Are you ready for David's latest stand-up routine? This one's short, but it's fun! He was invited to perform at Stone Oak Youth Theater's first annual Schwa Awards.
All new material. I sure enjoyed it! Hope you enjoy it, too!
Friday, July 15, 2011
Plant Experiment
Introducing Zeus Winnebago ...
Jacob decided to "plant" a sweet potato in one of my favorite glass measuring bowls and I thought you all would love to see how it's growing. This is after just less than 3 weeks of growth. It does have really pretty leaves. Doesn't it?
Jacob decided to "plant" a sweet potato in one of my favorite glass measuring bowls and I thought you all would love to see how it's growing. This is after just less than 3 weeks of growth. It does have really pretty leaves. Doesn't it?
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Haircuts
I took the Johnathon and David to get their hairs cut today. Very overdue. Especially for David.
He was enjoying his hair being longer. Me, not so much. But, he didn't give me too much grief about going to get his cut. (Thank you, David.)
Mama Bear came out while we were there.
Have I ever mentioned that I am a HUGE Mama Bear? I do not like people being rude to my children, especially when my children are being very polite.
So, we went to the barber shop that we have been taking the boys to for the past 7 years. There's a fairly new guy who obviously doesn't like kids. He's rather unkind to the kids, even when they aren't in his chair. As we arrived, our favorite guy was already doing another man's hair and had another man waiting for him. So this man told Johnathon to get in his chair. I hesitated, but the man insisted. Hmmm... this should be interesting I thought.
Since he volunteered to do it, I thought perhaps the man would be on his best behavior. But he wasn't. I eventually had to step in and remind him that someone else could finish the job if needed.
He seemed surprised by my assertiveness. I wasn't mean or rude. I simply reminded him that there was no need for him to be so unkind to my son. He had volunteered to do the job. We were perfectly willing to wait for someone else. He was quiet as he finished the rest of the hair cut. Quiet is fine. The hair cut looked nice.
He left immediately after finishing Johnathon's hair cut and told the other man not to charge us for it. I still paid. I was not looking for a free hair cut. I just wanted Johnathon to be treated respectfully. He deserves that. We all do.
By the way, the pictures were by Deborah. :) Oh, and if you're wondering ... yes, we will go back to this barber shop. Why? Because, there are still other people who work there that do a great job. And, who knows, maybe this man too will be kinder next time. We'll see.
He was enjoying his hair being longer. Me, not so much. But, he didn't give me too much grief about going to get his cut. (Thank you, David.)
Mama Bear came out while we were there.
Have I ever mentioned that I am a HUGE Mama Bear? I do not like people being rude to my children, especially when my children are being very polite.
So, we went to the barber shop that we have been taking the boys to for the past 7 years. There's a fairly new guy who obviously doesn't like kids. He's rather unkind to the kids, even when they aren't in his chair. As we arrived, our favorite guy was already doing another man's hair and had another man waiting for him. So this man told Johnathon to get in his chair. I hesitated, but the man insisted. Hmmm... this should be interesting I thought.
Since he volunteered to do it, I thought perhaps the man would be on his best behavior. But he wasn't. I eventually had to step in and remind him that someone else could finish the job if needed.
He seemed surprised by my assertiveness. I wasn't mean or rude. I simply reminded him that there was no need for him to be so unkind to my son. He had volunteered to do the job. We were perfectly willing to wait for someone else. He was quiet as he finished the rest of the hair cut. Quiet is fine. The hair cut looked nice.
He left immediately after finishing Johnathon's hair cut and told the other man not to charge us for it. I still paid. I was not looking for a free hair cut. I just wanted Johnathon to be treated respectfully. He deserves that. We all do.
By the way, the pictures were by Deborah. :) Oh, and if you're wondering ... yes, we will go back to this barber shop. Why? Because, there are still other people who work there that do a great job. And, who knows, maybe this man too will be kinder next time. We'll see.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Today I took Deborah and Johnathon to the pool to swim. Deborah is 4 years old. She normally asks me to put her "swimmies" on as soon as we get there. They are water wings or floaties, whatever you might call them, they help her to stay afloat since she hasn't learned to swim.
Last summer she had started putting her face under water but this summer she has been very reluctant to get her face wet at all.
Today as soon as she arrived she immediately got into the pool, pool sandals and all. (When I bought her last pair of sandals I called them "pool sandals" meaning that they'd be good to wear to the pool. She has decided that means they'd be good to wear in the pool.) No floaties. No swimmies. No floation devices.
Since I'd love to have her work on swimming skills, I simply reminded her that she should blow bubbles if she goes under water. Within just a few minutes, she was walking under the water and blowing bubbles.
It was fun to see her confidence soaring so high today. I can't wait to see what she does tomorrow!
Last summer she had started putting her face under water but this summer she has been very reluctant to get her face wet at all.
Today as soon as she arrived she immediately got into the pool, pool sandals and all. (When I bought her last pair of sandals I called them "pool sandals" meaning that they'd be good to wear to the pool. She has decided that means they'd be good to wear in the pool.) No floaties. No swimmies. No floation devices.
Since I'd love to have her work on swimming skills, I simply reminded her that she should blow bubbles if she goes under water. Within just a few minutes, she was walking under the water and blowing bubbles.
It was fun to see her confidence soaring so high today. I can't wait to see what she does tomorrow!
Labels:
Deborah
Thursday, June 30, 2011
One of those days.
Today has been one of those days. One of those days that I wish I could rewind and redo. Redo and have it be different.
It started last night with a visit to the ER with Deborah. Her big toe was dark red and swollen. Apparently her nail became infected, probably from her picking at her nails. She had to have it numbed, lanced, soaked, and scrubbed. As you can imagine, she was not very appreciative of any of it. I was thankful that Dwight was home to take her to the ER. It's usually me that takes kids to the doctors and to the ER's. Dwight reported that she yelled angrily and loudly at the doctors and the nurses. After some oral antibiotics, they sent her home this morning around 2 am. It looked a little better this morning at 8.
But by 10, the redness had started spreading up her leg. So we headed back to the dr where she received 2 more shots. (More yelling, kicking and screaming.)
That was the best part of my day though. It went downhill form there. And, tonight I called my Dad. I can always count on my Dad to lift my spirits. Unfortunately though he was sitting in a hospital room with my Uncle. One of my favorite Uncles. Well, all of my Uncles are my favorites. :)
He was with Uncle Edward. (Pronounced Uncle Ederd.) I was hoping that Uncle Edward would hold on till I could visit him next month. It doesn't sound like that's going to happen. I know he's anxious to go home to Heavenly Father and to see his family in Heaven. I will miss him. I love him very much.
Today has been a hard day. I wish I knew that everything is going to be okay.
It started last night with a visit to the ER with Deborah. Her big toe was dark red and swollen. Apparently her nail became infected, probably from her picking at her nails. She had to have it numbed, lanced, soaked, and scrubbed. As you can imagine, she was not very appreciative of any of it. I was thankful that Dwight was home to take her to the ER. It's usually me that takes kids to the doctors and to the ER's. Dwight reported that she yelled angrily and loudly at the doctors and the nurses. After some oral antibiotics, they sent her home this morning around 2 am. It looked a little better this morning at 8.
But by 10, the redness had started spreading up her leg. So we headed back to the dr where she received 2 more shots. (More yelling, kicking and screaming.)
That was the best part of my day though. It went downhill form there. And, tonight I called my Dad. I can always count on my Dad to lift my spirits. Unfortunately though he was sitting in a hospital room with my Uncle. One of my favorite Uncles. Well, all of my Uncles are my favorites. :)
He was with Uncle Edward. (Pronounced Uncle Ederd.) I was hoping that Uncle Edward would hold on till I could visit him next month. It doesn't sound like that's going to happen. I know he's anxious to go home to Heavenly Father and to see his family in Heaven. I will miss him. I love him very much.
Today has been a hard day. I wish I knew that everything is going to be okay.
Labels:
Deborah
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Tenderness
This morning I was rushing through Target to get a few groceries before heading out for the day. David and I were rushing through the store gathering a few necessities and a few fun things.
As we rounded the corner to head for the check out points, I was completely caught off guard when I saw the most tender moment right there. I almost stopped in my tracks to watch it. I might have just stood there, if it hadn't been for David prodding me to move on.
There was a husband and wife shopping for lotion. Nothing too unusual about that, but in his hands were a pile of various hats and scarfs. At the edges of her current scalp were the obvious signs of hair loss that had already started. She was moving slowly and frailly, and with each small step her husband seemed to almost leap to catch her.
As I was checking out, I had the honor to talk with them for a few minutes. They are bravely facing a battle of breast cancer. My stomach dropped when she said she was going to the hospital today to get her 3rd Neulasta shot. Oh, how I hated those shots. Yet, they spoke courageously and looked forward with hope to their conquest in November.
A wave of emotions washed over me as they walked away today. I couldn't even speak to the cashier. I could barely hold back the tears enough to finish the transaction. November just seems so far away. I'm so thankful to be on the other side of that battle.
And, I'm so thankful that they have each other. It really was tender moment to see this morning. I felt honored to witness it.
As we rounded the corner to head for the check out points, I was completely caught off guard when I saw the most tender moment right there. I almost stopped in my tracks to watch it. I might have just stood there, if it hadn't been for David prodding me to move on.
There was a husband and wife shopping for lotion. Nothing too unusual about that, but in his hands were a pile of various hats and scarfs. At the edges of her current scalp were the obvious signs of hair loss that had already started. She was moving slowly and frailly, and with each small step her husband seemed to almost leap to catch her.
As I was checking out, I had the honor to talk with them for a few minutes. They are bravely facing a battle of breast cancer. My stomach dropped when she said she was going to the hospital today to get her 3rd Neulasta shot. Oh, how I hated those shots. Yet, they spoke courageously and looked forward with hope to their conquest in November.
A wave of emotions washed over me as they walked away today. I couldn't even speak to the cashier. I could barely hold back the tears enough to finish the transaction. November just seems so far away. I'm so thankful to be on the other side of that battle.
And, I'm so thankful that they have each other. It really was tender moment to see this morning. I felt honored to witness it.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Quote for Today
"Complete understanding is not required;
however, waiting on the Lord
and
exercising faith in Him
are absolutely necessary."
~ Kristen Warner Belcher, Hard Times and Holy Places
Hard Times and Holy Places
I'm reading a book by Kristin Warner Belcher called "Hard Times and Holy Places." I suppose the title of the book, and maybe the title of my post, might make you wonder if I'm searching for answers. I am having some hard times. Aren't we all?
Nothing new. Just dealing with old demons. What are old demons? If there were a Tina Dictionary, the definition of old demons would read: challenges, struggles, or trials previously thought to have been conquered, mastered, or demolished that have resurfaced.
My Mom gave me this book while I was dealing with Cancer. I just finished reading several other books that I've been working on for a while and after listening to Kris Belcher speak at Time Out for Women in San Antonio I was really anxious to start this book.
I normally underline all the great stuff in a book and later write a short report on the book. (I poached the book report idea from my brilliant friend, Ali.) But, in writing my report on "A Disciple's Life" I discovered that I lost some of my initial reactions. So guess what ... I think I'll blog about the books more as I read them.
So, today as I was reading ...
The Chapter is titled, "Choosing Christ." Kris talks about turning to Christ during trials and how it makes a big difference in whether the trials are just really hard times or whether they are holy times. I found that to be really true during my battle with Cancer. I think that is also much of what I struggle with in the mundane of life.
It is so much easier to keep focused on Christ during really, really tough times. Maybe I'm the only one who finds that to be true. I don't think so, but maybe. I'm working on it though. I'm working on being more faithful at all times because I know it makes a difference at all times.
During the Cancer days it was so easy to stay focused on the things of eternity. They were really the only things that mattered at the time. Not only did other things not really matter, I could not physically tend to much else. I didn't have the energy to worry about whether or not my toilet was cleaned. I didn't have the energy to worry about whether or not piles of paper that needed to be filed were 10 inches high or 10 feet high. I knew that I had to stick to the list of priorities: strengthening myself spiritually, my family, service.
So, why is it that when struggling with the mundane tasks of daily life ... the non-Cancer life ... why do I try to do it another way?
Kris also shares a scripture 2 Nephi 32:9: "But behold, I say unto you that ye must pray always, and not faint; that ye must not perform any thing unto the Lord save in the first place ye shall pray unto the Father in the name of Christ, that he will consecrate thy performance unto thee, that thy performance may be for the welfare of thy soul."
I have recently had some very neat experiences with consecrating my performances to the Lord. They are very special to me. I can tell you it works. It really works! I have applied this idea to serving in various ways. I had not thought of applying it to trials and old demons. It seems so obvious, doesn't it? Thanks, Kris, for pointing that out in your gentle way.
I can't wait to experiment on His word. I know from past experiences with my Heavenly Father and with the Savior that they always keep Their word, and that prayer always seems to be the best place to start.
I hope that whatever hard times you are facing whether new or old, that you will find peace today.
Nothing new. Just dealing with old demons. What are old demons? If there were a Tina Dictionary, the definition of old demons would read: challenges, struggles, or trials previously thought to have been conquered, mastered, or demolished that have resurfaced.
My Mom gave me this book while I was dealing with Cancer. I just finished reading several other books that I've been working on for a while and after listening to Kris Belcher speak at Time Out for Women in San Antonio I was really anxious to start this book.
I normally underline all the great stuff in a book and later write a short report on the book. (I poached the book report idea from my brilliant friend, Ali.) But, in writing my report on "A Disciple's Life" I discovered that I lost some of my initial reactions. So guess what ... I think I'll blog about the books more as I read them.
So, today as I was reading ...
The Chapter is titled, "Choosing Christ." Kris talks about turning to Christ during trials and how it makes a big difference in whether the trials are just really hard times or whether they are holy times. I found that to be really true during my battle with Cancer. I think that is also much of what I struggle with in the mundane of life.
It is so much easier to keep focused on Christ during really, really tough times. Maybe I'm the only one who finds that to be true. I don't think so, but maybe. I'm working on it though. I'm working on being more faithful at all times because I know it makes a difference at all times.
During the Cancer days it was so easy to stay focused on the things of eternity. They were really the only things that mattered at the time. Not only did other things not really matter, I could not physically tend to much else. I didn't have the energy to worry about whether or not my toilet was cleaned. I didn't have the energy to worry about whether or not piles of paper that needed to be filed were 10 inches high or 10 feet high. I knew that I had to stick to the list of priorities: strengthening myself spiritually, my family, service.
So, why is it that when struggling with the mundane tasks of daily life ... the non-Cancer life ... why do I try to do it another way?
Kris also shares a scripture 2 Nephi 32:9: "But behold, I say unto you that ye must pray always, and not faint; that ye must not perform any thing unto the Lord save in the first place ye shall pray unto the Father in the name of Christ, that he will consecrate thy performance unto thee, that thy performance may be for the welfare of thy soul."
I have recently had some very neat experiences with consecrating my performances to the Lord. They are very special to me. I can tell you it works. It really works! I have applied this idea to serving in various ways. I had not thought of applying it to trials and old demons. It seems so obvious, doesn't it? Thanks, Kris, for pointing that out in your gentle way.
I can't wait to experiment on His word. I know from past experiences with my Heavenly Father and with the Savior that they always keep Their word, and that prayer always seems to be the best place to start.
I hope that whatever hard times you are facing whether new or old, that you will find peace today.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
A little good news
I went to see the dermatologist today for the results of a recent minor biopsy. I had a persistent spot on my face ... in fact, it was the spot that got me into this whole mess. It has been diagnosed as a "precancerous spot" and nothing to worry about, but has been resistant to every type of treatment. Six weeks ago they did a quick biopsy, then froze it off, and I've been treating it twice a day with a topical ointment. The doctor was concerned that perhaps it was a T-cell cancer. Apparently, it is not uncommon for my type of cancer (which is a B-cell cancer) to coexist or to morph into a T-cell cancer. But the good news is today I found out that it is just simply nothing to worry about.
Isn't that wonderful news?!
Isn't that wonderful news?!
Labels:
Health
Monday, June 13, 2011
They said it was a matter of "when" not "if" Ryan's Mic-Key button would come out. Well, tonight was the when. I got it back in at least as far as I can tell it seems to be in the right place. His tube feeding seems to be going okay. So, I'm assuming it's in the right position.
I guess I can mark that off my list of things I fear doing...
I guess I can mark that off my list of things I fear doing...
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Something to think about...
"We should live the gospel most fully among family and friends because they are the "clinical material" God gave us for practicing our Christianity." ("A Disciple's Life: The Biography of Neal A. Maxwell" by Bruce C. Hafen.)
Isn't that a great concept?
Isn't that a great concept?
Friday, May 20, 2011
Lately I have been feeling very overwhelmed and exhausted. My load hasn't really changed. I'm not getting any more or less rest. So, why?
Today I was reading and pondering and I think I found my answer: It's Martha-like anxiety.
You probably remember the story in Luke 10:40-43.
Perhaps my mother should have named me Martha. I am a born Martha. I'm good at being Martha. I love tasks. I love lists. I love working. I love accomplishing things.
But...
Even more ...
I love the peace that comes when I sit with the scriptures and I read. I love the peace that comes when I attend to spiritual things. I love the peace that I feel when I ponder on spiritual things. I love the peace that comes when I pray ... I mean really pray ... not just quick, short on my way out the door prayers. I love the peace that I feel when I feast on the teachings of the Savior.
I want to be a Mary.
Today I was reading and pondering and I think I found my answer: It's Martha-like anxiety.
You probably remember the story in Luke 10:40-43.
Perhaps my mother should have named me Martha. I am a born Martha. I'm good at being Martha. I love tasks. I love lists. I love working. I love accomplishing things.
But...
Even more ...
I love the peace that comes when I sit with the scriptures and I read. I love the peace that comes when I attend to spiritual things. I love the peace that I feel when I ponder on spiritual things. I love the peace that comes when I pray ... I mean really pray ... not just quick, short on my way out the door prayers. I love the peace that I feel when I feast on the teachings of the Savior.
I want to be a Mary.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Ups and Downs of Life
Up: Ryan has been making lots of new sounds during the past few days. It's fun to hear him experimenting with so many different noises. It makes my heart feel glad!
Down: Today I received the bill for all the tests that were done at MD Anderson during the last round of Cancer check ups. Two grand. Ugh. Can I just skip the next round of testing?
Down: Today I received the bill for all the tests that were done at MD Anderson during the last round of Cancer check ups. Two grand. Ugh. Can I just skip the next round of testing?
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Prepared from my Youth
Today when I came home, Ryan was upset that I had been gone for what he apparently thought was too long. I had my hands full and also needed to wash my hands as I had been at the store picking up prescriptions. He expressed his frustrations as he waited very impatiently for me. He wanted my undivided attention.
As quickly as I could, I scooped him up into my arms and gave him kisses and told him of my love for him. As I watched his mannerisms, he reminded me of my Uncle Jr. I don't think I've ever told you about Uncle Jr, which is surprising cause he's one of my all-time favorite people.
It's difficult to speak of Uncle Jr without saying "Aunt Kate-Kate and Uncle Jr." I never can remember exactly how they are related to me, but what I do know is that "uncle" is not really the proper title. It's a title that in my mind fits because I love him so much.
As a little girl I was also very confused as to the relationship between Aunt Kate Kate and Uncle Jr. After all, if she was Aunt and he was Uncle, it would make sense that they were married, right? Wrong. They weren't married. I knew that. But, he was a grown man. So in my mind it really didn't make sense to me that he was her son. I think I was in my teens before I started to understand that Uncle Jr was Aunt Kate Kate's son.
He was just my Uncle Jr. I don't remember seeing a crippled man. I don't remember thinking of him as someone with a disability. I just remember always being really excited to see him. I loved the way he said Teeeennnnna, and I especially loved the way he crushed me when he hugged me. It was wonderful! I couldn't always understand him, but I knew from the sparkle in his eyes that he was excited to see me and that he was excited to tell me something. And, I was equally excited to hear what he had to say.
Perhaps when Jr was Ryan's age, he might have been healthy. I don't know. At some point, he had Polio and it took his health and it changed him. It changed him into the man that I knew and loved.
Before today, I recognized events and people that the Lord has placed in my life during the past few years to prepare me for Ryan joining our family. As I thought about Uncle Jr today, I felt that perhaps the preparations had started long before now, perhaps even while I was in my youth.
I was so blessed to know Uncle Jr. I will never forget his hugs, or the way his eyes would sparkle when he'd see me. Most of all I will never forget the way he'd say my name. No one else will ever say my name quite the same again.
As quickly as I could, I scooped him up into my arms and gave him kisses and told him of my love for him. As I watched his mannerisms, he reminded me of my Uncle Jr. I don't think I've ever told you about Uncle Jr, which is surprising cause he's one of my all-time favorite people.
It's difficult to speak of Uncle Jr without saying "Aunt Kate-Kate and Uncle Jr." I never can remember exactly how they are related to me, but what I do know is that "uncle" is not really the proper title. It's a title that in my mind fits because I love him so much.
As a little girl I was also very confused as to the relationship between Aunt Kate Kate and Uncle Jr. After all, if she was Aunt and he was Uncle, it would make sense that they were married, right? Wrong. They weren't married. I knew that. But, he was a grown man. So in my mind it really didn't make sense to me that he was her son. I think I was in my teens before I started to understand that Uncle Jr was Aunt Kate Kate's son.
He was just my Uncle Jr. I don't remember seeing a crippled man. I don't remember thinking of him as someone with a disability. I just remember always being really excited to see him. I loved the way he said Teeeennnnna, and I especially loved the way he crushed me when he hugged me. It was wonderful! I couldn't always understand him, but I knew from the sparkle in his eyes that he was excited to see me and that he was excited to tell me something. And, I was equally excited to hear what he had to say.
Perhaps when Jr was Ryan's age, he might have been healthy. I don't know. At some point, he had Polio and it took his health and it changed him. It changed him into the man that I knew and loved.
Before today, I recognized events and people that the Lord has placed in my life during the past few years to prepare me for Ryan joining our family. As I thought about Uncle Jr today, I felt that perhaps the preparations had started long before now, perhaps even while I was in my youth.
I was so blessed to know Uncle Jr. I will never forget his hugs, or the way his eyes would sparkle when he'd see me. Most of all I will never forget the way he'd say my name. No one else will ever say my name quite the same again.
Friday, April 15, 2011
Tonight's Conversation with Deborah...
This was the conversation that followed me noticing a little black bead in Deborah's mouth as I was tucking her into bed for the night:
Me: Please don't put things like that in your mouth.
Deborah: Why?
Me: Because you could choke on them.
Deborah: Could I choke on chicken?
Me: {{{ pause }}} Yes, dear, I suppose you could choke on chicken also.
Deborah: Ha, ha. That's funny!
Me: Please don't put things like that in your mouth.
Deborah: Why?
Me: Because you could choke on them.
Deborah: Could I choke on chicken?
Me: {{{ pause }}} Yes, dear, I suppose you could choke on chicken also.
Deborah: Ha, ha. That's funny!
Labels:
Deborah
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
What I wish I had said...
Do you ever have those moments that you look back on and wish you had said something different? Maybe sometimes the words used conveyed the wrong meaning. Maybe sometimes the words weren't said at all. Or, have you ever "put your foot in your mouth?" Or just a missed opportunity.
Here's my story ...
A friend at the dentist office asked me if the reason I don't drink caffeinated drinks is for religious reasons. I said, "No, it's really a decision I made based on my health." While my answer is true, it's only partly true. What I wish I had said is:
I don't drink caffeinated sodas because after years of health issues, I started praying for help from God. I needed to feel better. I needed to have energy to raise my children. I was sleeping 4 hours a day in middle of the day, and if I didn't rest, I sounded drunk because I was too tired to form my words. One day, God told me as an answer to my prayers that if I would quit drinking caffeinated sodas I would find answers and have more energy. Because of past experiences with God, I believed that if I did what He asked me to do, He would do His part. And, He has. He always does.
Here's my story ...
A friend at the dentist office asked me if the reason I don't drink caffeinated drinks is for religious reasons. I said, "No, it's really a decision I made based on my health." While my answer is true, it's only partly true. What I wish I had said is:
I don't drink caffeinated sodas because after years of health issues, I started praying for help from God. I needed to feel better. I needed to have energy to raise my children. I was sleeping 4 hours a day in middle of the day, and if I didn't rest, I sounded drunk because I was too tired to form my words. One day, God told me as an answer to my prayers that if I would quit drinking caffeinated sodas I would find answers and have more energy. Because of past experiences with God, I believed that if I did what He asked me to do, He would do His part. And, He has. He always does.
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Tonight Ryan was sitting on the bed so big and strong with very little support. I tried to grab the camera and just as I was ready to snap the camera, he pushed back and laid down. Oh, really? I missed it.
So, I tried to sit him up again and he squawked at me. I finally convinced him to sit up for just one pick picture. "Please, Ryan, let Mommy take just one picture." So, he complied. So big and strong...
As soon as I took the picture I said, "Oh, I got it." And, since Ryan obviously felt he had fulfilled his obligation, he immediately pushed back and laid down.
Thank you, Ryan. I know it's a lot of work. I'm so proud of you for being so strong!
So, I tried to sit him up again and he squawked at me. I finally convinced him to sit up for just one pick picture. "Please, Ryan, let Mommy take just one picture." So, he complied. So big and strong...
As soon as I took the picture I said, "Oh, I got it." And, since Ryan obviously felt he had fulfilled his obligation, he immediately pushed back and laid down.
Thank you, Ryan. I know it's a lot of work. I'm so proud of you for being so strong!
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Tonight I took Jacob to buy new shoes. He needed them. Desperately. His big toe was rubbing the ground. I'm thankful for a young man whose only concern was whether or not I could afford to buy him a new pair of shoes.
As we were driving home the HOT donuts light was on at Krispy Kreme. Of course, I did what any good mother of a growing teenage boy would do. I stopped immediately to go in to get our free hot donut. (Did you know that my favorite Krispy Kreme is actually the original glazed donut?)
While we were there the lady asked if we would like to donate $1 to the Komen foundation for Breast Cancer. I said I would donate a $1. Then Jacob asked if I would take a dollar out of his account to donate also. They gave us a sheet to write a message or our name. On Jacob's sheet, he simply wrote, "No more cancer."
I love that boy.
As we were driving home the HOT donuts light was on at Krispy Kreme. Of course, I did what any good mother of a growing teenage boy would do. I stopped immediately to go in to get our free hot donut. (Did you know that my favorite Krispy Kreme is actually the original glazed donut?)
While we were there the lady asked if we would like to donate $1 to the Komen foundation for Breast Cancer. I said I would donate a $1. Then Jacob asked if I would take a dollar out of his account to donate also. They gave us a sheet to write a message or our name. On Jacob's sheet, he simply wrote, "No more cancer."
I love that boy.
Labels:
Jacob
Sunday, April 3, 2011
David's Stand Up Debut
For those of you who couldn't join us at the LOL Comedy Club tonight, here's David...
Monday, March 28, 2011
Updates...
I have several updates that I wrote while I was on the road that I haven't posted yet. I didn't realize that I hadn't sent them to the blog. I'll get that done this week. But, in case you haven't heard the great news...
the doctors at MD Anderson found no new spots of Cancer. The tiny spots on my neck are still there, but they haven't changed in size ... still just 3 spots that are about 2 millimeters each. Nothing of concern at all. So we are calling it a remission still. Yeah! The numerous biopsies they took of my GI system had raised some suspicions; however, it just appears that the Cancer was originally in my stomach.
What's good about that is that it appears the primary source of the Cancer would have been the stomach, which means I'm less likely to relapse soon. Therefore, I don't need to go back for check ups every 3 months as originally planned. The doctor said he'll see me in 6 months. YEAH! As long as I don't have any new lumps and as long as I don't become symptomatic again, then I just get to kick back and be "Cancer Free" for 6 months.
Also, on the good news front ...
We received test results back from Ryan's Metabolic Geneticist. Remember they were rechecking some of his tests ... zinc, thyroid, protein levels. Well, they all came back in normal ranges. This is good news; however, if I'm being honest, I have some mixed feelings about this news.
The mixed feelings just come from a place of wishing there were an easy fix for everything. I guess it would have been nice to have learned that he had a zinc deficiency and simply giving him x amount of zinc would resolve everything.
I definitely accept Ryan as he is and will always love him and cherish the blessings that come with his challenges. But, there is a part of me that longs for an "easy" fix.
I suspect any Mom would.
the doctors at MD Anderson found no new spots of Cancer. The tiny spots on my neck are still there, but they haven't changed in size ... still just 3 spots that are about 2 millimeters each. Nothing of concern at all. So we are calling it a remission still. Yeah! The numerous biopsies they took of my GI system had raised some suspicions; however, it just appears that the Cancer was originally in my stomach.
What's good about that is that it appears the primary source of the Cancer would have been the stomach, which means I'm less likely to relapse soon. Therefore, I don't need to go back for check ups every 3 months as originally planned. The doctor said he'll see me in 6 months. YEAH! As long as I don't have any new lumps and as long as I don't become symptomatic again, then I just get to kick back and be "Cancer Free" for 6 months.
Also, on the good news front ...
We received test results back from Ryan's Metabolic Geneticist. Remember they were rechecking some of his tests ... zinc, thyroid, protein levels. Well, they all came back in normal ranges. This is good news; however, if I'm being honest, I have some mixed feelings about this news.
The mixed feelings just come from a place of wishing there were an easy fix for everything. I guess it would have been nice to have learned that he had a zinc deficiency and simply giving him x amount of zinc would resolve everything.
I definitely accept Ryan as he is and will always love him and cherish the blessings that come with his challenges. But, there is a part of me that longs for an "easy" fix.
I suspect any Mom would.
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Health
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