Saturday night "Wii date"

Justin's cousin Alison and her husband Brian just got a new Wii game system. They brought it over to our house for dinner and games saturday night, and boy was it fun... and tiring!!! It really gives you a workout! Well, at least for out of shape people like me! We played tennis, bowling, baseball, and best of all boxing! That was the most tiring and fun! During all of the comotion, we lost track of the two little ones, and found them back in the playroom. Below is the scene we found!

bragging on my neice

I want you to close your eyes and imagine the cutest little neice you could possibly have. Perfect in every way, she's beautiful, spunky, imaginative... Well, here you go...
The only thing that could possibly make this picture any cuter is if you could hear her voice... well today is your lucky day... have a listen...

WARNING: the following is a bit graphic

So the kids were playing in the sandbox last night which had a little bit of water in it, so they got pretty messy. Gabe sat right down in it so his diaper was pretty soggy. He decided to take it off. I figured I would let him run around naked for a few minutes before his bath since he loves to be naked. He stood over by the edge of the driveway facing some mulch. His hips were thrust forward a bit like he was aiming. He just stood there like he was waiting for something to happen. I decided to watch. Eventually he peed! I was so proud of him. And he was pretty proud too! That's when I went inside to start running the bath water. When I came back out, this is what I found:

Oh boy.

strawberry picking!

Yesterday we went strawberry picking with Aunt Shannon and three of her kiddos. It was great. The strawberries were red, juicy and beautiful! The kids did a great job picking the perfectly ripe ones. In fact, Gabe smushed his thumb into a few. He's an aggressive picker! Next time... blueberry picking!!!

A sweet welcome home

I got back in last night around 8:30 and stopped in to the hospital to visit little Conner who is fighting a serious infection in his knee and leg. He seemed in very good spirits but things are still not improving. I pulled in the driveway at about 9pm and the boys opened the door before I could even get to it. It was so wonderful to be greeted by their hugs. I immediately noticed that Isaiah felt very hot. He was running and fever and so we gave him some medicine and he actually slept through the night but was still hot each time I checked on him. When I walked in the door though, I noticed two empty wine glasses waiting on the counter next to several birthday cards and a gift. There were candles lit in the kitchen, living room and bedroom. It was very sweet. After we got the kids into bed Justin pulled a very nice bottle of champagne from the fridge. I opened several great cards that he picked out. They were very funny and my gift is that we can do some painting around the house that I have been itching to do. I love to change colors. He is going to paint the kitchen and my bedroom. He wanted to have it done when I got home but wasn't sure if I had made a final decision on the colors yet. Anyway, we had a very nice evening together. Now I'm 28, hard to believe that it's been a decade since I graduated from high school. I still feel like such a kid! Anyway, it looks like we will be back up to see my Dad in about two weeks. Time will tell if we can make it up to the lake or not. So far things don't look very promising but we'll see.

update

Hello friends! Thanks for checking in on my blog. I flew up to NJ today to spend a few days with my Mom & Dad. It's so great to see them face to face. I cannot even begin to tell you. Thank you Anne, Shannon & Alison for devoting so much time to my boys and loving on them so well while I'm up here. You'll never know the eternal blessing you're allowing me. One-on-one time with my parents cannot be described any other way than "priceless". My Dad is doing fairly well. Confusion still plagues him. But if we take our time with things, it helps. My Mom noticed this morning htat his right leg was swollen and she got a nurse over here immediately. It turns out he has a second blood clot in his leg, now that makes it one in each leg. They are starting him on blood thinners again. We are in the process of planning a trip up to the lake so my Dad can see his favorite place one last time. It brings him so much joy. I hope we can give him this experience like a gift. You know the saying "you can't take it with you", well most things you can't, but I do believe you can take what's in your soul, and that's your relationships and what's in your heart that you love. My Dad loves the Adirondack Mountains and has for decades. I would love to see his eyes light up as he looks out from the cabin at what he loves to call the "vistas". He cracks me up! I just got finished reading to him and now he's asleep. Pray for my Mom and my sister. They are full time care-takers and it is quite a lot. They are two very strong women who need supernatural support. Remember them if you will. They mean the world to me.

a 2-year-old demanding justice

This is too funny. This morning the boys wanted to wear their holsters. We only have two guns that fit in the holsters and Isaiah wanted both of them and wouldn't share. After unsuccessfully trying to convince Isaiah to share with this brother, Gabe says "Mommy, pank (spank)... Zay (Isaiah)... butt... beh-rum (bedroom)". These boys are always the first to speak up when the other brother needs a spanking!!!

some special visitors for dad

My Dad had some old friends fly in from California to visit this week. I guess they've known each other for about 40 years! Pretty amazing. And the smile on my Dad's face says it all. I know he had a great time. And would you please check out that knock-out in the back... that's my Mom!!! I have to tell you this story. Yesterday I took the kids to Harris Teeter to return a movie to the machine and I always let them get a free cookie from the bakery. On our way back out to the car we passed a beautiful 30-something proffessionally dressed woman loading her groceries into her car. Isaiah yells "Grandma!" and then realizes it wasn't Grandma, butby then he had Gabe convinced that Grandma was in one of the cars, so the whole way home, everytime we stopped at a red light, Gabe would look over at the cars next to us and say "Grandma?". It was a precious moment, I just had to call my Mom and tell her. Boy do I miss her too.

`

while mom's away... the boys will play

While I was up visiting my parents, the boys got to help their cousin Nathan celebrate his 8th birthday. It was a pirate theme party, and all the kids got swords and bandanas. I hate I couldn't be there, but these pictures my sister-in-law took give you a pretty good idead of how much fun they got to have! Happy Birthday Nathan!!! You ROCK!!!

Leaving a legacy

This morning my Dad and I had a great talk for about an hour. We talked about my childhood, his time in Vietnam, "life-strategies", a lot. These times have been unforgettable. He doesn't speak as many words as he used to, so you really hold onto the words he does say. He has to take a lot of time to think about what he wants to say and you can really tell that it comes right from his heart. Last night he was having a lot of confusion remebering exactly where he was. When his brother Greg and his wife Aimee got here he asked them if they had been down to the water yet; as if we were at the lake house, which he cannot wait to get to. He also has asked me what floor we are on and what room is through the doorway next to his bed. When I tell him it clicks and he remembers but then it could be gone in minutes. I was thinking this morning about what a belssing I consider it that he is having trouble with short term memory and not long term. Not that I willingly accept the hardship this is causing my Dad, but it allows us to spend priceless time reminiscing. His long-term memory is sharp as a tack and that is very special. He knows exactly who everyone is and can talk about funny memories from the past. So who really cares if he doesn't know what floor he's on. We have what matters, his heart and his ever-enduring spirit. I have so much respect for my Dad I cannot even begin to tell you the depths of his uniqueness. Well, had to get that out. Need to get off the computer. I'll be heading home early tomorrow. Can't wait to see my honey and my punks! Thanks everybody who's staying in touch with me. I really appreciate all of you in my life.

Gethsemane

All those who journey, soon or late,
Must pass within the garden's gate;
Must kneel alone in darkness there,
And battle with some fierce despair.
God pity those who cannot say:
"Not mine but thine;" who only pray:
"Let this cup pass," and cannot see
The purpose in Gethsemane.

- Ella Wheeler Wilcox

sweet boys

I've been trying to upload a short video from my camera of Gabe counting. It's not bad for a two-year-old. Who knew hide-and-seek was so educational? And last night Gabe did not want to stay in bed so Isaiah started singing to him in the dark. We could just barely hear him over the fan. It was the sweetest thing I've ever heard. That surely makes a mom proud.

I'm stuck someplace between preparing myself for what might come and hoping for a miracle. It's seems pretty clear that things will not improve at this point but I'm having trouble feeling like I'm giving up on him.
My Dad does this really funny dance, like he's crapping himself, and I realized yesterday that I'll never see him do that dance again. He's also everyone's biggest cheerleader. I will selfishly miss his excitement and encouragement.
The boys are really growing up. Gabe is talking up a storm and acts like a true Power Ranger. He has all the moves down pat - you should see his spin-kick. Isaiah is showing signs of my special gifting as a young child, temper-tantrums. This boy can pitch a fit with the best of them. I don't know that I would discribe myself as proud, but it is cool to see such amazing similarities.
Well, I think I'll have one more bowl of cereal and try to get back to bed. Hug your family today and tell them how much they mean to you. Don't wait.

Justin got up here last night. It was great to see him. There's a lot to do to get ready to bring Dad home. We're packing some things up and moving furniture so we're ready when Hospice delivers the hospital bed and equipment tomorrow morning. Well, I'm exhausted. I stayed at the hospital for two straight days and through the night. I think sleep should come easy tonight. Looking forward to seeing Dad back in the comforts of his own home. I miss my little boys.

I can't sleep. I tried to go to bed really early tonight because I wasn't feeling well today, but I just can't sleep. My pillow is all wet and cold. The tears won't stop today. This is happening sooner and faster than we tried to prepare ourselves for. Not that we'll ever be prepared or ready. But we did hope to get Dad strong enough to get up to the lake or we even talked about the family going to Italy, but now it looks as if he will be confined to his bed. Unreal. Unthinkable. Unimaginable. Unfair. I got to talk to him a little today. He mentioned an encounter with a Catholic priest during one of his previous stays in the hospital. We began talking about what we believe. I specifically asked him if he knew that God loves him, and he quickly responded that he was sure he believed that. I asked him how he felt about him having to be sick like this. He was quiet and thinking, and I said "are you mad?". He said "not at all". That's my Dad.

My Dad's back in the hospital. He needed help getting to the bathroom today and once he got there he couldn't move, let alone get back to the living room. Thankfully my sister was there with him and called an ambulance. He's waiting to get transferred to a better hospital. And here I am in North Carolina, helpless and unable to do shit. Life just stopped. I quickly realize that all that matters is each of you and all my family. I feel quilty for wanting a new bedspread. Why do I care about the landscaping. I can be such a materialistic brat sometimes. I am determined to break that off of myself. I can't let my Dad's suffering go by without it being a cause of change for the better. He's worth more that that; he's worth everything. He's so smart and funny and giving. Please pray. Mercy for a good man. Heal him and make him whole again. He doesn't deserve this; if anything, someone like me does.

Lord have mercy, Buzzy's 30!!!

...almost. Justin's real birthday is Thursday and he turns 30! We had a surprise party for his over the weekend at his mom & dad's house. Unfortunately, he suspected something when he saw some decorations near the window when he traded cars with his dad that morning. Oh well, we still had a great time! Here are a few shots from the party. I'll try to figure out how to upload the video on the new camera. And let me just say something... could he be any cuter? It feels like such an honor to get to spend the rest of my life with him, because he just gets better every day.

Sleepover

Isaiah and Gabe's 2nd cousin Conner spent the night with us last night. I thought it was so cute how they snuggled together this morning to watch cartoons!

A great time...

My parents came down and stayed with us for a few days while my Dad got started on a new chemo, which he is tolerating very well so far. The kids had a ball!!! Here are a few pictures from their wonderful-but-much-too-short-visit...

Gabe said "Gama, come on... fight...ya!" as he kicked his leg like a power ranger. They love to wrestle with my Mom and she loves watching their "moves"!

Life is a rollercoaster

Well, I just got back sunday evening from a very nice visit with my parents. I stayed for 3 days and got to enjoy their company and love on them, which felt really good. It's hard being so far away. When I returned, everyone was great, Justin did a great job. Then at about midnight Isaiah threw up. It turns out he has either the flu or a stomach virus combined with a cold. Poor thing. It's so painful when he looks into my eyes. He doesn't need to say a thing. I can almost feel his pain. He's been such a trooper. Here are a few pictures. We hope to recover quick enough to see my parents when they come down to Duke, but it doesn't look likely. All I can say is this roller coaster has to be heading up sometime soon! Make it a great day... "life IS good", be brave, have faith, feel God's embrace.

My baby's 2!

We celebrated Gabe's birthday last night. It was a small party due to several being sick, but we Gabe enjoyed the spotlight. He got some neat gifts and ate chocolate pie. Here are a few pictures from last night.

While Gabe took his nap, Isaiah & I wrapped presents and Isaiah decorated the house with streamers. It was so cute to watch him enjoy surprising his brother. This pisture shows Isaiah's reaction when Gabe woke up from his nap and saw us decorating.
This Gabe's reaction to seeing the decorations

I told Shannon it looked a bit like a crime scene, but Isaiah was really proud of it!

Proud of ME!!! :)

photographer: Nathan Forbis

One of my stained glass customers homes was featured in a local magazine, "From House to Home". They even mentioned my name in the caption of the sunroom where the transom is! Unfortunately the photographer didn't take the picture with light behind the transom so you can't see how beautiful the colors are, but it's still exciting! Check it out! Go to the following link, click on more featured homes and then the one titled French Country Style. It will then show you pictures of the interior. The transom is in the navy blue sunroom.

http://www.fromhousetohome.com/

a great blog

I've been following this blog for a while now. It's called "Confessions of a Pioneer Woman". She left her high class life in California when she fell in love with Marlboro Man, her husband, and moved to his farm in the country raising wild mustangs and cattle... and four children! She's a great writer, photographer and cook. You really should check out her latest entry for Feb. 18th called "The Greatest Surprise".

www.thepioneerwoman.com

Homemade sidewalk paint

Last week it was really nice outside and I was trying to come up with something fun to do with the kids. I really wanted to go and get some sidewalk chalk and paint at the store, but I'm just slack and didn't feel like riding out so I went on the internet and found a recipe to make our own. It worked okay, not great. The kids enjoyed it and as you can see Isaiah and I worked on spelling his name. I did the "I"and the "S" and he was able to do the rest with me talking him through it. He's really doing well with his letters and sounds. He's so eager to learn, which makes it fun. He loves his preschool and his teacher "Miss Tracy". He's made lots of friends and has gained so much self confidence. I'm one proud mama indeed!

Some misc. pictures

one rockin' dude dancing to U2

Isaiah turned part of his scooter into a pretty cool gun!

Cuddling

Justin thought it was hilarious when he saw Alison and I doing "satin lips" from Mary Kay! I guess you could say it's like cleaning out a closet... it looks worse before it gets better! :)

Snow Day!

a Valentine's Day tribute to my love...

I had originally intended on posting a slideshow to honor my hubby for Valentine's Day, but Photobucket and Blogger didn't want to cooperate. ;) I went looking for photos of the two of us as a couple, and realized that I didn't have any on my computer!!! How terrible! But then I noticed something. All of the photos that I found of him were with our two precious sons, born of our love for each other. How fitting. So I found it not neccessary that I was not in the pictures, because at the same time, I sort of was! (i know that's not proper grammar, who really cares anyway?) I feel so lucky that I'm living my dreams right now. Life on earth can throw some crap at you every now and then but like my Dad said one day, if life on earth was perfect and free from suffering then what would heaven be? I'm so thankful that I'm married to a man with as much character, integrity and conviction as Justin. I feel at such peace knowing that my kids are being raised by the father they have just as I was raised by my precious, one-of-a-kind, brilliant, funny, selfless, silly father! (i love you dad) How blessed I am that he wants me forever.

More laughs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9WmKre5O2I

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYxNMFbgLEM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yeJPmSrHUQo

Love these guys!

I had to share this clip. I don't know if you follow these guys, but they're great. We don't have cable, but Justin and I watch clips from the Colbert Report online. He's my favorite. His comments and "insight" ;) into political news is hilarious and refreshing! Check out the show sometime, it won't let you down!

(warning moms, the word "ass" is used several times)
http://www.comedycentral.com/motherload/player.jhtml?ml_video=155946&is_large=true

“A woman is like a teabag—only in hot water do you realize how strong she is.”
~Nancy Reagan

BestHomeschooling.org

I Took His Hand and Followed
~Mrs. Roy L. Peifer

My dishes went unwashed today,
I didn't make the bed,
I took his hand and followed
Where his eager footsteps led.
Oh yes, we went adventuring,
My little son and I...
Exploring all the great outdoors
Beneath the summer sky
We waded in a crystal stream,
We wandered through a wood...
My kitchen wasn't swept today
But life was gay and good.
We found a cool, sun-dappled glade
And now my small son knows
How Mother Bunny hides her nest,
Where jack-in-the-pulpit grows.
We watched a robin feed her young,
We climbed a sunlit hill...
Saw cloud-sheep scamper through the sky,
We plucked a daffodil.
That my house was neglected,
That I didn't brush the stairs,
In twenty years, no one on earth
Will know, or even care.
But that I've helped my little boy
To noble manhood grow,
In twenty years, the whole wide world
May look and see and know.

Optimus Prime & Bumblebee tatoos