Doing it the Wright Way

Classic Rock

2009-05-19T17:49:00.000-07:00

Thought you guys might get a kick out of seeing the kids dancing the night away. Mom, Dad, the kids and I went to eat this weekend in Kemah at a wonderful new Greek place - next to The Monkey Bar. It was such a nice day we ate on the patio. As luck would have it, a live band was playing on the patio of the Monkey Bar next door so we got to enjoy it was well. I took 3 different videos and each one is worth the viewing I promise. The first one is of Alex and it's very short. He love love loves to dance and here he is dancing HARD and then hits his head.... HARD. He was fine as you will see in the video to follow - it was the same song just to prove he did not have a severe head trama.

As you can see in the next video it's Alex again - only this time I moved his chair out away from the table :)

The last video is Grace in all her dancing glory. One word... WOW!

Hope you enjoy cause we had a blast watching the two if them.

Me "two"

2009-04-30T07:30:00.000-07:00

Hey there - yes I too got the "I need to separate my blog fever" from Kristi and Kristin. I have had the Doing it the Wright Way blog all year now and until recently I had been updating it with cute family stories and pics of our lives and then I started getting sick. Once that happened I feel like my blog is a sad spot so here's my solution : Under Construction - my new blog http://donthavealltheanswers.blogspot.com . You can read about my life dealing with Lyme, living and the process that is my life. So if you want update that are about me look there - not just health physically but also emotional and spiritual as well - all the fun family stuff will be left on Doing it the Wright Way. Hope you enjoy one or both :) Until next update.

And the doctor said....

2009-04-28T08:00:00.000-07:00

No more monkeys.... jk - Have that in my head today guess cause people are asking what the doctor said. Anyhoo - I did get a call back from the doctor yesterday evening. He went over most of the labs - however the Lyme Panel will not be back for 2 more weeks - which we knew. He wanted to check my thyroid again to make sure it was not too low... it was fine. He wanted to check my B12 again... it was fine so now only one shot a week not two :). As well as all the other things like liver, kidneys, white blood counts and more but you get the idea I think... everything looked fine. He also ran a test called CD57. This test is a standard blood draw with LabCorp - not Quest - and yes it makes a difference. It is not a diagnostic test but is used as a marker for Lyme being active. So the doctor wanted this one ran before the others came back as bonus info. If this test is positive, then it is Chronic Lyme Disease. He said he's never seen a case where it was a false positive. .....If your results are above 200 then no need to worry for Lyme. 0 - 60, is seen in chronic Lyme disease. If you're 20 or less this shows a severe illness. And if you are 60 or higher that means Lyme activity indicates improvement - the meds are working. They tend to perform this test many times during the treatment process to see how the lyme is reacting to the meds and to see if once "cleared" you will have a relapse. My level was 20 for the CD57. I asked what that meant for me and he said we had a big fight on our hands but we're taking the right steps to win. He did say he thought there were co infections along with the Lyme but more info on that will come when the Lyme panel comes back from CA. Co infections are very common for Lyme - the tick usually does not carry just one type of bacteria. So we will figure out a new game plan once we have more results. For now.... I am taking my meds and start the new antibiotic today.
What i feel you need to know....
I know this is going to be ok.
Please know this and dont read this with sadness.
I am not putting these updates up here for pity or fear.
I am updating for the most part because I do not really want to retell this over and over again. I'm happy to talk about it with anyone who wants to but it's just easier not to have to "retell" the whole story each time.
I am also updating this because knowledge is power friends.
How many of you or your friends or family have been bit by a tick?? lots I'm sure. And again I will say... No not every tick carries this bacteria you're right BUT this is a tricky tricky little bug! Not everyone gets the fever and rash after a bite. Not everyone knows they were bitten. Some get sick right away and others like me have it for 25 years and never know that's what's been wrong all along. Im not saying run out and get tested or stop going camping or anything like that. Im just saying be smart about it. Look up the symptoms, be aware of the bugs you come in contact with and dont take no for an answer when it doesnt feel right in your core if you are not well.
I also want you to know that on these meds I will have good days and bad days.
So if I make plans and then cancel please know it's the last thing I want to do - trust me. I have a hard time saying no, feeling like I've let someone down or taking a break - but I will be doing it more often now - which will be super hard for me. The one sure way to know if the meds are working is to make my symptoms worse - NOT better. The meds will slowly kill off one bacteria cell at a time and then that cell will break off into smaller pieces and then my body will fight those smaller pieces. All the while toxins will be released into my body as they break apart - this is why I will feel worse because the meds are working. So I honestly do not know what to expect from day to day. So when I say yes I want to go do a 5K with you on Monday - come Tuesday my body might be giving me a different answer. (LOL 5K who am I kidding) you get the idea :)
Lastly have Faith for me and with me :)
This too shall pass and who knows who I'll get to help along the way :)
More updates to come Im sure

Update and then some

2009-04-23T08:02:00.000-07:00

For those of you wondering about the outcome of our latest doctor trip, I thought I'd try to fill you in. It was a very long day and a lot of information was thrown our way. So if I'm all over the place with this please understand :) We spent the night in Crosby on Sunday so that the kids would not have to get up at 3:00 am like we did. So we left the kids in great hands with Nana and headed out by 4:00 am to the small town of Pineville LA. We were told when we made the original visit that we needed to plan on a 2 day trip - so we were ready and packed.
The drive up was nice - thanks to my poor husband whose line of work trained him well for a sleeping wife who did not aide in keeping him awake for the ride. Hey I made it to the TX - LA state line - if you've ever ridden in a car with me for any amount of time you know that's pretty good!! We stopped for restroom and coffee at Mac D's but other than that we made it to Pineville without any stops. We made good time - arriving an hour early so we ate a yummy meal of Sonic and then went back to the office to wait for 9:00 - my apt time. Looking back when they asked if I wanted the first apt time I should have thought about the fact it would take us 4 hours to get there - 9:00 am not the best time - sorry Shane :(
So we didnt have to wait long and met with a nurse who asked several background questions, then a few tests then a video of the doctor meeting with a group to explain Fybromialiga, Chronic Fatigue and Chronic Lyme. I knew I did not have either of the first 2 he talked about but I was there to rule in or rule out Lyme Dieases. After the video we meet with the PA who was very very knowledgeable. He not only asked questions I knew he'd ask, answered questions I had; he also asked and answered questions I never knew I had - if that makes any sense at all. For the first time I felt like a doctor was really hearing me and not judging me or getting offended by my questions or threatened if he did know the answer. Doctors are just people to but when they dont have the answer they often refuse to say "I dont know what's wrong with you" and they surly dont take it a step further to say - "But we'll figure this out." I have had doctors say - You're just too stressed - You're just tired - Labs show every thing's fine maybe it's just in your head see you in 6 months - and Maybe you're just depressed. UNREAL!!!
Sorry got off track there -
So after the PA looked at the last labs I had brought with me he found 2 things that that doctor did not - and had questions about others. He said my B12 was lower than he wanted it to be and that my Thyroid was lower than he thought it should be. He also questioned how they diagnosed my Lupus and my PCOS. So 11 vales of blood later and a Lyme panel kit we are waiting for the results.
He also did a vision test that showed I had toxins in my brain - do not ask me how it works or what the toxins are I could assume to answer you correctly but I am not a doctor and by that time my head was swimming with info. So he said we needed to clear them. We also will be putting our growing family on hold. We do not want the meds to affect the baby in anyway so we will wait for that blessing to come later. I left there with sleep aides - he said that's the first line of defense of fighting Lyme - is good rest. And no I do not sleep well at all so this should help with my energy level. I also left with B12 shots, folic acid (different than what you would take for pregnancy), a cleanser type herbal thing, .... i don't remember it all am Im not sure that you care to know lol - 11 "things" total.
Now the big question you have is .. Is it Chronic Lyme? All signs are pointing to yes. He wants to check out the blood first but he seems to believe yes it is Lyme and I have had it for 25 years - not that it was "active" for all those years but it was there. Next question.... How do we get rid of it? ... You really dont get rid of Lyme. You try to kill enough of it way but you're never really cured. To kill it away, you take antibiotics - lots of them for a long time. Treatment is different for everyone.
How long is long?..... He seems to think it will take 1 1/2 to 2 years to "fix" me :) Not as long as some. He said the "treatment" they had me on the the Lupus all those years made it worse.
When do we go back? .... we call on Monday to talk then again in 2 weeks to talk and then in 1 month from then we will either go up for another visit or go back to see him in his office. This is how good I feel about this, you know how hard it is to get a nurse much less a doctor to call you back with anything?? Well he gave us his cell number and told us to text him day or night. Pretty awesome. They also have scriptures on the handout and they call this their ministry - not their job or even calling - pretty cool!
So that's the update so far. Now here's my soap box:
Lyme is under treated and under diagnosed. Doctors are not trained in finding or treating it. The Texas Medical board DOES NOT believe in Chronic Lyme and you will not get proper treatment in Texas. This is a serious disease and a dangerous one! It is called the great imitator. Look up the symptoms and pay attention. No not everyone who gets bit by a tick will get Lyme that's true. But for those who do, please check it out and dont just believe the doctors word on it - cause they dont know everything.
If you want to know more watch the video below - thanks again for all the prayers, well wishes and happy thoughts :)

Hope Now

2009-04-06T18:36:00.000-07:00

To the side of this posting you will find my new "theme song" - below are the words. It's true everything in life rides on Hope - wherever you may find your Hope is your call - but Hope is what makes you take that next step no matter how difficult it is. Hope is what gets you out of the bed each morning and why you still smile even when you don't feel like smiling. Hope/Love/Faith all blend together in my head most days to be honest. I have Hope that things will work out as God has planned. I have Faith that even my miss steps can be put back on track. And I know that Love is God - not just an emotion. It seems as if most of my latest blog have a faith based theme. I have not come to some new conclusion about my spiritual life that I didn't have before - I just think that for me, I've come to the part in my life where I cant just "hope" my faith is enough. I need to feel it, breath it, live it and exercise it daily. It's not for all people - heck it wasn't even for me a few years ago. But look at all I've been through - there is NO WAY - no way it was me dusting me off and standing me back on my feet after some of this stuff - no way! Higher power - faith - GOD - whatever it is you believe in, believe in it and hope it's enough. As a Christian this is where I should be telling you my way is the way??? God is the one true GOD - that's my belief and I'd love to share that with you but I'm not going to shove it in your face and make you take it. I'll share my story if you want it. I'll shed a few tears and laugh a lot of tears as I tell it but it's always your call - how you believe and how you live. I'd be lying if I said if you're reading this blog then you're not on my prayer list - you are by name most likely. On the list for Hope in your life situation or Faith that God will bring you through or LOVE - that I want you to know the LOVE GOD has for you. Life just gets too busy - too messy if were being honest. I'm tried of mess. I know days are not always rainbows and butterflies - trust me I know - but they can be full of Hope. Just a little bit of Hope can bring forth some amazing things in our lives. Listen to the song :)

If everything comes down to love
Then just what am I afraid of
When I call out Your name
Something inside awakes in my soul
How quickly I forget I'm Yours

I'm not my own
I've been carried by You
All my life

Everything rides on hope now
Everything rides on faith somehow
When the world has broken me down
Your love sets me free

When my life is like a storm
Rising waters all I want is the shore
You say I'll be ok and
Make it through the rain
You are my shelter from the storm

I'm not my own
I've been carried by You
All my life

Everything rides on hope now
Everything rides on faith somehow
When the world has broken me down
Your love sets me free

Everything rides on hope now
Everything rides on faith somehow
When the world has broken me down
Your love sets me free
You've become my hearts desire
I will sing Your praises higher
Cause Your love sets me free
Your love sets me free
Your love sets me free

Gotta have RAIN if you want RAINBOWS

2009-02-28T11:58:00.000-08:00

I tend to not got on here when what's going on in my life is not sunshine and giggles - or at least close to that. You can see the pattern Im sure if you go back. So this post will be as sunny as I can make it and please read it as such. Most everyone now has figured out something is a miss health wise with me these day. Still no answers but walking in that direction. Thank you for the prayers and support - they seem to come in at the right time to lift me that little bit I need at the right moment. So far what we do have figured out is that I do not have Lupus as once thought and treated. But that's about it. I am still having pretty poor feeling days and hope this will fade off like it has in the past in the near future. However this time I will require more info instead of just being thankful the symptoms have left.
Quick catch up incase you haven't been caught up. At 20 I was diagnosed with Lupus and treated for it for about 3 years. Had Grace went into remission and stayed that way for a few years. About 3 years ago started feeling these different symptoms (numbing of face, neck, back, weakness in limbs, headaches and fatigue) and went to the same doctor who treated me for Lupus. He informed me that either the Lupus was in complete remission or I had been misdiagnosed and had something in the autoimmune family and just had to wait for more symptoms to pop up. He ran mRI and blood work - no answers just glad I started to feel better. Fast forward to now - same symptoms coming back as 3 years ago just stronger and a little bit scarier this go round. Blood work is clear, MRI clear - back to no answers to the main questions but have cleared up what it's not rather than what it is.
For the most part I'm good - I have had a day or two where I was a tad grumpy but I'm trying my best to keep positive about this whole thing. I'm not all doom and gloom - I've come a long way in 10 years lol! Whatever it is will not beat me! I have a wonderful support system and I am learning to use them : ) I have found what looks to be a fantastic doctor that I will go see on Wednesday. Im sure many of you are wondering what can I do? How can I help? And that's because you love us. SO for that thank you! All I know to ask for is prayers and encouragement through this all. We will be great! I have Faith!
What I've learned in the past 3 weeks:
1. You never really understand how amazing the body is until it stops doing what you need it to do.
2. If you allow the "Whys" to run free in your head, you'll need more than a few blood test ran. : )
3. You know people love you but it's times like these that you KNOW people love you.
4. Sometimes the plans we have mapped out for us are not the paths we are to follow.
5. Family is NOT just blood!!!
6. There IS a GOD!!! And HE is AMAZING!

Party time

2009-02-06T20:03:00.000-08:00

It's been a few weeks since I've blogged to I thought I'd type a bit. Tonight I went out with the ladies for some Bunko fun. I really enjoy going - this was my 3rd time to be a part of this group and what fun!! Tonight I even won most Bunkos : ) yay me! With me gone, that left Shane home with the kiddos. They ate pizza for dinner and the smell of pop corn hit me the moment I walked in the door so I do believe fun times were had by all. Grace was excited for "date night" with Daddy but was a little grumpy that I was going out "again!" - yes yes I know 3 times in 3 months is a bit much but what can I say I am a party animal like that. As I walked into the quite house all are sleeping sound. It's nice to have a quite full house! The weekend is pretty full with baby showers, birthday parties and school projects with Grace. Looking forward to the family time we'll have and hope to take it easy :)

Prayer's Needed

2009-01-29T07:07:00.000-08:00

Heavy on my heart today and for the past few weeks for some have been the need of prayer for others. If you believe please pray, if you dont or dont know what you believe, please think a happy thought. I do believe in the power of pray and the power of God so today I lift up: Grandpa Clarkson (Tim) and his family - Janet, Kristi, her brothers and the Pharaons. I ask that God's hand be on the doctors as they help remove the cancer from his body. That his family will have peace and strengthen through the whole process. Lift their Faith and eyes towards you dear Lord. Today I pray for Little Lily and her whole family. Lily is the daughter of Christle and Brandon and the niece of Christina. Lord I ask you to ease the swelling in little Lily's joints and make the rash go away. I ask that you are with the team of doctors as they try to figure out the best way to heal her little heart. We know that you can do amazing things God. Wither it be by allowing them to place a pacemaker into her little body or by correcting the beating patterns Yourself. We ask for hope and understanding for Lily's family Lord. I cant help but think maybe the rash and swelling was your way of saying look deeper! So thank you for that discovery. We lift her up to you today. We also bring to you George : ) George and Barbara are dear friends Father God. Life in Crosby was forever changed with them in my life. I ask you to heal his body of cancer Lord. I ask that you renew their Faith in you. I pray that you give strength and willingness to continue to fight this ugly battle. I lift sweet Barbara up to you - hold her in your arms and encourage her today. Walk the steps for her and with her when she grows tired. Bless them Lord. I also lift up my family to you for encouragement in difficult times, healing in bodies, restoration, faith, understanding and the desire to know you more. Heal Nannie, Uncle Danny and Aunt Peggy. Only you can work the wonders Lord. Heal hearts like no other can. I pray for Drake : 0 ) Newest addition to the Wright Clan. May he continue to grow in his mommy's tummy until his due date where he will be the 11th "grand" blessing to our wonderful family. Thank you for our answered prayers and for the prayers yet to be answered in your will and your timing. In Jesus Name I pray. Amen.

And so it goes....

2009-01-26T19:44:00.000-08:00

Mind you I knew having a boy would be full of bumps and scraps and tears - you get the idea. But to be honest come on if you know Grace.... yea not too far off with her either. Well it happened today - our first ER trip for Alex. He's FINE!!! Here's what happened, he and I went to get Grace from school. Grace gets in and sits next to him. Alex LOVES his Bubba aka Grace and is so excited when she gets home from school. Well today he was extra excited cause she was sitting RIGHT NEXT TO HIM instead of in her seat in the back. So he put his hand out to her to hold - he does this - very cute and so sweet. Well by the time we left school grounds he was trying to bite and then she was trying to pull away and then that turned into a game and then she squeezed his hands and he yelled and then he pulled away and she pulled back.....POP. She pulled his elbow out of joint.
I pulled the car over in Luby's parking lot cause he's crying pretty good and Grace has a look on her face like.. I think he might be hurt. I love on him a bit try to figure out what happened and figure he's fine. Yes yes again with the MOTY (mother of the year). SO we go to Kindercare to pick up last years tax info. He's very fussy - I take it as a sign that he's afraid I'm dropping him off - not so much. We leave there and head to get Shane something at krogers - something didnt seem right so I call Shane to see how easy it is to break your hand???? Not so much - k so by the time we leave Kroger's I figure out it's the arm not the hand and there is something wrong! Thank God Shane's a paramedic - we go to the station and yep they think it's the shoulder. By now we are all crying - Alex in pain, Grace out of guilt and lets face it a little fear and me cause I cant fix it and make it all better with a hug and a kiss. So we take Grace over Uncle Chris and Aunt Sheri's house (thank you guys so much! ) and we head to the ER. Shane took off to go with us - his crew was awesome to take up his slack they're the best! We were lucky he did go with us cause the ER was PACKED!!! But Shane had his uniform on and we got to go in the side door and straight in : ) All in all his elbow was dislocated for about 3 hours until the doc popped it back in place. Now he's all better. Little Motrin to help with swelling and he's good to go : )

Choices

2009-01-23T08:15:00.000-08:00

I was sent this u tube clip and thought it was worth sharing. It's about choices.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JHSi_uiz9T4

Girls Night Out ROCKS!!!

2009-01-22T22:49:00.000-08:00

Tonight I had the pleasure of going to Girls Night Out with 2 of my sister in laws. We went to see Kate from Jon and Kate plus Eight and the ladies from Proverbs 31 - awesome!! We left La Porte at 5:00 and we got back at 12:30 am - thank you Uncle Chris for watching the kids - I owe you big time!!! We carried 2 sleeping kids out to the van and as soon as we got home they were counting sheep in their own beds.
We drove out to the other side of Houston - an hour away - stopped and ate a gourmet meal of Sonic : ) and then got to the church just in time. Ayliha Woods performed - it was neat to see someone sing a song we JUST heard on the radio - very cool. Then we got some great lessons from the ladies from Proverbs 31 and then Kate - it was like we were at her house - minus the 8 kids running around and her yelling at Jon : ) jk - She too had life lessons to share and hope to give.
What I came away with tonight -
1. I need to spend more time with my sister in laws. I've always known them to be sweet and fun to be with and tonight they just proved me right - thanks ladies I had so much fun tonight!
2. We all have a story - some good parts, some bad, some worse than other, some not fulling told, little bit of humor mixed with a few tears and they all come to an end at some point. What we have to remember as we "tell" our story is that if we allow Him to be the story teller, there will be a happy ending. Sometimes we get so stuck in the valley that we miss the chance to go up the mountain. Let God be the teller of your story. He does not promise rainbows and puppies all the days of your life - but He does offer unconditional love - like NO other can give!
3. We have to let go of the past. People who should not hurt us sometimes do. We are all just people - we all make mistakes. Forgive and accept forgiveness.
4. Control is not in our hands. Someone once said If you want to make God laugh show Him your plans.
5. Pray and listen.

Why God Made Moms

2009-01-20T11:27:00.000-08:00

I got this adorable email a few days ago from my friend Jamie and I thought I wondered how Grace would answer these questions - so I asked. I deleted some of the original email just to save on time and space and all but I think you'll get the idea behind it. I had a few moments when asking the question that really made me hold my breath for a sec wondering what she would say. All in all my little girl thinks I'm okay and that's wonderful!! Sometimes we're harder on ourselves than we need to be and for the time being I think I'm doing ok at this whole Mommy thing : )

WHY GOD MADE MOMS
Answers given by 2nd grade school children to the following questions: ( Grace's answers are in ( ) )

Why did God make mothers?
1. She's the only one who knows where the scotch tape
(so they could have kids)

How did God make mothers?
1. He used dirt, just like for the rest of us. Magic plus super powers and a lot of stirring.
(with His powers)

What ingredients are mothers made of?
1. God makes mothers out of clouds and angel hair and everything nice in the world and one dab of mean.
(blood and brain oh and heart too)

Why did God give you your mother and not some other mom?
1. We're related.
(cause He thought I'd like her... and I do : ) )

What kind of little girl was your mom?
1. My Mom has always been my mom and none of that other stuff.
(a good little girl)

What did mom need to know about dad before she married him?
3. Does he make at least $800 a year? Did he say NO to drugs and YES to chores?
(she needed to know who he was before she married him so she didn't marry the wrong husband)

Why did your mom marry your dad?
1. My dad makes the best spaghetti in the world And my Mom eats a lot.
(caused they loved each other)

Who's the boss at your house?
1. Mom doesn't want to be boss, but she has to because dad's such a goof ball.
(both cause they are the grown ups)

What's the difference between moms & dads?
1. Moms work at work and work at home and dads just go to work at work.
(dad uses a stool to give use a bath but mom doesn't)

What does your mom do in her spare time?
1. Mothers don't do spare time.
(works out)

What would it take to make your mom perfect?
1. On the inside she's already perfect. Out side, I think some kind of plastic surgery.
( GOD ) * that's my fave answer

If you could change one thing about your mom, what would it be?
1. She has this weird thing about me keeping my room clean. I'd get rid of that.
(how long she sleeps when I nap - sometimes she sleeps until Bubba wakes up - I'd change that)

Little things

2009-01-16T18:43:00.000-08:00

It's the little things that mean the most....
a call from a great friend just to "catch up"
a dollar spot "happy"
a dad and brother going out of their way to help
a little baby rubbing your back when you hug
a little "thank you" from your daughter
a movie night with friends and fellowship
a family all sleeping in the same house
I LOVE the little things in my life!!!

What???

2009-01-13T07:25:00.000-08:00

Here's a little story to make you laugh. I said I was not going to post this on the blog but really it's just part of our day and life and if I'm to be judge by anyone - bring it on!! The other day we were all sitting around the table after another fine meal by your's truly was made ( ie McD's for dinner) stop stop it is tough being mother of the year but what can I say??? jk - ok - so Grace got a toy pony in her happy meal and I was just kinda holding it and then for some reason I smelt it's hair - dont ask - and I said to Shane - spelled rather - this pony's hair smells like P - O - T. He smelled disagreed we went on with our other conversations. The next day it was just the kids and I and Grace picked up the pony and smelled her hair - she was paying more attention then I thought and she said or spelled rather - Mom, this pony's hair smells like P-I-S-S.
WHAT?????? So here's the explanation now that you've wiped the tears from your eyes from laughing so hard.... she learned a few weeks ago to spell KISS but she remembered I started my spelling to Shane with the letter P so she was just trying to agree with me and spelt PISS. So lesson learned.... no more spelling in front of Grace! ah it's the little things in life right???

That's just kinda me

2009-01-10T18:54:00.001-08:00

Okay so several times in the past few weeks I've tried or wanted to get on here and blog - about this or that.... but I just stopped myself. Either I didnt have the right photo I wanted to share or I didnt have the right story worked out or I just didnt have enough time. And the truth is I still dont have the right photo ( new camera for Christmas and dont know how to work it all just yet ) and time wise - need or should be doing other things and story wise - well I'm just rambling but then again - that's just me. So bear with me as I just tell what it is Im going to tell.
Back track a bit - Christmas was wonderful! The kids had a wonderful Christmas! The less is more approach was a hit - even with Grace which we were not too sure about. When she opened her one santa gift - my heart was proud! We all know most kids have a mile long santa list with the best items on top of course. The top of her's was the singing Barbie and My Little Pony Scooter (both of which were given to her by her cousins wink wink) - well came time to open "the gift" and she's just ripping that paper left and right - bows flying and then it's revealed.... "It's what I've always wanted!!!!" huge excitement and joy in her voice - LONG PAUSE - "What is it?" Haha - Santa brought her a CD player of her very own! Oh wow - That is what I really wanted!! Alex was happy with unwrapping - his, hers, mine, theres it didnt matter. Shane went overboard as always and I was showered with goodies : ) Gifts and things wise - we were blessed. Memories and love wise - even more so!!
New Years - I'm not one to make resolutions. If you are great - I just have way too many areas in my life that need work to try to just pick a few - just to fail or give up in a few months. So I do have goals I am working towards and dreams of goals to come. Some of the things....

lose more weight -
I started this before the holidays hit and lost 15 lbs - which I was very pleased with - during the sweet feast that is the holiday season, I managed to keep off the 15 and not gain any back - didnt lose but I'm happy with even steven ( you should have seen some of the junk I ate ; ) SO now I'm back on tract - doing Weight Watchers and walking. This week I walked 12 miles. I know right!! I cant remember the last time I walked 12 minutes and now it's 3 miles a day! I bought a CD and walk in the house as Alex naps. Sounds boring but it leaves me with no excuse! And trust me I can come up with some good ones to not work out!! 45 minutes and 3 miles later - I feel better. And I fit into my size 12 again : ) not all 5 pair that I still owned but one at a time I'll be able to squeeze back into them. When I got started on this I was in 18 - 16 so I am happy and proud! And have the prize in sight.

build my christian walk -
this one is big for me. kind of a struggle to be honest. I want to be the person God wants me to be but I dont really know who that is - so... one day at a time I am just trying to be better. Better about not judging, better about not talking without thinking, better about forgiving ( that's a hard one for me at the moment) better at being the mom I know I can be, better at being the wife Shane needs me to be, better at being a friend, better at listening to the voice of God, better at my time alone with God and in the Word. I grew up in church we moved and got away from church. Then got back into it again in HS - got back out of it in the middle of college - back into it during my divorce - back out of it after the divorce - back into it once married with my family. I've had ( as most of us have ) some "different" situations happen either in a church or because of church or more so with the people in church. But for the most part if you see past those people ( cause they are only people) church is good. I dont know all the answers. I dont have the "only way" mapped out for me and everyone I know. But I do believe in the awesomeness of God. I believe prayers are answered - maybe not the way or in the timing we need or want them to be - but they are answered according to His will. A friend sent me an email last week that said God answers prayers 3 ways. Yes, not yet, and I have something better in mind. Love that!!! I have my beliefs - as we all do - and I will not get into the theological reasons for mine - or argue with you about yours. Have faith, pray and believe!! and LOVE : )

children's book writing / publishing -
talked about that on the last blog I think. I contacted a publisher - pitched my book - they wanted to read it and talk about publishing - wow why I didnt I do this before??? and then the packet came in the mail. Dream is not gone - just not with this company. They want to publish - for a full price paid by me and then they keep 55% of all the money made for each book for the next 2 years - wow. So I will try again and see what comes of it.

enjoy life -
I love my life, my kids, my husband! period.
Sometimes I get so busy with the events or things that need to happen I dont enjoy them like I want to. I am going to work harder at just being happy and living each day and not looking forward to the next things so much. There will always be something or 10 on the TO DO list - fact of life. So I will cross them off as I come to them but will live and laugh and love along the way : )

go back to school -
as in get my masters. I have always wanted to continue my education and still do. so this is one of my distant goals I will being working on to figure out which way to go.

So I guess that's my goals and where I'm headed in 2009. Pretty much same place I was going - I'm just now able to take a step back a break and look back where I was - not with regret just with a self evaluation stand point - and see where I want to be. When I look back into 2008 I do not have a SINGLE REGRET - NOT ONE! Every decision I made, every choice, every leaf turned was where I needed to be. Not to say the outcomes of some of those choices were ideal or painfree or easy. Several of them have changed my life as I knew it and others lives forever. But it was right and true and real. No more living my life the way others need for it to be, no more just going with the flow for the sake of the pack. No more "happy face" living for me.
If life is anything it should be real! I will kiss my kids goodnight before bed, I will tell my husband I love him multiple times a day, I will forgive my short coming and I will love with my whole heart - not resolutions just goals - just Mandy Leigh

Let see what comes of it

2008-12-22T18:05:00.000-08:00

The other day I was given such a sweet compliment from my Mom and Dad (in law) - they suggested I should write children's books. They had been reading my blog and had talked about it and thought that would be a good fit for me. As truth be told, I have written 2 both of which my college professor suggested I have published but the what if's came creeping in and nothing was ever done with them. Of course my parents thought the same thing but they are my parents they are supposed to think anything you do is a masterpiece. And I come up with ideas for another book every few months or so. And nothing. I'd like to just think it's lack of follow through on my part and be done with it but it's not - that's the easy way out. What am I so afraid of? I'm up for the challenge - let's see what comes of it!

Oh what fun....

2008-12-21T18:55:00.000-08:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

That's kinda "it"

2008-12-20T08:22:00.000-08:00

5 days and counting.... There are 5 days left until the big day of 2008 (as far as the kids go that is) and it's 80 degrees outside - Shane and Grace are outside washing the van in shorts as I type - crazy. Shane and I got most the the gifts wrapped yesterday and they are now all around the tree making the living room that much merrier. Grace continues to enjoy our Elf Sammy each day - for the most part Elf on the Shelf has been a wonderful new tradition for our family. Alex even likes looking for him when Grace is looking first thing. Christmas this year will be a little different for the kids. Alex is so little he will be fine - heck give him a box, bow and some paper to tear and take back the gifts lol. Grace on the other hand is a different matter. No one likes to think of their child as spoiled but ours is - as are her parents. Do we have the best of the best and 2 of everything - NO! However we are not lacking the the "things" department either. We now save up when we want something which is much better than how we did it a few years ago and just charge whatever the "want" for the moment was. It's been an eye opener and to be honest the only reason I have been able to stay home with the kids is this new way we look at money - that being said - back to Christmas 2008. Some of you know I started Christmas shopping in October - had to make the whole budget thing work in our favor - and it did! We spent a third of the money we would have spent had I started shopping in December - so yay us! We drew names on both sides of the family this year which was WONDERFUL!!! If not that would have been 16 kids not counting ours - Alex made the 10th grandchild in both Shane's and my family. When we got started shopping for our kids we just looked for things they like and bought them if the money was there for them - that's where we are doing things a little different. Our first year together Grace got so many things!! Shane would come home from work with something for her and the same day I'd come home with something too - it was overkill and she loved it - and so did we!! The next year was more of the same - we started with an amount and then spent well over it by the time it was done. So this year we set an amount and we stayed true to the amount - but it be honest they both still have so much stuff - shopping and sales are a passion of mine - love to find a bargain!! So we are pleased that they will have a good Christmas - toy wise - but we worry about what the message we are sending. We worry what if they still are not happy with what they get?? And this is not even to bring into account the fact for the last 2 years we have cleaned out toys that have been played with 1 maybe 2 times from Gracie's room to make room for more stuff!! We would like to teach the kids that less is more, it's the little things in life that matters, things dont make you happy, be grateful for what you have and at Christmas the reason we celebrate is Jesus not Santa. The challege is not the lesson, it's when and how to teach it. Now Alex, ummm yes we, know he's too little but you cant "DO" for him and have Grace understand that. And with Grace she remembers the past few Christmas' where toys were everywhere and all the list was fulfilled and then some - so do we just continue to give and give with the hopes that the words we say will have more impact than the bright pick gem encrusted Hannah Montana mic?? So this year we are starting a new tradition as far as Santa goes. A friend of mine gave us this idea because we were struggling with how to make it work and Carrie's family tradition was awesome. Santa gets to bring the best fun gift to each child and then a group gift for both kids to enjoy. We are not trying to take Santa out - we know the magic he brings to the season and enjoy it! But we also want to focus a little more on the reason behind Christmas. Grace and Alex will get 3 gifts from us this year because on the very first Christmas day when Jesus was born He got 3 gifts. We want our children to enjoy the holiday and create moments with them that will make them smile warm fuzzies for years to come. I can not remember many of the gifts I got from any of my Christmas' but I do have the memories. So as a child I think maybe it will be hard to adjust to this new way and I'm dealing with that - hoping we are not ruining Gracie's idea of what Christmas looks like to her. But as a parent of 2 wonderful loving children, I dont want the focus to be on the things they get - all be it wonderful - it's the people, spirit and memories shared at this time of the year that we need and are trying to focus on. Grace and I have talked about this already - dont want to blindside the poor child on Christmas morning and she's very reasonable. Her view was this... "it's okay if Santa thinks Im a big girl. I can think more about Jesus at Christmas cause it's not like my grandparents, cousins and friends wont get me gifts right?? And then Jesus will be happy and I'll still get gifts."
Kinda the idea we were going for - kinda : )

2008-12-16T07:42:00.000-08:00

Shane and I just celebrated our 2nd anniversary : ) Feels like we've been together a lifetime and that was meant in a good way. I've never known someone to know ME - Mandy Leigh - inside and out the way he does. We were laughing about the way our story I'm sure is told - it's an unlikely fit to be sure. If you dont know the how, whys and whos just ask it's a fun story to tell - too much to write.
For our anniversary we went out to dinner in Houston at a wonderful Japanese restaurant - wonderful food! It was nice to have a special date night with my honey. The traditional gift for the 2nd anniv is cotton. Shane surprise me with a wonderful blanket. It's not just any blanket, it has 2 of our wedding photos on it in black and white. The large photo is of our last dance at our wedding and then at the bottom right corner there is a photo of Shane Grace and Me doing our sand unity ceremony. IT"S BEAUTIFUL!! What an awesome gift! We are truly blessed to be a family! I love you baby and can't wait to see what you'll come up with in the next 48 + years!!

What were you thinking???

2008-12-15T18:57:00.000-08:00

Okay let me start this with... we are fine - no one was hurt in the making of this blog report HOWEVER.... someone should have been. Okay so we have had a busy but kinda normal day. Grace had school, Alex had 15 month check up ( he's good - big and tall!) then Grace had ENT check up ( tubes are out hearing is good! ) Grace had dance at 6:30 and this is where the story begins or police report as it were. So 6:30 drop Grace off at dance and swing by Shane's work to get some love and a diet coke he he. Alex and I hang out there for about 15 min just visiting with Shane and enjoying we each other a little bit. So, kisses given - Alex and I head home it's about 6:55. I turn onto our street to see someone - male or female not really sure - wearing all black and carrying a flashlight walk into my back yard - I KNOW!! RIGHT?? WHAT THE????? SO I stop kinda shocked. It's late - dark - I have Alex in the car???? So I call Shane - no answer ( he was on a call) so I sit for a few more moments thinking surly they will come back out - nothing! So I call 911. Which I kinda felt like I was going to get in trouble for doing to be honest - but I did it anyways. Dispatch comes on - what's your situation??? I explain and she transfers me to the LaPorte dispatch - by now I'm thinking I hope Shane's not on a call cause he'll hear this over the radio - not a good thing. So now I'm talking with the lady from LP dispatch and telling her the person is STILL back there. I'm parked in the street cause I dont want to pull into the driveway not knowing what they are doing or what they have - plus I want to see if they come out. It felt like 10 minutes - not sure how long it was and next thing I know the EMS explorer turns the corner and Shane jumps out. By now the intruder has come out of the back yard and is walking down the sidewalk and then SHE turns and starts walking towards Shane. It's a LADY walking around in all black with a flashlight going in peoples backyards..... all the while the dispatch lady is talking to me and asking me who it is if I know her on and on and on - I explain my husband heard this over dispatch and he had arrived before the police - she wanted to know who my husband was - sorry honey - hope you dont get in trouble : ) She knows him and sounded relived to have him on scene - I know I was. Come to find out the lady had lost her cat - her flipping cat and was walking around trying to find him. Seriously - doesnt she know this is Texas - people shot first and then ask questions later. By the time the cops got there all was fine - she kept walking looking for her cat - Shane had to return to his own call - he left when he heard our address over dispatch with unknown male in backyard come across the radio - poor thing! She gives a new meaning to the CRAZY CAT LADY!!! What were you thinking????

Gingerbread house

2008-12-13T06:17:00.001-08:00

For the past few years Shane, Grace and I have put together a Gingerbread house using a kit. Last night we continued the tradition. Grace was very creative this years - in the past all colors had to be together, in a row and lord help us if there were fewer red than green : ) But this year she just had fun with it. Shane is in charge of the icing or glue as we call it so it doesnt get eaten before we can use it. Alex was not a happy camper during the whole process - he did not think it was right to waste all that good candy and cookies on a house we would never eat. What can I say the boy can eat! So I've posed a few pics of the process and the finished product and I think it's just beautiful!! I just love the memories that come along for the holidays! Dont you??

Winter Wonderland!

2008-12-11T07:32:00.000-08:00

Wednesday we ventured out to Santa's wonderland. If you have not been it's a most! It's located in Bryan and very much worth the drive. Shane had the whole day off so after lunch we hopped into the van - 1st road trip in the new van - and headed out. Now Santa's town doesn't open until 6:00 but Shane wanted to get ahead of all the traffic so we headed out of Houston by 2:00. We had time to kill so Shane found this really neat little stop along the way Martha's in Navasota on the internet a few days ago - so we thought we stop there, have some treats and coco and kill some time. Well after driving around the small town of Navasota a few times - we settled on a small cafe having never found Martha's. Brownie, ice cream, coco and coffee - yummy stuff and snow!! It started snowing by the time we hit Fairfield. Grace was so excited - and I have to say so was I. Having grown up in VA, I love the snow. And there's just something about the first snow.... so we finish up and head back out to highway 6 - headed toward Bryan and there's Martha's... next time Martha next time! We arrive at Santa's Wonderland about 45 min early - which usually is a good thing cause they are ALWAYS so busy - not so much on a snow filled 28 degree full moon night. Oh well more coco and fun for us. We see Santa - without a line! So much fun! We ride the hayride - very very cold but so worth it! Poor Alex looked like the little brother from the Christmas Story - Randy. He couldnt put his arms down and everytime he went to look at something his eyes were covered by the scarf- lol! But he loved the snow!! He kept leaning back and letting the snow fall onto his face - very exciting. Grace made snow balls and a little snow man. We went into the petting zoo, had a cowboys dinner and went into the cute little shops. By 8:30 we were done and cold. We bundled up in the van and headed out. The kids crashed and we hit detour after detour thanks to the snow. We hit LaPorte at 11:30 and saw that it snowed just as much at home as it did in Bryan! Wonderful memories were made and some continued! Oh what fun......

In all things give Thanks

2008-12-03T16:44:00.000-08:00

I give thanks for my God. Without His grace and unfailing love - I would be lost.
I give thanks for my husband. Without his devotion to this family, many things would change. Without his love for me and the kids we could not live the truly blessed life we are living. WIthout his friendship I would not truly know me.
I give thanks for my children. WIthout Grace I would not know true patience - she tests them daily. Without Alex I would not know endurance - he's the little engine that could... and he does. Without them I would not know what the product of love looks. WIthout them I would not know understanding and growth. Without them I would not know laughter through tears.
I give thanks of my family - old and new. Without them I would not know how I need to love.
I give thanks for my friends. WIthout them I would not be complete.
I give thanks for day light savings time. WIthout it I would not be writing this blog. Don't judge me - it's been a long day and they cant tell time!!! 6:30 is very close to 7:30 - Night Night!

One corner at a time!

2008-12-03T07:27:00.000-08:00

Months ago I wrote about my "issue" with clutter. Not being real with myself - having thought well I dont work now so my house will magically become organized and gorgeous - some of you need to stop laughing now : ) We'll things in "REAL" time dont work that way - AT ALL!! So this is where I tell you it's coming along. Slowly and I mean slowly - I am reclaiming the corners of my home. For some reason I feel the need to have stuff in every corner of this house - really come look - well not really cause I'm not done and you know how it gets when you really clean one area then another area turns into the disaster for you to turn to?? That's kinda our house at the moment - LOL just kidding - kinda - just dont go into the office!
So here's my pic of the newest corner I have overcome. For some of you, this looks like a normal event - a clean, uncluttered corner of a bedroom. OH but NO!! This is huge in the life of Mandy and poor Shane. I'm making it sound bad I think - our house is not dirty there's just "stuff" everywhere. I dont like to get rid of anything. In fact Shane and I have had to work on him asking me if I want to "keep this or that." Little hint - my answer will always be yes! If I think that someone might need that for some art thing or school thing or just what if project I will keep it - for YEARS!!!!!!! YEARS!! So slowly I have been going through closets - 6 bags of clothes later - ummm yeah just my clothes - 4 bags of toys - 3 bags of baby items - 2 boxes of dishes - 1 huge box of books and a partridge in a pear tree. It's a win win. I'm getting back "order" in my life and hopefully before it's too late to teach it to my kids and helping out others who don't have things they might need as all items are in good shape and taken to local outreach programs. It's a process but I'm getting there : ) Thank goodness my hubby is loving and understanding and hasnt thrown my stuff out long before now! Happy sorting friends!!

Simple Prayer

2008-11-25T19:26:00.001-08:00

New book I've been reading by Gloria Gaither has some awesome real life simple prayers that really speak to my heart. I thought for right now I'd share this one.
The gift I bring You today
The gift I bring You today, Lord is not an easy one to give.
Oh, not because I dont want You to have it. I do.
But because it is in pieces and scattered all over my life.
If it were in one neat chunk, it would be easy.
But at this point, I'm quite sure I cant even find them all - and some pieces are such strange shapes I'm not sure I'd even recognize then to give You.
So I'm giving You the pieces I see and recognize, the ones I can identify.
And I'm giving You my pledge: if You'll help me find the rest of the pieces - no matter how long it takes or how deeply embedded they are in the fabric of my days - I will give You those, too.
Is that something You'll accept?
It's sort of a gift on the installment plan, I guess.
And like an installment, You own it and have it coming.
Please search my heart and know that it is my true desire to give You all of it.
My gift to You, Jesus, is control.
Save me from the influence of a world, a time and a culture that brianwash me daily in every way to believe that being in control, taking control, and never losing control is the only way to live.
I know that instead it it the quickest way to die.
It is the Eden story all over again.
Today, Lord, take control of my life.
I give You all the control I can find.
Help me find it all and give it with joy.
Amen.

Fall in Texas

2008-11-18T08:08:00.000-08:00

This weekend we went to Huntsvilie for the day. Shane's parents got themselves a travel trailer and went for the weekend so we went up for the day. It was nice to get out of the city for a change. It was Shane's birthday so I made a cake and we took up some beans and cornbread to share - Chris ( Shane's brother)and family were there so that was fun! They were brave it was cold and windy all weekend and they slept in a tent - wow! When we got there the fire was nice and hot and it was just relaxing! The site they were camping at was beautiful! Tons of large trees, right by the water. Grace enjoyed the cousins being there and Alex just wanted to touch everything. I really had a peaceful time - sitting around the fire, roasting marshmellows with the kids, telling stories and just loving my family. That's something I can see us doing a lot more often. Happy Fall!

"Not today I didn't"

2008-11-09T18:27:00.000-08:00

When you were little did you ever get lie bumps? Do you know what that is?? Might just be a crazy story my family made up to keep us honest - nice I know. Well today I continued the tradition with my daughter - so proud yes yes. Grace comes into the kitchen and pulls down her lip and shows me a sore - think she bit it while eating a few days ago but she does not remember this event hence the story. SO I look at it and seize the moment to explain that when we are not truthful sometimes we get bumps in our mouths. To this Grace asks - "What's it called?" I tell her it's just a "Lie Bump" and it should go away soon - don't touch it - pull on it etc. So then she wants to know how it got there - I smile a small smile remembering when this was done to me - hey I turned out fine right??! And I say "well you get it when you lie or dont tell the truth. Did you lie about anything?"
To which my daughter replys ....."Well not today I didnt!"
Ah the honesty of a 5 year old!!

October's end

2008-11-02T18:04:00.000-08:00

Thoughts I'd post some pics of the pumpkin patch and halloween with the kids. Cant believe October has come and gone already - wow how time flys. Happy November friends!

Airshow

2008-11-01T18:28:00.000-07:00

I know it s been over a month since I've blogged - so I have some catching up to do I guess. Last blog was birthdays (Grace and Alex) related. Seems like forever a go to be honest. I'll post pics soon I promise.

Last weekend we went to the Air show and met up with Steph and PK there. I had never been and really didn't know what to expect. We went to church, ate lunch and then made our way (Steph was there already). We like I said I didn't know what to expect hence the next part of this story. As we turn off Fairmont onto beltway 8 I see this HUGE - I mean HUGE cloud of black smoke right above where I knew the air show to be. I freaked out! "OH NO!! There must have been a wreck with the planes in the air." SO I panic and call Steph to make sure they are okay and not hurt ya da ya da ya da - yeah it was a reenactment - I felt pretty "special". Shane did his best not to laugh at me - seeing as he knew that's what it was all along. Oh so pretty! Okay so we get there and park in the north 40 (really) and head in to the air show - Grace and Alex in the wagon Shane pulling - we're good to go. Walk all the way to the gates - Shane has to go back and put his pocket knife in the truck - cant bring it in to the show. Oh side note - all the nice cool air we had been having... was not there on this day - it was HOT not warm but HOT. K so Shane's back and we start the treck to find Steph and PK. We're watching the planes fly over and drop bombs ha ha I know, watching planes skywrite and loving being out and about as a family and then this.... you know how I said Grace and Alex were in the wagon. As were their belongs - Alex's toys, water bottles, Grace's shoes... oh wait just one shoe. Well you see as we walked (them being pulled) into the show, Grace got hot and thought it was ok to take her shoes off since she wasn't walking again with the ya da ya das. Yep it was gone. Again Shane walked back - to see if he could find the lost shoe. This time however not all the way back to the car was we had walked close to 15 mins already just to get into the air show gates. As he was looking, we found out what had happened to it. Now keep in mind this is kinda a big deal for Grace - not only are these some of her fave shoes - Sketchers but this also meant no walking around the air show with Patrick. The air show is set up ON the runway - so the ground was too hot. So back to how it happened... ALEX. Steph and I stood there and watched Alex pick up items he didn't deem "fit" to be in HIS wagon and proceeded to just throw them out. First water, next toys then the other shoe. By this time we were rolling with laughter - prob not the best thing to do - encourage the toddler but it was so funny. He'd pick it up look at it and then throw it over board. Shane finally comes back empty handed no shoe IE no walking for Grace. She did get out to go up to a few booths and the moonwalk but mainly stayed in the wagon. Funny stuff! Other than that and the heat, the air show was wonderful! I loved it. So amazing what they can do with those small planes. We were a little worried about the noise especially for Alex since he wouldn't understand where the noise was coming from, so we got earplugs but all 3 of the kids were fine. After walking around a bit we found shade by the side of a parked Army truck and sat to see the Thunderbirds perform. It was so amazing! They'd fly by and do a trick and PK and Grace would take turns saying - "Wow I didnt see that coming!" Another would fly by and do another trick - "Wow I didnt see that coming!" I think you get the idea - it was the mantra for the day as it were. Final fly by - time to go. We give hugs to Steph and PK - so glad we meet them up there! We head back to the car, stop at a few more shops, sit in a few planes and then stop at lost and found - for the shoe. The people at lost and found looked at us like we were special. No luck - they did offer to mail it to us lol. I told them that would not be necessary but thanks for the offer. So as we leave - Alex is passed out in the wagon by now such a long day - I see something in the grass to the side of the runway..... it was her shoe! Some one had place it on the side of the runway with a sock in it - not her sock but none the less... it was found : ) " Wow, I didnt see that coming!"

Squeeze my heart moment

2008-09-25T11:46:00.000-07:00

As so many of us have been touched by IKE, one of Gracie's friends at school lost everything - everything! They now live with his grandparents while they try to get their life back together. The school is trying the best they can to help all the families who are "without." So they came up with a coin drive idea - the class who raises the most gets an ice cream party. And yes for those of you who know Grace well, know she's lactose intolerant so too much ice cream REALLY hurts her tummy. So Im thinking we'll give some coins and "do our part" but an ice cream party is not going to get her going.
Well Grace comes home today first thing - after meeting Daddy at work for lunch - and goes straight to her room. Due to the window unit being in the living room (still no power) and the back of the house staying pretty warm she hasn't been spending much time back there so I thought it odd. She comes out with her hands full of quarters. I ask "what are you doing with those?" She tells me she wants to go through her piggy banks and get all these "big ones" out for the kids who lost their house and power and stuff. It's about nap time so I get Alex down and then join her in her room where she has dumped all 3 of her piggy banks out and is sorting money like a mad woman. I sit down with her and explain the value of each coin - want her to know how much she's giving - she's been saving for 5 years now (okay well 4 years and a day) lol She says she understands and wants to give the "big ones" because they can help more.

We sit together and put all the quarters in a bowl and keep all the others together in a different bucket. As we sort, she asks what the money will be used for - I explain that a lot of people lost things in their homes like beds, toys, clothes etc and some even lost their house so the money will help get them new things. That's when I really stepped in it a little, I told her how proud I was that she wanted to help and that Daddy and I would match whatever she decided to give - thinking $5 or maybe even $10.
Now this is the same girl who 2 weeks ago wanted to buy her baby brother a birthday gift with HER money ( $4 ) and I told her I'd match her amount so she could have more options of what to by so now $8. She thought a moment and said well then I'll just use $2 of my money then. lol - crack me up!!
Well I haven't told Shane yet but we are in the hole for $34.25. Who knew she had that much in quarters - and wants to give them ALL cause "she really wants to help the kids who don't have their things anymore."

So here's the challenge for Grace -
Lets see how many quarters you are willing to give ( or nickle, dimes, dollars or pennies) or if you want to match her amount as well. Let see if we can show Grace what love and compassion looks like in the form of change.

My disclaimer:
Please let me add that I know we all have so many friends, family and co workers who have lost so much due to IKE. My heart goes out for them in their lose and I pray they get back to "normal" life as soon as possible. This just touched my heart and I felt like it's an awesome lesson for Grace to continue to learn though her loved ones. Please do not feel obligated to participate or even reply with regrets. We are all helping where we can - just thought this would be a good place to help if you didn't know where to help.

FIVE!!!!

2008-09-23T19:59:00.000-07:00

It's the night before Grace turns 5 - f i v e!! When did the time move so quickly? I cant believe she's 5 - granted she acts like she's going on 25 - lord help us - but really my baby girl is going to be 5. Before the storm hit, I was trying to get all her old pics uploaded but didnt have them all done before we had to leave - not all her 1st year was on CD. So I'll post the slide show of what I have so that you can see how she's grown over the years! What can I say about my precious Gracie Mae??? She's a tough little cookie! She was born on Sept 24th, 2003 at 8:25 pm. 7 lbs 9 oz and 19 3/4 in long. She was a little doll baby! She gave us some scares during the labor part, she was playing with her cord making her heartrate drop. My doc was funny about it - she said don't worry I'll spank her when she comes out. But after 12 hours of labor there she was - perfect! We have grown up together - truly. I have learned just as much from her as she has from me - and continue to do so. All I have ever wanted for her was to be a good mom - to try to do the best by her at all times. Have I come up short... sometimes - sure we all have. I do not aim for perfection. I do not think there is such a thing as "perfection" in anything. You can always be BETTER! My goal is to strive to be the best mom to her ( and Alex) that I can be - however that may look. What I have seen over the past five years:
smiles of new discovers, cries of worry, giggles of silliness, hugs of love, zoo trips of wonder - remember those ducks who bit her feet, doughnut Sundays with PawPaw - who forgot to wipe away the evidence, playing in boxes, loving the BUBBLE WRAP!, ducks, ducks and more ducks, visits to Virginia, swimming in Aunt Dawn's pools, first night in her own bed - 11 months old - I know right!!, sign language until she realized what her voice was for, her "Gracefulness", ladybugs and Miss Spider, washing the car with Daddy, road trip to NC - long long trip!!!!, John Deere, 2 parties for her 2nd birthday - thanks RITA : ( picking out pumpkin in the pumpkin patch, Old Mac farm, cooking in the kitchen, running from the cats, playing with her cousins, starting daycare - oh the tears mine not hers, singing Brown eyed Gurl - i know it's Girl but that's not how she says it!, "That not dood", learning to ride a bike - one word duck tape, ice cream and Kayci, Ringling Brothers, Halloween as an angel but telling people she was the tooth fairy - she couldn't remember - so funny!, dancing as a duck, bear, bride, clown and alien, learning she was going to be a big sister, seeing her eyes light up around Alex, going to Daddy's work, starting PreK, learning about God - so many questions - my fave is the one about what God sounds like - off track but so worth it
One day Grace wanted to know what God's voice sounded like. I told her that I thought His voice sounds different to different people (safe answer right??) So I asked - what does it sound like to you?? Thinking maybe she'd say the wind or a bird or bear???? NO! She said "Well, when I pray to God and ask Him to clean my room, he doesn't talk to me OR clean my room!"
that's the kind of stuff she comes up with - see why she's just so cuddly cute! I could go on and on about the joy, love and excitement she has brought to my life - but I will end with this. I knew I was meant to be a mother, my whole life - and God made it possible for her to be my gift. She is my saving Grace! When you have a baby people always say... You just wait, things are going to change once that baby comes. They are right! I don't know why I always thought it was a bad thing. She has changed my life. I am a better person for having and knowing her! Our family would not be the same without that wonderful little girl laying next to me right now - no power all sleeping in living room lol!
So I am grateful and honored to be the mother of Miss Virginia Grace. She challenges me, educates me and loves me to the moon and back!

Two for One!

2008-09-18T09:32:00.001-07:00

It's a big day in the Wright house! Alex started walking!! He was so cute! He's been trying to walk for a few weeks now but I quickly pulled him to a seated position due to the fact I think it would have broken Daddy's heart to not see those first steps. So last night he took one step. That was exciting - PawPaw and Meemaw where here too along with Shane, Grace and me. And then today he took 5 - 8 steps at a time for like 30 mins. Shane was home and in fact that's who Alex walked to the first time!! Yay Bubba! We all cheered and clapped and he was lovin it! Wow how time flys!

And then to celebrate the big event - well okay we were getting Chips and Cheese before the big event took place but still - we had ice cream cones. Now on his actual birthday, Meemaw gave him a few bites of ice cream on his usual cone and he LOVED it! But today Daddy gave him his very own cone with ice cream inside it. He torn that thing apart!! His poor little face was red from the cold but he just wanted "more - please."

Blog sweet Blog : )

2008-09-18T09:32:00.000-07:00

We are home - we are safe - we have power - and we have internet : ) What an experience we had with IKE - and here's the kicker - we were prepared. We've had a evac box filled with food for months - really months. So we just added a few extra things, a bag of toys for the kids, 1 suitcase full of clothes for us all and we were ready to go. We gassed up when we were told to gas up, we got out of dodge when they told us to get out of dodge - only the fence is worse the wear since IKE. I took pics of the events as they unfolded and will add them in once I have a chance to upload them all. My many thanks to: Stephanie and Mike for everything they did for us as we evacuated and returned and to Mom and Dad Wright for taking care of us until the City of LaPorte returned my husband : ) That's right... they did finally return Shane to us safe and sound for 48 hours - wow!!!! Life is getting back to "usual" - Grace will start school again on Monday. Shane will go back to his "normal" work schedule as of Friday. We found some milk, eggs and butter today and some frozen item yesterday on a trip out to Friendswood. We saw so many people who have lost so much - my heart hurts for them all. I just hope that the total lose were objects and not human life. I do not understand the mindset of all those who thought the house was more vaulable than life. Hope you are all safe and that power is restored very very soon to you all still without!!!

This is the welcome we got when we entered the Shearton in the Galleria - nice right!! Not candy on the pillow but I cant complain. We were on the 12th floor and yes we felt the building move when the winds were going!!! Yikes IKE!

Alex exploring - loved the slippers and robe!! He was such a big boy - even though this silly storm made him miss his 1st birthday party : (

Grace and PK enjoying the power and cartoon network! They played so well together!!! Considering they are 4 years old stuck in a room for 3 days - they were wonderful!!!!

Calm before the storm! Isnt that a beautiful sunset? It was weird, we kept waiting for the storm to hit - it finally did around 1 am. We kept power the whole time - water came off and on but power stayed!

Our evacuee bling bling! We had to wear these so the hotel would know who belonged there and who was there for trouble.

Can you say stir crazy???? The kids were attacking Mike. After 2 full days of being stuck in the room, we thought - hey the Galleria is open - let's go get out and ease some of this stress - yea not so much. All the crazy folk had the same idea. WOW - let's just say the stores were not opened to shop minus a few like the candy store which of course we had to go into cause the ice cream line was way too long, the food shops - yummy mexican food for lunch and oh yeah this REALLY expensive chrystal store with tons of breakable items everywhere - Steph thought it'd be funny to take the kids in just to see the reaction we'd get from the shop owners - wrong I know but so tempted -we got a good laugh at least : ) hehehehe

Okay so this is the really cool radio that Shane got from work this Christmas. It's a light/radio/phone charger. It get's FM/Am and some tv stations. So I had a great idea the day we were home with no lights - ie no TV for updates - I tried to find a tv station to listen to. I could only get one station - wanta guess which one???? HSN - that's right the home shopping network. What are the odds. Even IF I wanted to buy those beautiful ruby encrusted gold butterfly earrings fate was laughing at me with no power and no phone!!!!

All in all this is all that matters - we are safe, we are together and we are smiling!!! Love to all!

Ike is not playing nice!

2008-09-11T18:54:00.000-07:00

I dont like IKE! I am sitting in the office with all the windows boarded up - thanks to my love who came home for a few hours to get the house together before he went back to saving lives in good ol LP. - on work day number 6 - I might add - straight - poor baby. Wondering where this silly storm is going to hit. We were told as of 11 am this morning we HAD to evacuate. Well Shane HAS to stay and work - so that leaves me and the kids. Kristi and James had us taken care of in Brenham which was the plan we were going to take and then David and Patty had her sister ready for us in Willis and then David and Jody had room for us in Sagen and the Steph and Mike had room for us in the Galleria and Mom and Dad in Crosby. After weighing it all out with Shane we are going to go to the Galleria tom at 3:00. It's a suite so there's lots of room and PK and Grace can play. Shane really felt relieved as we would be closer to him if we needed him to get to us. He has a brave face and strong front but it's killing him to not be with us during this uncertain time. Anything I can do to ease his mind a little is the least I can do.

You know if they get this right about the storm, they are reporting 20 foot storm serge. Now yes, I know it is not a perfect science and you can never tell where it's going to hit. But I have a feeling we are in for a bumpy ride. The wind and rain of a Cat 3 is do-able it's the storm serge that has me so concerned. I know we - the kids and I - will be okay in Houston but to leave my husband behind... knowing the danger he could face. The house, the things in it - they are just things. Everything can be replaced. I went through Rita with Grace. It wasn't hard to leave Crosby to drive 14 hours to Dallas - I had my Grace. I was good. But now my "family" is more than just Grace and me. Now I have Shane and Alex and Grace and me. It's hard to leave without the other piece of the puzzle that makes us work so well.

I have faith that God will keep His angels around us all during this storm. Keeping us safe and guiding us out of harms way. I pray for peace and comfort for those that have to leave loved ones behind - and for those who must or choose to stay behind and for safety to all who encounter IKE in any direction. This storm is huge 450 miles wide. Many thanks to all the friends and family who offered shelter to my kids and me. There are no words for the kindness and love I felt. We will keep you posted from the Shearton until Monday. Stay safe! For our family who is choosing to stay behind - reminder - axe and life jackets upstairs! You are welcome to join us at any point!!! We love you! See you all Monday!!!

He's ONE!!

2008-09-10T12:23:00.000-07:00

Today's the day - he's 365 days old today! Oh I could just eat him with a spoon! How blessed we are to have such a sweet hearted, funny little man join our family. We have had a laid back kind of day. Woke up to Happy Birthday being sung by Mommy and Sister. Ate his fave - blueberry pancakes for breakfast. Took "Bubba" to school and then came home and played with cousin Fisher and Mommy. We got lots of calls and texts from family and friends wishing the birthday boy wishes. Nap and then got "Bubba" back from school. Figured we get another fave for lunch - so Mac D's it was for french fries... I know but it's his birthday cut me some slack! For the rest of the day we've all played and enjoyed our time together. Tonight I think we are going to eat at the "Bull" aka "Chips and Cheese" so he can have his beans that he loves and top it off with an ice cream cone - maybe even with ice cream in it this time - we'll see??? He did have whole milk today and seems to be doing fine with it - I mixed it half and half with his formula. His party is set for Sat but with Ike coming in we're watching the weather channel close. What an amazing and joy-filled year we have had as a family. It has been so wonderful watching Grace and Alex bond. To see Shane cuddle with this little man makes my heart skip a beat. To have him put his head against mine and hum as he pats my back - Alex not Shane lol. To see him learn something new for the first time. To watch him as he studies something until he has that "ah ha" moment. To witness the tears of pain, sadness, frustration, hunger, and joy. To be able to love, nurture and teach this precious GIFT. I am amazed-and we are truly blessed!

A year of JOY!!!

2008-09-04T08:05:00.000-07:00

What a year : )

2008-09-03T11:43:00.000-07:00

Countdown - 6 days and counting....

A year ago I was 18 months expecting lol okay just 37 weeks - it FELT like 18 months some days though. We had made our 4th trip to the hospital for eval due to my blood pressure and we were VERY busy planning Gracie's 4th birthday party. At the end of the 10 hours hospital stay it was decided that on Sept 10th - not the 11th like they wanted, Alex would be born. I felt like if we were to pick his birthday - 9/11 was not the day to pick - so anyways. I was told to rest - no more work and no stress - lol 4 year olds birthday party the day I am to be induced. And for those of you wondering - no the 9th is not Gracie's birthday. Knowing Alex might come early we thought it best to make sure Grace got her own special day - little did we know he'd come that early. So on Sept 9th at 2:00 we had a Home depot party for Gracie Mae. Yes, Home Depot for Grace. She was obsessed with going to Home Depot with Shane. It was her and Daddy time. So Shane pulled some favors from some old friends and got kits from Home Depot, aprons and all. It was great!!! The cake was cute - we made tool shaped gummies as favors and made her cake too. So the party was.... fast. We planned to do the woodworking kits in the garage with fans - hot hot and hotter!! SO we skipped the painting part - not the best thing to do for the kids but time was short, weather was hot and I was HUGE. So kits done, gifts opened, cake eaten.... time for hospital. We gave lots of loves to Grace - she got to spend time with Gran and Paw for a few days - I packed for the hospital and went to get a pedicure - hey the doctor said to relax ; )

We checked into St Luke's at 7:00 pm. Quiet night nothing happened. Next morning - Sept 10th - all went well - Alex joined us at 3:15 pm ( you thought I was going to go into detail there didn't ya - not so much ) Happy healthy baby boy - 8 lbs 2 oz 21 in long.

So what has the last year held....

good snuggles, contagious laughter, a few months of tears in the car - not being able to see - daddy figured out if he drove fast Alex didn't mind the car so much - sleeping through the night at 8 weeks : ) , sleeping in bassinet by 10 weeks - and out grew it the next week lol - almost! Watching his face light up the minute he heard "Bubba" - aka Grace. "dance, dance" at the sound of any music, first bath - oh the tear : ( , first bite of baby food - first bite of big boy food : ) humming when happy, falling asleep on his own, magic blanket, new teeth, first plane ride, first ice cream cone - minus the ice cream, turtle outfit for 1st halloween - loved that thing, first days at Kindercare ; ( they were wonderful - mommy just had issues lol who could leave that sweetie for hours and hours???, trip to the zoo - huge fan of monkeys, learning to roll, crawl, stand...., hearing him say mama, dada and bubba, seeing him sign more, please, finished, alex, passy and now touchdown - too cute!! chasing balls and Grace anywhere he could go, johnny jump up, easter egg hunt at church - ok so he just watched Grace but he was cute doing it with those big bunny ears, big loves and slobber kisses, food tricks, Smokey and C.C. chases, blueberry anything, snowcone bites, playing with cousins, giggling at being told "NO" - that could be trouble, learning to climb sister's chair, pot and pans, slip and slide - not a huge fan I might add, being outdoors, 1st trip on PawPaws boat, doughnut shop with sister new found fave, french fries, wagon rides, books to read or chew - both work fine, oh - brushing his teeth just makes his day - hope that holds true for life, molar balloons - good grief he loves those things, bubbles, watching things "work", making me fall in love with my family more and more every day!!! Cant wait to see what next year has in store.

Floatation Device or Clutter?

2008-08-29T18:35:00.000-07:00

Okay so I started this book - honestly picked it up thinking how happy it would make the love of my life if I could just clean out our closet and office. I have "things" - he thinks it's junk.... I think maybe one day I might NEED that "whatever" and then he'll be glad I saved it so we didn't have to buy it again. Or even better I'll be able to help someone else out who needed something that I had held on to. If you and I are close you know this is a problem - hello did you ever see the closet at work??? I always thought okay it's just a teacher thing but I'm beginning to see maybe not so much. Oh okay back to the book -

"A well known Zen parable tells of a wanderer on a lonely road who came upon a torrential stream that had washed out the bridge. He couldn't swim and was afraid to wade across, so he had to spend several days cutting down trees and vines with his small knife to build a raft. The raft he built was solid, and the heavy raft carried him safely across the flood. On the other side of the bank he thought, "This is a good raft - if there's another stream ahead, I can use it." And so, he carried the raft for the rest of his life."

That's one of those "AH HA" moments for me. I have a closet, office, living room and garage FULL of rafts. Big rafts, little rafts, purple rafts, cute rafts, old rafts - some haven't even been used - just got it "in case" , some expensive - most were on sale lol : ) So now I need to have a raft sale or raft extraction as it were. My life is so full - no just of stuff but - of love and hope and unknown adventures that I don't want to keep hanging on to "rafts". I want to be sure that when the time comes I have the "space" for whatever lies ahead. Garage sale anyone??

Pieces of "Me"

2008-08-28T20:15:00.000-07:00

Okay so still trying to see how to work this whole blog thing - I put together a slide show for you guys to see all the "pieces of me" these past few years - funny thing not one of these are in the classroom hmmmm. : ) Love to all!

New Role - kinda

2008-08-28T18:44:00.000-07:00

I have a new role this year - kinda - maybe new is not the right word - different... can not think of the "RIGHT" word for it now. Last year if someone came up to me and asked "What do you do?" I would have answered - "I am a teacher." Ask me that now, just a few short months later and depending on the day, time or events surrounding the conversation, I'm not sure which answer you'd get. What am I... christian, wife, mother, friend, daughter, sister, aunt, niece, educator, negotiator, student, woman, strong, listener, thinker, loving, generous, tough, romantic, silly, and encouraged. Not to say that for the past 8 years all I was just a "teacher" - I was much more but that's what I titled myself as. Now I guess I've been given a type of freedom to be.... ALL of me. It would seem to be easy to just be "myself" - I'm finding this tougher to navigate than I thought. looking forward to the adventures ahead especially with the company along for the ride - a little road map would be nice ; )

2008-08-26T21:22:00.000-07:00

Where does it all go???

2008-08-26T18:34:00.000-07:00

Well, Grace is 4 3/4 and Alex will be 1 in 2 weeks. I am sitting back just wondering where it all went? It seems like yesterday I was feeding Grace her bottle watching her little hands play with mine and tonight it was Alex in my arms doing the same thing. Grace had dance last night- first time since summer break after her big recital. She outgrew her dance outfit and both dance shoes - in 2 months. Alex is eating big boy food - and loving it I might add. He now hums when he's eating if he's enjoying it at all. He is so darn cute. He's climbing and standing. Any minute now I'm waiting to see him coming running down the hall. In a blink....

Grace told me the cutest story from school - if you don't already know, Grace tells and asks great stories and questions. I have a resent example of each :

Story from school - "Mom, did you know my teacher made us put a cotton ball in my hand and pretend it was cold - a cold baby - so I had to hold it really tight like this to keep it warm... and THEN she made me put a crayon in the SAME hand and hold it WITH the cotton ball - that was the cold baby - but it wasn't really a baby it was a cotton ball - in the same hand at the same time.... and then I had to write. With the cotton ball and crayon hand. It was the hardest thing I ever had to do in my life." cute right!

oh and question she asked - there's kinda a back story. We were leaving Crosby and driving down 1942 - dark backwoods kind of road - no lights few stops - you get the idea. It was getting late but it wasn't dark just yet. In the sky we could see lightning. It wasn't storm lightning it was heat lightning - anyways not really part of this story sorry. We were watching it as we drove but the trees kept getting in the way. Grace made the comment she wished the trees would all be gone so she could see the lightning. So I explained how at one time this whole area ( where we were driving ) had been nothing but trees. She wanted to know why it wasn't anymore - for streets and house stores and stuff - people cut down trees so they can "live". - So here's her big question that just made me tear up little - "But Mommy - does that make God grumpy that we are cutting down all this trees?" Sometimes she just makes me proud to be her mom. I wish there were more grown ups in this world who were a little bit more like Gracie Mae.

Grace is enjoying swim lessons - she's very cute. Doesn't like to get her face wet though - which makes it a little hard in a pool full of water and all but she's a real trooper. Yesterday was packed full of fun - school, the park ( Grace has been asking for weeks so we walked to the one in the neighborhood - Texas August 1:00pm - nuff said) then swim and dance - we all crashed early.

At the end of the day we all sit and do "3 best Journal" - even if Daddy's a work - gotta love the speaker phone and I can say we are blessed! We might not have it all but together we have everything!!