What Lies Ahead

I have a list that is a mile long, and have been faithfully checking things off to get ready for both Christmas and the wedding that will take place the week after Christmas. It is a very exciting time. Sometimes I stay so busy, I do not have time to feel really sentimental. However, the other day, I was thinking about the actual wedding and all that the ceremony will mean. My daughter will no longer share our last name, she will no longer reside with us and she will no longer be looking to us for the same kind of advice that she has through her 22 years. As I was thinking on those things, a vision popped into my head and I pictured her and Alan at the end of the aisle ready to walk into the sanctuary. The man I love walking my baby girl down the aisle to start her new life. The same little girl that he fell head over heels in love with the first time he met her (he wasn't present for the birth because he was away in the Navy). The same man that that little girl would wait to see after he came in from being away on the Navy ship for weeks at a time. The same little girl who carried a picture of her Daddy around with her for 6 months while he was away. The same Daddy who coached her softball team and helped her with her homework. It was overwhelming as I thought about this and I have to admit that I am not quite sure how I will deal with that moment emotionally. I know when the time comes, God will give me the grace to deal with things, but wow, it sure is a big moment in life.

2 and a Half Weeks

Yikes! In two and a half weeks, we will be having a wedding! We will be having it even if all of those little details are still undone. We have been busy with all of the last minute stuff that we keep thinking of. So many details. I guess it makes sense for there to be so many details. Marriage is such a huge decision. It is good that it takes a bit of planning and thinking before the big day. Marriage changes everything from that moment on.

The Big Ol' Cast

This picture was taken of Davin right before we headed off to the hospital to get his cast off.

FREEDOM

Yesterday Davin had an appointment with the orthopedic surgeon and he was able to get his cast off! Davin was absolutely giddy about the whole thing. I thought I had been prepping him not to expect to get it off (since the doctor had said maybe two more weeks), but after seeing Davin's reaction, I realize he had no intention of leaving St. Christopher's with that cast on. He is doing great although he is very stiff and sore and does not like to be moved very much. We are taking it slow, and enjoying freedom!

Where to Find the Perfect Dress?

Well, as the mother-of-the-bride, I have been asked repeatedly if I have gotten my dress for the wedding yet. I have not because, as you know, I have a boy in a body cast and therefore I do not get out very much. Well, today (since the wedding is about 5 weeks away), my daughter Bethany and I went and started the hunt. I went to Macy's and tried on several dresses. Several had good points to them, but of course, this dress must make me look young and thing. I realize I am no longer either of these things, so I may be expecting a lot out of a dress, but hey, shouldn't I try?? So, we had no luck today with the MOB dress, but I will press on and if Davin is out of his cast on Wed. (possibly) then I will make it one of my top priorities! At least until I have other priorities....

My Thanksgiving Menu

I have been busy getting ready for Thanksgiving tomorrow. It is so nice being home so much with Davin right now. I can spend some time baking and doing things that I don't always have time for. I have been working on my menu for tomorrow and my Dad and I have spent time out shopping for all of our ingredients. We are having....

24 lb. turkey
stuffing (a combination of my mom's recipe and my mother-in-law's recipe)
broccoli casserole
yummy salad (jello kind of salad)
applesauce (I made it for the first time today!)
coleslaw
blueberry muffins
mashed potatoes
gravy

Having a turkey dinner is not one of my favorite meals, but I have always loved preparing everything with my Mom. She and my Dad have almost always come to our house for Thanksgiving even when we lived far away from them. I believe the first time they came was in 1989. Alan had just come home from a Med-cruise. He was in the Navy and had been gone for 6 months. We had two little girls (4 and 2) at the time. My parents drove down to Virginia to spend Thanksgiving with us and we had a wonderful time making all of the food together. Nice memories.

What are you having for dinner tomorrow?? Do you have the same thing ever year or do you switch things up??

Sad Day

Today was a very sad day. I have two very close friends who have suffered huge losses. Today one of them laid their mom to rest and the other laid her marriage to rest. Neither of my friends desired these deaths, and yet both had to deal with them. My heart has been with both of these dear friends today as well as my constant prayers.

And the Doctors Say....

First the orthopedic doctor said Davin is healing well, but instead of going two more weeks, we are going at least three more weeks. He also reserves the right to keep it on two more after that. So, Davin will celebrate his 15th birthday and Thanksgiving in his cast, but after all that he has been through, it could be much worse. We are content with that.

The pulmonary doctor appointment was better than I could have even expected. She agreed with everything that we thought (Davin has corrected the problem and no longer needs all the equipment.) She could not believe the child she was seeing. She had read all the reports from the hospital and she expected a child who was very sick. She was amazed at his head control and how straight his body is. She said all those things are so much better than the kids that she sees with problems. The doctor at the hospital had assured me that her "trained eye" sees that Davin has an obstructed airway. The pulmonologist said that he does not. If he did, he would be so tired and have to work so hard. She did not even have us make another appointment. The best news of all is that she is having the company come and pick up almost all of the equipment that has invaded our house!

So, now we are just left with a boy in a spika cast. It is so funny. This part we knew we were going to have and it seemed that it would be so difficult. After the last few weeks and all that happened, this boy and his little spika cast is no big deal. It is a pleasure to take care of him. I will try to post a picture of Davin in his cast. You all know I am not good with the pictures, though, and will need help for that part..

Davin Update

Gudl reminded me today that I have not updated you all on Davin. (I am not at the computer very often these days.) Let me sum Davin's progress up by telling you that Davin and I were laying in my bed (I was sleeping, but apparently he was not:) I opened my eyes to see Davin's entire feeding tube in his little fist. He was holding his fist above his head and just smiling! I was nervous at first and you can not just pop a feeding tube back in, but after much debate, I decided to see that as Davin's way of saying that he had enough of that feeding tube. So, he has been eating by mouth for 6 days, I think. He has not had to have oxygen for over a week now and has absolutely refused to wear the c-pap thing. We have two appointments this week and are hoping for great news. I am praying that his lung is fully inflated once again.

On another subject, I was wondering if anyone has any creative ideas for Ashleigh's wedding ceremony. Has anyone seen anything especially meaningful and different at a wedding ceremony lately? We are getting the invitations out and starting to plan the wedding ceremony itself. So, any ideas.....?

A New Normal??

Davin ended up having respiratory complications following his surgery and we ended up spending 13 days in the hospital. He has some good days and some bad days. Today was somewhere in the middle. He has only slept through the night one night so far. It has been a long couple of weeks. Our new normal for right now includes, a hospital bed, oxygen, a feeding tube, a puls-ox, and breathing treatments. Also at night he wears a c-pap which helps expand his lungs. I think of it as being in between oxygen and a respirator. It has been very difficult getting used to this new normal. Davin is furious that he can not eat right now. "Regular Davin" eats regular food, has never had oxygen or any of these other things. He is not loving it and is a bit annoyed with his cast. His cast comes all the way down his left side and half way down his right leg.

On the up side, I am so thankful for a successful surgery. I am thankful that Davin was in a children's hospital where they are so skilled dealing with all kinds of problems in children. I am thankful for equipment to take home so we could finally leave the hospital!

I think the hardest thing of all has been to watch Davin be so miserable. He did not smile for five and a half days and that has never happened before in his life. Davin is the happiest person I have ever known in my life. The doctors and nurses were trying to understand what Davin is like in his normal life so we would know where we were trying to get him back to and it was so hard to make them understand that this sick, sad little boy was nothing like my Davin. Poor thing. What a trial for a little boy.

God is good and He is faithful. I will keep you posted on how he is doing. Thank you all for your prayers.

Surgeries and Such

Davin will have his surgery tomorrow morning around 8am. EST Thank you all for your prayers and concern. I will update you with how he is doing as soon as I can.

Greater Love

I learned a lesson today. We had communion tonight at church and the Lord brought something to my attention about His sacrifice on the cross.

About a week ago, I was all set to give blood for my son, Davin's surgery. I had never given blood before and I have not had a needle for quite a long time and I really found myself fretting about this. It was not something I voiced, but kept thinking about it and getting nervous about. Finally, I talked to myself and let myself know that my son was about to undergo much more than this little needle. It was the least I could do. The very least.

I have always thought I love my kids A LOT. I mean a whole lot. I have devoted my life to them from the minute that my oldest daughter was born. I think if you asked anyone who knows me, they would tell you that I am a mother through and through and that I love my kids. And yet, here I was struggling with doing such a little thing for Davin because of fear. It would never have kept me from giving blood for him, but I certainly had to calm myself down several times.

So, tonight the Lord brought this to my mind as we were having communion and I realized how little I love. I have always thought that the parent/child relationship is so reflective of our relationship with our heavenly father. But, is it really? Could it ever be? The Father was willing to give his son. He had just one son. He knew all that He would go through. Jesus himself was willing to go forward with the Father's plan knowing the incredible pain (much more than a needle) and suffering that He would experience. Wow, I am humbled by what real love is.

John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

Football Pep Talks

My nephew Jonah plays football. He is six years old and he is really not loving the whole thing. They practice a lot and it is very disciplined. My sister told me about the coach's pep talk after the big game this morning and I found it hysterical.

Coach: We have got to get a handle on these tears. We can not win football games if everyone is crying during every game. If you are crying, you can not focus on tackling or scoring. We can not have every player crying during every play.

Is that too funny? Do you think that is what the coaches for the NFL teams say after their games? Can you just imagine it? Listen, we have got to get a handle on these tears.....You are getting paid a zillion dollars and you can't focus on tackling if you are crying. Too funny.

Generations

Today my son Cheney and I went out to lunch with my parents, my sister, and my great Aunt Margie. I had not seen my great aunt in several years and it was so nice to see her. She is my paternal grandmother's youngest sister. There were four sisters altogether (I believe there was at least one more sibling who passed away in childhood or infancy) and I learned so much from watching their relationships. Alberta, Gladys, Hazel and Margorie. Aren't they great names from that generation? I remember when the eldest sister was dying of cancer. My grandmother (Gladys) took in Aunt Alberta and took care of her. The other two sisters came everyday and together they took turns taking care of Alberta. That made a huge impression on me. I wanted that for my 4 children. When one of them is down, they should all rally to that the one who is down. I can't imagine that was an easy decision to have your sister come and stay at your house knowing she would breathe her last breath there. What a sacrifice and what an example to your children and grandchildren. I also remember all four sisters and the two husbands who were still living getting together every week to play cards together. They loved each other's company. Now my Aunt Margie is the only sister left. I saw so much of my grandmother today while I spent time with my aunt. What a blessing. I have been missing out on this by not seeing my aunt. I was also so thankful that my 16 year-old son was willing to go with me and get to know this aunt that he did not even remember. What an excellent way to spend an afternoon.

13 Things about Alan Scott

I am just not feeling very creative, so I will blog 13 things about my husband, Alan. He will be excited about that, since he did not feel I wrote enough about him in my 100 things.

1. Alan met me when he was 9 or 10. (Of course he loved me immediately.) Okay, he doesn't admit to that, but I am sure it is true. Someone on the bus told me that.

2. Alan has one sister and one brother. He looks very much like his brother, but I tell people you can tell them apart because Alan is the much better looking one. My brother-in-law loves this.

3. Alan is a very devoted father and has been from the minute he laid eyes on Ashleigh.

4. Alan loves all of our kids to be here.

5. Alan used to be a computer nerd. (Well, he still is, but it's not his job anymore.)

6. Alan played football in high school. I always went to the games, but didn't pay real close attention. On the other hand, he could tell me exactly where I was during the game. Freaky!

7. Alan dragged me out of a car after we were in a very bad car accident on our first car date. Unfortunately, he dragged me into a briar patch.

8. Alan has blonde hair.

9. Alan is a devoted follower of Jesus Christ and is a great example to his family.

10. Alan doesn't need a lot of people around him.

11. Alan started a forrest fire when he was in boy scouts.

12. Alan told his grandmother that he would never get married and even signed a paper stating that very thing. She never let him forget it.

13. Alan has been my husband for 22 years.

Giving Blood

So, as you all know my son Davin is having hip surgery in less than two weeks now. The doctor let us know that Davin will need 2 units (I think it's units, but it is 2 of something) of blood during the surgery. You can decide to take the blood from the general public or be a direct donor. I thought that would be great because I could DO something for Davin in that way. Anyway, my Mom and I decided to do that and went today. My Mom was able to give blood as planned, but I failed the iron test! My iron was too low to give. Bummer. I told my Mom that meant she would have to give extra (not really) and then I took her out to lunch. What a nice thing for her to do for her grandson. I was so touched by her gift today as I watched her lying on the table with the blood being pumped out of her arm. Blood that in two weeks will be pumped into my son. Precious gift. My husband gives blood often. It has never been something that I have done, but I think maybe I should think about doing it again (when my iron is up, of course). My Mom was given a sticker that says, "Be nice to me. I gave blood today." I think I will do that.

If any of you want to check out anymore information on Davin, he has his own website. It's http://www.fordavin.com/ There are pictures of all of us and a letter that I wrote talking about how it is to be his Mom.

Silly Girls

Here is a silly picture of my girls, Ashleigh and Bethany wrestling in our old living room. It has been so much fun to watch them grow up and be best friends. Sisters are so great!

Details, Details

I have been very busy the last two weeks with details. Details about the wedding. Details about Davin's surgery. Then there are all of the details about normal life. I tend to be good at doing one major thing at a time and no more than that, so I am struggling to keep getting my details done for two major things and while still keeping life going. God is in control, though, and things are getting accomplished. I am feeling good about the wedding. Things seem to be falling into place. I am not feeling GOOD about the surgery, but the details that need to be done beforehand are falling into place as well. I know that God will give me peace as we get nearer to that day.

I feel like I have mentioned three of my kids quite a bit, but poor little Bethany has been left out of my posts. So, I will write about her. Bethany is a junior in college this year. She is majoring in Bible and Social Work. She hopes to one day be a child psychologist. She has awesome people skills and loves with a fierce, loyal love. Last week Bethany called us to let us know that she had been in an accident. A car rearended her while she was merging into traffic. Thankfully she is well and so is her friend Kelly who was riding with her. I thank God that he has watched over my girls as they drive here and there.

13 Things About Cheney Boy

My son Cheney is away on a high school retreat, so I thought I would write 13 things about him since I miss him!

1. Cheney is a morning person (big time!) and always has been.

2. Cheney loves Jesus and really wants to be a good man someday. (I think he's on his way.)

3. Cheney really likes pretty girls.

4. Cheney is very helpful around the house, but does forget to take the trash to the end of the road quite often.

5. Cheney is very strong, especially now that he has big muscles, and helps me carry heavy things.

6. Cheney used to sound just like his sister Bethany and then his voice started to change and he sounded just like his sister Ashleigh and now he sounds exactly like his Dad. He likes it much better this way!

7. Cheney is a junior in high school (I feel a little tear forming in my eye!)

8. Cheney loves to play soccer.

9. Cheney really likes being in plays. (Martha, do you remember all of our plays with Mrs. Beaver??? It has really stuck with him!) A couple years ago, he played a really sinister man with a big scar (Arsenic and Old Lace) and the night before opening night, he jumped over a banister and scraped the entire left side of his face!

10. Cheney had his first stitches when he was 10 months old. That was when I thought it would be a really good idea to put him in a padded room.

11. Cheney is 6 feet and 1 inch, but his goal is 6'4". I guess it is good to have goals.

12. Cheney is learning to play the guitar.

13. Cheney has a little brother who can not talk or walk and Cheney has always been such a good older brother. Every time Davin sees Cheney it is like the most exciting thing ever. From the time the boys were little, Cheney would carry Davin downstairs so they could watch cartoons together. His brother thinks he is the best ever and so do I!

A Little Overwhelmed

I'm having a bit of trouble lately feeling overwhelmed. You know that as a Mom, we feel like we have to take on everything and make sure things get done. There seem to be so many BIG things in my life right now in addition to the normal things. I know that this season will pass, but for right now, it is taking so much energy. In addition to my normal life (i.e. raising two teenage boys and maybe giving a bit of advice to my two college girls, working, and serving in my ministry at church), I am trying to plan my daughter's wedding which will be in January. I am trying to get all of the planning done by the time that my youngest son, Davin, has hip surgery. He will be in a body cast for 4 - 6 weeks and during that time, I do not anticipate being able to do much except care for his needs. There just seem to be so many details for both of those major events and yet I don't want this time to pass by too quickly. At the end of this time, my daughter will no longer be sharing our last name. We will no longer sign her name when we sign Christmas cards and she will have another home. I am very glad that I know I have a Savior who cares about the details in my life and I don't have to do it all alone.

The Trouble With Getting Married

Getting married is quite a stressful time. Today is a bad day for my daughter Ashleigh and her fiance Kevin. They are planning to be married on January 4th. Please pray for them if you think of it. There are many bumps and detours on the way to getting married, but I suppose they help to prepare us for all of the bumps and detours that occur after getting married.

My Advice About Hair Cuts

I have learned a valuable lesson, I think. I now think it is a good idea to take your 16-year-old son to the barber/salon to get his hair cut instead of having one of his parents cut it. This is especially valuable if it is the day before school. We have had a tense couple of days as Alan cut Cheney's hair and it went shorter and shorter and shorter. 16 year-old boys (at least in my house) tend to be sensitive about how they are going to look on the first day of school. At this point, the money saved was not worth the pain and suffering felt by all.

I am finally a blogger!

This is very exciting! I finally figured out how to make my blog. I have had this one for over a year, but didn't know how to find it again. Thankfully I have a very smart husband who could help me. Since this is my first posting, I thought I would try to list 100 things about me.

1. I am 40 years old.
2. I have named my children in alphabetical order.
3. Ashleigh
4. Bethany
5. Cheney Alan
6. Davin
7. I married my high school sweetheart (and I am so glad I did!)
8. I lived in Ontario, NY for 8 years.
9. 8 years is the longest I have lived anywhere as an adult.
10.I have moved 16 times in 22 years.
11.I have brown hair.
12.I have blue eyes.
13.All of my children have blue eyes.
14.I love Jesus Christ.
15.It is hard to believe that God sent his son for me knowing all the trouble I would be.
16.My oldest daughter is getting married in 4 months.
17.I have run over a vaccuum with a Suburban.
18.I got in a bit of trouble for running over the vaccuum.
19.My husband has a construction company.
20.My husband has a real estate business.
21.I broke both of my legs when I was 16.
22.I have a golden retriever.
23.I have a beagle puppy.
24.I have been a substitute teacher.
25.I enjoy scrapbooking, but wish I took better pictures.
26.My handwriting is very neat.
27.I can french braid my own hair.
28.I never went to a prom.
29.I graduated from high school with honors, but didn't go to my graduation.
30.I went to college for one semester.
31.I have two daughters in college.
32.I have been on a Navy ship many times.
33.I have been to Prince Edward Island.
34.I have wonderful parents.
35.I love to eat lunch out.
36.I have one sister.
37.My sister is my best friend.
38.My husband is almost a foot taller than I am.
39.My son is almost a foot taller than I am.
40.My youngest son has cerebral palsy.
41.I like tulips.
42.I also really like daisies.
43.I have my ears pierced.
44.My husband had his ear pierced. (Shhh.)
45.I work in Awana and have for many years.
46.I also work with the senior high at my church.
47.I have 9 neices and nephews.
48.I work for my husband.
49.I used to work for my brother-in-law.
50.I go on a date once a week with my Dad.
51.I am so glad I get to go on a date once a week with my Dad.
52.My Dad had a traumatic brain injury and had to learn everything all over again.
53.I have homeschooled each of my children at different times.
54.I do not homeschool anyone anymore.
55.Three of my children are juniors in school.
56.I played soccer and softball in high school.
57.I enjoy writing.
58.My favorite book of the Bible is James.
59.I am very practical.
60.My husband and I are exact opposites.
61.I shop at Super Fresh.
62.Sometimes I get to go to Wegmans because they have one here now.
63.I almost cry when I am in Wegmans because I miss Ontario, NY.
64.I do not cry very often.
65.I am not ticklish.
66.I remember making myself not be ticklish.
67.Even on my feet.
68.I have known my husband since I was 9 years old.
69.We rode the same bus.
70.I was friends with his sister.
71.My daughter Ashleigh and I have the same middle name.
72.I had all of my children by the time I was 25 years old.
73.My Mom had her oldest child when she was 25 years old.
74.Both of my grandmothers died in 1995 and I still miss them.
75.I have a very long name.
76.I kept my maiden name.
77.I love things to match.
78.I wear glasses.
79.I have lived in Virginia.
80.I lived in Orlando, but never went to Disney World when I lived there.
81. I was born in New Jersey, but moved as soon as I got married.
82.I went to the same school for kindergarten that my Dad and grandmother went to.
83.I lived in the same house the whole time I was growing up and my parents still live there.
84.My grandparents were blueberry farmers and my Dad knows a lot about blueberries.
85.We had a tree fall on our house last October.
86.I make excellent pies.
87.I love having both boys and girls and think they are both so much fun in very different ways.
88.My grandfather (the other one) was in the Army and served in WWII.
89.I failed my driver's road test the first time I took it.
90.I drive a Jeep Grand Cherokee.
91.I live on a dirt road.
92.We have a well (I didn't realize so many people still have them, but here they do!)
93.My favorite color is blue.
94.I buy one purse and use it until it's unusable. (My mom thinks this is a terrible thing to do.)
95.I used to want to be a lawyer.
96.I am not very good at Dance Dance Revolution.
97.I do not like golf. It seems very frustrating to me.
98.I live right next to a creek.
99.My baby is 14 years old.
100.I LOVE sandals and flip flops. They are the BEST!

I made it! Yeah! That was hard.