Some weeks I don't know what day it is most days of the week. It is easier to lose track in the summer, but I had better get back on schedule - quickly. After weeks of appointments, VBS, and such, it is hard to find time to go to Tweetsie even! But I have gotten a lot accomplished this summer to prepare for this busy fall!
The new high school was dedicated today. I did not go because we were leaving around lunch time to check on Laura who had surgery on her leg today. She did well and even called me when her mom was in Walgreens getting her pain meds. I ended up getting sick, so Sam and I stayed home. Andrew and Peter went with Pete so Andrew can run in Johnson City in the morning. Andrew and Peter want to stay until Monday when we go swim. Tuesday is Sam's eye doctor appointment, and Wednesday is his kindergarten picnic! Cross country practice begins Monday morning, and I feel like summer is already gone!
I look forward to fall. It's my very favorite season - probably something to do with cross country and Coach Smith. I think I just feel like I need a little more time of an easier schedule before my hours are all taken up each day.
I had better go and check on my little precious person who just told me this week, "Mommy, I don't want to go to kindergarten." We saw Coach Mac at the bike auction last night, and he told Sam he would be glad to see him in two weeks. I told Sam I remember my first day of kindergarten - and I do. My dad always said I had a memory like an elephant. And we ended up with three bikes from the auction. The boys were happy.
Sam is doing better with lots more insulin. He has more of the 24 hour and a smaller ratio (less carbs per unit). I hope we can keep him on a good schedule with school.
Off to wrap some baby gifts...so excited for Casey and Sheldon!
Friday, July 30, 2010
Friday, July 23, 2010
"It's Friday...Oh yeah..." Betty Watson
I have a great lady at work who reminds us all that it's Friday! She called me on my vacation! And she called me last Friday when she was on vacation herself! She says it like no one else! And she is delightful - you truly love to see her coming. She is funny, lighthearted, sweet, and dresses for EVERY occasion! I want people to love to see me coming like we love to see her!
This week has been VBS at our church. It was great. But like all VBS weeks, it's hot; and we are tired. So we are glad it is Friday, and we are glad it's been a good week.
Andrew continues to do well. He is running hard and helps a lot with Sam. Peter has been injured but started running this week. Will works as much as he can with our neighbors. And Sam is trying to keep up with everyone. I asked if he wanted to run, and he said "No, but I need to start lifting weights." And he was serious.
He also asked yesterday when it would snow. He said, "I have been waiting and waiting (for snow)." He is too funny sometimes. Watching him play the Wii is hilarious too. He is so serious, but he is seriously good at the games. And he will tell you if he is not!
It's so hot here in Boone! We are ready for some rain and cooler temps. It is not as hot as it is in other places, but it sure is hot for the mountains. I am looking forward to next week - the pool, maybe a trip to Tweetsie, and NO appointments!
Have a great weekend!
This week has been VBS at our church. It was great. But like all VBS weeks, it's hot; and we are tired. So we are glad it is Friday, and we are glad it's been a good week.
Andrew continues to do well. He is running hard and helps a lot with Sam. Peter has been injured but started running this week. Will works as much as he can with our neighbors. And Sam is trying to keep up with everyone. I asked if he wanted to run, and he said "No, but I need to start lifting weights." And he was serious.
He also asked yesterday when it would snow. He said, "I have been waiting and waiting (for snow)." He is too funny sometimes. Watching him play the Wii is hilarious too. He is so serious, but he is seriously good at the games. And he will tell you if he is not!
It's so hot here in Boone! We are ready for some rain and cooler temps. It is not as hot as it is in other places, but it sure is hot for the mountains. I am looking forward to next week - the pool, maybe a trip to Tweetsie, and NO appointments!
Have a great weekend!
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Andrew's Appointments This Week
Andrew got through his three appointments this past week. His neurologist appointment was good. He is doing fine on his medication. He still has what I call "connecting" issues, but I don't know if it's the seizures or the medicine. I have some terms on his referral report that I am googling, but I feel thankful that he is stable - especially after last fall. We have turned in his driving information again and hope that turns out well for him. They usually let you keep your permit if your seizures are few and at night or early morning. He is no where near getting his license because we have not pushed him to drive. So he has some time. My parents did not turn us loose early! They made sure we had plenty of information in our heads before they let us out on our own!
His check up was good. It was like old times with Dr. Adams. We were his last appointment for the day, and he went over a lot of stuff with us pretty quickly. He made me feel better about some of my concerns and is getting Andrew an appointment with the dermatologist. He needs a few things checked out - they can be liver-related, but his liver labs have been fine. We are checking protein levels though - they are consistently low.
His pulmonologist appointment was pretty routine. Andrew does not have the bronchiectasis, so that is great news. He does not have any allergies that they found in routine blood work nor does he have signs of any in the spring. Dr. Black told Andrew that he should not miss out on track because of his breathing problems and wants us to call with any difficulties so they can treat him and stop his problems before they get bad. He really seems to want to help him, and we appreciate that.
We have VBS this week and only dentist appointments. The next week Sam has an eye doctor check up before kindergarten starts. Summer is flying by too fast! But I am glad we are getting all of these appointments out of the way before school and cross country start. Fall is always so busy, but it will be much easier for me this year with my new job. No travel! That will make a huge difference.
We have been working to move furniture and rearrange rooms today - just some basic stuff. Pete has worked hard cleaning - literally cleaning the basement. We have moved lots of boxes down there - well, he has. He organized them and has left them so I can find everything and still go through some. We have gotten rid of so much stuff through our huge yard sale and the trash dump! It feels so wonderful! I will have to get some more of my furniture (like my great grandmother's coffee table) from my parents to finish up some rooms. And then I will need help to finish up my window treatments and hanging my pictures! I am sure I would qualify for one of the HGTV shows! Pete has painted and finished almost all of the new windows. They look so pretty - like a dollhouse. We still have lots to do upstairs - the boys' rooms and finishing the bath, but it is coming along!
Have a great weekend!
His check up was good. It was like old times with Dr. Adams. We were his last appointment for the day, and he went over a lot of stuff with us pretty quickly. He made me feel better about some of my concerns and is getting Andrew an appointment with the dermatologist. He needs a few things checked out - they can be liver-related, but his liver labs have been fine. We are checking protein levels though - they are consistently low.
His pulmonologist appointment was pretty routine. Andrew does not have the bronchiectasis, so that is great news. He does not have any allergies that they found in routine blood work nor does he have signs of any in the spring. Dr. Black told Andrew that he should not miss out on track because of his breathing problems and wants us to call with any difficulties so they can treat him and stop his problems before they get bad. He really seems to want to help him, and we appreciate that.
We have VBS this week and only dentist appointments. The next week Sam has an eye doctor check up before kindergarten starts. Summer is flying by too fast! But I am glad we are getting all of these appointments out of the way before school and cross country start. Fall is always so busy, but it will be much easier for me this year with my new job. No travel! That will make a huge difference.
We have been working to move furniture and rearrange rooms today - just some basic stuff. Pete has worked hard cleaning - literally cleaning the basement. We have moved lots of boxes down there - well, he has. He organized them and has left them so I can find everything and still go through some. We have gotten rid of so much stuff through our huge yard sale and the trash dump! It feels so wonderful! I will have to get some more of my furniture (like my great grandmother's coffee table) from my parents to finish up some rooms. And then I will need help to finish up my window treatments and hanging my pictures! I am sure I would qualify for one of the HGTV shows! Pete has painted and finished almost all of the new windows. They look so pretty - like a dollhouse. We still have lots to do upstairs - the boys' rooms and finishing the bath, but it is coming along!
Have a great weekend!
A peaceful July weekend
The rain is not yet falling. We had a little sprinkle, and we hope to get more! The ground is so dry and reminds me of myself. Slowly, it feels like my soul is getting some hydration - still slowly. I understand more of what it means to wait. I need to work on the "be still" part. But I feel that bubble welling up - the one that reminds me no matter how tough or grueling some things are that the joy of the Lord (which IS my strength) is still there - no matter what!
Peter and Will just got back from a few days with Pop and Sarah. I am sure Pop and Sarah will sleep good tonight. In just a few days, they rode the Virginia Creeper Trail, went to a water slide, shopped at the mall (I wish I could have been there to see that - Peter got a trendy shirt and Will a hatchet!), mowed, and helped Pop with some other chores - for which he paid them. We are so glad to have them back.
Andrew wishes he could have gone, but he had THREE doctor appointments this week. Two were in town, and one in Charlotte. I-77 is no fun when you are trying to keep on schedule. We cannot help that Sam has to eat and/or stop every so often. We were not running way ahead like we usually do for an appointment. But God got us there on time. The Subaru that had followed me too closely on 77 finally popped a huge Cadillac SUV in the back, and we maneuvered around that and kept going. We were only going 5-10 mph at the time, so no one was hurt. But I felt sorry for the people behind them because that would be one more delay. We ate at the mall food court and stopped at the bookstores and headed home. It was not the most fun day -spending most of the day in the car - but it was fun to be together!
This week is VBS, so we will probably have to skip our swim day. I am sorry for that since it rained last week. Pete gets his stitches out this week, and his arm has been fine. Cindy gave me tickets to Tweetsie that she won, so we will try to go there next week. The older boys have outgrown it, but they will love some of the rides still and watching Sam. We appreciate the gift. It's way too expensive to go with four children. Tweetsie holds great memories for me - my grandfather moved over to ride the train with me when I was very little when the Indians ran through. He also bought me a stuffed "Mildred" bear. And I worked there the summer before I was married. Pete and the guys I worked with stayed and talked to me when I was STUCK on the chair lift for a couple of hours. So...many great memories!
The thunder is back. Hopefully it will bring the rain with it! Better go and check Sam's bsl. He was so high yesterday - all day. He started out better today but has not done well. I got one new insulin bottle out and will change the cartridge in the other. This gets tiresome -when we are so off and cannot seem to figure it out. But he seems to feel good and is watching Little Bear and resting right now.
Peter and Will just got back from a few days with Pop and Sarah. I am sure Pop and Sarah will sleep good tonight. In just a few days, they rode the Virginia Creeper Trail, went to a water slide, shopped at the mall (I wish I could have been there to see that - Peter got a trendy shirt and Will a hatchet!), mowed, and helped Pop with some other chores - for which he paid them. We are so glad to have them back.
Andrew wishes he could have gone, but he had THREE doctor appointments this week. Two were in town, and one in Charlotte. I-77 is no fun when you are trying to keep on schedule. We cannot help that Sam has to eat and/or stop every so often. We were not running way ahead like we usually do for an appointment. But God got us there on time. The Subaru that had followed me too closely on 77 finally popped a huge Cadillac SUV in the back, and we maneuvered around that and kept going. We were only going 5-10 mph at the time, so no one was hurt. But I felt sorry for the people behind them because that would be one more delay. We ate at the mall food court and stopped at the bookstores and headed home. It was not the most fun day -spending most of the day in the car - but it was fun to be together!
This week is VBS, so we will probably have to skip our swim day. I am sorry for that since it rained last week. Pete gets his stitches out this week, and his arm has been fine. Cindy gave me tickets to Tweetsie that she won, so we will try to go there next week. The older boys have outgrown it, but they will love some of the rides still and watching Sam. We appreciate the gift. It's way too expensive to go with four children. Tweetsie holds great memories for me - my grandfather moved over to ride the train with me when I was very little when the Indians ran through. He also bought me a stuffed "Mildred" bear. And I worked there the summer before I was married. Pete and the guys I worked with stayed and talked to me when I was STUCK on the chair lift for a couple of hours. So...many great memories!
The thunder is back. Hopefully it will bring the rain with it! Better go and check Sam's bsl. He was so high yesterday - all day. He started out better today but has not done well. I got one new insulin bottle out and will change the cartridge in the other. This gets tiresome -when we are so off and cannot seem to figure it out. But he seems to feel good and is watching Little Bear and resting right now.
Friday, July 9, 2010
THE BEAR 2010
Last night was THE BEAR! The Bear is a hill climb five miles from the bottom of the hill (221) in Linville to the top of Grandfather Mountain. Runners pretty much climb a mile in elevation as they run UP. They have very little flat area and only one little dip. It is tough. It is grueling. It is an accomplishment to finish!
Andrew came up strong - running hard. He passed a guy on the last switchback. He stopped at the top and then realized the finish was pushed back just a little. The guy passed him, but he still was 6th place of about 850 runners with a time below 35 minutes! I was so excited! I was so thankful. Today, as I drove down the 421 mountain, my eyes filled with tears as I thanked God for giving Andrew this great race and great encouragement - which mean so much after almost a year of struggles. He still struggles - he even did some last night - but he can see how it is to overcome with the help of God Who loves him even more than his parents!
We sat in traffic on 105 for a long long time. I was so worried I would not make it up to see him. I knew I would probably get him to the race. We dropped him off and went on up. The first parking lot was full, so they sent us on up to the next which made me very nervous. We were sitting on the mountain in traffic, and it was not fun. I cannot stand that. Then they seemed to be turning us around. By that time, Sam's sugar had not been checked in a while. I was planning on checking him right when we got there. A very nice lady made a way for us to go on up to the very top. It made the night so much easier to get to his snacks, check his bsl, and give him shots. We are thankful for Diana - wherever she is!
We got to see so many people and see so many people fulfill their goals and dreams to finish this race. There is none like it!
When you are on top of Grandfather Mountain, you cannot help but see and feel the majesty of God. The views are beautiful and beyond anything you see anywhere else. The air is different. The thunder rumbled last night and some lightning flashed, but it never rained on us. It cooled a little, and a breeze was blowing. It was such a peaceful night - well, for me. The race organizers were busy working and cleaning up. But you just cannot help but know you are in one of the most special places in the world on top of that mountain. When we relate our good times to being at the top or on the top of the mountain, you can certainly feel where that comes from when you are up there! Such a difference from the bottom to the top. So many places to fall or struggle or fail, but just like those runners pushed through running almost straight up in places, we can get to the top with His help. Sometimes we walk, sometimes we roll back, but He is with us and will keep us on the path and is faithful to be beside us even when we get off the path - if we ask Him.
I thank God for letting me be a part of such a special night. Andrew is 16 1/2, and it weighs heavily on me that he is growing up too fast. When we should be pushing him for independence, we are having to hold him closer and keep him safe - while still trying to show him how to do for himself. It's harder than the usual, much harder. But God is working on me - to show me what to do, to reveal things, and to teach me to trust Him instead of worrying about my feelings or anything I can dream up to worry about! Maybe I will learn more to help me with the other boys and Sam who will have a different situation too.
Isaiah 40:31 has been my favorite verse since high school. I hear it more and more in songs and other places. It amazes me that it has the same meaning but how it helps me more and more. I don't twist the words, but it holds so much meaning that it does fit so many times I have gone through in my life. God knew that when He first brought it to my attention.
Happy Weekend! Some of the boys will help Pete with the Grandfather Mountain Marathon tomorrow. Part of us just went to work on a project and worked hard - the boys helped so much. We need to work on our house tomorrow! They are learning more and more about cleaning, washing clothes, etc. But they have a great handle on helping with Sam's stuff. For that, I am so so thankful. Sunday I have a special service to attend, for Mrs. Cummins. I will be returning to a church I have not been in for years. I grew up there. My dad grew up there. My grandparents were married there and both had their funerals there. I was baptized and married there. The building holds many memories and will probably be much the same. I look forward to being there, as the last time was not a good one. I am hopeful to see how God worked so many tough situations in drawing away from there and hope to feel a peace about the place.
It is thundering here. We hope to have lots of rain. Crack, crack! I love the sound of a thunderstorm.
Have a great weekend!
Andrew came up strong - running hard. He passed a guy on the last switchback. He stopped at the top and then realized the finish was pushed back just a little. The guy passed him, but he still was 6th place of about 850 runners with a time below 35 minutes! I was so excited! I was so thankful. Today, as I drove down the 421 mountain, my eyes filled with tears as I thanked God for giving Andrew this great race and great encouragement - which mean so much after almost a year of struggles. He still struggles - he even did some last night - but he can see how it is to overcome with the help of God Who loves him even more than his parents!
We sat in traffic on 105 for a long long time. I was so worried I would not make it up to see him. I knew I would probably get him to the race. We dropped him off and went on up. The first parking lot was full, so they sent us on up to the next which made me very nervous. We were sitting on the mountain in traffic, and it was not fun. I cannot stand that. Then they seemed to be turning us around. By that time, Sam's sugar had not been checked in a while. I was planning on checking him right when we got there. A very nice lady made a way for us to go on up to the very top. It made the night so much easier to get to his snacks, check his bsl, and give him shots. We are thankful for Diana - wherever she is!
We got to see so many people and see so many people fulfill their goals and dreams to finish this race. There is none like it!
When you are on top of Grandfather Mountain, you cannot help but see and feel the majesty of God. The views are beautiful and beyond anything you see anywhere else. The air is different. The thunder rumbled last night and some lightning flashed, but it never rained on us. It cooled a little, and a breeze was blowing. It was such a peaceful night - well, for me. The race organizers were busy working and cleaning up. But you just cannot help but know you are in one of the most special places in the world on top of that mountain. When we relate our good times to being at the top or on the top of the mountain, you can certainly feel where that comes from when you are up there! Such a difference from the bottom to the top. So many places to fall or struggle or fail, but just like those runners pushed through running almost straight up in places, we can get to the top with His help. Sometimes we walk, sometimes we roll back, but He is with us and will keep us on the path and is faithful to be beside us even when we get off the path - if we ask Him.
I thank God for letting me be a part of such a special night. Andrew is 16 1/2, and it weighs heavily on me that he is growing up too fast. When we should be pushing him for independence, we are having to hold him closer and keep him safe - while still trying to show him how to do for himself. It's harder than the usual, much harder. But God is working on me - to show me what to do, to reveal things, and to teach me to trust Him instead of worrying about my feelings or anything I can dream up to worry about! Maybe I will learn more to help me with the other boys and Sam who will have a different situation too.
Isaiah 40:31 has been my favorite verse since high school. I hear it more and more in songs and other places. It amazes me that it has the same meaning but how it helps me more and more. I don't twist the words, but it holds so much meaning that it does fit so many times I have gone through in my life. God knew that when He first brought it to my attention.
Happy Weekend! Some of the boys will help Pete with the Grandfather Mountain Marathon tomorrow. Part of us just went to work on a project and worked hard - the boys helped so much. We need to work on our house tomorrow! They are learning more and more about cleaning, washing clothes, etc. But they have a great handle on helping with Sam's stuff. For that, I am so so thankful. Sunday I have a special service to attend, for Mrs. Cummins. I will be returning to a church I have not been in for years. I grew up there. My dad grew up there. My grandparents were married there and both had their funerals there. I was baptized and married there. The building holds many memories and will probably be much the same. I look forward to being there, as the last time was not a good one. I am hopeful to see how God worked so many tough situations in drawing away from there and hope to feel a peace about the place.
It is thundering here. We hope to have lots of rain. Crack, crack! I love the sound of a thunderstorm.
Have a great weekend!
Friday, July 2, 2010
4th of July Weekend...already????
Wow! The summer is flying by too fast. And though fall is indeed my favorite season of all, I needed this summer time to catch up, slow down, and just have an easier schedule! This has been a week of catch-up, seeing friends, and going to lunch. It has been a good week, but I cannot believe July is here already!!!! Vacation out of town is over, except my girls' trip right before school starts. Swimming Mondays start this next week, but the boys have orientation at the new high school only a month from now!!!!! That's too close! I am still wondering how that traffic pattern will work! Still thinking about a helicopter!
As we go through this weekend, and the 4th of July itself, we should be remembering our freedom that most (I know I do!) of us take for granted. And also, we should remember the service men and women and their families - all of them, the ones long gone and the ones still fighting. We have so much for which to be thankful. And that is only (only?) our freedom on this earth! We are offered true freedom for what comes after this - that came as a gift from our mighty God through His Son, Jesus. I wonder if we got a taste of life in another country, or an eternal life separated from God, if we would choose to live differently with different priorities. I know if I could truly grasp this the right way, I surely would. Something to start working on IMMEDIATELY!
Andrew had labs today for the pulmonologist and his thyroid. Sam's insulin ratios and amounts were changed quite drastically when I called the doctor's office. He has been very low in the mornings and running quite high the rest of the day. I have changed his diet some and kept a close watch, so something had changed! I told Carla that the only good thing about this was the plan the nurse and doctor came up with was what I though it might be. Maybe that means I am somewhere on the page!!!!
Will has been gone for a couple of days, and we miss him! He will be home later, so Sam is especially excited. He always misses him.
Going to go work on clothes - sorting for friends, consignment and ebay. I need to get the stuff out of my house and will try to make a little money while doing it! Sam is watching Curious George, and it's hard not to join him! But if I make some progress, I maybe can take a break and watch Judge Judy!
Happy 4th! Happy Freedom! I will remember to pray for those who sacrifice for our freedom! And I will remember to pray for freedom and for eternal life for those who do not have it!
As we go through this weekend, and the 4th of July itself, we should be remembering our freedom that most (I know I do!) of us take for granted. And also, we should remember the service men and women and their families - all of them, the ones long gone and the ones still fighting. We have so much for which to be thankful. And that is only (only?) our freedom on this earth! We are offered true freedom for what comes after this - that came as a gift from our mighty God through His Son, Jesus. I wonder if we got a taste of life in another country, or an eternal life separated from God, if we would choose to live differently with different priorities. I know if I could truly grasp this the right way, I surely would. Something to start working on IMMEDIATELY!
Andrew had labs today for the pulmonologist and his thyroid. Sam's insulin ratios and amounts were changed quite drastically when I called the doctor's office. He has been very low in the mornings and running quite high the rest of the day. I have changed his diet some and kept a close watch, so something had changed! I told Carla that the only good thing about this was the plan the nurse and doctor came up with was what I though it might be. Maybe that means I am somewhere on the page!!!!
Will has been gone for a couple of days, and we miss him! He will be home later, so Sam is especially excited. He always misses him.
Going to go work on clothes - sorting for friends, consignment and ebay. I need to get the stuff out of my house and will try to make a little money while doing it! Sam is watching Curious George, and it's hard not to join him! But if I make some progress, I maybe can take a break and watch Judge Judy!
Happy 4th! Happy Freedom! I will remember to pray for those who sacrifice for our freedom! And I will remember to pray for freedom and for eternal life for those who do not have it!
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