12.18.09 -- School Christmas Party

Today (after a mad dash back to town last night) Grant was at school for his First Grade Christmas party. It was really cute, the room mom did a great job and the kiddos had a great time. Aubrey really enjoyed all of the excitment. We try to keep her away from big crowds so this was the first time that she has gone to Grant's class and she loved all of the children. After a quick trip by the front office to say hello we went home to start the extended holiday!

12.17.09 -- The Polar Express Train

Today we went on the Polar Express Train ride on the Texas State Train that runs from Palestine to Rusk and it was such a neat treat. On the way down they punched the tickets, sang songs, danced, passed out hot chocolate and cookies to everyone. On the way back there was a visit from Santa and he passed out bells to all of the Children. It was a really neat event and was even a more special treat because my Friend April and her two boys and several of my cousins and their families joined us as well. It was a very special evening!

12.14.09 -- Christmas Card 2009

Tonight we took our annual Christmas Photo for our Christmas Card. I am not able to upload the actual card because I ended up cheating this year and put my photos on a template from a lab and that was the card this year. It is very different but we are surviving and making the best of the situation.

12.10.09 -- Plant Christmas Party

Tonight when I arrived home from work there was a mad dash to get ready for the Plant Christmas Party. I was really worried because I remember David and I attending last year, but I ended up having a really nice time. I sat with several really fun people and I really enjoyed getting out without the kiddos!

12.9.2009 -- Aubrey's Crawling!

Today Aubrey starting crawling and it is so cute. She is not proficient at it but it is crawling none the less! We are so proud of her, she is progressing so well!

11.20.09 -- Katelyn

I would like to ask for prayers for a dear friend of mine's little girl Katelyn. She was diagnosed with Stage 4 Neuroblastoma and we need all the prayers we can get. I have included a link to her website below if you are interested. It has been really rough and has really made me almost live all of our situation again. She was the flowergirl in our wedding and I remember camping out at the hospital when she was born! God is good and I know it is all going to work out according to his plan.

Katelyns Website

11.15.09 -- Shopping Trip

Here is a photo from our outing today. Aubrey found a purse that she wants for Christmas and we had to snap a photo. She is going to be a shopper, she LOVES to look at all of the pretties in the store.

11.15.09 -- Pettiskirt

Today we tried out the pettiskirt that Wende gave Aubrey. She is soooo talented and has a website called Spoiled Rotten Girls. I went to a craft fair a couple of weekends ago that Wende was at and bought a brown and pink one for her that is larger so she will have another one for later! It is so much fun having a little girl to dress up and spoil!

11.11.09 -- Veterans Day

Today Grant's school had a veterans day program and the children were told to invite their relatives that were veterans so Harry went up to the school for the program and Mom and Aubrey went to see the program. Grant is so proud of his Grandpa and was so excited that he went up to the school. Here is a photo of Grandpa and Aubrey she is proud of Grandpa also!

11.07.09 -- First Kiss

Well today we stopped by Nana's work and saw our friend Beau. He was born one day after Aubrey and they are facinated by each other. Well they were admiring and babbling at/to each other and Beau leaned over and gave Aubrey a kiss. It was so adorable.

11.06.09 -- Field Day

Today was field day at Grant's school. It was so much fun to spend this beautiful day outside cheering for the kiddos while they had a blast with the different events that were set up for them. Here is a photo of Grant participating in the pumpkin roll. The weather has been incredible lately and it was such a treat to spend some time outdoors.

10.31.09 -- Halloween

We had big plans for Halloween. We started the day at Zoo Boo and I was suprised that it was not terribly busy considering that it was actually Halloween, but we arrived early and left around noon so I guess we missed the big crowd. Later that Day Aunt Paula stopped by with Reid and they took Grant with them to the Church for Trunk-R-Treat. They had tons of activities and the kiddos stayed really busy and had lots of fun. Then when they came home we hit a few houses in our neighborhood. I was so excited about Aubrey's costume and she ended up falling asleep and I was not willing to wake her up and make her mad for a couple of houses so I left her at home asleep with Dad and went with Grant and Reid. It was really fun! Later I dressed he up and after I too her ladybug part back off because it was hot Mom snapped this photo of Aubrey and I.

10.28.09 -- Haircuts for Katelyn

My BFF just found out that one of her little girls has cancer. She has Neuroblastoma and it in and out of Texas Childrens receiving treatments. She has a really good prognosis and lots of people praying for her healing. Her and her other little girl came over to the house tonight to get their hair cut off and donate it to locks of love. Rachel has had long hair since I met her the first day of 9th grade in highschool (with exception to when she donates it) and it is so sweet to see them do this for Katelyn because she will be loosing all of her long beautiful hair in a few weeks. Please join us in praying for her! It was so special the first day that David was in St. Lukes Rachel showed up at the hospital (I didn't even ask) and spent the day with David and I in the ICU. It was so wonderful to have her there with me!

10.20.09 -- Ghost & Grant

Well on the way home from work today I decided that I was going to take photos of Aubrey in her Ghost costume when I got home. Here is a photo of the little spook. She is going to wear this to the 2009 CLR NICU Reunion. It is a costume party and I thought this would be cute.

I also found out that Grant made his first trip to the principals office today for fighting. Well we had a sit down and discussed what better options would have been in the situation and hopefully he will make better choices next time.

10.18.09 -- Crazy Sunday

This evening we went to Walmart to restock the pantry, I had my camera so I wanted to print a few photos and I wanted to pick up some stuff for Aubrey's ghost costume for the NICU Reunion on the 24th of this month (I will post a photo later when it is finished). Well I was uploading my SD card on the machine and guess what pops up (you never know when you have a 6yo that sneaks your camera). I had to share the following photo:



Yea, we lined up the GI Joes for a photo shoot! He is such a nut!

FYI for any one that may be trying to call me....I thought my phone was dirty so I washed it in the pocket of my jeans so the cute little pink Razor that David talked me into buying is TOAST and now I am reduced to carrying TWO blackberry's for the time being until I can get a replacement phone.

10.17.09 -- Miss. Aubrey

Aubrey is a little over 5 months old now. Here is a photo of my little princess:

10.15.09 -- National Day of Rememberance

I just realized that the 15th was the National Day of Remembrance for Infant and pregnancy loss for all babies that for any reason did not make it. This year I rejoice because many don't know but I have three children, two on Earth and one in Heaven. I do not know the gender of the baby we lost and never named the baby because we did not know the gender but David was instrumental in selecting the good strong names our children have and I am sure that he has done a wonderful naming that one as well and one day we shall all be reunited in Heaven.

It is difficult when you have a miscarriage because you have nothing left on Earth to represent your loss. There is no grave,there was no ceremony, most did not even know that I had been pregnant and the medical staff continually refer to your child as the tissue etc. We grieved alone with a few close family members. The almost two years that followed were extremely rough as well. I did not just have a miscarriage I had an ectopic pregnancy that was extremely difficult to diagnose. I had emergency surgery and I was left with only one functioning tube. During this time Casting Crowns song Praise you in this Storm was such a comfort to me. I told God that if this was the worst storm that I would have to suffer, I could do it. He had blessed me so abundantly with one child and such a rich and fulfilling life and marriage and I was so thankful to him for all of the blessings. I know see that event as helping me, I have lived such a sheltered and protected life and it was the first step in the series to follow which have made me a much stronger person.

10.15.09 -- Teacher Pizza Night

Tonight the teachers from Grant's school deliver the pizzas for one of the local pizza places. It was so cute and so much fun and Grant's Teacher Mrs. S. delivered his pizza it was too much fun. We had to wait a long time but it was well worth the wait. Grant thought it was so cool for his teacher to come to the house.

10.11.09 -- Weekend

We had a nice restful weekend it was cool and off and on rainy so we pretty much hung out at the house and I got a lot accomplished. Another week ahead but I have a training class two days this week so that will be a nice break. Aubrey has an appointment with her GI Specialist this week and I am sure that we are going to hear "that is common for cleft pallet babies" but oh well we will see what they have to say. I got a call from Uncle Carl (David's Uncle my Adopted Uncle) on Friday and we were talking and he had asked what I was doing right then and I told him that she was eating right now and in a very serious voice he said "I hear that is common for cleft pallet babies" so our joke has branched out in the family.

Hopefully we are in for a good week!!!!!

10.09.2009 -- Mercy Me

Last Friday I bought Mercy Me's 10 cd and I believe that it is my all time favorite cd. I love every song on this cd and many have very special meaning now with the happenings in my life.

Tonight I was watching the DVD that came with it and Finally Home came on if you have not heard this song it is beautiful and it starts out saying how he can't wait to hug his fathers neck and tell him about the man that he has become when he finally makes it home. After the first section Grant jumps up and runs out of the room and buries his head in my pillow and is sobbing. I don't know what I was thinking but I cannot believe that he understands and listens to the words and meaning behind them so closely. We cried and hugged and I told him that his Daddy is going to be so proud of him also when he finally makes it home. I told him that I know that it is sad and we miss him so much but that it is so wonderful that we ARE going to get to see him again and this time EVERYTHING will be absolutely perfect!

Finally Home


It has been really difficult working thru all of Grant's emotions and helping him deal with his loss. David was such a wonderful and involved father and that made the loss even greater. It is also difficult knowing that Aubrey will never know the Father that named her and loved her so much this side of eternity.

10.08.09 -- Living in the Valleys

I regularly read devotionals from "My Utmost for His Highest" by O. Chambers it has always been a favorite of mine and I read it to David when he was not conscious in the hospital. The theme lately has been Mountains and Valleys. It has been really interesting to read about how it is good for us to spend time on the mountain, this is the time that we spend with God and godly people; but that we must also spend time in the valleys which means living in the world and that we are to provide a light in the valley.

This has been a difficult week for me with many sad spells, the 7 month anniversary of David's departure happened this past week and it is just unbelievable that it has been that long. Today a lady at work asked me how I was doing today because she could tell that I have been having a difficult time. It is so sweet that she reached out to me and said some really kind words when she could have just as easily moved on. Shortly after David's passing she shared with me that her husband had passed away from cancer when her children were small as well. It is so wonderful that God uses people in our lives to touch us and comfort us when we really need it, and to let us know that we really are blessed even in our circumstances.

On to a cheerier subject Miss Aubrey is doing really well. She is so amazing and I cannot even begin to say how thankful I am to have her and Grant. They are the light of my life. Tonight we put her in her bed for the first time and she is so tiny in the monster crib.

Yesterday in the class I am taking at Church they told us that our children know what is important to us by our actions and then they asked us what would your children's answer be if they asked them what was the most important thing to you. Well on the way home I decided to ask Grant and prepared myself for the answer regardless of the outcome. I decided that even if I did not like the answer that I had the power to change it. Well surprising enough the first thing he said was the house (not real sure where this came from) and his second answer was me and Aubrey. Well I was happy that he came up with that and I guess all of the brainwashing has paid off. How would your children answer this question...This last year has really shown me how fragile life is and every moment must be lived to the fullest so that in the end there are no regrets. I can truely say that I have no regrets can you????

10.3.09 --That is Common for Cleft Pallet Babies

Since Aubrey was born we have seen our fair share of specialists rarely a week goes by that we don't have an appointment with some type of specialist for Miss Aubrey and we are constantly hearing that is common in cleft pallet babies. From the excessive drooling to the early teeth, the difficulties burping, the funny noises that she makes to the ear aches we have heard the same thing over and over. Last night we were sitting at dinner discussing what a sunny disposition Aubrey has and I looked up and said "that is common for cleft pallet babies." I thought that Mom and Dad were going to fall out of their chairs laughing because we have heard this so many times that it has almost become comical! Now this is our little joke when anything is mentioned. It really lightens up the conversation and we know that it is really silly but it is our way of dealing with the little curve ball that he (God) has thrown us and we would not trade her for ANYTHING!

10.1.09 -- Happy Birthday Paula

Today is my baby sister's birthday. I use the term baby loosely because she teaches Jr. High now and is about 6' tall. Happy Birthday Paula. I hope you day is blessed!

9.30.09 -- Inheritance (Bible Study)

Last Wednesday I stared Inheritance a parenting class/Bible study at church. April and I met again tonight for the second class. It is a really great bible study and I pray that it will really help me. I feel such an awesome responsibility to make David proud and raise these children as we were together now that I am by myself! It is such an awesome responsibility making sure I leave our children a Godly Inheritance. It is so weird. I would have never thought that I would EVER end up a single parent.

9.27.09 -- Butterfly

Over the last couple of weeks we have been collecting monarch butterfly caterpillars and keeping them in an aquarium in the house because the mockingbirds were enjoying the easy treats. This morning we found the first butterfly we admired it for a few minutes then I let it crawl on my finger and released it in the front yard on one of our butterfly bushes so it could drink some nectar and get strong enough to fly away. It is so amazing watching the fat little worms become graceful and beautiful butterflies. Only God could look at a caterpillar and see the potential butterfly.

9.26.09 - The Evan's Family Visit

Today the Evan's family came in from LA and spent the day with us. Later that evening we went to the Melting Pot in Houston and had a wonderful time with Brian, Rachel, Robert & Wende. We had a wonderful time celebrating Rachel's Birthday welcome to 31 =). This time last year we were just getting back to normal from the hurricane and we went to the Melting Pot in the Woodlands to celebrate. Wow a lot has happened since this time last year with the Evan's family moving to LA and with loosing David. It is amazing how much life can change so quickly. We really missed Danny and Patti but Robert and Wende were a great adition! Here is the photo from last year and I will post the photo from this year when I get it from Rachel.

9.23.09 - Jumparoo

Today Jay from work brought Aubrey Jasmine and Abby's (his twin girl's) Jumparoo and Miss Aubrey LOVES it! Thank you so much for sharing!

Today I got her ladybug costume in the mail and it is soooooo cute! I am so excited and I cannot wait to try it all out for Halloween!

9.22.09 -- Sock Monkey!

Today Rick brought Miss. Aubrey a present and one of the many things he brought her was a sock monkey and she LOVES her sock monkey! I had to post this photo, she was so excited.

9.22.09 -- Praying for Sara

When we found out that David had cancer there were so many people praying for all of us! Here is another family that needs our prayers. I pray that they get the miracle that we didn't get! This is so close to my heart because we just went thru the same thing a few months ago. They need the prayers now...



Thank you! The best gift that one believer can give to another is a prayer!

9.21.09 -- TX Childrens

We were back at TX Children's today and it made me feel so blessed that Aubrey has a MINOR problem. There are so many seriously ill children out there and I am so blessed that she is so healthy. We found out that they will not do her repair until 8-9 months. They said that it is a rather large cleft and that she needs to grow so that they will have more to work with. I am really rather relieved because I am really dreading her being put under for surgery. Then we met with the Speech Pathologist and discussed the problems that she has the potential to have once she begins speaking and how to direct her in the correct way so that we limit the potential speech problems. We are going to start working with her on baby sign language to help mitigate her frustration and facilitate communication. After we left we spent the remainder of the afternoon in the area and we had lunch at Chuy's and then we went to Central Market to get some groceries. They have the best fresh bread around!