Wow, this week has NOT been easy! Robbie and I spent all last weekend at a gymnastics meet in Birmingham. He was so sweet and helpful -- he even attended all the meets and kept up with our girls! We started home Sunday night only to run into terrible weather -- blinding rain, hail, the whole works. I got up Monday (I was dog tired but I got up) and was walking out the door for school when I got the call that we would postpone the beginning of school because of weather. Lauren helped me that afternoon at the gym, and Tuesday began like what seemed to be a normal day.
A little before lunch a message came in from Mama -- Daddy was not feeling well. He had a doctor's appointment and she felt like they might keep him. I left school early so I could see about him. I have never seen Daddy so low. He was weak and wobbly. It seemed that he was having trouble thinking and finishing his sentences. We called the doctor and made the decision to go on to the emergency room. With a hurculean effort, Daddy got himself to the truck. It was downhill from there, though. It took a wheelchair to get him in to the emergency room.
Now, I'm a daddy's girl --- and a mama's girl :) I don't like for either of them to be sick or hurting. So the rest of this week has been early days at school and afternoons and nights at the hospital and gym. Thank the Lord he is feeling better now! He is looking more and more like himself every day.
At a time like this, I am always amazed at how close our family is. We all work together, we plan together, we comfort each other, we cry together, we laugh together. We are more closely knit than most people can understand. I used to think our family was normal. Sadly, I think we are becoming the unusual. How incredibly sad for those who don't have what we have.
I am looking forward to seeing Robert's kids tonight and helping them with trick or treat. We will get pictures this afternoon, and tomorrow afternoon I will go back to see Daddy. I am claiming complete healing for him.
God is good all the time. All the time, God is good.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Robert's Turn...
Well, he was finally here...however terrible the delivery story was, Robert was more than enough to make up for it. He was our biggest baby -- over eight pounds -- and he came here sucking on Robbie's finger. He was ready to eat! He proved to be a completely different personality than Josh or Lauren had been -- I don't say that in a negative way, but in every way he was different.
He wasn't a rocker -- he slept better when we just put him in his bed after he had been fed, bathed, and changed. I had to learn to be satisfied with need to be alone sometimes. Josh and Lauren had been cuddlers.
He had a need to know "why." Robert was not one who could function on "because I said so." I found it necessary to know why myself because it was a need on his part. It became a habit to say, "No, because....." rather than just "No."
He was an adventurer and loved excitement. When he was three, he set the field on fire and we had to call the fire department -- and he convinced them that I was the one who set the fire! He rode his bike down a logging road with a friend and I thought I would never find him. He hid in the dishwasher once and I found him only because he got tickled.
He loved to eat -- once he walked down to the restaurant behind our house (he was four or five), ordered his meal, and charged it to me! His seventh grade teacher had her math class calculate their calories for one weekend. We stopped Saturday night when Robert reached 7000---after getting up late and skipping breakfast! In a story that is famous at our church, he ate three large ribeye combos at a steakhouse while we were on a church trip. Oh yeah, he LOVED to eat!
He was a basketball player -- he loved shooting hoops so much that he got a half basketball court for his birthday. I had never been a basketball watcher, but to see Robert play was every bit as exciting as watching Josh play football or Lauren cheer. He collected posters of great basketball players, and he was so surprised one Christmas to open a framed poster of himself in the middle of a beautiful shot.
He was the child who taught me how to teach. I soon realized that few of my students were going to be as sweetly obedient as Josh and Lauren were. I would soon have many more "Roberts" under my teaching belt, and I truly believe that God allowed these three vastly different personalities to help me be my best.
Robert married Kandace right out of high school and Dylan was soon here. (Dylan has his own funny story -- he was thought to be a girl who would be named April until the moment he was born!) I worried that marrying so young and becoming a father so quickly would be a hindrance to Robert's going to school and becoming one who could take care of his family. I need not have worried. Robert used what looked like obstacles to some as stepping stones. That was a good thing, because Daniel followed ten months behind Dylan--and I saw the father Robert would be. When Daniel was rushed to the neonatal unit, Robert was right there, his strength and control so much like his daddy's.
Watching our own children become parents and observing their parenting skills has always been fun. Hopefully, we are seeing some of what we did with our own -- I say that because it is such a blessing to see our children playing with and teaching and helping their own. Robert often spent long hours playing ball with the boys, or taking them fishing, or taking them on trips to interesting places.
And then Kaylee came along -- Robert's little princess. He and Kandace named her Kaylee April -- Robert said naming her for his birthday month was the only way he would have a girl named after him. She truly became a daddy's girl, and she had him wrapped around his finger from the moment she looked at him. Kaylee had some scary moments too, and Robert went to the neonatal unit with her as well. Thankfully, her stay was not as long as Daniel's.
In record time-- he was twenty-one--Robert had graduated from college and had his own three children. He was good at his work and got a promotion that was unheard of for someone his age. Life was great -- and then his was over.
I will never forget that night. I had taught gymnastics and had not been home long. The phone rang and Kandace's mother's number came up on caller id. Robbie answered and did not say much until he hung up. Then is was just, "Robert's been in a wreck." I honestly can't remember talking any more. We jumped into shoes and jackets and got in the car. On the way, we called Josh and Lauren so they would know where we were. Robbie is a great driver, and in just minutes we were pulling up to the hospital. Kandace's mother came to meet us as we made our way into the emergency room. She began to speak, and in a way that I cannot explain, I knew what she was going to say: "He didn't make it."
There are moments from that week burned on my brain: seeing him in the emergency room; going to plan his funeral and pick out his casket; gathering the pictures for the slideshow; watching Robbie,Josh,David,Zack,Travis,and Will take care of him as his pallbearers; waking up on March 1st, the day of the funeral to SNOW, watching Josh and Robbie carry Dylan and Daniel so they could help carry their daddy; speaking to an incredible number of people about Robert; trying to remember to breathe.
It's been one year, eight months, three days, three hours, and seventeen minutes since we heard those words: "He didn't make it." I still have to remember to breathe. I still cry. I am getting to the point that I can remember and talk about funny things Robert did without dissolving EVERY time. We made it through all the holidays, including a very difficult Christmas. We can all see more and more of Robert in his children, especially the boys. I can talk to the kids about their daddy, to Grace about Uncle Bobo, and to my students about my boy. We have planted a tree in his name at school and named the gym at our church in his honor. He is still making a name for himself, one his family can be proud of.
Please pray for our family as we struggle with our grief, and for Robert's children as they grow into the fine young men and lady God is working on. Robert has been a part of our past, but he is in our future now, and I will be so happy to see him again!
He wasn't a rocker -- he slept better when we just put him in his bed after he had been fed, bathed, and changed. I had to learn to be satisfied with need to be alone sometimes. Josh and Lauren had been cuddlers.
He had a need to know "why." Robert was not one who could function on "because I said so." I found it necessary to know why myself because it was a need on his part. It became a habit to say, "No, because....." rather than just "No."
He was an adventurer and loved excitement. When he was three, he set the field on fire and we had to call the fire department -- and he convinced them that I was the one who set the fire! He rode his bike down a logging road with a friend and I thought I would never find him. He hid in the dishwasher once and I found him only because he got tickled.
He loved to eat -- once he walked down to the restaurant behind our house (he was four or five), ordered his meal, and charged it to me! His seventh grade teacher had her math class calculate their calories for one weekend. We stopped Saturday night when Robert reached 7000---after getting up late and skipping breakfast! In a story that is famous at our church, he ate three large ribeye combos at a steakhouse while we were on a church trip. Oh yeah, he LOVED to eat!
He was a basketball player -- he loved shooting hoops so much that he got a half basketball court for his birthday. I had never been a basketball watcher, but to see Robert play was every bit as exciting as watching Josh play football or Lauren cheer. He collected posters of great basketball players, and he was so surprised one Christmas to open a framed poster of himself in the middle of a beautiful shot.
He was the child who taught me how to teach. I soon realized that few of my students were going to be as sweetly obedient as Josh and Lauren were. I would soon have many more "Roberts" under my teaching belt, and I truly believe that God allowed these three vastly different personalities to help me be my best.
Robert married Kandace right out of high school and Dylan was soon here. (Dylan has his own funny story -- he was thought to be a girl who would be named April until the moment he was born!) I worried that marrying so young and becoming a father so quickly would be a hindrance to Robert's going to school and becoming one who could take care of his family. I need not have worried. Robert used what looked like obstacles to some as stepping stones. That was a good thing, because Daniel followed ten months behind Dylan--and I saw the father Robert would be. When Daniel was rushed to the neonatal unit, Robert was right there, his strength and control so much like his daddy's.
Watching our own children become parents and observing their parenting skills has always been fun. Hopefully, we are seeing some of what we did with our own -- I say that because it is such a blessing to see our children playing with and teaching and helping their own. Robert often spent long hours playing ball with the boys, or taking them fishing, or taking them on trips to interesting places.
And then Kaylee came along -- Robert's little princess. He and Kandace named her Kaylee April -- Robert said naming her for his birthday month was the only way he would have a girl named after him. She truly became a daddy's girl, and she had him wrapped around his finger from the moment she looked at him. Kaylee had some scary moments too, and Robert went to the neonatal unit with her as well. Thankfully, her stay was not as long as Daniel's.
In record time-- he was twenty-one--Robert had graduated from college and had his own three children. He was good at his work and got a promotion that was unheard of for someone his age. Life was great -- and then his was over.
I will never forget that night. I had taught gymnastics and had not been home long. The phone rang and Kandace's mother's number came up on caller id. Robbie answered and did not say much until he hung up. Then is was just, "Robert's been in a wreck." I honestly can't remember talking any more. We jumped into shoes and jackets and got in the car. On the way, we called Josh and Lauren so they would know where we were. Robbie is a great driver, and in just minutes we were pulling up to the hospital. Kandace's mother came to meet us as we made our way into the emergency room. She began to speak, and in a way that I cannot explain, I knew what she was going to say: "He didn't make it."
There are moments from that week burned on my brain: seeing him in the emergency room; going to plan his funeral and pick out his casket; gathering the pictures for the slideshow; watching Robbie,Josh,David,Zack,Travis,and Will take care of him as his pallbearers; waking up on March 1st, the day of the funeral to SNOW, watching Josh and Robbie carry Dylan and Daniel so they could help carry their daddy; speaking to an incredible number of people about Robert; trying to remember to breathe.
It's been one year, eight months, three days, three hours, and seventeen minutes since we heard those words: "He didn't make it." I still have to remember to breathe. I still cry. I am getting to the point that I can remember and talk about funny things Robert did without dissolving EVERY time. We made it through all the holidays, including a very difficult Christmas. We can all see more and more of Robert in his children, especially the boys. I can talk to the kids about their daddy, to Grace about Uncle Bobo, and to my students about my boy. We have planted a tree in his name at school and named the gym at our church in his honor. He is still making a name for himself, one his family can be proud of.
Please pray for our family as we struggle with our grief, and for Robert's children as they grow into the fine young men and lady God is working on. Robert has been a part of our past, but he is in our future now, and I will be so happy to see him again!
Monday, October 25, 2010
The Story Behind Robert's Story...
If you're following my blog, you know that I'm in the process of acquainting you with my children, who in turn blessed Robbie and me with the five adorable sweeties on the swingset. Well, you know about Josh and Lauren. Honestly, Robbie and I thought we were through having children. To be even more truthful, we didn't plan those either! But with one boy and one girl, we figured we were ready to call it quits. So I went back to school to finish my teaching degree.
That is a story in itself. We had a hard time getting back on our feet after the job loss and house burning incident. I ended up working two jobs -- one in the sewing factory and the other at a convenience store owned by my aunt and uncle. I was so grateful for both jobs, but I was tired. I was at work every morning by 6:00. At 4:00 I left the factory and went to the store. After brushing the tremendous amount of thread off my clothes, I went to work until about 10:00 P.M. On weekends, work was often all day.
And then one night I was mopping -- the final job before closing up completely. The mop was huge and heavy. The water was quickly becoming dirty. As I scrubbed at the spilled coke and dirty footprints, a thought as clear as a bell came to me: This is not what I'm supposed to be doing. And that was that. I stopped mopping and called Robbie. We decided together that I would go back to school in August to finish my degree. My life's dream was to teach English to high school children. I turned in my notice and set about applying for grants, loans, and scholarships. In August, I began classes at Auburn University Montgomery. My schedule was perfect -- the exact number of classes I needed per quarter and the exact number of quarters I needed to finish by the next summer. Relieved with how well my life was going, I got up on the first morning of school and drank a glass of water. And I knew.
A quick trip by the doctor's office confirmed the feeling. We would be having another baby! No problem, at least not in my mind. That is, until I told my advisor and learned that there were no sick days for spring interns. Time off for the baby would mean I would not get the credit, and there was no way to intern in the summer. I am proud to say that I held myself together in a most admirable way until I got inside the Dean of Education's office and closed the door. God only knows what she thought then. I dissolved into hysterical sobs, punctuated only occassionally by words like "having a baby" and "need to finish" and "you've got to help me." Bless her heart.
In an attempt to offset any suicidal or murderous thoughts I might have, she put me in every class I needed in order to intern in the winter. I ended up with 40 hours, classes Monday-Thursday from 8 A.M. until 10 P.M., Friday workshops, and 7 research papers to write. Bless her heart.
I did it though--with a lot of help from my family. When Thanksgiving came and the quarter was over, I went to sleep and I didn't wake up until New Year's Day. Honestly, that is the only Christmas of my life that I don't remember. I don't know what Josh and Lauren got for Christmas or how they got it. I just remember how tired I was.
And then it was January and time to teach. My supervising teacher was wonderful and the kids were so sweet and enthusiastic. I did not miss a single day. There were a lot of "ups" in my student teaching experience. My kids were curious about my growing belly, and often lectures were interrupted by, "Whoa, look at that!" as Robert made himself comfortable. There were a lot of "downs," too. One of my students quit school because I didn't allow him to sleep in class. Another committed suicide on Valentine's Day -- shot himself in the chest with a shotgun because his girlfriend and mother did not get along. He was in the tenth grade --just a baby, really. Somebody else's baby. I like to think God arranged that student teaching assignment just for me. Because of those students, I went into teaching armed with experience that those who have taught far longer than I do not have, and that has helped me be a better teacher.
On the last day of class, my students threw me a party, giving me a journal they had all written in (I cherish that book more than I can tell you) and an baby outfit for their "classmate." I promised to bring him back for them to see, and I left that classroom for the last time. The next morning, I went to take my Teachers' Exit Exam.
I walked into the classroom at Troy Montgomery and thought, "Wow, they didn't expect pregnant people to take this test." I eased myself sideways into a little desk, and was promptly reprimanded by the test proctor that I would have to face the front. Smirks and giggles all around. Deep sigh and humiliation from me as the proctor and two other test takers went to find a table and chair that could be placed in the front of the room, thereby assuring that I would not cheat. And I didn't. That was on Saturday. I started class on Tuesday.
And once again, my intentions were questioned. A required class for my degree was offered only that quarter. Advanced Expository Writing. Sounds evil, doesn't it? But I was excited. I loved to read and write, and I knew I could do well. I was thrilled to find that the room was outfitted with tables instead of desks and excitedly took my seat at the front of the room. The teacher, known as the Dragon Lady by her former students began class. Expecting a syllabus and maybe an in-class writing assignment, I was stunned to find her staring at me and asking (with quite the sneer) "What are YOU doing here?" Just like that -- "What are YOU doing here?" (Nore the emphasis on YOU.) Thinking she had me confused with a former, perhaps lackluster student, I explained that I had to have the class to graduate. "WHEN are you DUE?" When I told her I was due on Thursday, she paused only briefly before looking straight at me and announcing that absolutely NO late papers were accepted -- and she had better not have anybody making up any medical reasons for not having papers in on time.
Well, you can see where this is going, can't you? Sure enough, on Thursday, in HER class, I felt funny. I tried to put it off for awhile, but finally called my doctor during a break. After promising to come by after class, I settled back into my chair. But something just wasn't right. I had not slept well the night before, but I was more than tired. Finally, I knew I had no choice. As inconspicuously as possible, I gathered my belongings. Really, I thought I had made it. And then, just as I reached the door, her voice rang out (I would say SPAT out, but I don't want to seem negative) -- "And just where do you think you're going?" "To the hospital." "For what?" "To have the baby." "Right. Just remember your autobiography is due tomorrow."
So I went. Don't get all dreamy and think my doctor's visit was a comforting experience. Dr. Duggar said, right off the bat, "You know you're not in labor. You were just here Monday and nothing was going on." Silence. "I'll have to check, though." Silence. "My best guess is that you need to go home, get your things together, and plan to come back over the weekend." Silence. "My God, how long have you been having contractions! You're five centimeters dialated! Call Robbie and tell him you're going to the hospital!" So I did.
But I couldn't get Robbie. He had worked all night in the grocery store and all day on the tractor. So I called Mama, who went to get Robbie. She told me later that she prayed all the way to the hospital, but did not dare look at the speedometer. Not long after Robbie got there, only to be assured by the doctor that we most likely would not have a baby until sometime the next morning, a student nurse came in to go through a "preview" of the epidural procedure. A student myself, I did not mind the training. Truly. But as I lay back on the bed I felt the most overwhelming need to sit up. When Dr. Duggar asked what was wrong, I told him I was having a baby. With the look that most people save for people who have lost their mind and do not know it, he said, "I know, and everything is going to be fine." I began to sit back up, and that's when business picked up: Robert started to cry, Robbie jumped up out of his chair, Dr. Duggar snatched the cover back, and the nurse cried, "What in the world?" To which I said, "I told you I was having a baby!"
Now that you know the background, I'll tell you all about Robert in my next post.
That is a story in itself. We had a hard time getting back on our feet after the job loss and house burning incident. I ended up working two jobs -- one in the sewing factory and the other at a convenience store owned by my aunt and uncle. I was so grateful for both jobs, but I was tired. I was at work every morning by 6:00. At 4:00 I left the factory and went to the store. After brushing the tremendous amount of thread off my clothes, I went to work until about 10:00 P.M. On weekends, work was often all day.
And then one night I was mopping -- the final job before closing up completely. The mop was huge and heavy. The water was quickly becoming dirty. As I scrubbed at the spilled coke and dirty footprints, a thought as clear as a bell came to me: This is not what I'm supposed to be doing. And that was that. I stopped mopping and called Robbie. We decided together that I would go back to school in August to finish my degree. My life's dream was to teach English to high school children. I turned in my notice and set about applying for grants, loans, and scholarships. In August, I began classes at Auburn University Montgomery. My schedule was perfect -- the exact number of classes I needed per quarter and the exact number of quarters I needed to finish by the next summer. Relieved with how well my life was going, I got up on the first morning of school and drank a glass of water. And I knew.
A quick trip by the doctor's office confirmed the feeling. We would be having another baby! No problem, at least not in my mind. That is, until I told my advisor and learned that there were no sick days for spring interns. Time off for the baby would mean I would not get the credit, and there was no way to intern in the summer. I am proud to say that I held myself together in a most admirable way until I got inside the Dean of Education's office and closed the door. God only knows what she thought then. I dissolved into hysterical sobs, punctuated only occassionally by words like "having a baby" and "need to finish" and "you've got to help me." Bless her heart.
In an attempt to offset any suicidal or murderous thoughts I might have, she put me in every class I needed in order to intern in the winter. I ended up with 40 hours, classes Monday-Thursday from 8 A.M. until 10 P.M., Friday workshops, and 7 research papers to write. Bless her heart.
I did it though--with a lot of help from my family. When Thanksgiving came and the quarter was over, I went to sleep and I didn't wake up until New Year's Day. Honestly, that is the only Christmas of my life that I don't remember. I don't know what Josh and Lauren got for Christmas or how they got it. I just remember how tired I was.
And then it was January and time to teach. My supervising teacher was wonderful and the kids were so sweet and enthusiastic. I did not miss a single day. There were a lot of "ups" in my student teaching experience. My kids were curious about my growing belly, and often lectures were interrupted by, "Whoa, look at that!" as Robert made himself comfortable. There were a lot of "downs," too. One of my students quit school because I didn't allow him to sleep in class. Another committed suicide on Valentine's Day -- shot himself in the chest with a shotgun because his girlfriend and mother did not get along. He was in the tenth grade --just a baby, really. Somebody else's baby. I like to think God arranged that student teaching assignment just for me. Because of those students, I went into teaching armed with experience that those who have taught far longer than I do not have, and that has helped me be a better teacher.
On the last day of class, my students threw me a party, giving me a journal they had all written in (I cherish that book more than I can tell you) and an baby outfit for their "classmate." I promised to bring him back for them to see, and I left that classroom for the last time. The next morning, I went to take my Teachers' Exit Exam.
I walked into the classroom at Troy Montgomery and thought, "Wow, they didn't expect pregnant people to take this test." I eased myself sideways into a little desk, and was promptly reprimanded by the test proctor that I would have to face the front. Smirks and giggles all around. Deep sigh and humiliation from me as the proctor and two other test takers went to find a table and chair that could be placed in the front of the room, thereby assuring that I would not cheat. And I didn't. That was on Saturday. I started class on Tuesday.
And once again, my intentions were questioned. A required class for my degree was offered only that quarter. Advanced Expository Writing. Sounds evil, doesn't it? But I was excited. I loved to read and write, and I knew I could do well. I was thrilled to find that the room was outfitted with tables instead of desks and excitedly took my seat at the front of the room. The teacher, known as the Dragon Lady by her former students began class. Expecting a syllabus and maybe an in-class writing assignment, I was stunned to find her staring at me and asking (with quite the sneer) "What are YOU doing here?" Just like that -- "What are YOU doing here?" (Nore the emphasis on YOU.) Thinking she had me confused with a former, perhaps lackluster student, I explained that I had to have the class to graduate. "WHEN are you DUE?" When I told her I was due on Thursday, she paused only briefly before looking straight at me and announcing that absolutely NO late papers were accepted -- and she had better not have anybody making up any medical reasons for not having papers in on time.
Well, you can see where this is going, can't you? Sure enough, on Thursday, in HER class, I felt funny. I tried to put it off for awhile, but finally called my doctor during a break. After promising to come by after class, I settled back into my chair. But something just wasn't right. I had not slept well the night before, but I was more than tired. Finally, I knew I had no choice. As inconspicuously as possible, I gathered my belongings. Really, I thought I had made it. And then, just as I reached the door, her voice rang out (I would say SPAT out, but I don't want to seem negative) -- "And just where do you think you're going?" "To the hospital." "For what?" "To have the baby." "Right. Just remember your autobiography is due tomorrow."
So I went. Don't get all dreamy and think my doctor's visit was a comforting experience. Dr. Duggar said, right off the bat, "You know you're not in labor. You were just here Monday and nothing was going on." Silence. "I'll have to check, though." Silence. "My best guess is that you need to go home, get your things together, and plan to come back over the weekend." Silence. "My God, how long have you been having contractions! You're five centimeters dialated! Call Robbie and tell him you're going to the hospital!" So I did.
But I couldn't get Robbie. He had worked all night in the grocery store and all day on the tractor. So I called Mama, who went to get Robbie. She told me later that she prayed all the way to the hospital, but did not dare look at the speedometer. Not long after Robbie got there, only to be assured by the doctor that we most likely would not have a baby until sometime the next morning, a student nurse came in to go through a "preview" of the epidural procedure. A student myself, I did not mind the training. Truly. But as I lay back on the bed I felt the most overwhelming need to sit up. When Dr. Duggar asked what was wrong, I told him I was having a baby. With the look that most people save for people who have lost their mind and do not know it, he said, "I know, and everything is going to be fine." I began to sit back up, and that's when business picked up: Robert started to cry, Robbie jumped up out of his chair, Dr. Duggar snatched the cover back, and the nurse cried, "What in the world?" To which I said, "I told you I was having a baby!"
Now that you know the background, I'll tell you all about Robert in my next post.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Lauren's Turn
This is a continuation of how those five beautiful babies came to be on the swingset. In a previous post, I told the story of Josh's birth. Now here's Lauren's:
When Josh was just over a year old, I woke up one morning and I knew. I just knew. There was that gnawing sick feeling that can mean only one thing. If you have been pregnant and sick, I know your pain. If you have been pregnant without being sick, you don't know what you're missing. Things went a little differently with this pregnancy. Our house burned due to our neighbors going inside after setting their garbage on fire because the wind gave them a headache (honest-to-goodness -- that's what they told the insurance agent). Robbie, my sweet husband, lost his job, and with it went our health insurance. To make ends meet, I took a job in a sewing factory and Robbie worked every odd job he could find until he was finally called by a local grocery store. Life was hard, money was limited, and our prayer life grew by leaps and bounds. Josh was so excited about our family getting new baby. Every night as I lay exhausted on the couch, he would put his little hands on my tummy and talk to "his baby" - so sweet!!
At that same time, Mama and Daddy had decided to build an inground pool since it looked like there were going to be plenty of grandchildren. Finally, after many problems, the pool was finished on September 6th. My sister Pam and I decided to go in to try it out. Oh, how wonderful it felt! I was weightless -- not a feeling usually associated with a nine-month pregnant woman. The water was so cool. When I got out and started to go, Mama asked if I felt any different.
I should insert here that for the last month of my pregnancy with Josh, I was called multiple times a day to see if I "felt anything." I didn't know what I was supposed to be feeling. Imagine my surprise, then, when I called Mama to tell her it was time to go to the hospital to have Josh and she said, "I knew it! I knew I should have washed my hair! You should have warned me!"
So this time, when Mama asked, I knew. I told her that I didn't know exactly when, but it was different. Josh went to spend the night with my aunt, and Robbie and I went to bed.
I should also tell you that my entire family thought I had let them know WAYYYYY too early that I was in labor with Josh.
So I waited.
And I waited some more.
I waited until the contractions were four minutes apart. Then I gently work Robbie up and told him. And in one single movement, he was out of bed and in the shower, yelling at me to call Daddy, call Mama, call somebody -- why in the world had I waited so long???
(Just so you know, reactions to my announcements don't get any better with the next one either.)
We rushed to the hospiital an hour and a half away. No mention of going home this time!!! In fact, the nurses had to pull the rabbit out of the hat to make sure Lauren didn't get here before the doctor got to the hospital.
Lauren was a completely different baby -- and so precious! She cried more than Josh had, and sometimes I wondered if I was at fault. Soon though, the problem was uncovered -- I had been unable to nurse her, and her system couldn't handle her milk. Wonderful, wonderful days after the purchase of the new formula!!
We also discovered that Lauren had a fairly significant heart murmur, bad enough that the doctors did not want to put her to sleep to put tubes in her ears. Because of that, she had some hearing problems and was able to come up with some rather ingenious words on her own. Josh was the ONLY one who could understand her. She would come running up to me and say something like "dalupaldlasda." After a brief pause, I would call Josh. Lauren would repeat that "word," and Josh would say something like,"She wants orange juice." Lauren was so happy that he could understand her. None of us have ever been able to figure out how he did it, but one thing we all agree on -- there is an incredible bond between the two of them, and I think her need for him to interpret is one reason.
Lauren grew up -- she learned to talk at the same time she learned to read. She was three years old then.Her life consisted of cheerleading, tumbling, and amazing grades. She won the right to go to Hawaii to cheer at the NFL ProBowl because of her cheering, and she was able to buy the gymnastics studio where she took gymnastics. Lauren is also a CPA and accomplished that on her first attempt on the exam! She is married to the love of her life, David, and has a beautiful new baby girl, Carsyn. That's the tiny baby girl on the swingset.
Lauren and David life just behind us. They have built a house there, so I know it won't be long before Carsyn will have a little trail to our house. How exciting to be able to watch your grandchildren grow up!
Check back soon--Robert's up next!
When Josh was just over a year old, I woke up one morning and I knew. I just knew. There was that gnawing sick feeling that can mean only one thing. If you have been pregnant and sick, I know your pain. If you have been pregnant without being sick, you don't know what you're missing. Things went a little differently with this pregnancy. Our house burned due to our neighbors going inside after setting their garbage on fire because the wind gave them a headache (honest-to-goodness -- that's what they told the insurance agent). Robbie, my sweet husband, lost his job, and with it went our health insurance. To make ends meet, I took a job in a sewing factory and Robbie worked every odd job he could find until he was finally called by a local grocery store. Life was hard, money was limited, and our prayer life grew by leaps and bounds. Josh was so excited about our family getting new baby. Every night as I lay exhausted on the couch, he would put his little hands on my tummy and talk to "his baby" - so sweet!!
At that same time, Mama and Daddy had decided to build an inground pool since it looked like there were going to be plenty of grandchildren. Finally, after many problems, the pool was finished on September 6th. My sister Pam and I decided to go in to try it out. Oh, how wonderful it felt! I was weightless -- not a feeling usually associated with a nine-month pregnant woman. The water was so cool. When I got out and started to go, Mama asked if I felt any different.
I should insert here that for the last month of my pregnancy with Josh, I was called multiple times a day to see if I "felt anything." I didn't know what I was supposed to be feeling. Imagine my surprise, then, when I called Mama to tell her it was time to go to the hospital to have Josh and she said, "I knew it! I knew I should have washed my hair! You should have warned me!"
So this time, when Mama asked, I knew. I told her that I didn't know exactly when, but it was different. Josh went to spend the night with my aunt, and Robbie and I went to bed.
I should also tell you that my entire family thought I had let them know WAYYYYY too early that I was in labor with Josh.
So I waited.
And I waited some more.
I waited until the contractions were four minutes apart. Then I gently work Robbie up and told him. And in one single movement, he was out of bed and in the shower, yelling at me to call Daddy, call Mama, call somebody -- why in the world had I waited so long???
(Just so you know, reactions to my announcements don't get any better with the next one either.)
We rushed to the hospiital an hour and a half away. No mention of going home this time!!! In fact, the nurses had to pull the rabbit out of the hat to make sure Lauren didn't get here before the doctor got to the hospital.
Lauren was a completely different baby -- and so precious! She cried more than Josh had, and sometimes I wondered if I was at fault. Soon though, the problem was uncovered -- I had been unable to nurse her, and her system couldn't handle her milk. Wonderful, wonderful days after the purchase of the new formula!!
We also discovered that Lauren had a fairly significant heart murmur, bad enough that the doctors did not want to put her to sleep to put tubes in her ears. Because of that, she had some hearing problems and was able to come up with some rather ingenious words on her own. Josh was the ONLY one who could understand her. She would come running up to me and say something like "dalupaldlasda." After a brief pause, I would call Josh. Lauren would repeat that "word," and Josh would say something like,"She wants orange juice." Lauren was so happy that he could understand her. None of us have ever been able to figure out how he did it, but one thing we all agree on -- there is an incredible bond between the two of them, and I think her need for him to interpret is one reason.
Lauren grew up -- she learned to talk at the same time she learned to read. She was three years old then.Her life consisted of cheerleading, tumbling, and amazing grades. She won the right to go to Hawaii to cheer at the NFL ProBowl because of her cheering, and she was able to buy the gymnastics studio where she took gymnastics. Lauren is also a CPA and accomplished that on her first attempt on the exam! She is married to the love of her life, David, and has a beautiful new baby girl, Carsyn. That's the tiny baby girl on the swingset.
Check back soon--Robert's up next!
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
And then there were five...
I know, I know...I said I was going to post only on Sunday, but I decided to give you a little background on those five gorgeous children on that swingset. If you've read my "About Us," you know that I am not really a "me" person...I do not see myself apart from my family. And this is how it happened:
Josh
I discovered I was pregnant with Josh the day after I got pregnant -- no kidding. I have never thrown up so much in my life as I did that forty-three and a half weeks...yes, he was truly three and a half weeks late. During that pregnancy, I could not eat anything without being sick. When FINALLY the day came for him to grace us with his presence, Robbie did not take me seriously! You've heard that hell has no fury like that of a woman scorned? Well, let me tell you, to ignore a pregnant woman three and a half weeks overdue is dangerous to a person's health! Once we got on the same page (after I threatened to call Mama and Daddy to take me to the hospital while he went to work), off we went to the hospital -- to be told that we were going home. I'm not sure what made the doctor change his mind; it could have been my overdue status; it might have been the distance we were from home; most likely, it was the semi-hysterical sobbing I dissolved into when I heard "going home." And finally, later that night, Josh was born. And the nurses gave him to Robbie to take the nursery so our family could see him. And they forgot to show him to me. No kidding. To add insult to injury, I was left in the recovery room for the required thirty minutes, which turned into an hour and a half when I was again forgotten. So how, you might ask, did I ever even THINK about having another? That was easy...one sweet nurse came to my room after I had been told that the baby would need to stay in the nursery -- I had not seen him at all. She peeked in to see if I was awake and saw Mama there. After a nano-second of hesitation, she brought a tiny bundle to my bed--and my heart moved outside my body. There he lay, wide awake, healthy and pink, ten fingers and ten toes, a head full of hair washed and combed. I knew then what Ben Jonson meant in his poem "It Is Not Growing Like a Tree": "In small porportions we just beauties see, And in short measures life my perfect be." Ahhh yes...it was a perfect moment.
Josh grew up quickly -- the country song that warns us not to blink is right-- and married the love of his life, Vicki. We are so blessed to have her in our family. She complements Josh perfectly, is a wonderful sister to our daughter Lauren, and is a terrific mother to their daughter, Grace.
And that's the first of the five on the swingset -- Grace. She is our first grandchild and has taught us far more than we have ever taught her. Recently Josh, Vicki, and Grace finished their house and moved from right beside us. Words cannot express how much I miss that little munchkin calling our here and saying," Watch for me ZiZi -- I'm coming across the yard!" 'They are only fifteen minutes away, and I am extraordinarily happy for them, but do miss them terribly.
Stay tuned for more -- Lauren is next!
Josh
I discovered I was pregnant with Josh the day after I got pregnant -- no kidding. I have never thrown up so much in my life as I did that forty-three and a half weeks...yes, he was truly three and a half weeks late. During that pregnancy, I could not eat anything without being sick. When FINALLY the day came for him to grace us with his presence, Robbie did not take me seriously! You've heard that hell has no fury like that of a woman scorned? Well, let me tell you, to ignore a pregnant woman three and a half weeks overdue is dangerous to a person's health! Once we got on the same page (after I threatened to call Mama and Daddy to take me to the hospital while he went to work), off we went to the hospital -- to be told that we were going home. I'm not sure what made the doctor change his mind; it could have been my overdue status; it might have been the distance we were from home; most likely, it was the semi-hysterical sobbing I dissolved into when I heard "going home." And finally, later that night, Josh was born. And the nurses gave him to Robbie to take the nursery so our family could see him. And they forgot to show him to me. No kidding. To add insult to injury, I was left in the recovery room for the required thirty minutes, which turned into an hour and a half when I was again forgotten. So how, you might ask, did I ever even THINK about having another? That was easy...one sweet nurse came to my room after I had been told that the baby would need to stay in the nursery -- I had not seen him at all. She peeked in to see if I was awake and saw Mama there. After a nano-second of hesitation, she brought a tiny bundle to my bed--and my heart moved outside my body. There he lay, wide awake, healthy and pink, ten fingers and ten toes, a head full of hair washed and combed. I knew then what Ben Jonson meant in his poem "It Is Not Growing Like a Tree": "In small porportions we just beauties see, And in short measures life my perfect be." Ahhh yes...it was a perfect moment.
Josh grew up quickly -- the country song that warns us not to blink is right-- and married the love of his life, Vicki. We are so blessed to have her in our family. She complements Josh perfectly, is a wonderful sister to our daughter Lauren, and is a terrific mother to their daughter, Grace.
And that's the first of the five on the swingset -- Grace. She is our first grandchild and has taught us far more than we have ever taught her. Recently Josh, Vicki, and Grace finished their house and moved from right beside us. Words cannot express how much I miss that little munchkin calling our here and saying," Watch for me ZiZi -- I'm coming across the yard!" 'They are only fifteen minutes away, and I am extraordinarily happy for them, but do miss them terribly.
Josh, Vicki, and Grace
Stay tuned for more -- Lauren is next!
Sunday, October 17, 2010
This Week...
Wow, do I have a lot to tell this week!! I wonder if there is a word limit on blogs??? Let's hope not :)
Monday -- what a great beginning to the week. We were off for Columbus Day. I've never been so happy to have known about that guy. So, you're probably thinking that I spent the day in leisure activity -- reading and playing. That's what holidays are all about, right? Nope. I sewed ALL DAY -- I nearly went blind! But, oh, the relief of having it done; now just to get all those grades in by Tuesday morning-- no problem, the night is long!
The school week started out almost the reverse of last week. All the building of signs, stuffing of tissue squared, glittering of letters -- all that was undone and stuffed in the trash in -- get this -- LESS THAN ONE HOUR. All week to build, one hour to tear down. That's the story of life, isn't it?
And finally, the weekend was here. Another leisurely experience --- NOT. Friday was a rushed day of haircuts, banking, getting a new sewing machine (yippee!!!), and packing for the gymnastics meet in Mobile. Our first meet was Level 6, and Kathryn did an awesome job despite feeling terrible.
Robbie and David came down with baby Carsyn and stayed with us for the weekend. I was reminded that sometimes people show their love for us not in what they do, but in what they don't do. David gave up a dove shoot and Robbie could have gone to the river, but both were willing to help us with a hard meet schedule by NOT doing what they would have loved. Greater love hath no husband than to lay down his shotgun and fishing pole for his wife (an obvious rewording here ).
Sunday, after a wonderful breakfast at Golden Corral and a quick pack up, the boys and Carsyn were on their way home and we were on our way to the last session. What fun those girls are!! Moments to remember from this weekend's meet: Anna Blake scored a 9.775 on the vault,Mary Avery and Jessika did their backhandsprings by themselves, Anna Lowe scored 1st on the floor, and Syndey got a trophy in the all around! All the girls did a GREAT job!
On the way home Lauren asked if I was tired, probably because I was quiet. I wasn't tired, but just got caught up thinking about the blessings God allows me to wallow in every day: a loving husband, five adorable grandchildren to spoil, sweet children and their loves, a wonderful job teaching English, a great second job helping Lauren with her gymnastics studio, -- Life is good, time is precious, and moments to remember are perfect.
Monday -- what a great beginning to the week. We were off for Columbus Day. I've never been so happy to have known about that guy. So, you're probably thinking that I spent the day in leisure activity -- reading and playing. That's what holidays are all about, right? Nope. I sewed ALL DAY -- I nearly went blind! But, oh, the relief of having it done; now just to get all those grades in by Tuesday morning-- no problem, the night is long!
The school week started out almost the reverse of last week. All the building of signs, stuffing of tissue squared, glittering of letters -- all that was undone and stuffed in the trash in -- get this -- LESS THAN ONE HOUR. All week to build, one hour to tear down. That's the story of life, isn't it?
And finally, the weekend was here. Another leisurely experience --- NOT. Friday was a rushed day of haircuts, banking, getting a new sewing machine (yippee!!!), and packing for the gymnastics meet in Mobile. Our first meet was Level 6, and Kathryn did an awesome job despite feeling terrible.
Robbie and David came down with baby Carsyn and stayed with us for the weekend. I was reminded that sometimes people show their love for us not in what they do, but in what they don't do. David gave up a dove shoot and Robbie could have gone to the river, but both were willing to help us with a hard meet schedule by NOT doing what they would have loved. Greater love hath no husband than to lay down his shotgun and fishing pole for his wife (an obvious rewording here ).
Sunday, after a wonderful breakfast at Golden Corral and a quick pack up, the boys and Carsyn were on their way home and we were on our way to the last session. What fun those girls are!! Moments to remember from this weekend's meet: Anna Blake scored a 9.775 on the vault,Mary Avery and Jessika did their backhandsprings by themselves, Anna Lowe scored 1st on the floor, and Syndey got a trophy in the all around! All the girls did a GREAT job!
On the way home Lauren asked if I was tired, probably because I was quiet. I wasn't tired, but just got caught up thinking about the blessings God allows me to wallow in every day: a loving husband, five adorable grandchildren to spoil, sweet children and their loves, a wonderful job teaching English, a great second job helping Lauren with her gymnastics studio, -- Life is good, time is precious, and moments to remember are perfect.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Looking Back...
Last year, at almost exactly this same time, my daughter Lauren asked me if I would like to start a blog. She planned to, and for some reason thought that I had a lot to say...don't know WHERE she got that idea from :)
So I started -- last year -- I even have my first blog saved. It's all about homecoming at school. That's how I remember the time of year. We've just finished homecoming week this year! My dilemma is this: I don't know how much time I can devote to this blog. Do I write every day? Multiple times a day? Every week? Ahhh, another item on my schedule!! So here's the plan-- I'm going to work on blogging at least once weekly. Sometimes, when I have more time, I may be able to throw another post in during the week. And sometimes, depending on life, I might miss a week. So shoot me. It's my blog, and I can do it my way, right? Right.
So I started -- last year -- I even have my first blog saved. It's all about homecoming at school. That's how I remember the time of year. We've just finished homecoming week this year! My dilemma is this: I don't know how much time I can devote to this blog. Do I write every day? Multiple times a day? Every week? Ahhh, another item on my schedule!! So here's the plan-- I'm going to work on blogging at least once weekly. Sometimes, when I have more time, I may be able to throw another post in during the week. And sometimes, depending on life, I might miss a week. So shoot me. It's my blog, and I can do it my way, right? Right.
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