ago, but didn't get very far before the machine started throwing fits. I'm hoping to have a new quilt for each of the kids to give them for Christmas. They have seen them, but I still think it would be a good gift! What a surprise, after two years they are FINALLY done! Now I gotta get to work!!! :-)

Well, it's about time to start thinking of bed...and we haven't even done our chores yet. Nighty night all. Hopefully I'll have pictures to post again, soon.

The Soud Of Music...CALL BACK!!!

Well, out of about 30 girls, Abbigail and two others were called back to try out again. They all did a great job. The first try-out, Abbigail read a nursery rhyme, but this time she had to recite Mary Had A Little Lamb...we've never just said it, it's a song! Poor girl was a bit confused. But she sang awesomely! Even had a bit of vibrato (SP???) in her voice. Where did that come from??? The two music/drama teachers said that they would be calling us shortly to let us know their decision. It's tough, because we know both of the other little girls, and their families...all three of them would be good...I think I know of two little girls who will be sad shortly, and one who will be happy...but who will the happy one be?

Ok...I didn't even get to publish this and the phone rang. I know who the happy and sad girls are now. We have one sad cookie on our hands. They said she did a really great job, and they would love to have her come do children's theatre in the summer, but our dear friend, Abby is what they were looking for. It's probably for the best, rehersals went until 9:30, and our Abbigail needs her sleep. Now she can focus on dance and school. But oh, is she sad. "I REALLY wanted to be Gretyl!!" She keeps moaning. Poor kid is heartbroken. We had talked about how it might not be her, and she should be happy for the one they choose, but it's hard not to get something you really want. I hope she doesn't loose heart, that she will try again.

Abbigail, I love you. Just as you are...just what you are. I love to hear you singing and see you having fun. I am proud of you for trying, and doing such a great job. You are perfect, just the way you are. You are God's little princess...and my little girl. I love you! I know you will hurt for a while, but I pray your heart heals soon...I want to see you smiling!

CONGRATULATIONS ABBY!

Thankful Thursday

Yes, it's Thankful Thursday. I'm a bit late in getting this post done, I usually try to do the TT post in the morning, but I just kept putting it off. Nothing is wrong, dad is improving...just feeling out of sorts today. Anyway...there is MUCH to be thankful for today.

1. Dad is still in the hospital, but doing much better. He is feeling everything (above the waist and below), and we think he is beginning to have some movement in his legs/feet. Involuntary movement is a sure thing, voluntary is still questionable. Medically he is doing pretty well, blood-pressure, O2 levels are good, morphine is off. He is still receiving the antibiotics, and will be for some time. There is some question as to what his future holds. He does not qualify for the rehabilitation hospital, because he has no meaningful movement, YET! They are discussing the possibility of a long term skilled nursing facility, or making some changes so that he will be able to go home (current home with changes, or a new/different home that is already handicap accessible). Please continue to keep my Mom and Dad in your prayers. Things are looking better this week, but so much is still unknown.
2. I am thankful that I was able to go see them this weekend. My aunts kept saying how much of a difference they could see in both mom and dad because I was there. I pray they are right. I hope I could help. My parents are one of the greatest gifts that God gave to me, and I love them SOOO much! I'm thankful for them!
3. I'm thankful that my husband and older children survived without me! :-)
4. I'm thankful that the weather is supposed to cool down this week.
5. I'm thankful the High School in our town is doing a wonderful family musical this fall, "The Sound of Music" Abbigail auditioned for two parts last night and was wonderful. I pray they find the right children to play the parts.
6. I'm thankful for baby slings. I love them! I'm thankful that my sewing machine is in working order once again so I can make them again...and in this way encourage other mothers/caregivers to "wear" their babies and make their lives more simple, and wonderful!
7. I'm thankful that I've had two days with just Bethany while the older two are in school. I even had 2 hours this morning when she was at preschool that I had no one to care for. I love my children, but a moment to myself was wonderful...I washed and vacuumed out my van...it REALLY needed it!
8. I'm thankful for clean, clear, cold water to drink.
9. I'm thankful that God is faithful, and loves me...even when I don't put Him in the forefront of my life.
10. I'm thankful that my cousin took the time out of her busy day to call and tell me she had visited my dad, and that he is acting like himself again...teasing and joking around. Knowing that my extended family continues to care for my parents is wonderful, and the fact that she took the time to not only leave a comment on my blog to tell me how he's doing, but to also call and tell me means so much to me. Thanks Michelle!
11. I'm thankful that PMS doesn't last very long (hopefully) and I will be back to myself in a day or two.

Blessings to you all! Go to Iris' to read more TT posts.

Tuesday update

Sorry, Dad, I know this is not the most flattering picture, but I wanted to include you in my blog! Everyone, notice the grin!!!!

I arrived home last evening. Dad has made some progress this weekend. Medically he's doing pretty well. His blood pressure is up where it should be, and he's off the oxygen. The doctor's have removed most of his IV lines, just one left. He had only pushed the button for morphine once that I knew of yesterday, when they transferred him to a new bed since the other one was malfunctioning. He is doing a little more joking around, which is wonderful to see. The greatest news is that on Sunday night, my mom and I were massaging and redressing his leg (OK, she was doing most of the work...a nurse I am NOT). I was rubbing one foot, and he kept twitching his foot!!!! His toes, his legs, his feet kept jerking. He said that he wasn't doing it, it was involuntary movement...but after he kicked me TWICE, I teased him that it was no accident. :o)

The doctors said that this is great because it means that the nerves and the muscles are still there, and that they remember what they are supposed to be doing. They said that they are still hopeful that when the inflammation goes down in his back, that he will regain control.

He has been moved out of the SICU and into the "intermediate" floor, which is not quite the regular hospital floor...a smaller nurse/patient ratio. He might be moved to a regular floor today, I haven't heard yet. The doctor was also talking about possibly moving him to a longer term care/skilled nursing facility if things continue to go well. He doesn't qualify for the rehabilitation hospital at this point, he needs to regain movement for that. But...we are just waiting to see. Mom is worried about insurance, she doesn't know if their insurance will cover the long term care thing, so keep this all in your prayers.

Thank you to my Wichita family for taking care of my parents when I cannot be there. It means so much to me to know that they have all of you looking out for them and giving them love and support. There is something special about our family!!! (Loni is right!!)