wow - christmas has come and gone...........

I can't believe it's over!!

We celebrated the beginning of Christmas Eve at my older sister's house - Deniese. She was having a few friends over for a small Christmas party and Jake and I had to crash it early because "Santa" had to put together a few of Jake's toys.........kind of hard to put together a HUGE drum set with Jake in the very next room!! LOL....so, I took him over to Deniese's house for a while.........he had a great time playing with his friend Curtis - they were playing Star Wars with Jake's new swords that he had previously opened (I was a sucker and let him open two gifts prior to Christmas eve - one was a Sponge bob pillow and the other was his star wars swords!).......

We left Deniese's house around 7:00 and hurried home for Christmas with the in-laws. Jake was so excited because we open all our gifts from each other on Christmas eve so that the only gifts on Christmas morning are the ones from "Santa"!! My in-laws have a long standing tradition of serving homemade summer sausage and German Noodle soup (since they are full fledged German!). The noodle soup is AMAZING - but since the noodles are homemade - it tends to take forever. I will have to learn how to make it though - so I can pass on the tradition as well. This was the first year that Jake would eat it - and he liked it - so I guess I'd better start learning! The homemade summer sausage is very good too .....that - I have learned how to make and it's not bad for you like the regular summer sausage - this is made with the leanest meat you can find!

After dinner - we started opening gifts - Jake was so pumped - he could hardly stand himself.......he got books, (which when he opened these - he said "I don't want books!!) LOL. He got a children's bible, clothes, drum sticks, DS Lite (gameboy with several games)PJ's, and several other little toys. Jake had also purchased - by himself at the santa shop at school - gifts for all of us - so, as we opened each one - his face was lit up like the Christmas tree itself! Because Daddy likes sports - he got sports cards.....too funny! Mommy got a necklace - Nana (grandma) got a bracelet and Pop (grandpa) got some kind of tool.....he was so excited - these are the precious gifts that I will hold onto forever. Mark had taken him shopping for me - so, in that gift (that Jake picked out) were a bunch of socks (for the gym) and a hand held mirror......sweet. I took him for Mark and Mark didn't get as lucky as Jake picked out this god awful Built Ford Tough baseball cap!!!!! Oh well - Mark can mow in it!!! LOL

Once everything settled down - Nana read the Christmas story to Jake and we finally got him in the bed around 10:30......and then, Santa came to see us!!! It was quite the sight - 4 adults trying to bring in a HUGE drum set and be quiet all at the same time!!!!! Mission accomplished though......

Christmas morning.........we (the parents) wake up at 6:00 because we want to be stationed in the living room to see his face when he wakes up and walks in there.......7:00 rolls around and I'm like - OK - I can't take it anymore - i'm waking him up!!!!!! And, I did!!!! LOL.....

Here is the thing about Jake - he is EXACTLY like his dad when it comes to showing excitement......that would be - NONE........so, he walks into the living room and when he sees his drums - instead of jumping up and down - like I'm hoping he will - he just stands there in awe and grabs his chest........and then the cutest thing comes out of his mouth......he says "I think my heart is going to stop!"!!!!! LOL...we cracked up!!!!! Then, he got excited - he also got from santa a new - real - Junior Electric guitar with the amplifier and a cord - so he thinks he is it on a stick!!!!

Needless to say - he hasn't left his band room in DAYS - and mommy has severe ear aches!!! LOL.....not really - if he didn't know what he was doing - it might be different - but since he plays the drum's exceptionally well for a 6 year old - it's not bad at all. I've actually learned how to tune him out - so I can basically ignore him!

Christmas dinner was great - my sisters, Carla and Deniese, (with her husband Glenn and his dad) came over as well as my in-laws and we ate until we were stuffed above and beyond!!!

The day after Christmas - we headed to Conroe for the Patrick Christmas - where we ate again!!! That was lots of fun as well - it's always fun to see everyone in one setting. Grammy and Popsie was gracious to host us this year and it's always a treat to be in their home.......

Now, my house is back to normal - Christmas stuff is in the attic and one more year has passed.......we are ready for a new year - with new blessings and new challenges - God has been really good to us and for that, we are so thankful.

New things are on the horizon for us and we are grabbing on to them and running full force. Looking forward to what the new year has in store for us.

Hope that all of you have a Blessed and Prosperous 2010.....May God bless each of you above and beyond what you could even imagine!

Love from our family
Karen

Happy Birthday Dad!!!

Every day the whole year through,
I feel grateful you are my father.
Some fathers don't have time for their kids,
But for you I'm never a bother.

You always make the effort to listen and share;
You're always there when you're needed.
It warms me to know how much you care,
And with that knowledge my worries are defeated

Dad, you are truly admired and adored,
And as your daughter, I hope that you know,
These sentiments fill me each day of the year,
And my love for you continues to grow.

I love this poem!!!! It shares everything that I feel towards you Dad. I love you and I hope that your day is filled with Joy. Have a great birthday!! I know you will have a fun filled day tomorrow with Shirley and her kids - you have been a wonderful step-dad and popsie to all her kids......never treating them differently or like they weren't yours - that says alot about your character! They know that you haven't tried to take their fathers place - you just offered yourself to them for who you are........

We are looking forward to spending time with you and Shirley on Saturday.......we love you bunches!!!

Karen

Polar Express anyone?

Jake's last day of school on Friday was soooo cute! They planned a party following the Polar Express movie (for those of you who haven't seen the movie - it's about a little boy who doesn't believe in Christmas or Santa anymore and he jumps on a magical train that takes him to the north pole).......they had the hallways decorated like a train - with train tracks down the middle of the floor and polar express signs everywhere - and snow flakes falling from the ceiling. In the classroom - they had the chairs lined up like they were on a train!! Too cute. They also got to wear their PJ's to school that day because in the movie - the little boy is asleep when he is captured away on the magical train - so he is in his pj's the whole movie. Jake had a blast!!!

They got to decorate a cookie with icing and M&M's and then of course, eat it!! (jake's favorite part)


They also played games - like running across the classroom with a bag of presents that they had to empty, restuff the bag with the presents and run back to their classmate and switch off! The other game was "snow blower" and it was where you took an empty toilet paper roll (which they decorated with stickers) and then they had to lay on the floor and blow a cotton ball (snow) across the finish line...........so cute!!!!! Of course, with the noise and excitement - Jake was way over stimulated and just stood on the side lines and cheered - he would have NO part of the games - but I've learned not to push him - just to let him be - but he still had fun!!!

Hope everyone has a blessed Christmas week.

Karen

coupon queen

For the guys that read my blog - this one is about coupons - so you may not be interested!! LOL

ok - so my friend Beckie from church has been talking to me for months about the coupon game that she does and how successful she is at saving money with it. Example: When Kroger has these huge sales - like mix and match 10 items for $10 and then along with all the sales items - if you have coupons within a certain amount - then you can triple, double your coupons - you can purchase a TON of groceries for less money. Beckie has gone to the store before and bought like $400 dollars worth of groceries for $100 or less...................I'm like - say what??

We went to a picnic a couple of months ago and she started talking about this with me and my husband was talking to some other people - however, when he heard the words "saving money" he almost got whip lash from turning his head to try to hear the conversation!!! I thought - uh oh - I'm doomed!!! Needless to say - when Beckie was finished describing what it was all about - Mark was all over that like crazy!!! I was thinking - I don't think so - I mean - who the heck wants to sit down and pour over coupons for hours trying to save .50c? However, I didn't understand that there were websites that did all the work for you - from telling you which paper the coupon came out of to what is free, where to purchase, etc............so, ok - if someone else will do the leg work - I'm all about it! LOL

Beckie came to my house one evening and gave me the low down - like the websites to visit that show you what the sales are, which coupon book the coupons are in, etc......and so, I've started the process. Now, this is not an easy process and I haven't accomplished it like Beckie has - but, I am learning.............I had no idea at the beginning that Kroger always doubles and triples coupons all the time - nor did I know they did 10 for $10.....you see - I never really paid attention to sales or coupons - I just bought what I needed and left...........I did plan my meals out for the month - that saved some money because I wasn't running to the store once a week - but when I would get bored with that - then I would start going once a week and spending twice the amount needed..............so, here I am - about to become "coupon queen".

I don't work - no reason I can't take the time to sit down and pay attention to what is on sale - right? I've got a stack of coupons - they look nice.............now I have to figure out what to do with them!! Beckie brought over her little "filing system" and showed me how she does it and what she does with each set of coupons out of the newspaper - she basically has a hanging folder with the date of the newspaper on top - the coupons are just dropped down in there and when she logs on to the websites (listed below) and searches out the coupons - the website will tell her which paper the coupon was in and she goes right to it..............confused yet? I was SPEECHLESS......I'm thinking - people actually do this????? wow!

So, she talked me into taking the coupons that I had - checking out the website and going to Krogers (it just so happened that they were having a huge sale that weekend) to purchase the items that I would need. Now, 10 items for $10 seems like a lot - I mean - who the heck needs 10 cool whips and 10 bags of pretzels and 10 2 liter diet cokes............well, obviously - I did!!!!! I use cool whip like it's going out of style - so I bought 10 and froze them. We drink diet coke like mad - so I bought them - I bake spicy pretzels during the holidays like crazy - so I bought the pretzels!!!!! I was pumped at this point. I used my coupons for the other items - and I purchased like 80 items and only spent like $40................WOO HOO - I was hooked!!!!! So, last night - I pulled out the Kroger sales paper (ok - I have never looked at a sales paper in my LIFE) and wrote down what I needed for the next two weeks - for Christmas and New Years and I went to the grocery store..........I bought all my groceries for Christmas dinner and the makings for 9 other meals and only spent $150..............that may seem high to some - but you have to realize - I normally spend about $300!!! I cut my moola in half!!! I'm starting to get excited about this.......now it's going to become a challenge for me..........some of my friends want to do it too - so after the first of the year - I'm going to get Beckie to help us and I will blog about it too.........

Some of the websites - if you are interested in checking them out to just see what is out there are as follows (also, if you play the coupon game and have any suggestions or new websites - please leave a comment or email me at karkaypat@yahoo.com and I will add your thoughts/suggestions/comments to the blog!).

cell fire www.cellfire.com
Short cuts www.shortcuts.com
P&G savers www.pgeverydaysolutions.com
Vocalpoint www.vocalpoint.com
Hot coupon world www.hotcouponworld.com
Coupon Mom www.couponmom.com
Coupon Tom www.coupontom.com

Hot coupon world and coupon Mom are my favorite!!

It will seem VERY overwhelming at the beginning - in fact - it is still overwhelming to me because I'm not good at it yet - but I am determined!!! I'm thinking the more I save on groceries, the more I can spend elsewhere - like on ME...ok maybe on Jake and Mark too!!! LOL...I know, I know - I'm trying to save money - not keep spending it!! LOL

Every penny saved is a good thing - especially these days. So, saddle up and join the rest of us FREAKS that stand in the grocery line and hold up traffic because we have an envelope full of coupons that we are DETERMINED to use!

Love to all
karen

Wow - it's Christmas time in Texas..........

OMG - where has the time gone??? I can't believe that it's been since October since I have posted anything about anything! Not that my life has been boring by any stretch of the imagination - it's just finding the time to sit down and write it out.......I wish I was more like Tracie (my step-sister) she is a great blogger...........I think I'm going to have to do like she does and post at midnight!!! LOL

Jake is moving right along in school.....he has mastered reading!!!!! The first time he came home and actually read his book to me - I cried!!!! Am I a baby or what! I just couldn't believe that he was reading.....he has come such a long way!!! When I think about the doctors telling us that he would be mentally retarded and blind - and he is perfect in so many ways - I can't help but cry when he accomplishes something is so hard for him......yet so easy for others. Such a proud moment for all of us!

He is also in Karate!!! He loves it......not sure if I have posted about that previous - but he is taking Karate and it is helping his motor skills so much! It's almost like physical therapy - helping with his balance and self control........he is too cute running around in his karate uniform. He goes two times a week - and he is loving it.

We have also signed him up for Basketball. We are trying to encourage him in all the things that he wants to try out for.......even knowing that he is not going to do good 0r be good at it....it's so hard for me to sit back and watch him try to accomplish something. I know it's good for him to try everything but as a mom - I don't want him to feel like he can't do something because of his limits. Mark gets so upset with me because i want to talk to all the coaches and let them know that he was born micro preemie - can't do everything like everyone else - Mark wants me to wait and let Jake at least try things before helping him............drives me crazy!!!! I don't want people making fun of him or wondering why he can't do things like everyone else.........I know I'm hindering him - and I'm working on it.............but, it's a mommy's heart out there.

The good thing about Jake is that he doesn't realize that he has a disability or a developmental issue - he thinks he is just as good or better than the other kids....which is to his advantage in some things and he would just as soon knock one of the kids in the face if they talk about him as he would to look at them (I know - I'm sorry that he takes after me!!!!). It was so cute at basketball tryouts because he didn't even really know how to dribble - but one of the guys that were accessing the kids would walk over to him and help him along - I was over on the sidelines just a praying!!! LOL When it was time to divvy the kids up into the teams - Mark and I were discussing who we wanted to be his coach............I couldn't take it anymore - so I went straight over to the coach that we wanted and asked him if he could take jake on his team....he ask me why - I told him that I liked the way that he was helping Jake during practice and that Jake was preemie and I wanted someone who would have the patience with Jake!!! I could feel Mark's eyes burning a hole in my back.....ROFL!!!! BUT, get this.............the man looked at me and said, "I would be honored to have him - my son over there (he pointed out this really tall dude) was born 8 weeks early and look at him now! I could have kissed him!!!!!! I looked at Mark and just smiled........mommas know best -right? LOL

Jake is also now the official drummer for the children's church at New Covenant! He thinks he is the coolest thing since bread. He even goes to band practice on Tuesday nights..........how many 6 year old's do that? He rocks the house! It's a definite god given talent - he is like a prodigy child.....all he has to do is hear a song and he can pick up the beat - amazing and freaky all at the same time!

I've been keeping myself busy. I volunteer at the school quite a bit....learning all the teachers and making myself known..............................Suzy - I know you find that hard to believe! LOL It's been lots of fun working up there and "brown nosing" as my husband puts it! I've made some really good friends by working up there - so it's been worth it.

Christmas is just around the corner - can not believe it!!! I'm ready though - it's the first time in a long time that I'm completely ready and still have a week left! Jake is so excited..............I love watching Christmas through a child's eyes - it's so magical.

I hope that everyone has a blessed week and if I have left anything off - I'll update again soon.

BTW - please keep Carla in your prayers - she is still not feeling a 100% and we really need for the doctors to find out what is wrong with her...........

Be blessed!
Karen

devotion this morning

from Joyce Meyer

These are fighting words:

The words in II Chronicles 20:6-11 are fighting words! If we listen to what the Lord is saying to us through them, we will learn something that will change our battle plan forever and give us victory after victory.

After starting his prayer by acknowledging how great, awesome, powerful and wonderful the Lord is, Jehoshaphat then began relating specific mighty acts God had performed in the past to protect his people and uphold the promises he had made to them. And in finally presenting his request, he expressed his confidence that God would handle the problem. Jehoshaphat said in so many words, "Oh, by the way, our enemies are coming against us to try and take away the possession that you gave us for our inheritance. I just thought I would mention this little problem But you are so great; I know you already have it all under control."

When we do ask God for help, we should remember that he hears us the first time we ask Him for something. We do not need to spend our prayer time asking Him for the same things over and over. We may keep talking to Him about our needs until we have assurance in our hearts that we have a break though, but we do not have to do that to move God.

God has a plan for our deliverance from every situation, even before those situations present themselves. He knows what we need before we ask Him. God is not surprised when the enemy attacks, and He is not in heaven wringing his hands, trying to figure out what to do. Our job is to focus on Him and his mighty power, worshipping Him and praising Him for the manifestation of His solution and listening for a word or direction from Him. He always has a winning battle plan!

Amen!!!

Love to all
Karen

well, my life has settled down a bit

things are just rolling along now - Carla is home getting back to normal......she is driving herself around - losing weight - looking good - feeling almost back to normal.

Pop is doing great

Jake is doing great - loving Karate and school...............we took him to the Leeland concert last week - he was so excited! Mr. Robert is a great friend of Leeland's family - so he got Jake backstage and Jake got to meet the band - that was the tip of the cake for Jake - he was beyond excited.

My hubby is working hard..........we don't get to see very much of him - but we love the weekends with him - he is a great man!

I'm pretty much just volunteering at Jake's school twice a week - keeping tabs on what he is doing and how he is doing. Meeting lots of parents and making new friends. I love his school. I'm also going to the gym 4 times a week and doing weight watchers....I'm also doing a bible study on Tuesday nights, church on Wednesday nights and choir on Thursday nights - so, I stay extremely busy....however, I do miss my job............and the people at Elevator Repair service - they are great!!! But, I know that I'm doing the right thing by being home and being accessible for my in laws and being home for Jake.

I'm also very excited about the fall season! This is my absolute favorite time of year - from October through January - I LOVE IT! My house is decorated for fall - and I'm jonesing to put up my tree already!!!!! Can't wait to start baking and making holiday cookies, pies, cakes.....etc. Why do I always start Weight watchers in the FALL!!!!! LOL

My devotion today from Joyce Meyers was too good to pass up sharing with you - hope you enjoy.


Think as God Thinks:
Provers 23:7 teaches us that we become what we think. Indeed, "where the mind goes, the man follows". One of the first principles believers must learn if we intend to walk in real victory is that our minds must be renewed according to the word of God. We must learn to think like God.

Sadly we believe many things that simply are not true. For example, some people believe they have no worth and value because people have said they do not or have treated them in a way that made them feel worthless and devalued. However, the Bible makes clear that we are so valuable to God that he sent his only son, Jesus Christ, to die and suffer in our place in order that we might be redeemed from our sins and have an intimate relationship with him.

As we learn to think as God thinks, we exchange depression and hopelessness for joyful expectation. We believe God has a wonderful future planned for us, no matter what our past has been like. WE believe God wants to bless us.

When we have negative thoughts, we end up with negative results. But, positive thoughts open the door for God to work in our lives. If we think we are unable to do certain things, we will be rendered unable - even though God's word says that we can do anything god asks us to do because of his ability in us (see Philippians 4:13) Our thoughts are that powerful.

We must all change our way of thinking before our lives will change. Romans 12:2 says we are not to conform to the world and it's ways, but we are to completely renew our minds and attitudes so we can prove for ourselves the good and perfect will of God. In other words, God has good plans for us, but we will not experience them if we cling to old ways of thinking.

We must cast down wrong thinking and replace it with thinking that God approves of. The mind is the battlefield on which our war with Satan is won or lost. Satan is a liar and a deceiver. His lies become our reality only when we believe them. Stop allowing your mind to be a garbage dump for Satan's trash and instead, make it available for God's ideas. Then you will enjoy a life worth living and have the testimony of bearing good fruit for God's glory!

Amen!!!

Have a blessed day - love each of you
Karen

Oh my goodness - it's been a while since I blogged!!!

I hadn't realized that it has been so long since I updated this thing!!!! My life is so busy - it's amazing that I get through the days without just falling into bed at night (which sometimes I do just that!).

Carla is back at her house!!!!!!! We moved her last Saturday. She had been doing things for herself mostly and it was time for her to get back into her own environment and start claiming her life back. She was VERY apprehensive at first because she wasn't sure she wanted to go back into the room that she had spent so much of her time sick as a dog!!! I kept telling her that the room didn't make her sick - she had to move past that and get back in there and claim her life back. She and I went over to the house and cleaned her room - washed her clothes and moved some stuff around. Then Saturday - Deniese and Paulette met us there and finished cleaning and getting stuff back to normal for her. We put a small refrig in her room for better access to drinks and small snacks and then Deniese bought her a recliner in order for her to be able to prop her feet up while staying in her room (she lives with roommates - so we needed the chair for her room). She still can't drive - so we are still doing some small things for her like taking her to the doctor and getting groceries for her - but overall - she is being self sufficient....

I'm happy to report that she is doing great!!!!! And yes, Suzy - with my transparency - I was doing a happy dance! It's been tough having someone in my house for 5 weeks. I didn't mind at all taking care of her - but once she was on her feet - I was ready for some "me" time. She is aware of this - so when she reads it - she won't faint from shock! LOL. My life is so busy - it was hard for me to balance being home to make sure she was ok - to running all the errands and volunteering that I do - but we survived and we made it and she is almost back to normal.

She is currently on ONE steroid!!!! She will probably stay on that until they determine what actually caused this disease. If they take her off before time - it could potentially come back - which we do not want! She has lost 40 pounds of fluid - can you believe!!! She is almost back to normal and she is so excited about that. She should be able to start getting back to church now - which she has missed so much - bless her heart - almost 6 months she has been so sick - but I think that she is going to try and go this Sunday to the early service. God is good! - AMEN.

She will go back next week for another round of blood work - if they are pleased then we will move forward and continue to heal - if they see foreign proteins - then they are going to want to go ahead and do the bone marrow extraction. She is in agreement with them - but obviously doesn't want to do that - so we are believing that when she goes back in - they will not see any foreign proteins in her blood and the extraction will not be necessary. they are just baffled as to what brought this on and are determined to find it. Your bone marrow is what produces the blood cells and they are thinking something in her bone marrow is causing it - however, God is in control and we believe his report - amen? By his stripes we are healed - regardless of what Man has to say - we stand on God's word.

I'll keep you posted on Carla.

All else is great. Jake is doing well in school. I'm volunteering two days a week at the school and he is loving seeing me in the hallways. He is always pointing at me and telling his friends "that's my mom". I know in a couple of years - he will be dodging the halls if he sees me - running the other direction.....LOL. He is also loving Karate!!!! You should see him doing his moves - cracks me right up - but he is retaining the knowledge - so I know it's something that he enjoys - otherwise - he would be playing the drums and air guitar during the whole 30 minute session.

My bible study on Tuesday nights at 1st Baptist in Humble is going great. I'm learning a lot and enjoying studying the book of John. Meeting a bunch of new ladies and creating new friendships.

Other than that - my life is just busy.....not necessarily exciting - just busy. I have Monday and Friday nights at home with my hubby - other than that - we see each other in passing......but, it's all good.....he goes to bed early during the week because he gets up at 4:00 AM - and I'm usually getting home from bible study, church and choir practice about 9:30.......weekends are precious as that is when we get to spend time together.

Ok - hope everyone has a blessed day and a great weekend. Oh yeah - please be in prayer for the Curl family in our church. One of ladies in our church lost her husband this week - funeral is Saturday. She has two children.....it's a very sad situation.

Love to all.
Karen

Carla is getting better and better

I really want to say gooder and gooder - but I know that is not correct English - regardless - it's a fact! Her doctor's appointment yesterday with the hematologist went well - she was very pleased with all of Carla's results and will be watching her for a couple of weeks before making a decision regarding the bone marrow extraction.................so, all in all - it's been a good week for Carla.

They have taken her off more steroids - she has gone from 4 a day to one and a half now! Hopefully, she will start seeing some of the swelling go down - she does one and a half for a week and then she will go to one - then (fingers crossed), when she sees the doctor on September 30th - she will be taken off all of them!!! They seem to be working on her liver - and the pain medication/antibiotic is working on the infection in her leg - so, there should be a big difference in the next 2/3 weeks.

All is well in the household - we haven't strangled each other yet!!! LOL.

I started going to a bible study this past week - it's hosted at the 1st Baptist church in Humble. It's not the Beth Moore study - it's called bible study fellowship - headquartered in San Antonio. I love the format - you study a book of the bible as a group - denominations are not allowed (i.e. you can't get into fights about your personal belief's - it's purely what is in the bible). We break out into small groups to discuss our homework and then meet back in the main sanctuary for a lecture. I'm very excited! This is a new thing for me - I'm kind of stepping out of my box because I only know one other person going to the study - but I wanted to learn more and learn how to study without being bored out of my mind! I know that sounds so non-spiritual -but I'm so honest - that when I say I get bored reading the bible - I truly mean it!!! So, I get different versions and try to attend meetings so that I can understand it better.......I have to have plain English - I can't do the KJV - too much old speech. Please know I'm not knocking the bible - just stating a fact that it's too deep for me to get - I need plain English! I'm excited about my journey for the next 32 weeks.

Jake is getting ready to start Karate. He is so excited. Of course, we are going to try it out 2 times before we sign up because I am not sure whether he will like it. His school teacher wants us to involve him in other things besides music so he can build up some different skills and not just focus on music. I'm so nervous about this because I know his limitations - my feelings are purely at the mother level and not wanting him to fail or be made fun of for his limitations - but she thinks this will help him in the long run and overall - I do too! I mean - he can't be my baby for long - I have to let him grow up - right? Mark tells me that he is not the preemie baby anymore - he needs to expand his horizons!! OK - if I have too!!!!! Pity the little kid that makes fun of him or picks on him because he can't keep up!!! I hope their mother is not around when I knock them down!!!!! Just joking......I think.....ROFL

I am so ready for Fall!!! The weather here has been so nice lately (ok - it's gross that we think low 80's is nice - but it's reality for us in Texas isn't it!). As soon as the first day of fall hits - I'm decorating my house! I love this time - it's my favorite! I'm going to have to start checking out Tracie's charming hospitality site again because she always has the best things! If you haven't seen the site - there is a link to it on my page. Before we know it - it will be Christmas!!!! (I know - shut my mouth!).

I've started back on weight watchers and I'm doing good. It's helping Carla too because she is suppose to be watching her carbs/sugar while on all this medication - so i'ts helping her and Mark as I'm trying to cook better and cook smaller portions so there is not the temptation to overeat. I'm working out 5 days a week and I'm loving it!!! I go to 24 hour fitness with my friend Debbie and I'm doing spinning, kickboxing, cardio and some weight training. I've been consistent for the last two weeks and I'm ready for results!!! I know it takes time - it's harder to come off than it is to put it back on isn't it!!!

Ok - I've rattled enough - Carla is resting - Jake is playing and I need to do my bible study homework - so, I'll check back in later. Hope everyone has a great rest of the week and I'll update you as we go along.

Love to all'
karen

it's amazing

what prescribed drugs will do for you!!!!! LOL....

The pain medication that Carla took last night and this morning finally kicked in today while she was at the doctor's office (post below). She was able to have the doctor look at her leg, draw on it and walk from the car to my house without PAIN - which was huge considering that the past 24 hours has been spent in tears and agony!! We are staying on the pills as recommended - every 12 hours until the infection has gone away........it's a little funny too as she doesn't take many drugs (ok - let me clarify - I'm talking prescription drugs people~!! LOL).....and so, she has the whole thick tongue - talking loud - talking alot - etc....very funny! She loves how she feels because she feels no pain. it's a hoot!

The doctor's visit went very well - once they saw the doctor. She was there at 8:00 and I think she saw the doctor at 4:00.....but, she stayed there determined to see her and she did. Carla had a great visit with Dr. Fisher - she answered all of Carla's questions and told her the medication should really start clearing up the infection in about a day or two. The best thing is that she can walk and get herself up and down - that was our biggest concern this morning and last night (see previous post) because she was in so much pain that she couldn't lift her leg to stand or walk and I thought we were going to have to hire an in house nurse because I was freaking out that I wasn't going to be able to take care of her....however, God is good and he has worked it out according to his plan!!! (and his timing......which isn't always ours is it!! LOL). Her spirits are much better since she can see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Now, for the best part - drum roll please........her bone scan and her cat scan both came back clear as a bell!!!!! Nothing out of the ordinary!!!! Praise God - no lymphoma!!!!! The doctor told her the only thing that showed on her bone scan was arthritis in her knees - which Carla told her she could have saved her a bunch of money and just told her that! LOL. The urine test came back clear - all the blood levels that are suppose to be up are up and the ones that are suppose to be down are down! That's what I'm talking about!!! Who says prayer doesn't work - just because it doesn't work in our timeframe - doesn't mean our prayers are getting through....

She still has to go see the Hematologist on Wednesday - she was the doctor that was concerned with the proteins in her blood and if she is still concerned and wants to go ahead and do the bone marrow extraction - then the two doctors and Carla will consult and decide what to do - but we are believing that all is well!!

She goes back the following Monday for a thorough blood test to check her sugar - it is spiking - mainly from the steroids - but they want to make sure she isn't becoming diabetic through all this - isn't it amazing what sparks in your body when one thing is wrong - a multitude of things can go wrong at the same time. The doctor isn't concerned - just checking all basis.

Then, she goes a whole month without a doctor's appointment. Looks like she will be with me through September and part of October.....I think I'll survive!!! I may have to get some sitters and have a couple of date nights with my honey - he has been such a trooper through all this..........it's hard to have someone in your home all the time and he has not said one word.

Jake thinks it's cool that Aunt Carla is using a walker right now - he uses it to walk around the house - he wants to be "sick" like Aunt Carla because she gets all the special treatment! LOL - what he doesn't understand is he was a sick little boy for such a very long time!!!

Carla will have an awesome testimony once this trial is over. God is using this for his glory - that which we will see in the very near future.

Hope everyone has a great week
Karen

Yesterday was a long day!

The day started at 5:30 AM - had to get up and get dressed for church before getting Jake up....I have to be at the church at 8:00 for choir practice prior to our 9:00 and 11:00 services - taking Jake that early can tend to be a chore - so it goes easier if I get dressed prior to him waking up!!! My husband comes at 9;00 - but Jake has to go with me so he can "practice" with the band......LOL

Off to church we went - and we had some church! It was amazing. The praise and worship was off the chain and the sermon was awesome as well.....however, during the 9:00 service - I receive a panic call from my sister Carla, who is staying at my house during her sickness. She can't move!!! One of her legs is completely swollen and on fire (or that is how it feels!). She is crying and very upset and needing someone to come back home. So, I get my husband and child out of the sanctuary and send them home - call my sister Deniese, who is on her way to the 11:00 service to swing by my house to see what the problem is. Once she arrives - they determine that Carla needs to go to the emergency room. Her leg is swollen above and beyond the normal for steroids and it's beet red!!! She can't lift her leg, move it or walk............Houston, we have a problem.

Meantime, I have to stay and sing at the 11:00 service, then I travel to Daisetta Texas were some very dear friends of ours are celebrating their 26th year anniversary at their church in Daisetta. Daisetta is a very special place for me. My dad pastored there when i was a "snotty brat" as he called me (LOL) and I spent all my summers there during my teenage years. Had my first real crush there and everything!! LOL - so, I was very excited to return and help them celebrate......Paulette went with me - we left my church at 12:00 noon to be there at 2:00 for their service. Dad and Shirley were there as well - Dad was MC'ing the service - he did a great job....and the Jordans were gracious host. Saw several really good friends from our childhood - overall - it was a great service.

Once the service was over, I had to rush back to my church for a vision meeting with the Music and Media team - it lasted until 9:30 PM - so I had a very long day!!!! I was so tired when I got home - but Carla was still not back from the hospital - so I had to wait up to make sure everything was ok and that they made it back and got settled......while we are in Daisetta - my husband is hosting his parents to dinner - Deniese and Sandy (a good friend of ours) - is at the hospital with Carla - just waiting................and waiting..................and waiting................it's always hurry up and wait at the hospital isn't it.....

Carla had an ultrasound and blood work done while there. It seems that the steroids are causing her leg to pool the liquid that is in her body and since there is no where for the liquid to go - it's just hanging out in her leg and causing bacteria and now, a full blown infection!!! She is limited to what she can take for pain because of her liver not being able to digest the medication - so the medicine they put her on doesn't really do anything for her..............we really wanted them to keep her over night because she can't walk on her leg - she is having to basically drag it behind her - and she is in intense pain......however, because they didn't deem her a medical crisis - they sent her home at 10:00 PM - where she then had to find a 24 hour pharmacy to fill her meds and I think they made it back to my house around 12:00 Midnight. After a very painful entrance into the house - she had to sleep on the couch sitting up because she was afraid she wasn't going to be able to move her leg to get up off the bed since she had to be back at the hospital at 7:00 AM this morning!!!!!!! The medical system sometimes is very frustrating and confusing - but we are thankful for them at the same time!

Carla is at the hospital right now - she is waiting to see her doctor - we are hoping they admit her and figure out what is going on!!! They should also know the results of her cat scan and bone scan from last week...........God is good - all the time -regardless of what man says!

Specific prayers are needed - that they find out what is causing all these issues in her body. That they figure out where and what needs to be addressed and provides medication for her.

That her body begins to line up with the word of God. That her leg becomes functional where she can get around and do things by herself. It is very hard to be a caretaker 24/7 when you have a small child and a life of responsibilities. We are going to have to figure something out in terms of additional help if things don't change.........

Pray that her body begins to respond to the steroids and that her liver and spleen begin to function properly. That her blood pressure returns to normal and her sugar as well. It seems everything is being affected by whatever is going on in her body and we need some answers soon!

Thanks to all of you who read and continue to keep her and our family in your prayers. It's very frustrating to not know what is causing the problems and to not be able to fix her. As you know - I'm not the most sympathetic person on the planet and I tend to push through pain and want her to do the same - but sometimes it's not that easy!

Hope everyone has a great week.
Karen

Updates on Pop and Carla

Yesterday was a busy day!!!! Pop had his colonoscopy and I'm happy to report that he has nothing serious going on in his body!!!! We were a little concerned because during his double pneumonia - he had some internal bleeding - but it looks like he is clear...........so thank God for that!

Carla had 3 appointments at the doctor's yesterday. Dad and Shirley took her to Ben Taub - thank you both very much for helping out with this!!! She had to be there at 10:40 for lab work and to turn in a urine sample - they are checking her urine for protein as that seems to be the foreign thing in her body - trying to rule out as much as they can. She then had the skeleton scan (bone scan) and then off to drink some lovely (nasty) stuff for her cat scan.....of course, this all sounds fine - but it was an all day process!!! She has to be in a wheel chair for most of the day and unfortunately, her steroids have caused her to swell so much that the chair is causing blisters on her legs......so, we are going to have to work on that for her next visit. She is black and blue (and red) today - but keeping a good spirit! She is also very sore because she had to raise up off of all the tables from a flat position and she is normally propped up because it's easier for her - so you can imagine all day of trying to pull yourself up off the flat tables when you can't bend at all because you are so swollen that your stomach is as hard as a rock!!!!! - it wasn't fun....she is very sore today! We have laughed each time she tries to sit up - she grabs her stomach and winces - and I ask her if her baby is moving (because she said she feels like she is 10 months pregnant!!!)...LOL

She has two appointments next week - Monday and Wednesday - and hopefully by then - we will know the results of these tests. We are expecting good news!! We know that God is up to something with Carla and he is working out his plan for her life. God is good - he never makes a mistake and he is NOT surprised at what is going on in her body right now - we just have to believe that he is in control and we are to walk out that which is dealt to us.

We are all fine. I'm making sure that I take some time for myself everyday - going to the gym and working out.......it's a must or else - no one would want to be around me....LOL. I ain't lying - this is not easy - but it is my cross to bear for a reason - and I'm going to pass the test....I may kick and scream a little (ok - sometimes a lot) but I'm going to do it! (Suzy - I know your laughing at my transparency!!! LOL)

Ok - will post later.

Karen

well, let's see....what has happened

In the last week since I've blogged.........my sister-n-law Gayla Patrick had a birthday! We love her - hope her day was special. I'm sure my brother did something special (or he better had!!! LOL)

Carla has been home a week trying to adjust to being at my house and taking all the medications. It's a transition for both of us - I'm use to being on my own schedule - doing my own thing - working, etc.......it's been a little hard getting use to having someone in my house all the time that I am responsible for.....I've had to go in my room several times and pray over myself (not for any reason except that I'm selfish and I was trying to get angry). I'm a very transparent person - I say what I think - what I feel - what I don't like.........and I'm here to report that I haven't done any of the above with Carla......LOL. It's not that I don't do the caretaker part well - I've taken care of many - Paulette - my other sister went through breast cancer last year - I was with her the majority of the time through most of her chemo and her surgeries and was her driver most times - my mother-in-law just went through breast cancer as well and my father-in law just had a bout with double pneumonia and I am their driver as well - the difference is - having someone in your house all the time. Get me? I'm not in anyway complaining because I know that I'm going through this test for a reason - maybe to instill some kindness in me?? ROFL!!!!!

Carla has been taking a LOT of steroids - she has swollen up unbelievable............she has been miserable.....she had a doctor's appointment on Monday - so her friend, Pastor Brenda took her to Ben Taub at 12:00 Noon. At 3:00 - they sent her home telling her they couldn't see her........she was VERY upset!!! It's very tiring for her to get up, take a shower and get dressed. Between showering and dressing - she has to lay down for about 1 hour because her anemia is so bad - she has no energy. When she came home - she was visibly upset. Well, as you can imagine - I don't do sympathy well.....nor tears - they make me nervous! So, I called my sister's Paulette and Deniese and told them to please call her on her phone (as she was in her room with the door shut) and talk to her........lol - I need prayer - I know!!! LOL

Let me give you a brief background on why I'm like this - - I walked through my little boy being 3 months premature - born with neuroblastoma cancer - I know what it's like to be in the pit of the valley - however, I know what it's like to come out victorious and what you have to do to get there. You have to pray the word over yourself - his word doesn't return void. You have to be positive in your thinking and pull yourself up out of the gutter. If you allow your thoughts to take over - the enemy will use whatever he can to destroy you. When people would ask me how Jake was doing - even if he was losing weight (from 1 pound to a mere 10 ounces) I would always respond - he is great - God is healing him. It wasn't always easy and my flesh always wanted to take over - but I knew that God was testing me - he was seeing if I trusted him. My personality is that whatever is handed you - you handle it - you deal with it - you walk through it - you don't feel sorry for yourself. It's just the way I am and it's hard for me not to understand why other's aren't like me....see - now you know why I need prayer!!! LOL

Ok - back to Carla - so, she recovered from that disappointment and went back to the doctor with my father (thank you Dad for being able to help with the appointments - it's hard when I have to get Jake from school) on Wednesday and was able to see the doctor. Good news is that they took her off of 2 of her steroids - which is helping her tremendously - bad news is that she has some foreign protein in her blood and they need to do a cat scan/bone scan and potentially a bone marrow test to determine if Lymphoma is in her body...........now, this is a big scare for Carla who is a baby and will tell you that herself!!! The C word has hit our family from our Mother, who passed away in 83 to my step sister's father in '82 (I think that was the year) - and my sister last year - so we are not strangers to this.......however, when you are hit with it yourself - I can only imagine....she came home very discouraged. I was at church - and I thought - ok this is it!!!! I'm done with this. I came home and told her the pity party was over - I was tired of tip toeing around her and I was about to lay down the law. As of that day - she was not to complain about her medication - she was to thank god everytime she took it that it was helping her to recover. I told her that all the stuff she preached to me about walking in faith and praying the word over myself and Jake when he was diagnosed with Cancer needed to come out of her mouth - that she needed to practice what she preached. I didn't want to hear any more complaining - I wanted to hear positive things. I told her when people call her - she needs to tell them she is good - that she is waiting on her healing...(I should preach or something!!!! LOL). Anyway - she went went to bed that night and when she woke up - she was like a total different person!!!!!!! I think she realized that she was allowing her self to slowly sink into this big hole of self pity and why me.....I mean - why not her? Jesus didn't say there wouldn't be suffering on this earth - look what he suffered! But, he did tell us that he would be with us during our trials and that he is still a healer!!! I know that God is in control of this situation and this is Carla's trial to walk and she will come through this victorious!!!!!

She has two appointments next week - her cat scan and her bone scan....that is Wednesday the 9th. The next Monday and Wednesday she has two more appointments and they should have the results of the scan by then and will determine if the actual bone marrow extraction needs to be done. Please keep praying that she will continue to be uplifted in her moods and her mind will not wonder in the pit.....I know it's hard - but I just keeping making jokes and keeping the mood light and when I see her slipping - I'll say something funny or remind her of the alternative and that always makes her smile.

I will keep you guys posted on her and let you know each step.......she is able to eat a regular diet - she doesn't eat much because her liver and spleen are very swollen and her stomach is kind of hidden in between - which is uncomfortable - but she is making progress.

My husband is a trooper - he is helping when I can't be here and taking care of Jake at night for me as much as Jake will allow (LOL) - Jake is a mommies baby!!!

Jake is doing well in school - he loves his teacher. Right now - until we have our follow up ARD in two weeks - he is doing 1 3o minute session of occupational therapy on Monday's - two sessions of speech on Tuesday and Thursday and everyday - he gets pulled out for 30 minutes for one on one work (Karen B - I'm working on classroom inclusion!). We hope in our meeting - we will get a few more services as the Neuropsychologist (spelling is probably not right!) recommended a more intense speech and OT schedule....so we will see. If not - we'll have to look at private to balance it out.

I hope that everyone has a blessed Labor Day. I always have good intentions of updating daily - but I'm doing good to do weekly with my household the way it is - but all is good!!!

Love to all
Karen

Womens retreat was awesome - and Carla is home!

This past weekend - our church held it's annual Women's Retreat at the Circle Lake Retreat in Pinehurst Texas - beautiful place!!! It was amazing and God showed up! The speakers were incredible, the place was magnificent and the food was AWESOME (of course, I could be biased since my parents were the cooks!)....LOL. 2.5 days of relaxing (ok - not much relaxing - more like slumber parties!) and having great services. It was awesome - every church should do a ladies retreat! We even saw a lady get up out of her wheel chair!!!!!!! AWESOME! God is good.

Carla was discharged from the hospital last Saturday - August 22nd. She spent the night with my sister Paulette and then my sister Deniese, picked her up and brought her to my house - where she will stay for about a month. She is very weak - unable to stay by herself until she is back up and in full swing. She is still very anemic and they have her on a bunch of steroids right now trying to get her liver and her blood back to functioning properly. She has been diagnosed with rare blood disorder and they are working to get her back up and running (so to speak). She will be seeing these doctors for at least the next two years and they try to get her body back to normal. Please pray for her as she is very uncomfortable with the medicines and doesn't want any side effects. She is very swollen due to the steroids and her liver and spleen are also still trying to recover. She is very weak and not able to move around very much.

My father in law is recovering quite nicely. He has pretty much recovered from double pneumonia - he is heading back to the doctor next week for a colonoscopy to try and figure out why he was bleeding during his stay at the hospital.....we are believing that it is nothing serious. His pacemaker may also be acting up - so we are just covering him in prayer. His name is Alvin.

Mark's mom doesn't drive - so I will act as their driver until everything with him is cleared up. He can drive around his area (grocery, walmart) but I will drive to doctors, medical center, etc.

Jake started school again!!! He doesn't even seem to mind that he is back in Kindergarten. He loves his new teacher and I'm excited for the year. I will be much more active this year in his school year as I learned alot last year........as a mom of a special child - I realize that I'm going to have to be very active in his school in order to make sure that he is learning at his level and not getting passed over because he is in full ed vs. special ed. God is good - Jake is going to grow up and be an unbelievable musician or whatever else he is determined to be - I just have to get him there!!! LOL..........I cracked up because his first day - he came home and told me his teacher said no "drumming on the tables and no humming".......he is so ADHD - not sure that he will be able to accomplish that - but ok - we're going to try!!! LOL

Will continue to keep you posted on Carla. She returns to the doctor on Monday and we are hoping they will be able to take her off of some of the steroids and be able to give her medication for her anemia - the anemia is what is making her so weak - so we really need some medication for that.

Love to all
Karen

Update on Carla

Hello everyone - quick update on my sister Carla. She is still in the hospital and all the doctors are perplexed! They can't figure out what is wrong with her - so they are running a bunch of test and are determined not to let her go until they figure it out (which we are so thankful for!).

She is still yellow and still very weak - her immune system is way low - very anemic. She can't hardly eat and her nausea is always there....but, she is in great spirits....very thankful that her sisters buckled down and made her go to the hospital.

Currently, she is being seen by every doctor there is - they are all real involved in trying to care for her.....they are currently leaning towards the following diagnosis - autoimmune hepatitis - which is a very rare blood disorder! Weird....they still have a few blood test outstanding and they are doing a liver biopsy today....hopefully they will have a confirmation afterwards and can start treating her for the blood disorder and send her home!

will keep you guys posted.

love all

karen

Finally an update

First - I'm so sorry that I haven't posted in a couple of weeks - it has been CRAZY around my house. After Jake's surgery - my sister Carla became very ill and was unable to do anything for about 7 weeks. All this time - we are very concerned and worried about her as she is unable to really move around or do anything due to complete exhaustion. She didn't want to go to the hospital because she lost her job 6 months ago and didn't have insurance...........however, in the meantime - she started turning yellow...............uh, I think something might be wrong here!!!

My sister Deniese and Pastor Brenda finally talked her into going to the emergency room on a Monday night and they admitted her (as she looked like the color of a banana - even her eyes - it is freaky weird!). She stayed at Memorial Hermann Northeast (which I do not recommend - they did NOTHING for her) for a week while they ran all kinds of test and stuff and since 4 doctors couldn't agree on anything - they decided to send her home - yellow and all!!!!! It was a very tough week for her because she had NEVER been put in the hospital in her entire life and she was very scared.......we tried to do round the clock care - but that sometimes gets too hard....Deniese did stay as much as she could.

They discharged her on a Friday and by Monday - she was deathly sick again. We called a family conference call (like an INTERVENTION) and decided that come hell or high water - she was going to Ben Taub because they have the best doctors once you get past the emergency room and all the weirdo's (ok - I'm just calling it like it is). Not every one in there is weird - but the majority of them are. We took her around 2:30 PM on Tuesday and finally at 9:00 AM on Wednesday - she was admitted into the Emergency room..........it was exhausting!!!! I left at 2:30 AM because I had to get home before my husband left for work at 4:00 AM - but Kelly, Gayla and Deniese stayed until she was admitted. She has now been admitted into the hospital and will stay until they figure out what is going on with her. She does not have any form of Hepatitis - they have ruled that out - I think they ruled out a blockage - so, we have just got to sit and wait. God is in control - we know that he has a plan - we just have to wait - which is sometimes so hard to do.

Now - at the same time this is all going on and I'm trying to see her and help as much as I can - my father-in-law was admitted to a different hospital on the exact same day as Carla - 2 weeks ago! So, not only have I been juggling Carla - I've also had to take care of my mother-in-law as she doesn't drive - so I've been picking her up in the morning and taking her to the hospital where pop is - staying with her for a couple hours - driving to see Carla for a couple of hours and then driving back to see Nana and Pop at hospital as well as take her home, grocery store, and take care of Jake!!!!! Whew - it's been crazy!!!!!! However, Pop gets to go home today - Friday, August 14!!! He has had double pneumonia and he also had some bleeding internally - but they are sending him home so he can rest for a few days and then he will go back next week for out patient surgery and they will do a scope from the top and a colonoscopy from the bottom to figure out where the bleeding is coming from....please pray that it is not anything serious.

Jake hasn't been real sure what is going on. He was with me at the Doctor's office when they took Pop to the hospital in the ambulance because he was having a hard time breathing and they thought he was having congested heart failure. Jake kept asking me if he was dying and if he wasn't going to be able to see him again. He has acted out horribly this past 12 days because he can't figure out what is going on with Pop and why I'm never around......we haven't had dinner together in two weeks and his schedule is just out of whack.........I'm praying that since Pop is going to be home this week and I'll only be driving to the medical center and not both hospitals - that he will settle down.

Our ladies retreat is coming up next week! I'm so excited. We have over a 100 ladies registered and we are pumped! Carla is a bit bummed as she is the Womens Director for our church and may not be able to attend - but I keep reminding her that God knew all this was going to happen and he is not surprised. It will all work out. My parents (popsie and Grammy) are doing the cooking for us - the retreat place is in Pinehurst TX - it's beautiful! Can't wait to just immerse myself in God's presence. Our theme this year is "We thirst for you". It's going to be powerful.

School starts in one week!!!! Can't believe it. I'm ready and so is Jake! He loves school and he loves routine. He is not phased at all about repeating - so I'm ready for him to dive in and get back on track.

I hope all of you are good.

God bless you
karen

Update on Jake and devotional

Ok - why is it that children are so resilient? OMG - Jake wanted to play on his drums and guitars the very next day after surgery........he could not understand why he couldn't - in a way - it's sad because he is so accustomed to pain that he just thinks it's normal!!! I did keep him down for one day - that was all he could stand!!!! By Friday - he was outside with his dad trying to help him mow!!!!

Needless to say - Jake is doing fine............and yes, Tracie - Jake will KILL me when he is older for posting all his business.....LOL

Another update is that I'm back in the choir - I couldn't handle it for too long.......the break was GREAT - don't get me wrong - but my ministry is leading people into praise and worship and that is where I belong. It's different with a new leader - but God is in it and that is all that matters........I don't know who is more excited about me being back in the choir - myself or Jake....he is so pumped because he gets to go to practice with me and he thinks he is in the band.....LOL. I love all the musicians - they put up with him following them around. He adores them all - especially Pastor Jared and Mr. Mark.....(Mr. Robert is the BOMB - but he doesn't get to see him as much - but no one will ever take his place in Jake's heart - he is the man and always will be with Jakey).

I've been reading in Ecclesiastes - I've really struggled with some changes that have taken place lately - for no other reason than selfishness (is that a word??). I battled with Anger, bitterness, resentment. I finally realized that I was battling the flesh - my spirit was grieving. I started praying the word over my mind - the battle of the mind is so hard sometimes........I would start thinking things and then would let my thoughts take over and goodness - I would be in the gutter before too long! LOL. I have never really studied Ecclesiastes before - and it has really helped to heal some of my bitterness........Ecclesiastes 3 - the "time for everything" scriptures has really taken a hold of me during this time.............

There is a time for everything - and everything on earth has it's special season
There is a time to be born and a time to die
There is a time to plant and a time to pull up plants
There is a time to kill and a time to heal
There is a time to destroy and a time to build
There is a time to cry and a time to laugh
there is a time to be sad and a time to dance
There is a time to throw away stones and a time to gather them
There is a time to hug and a time not to hug
There is a time to look for something and a time to stop looking for it
There is a time to keep things and a time to throw things away
There is a time to tear apart and a time to sew together
there is a time to be silent and a time to speak
There is a time to love and a time to hate
There is a time for war and a time for peace.

Vs. 9 - 15 "Do people really gain anything from their work? I saw the hard work God has given people to do . God has given them a desire to know the future. He does everything just right and on time, but people can never completely understand what he is doing. So I realize that the best thing for them is to be happy and enjoy themselves as long as they live. God wants all people to eat and drink and be happy in their work, which are gifts from God. I know that everything God does will continue forever. People cannot add anything to what God has done, and they cannot take anything away from it. God does it this way to make people respect him. What happens now has happened in the past, and what will happen in the future has happened before. God makes the same things happen again and again."

WOW - this was an eye opener for me. Basically - what I'm going through - someone else has already been there and someone else will go through it after me! But, God is the same - yesterday, today and forever!!! Things will happen in life that we may not appreciate or understand - but we have to know that God will take care of us in the midst of our storm. He is our Father and when we woke up today - he was standing over us singing!!!! I love that!!!!

God does everything right and on time. We can not understand all of God's ways, and we hate to see people suffer, but God has not abandoned me or them........(or you).......He created us with a desire to know the future; however he does not tell us the future so we will depend on him. God always comes through - sometimes it is 11:59 when he does - but he always comes through!

Love to all
karen

Jake's surgery

before surgery


after surgery.....smiling - on DRUGS....LOL


ok - in a nutshell since we've been back from Vacation - my life has been boring (LOL) - nothing really to report on until this week........

Jake went to the doctor on Monday and we discovered that he would have to have yet another surgery!!! This one we knew was coming - but it isn't always what you want to hear. It was a surgery to repair his testicle........when you are born so tiny - all of your parts don't necessarily form like they are suppose to.

When he was 2 years old - we had to have surgery on his penis because it wasn't formed correctly. They told us at that time that he would probably have issues with his testicles not dropping and that at some point and time - it would be an issue for him............fast forward to Jake now at 6 years old..........

It's always harder to have surgery for a child when they are old enough to realize what they are going through. Jake has such a high tendency for pain these days because he has been through so much! Six years old and has had 5 surgeries.......2 of them emergency.........he can pretty much handle any pain you through at him.....

So, we scheduled the surgery for August 28th - which was a bummer because that is the week that School starts. I told the nurse - if there is anyway possible - please let me know if you have a cancellation so that we can get over this prior to school starting.........it happened - they called on Tuesday and ask if we could come in Wednesday - the very next day!!!!! Talk about fast!

Here is the deal - with Jake - you have to explain to him what is going to happen - you can't spring stuff on him - he is very schedule oriented (don't even ask where this comes from!!!! LOL)....so, I had to sit him down and tell him step by step what was going to happen.......

He is such a trooper.......never a tear - in fact - he basically just hugged us and told us he loved us and walked back to the surgery room with the doctor........I am so glad that they told us before hand that they would "knock him out" prior to giving him the IV line.......I couldn't have handled knowing he was back there crying - he hates needles (I mean - who doesn't).

Anyway - the surgery was successful - he has two incisions....one about 2 inches and the other about 1/2 inch. 2 week recovery time as far as outdoor play and swimming. Of course, as soon as he got home yesterday - he was still numb and drugged up - he was in his band room playing his guitars. When I realized where he was - I went to get him to make him sit down and he had already caused his incision to bleed because the guitar was rubbing the incision.........he didn't even feel it!!!! Little children recover so much faster than adults....he will probably be running around tomorrow.........I would be in bed for days....LOL

Hope all is well for every one.

Love Karen

Vacation update

Wow - I can't believe it has come and gone!!!! It seemed to have flew by! We left last Sunday - July 5th at 8:00 AM - we were so excited!!! Especially Jake - he could not wait to go "fishing".......Dad and Shirley came - we loaded the car and off we went.........

We, of course, stopped at Whataburger in Livingston (I think) for breakfast - is there any other breakfast place???? I love their breakfast.............then we headed down 59 through Lufkin, wow - what memories I have of Lufkin, Texas and all the years I spent on the campgrounds there!!!! So many changes since I've been there - but it still looks good. I can't believe I am old enough to remember the campground days when the floor was saw dust..............I sound like an old timer - guess I am!!!!! I can remember sitting outside when it was soooo hot and we would dress up and be sweating our GUTS out........but, hey - we looked good with our frizzy hair from the heat and our soaked dressed!!!!! LOL.....luckily - things got better and a new auditorium was built with air!!!

The drive was pleasant - took about 6 hours. We were loaded down with all kinds of snacks. Shirley and I do not travel lightly!!! Of course, we had to stop and potty a couple of times - but who is counting!!!!! I'm glad that Dad and Shirley traveled with us because she thought we were going to Broken Arrow - which is on the opposite side of Oklahoma that we were at.....LOL......it would have taken them twice as long to find us.

The other thing that we did during our travels was to stop at Dairy Queen. I LOVE blizzards - but I only allow myself to have one when I am traveling (it's like a treat - if I ate one as much as I'd like too - well, lets just say that wouldn't be a good thing!). I always get the cookie dough (extra cookie dough) with chocolate syrup!!! So good!!!!! We ate the blizzard instead of lunch....it was well worth it!

When we arrived at the cabin - we were so excited!!!!! It was beautiful (pictures below). It was in the woods and private - lots of land for Jake to play outside and a huge wrap around porch. Jake - of course, thought the wrap around porch was a concert stage - he ran his legs off for a week on the stairs with his guitar acting like he was the Jonas Brothers and they were having a concert!!!! He would also pretend he was Pastor Jared and that he was having band practice - he would get the band members together and hold hands and pray over practice! I love it!!!!! He is a mess. He definitely kept us entertained.

Intentionally, we didn't plan a whole lot of activities during this vacation. My dad and Shirley had just come off of a two week camp where they were in charge of the kitchen.....they were in desperate need of relaxation as well as Mark........so, we laid low and just hung out.....

We spent a couple days at the lake fishing and swimming. It was great for Popsie and Grammy to sit by the bank and watch Jake play in the water. He was so proud to show them what he could do.

Shirley and I had to shop - of course!!! The antique shops were great and cheap!!! Oh my goodness - I found some great bargains on stuff I was collecting......thanks Jann for recommending all the shops........both Shirley and I love to junk shop......

We spent a day driving through the state park and riding the train - it was great - you could see deer just laying around - they didn't even care that people were invading their territory! Beavers Bend state park is beautiful!!! The drive alone is worth going for. Another day we went back to the park and went through the museum that they have that chronicles the beginnings of Beavers Bend - it was awesome! They had a 100 year old cabin that was amazing - how in the world did they live like that way back then and survive? And here we are complaining about piddly stuff......wow - we are so spoilt these days - aren't we? Dad and Mark really liked the museum - my husband loves looking at old pictures and stuff from the old days.

The property surrounding our cabins had several hiking trails - Jake LOVED this - he wore his daddy out (ok - I only went ONCE)......they were steep and rocky and I kept telling Jake it was a "man" thing.....LOL....whatever it takes!!!

I read 3 books, my dad read 2 1/2 book and I think Shirley read 2!!! My dad and I love to read - but when we are at home - we feel like we need to be doing all the other stuff surrounding us - it was amazing to just hang out on the patio - with the wind blowing and just read. Jake was so busy having his concerts - it didn't even bother him that we weren't paying him any attention!!!!

One night - even though it was hot - Mark built a fire for Jake in the fire pit. They tried to roast marshmallows - but Jake didn't like that - he just wanted to entertain us....pictures below! The cabin also had a hot tub......ever sat in one of those when it's like a million degrees outside and the hot tub is 104!! Try telling a 6 year old that it's too hot - he didn't care!!! We finally told him that we would sit in it at night - it was at least a little cooler.....

We also ate very well while we were there.....Shirley had cooked two meals and brought with her - my mother-in-law had made a brisket for us and then we grilled steaks....everything was yummy. Dad made biscuits and gravy, we had pancakes, french toast........you name it!!!! The last night - we found this place called Pier 49 - they had the BEST fried fish............we also snacked alot....isn't that what vacation is for??? Now we have to go back on our diets and head back to the gym!

Saturday came too early..........but, we did NOT stop at diary queen on the way home - we were too grossed out from all the food we had already eaten - I was so glad to get home and start eating healthy.......at least until next time! :)

Hope you enjoy the pictures. Next year - our goal is to take both sets of parents - rent a passenger van and head up to Durango Colorado.... can't wait for that - what a site that will be!!! LOL

Take care!
Karen

Hello everyone!

Summer is quickly passing away - isn't it! OMW - school is only 9 or 10 weeks away...........wow.....and I haven't really done anything with Jake except spend time at the pool - I have a whole list of things I want to do with him - I'd better get busy!!!

Jake is enjoying his time at Pastor's Mark's school (his mother's day out). It's really cool because one of the teachers he really liked left - but a lady from our church - Ms. Bobbie Bragg, who Jake knows, is now going to be in his classroom!! He is so excited. It's funny how kids get attached to someone and when they leave - it's like the whole world around them changed.........so, for Ms. Mandie to leave - he was like - Ok - guess I'm not going back to Pastor's Mark's school.......I'm like - UH - I think you are!!!! LOL When I told him that Mr. Ted's (who painted the mural in his room) wife was going to take her place - he was real excited......see, it's the small things in life! LOL

The week of the 13th - he will go to Vacation Bible School at the same place that he does Mother's Day Out - he is excited about that too! After that- I've got to get busy taking him to some fun places like the wave pool in Mt. Belvieu, the schlitterbaun in Galveston, Aquarium, Moody Gardens, Kemah....ok - just to name a few......

Mark and I met with the doctor this past Friday to get her recommendations for Jake in the upcoming school year............she is pushing for a lot more modifications in his day - much more speech therapy...in fact - we will probably target private therapy for speech and occupational therapy. His speech/language area is the hardest hit - so we will need to really focus on that.

This summer - I've taken a leave of absence from the choir and from the WayStreet Kids ministry. I've sang faithfully for 10 years - twice on Sunday and on Wednesday nights and I just need a break! I'm only doing it during the summer months. This allows me to attend church with my hubby and son vs. leaving early in the morning on Sunday's (8:00 AM) and staying for both services (we have 9:00 and 11:00)and getting home around 2:00 PM.....it can be very tiring (as many of you do every weekend)! Our music director for the past 10 years has left our church to do other things and we are now in transition.......this in and of itself can be trying - but God is in control. Pastor Jared is doing a great job and in a few months - we will know whether or not he will be the new director. Others will come in and try out for the position and then we, as a choir and a church, will select. I know that God has the right one for us - maybe Pastor Jared - we just need to be patient. Anyway - since Robert left - I decided now was a good time to take a break! I will be back in the choir probably in August - once school starts. We travel quite a bit in the summer - going on short trips on the weekends and it's easier for me to do now that I don't have to rush back. I'm enjoying just being a "saint" for a while (ok - I say that lightly because I know many of you are laughing at that thinking - Karen - a saint!!)....I'll give you that!!! LOL....Jake however, is struggling with this transition. Robert was his friend too and went up to the church once a week to play with him on the drums and stuff - in a little 6 year old's mind - he doesn't understand when something like this changes........he keeps asking when Robert is coming back and what is going on with me not singing........so many changes - he is a little confused....I just keep telling him that Robert is still his friend and we will still see him and hang out with him - we just have to wait a spell for him to figure out what he is doing. He was so use to going with me to both services and now that I'm not singing and only going to one service - he is not sure what to think! LOL

Where the children's area is concerned - I have been the Administrative Director for 2 years and a teacher for two years prior to that and I'm just taking a leave of everything. You know how you work so much that sometimes you forget that you still have to go to church??? I found myself being so involved in all my responsibilities that I was hardly ever in the actual sanctuary listening to the word - so, I'm just enjoying myself now with my hubby at the 9:00 service.......it's hard to not be involved in everything around me - but I'm determined to do it for a time....it may be a short time - but for a time at least!!! LOL

We are leaving on vacation with my parents soon! We are so excited.......can't wait to spend time with them - don't get to see them as often as I'd like - they are either traveling around or Dad is working too much - so this week will be great to spend some good quality time...Jake loves his Popsie and Grammy (ok - his popsie rules - but he loves Grammy too!).

I'll check back in around the 13th. Have a blessed 4th of July and great week. Love to all
K

weekly update

seems my life is so busy that it's weekly updates instead of daily!!! LOL - I apologize for that.

We went back for the second round of testing last Thursday - it was another all day event and Jake didn't do as well this time.....it started off good - but by mid-morning when they started the speech and language part of the testing - he shut down! He was having no part of it - kept wandering off - getting upset, wouldn't do the work...........so, she let him take lunch early. She told me that he wasn't interested because this is the one area that he struggles the most with - his language....which, for those of you around him - know that speech is his one definite struggle. The testing requires alot of repeating back what you've heard - saying long sentences, etc. and he just shut down.........so, we went to lunch and she came up with some easier exercises for him to do - when we returned from lunch - it seemed to go alot smoother..........

Mark and I go this Friday for our consultation with her to find out her results. I know for sure that she is going to recommend more speech therapy at school - right now - he only goes for 1 hour a week - which seems like a lot - but he really needs it more. I am also looking into private speech therapy. I don't think our insurance pays for this - so it will be our expense - but when it's your child - you will do anything. We had him in private speech the first 3 years of his life - but when he started in the Public school setting with the preschool program for children with disabilities - they wanted us to halt the private so that they wouldn't' be overlapping.........turns out - that wasn't good advice - so, we will see. She said that she can make a good case for our insurance company and they might take it since it is from a medical reason (ie being born so tiny) but, we all know how insurance companies can be.....so, I'll keep you updated on that.

Friday night - we hung out with our neighbors. We have been blessed with a great street of people! During the summer we find a driveway and all pull our chairs and just visit. The hurricane brought us a lot closer - I know more of my neighbors now than I did before it.........it's a great feeling knowing everyone that surrounds your home and that we are all looking out for each other.

Saturday - we got up and took jake to the beach in surfside. We like to go to Freeport vs. Galveston because you can pull right on the beach - your vehicle is close enough to see it....we took a tent and stayed for the majority of the day. It was awesome. If you are ever down there - there is a little dive (seafood) called Red Snapper - it is so good!!! We go there every time we are at the beach - they have the best fish or shrimp Poboy's around!!! It's worth the trip just for that.

Sunday - Father's Day!!! I have a great husband - he is a wonderful father. Jake was so cute when he woke up - telling his dad Happy Father's day and giving him his present. As most of you know - my husband is not into "things" - so buying him stuff is very hard! He is one of these people who likes to buy for others - but doesn't want anything for him self......it's very hard for me because I like to buy! So, when we had Jake - I told him - you are going to have to come up with little things that you want because Jake is going to have to buy you something for Christmas, birthday's and father's day........so, guess what he wanted for father's day....it's very simple!!!!! Ready??? A new TAMU hat.....ROFL.............I told you he was not into things......so, that is what he got!!! LOL

My father, Carl Patrick, is away at the Mississippi Camps cooking for the kid's - so I called him and wished him a Happy Father's day. What a great man he is. I haven't always appreciated him in the manner that he deserves - when I was a teenager/early adult - I knew more than him (isn't that how it always is?? LOL) and I was very angry that I had lost my mom - so I withdrew from my family for several years - but thank goodness that God is merciful and I came to my senses (and he placed a great man in my life who married me in all my junk! LOL) I appreciate my father and love him dearly. We will celebrate father's day the week that we are on vacation with them in Oklahoma.

Ok - I think that has caught me up. Oh wait - I have some good news as it relates to me and my health. For those of you who know me - you know that I almost died when giving birth to Jake and as such, I've had thrombophilia for the past 6 years - which is blood clots...........well, I went in this past week to the hematologist and guess what - all my blood is back to normal!!!!!! I am now on the lowest scale for clotting.....whoo hoo!!!!! Now, I don't necessarily have to be so "aware" of sitting in one spot for too long or not flying long distance. I still have to take a baby aspirin - but that is it! They explained it like this - when you have the HELLP syndrome during pregnancy - your blood platelets drop (which mine did ) and it causes you to have clotting......however, after several years goes by - sometimes, your blood will "fix" itself and go back to being normal..........it sounds bizarre - but it happened to me.....they ran like a gazillion test and they all came back normal!!!! God is so good!!!!!!!!!

My thyroid on the other hand is going crazy - so I'm doing some testing to figure out what that is all about - maybe just need a change in medication.....Mark and I just laugh - if it's not one thing it's another....but - life is good - I'm still alive!!!

Hope you all have a blessed week.

Jake's first day of testing

well, we survived Jake's first day with the Clinical Neurophyc testing......got there at 9:00 and we are home at 4:00.......it went great during the morning session - but by lunch - he was OVER it. We took a break at 10:00 for a snack - then lunch at 11:40 - 12:15 and then he was so done.....but he persevered

the testing is intense for a 6 year old. Nothing painful - just continuous work and Jake has such a hard time staying in his chair and focusing (unless you have a drum set or a guitar - then he will focus on you for HOURS!). I could hear them in the room - she was extremely patient with him - ask him all the right questions and I kept hearing her say "great job Jake". However, with every question came the drumming on the table.....and, of course, a song to go with it. I was cracking up! She handled it very well - after about 4 hours of it - I was ready to pull my hair out and hang myself with it. I guess because I've never been in a classroom setting with Jake - I never realized what he does during the day - but, it is definitely annoying - no wonder the teacher kept telling me that the "Jonas brothers' have to stay home with me.......for those who don't know- they are a teenage band who - I assume - must have went to school with Jake and they must have had concerts during school....LOL.....so, every morning - I would have to tell Jake that the Jonas brothers were staying home with me and they would be ready to rock when he got home from school - but I guess he was practicing at school during the lessons and disrupting everyone else....ROFL

The doctor didn't even budge - I am sure that she is used to dealing with kids who have all sorts of issues - so the drumming was nothing. She did tell him a couple of times to stop playing the table or to come sit down so they could finish.......it wore me out!!! LOL. We have another day of testing on Thursday and then we will know her findings.

One positive thing already is that she said from her testing today - his IQ is definitely higher than what the school had classified him. She also said that Jake will need more modifications because he can not stay focused - he is too busy and too distracted.....so, we'll see. Karen B - I may be calling to get your advice regarding the final findings too.......your knowledge will be so helpful to me going into next year. Thanks for being willing to help me.....I love you!

I think in one of my postings a while back I told you guys that I was being considered for the NICU Family Advisory Council at Texas Children's Hospital and I just found out that I was accepted!!! I'm so excited........this will mean that I will help them work on initiatives for parents who have children in the NICU - ways to help them cope, services that TCH needs/wants to provide for them - etc. Orientation is June 25th and then I start on the board in September. I'm excited about the opportunities that this will afford me.........

My scripture reading today was Proverbs 16 and it talked about how we can make plans in our head - but God is the only one who can/will cause things to happen. I know this was in his plan for me and I'm looking forward to walking this path.

love to all
k