Southern Exposure

No Tutu...No Problem!

2011-01-16T22:52:00.004-06:00

Ella is picky about her wardrobe these days! If you notice, she is wearing a purple flower in her hair...she picks this one out every time. She picked out her shirt as well. I was trying to get her to wear tights like the "ballerinas" do and so we had to go to the computer and show her how ballerinas wear tights (it was too cool to go without them even in the house I felt) Anyway, we showed her and she fell in love with the tutus that the ballerina were wearing. She has had one in the past, but it was pretty worn so I had to throw it away.

No ordinary skirt would do...we "had" to have a tutu!

So what does her grandma whip up?!

A TUTU!

Good job grandma!

SNOW!!!

2011-01-16T22:17:00.003-06:00

We finally got to use the sleds for the first time, that the boys got for Christmas! Wasn't quite the KC snow we used to get, but that is ok...we all had such a blast. We have several great hills we can sled off of and at the bottom of one, we built a campfire to "cozy" up to while sledding.

You will have to excuse me...I am sporting a "no makeup" look.

No LL Bean for us...Luke has the trusty "Carharts" on!

Tea Time

2011-01-16T22:02:00.003-06:00

This girl is "all girl". Having two older brothers...you would think that she would play with cars, little men, or something "boyish". But not Miss Ella. She picked out this dress to wear, these glasses, this bow, had to have on her butterfly ring. I am loving every minute of spending time with my health little girl!

Long December continued....

2011-01-01T20:03:00.002-06:00

Whew...what a time we have had last month (December). We had one good day after Luke's illness, when Ella began the same symptoms. Hers lasted a little longer...an entire week.

She would "writhe" in intense pain along with vomiting due to the pain. It was so horrible. Unlike Luke, she would eat and drink some, but she had diarrhea where he did not. We called MD and figured it was Mesenteric Adenitis...same as Luke.

Then after a week, she began to throw up one day. Then the next day her urine became dark...like amber color...dark tea color. Shawn did a "dip" test on it and it showed lots of blood, some other abnormalities. We call MD and both agree that it must be nephritis which the Pediatrician at Children's warned us about with Luke. Her eyes were puffy and she was pale, all which we attributed to being so sick. A couple days before Christmas I call MD again and he said this should resolve, just watch her close. All the while, poor Ella was very tired :(

Her urine becomes pink, then slightly yellow so we think she is getting better. Then on Monday after Christmas, she begans to throw up again. The next day again. So Shawn and I decide we have to bring her in...enough is enough! Two weeks of sickness.
(Sure, I could skip all these details, but this is therapeutic for me to journal :)

So I take her in and the MD decides to do blood tests. Just what we wanted. She is stuck 6 times and finally we get the blood as well as urine test. That afternoon, the MD calls, she is anemic too much. Her kidney ratios are off some. He calls Children's Hospital, talks to docs. They say bring her in that night.

So off we go. They admit...and stick her a couple of more times with IVs. Her H & H is so low now, that she is having a heart murmur, heart rate increase, and increase in BP. They decide she must have a blood transfusion. So about 5 am, we get to the room and they transfuse. For several days, they try to decide what is going on. Her blood cells are being destroyed...what is the cause. They rule out kidney issues. Although apparently with the amount of blood in her urine, she narrowly escaped acute kidney failure.

They do more tests and decide that she has hemolytic anemia. They still don't know the cause. They know it isn't autoimmune. They think she might have a genetic blood disorder in which the cells become misshapen in an event of stress...hers being the viral bowel infection.

She was discharged last night. Her hemoglobin is still low, but reasonable. We will recheck on Friday. Then follow up with Hematologist in two months (now that she has someone else's blood circulating, they are unable to do more blood test to determine etiology for several months).

Shawn was there the whole time. He had taken off...we were to leave for Texas the morning after she was admitted. Who would have thought we would be there twice. Our children are healthy. They have not been very sick other than the general colds and virus here and there.

This time I was not alone in my experience. Shawn saw and felt the same intensity of Children's that I did when I was there a couple of weeks prior. He has been humbled by the experience like I was.

Today we have sat around and marveled at our children. Sat around and taken in the blessing of health and healing.

Today on 2011 we count our blessings.

Long December

2010-12-31T21:42:00.003-06:00

Two visits in one month. We are home...she is better...I am exhausted.

More to follow....

archive photo

2010-12-27T17:34:00.002-06:00

Just browsing thru old photos. This one is of ella summer 09. How time flies.

Blessed Beyond Measure

2010-12-11T22:09:00.008-06:00

You know, every once in a while, experience something that changes a part of you, changes your perspective...an experience that touches you...

Well I had that experience this week.

My Lukester was running fever and then began to have pain in his lower abdomen. Me, being a nurse, don't run my children to the doc right away...you know...it's probably just a "virus"...he will get better. That is until he began to have intense pain, pain so bad that he could not sleep...literally every 15 minutes, the poor baby moaned all night long. So we are thinking appendicitis. We go to local doc, CT ran...no evidence of appendicitis but could be early. WE go home, Luke doesn't eat or drink, up again all night in tears due to pain...no sleep. We make a run to Arkansas Children's hospital (which is two and half hours away). They do all kinds of tests. He is very dehydrated due not drinking as a result of the intensity of pain (literally begging me telling me to help him). It is so hard to see your child in this type of pain. As the day progresses to night, they keep him to evaluate and try to figure this out. Surgeons come, pediatricians, residents, interns...
He gets better the next day...long story short mesenteric adenitis... a virus in the colon that cause your lymph nodes inside the large intestine to inflame and swell causing intense pain. Who knew?! He gets better and better, we are discharged.

It has taken me two days not to get teary eyed throughout the day. You see, Children's Hospital has only children as patients...while this may seem obvious, it didn't really "set in" until I experienced it. Yes, I am a nurse and worked with "peds", but have not worked in a hospital where it was entirely kids. And back then, I was not a mother, I worked with the perspective of a nurse, not a mom with a sick one. It was so heartbreaking. Luke went to play (the day he was feeling better) at Camp Wanna Play. It is a play area set up for the kids. They made Rudolf cookies and got to decorate them, paint, play Wii or XBox, color,...all kinds of fun stuff. In there, we were surrounded by such precious ones that were sick. No hair, hair just growing back, ones like Luke that were just there short term, ones that had no parent there at that time and some that did. All of us had IV poles that the volunteers helped to navigate around to each area. While Luke played the XBOx, I couldn't help but just weep,so grateful Luke was doing better and pain was leaving and for seeing little ones riding in wagons with 4 or 5 IVs coming from their bodies. A group was the singing Christmas carols for the kids, State Police came around and gave out teddy bears. I knew Luke was going to be ok, going to get to go home. However, I greived so badly for the others, the little ones that didn't get to walk out to their car in the sunshine the day we left. The little ones that did not feel like coming to "Camp Wanna Play".

We are home now, but my mind is still there.

back in business...i think

2010-12-05T15:44:00.003-06:00

FINALLY...after a year, we have a computer with internet at home. Sooooo, I would like to think I will start blogging again...which i have missed so much. There have been so many times that I have thought "I should post that"...but the logistics were difficult.

That being said, I have a two year old now. One that is cute, one that is high energy, one that if she is quiet, you worry. One that you can't leave alone for more than five...no make that two minutes. It was only a short hour ago I thought I would snuggle with Luke which I did for almost ten minutes...and all the while little miss was in my bathroom, painting her body with my makeup and also painting the walls with my high dollar (at least to me) face cream...emptied the whole thing...

So material for this blog should not be lacking in this stage of my life. Nope, not with miss Ella Bella around!

SO whoever is reading this...whoever still checks this...hope it is not that long before I have another post again~

Laughter!

2010-07-23T11:09:00.004-05:00

You know what is priceless...laughing with old friends. (old as in...have known for a long time...not talking age here...of course)

Shawn and I was fortunate to be in the "Promise Land" this past week (for those of you who don't know what I am talking about...I am talking about Texas). We caught up with Rob and Shavon. We had such a good time. Shavon and I did not stop talking long enough to take a breath! We laughed about our fun times together, ski trips, exercising, Chilly Willy, JBU...we had the best time. I wanted to post their pic for all you JBU friends out there. We need a reunion soon. The cutie pie in the middle is their baby girl Isabella. She is four years old and has a sweet personality, not to mention adorable.

More Beach Pics

2010-07-13T11:02:00.005-05:00

Here are some more beach pics...I like this one of Ella in her bikini...which her dad does not approve of...notice how happy Jett is to have his picture take "again".

Destin is usually has very clear water...but a week out of every year usually around June, they have green week. This is when the moss comes in...it hit the week we were there. It was kind of gross, but much better than oil. So as a result, make beach pics are not as nice as last years.

Attention: This Blog is not dead!

2010-07-06T17:04:00.008-05:00

I read this headline on a friend's blog not long ago and felt it would be appropriate to add it to mine. You see I LOVE BLOGGING...I miss it terribly and now that I am at home more you would think I would update more. However, my computer is dead or near dead at home. However, my blog is not. And when I work on Tuesday, into the evening, I like to sneak a post in...in between billing...so don't think I'm not working "boss"...I'm blogging on my ten minute break, you see! So I thought I might share a pic or two!

We went to Destin recently and had a blast! Here a just a couple of pics...

Here is Shawn and my dad on their new bikes. Every morning they would get up early and ride! Notice the sweet street legal golf cart in the garage behind them :)

Miss Ella Bella eating seafood! She loved the sand...and so much easier this year now she can walk...instead of having to crawl on the beach like last year!

Here are the kiddos...I actually can not believe I got them to all look at the camra at the same time...now if I could get them all to smile at the same time!

So I suppose next time I should post some of the actual beach LOL!

Bittersweet

2010-05-07T12:23:00.003-05:00

Bittersweet...I like this word. It seems to adequately describe lots of things in life...

But today it fits really well.

I just returned from Ozarka, where I put in my notice. I am giving up my teaching job.

I loved this job...absoutely love the job. I never dreaded work. I loved teaching my "kids" about the human body, how to care for it, how to care for others. I loved opening their eyes about the elderly, trying to get them to break down sterotypes and see beyond the outside. I loved giving them oppurtunities to learn about all the many types of healthcare there is and encouraging them to persue a higher education. I loved hearing their stories and being around the energy of teenagers. I loved praying for them, silently, and their struggles. I loved praying over their chairs where they sit before or after class. I love their "quirks", their smiles, thier moods...everything.

But for once, I feel like a can breathe. It is such a relief, now that I will be able to focus on billing at the office and give Ella more time, as well as the boys. Time that has been taken away from them due to trying to "juggle" too many things. Time to hold my baby in the morning when she is extra "snuggly", time to stay home when one of my little ones don't feel well, time to go on a field trip or two with the boys, time to actually cook perhaps, or time to sew...

One day, I feel like I will do this again. Maybe once Ella starts school, I can teach a course or two for adults or even maybe this one will open back up. I know I have done the right thing, and it feels good.

Bittersweet...that is my word for today!

Toto, we're not in Kansas City anymore...

2010-03-08T20:16:00.003-06:00

So I was reading off the announcements to my class this morning when I read about a new scholarship opportunity for seniors...

It was offered by the Arkansas Turkey Association...

They are giving away a scholarship. The criteria...3.0 and a hunting license.

Need I say more?

I think I must of laughed a little too hard. One of my students tried to lock me out of my classroom.

Also, I was notified by a friend, that one of the local restaurants offers Fried Bologna as a breakfast menu item.

Also, yesterday while in Sunday School, we were talking and a friend reported that she decided to do some yard work yesterday, but was interrupted when her mom came out of the house to tell her that someone just called and said her "thong" was showing from her top side of her sweats...I mean really...we are in a small town, but who has time to report such "news"? She decided that the water dept girls across the street must have seen it, called a hundred people, until one brave soul called to report it.

COmputer still down at home, so hence the wide gap in posts.

Oh, another thing. I was called a "nerd" from one of my students because I said I would blog about the scholarship. No, I don't normally let my students abuse my verbally, but I was in rare form today.

PICTURES!

2009-11-17T20:12:00.007-06:00

It has been a while since I posted pictures of the little ones so here are some, along with an update on each child!

Jett is in 3rd grade and let me tell you, it is a lot harder than second grade! He has 5 teachers which makes it complicated. He is doing well though...is reading like crazy these days...and loves basketball. He just finished Upward basketball and is now playing on a traveling team. Dad is his coach! He is now hunting with Shawn for the first time ever and loves it. They haven't shot anything yet...apparently they are holding out for the "big one"!

Luke is in Kindergarten. He liked it for the first week, but now would rather stay home! He is doing really well...teacher mentioned he could just about go ahead to the first grade! He just finished playing Upward Basketball as well. He is my quiet one...will find him upstairs drawing and playing without a peep for hours! That is unless he and his brother get in a fight!

Miss Ella Bella is so sweet! She is totally spoiled...come on, we are still living with grandparents here! She has each brother, dad, grandpa, wrapped around her finger. She is sooo active. Doesn't stay still for anything! She loves being outside and gets really excited when she sees cows! Lately, we have noticed some really "girly" things about her...she doesn't like bugs...even play bugs and pretend spiders...she refuses to touch them, loves carrying around a baby doll, and has such a great time with necklaces around her neck.

So there you have it, an update on the Fletcher Clan. Shawn in doing well...back to adjusting although somewhat modified! Feeling great!

Update For Ones Faraway

2009-11-03T17:30:00.002-06:00

Shawn has dealt with, what we thought was, gastritis for several years. Well, he had another episode the weekend before last, that did not go away that caused him to "writhe" in the floor in pain. Throwing up and about passing out. He kept trying to down the Mylanta and not eat much. This started on Saturday, and all weekend he dealt with it easing up for a time, then starting again. The pain moved into the right upper quad. On monday, he just did not eat to avoid the pain...

Then, Tuesday at 4 am, he burst into the bedroom and reports that he just about passed out and needed to go to the ER.

No one was home (in laws were gone) so he "rode it out" for a couple more hours. Luke in the mean time, was running about 102 temp, so we decided that both of them would go in and get looked at.

We are on our way, shawn is about in the floor board in pain, luke is shivering, Jett is in the back seat, we drop Ella off, head to town, call the doc on the way...he tells us to go straight to the ER. We stop by the office, where shawn has a extra early patient waiting...I go in to cancel a couple of more patients when Shawn's aunt (who happens to be on duty at the ER) comes and picks him up in the parking lot so he can be seen quicker since I am not making it quick enough. I drop Jett off at school, go to the ER...to find my husband with some relief (the IV drugs work well). They offer to see Luke and make him put on a mask, but I refuse and call from the ER to make him an appiontment at the local doc, to avoid an extra $400 dollars. My in laws make it back into town, they get Luke to the doc and the MD tells me that Shawn needs to go by ambulance to a bigger hospital so they can do surgery....he had pancreatiis, elevated liver enzymes, increased bilirubin, and dehydrated all due to a very bad, bad gallbladder packed full of stones! So Shawn is taken to Batesville...

He had to be in the hospital for several days before they could operate due to pancreatitis. Finally after not eating for 5 days, the pacreatic enzymes decreased and they did surgery Thurs. evening laproscopically (thank goodness). he was discharged on Friday!

So needless to say he is sore, but recovering. The surgeon mentioned in could be a month before he could adjust...we are going to have to get creative here...we see him (the surgeon) tomorrow to "brainstorm" since a month is such a long time.

Just wanted to let everyone know about Shawn's adventure...

I have a couple of minutes...

2009-10-23T14:31:00.002-05:00

OK...I have five minutes...five minutes to at least change the most recent post on this blog...

I have been juggling many things...
but everyone is busy...right?!

So who am I to complain, to whine, to fret?

Maybe others are just more "cut out" for it.

Maybe others aren't as "wimpy" as me!

Ok, let me share, or whine for a moment. AHEM

I have many hats these days...

I teach high schoolers daily, run to the office to bill insurance, catch up on calls, process patient files, help Shawn, just began a new diet program out of the office this week that I am running as an RN, now on top of daily duties, I will be adding weekly consultation with patients and weekly free health talks in the evenings on top of daily office duties, just began a MOPS group here in Mtn. View(first one of its kind here) and kicking it off the first of November, trying to organize, plan, coordinate...whew...and this is just my "professional life"...
Now on top of this, I try to coordinate who will pick up the kiddos, plan get togethers for our Sunday school class, basketball practice/ pictures for LUke and Jett, parent teacher conferences, Oh yea, then there is Ella...well I haven't seen her in two days, she has not been up when I leave the house in the morning and was in bed last night when I arrived and this morning she was still in bed when I left for work...thank goodness for great grandparents that "raise" her in the absense of her mother.

Ok...I feel better now...

No more whining today...I promise

The rest of the story...

2009-08-03T20:50:00.009-05:00

OK...Here it is...the moment you have all been waiting for...

Jett's first squirrel!

Yes...that is right. He did it...shot it with a be be gun (is that how you spell it?) So guess who is responsible for this? Papa...yup...Papa pumped the be be gun a million times and Jett got him in one shot.

I remember it all so clearly. I am sitting in the living room, watching TV, when I hear Jett run into the house, carrying it...with excitment in his voice he says, "Look mom...look what I got"! He then went on to describe how the squirrel reacted once shot! Not the part of a story that you tell a mom. Anyway here is the picture of him holding it up. Note what he is wearing. He likes to be a "country" boy as he would put it. He loves to wear this shirt (which he would wear everyday of the week if I would let him) and has about worn out these camo shorts.

Ok, now for the rest of the story.

Papa and him leave, go outside and skin and clean the squirrel. Because you know what they do in "these parts"...EAT IT!

I am such a "bad" mom...I did not participate at all. Not even when Gary Don (Papa) brought it inside, washed it up. Not even when he decided to batter it and fry it, not even when he sat the plate on the kitchen table, which included the head...yes the head (he removed the eyeballs shortly before frying). I did not eat a bite, despite pleas from my children. Shawn felt like I should have been more excited and participated more on Jett's first "catch". Please, someone tell me that I am not the only one that would have a hard time frying up squirrel especially the head (that still had an eyelash or two attached I might add)!

On a serious note,I did do some thinking about it and talking to Shawn...I am going to HAVE to reform some to things I am not comfortable with. Jett LOVES the outdoors. If I want to get on his "level" and spend time with him, the way he likes, I am going to have to participate and relax a little more outdoors. It sounds easy when I am sitting in my comfortable space right now. Don't get me wrong, I love to watch the boys outside, but I am more like an observer, not a participant. But I am determined to, for Jett and Luke. So perhaps soon, you will read a post about what mom and her boys did, one that involves dirt, creatures, adventures.

Notice I did not say eat certain creatures. One step at a time...please!

Any readers left out there?!

2009-07-20T22:06:00.008-05:00

So, I am sure there is only a few faithful people out there that is checking my blog these days...I mean, what is the point if the blog only posts once a month?! Well, we have to get our computer fixed at home...I am so missing blogging. No telling how many cute things that the kids have said over the last weeks, that were "blog worthy"! Well here is Ella Bella's pictures from her one year birthday. We had such a great time watching her every move.

Ella just watched as everyone sang "Happy Birthday" to her. Big brother Luke stood by her side to make sure her little fingers did not touch the candle.

Here, in the little town of Mtn. View, there is a GREAT cake shop...Julie's Piece of Cake (catchy name Huh?!) I found this cake on the internet and she recreated it for me. It was white cake with raspberry cream filling. It was very yummy!

We hung a clothesline up and placed photos and items from her first year on it. It was so fun to see how she had grown over the last year and to pull out her tiny "going home" outfit and first diaper (a unused one of course)!

As you can see, Ella enjoyed the cake a lot! I am telling you, she is such a joy! I am treasuring every moment, every smile. She is doing so much these days...blowing kisses, standing on her own, pointing at everything with her tiny finger, very attached to her blanky, bounces to music, potty trained, saying her ABCs (just kidding to the last two...just seeing if you was paying attention!)... but amazing I say...and not spoiled a bit...no way, not Miss Ella!

Happy Birthday Baby Girl!

April is the Best!

2009-06-26T16:53:00.003-05:00

No...I am not bragging on myself...just the "other April"!
The beach pic has arrived and when I look at it, I want to go back! Also,
here is Ella's one year picture! We just finished an exciting Indiana Jones party and now I get to plan a party for Miss Ella Bella!

"Look Dad... A Sand Angel!"

2009-06-24T16:50:00.002-05:00

BEACH!

2009-06-22T16:38:00.003-05:00

Ok...here is the first fun picture from the beach. Shawn's cousin Tanya took this one...she is trying to give April a "run for her money" HA HA! Why are we leaning? I have no idea! More to come about the beach!

SERIOUSLY

2009-06-04T14:04:00.002-05:00

Seriously...has it been that long since I posted on my blog? I can not believe it...I never thought I would go that long! Well, the home computer is totally on the blink now. So, at work, I try to catch up on email, facebook and oh yea, have to do process insurance as well and do all the office duties. So, I wanted to let the few visitors to this blog know that I am headed to the beach and will be gone for a week! I hope to have some great pictures. I am giddy today about it and I am sure that everyone that is not going, is tired of my talking about it. I have not been to the beach since 8 years ago. THANK YOU DAD for that amazing trip! We are so overdue for building sand castles and body surfing. Shawn needs a break from this office that is for sure. I want to make a rule...no talking about the office for the whole week! All is good, but it sort of "saturates" you all the time...you know what I mean?

Hope to post again soon!

Ramblings

2009-05-19T14:02:00.003-05:00

Well, I have thought about all the things I would like to post over the last several months. You see, I love the idea of journaling and this blog fits in with this idea. However, why is it that my thoughts don't make it to this blog more often? Well, I know one thing...our computer is down at home and has been for a while. This cuts out A LOT of time on the computer. I am now having to find time at the office to "catch up" on my "online" social circle (you know, email, facebook, blog).

Today's post is called ramblings...because I would love to ramble...AHEM...here it goes...

WE ARE HEADED TO THE BEACH IN THREE WEEKS! I can not wait. My body is so not ready. I just knew I would be in shape by now...but I always end up tossing that idea with every meal! We are going to Destin Florida. DID I SAY I CAN NOT WAIT! I miss my family so much. Why doesn't everyone live closer? And speaking of which, why didn't our families choose to settle near the beach? Another thing I am so crazy excited about seeing some of my old classmates from TEXAS this weekend. How do you catch up with 30 friends that you have not seen in 20 years, in an evening? I do not know. And what to wear? I am so stinking excited about it...thank you Gracie for filling me in on this event!

Well, the boss just walked in, more ramblings to come...

LEVI

2009-05-18T14:08:00.003-05:00

Levi is here!

2009-05-15T21:41:00.003-05:00

Little Levi Wyatt is here...6 lbs 10 oz...19 1/2 inches long!
Dena is doing great...smiled and laughed during labor and the whole experience was more like a "social" gathering (can we say EPIDURALS ROCKS)! Aunt April got to watch the delivery...which is so very exciting and such an honor!
Congrats Dena and Daniel...pics to follow soon!

Rest and Relaxation

2009-05-10T21:20:00.006-05:00

We had a good weekend! We spent the night Friday night at Shawn's uncles cabin on the White River. It was so relaxing. They have a log cabin that has a great screened in porch, deck and hammock. We grilled out, had a campfire with smores, rode bikes, took a walk, the boys went hiking and I got to take a two hour nap. DO you know what the highlight of the trip was? The nap! I have not taken a nap in six months or more! It was so nice. Ella fell asleep and I went up to the loft to lay her down when I decided to lay down with her in the crook of my arm on the bed. It was so heavenly seeing her sweet sleeping face, then dozing to "la la land"! And as you can see, I wasn't the only one to catch a nap...

T BALL

2009-05-08T14:52:00.003-05:00

I know it is a little fuzzy, but see the child sitting at his dad's feet...yes that is my little Lukester. He just LOVES T ball, especially being in the outfield! His attention span, well not that long when no one is hitting "fielders"! It is so fun to watch this group...we have seen it all. One little boy hit the ball then immediately sat down and played in the sand near home plate. One little boy was carried by his dad, base to base. One lttle boy caught the ball when he was in the middle of running from first to second. It is so cute this age!

FYI...appiontment cancelled!

2009-05-08T14:42:00.003-05:00

If anyone out there is wondering the results of "the appiontment"...well it was cancelled.

Shawn is not so convinced that we might not want another baby in the future. So, I did not insist on the procedure, because we have to be on the same page for this...don't you think!?!

So, that is that for now.

At least we are not out over a grand right now!

Spring Time

2009-05-06T14:07:00.003-05:00

Spring Time...

Brings yummy fresh strawberries...

And sweet little ones!

SO NOW I KNOW

2009-05-06T14:00:00.002-05:00

So, I was wondering why some of my friends, that have blogs, do not post often...now I know,

FACEBOOK.

Need I say more?! My dear friend Gracie and April Sr....have been telling me I should get addicted...now I am.

I am now part of the crazy FACEBOOK culture.

I have been initiated. I have officially stayed up way past my bedtime, taken time from work, playing, and I have checked my wall at least a hundred times today.

I am now on FACEBOOK.

I now know another life. A life, I knew would suck me in, a life that is crazy with connections, another life...

Yummy!

2009-04-23T11:25:00.006-05:00

I made this yummy Fruit Toss with Cornmeal Shortcakes last night for dessert...it was out of a Southern Living Magazine. My mother and father in law will have fresh strawberries soon, but these were store bought. The Fletcher family also make thier own homemade cornmeal (I mean really homemeade... from the corn they grew and ground from their own grinder, but it is a little too course for shortcake!) Anyway, I find any reciepe out of a Southern Living magazine is so good...pies, veggies, quiche, main dishes. I cut them out and place them in my favorite reciepe binder. I also have inherited several Southern Living cookbooks from my grandmother!

And I actually took this picture...can you believe it?! Guess whose camera I was blessed with this week...when given the oppurtunity to use her "old" camera, I get so "giddy"!

The Fletcher Chiropractic Team

2009-04-22T13:05:00.004-05:00

I know, I am posting like crazy today. I have Ella today at the office and can't seem to get more than a minute or two of time...just enough time to post...not enough time to bill insurance!

Here's Jetterbug. He is playing baseball and Shawn is coaching his team this year. We sponsered their team this year...this means we supplied the hats, shirts and pants...great advertisement (at least a good way to get our name out there). More to come...Luke is playing as well and his first T Ball game is Thursday!

Ella Bella

2009-04-22T10:48:00.004-05:00

Just in case you have not made it over to April Sr.'s blog (Which by the way, I hope you have...she does amazing work), here is a picture of Ella taken just yesterday.
Thanks April for capturing memories for me!

I knew this day would come...

2009-04-22T09:57:00.004-05:00

She did it!

Ella followed me down the hall at the clinic for the first time! She is officially crawling. I was in a patient room, placing someone on inferential therapy, when I heard giggles...there she was right behind me! I knew this day would come soon, but who knew how soon!

I think she brought an extra smile to the patient's face!

Jehu

2009-04-20T21:21:00.007-05:00

Jehu...the chariot driver...you know the one... he fed Jezibel to the dogs in the book of 2 Kings 9:19-20 and 30-37. Well that is the name of the boys' pet lab.

The boys absoulutely love this dog. Jehu absoulutely loves the boys. I, on the other hand, am a dog lover at a distance. I like the "idea" of a dog. I like to love dogs in theory. This drives the boys crazy. They beg me..." Mom, please just let Jehu lick you, he loves you" or "please just wrestle with Jehu mom, please you don't love him, do you?"

Now, don't get me wrong. I think every child should experience a pet dog in their life. I think it is so special the bond between a puppy and their owners. I have many friends who dogs are so special (Zoey, Scarlett, Spence, Chance and Katie, Tootsie). For some reason, I have a hard time just letting go and letting a doggy lick me and get close enough for me to smell their doggy breath. Now remember, Jehu is a country dog and likes to eat country things,like bones of recently deceased animals, gets sprayed by skunks, and has never seen a Pampered Pet Palor or heaven forbid, had his teeth cleaned! Please, don't get me wrong. I was the one who cried (more like fell to peices) when Jehu fell off the back of the truck this past summer while we were going down the road. I am also the one that can't stand for him to be chained up for more than a hour or two.

So, ever once in a while, I have to let go and give Jehu a big hug, perhaps let him lick me and all the while, making sure that the boys see everything. I assure them that since Jehu is special to them, he is special to me. And in my heart, I know that he means more to me than I realize! He has become part of our family and I smile when I watch the boys "wrestle" with him and watch Jehu's tail wag ninety miles an hour!

That is one reason I love this picture. It shows how happy Jehu makes Jett...which makes mom happy too!

Brothers

2009-04-20T21:15:00.003-05:00

Jett: "Hey Luke come here, I want to show you something, I have toe jam... come look"

Luke drops the toy he is intensly playing with, walks over to Jett, squats to focus on Jett's feet.

Jett: "Look Luke, here, here, here, here, here...all toe jam."

Luke watches each move of each toe.

Luke: "Cool!"

Boys...so special!

Time To Back Out!

2009-04-14T14:45:00.002-05:00

So Shawn is not too excited about the appiontment...nor the fact that I am posting about it! I did find out that tomorrow is only a consultation. Why in the world would they sit you down to discuss it first? Don't they know that explaining this stuff in detail will only give the husband more time to back out and anticipate such a dreadful procedure? I enjoyed the comments...it was that easy to guess, huh?!

Poor Hubby.

Jett Has An Announcement

2009-04-12T19:18:00.004-05:00

Jett made a big announcement this morning:

"I am not getting married when I grow up...I am going to be a wild man, live in the jungle, and eat deer"...

This announcement came after a girl came up to him in church and whispered in his ear, that her little sister likes him.

We told him that there would be "native" girls out in the jungle that would like him too. This was not well recieved.

In other news...Ella likes to snack off the floor these days...so far we have found in her mouth...a piece of band aid, a walnut shell, string, paperclip, lego, and fuzz. so we decided that if she is chewing for extended period of time, she must have something in her mouth.

Oh and to end this post...Shawn has an exciting appointment on Wednesday...can anyone guess what kind of appointment? Leave a comment....

Happy Easter Everyone!

How's Business: Part 2

2009-04-10T16:14:00.004-05:00

Just want to give glory to God for a great two weeks! Things have picked up considerably the last two weeks! Shawn would never share this, but I will :)...He is getting great testonimals...I know you can't always expect to be able to help everyone, but we had a patient come in today and tell us that she overheard some people talking at the gas station about how great he was and so she decided to give him a chance...the local MD's in town are referring...which is bringing in business and a lady today, who had never been to the chiropractor in her life, came out to the front desk and said..."I can't believe how much better I feel already"...I can actually touch my toes...another lady this afternoon said..."your husband is amazing"...

Shawn just came in and does not want me to post this...but guess what...this is MY blog!

Yes...we give God the glory...for we pray each morning that He will help Shawn help people and that He would be given the glory!

Just wanted to share...happy thoughts :)

Happy Easter everyone!

Poking Fun

2009-04-05T18:13:00.003-05:00

Ok...I have several things to mention concerning Arkansas...

First of all, what do divorces and tornadoes have in common in Arkansas?

Give up?...

Either way, you can guarantee someone is going to loose a trailer!

Could not resist sharing this joke.

Moving On...

Seriously guess what I saw this weekend? Well, it was prom night around here on Saturday night. We were out at a local diner and saw several couples and one was wearing no other than a camo...yes, a camoflage formal...complete with a hunter orange satin sash...I AM NOT KIDDING YOU! It was floor length mind you. It was not the trendy "pink camo". We are talking, "I am hiding in the woods" camo. You know what was really funny...it didn't look half bad...yes it was camo green, but the gal that was wearing it was so adorable and it was nicely made. I wish I could have got a picture...only in Arkansas my friends!

Now for the confession. Shawn and I, along with his parents went to the local "Hoe Down Comedy Show" this weekend...it had it all...clogging, some old music...and the best part was a comedian that used to be in Branson...it was great! It was fun to drive only 30 minutes for entertainment...instead of 2 and a half hours!

Good Evening All!

ER

2009-04-03T19:13:00.003-05:00

Did anybody watch ER last night? Did anyone feel sort of sad that it was ending? Did anyone actually cry during the ER backflashes they played at 7 before the two hour finale? Did anyone continue to cry after it was all over with?

Ahem...maybe I was just having an emotional night.

I watched ER all during my college years...fellow JBU blog readers...remember ER nights in the duplexes? ER has been on for 15 years...it has been playing while I was in college, nursing school, during our time in Dallas, when Jett was born, during St. Louis, during chiro school in Overland Park, during Luke's last four years, during our move to Mtn. View and thru Ella's arrival...you see, much of my 16 1/2 years of marriage it has been on. Now, I have to admit, the last eight years, since Jett's arrival, I have not watched it faithfully...at all, but I always knew it was there...if I wanted to plop down on a Thursday night to watch it. I watched it mostly during Dr. Ross' years, Dr. Green's cancer, and Dr. Carter's mission work. It was so fun to see little Reece with his dad and Rachel all grown up now. It makes me want to buy the seasons that I have missed just to catch up.

Thanks to my dear husband for entertaining the kiddos while I sat there the entire three hours!

After The Cop Chase

2009-04-02T12:56:00.004-05:00

Here is our crew, at the museum in Little Rock that we visited last Friday.

Babywearing

2009-04-02T12:51:00.004-05:00

Here is babywearing at our house!
Does anyone elso find their baby...delicious...as the only word I feel describes it!
Especially after a bath, to just smell the top of their sweet little head. I love to change Ella and just let her lay there on the bed, naked as a "Blue Jay" and soak in the smallness of her. Her little toes (which I have not seen much due to being covered in these pasts cold months), her little bum, her sweet little nose.
It makes me want to freeze time, as it all goes by too fast.

More Please!

2009-04-02T12:44:00.004-05:00

Ella has learned her first word...in sign language that is! At around eight months, I taught Luke the sign for "more". It was so sweet watching him put his hands together when he wanted "more" to eat. So I decided to teach Ella. Only after a couple of times, she picked it up. She grasps her hands and smiles so big...

Various Pics

2009-03-29T16:09:00.004-05:00

Here are a couple of fun pictures.
The first one is of...no other than Jetterbug. I found this shot so funny...in a kind of Napolean Dynamite way. This great hat is actually a part of the decor (it hangs on the back of a antique chair in the entry way!)The kids love it.
The next is of me, Ella, and my dad. Shawn and I love your Go T dad! (Is this how you spell this?) This is us on my grandmother's great red couch. I love the fact that she has such a bold taste in furniture, along with black velvet side chair!
The third would be Ella Bella with her to new twin cousins Tripp and Trevor! They are so precious and we enjoyed them so much when we were in Texas! The distance is just toooo great for this aunt to be happy.

A Day of Discovery...Oh yea...and a cop chase!

2009-03-27T21:04:00.003-05:00

So Shawn took off for the day and we decided to spend time as a family and head to Little Rock to a kid's science museum (Discovery Museum). It is a 2 1/2 hour road trip (one way), we finally get to Little Rock, exit off to downtown when it happened...

We are going slow, looking for our turn, when we notice a cop running on foot, then look and find a man running up ahead of him (obviously the "bad" guy as Jett would say). Shawn rolls down his window, like he is going to help the cop, when I say "not with the children in the car...ever heard of crossfire?"...then he drives down a little further and sees another cop running. Shawn motions in the direction of the criminal (to point out the direction he is going). The policeman stops the van, says he needs to get a ride, GETS IN THE VAN...in the back...looks back and sees two wide eyed boys and an infant sitting beside him and under his breath says "Ohhh". He calls on his radio, all the while telling Shawn to hurry, make a U TURN in the middle of the road, SHawn jumps the curb, hurries the direction the cop tells him to behind some buildings...meanwhile the cop is saying on his radio "you got him down on the ground?". We arrive at the scene, where another cop has the guy in the middle of getting handcuffs on him! The cop jumps out of the van to help the other cop.

What a day a discovery... and before we even make it to the museum!

We parked and the rest of the day went pretty normal...that is after, I took a picture for a male "couple" who posed so sweetly together (thank goodness there was not a lot of PDA)!

The kids had a great time and after the museum, we were walking around outside, near the river, when Jett asked Shawn..."Is that where we caught the bad guy dad?" The event sort of "set the tone" for the day...in an exciting, but scary kind of way.

Just trying to do our part to keep city safe!

And to think we had spent the drive to Little Rock trying to avoid cops for fear of a ticket for expired tags...go figure!

So How Is Business

2009-03-25T20:56:00.008-05:00

Several friends have asked me lately how business is going. After several inquires, I realized that I have failed to report this info on the blog. So, here it is...

It is really great, fun, stressful, busy, slow, flexible, demanding...all wrapped up in one! Let me explain.

Shawn and I are having a great time working together first of all. It is so fun to be together, working at something we have planned for OH SO LONG! We are blessed to actually own the building we are in (rather than leasing) and love how it all turned out. I never dread to go to work. I love not clocking in anymore, not worried if the boss catches me "searching the Internet" and running errands anytime I want. I can bring Ella with me if I need to. We keep each other company when it is slow and help each other out when it gets busy.

Which comes to my next point.

It has been a roller coaster ride. Several weeks ago, we were seeing a lot of patients per day, now it has dropped off this week. It is so crazy. Luckily we have a loft in the building where Shawn has enjoyed doing push ups and exercising in between patients! This part is hard. From other Chiropractors we have talked with, this is pretty normal for just being open for a couple of months. But it is so hard when you prepared for so long, then are so slow. It is discouraging at times and we are often brainstorming of creative marketing (no, we have not resorted to having Shawn stand beside the road holding a spine yet waving people in...but...)So we try to stay optimistic and know that we will pick up once again very soon.

Shawn is having GREAT results. We start each day out praying for the business and for wisdom and to help people. God has blessed Shawn and the testimonials from his patients are amazing. It is so exciting to hear people say how much they are and have been helped. One lady even reported she was on the brink of back surgery, but now she does not need it! We give God the Glory for helping Shawn help people.

Another blessing has been referrals from two local MDs...if you know anything about chiropractic, it is that traditional medicine sometimes conflicts with natural medicine. But PRAISE GOD, the MDs next to us, have referred multiple patients to us! This has actually helped our business grow.

Insurance STINKS! I have for three months tried to transmit claims electronically, but have found one glitch after another. I finally would get some to go thru, then would have trouble knowing who went thru. The sentences I just typed makes it sound so simple, but it has brought multiple fits and tears. If you happened to catch one of my posts during late nights before I erased it, you would know that I have quit multiple times!

It is hard living in a small town sometimes. We are "kin" to a lot of people and it is sometimes hard to know where to draw a line with payment and for how much. Do you charge the cousin that you grew up with his copay of $40...when that is most of the cost of the visit. DO you charge your uncle...when you don't your other uncle who you see more often? Do you send a statement to your other cousin who hasn't paid yet and risk them getting frustrated at you? What about your great uncle that gave you a discount for laying your parking lot? Shawn is kin to a crazy amount of people around here. Which is a great thing, but hard to figure out sometimes.

Am I adjusting to living out in the middle of nowhere? That will need to be a post all by itself!

So there you have it. I hope it did not come across negative. Really God has blessed us so much. Our family has been so amazing and supportive! They have all went above and beyond to help us out. We are having a good time at this journey and are so blessed beyond measure just to have this opportunity!

Fallen Off The Face of the Earth

2009-03-19T21:08:00.002-05:00

Yes, I have fallen off the face of the Earth...

Or at least been crazy busy along with having an infant that has decided to wake up every three hours for the last month! As a result, about the time of my last post, I have been crashing early which leaves no time for late night blogging (late night to me is after 9:30pm)

I also made a trip to Texas to see my adorable twin nephews. Ella and I are the only ones that flew out. My poor middle child stayed behind (I am sure I will be reminded of this later) as well as Jett (he had school). We had a great time...only complaint would be the freezing weather! I wanted to escape to the warmth of west Texas, but oh well...it was so worth it!

Well I have not been to work for the last two weeks. It is all piling up for my return next week. We are excited about my sister in law's shower (another nephew on the way) and Jett's spy party.

Hope to post pics soon of the sweet boys and family. Oh another glitch in the posting would be the uncooperative computer...I am on my mother in laws as I type.

Good Night to All and Hope to type more soon

PARTY TIME!

2009-02-24T20:45:00.004-06:00

It is that time of year again. Time to plan Jett's birthday party. Now, I LOVE BIRTHDAY PARTIES. We go all out here! I think it stems from my own childhood birthday parties. Most summers, I was at my dad's house, so I would party there. Dad and Carol hosted some amazing parties.
My five year old party was at the park, the covered picnic area turned into a draw bridge and they got their hands on life size Sesame Street characters (Bert, Ernie, Cookie Monster) that sat around everywhere. They brought me to the park after it was all set up to surprise me.
One birthday I had a Micheal Jackson Thriller Birthday. My dad spent days turning in the old garden area into a forest of dead trees to make it look scary. The party was at night. He set up an outdoor theatre so we could watch Thriller on the big screen outside!
I had a great cabbage patch party. The cake had a cabbage patch kid out of icing on top...looked awesome. There was cabbages set around everywhere made out of tissue paper, little cabbage patch diapers for party favors. Everyone brought their doll to the party.
Another party, Carebear...I do believe, Carol bought me a tiara to wear during the party...I remember how special I felt.
These are just some of the great parties I had...along with slumber parties as well..you know the kind...a bunch of "giggly girls" staying up really late, screaming and laughing!

So I come by birthday parties naturally. Jett's first birthday, I made a sweet baby blue cake with a handmade sailboat on top (Martha Stewart baby idea). I made these cute sugar cookies that were shaped like little fish...NOW WHEN I TELL ALL THIS, REMEMBER, I GOT THE IDEAS FROM SOMEWHERE IN A BOOK OR INTERNET. I AM NOT CREATIVE, JUST COPY OTHER PEOPLE'S CREATIVITY! His second birthday, was a circus theme with a Lion cake (another Martha Stewart baby idea) and little cups that looked like a circus tents filled with animal crackers. His third birthday...Toy Story with life size poster of Woody on the wall, everyone got a hat, bandana. We also made rice crispie treats shaped like a car. You will have to do this...you mold it like a car and use fruit loops for wheels (how this relates to Toy Story I am not sure, but it was fun)...His fourth birthday we did a camo birthday party (this one was sort of small, but we had neighbors there but we played games and handed out army guys, dog tags, etc for goodies). His fifth was a Batman party theme with a hired clown that was so great. She did a magic show, painted all the kids faces (batman mask, camo), and did baloon art (small fortune), his sixth was at Pump It Up... a great two rooms filled with blow up activities (slides, basketball, obstcale courses) another small fortune, his seventh was a treasure hunt adventure theme. We had a treasure chest full of small treasures. The party crew went on a treasure hunt thru the woods. We had made a map and they had to go to each spot and get another clue...they had to climb over stuff, hike a hill, pull a clue out of the water (in a container) and finally they found the loot. It was underground full of 50 gold one dollar coins!
Luke's first birthday was a "beach theme". I found this great bundt pan at Williams Somona that was shaped like a sand castle and some course India brown sugar that looked just like sand. We had goldfish and rice crispies for a snack. All the guest got sand pails with goodies. His second was really low key, but really special. My brother got married on his second birthday, so we got some cupcakes with a candle and sang happy birthday to him in Lubbock Texas. His third birthday rocked. It was western theme. We took a saw horse and put a saddle on it, had hay bales, sack races, gave out hats, bandanas, handcuffs and sheriff badges. His uncle brought up his horse to give pony rides!
To me, I love planning them...especially games and goody bags...that is the best part of the party planning!

This was a really long post huh! It is helping me not focus on the intense hunger pains I am feeling right now!

This post was more for the writer than the reader...obviously as I took a complete trip down memory lane.

What is so great, is that birthdays come every year...now I have three to plan for and can't wait. Jett wants a spy party this year, I have been searching on fun games and ideas. Luke thinks he want Indiania Jones party (even though he is not allowed to watch the movie) he loves to dress up like him. Ella...well look out...who knows what the first party might be! It will be fun to plan a girl party.

Well goodnight all...hope you enjoyed my rambling!

Enduring Nicknames

2009-02-24T20:41:00.002-06:00

Does anyone else out there in my blogging circle, have nicknames for their children?
Jetterbug, Lukester, and Ella Bella.
It's funny how these names are so natural to me, that I rarely call them by their given names,unless, of course...they are in trouble!

Shriveled Hands

2009-02-22T20:30:00.002-06:00

Shriveled hands...that is what I will have this coming week. If you have read my past blog entry, you know that Shawn and I are doing a contest every week to see who can lose the most percentage of weight. Whoever loses, has to do baths for all three kids all week long. Yes, I lost. I was not happy about it and walked away in disgust from the scale about 20 feet, turned and walked back to the scale and had gained, yes gained, .5 lbs...now how does this happen! My dear husband had put a cold pack (we weigh at work) behind his back, then wieghed, trying to let me win, but he had lost three pounds and I had lost only a half pound...so the pack did not help me out in the least. It was nice of him to try. Now don't get me wrong...he has enjoyed teasing me about this! This week was so hard. I walked around hungry, it felt like all the time. We took the weekend off of the "healthy eating plan" for sanity and will be back at it tomorrow.
Happy Starving again! (Mom, don't worry, I am eating more than most on a diet...I think losing proves it)

7 months old

2009-02-19T20:31:00.003-06:00

Little Ella is 7 months old...time is going by too fast. I am so blessed to have a photographer in the family to capture her sweet smile (photo was taken just today)! In this picture, she is wearing a dress that I made for her. I thought it would be her Easter dress, but I can't wait for her to wear it to church...so we will throw on a sweater and tights this Sunday! Now for the confession...(after bragging)...what you don't see, is the unfinished back that is safety pinned because I have not put in the zipper yet. Oh yea, and I can't tell you how many strings we had to pull off for the photo shoot...and heaven forbid anyone look very closely at the seams! But all in all, I am having so much fun sewing for her!
THANKS APRIL SR. FOR GETTING THIS ALL ON CD SO I COULD POST TONIGHT!

My Dear Sister

2009-02-19T20:21:00.006-06:00

Thank you April, for making my memories more vivid and perfect!

We Will See!

2009-02-15T16:07:00.004-06:00

Shawn and I know, that it is the time of year where we must get serious about getting in shape...but have such difficulty changing old habits. Unfortunately we both love food.

Well, we have decided to challenge each other! We are going to start weighing in on Fridays and whoever has lost the most percentage of weight, wins that week. The loser has to do baths for ALL THREE CHILDREN...every night that week. Shawn thinks it is sad we are using a time that we should be enjoying with our children,as the the "loosing" prize. But heck, I am not shy to admit that at the end of a very long day, that this is a dreadful chore for me...I'm brave enough to admit it! Anyway, we shall see how long this lasts...

If anyone out there would like to join us on our journey, please leave a comment and report on the weekend, who won that week. We are weighing tomorrow for the first time, then will weigh on Friday...let the game begin.

Happy starving! (Just kidding mom...I have never missed a meal in my life...don't worry)

GIDDY!

2009-02-12T21:52:00.004-06:00

If you are poor...you love tax time!

This is the season that you feel like you won the lotto. This is how it feels for us. Last year, we had a baby...cha ching...Shawn was in school...cha ching...day care...cha ching...I held out too much taxes at my work...cha ching...student loan interest...cha ching...you get the point.

Well this causes an elevated mood...getting word on a good tax return. Our children, especially Jett, experiences this mood when he gets something he wants as well. Shawn and I will laugh at how polite, agreeable, and "giddy" he is when he gets a new toy, or gets to go somewhere extra fun. "Clean up my room? Sure no problem! Brush my teeth, I will right now". We laugh and and just wink at each other.

When you open a new business and struggle for EVERY LITTLE THING...including just buying hairspray for goodness sake, let me tell you, it feels so good to catch up on bill and not have to worry for a month or two about how in the world you are going to make it!

So, after I returned from H & R Block this week, we experienced that same mood that Jett does. The "elated" and "on top of the world" mood. It was almost comical to look back on how we greeted our next patient, after finding out about our tax return...We were extra bubbly and talkative...can't pay today...no problem! I am sure they thought, wow, what supplement do they take...I want some!

Another Day in the Ozarks

2009-02-07T19:25:00.002-06:00

Today was a big day for a certain "domestic" housewife that lives far away from consumer temptations of any sort.

I am proud of several accomplishments today.

I made my first pan of biscuits today...homemade, I might add. This is a BIG deal here. You see, I am the only female in the family that has not done this up until today. Shawn's grandma, at 80, still gets up every morning and cooks biscuits. She lives alone, but prepares some in case family should drop by for breakfast...which seems to happen almost everyday.

I also made my first dress for baby Ella. I am having so much fun sewing adorable dresses. I finished a simple one and starting on her an Easter dress. Who knew that you can make a dress for so cheap! Thanks to my mom who taught me to sew, despite all the complaining when I was young! I figured I would never use such a skill...here I am...actually having fun at it.

So this is what you do, on a Saturday, when isolated...cook biscuits and sew. Or is this more of an age thing? Surely not!

Confessions of a Mommy Blogger

2009-02-04T20:46:00.006-06:00

I came across an article that I enjoyed so much...you know the articles, the ones that pinpoint what you are feeling, or make you laugh because you can relate? Over the last seven years, several have been so good, I have tore them out and kept them. One of the latest was from a mommy blogger. Some things I thought we could relate to...

"When asked if I worry about being stalked...the only people who stalk me, wear dirty nursing bras and mashed yams...they are another words, my people."

"Blogging is the underbelly of scrapbooking. In the scrapbook version of my summer vacation, I would paste together a sunny collage of sea and sand and smiling kids. In the blog version, I might be more inclined to mention the steaming beach Port-A-John, where the final quarter of my son's sandwich ended up tumbling into the reeking blackness. If scrapbooking is the urge to put it all together, blogging might be the urge to take it all apart. Blogging might not make life tiddier, but it keeps lift in your memory, and keeps it real"

"I think blogging actually makes me a better parent because I feel like I'm being watched, even if the feeling is self-imposed. It's like the way I'm a better parent when there are guests in the house-more inclined to make waffles and play Monopoly. Maybe you could describe it as feeling like there guests in my psyche."

"I go throught my day in a kind of "compose post" mode, where I'm actively selecting words to describe my children - their beauty, their quirkiness, their inner lives - and that process helps me to see them, to be mindful of who they are. Writing gives me a way to step back from my life and really see it. To watch my kids and feel the gratitude flood through my veins. To connect the dots so I can tell the story the way I feel it, even though, my goodness, there are a million true ways to tell any story!"

So It Continues...

2009-02-02T21:55:00.003-06:00

No power still...we are at a week without power now...the old generator is running now for a week...nonstop! There are 500 men in the area working on powerlines. School has been out for over a week and looks like it will be Wednesday before they go back.

I spent Saturday doing things the "old fashioned" way...now I know many people still hang out their clothes...but I have not since high school. It was kind of nostalgic...in an exhausting sort of way.

The boys liked the idea of taking a bath in an old fashioned tub. This one was used by their grandma when she was little. We repeated this type of bath again, tonight. Baths are getting done twice a week only! (that would be for the boys, I might add...I can only make it for 24 hours!)

POWER LINES DOWN!

2009-01-28T14:37:00.002-06:00

I had to post our experience today...the kids have been playing around power lines!
Not a good lesson, I know, but papa and dad were cutting trees and all around them were power lines down everywhere. We called the electric company...no power in them.

And there are about 30 snapped power line poles all up and down the highway...seriously some were in three peices...I have never seen anything like it. Even the tornados I have seen, only snap the ones in their path. We were behind some workers and they were cutting the lines that were across the highway. One worker said it could be a month before we have power...he laughed, but we all know that it could take a long long time!

Gas is out at the local gas station, but we were able to get a couple of more gallons for the generator. Looks like we might have to drive sort of far to get more unless they get a delivery soon.

So far, generator still running...

ICE

2009-01-28T10:04:00.004-06:00

The middle picture is of Jett and Luke's little cabin...barely missed by the fallen pine trees all around it!
Oh and by the way...the really cool camera has been returned to the owner...so these are normal snapshots taken with a "layman" camera!

Rough As A Cob and Twice as Corny

2009-01-28T09:49:00.004-06:00

I had to start off the posting today with a new "Arkansawyer" saying that I have heard as of late. These words came out of Luke's mouth...I nearly "laughed myself silly"! Of course this old time saying came from no other than his Papa!

By the way, IT IS CRAZY HERE! We have been out of power since yesterday morning and will be out at least until SATURDAY NIGHT OR LONGER! We have trees and limbs down everywhere. Gary Don (Shawn's dad) says he has never seen the timber like this before. All night, I would here a cracking sound, and then a crash! One pine tree was totally uprooted...the layers of ice on everything is insane. We actually have power lines down in the driveway...you can not even get to the local town due to power lines crossing the highway. There is no water in Stone Co. due to the pump at the water dept is down. (We have a well here). Jeannie (Shawn's mom) is working for the post office...can you believe it is open...no mail is running but she is open! She was taken by four wheeler...

So how are we surviving...GENERATOR! We are watching TV, playing on the computer, have heat...however, no washing clothes or running the dishwasher (too much amps I suppose).

One Problem...the only gas station open in the county is in Timbo right now (which is the town we are not able to get to due to down power lines)...so you can imagine the threat of them running out of gas...the generator runs on gas and we are getting low. What will we do? I took a shower this morning and making sure all is done before the threat of no water or electricity! We are talking Saturday or later before power returns!

Obviously the whole family is together...which is so fun...no work or school this week! That means no money too, but "time is more important than money" right?!...if I could only convince the bank of this!

SO hopefully, the pics will follow before the generator runs out of gas and we are all huddled in the only room that has a gas fireplace, surrounded by only candles and board games!

Stay Warm!

Too Cute

2009-01-27T21:13:00.002-06:00

I came across this photo of Luke's third birthday (he is 4 1/2 now). Isn't amazing how fast time flies...I am thinking if it goes by this fast now, what will it be like when we are in our sixties or seventies?

So many times, an older person has told Shawn and I, "Enjoy them now, it passes by too fast"...I can see where this will be true.

Saturdays...I love them!

2009-01-24T12:54:00.002-06:00

This would be my third entry for today...I am loving not going to work, hanging out in the pjs and giving in to my addiction of blogging! Oh...and Shawn...beware...blogging can become addicting you know!

Amazing

2009-01-24T12:47:00.003-06:00

Shawn...how could I ever ask for more?

You are amazing and never cease to be a blessing to me.
I am so lucky, not only to be your wife, but that the kids have such a wonderful example in their life, of how a husband should treat thier wife. I am so glad that you "hacked" into my blog...you can anytime!

2009-01-24T12:22:00.002-06:00

The Choice

2009-01-22T14:51:00.003-06:00

I have hacked into the wifey's blog and figured out how to post so thought I'd leave a little note for her;) You are amazing. You find a way to nurture me and the kids, work full time at our office where, by the way, you do way more than "the doctor", you clean, you get kids ready for school and for bed, give baths when it would be easier to say "we'll do it tomorrow night", you are always looking out for the good of your family, you get up with the baby at night, you get yourself ready and are always beautiful every morning in the midst of getting a baby together for the day, and another ready for school, making sure the homework is in the backpack and the backpack is on the kid, you make sure that your kids and your husband feel loved and important everyday, you are the busiest person I know, yet the kindest and quickest to show love. I look at what you do every day and I think it is more than I accomplish in a week. Your deeds are many, your love obvious and penetrating,your smile sweet and your laugh a shield against many stresses. The most amazing thing, though, is that we have one life to live, and you choose everyday to pour yours into our marriage and our family. You give your greatest gift to me everyday, by choice. I am so grateful and I do not derserve it. Thank you.

Whining is not worth it tonight

2009-01-20T21:15:00.006-06:00

For the last several days...every since my trip to Texas, I have been preoccupied at times, with where we are living. There have been several instances where Shawn and I look at each other and think...do we really live here now? It has been a change...not all negative of course, but nonetheless, a change. At times, I have told Shawn, I can not wait until he retires, so we can move back to the city.

Then you read another persons story, their trial, their worries.

And suddenly it is all "small stuff".

Tonight, I choose not to whine, my kids are healthy...very healthy, we are all together tonight enjoying warm peanut butter cookies with cold milk, I have a wonderful husband that makes me laugh, a family on his and my side, that support and encourage us. Siblings, neices, nephews that are healthy and distance does not seperate the bonds. Blessed with a job where Shawn and I can be together every day. My children do not have to be in daycare, they build forts in the woods, have cousins to play with, I can visit april on a whim, I leave my car unlocked at night and the keys in the ignition, people wave going down the road, even if they do not know you. My basic needs are met everyday, with no worries of going without.

I am truly blessed.

So tonight, I choose not to whine, for that would waste a moment in which to be thankful.

Texas

2009-01-18T21:22:00.008-06:00

So I braved the road with a four year old and six month old all the way to Texas, by myself. I finally arrived...exhausted and with the feeling of running a daycare in the confinement of a minivan! However, all in all, it was not too bad. I was able to manage to run a DVD player, place the binky in the mouth of the baby by looking into the rear view mirror, using the reflection of the backseat baby mirror, read a book while driving (out of memory of course!), use the restroom with a preschooler beside me and a baby on my lap, squeezing the baby between my knees while I washed my hands and place the baby on my hip while raising up the little guy to wash his hands, tolerate Little Einsteins, listening to Ella cry, and hearing the defaulted oil alarm dinging over and over without banging my head against the window in insanity, empty the good water out of the water bottle so that the little guy could use the bathroom in it, instead of the huge production of getting us all out of the car to repeat the bathroom regimen, and stoping three times within a thirty minute time frame due to crying of baby and a four year old that did not like to hear his baby sister screaming!

All of it was worth it...I got to spend the whole week in Texas!

And I would like to of course share a photo or two...still having fun with Aunt April's camera! So much fun, that I maybe she will forget that I have it...just kidding April!

Oh...and dad, after reading this post, I hope you see why the trip to your house will include an airplane...not a road trip! Love you!

Having trouble posting pics...will try again soon!

Just Hitched!

2009-01-18T16:55:00.003-06:00

My sister got married in Texas this past week! Here is a peek at one of the pictures...just could not wait to share! Julie and Jay were married on Monday, January 12th. They decided to have a "low key" wedding now and to have a bigger reception later in the spring. A pastor of a local "Cowboy church" married them. It took place in a small building, with just a couple of close friends and family. The ceremony was so intimate and special. I have to say, it was one of my favorite moments. My sister was glowing all day. Congratulations little sis and one last word...FINALLY! Oh sorry...more last words...so when will I be having a niece or nephew...I know you love that question!

Having Fun

2009-01-09T09:16:00.006-06:00

I am having so much fun...playing around with a dear sweet friend's old camera!

Oh, and I will take more pics of the boys as well...it just seem that Ella gets in front of the lense more these days!

Sure...We Will Teach A Parenting Class...No Problem

2009-01-09T08:54:00.004-06:00

Last Sunday, our current Sunday School teacher approached Shawn and asked if he would teach a parenting class. He agreed, especially since he would really only be facilitating one, guided by a parenting study guide, designed for small groups.

Then it happened...lunch time came around and we took all three of the kiddos out to eat.

We are eating lunch, the atmosphere...Chinese buffet. The people...a lot of people we did not know, that his parents knew and wanted to introduce us to.

Jett and Luke began to fight over where they want to sit, bumping into the chair of the gentleman sitting beside us, Luke then whispers something crazy to Jett, where in the mean time Jett yells out "Luke said poo poo"! Then a sweet lady comes up to us to see the baby and the boys...we had never met her before mind you, when Luke decides to shove a toy right into Ella's face...just to be ornery. Then as we decide quickly that it is so time to leave, Shawn is standing up, when Luke decides to kick him in the shin...not once, but twice...which he has never done before and reports that it was an "accident", as dad tells him what is going to happen once we get out to the car.

Sure, we will teach the parenting class...no problem.

Pictures as Promised

2008-12-29T22:00:00.002-06:00

Here are some photos of our "crew"! Including one of Shawn dancing on Christmas Eve...hey we all get excited...no matter the age!

Merry Christmas and Finally a Post!

2008-12-25T21:27:00.002-06:00

So I am finally sitting down and typing a post!

Merry Christmas! And to all that is wondering...no Christmas cards will be coming in the mail...This would be the first time in sixteen years that I am not sending out cards. I even have a family photo for them...wanted them...had great intentions of even a "warm and fuzzy" Christmas letter, but these days, it is amazing that I am even sitting down and typing a post!

Christmas at our house was wonderful! Ella loved the wrapping paper, Jett and Luke have been playing non stop with all the fun toys! Shawn and I staying in our PJs all day...it was good!

For those who are interested, I thought I would give an update...

All is well at the office. We are slower than we want to be, but a couple of things we have learned are...bad weather literally shuts the town down (for days at a time), people will complain about the money you charge (even if you spent an hour with them, gave them the exam and therapies free and only charge a Medicare copay of $5.92...yes, it happened for real!), people will look you in the eye and say "I will pay you tomorrow" and leave the office, not return and leave you a number that is bogus, and filing insurance really stinks (too much red tape)!

There are good things, of course,...I am not "clocking" in anywhere and get to spend my days with my most wonderful husband that keeps me laughing with his great sense of humor, can run errands and be on the internet anytime I want at work and not worry about "bosses", have such great sitters for the children that I do not worry when I am away, cash patients are out there and do come, and Shawn has had wonderful feedback from so many about how he has helped them!

So there you have it...that is an update on the office.

Next, catch up on the trip to Kansas City for the ballet...WE HAD A BLAST! The boys have not been back since we moved and let me tell you, when we pulled in Friday, to Overland Park, the boys were squealing with excitement...I joined in...of course! Jett spent the weekend with his best friend and our old neighbors...Luke spent Saturday with KiKi and Austin, and Shawn and I ate the best sushi, watched the ballet downtown Kansas City, and followed it up with the Cheesecake factory! We truly felt like it was home...it was weird...it was like we had just been on a long vacation or something...it felt so natural to us to drive the streets. It was so good for the soul I must say!

So now that I am sort of caught up, I must post pictures soon.

To all a good night!

Right on the mark!

2008-12-11T14:23:00.004-06:00

Luke had just finished watching a cartoon Bible story, about the birth of Jesus, when he asked me this question this morning...on his very own....

"Mom, how come we have Santa everywhere and not baby Jesus...it is not Santa's birthday. It is not about presents, it is about Jesus, it is not Walmart...you know"

WOW! You see, we have began to decorate the house and out came several adorable Santas...but the nativity has not made it out quite yet...

I am so glad he "gets it"...the true meaning and the wording...quite nice, I must say.

I have to tell about a special thing we are participating in. We have a manager in our kitchen. It had no hay in it or baby Jesus right now... starting on Dec. 1st, we all drew names (our immediate family in the household). That week, whosoever name you got, you do nice things for all week secretly. If you do something special, you put a piece of straw in the manger for each nice thing you do. At the end of each week, you reveal who you had and redraw names again. We do this until Christmas and by Christmas day, the goal is to have a soft bed of hay for baby Jesus to lay on. It has been very fun and baby Jesus will hopefully have a soft place to lay his head!

OUCH!

2008-12-06T20:55:00.004-06:00

So, I heard a loud scream...ran to the source...in the bathroom, only to find my son Luke with a look of horror and pain on his face...he raised the lid, was going to the bathroom when the lid fell and shut right on his little part...it is bad...swollen and bruised. Poor guy!

Our first day was so fun! We had about six patients and with those six, 12-14 appointments were scheduled over the next two weeks! We had a blast, Shawn and I would sit there, waiting for the phone and the next car to pull up. We laughed over "marketing" techniques we should use...such as him by the road directing traffic into the parking lot...or dancing by the road with a model spine! The local chiropractor in town came by and greeted us with a great plant...such a blessing...and we got several delervies that day from my family...several wonderful plants...the office looks good with all the greenery! It was a day that Shawn and I will never forget...one we have waited for forever. We were exhausted by the end of the day from the nervous excitement that we had all day long.

Thanks for all the thoughts and prayers!

TODAY IS IT! DON'T BE NERVOUS!

2008-12-04T11:23:00.002-06:00

The whole family was up early, getting ready for the day this morning. Shawn and I were going to the office, Ella to her great, great aunt's, and Luke to spend the day with Papa. There was a lot of energy in the house...more than usual this time of morning.

Jett ask Shawn..."Dad, are you nervous?"

Shawn replied, "sort of"

Jett responded, "Don't be, if anybody gets on top of you and punches you in the face, I'll give you all my dollars...it's not going to happen!"

What a relief that is!

Destined to be spoiled!

2008-12-03T09:14:00.003-06:00

Mom: "Who is that crying?"

Luke: "Princess"

Conversation between Luke and I this morning. He has been calling her princess lately...on his own...we call her Ella Bella!

Newspaper article!

2008-11-30T20:45:00.004-06:00

We are soooo excited...here is the newspaper article that will appear on Wednesday in the local paper! What a night! We spent the afternoon baking cookies and muffins for marketing tomorrow and editing the article. My sister in law in W. Texas is, at this moment, about to give birth to twin boys! I do not know if I will be able to sleep tonight with all the excitement and sugar!

Sweet "sugar plum" dreams!

LOOK AT THIS!!!

2008-11-26T21:41:00.003-06:00

Yes...it is true...the sign is up! Here is Shawn's dad, just today, putting it up! Like the number?!

As it was being put up, several people honked. I had sheer panic hit me. We have set the date for December 4th...am I ready...I sure hope so! I know Shawn is, I just worry over running the front office...insurance and all the paperwork!

You have to see the building to appreciate the pine tree and all...sort of a log cabin look to it. It fits perfect with the building!

So soon, the doctor will actually be "in"!

Dress Up!

2008-11-23T18:35:00.004-06:00

Here's a photo of my adorable neices, along with my cutie pie, all dressed up. My understanding is that there was a wedding that took place...and I know that little cousins getting "married" doesn't just happen in Arkansas...Growing up, I attended several weddings of cousins in Texas as well!

Oh, by the way, does anyone know where last week went? I totally lost it!

Houseful!

2008-11-17T15:27:00.005-06:00

Hubby and I had the pleasure of "kidnapping" our nieces for the weekend! Oh what fun we had! Let's see...there was Jett 7, Mychaela 7, Luke 4, Lacey 3, and Ella 4 months!

We had lunch with Jett at school on Friday, went to the park, had a treasure hunt, made peanut butter/ honey sushi rolls (see recipe below), did lots jumping jacks, played dress up, watched a movie, had a camp out in the basement, and went to a fall fest...

We had a blast!!!

I even got to do "girl" hair on Sunday morning!

And just think, one more baby is on the way...not me...WHEW!...my brother and sister in law!

I found the best snack on a blog recently...peanut butter and honey sushi rolls! SO EASY

Take a slice of wheat bread. Cut the crust. Roll it flat (roller/glass anything would work for this)
spread peanut butter and layer of honey. Roll it up. Slice as you would sushi.

Of course, no honey for the babies...but great for a snack or school lunch.

I'm Addicted!

2008-11-13T21:39:00.005-06:00

I can't help it...I'm addicted to kissing this little one...it happens at least a hundred times a day.

And I am not the only one. Often times the top of her fuzzy little head has remnant's of Luke's kisses.

And brother Jett kisses her and squeals "I just want to squeeze her, I love her so much!"

I am amazed at how pure the love of her brothers is. Jett has told me that he wants to marry Ella one day. Luke has mentioned the same thing. I find this so precious. Of course I talked to them about the reality of this, but it makes you appreciate the innocence of little ones.

I am enjoying every moment of this time with the boys and Ella...I know soon enough love will be tested when she decides to get into their things!

Pictures!

2008-11-12T21:56:00.006-06:00

This is baby Ella with one of her baby dolls. She loves to put everything in her mouth...if it gets near it or if she happens to grab something on accident. (Her eyes are blue, not red as depicted in the picture!) She is almost 4 months...

Kiki and Austin came up from the Kansas City area and spent the weekend with us in October! We went four wheeling, hiking, got lost, attacked by nats, and hitchhiked a ride with strangers in a back of a truck and all! It was a very fun weekend and made many memories!

This would be Batman, Darth Vader, and nurse Ella! Nurse Ella looks quite chubby in this picture!

Just thought I would post a couple of recent pics!

Good Night All

The Ballet

2008-11-11T21:51:00.002-06:00

Just wanted to say that we will be going to the city soon...Kansas City!

My wonderful hubby surprised me with tickets on Friday to the KC Ballet featuring the Nutcracker! I am so excited! I have had the flyer for the performance laying right beside the computer for over a month, and almost threw it away several times thinking that we would not be able to go this year.

Of course, I gave him a hard time...saying that it was very "metrosexual" of him to order us tickets to the ballet...all of this said while he was dressed in camo, holding a rifle, going out the door to deer hunt!

Slap Your Pappy!

2008-11-10T16:38:00.006-06:00

Our middle son, Luke, is at such an impressionable age. He picks up so easily on words or sayings that we use. We try to be careful not to use words the flow so carelessly out of our mouths, such as "stupid" or "hate", words that are not cute when a little on says them. However, there is another set of words and sayings that our son has quickly picked up on. You see, he spends a lot of time around his papa. Papa was raised in the Ozarks and has a whole set of words that are not spoken anywhere else except "these parts"! Just this morning, I overheard a conversation between Samuel, Luke's cousin, and Luke. "Samuel, you want a bacon sandwich? It is so good it will make you Slap your pappy!"
Yes, it is true.
Other things overheard are "Colder than a frog's head", "sody pop", and "pushaline" (instead of gasoline), and "meaner than an ole yeller dog".
So, as hard as I try to correct him on his accent and sayings, I'm afraid that I am fighting an uphill battle. For I found myself, just this morning, after Luke's comment, asking "What in the Sam hill did you just say?!"
Such is life in the Ozarks!

BAD HAIR DAYS

2008-11-06T12:42:00.003-06:00

These days we are sporting a head of fuzzy hair on top and a bald spot in the back...brothers love to brush this fuzzy hair after the bath...but they love to brush it back and spike it more...not lay it down nice and neat! What a liberating thing to go "out and about" and not care at all!

Arkansawyer?

2008-11-05T20:56:00.003-06:00

So the hubby read the blog and was greatly offended by my comment of "loving Texas...period"! But you know, once you are a Texan you are always a Texan! I wish my two youngest children had the privilege that my oldest does...to actually say they were born in that wonderful state! Now don't get me wrong, Arkansas is beautiful and has so many nice people, but Texas is where my "roots" are! I can still be a proud Texan and yell PIG SOOOOOIE!!!

2008-11-04T21:07:00.005-06:00

So this is my first posting on my blog! Now I finally have a place to put my random (and at times I do mean random) thoughts! I have enough experiences already, that have happened since moving to the "boonedocks", that I should have done this months ago. But here it is now! And what would a blog be without pictures of the kiddos? I know many have already seen this one of Ella, but I could not resist adding it. And I had to also add my sweet boys! By the way...I need to give credit to "One Life by April" for the adorable picture of Ella!