Hello

OK OK I'm really sorry, but I've just had a few things keeping me from the laptop. I've had brief moments in which I've tried to keep up with you. So, I thought I'd just let you know I'm among the living. You know when you think it just has to slow down or you may ..... life takes on a whole new level of speed and somehow you manage to stay afloat and actually adjust - rebounding from one day to the next. Well, that's me right now. I'm going to post something I wrote last week and just didn't finish. In the meantime... Lavycountry has increased in population by three puppies. It was a rather traumatic birth as she delivered a bit premature by our calculations. As we were preparing to leave for church last Sunday we were abruptly halted and quickly transformed our house into a beagle neonatal intensive care unit. All said and done we have three little healthy, fat puppies.

Steve came in from Texas this past weekend. He had a whole two days and then it was back to base and lock down until he's deployed to Kuwait. It was nice to see him and can't wait until he's back again.

Racing season is here. This thick winter insulation that I've accumulated must go. First race in about three weeks. AAAAAHHH! I'm undecided at this point if I'll be joining the team for that one, but I have started the training. Oh, the pain!

That's it for now. Hope you all are well and please whoever is enjoying some Spring-like weather PLEASE, PLEASE send it my way. I need it so badly. Catch y'all later.

When life gives you this....

Make these.....

There are benefits to being snowed in! In a feeble effort to keep up with my fellow bloggers I am posting a picture of the result to my labors in the kitchen. Oh, they were so good with our Sunday dinner. And, too, I am just so sick of that other picture I have had glaring at me for too long! This was the snow and dinner rolls from this past weekend.

There is a herd of deer that have been frequenting the back of our field. They're pretty small in the picture as this was taken from my house and it is a long way back there.

Since I'm so far behind which just seems to be normal lately, I'll give you some quick updates.

Gatlinburg last month was wonderful. Me and my hubby headed for the mountains all alone! What a pitiful site we were - just the two of us with nothing more to do than whatever we wanted to!! It was great. We missed the girls and were very ready to see them, but we were thankful to have the time together.

We have been pretty occupied lately with the renovation of a farmhouse. I'm fairly sure neither one of the girls will be a painter or drywall hanger after this is all over, but there is one two year old that has mastered the scaffolding! I'll post before and after pics when it's done.

This is my busy time at work and I usually take advantage of it being that I would rather work in the winter vs. summer. So, I've picked up a few more days during the week by taking on a temporary part-time position. I like to think of myself as a stay at home mom with a job, because for the most part I can stay at home when I want because I schedule myself. And, I also like to think leaving your kids with responsible, Christian influences will add to their character. And, maybe it is because I have a tremendously rewarding job that I really do love. Uh, oh! Hold on a minute while I digress. I just have to share. I have the best job ever. I know what most people say about peds -- "How can you stand it?" "It is just too sad". Well, kids are kids even when they're sick and they need someone to take care of them and yes, I've gotten paid for playing games, singing Barney and the Wiggles, and just recently donning a birthday hat and celebrating with my dear patient in her room - complete with a goody bag. Kids are so tough. They are so forgiving - I have had to start IV's and poke and insert tubes and at the end of the day when it's "all done" - have them jump in my arms and give me big hugs. And, they have given me so much more than I have ever given them. When you see kids faced with death it keeps your life in perspective. You don't forget to thank God for good health and the ease of breathing. OK - I'll quit. I have so many stories, though. Well, maybe if you're interested I'll have to drop one in every now and then. I just thank God for the privilege of touching lives through pediatric nursing and the blessing it has brought to me.

Where was I......?

So, our lives have taken on quite a pace these last several months. I know people get so tired of hearing "I'm just so busy". I get tired of saying it.

Before I headed into work Monday we had some fun time out in the snow. How strange it was being hot and playing out in the snow. We had to take pictures of us in our t-shirts out in the snow. Beth and Isaiah joined us for some 4 wheelin' and snowman building. Didn't post the t-shirt pic - use your imagination :o)

Oh, I'm such a dork - that is the second time I've used that word today - see I told you I didn't finish, but this is just a representation of my life lately. At least I gave you some idea what I've been up to and I no longer have to be greeted by that crazy picture!

Breaking the silence

Runner-up for the SI Swimsuit Cover

Now the secrets out. You know what I've been up to. Personally, I think it was a pretty tough call. Oh, what a mood I'm in.... It's the February ailment I experience almost every year. Last year we headed down to North Carolina about this time and what a therapeutic treatment it was for my ailing spirits. T-shirts and playing in the park - it was great. Don't take me wrong. I love winter and snow. It is the in-between that sends my spirits nose diving.

Joking aside - that is not what I've been up to. I on the other hand have been just attempting to keep up with all the things moms do. No big races, no extravagant trips, no huge accomplishments, not even a great buy on a year's supply of toilet paper. But, maybe it is in the eye of the beholder .... Because, while just surviving and maintaining is not big in your eyes it could be pretty significant in my 2 and 8 yr. old's eyes when the flip side of maintaining is no fresh laundry in their drawers no home cooked meals and in our case no school. So, while my spirits drift a little this time of year it only takes a sweet note from my "Calm" or an "I love you much" from my "Wild" or surprise flowers from my hubby and it makes my heart smile and combats these cabin fever blues head on. Oh, and the other element that is sure to put an end to my gray days of Winter is a weekend getaway to a remote location with my handsome man. There are benefits to having your birthday and Valentine's Day side by side.

If any of you are like me and need a bit of sunshine -- here's what I have to offer.

God sees the storm from the other side

He knows the lessons learned and just beyond the clouds He sees clear skies

He speaks peace to the raging storm, when peace could not be found

He already sees the rainbow when we see only clouds

words from He Already Sees written by Dianne Wilkinson and Joseph Smith

Now that has to brighten your day! It did mine. Hope all is well and you take joy in all the blessing around you.

Mobilization Ceremony for Steve

Friday was the call to duty / mobilization ceremony for my cousin Steve. Usually when introducing one another we just say sister and brother. It just seems more appropriate since cousin denotes distance and brother - closeness. But anyways...., it was with mixed emotions I attended the ceremony. A part of me swelled with pride while the other half cowered in fear. As I saw the group of soldiers - dads, husbands, boyfriends, sons, and brothers march in I felt so much emotion. I managed control of the urges within me to scream, yell, cry. We were all safe in that high school here in the cozy US of A with our little symbols of freedom being waved freely. They our American soldiers were within reach. I could catch a glimpse of him down there on the third row. And, if I caught his eye and gave him some familiar goofy look he would gesture back, but he in a matter of hours he would be leaving. No longer in my grasp, out of view, away from the security of this great nation and on - head on to enemy territory. I know many are anticipating his arrival and he will be their hero, but the shadow of the enemy clouds my optimism. I took hold of the determination and grit displayed on so many of their faces - the least of which not being that of their commander. He, with a look that could stop you dead in your tracks - swore this troop was ready for their mission, they would be successful and meet us back here for the hero ceremony next January. I know he cannot guarantee the future, but everyone knew exactly what he was saying and that positivity and God's grace is just what is going to keep my head up and looking forward to the day he comes back to my house for cookies and lasagna. Until then, I'll be praying for him, Melissa and Taylor everyday and flying my flag a little higher as my freedom just became even more dear. I love you, brother. Come home safe.

Wayne's space

One of Wayne's favorite things to do this time of year. And you can't get it done better than with several good hounds. Here's to Wayne and the Pastor and the three hounds that had a good day of rabbit hunting last week. Wayne has fond memories of past times with great friends and good beagles. What a life - a man and a couple good huntin' dogs!

I often thought Wayne was such a deprived little boy, hardly knowing any "fairy tale" stories. But, one he knew quite well was Fox and the Hound. I almost fell off my chair one day when he started singing the words to "I'd rather have a dog than a dollar". That's my man!

17 years today!

It was the summer of 1989. I was preparing for GBS. I would be leaving in several weeks and on my list of things to do was the "breaking up" with my boyfriend. We had been friends forever and had went "steady" for the last 6 months or so. And now the obligation befell me to release "him" since we would have to endure a long distance relationship and that would be fair to neither of us. His response was short and simple - "but, I love you". So, I said are you sure and he never said anything that he wasn't already sure about and we stuck it out. Him making the trip to Cincinnati almost every weekend of the school year to pick me up and make his presence just in case anyone had any doubt about me having a boyfriend :o)

Senior trip to Gatlinburg in May of '90 was quite a trip especially after my Wayne shows up with Randy (my best friend's beau). We happened to be horseback riding at the time. I'll never forget coming out of the woods to the clearing to see Wayne and that Monte Carlo SS in the parking lot. Needless to say - I did almost fall off that horse.

That weekend we managed a short drive by ourselves. Wayne drove me to a park, parked the car, turned in his seat and with a voice that wasn't quite as confident as usual popped the question. I will tell you I was immediately in shock. All I could think of was - I was still in high school! And my life begin to pass before my eyes. And after it stopped rolling - I knew he was for me. He would love me forever. And I said.......yes. Wayne said that was a long pause.

We planned to have a Spring wedding which turned into a Winter one due to exam schedule (I was in college), but hey, that shortened the engagement by several months and that was good. Living the lifestyle we chose to live - long engagements are not a good idea.

We went back to Gatlinburg on our honeymoon. Two kids with aspiration and determination, enough love for the whole world and enough energy to run there if we had to. We had about $300 to our name, no reservations and too young and in love to know any better.

Seventeen years later here is what I know -

You can still be in love after being together 17 yrs

You don't exactly feel "in love" everyone of those days

It's not all about getting but a lot about giving and at the end of the day you realize that while giving you end up receiving much more than you could have even asked for

There is great reward in making a strong, loving marriage - it doesn't just happen it takes work and sometimes hard work, it has been well worth the effort

I may not have seen my worst days, but may be I haven't seen my best days either.

I love you, Wayne. I thank God for you. I'd say - "yes" all over again. And, maybe this time I wouldn't pause :o) Thank you for 17 wonderful years. Now, on to the next 57! Meet ya in the hay, 12:00 sharp!

Catching up -- again

I have had my share of computer / online trouble lately. The USB modem being the latest of the issues. Oh, well, it's not like I have had a whole lot of extra time anyway. But... I do have one very important announcement! My little miracle baby that I referenced in the last post, is now 8 years old!! She was born Dec. 9, 1999. My due date for her was Jan. 1, 2000. Yes, I was projected to have the "millenium baby". I can remember one maternity shirt I had said "a baby like this comes along once in a millenium". Not only did my dates point to exactly Jan. 1, but so did ultrasound after ultrasound. In my mind I just thought it was God's way of letting me know every thing was going to be ok - giving me such a significant due date. Although everyone else thought that is was just so cool - a hospital was one of the last places I wanted to be on the much anticipated "Y2K". Mariah Carey's "All I want for Christmas is You" was my theme song. And guess what.... After working a 3-11 shift I woke up around 6 a.m. the next morning and was greeted with that wet feeling that you only hope and pray doesn't happen on Sunday morning while sitting in church. (That was always my fear.) My hubby kicked it into high gear while I meandered into the shower. We arrived at the hospital around 8 ish and she was born at 7:46 that night. Three weeks early, 7 lbs 4oz ,and a ton of reddish hair. Wow, I knew I wanted to be a mom, but I just didn't have any idea.... The amazement of looking into my children's faces and seeing bits of me and Wayne looking back is beyond words. I cannot even begin to describe the love I felt for her that day. Somewhere deep in my heart she reached. Awakening a love that had never been felt. It now consumes me and I will never be the same. Just before I left our house for the hospital, I was standing in the hallway heading out to the garage. I can remember having this monumental thought as if it were yesterday. I stopped and looked around. It hit me. This oversized house that Wayne and I had shared alone was never going to be the same. Our life as we knew it was never going to be the same. It was a blessed change. I will always know and understand "a mama's love".

Lauryn Alexis - you were the one that gave "mama" meaning to me. I love you so much. Thank you for all the happy moments. You are truly our gift from God. Always walk with Him. You are a wonderful daughter and great big sister. Happy Birthday, my big girl!