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TWO BY TWO Jackson Gabrielle Connor Brady Cooper |
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Stories March 25, 2009 We played outside a lot yesterday. Brad had to go to a doctor's meeting after work and had about an hour to come home inbetween work and the meeting. I ran to the store to pick up a pizza while he watched the kids. He called me about 20 minutes after I left and said, "Dacia! Brady just fell outside and scratched his nose really bad. I turned around to see where he was and just watched him fall. What do I do?" Okay, this is coming from the man who has had all this trauma experience and is a doctor for goodness sakes. But none of that matters when your own child is hurt. I sent him in the direction of hydrogen peroxide and ointment. Brady looks pitiful today... just check out the pictures. Poor thing... him and Brad!
March 24, 2009 Connie came today to clean the house. Ahhhh, I love a clean house. I do well to keep the house picked up and surface cleaned. Laundry is what keeps me the most busy. The house smells of Fabulouso and makes me feel happy! The other day Jackson and I were at Target picking up a few things. We passed the Easter candy aisle and I asked Jackson why we celebrate Easter. He said, "Oh it's Jesus' birthday, right?" I said, "No it's actually when Jesus rose from the dead and walked out of his tomb." He said, "Oh yea, I remember he had those nails in his hands and feet." We talked a little more about the sacrafice God made of giving us his Son to redeem us of our sins if we trust our whole self into Him. Jackson is such a smart little guy especially when it comes to life and emotions. He has a gentle spirit and a very loving heart. I'm so proud that he didn't reply with something about the Easter bunny. We'll still have Easter baskets from the bunny but I want them to understand the real meaning. I hope I get a Reese's Peanut Butter Egg!
March 21, 2009 We left for Kentucky on Thursday around lunch. To say it was a easy trip would be putting it mild. Brad and I were commenting on how thankful we were to make the trip with just the 3 oldest. We made the 5 hour drive stopping only one time. It was a wonderful but sad reminder that the babies are not going to be babies forever and sooner rather than later we will be able to get out and about a lot easier than now. The kids love to travel. They get so excited about snack food, eating out and being in new places. Who doesn't? We all rode up in our travel clothes. I had our church clothes in a basket ready to put on. We stopped in a McDonald's close to our destination and changed the kids in the car. Brad and I did a quick change in the bathrooms. We made it to the visitation by 7pm and stayed until 9pm. Connor stayed with Brad and I the entire time while Jackson and Gabrielle wanted to go on to our families house and play. After the visitation we were starved. We had dinner with Doug and Jill and then went to Doug's parents (Don and Sandra) house to spend the night. Jessica is coming back to Georgia to stay for a week at Spring Break. I can't wait to have her here all week! The funeral was Friday morning. Kathleen Harris died at the age of 91! Could you imagine? She loved gardening. It wasn't uncommon for folks to pull in her drive thinking her home was a nursery... true story! If she was fishing, gardening or spending time with her family she was high on the hog! (That's a NC sayin' for ya!) I loved this woman. I have some pictures of her with the kids I'll round up and put on my pictures page when I have time. We'll miss her very much. We made it home Friday night around midnight. Papa and the babies did just fine. Cooper pitched a few of his little tantrums but other than that they were all great. Brad let me sleep in on Saturday (thanks, honey). When I woke up he, Papa, Jackson and Connor went to get 80 bales of pine straw for the yard. Gabrielle, the babies and myself went to Kohl's for a little shopping time and then to Target. We met back up at the house and put the kids down for naps. Papa and I headed to the grocery store. It was so much fun! Honestly, I can't tell you the memory that I have engraved in my mind of my Daddy and I strolling through Publix. We talked of recipes, favorite foods and great deals. It was one of those special moments that I'll never forget. The saying "It's the little things..." is so true. By the time we got home the kids were starting to wake up. I fixed supper and watched Brad throw pine straw. Poor thing, he worked himself to death Saturday. The yard looks great... amazing actually. He has big plans for this yard complete with peanut composte sanding and new shrubs and flowers. He works so hard to keep our home and landscape looking nice. Brad, even though you say you don't read my website... I know you do! I love you, Honey. Thank you for how hard you work to provide for our family. We went to church today at Browns Bridge. We've visiting 1,000 churches and now we are starting back at the beginning. It felt like home when we walked back in today. The nursery workers were glad to see our kids and the kids were equally glad to see them. As soon as we got in the car they were singing us the songs they learned today. Why do we keep going anywhere else? Hmmmm.... good question. GG, Larry and Memaw came over for lunch today. I grilled chicken breasts and shrimp that had been marinating in Italian dressing. We had baked potatoes with sour cream, bacon and cheese, steamed broccoli covered in garlic butter, fresh corn on the cob dusted with kosher salt, tossed salad and garlic toast. It was divine!!! GG brought over a chocolate peanut butter cake she made from scratch. All I can say is thank you Aunt Helen for giving her that recipe. It was like eating a mixture of brownies, fudge and cake. Oh so good! The kids played out side the entire live long day and Brad finished his pine straw. We are all good and tired and ready for bed. Have a fantastic week!
March 18, 2009 I'm sad to say that Brad's Grandmother, Kathleen Harris, died today. We are leaving for Kentucky tomorrow and coming back on Friday afternoon. Papa is going to stay here with the babies and we'll take the older kids. It will be a quick trip and so much easier without taking all the baby stuff. We are thankful for Papa. Today was Jackson's 5 year well check. He's in the 80th percentile for weight and the 100th percentile for height! My little giant... he's in great health and I didn't have many questions. He has to have three shots to get caught up with Georgia's Immunizations. He had one today but for whatever reason they didn't have the other shots in and we'll have to go back in a few weeks to get caught up. He handled the shot with a brief hissy fit but we made it through somehow. The part he hated the most was me holding his arms down. I was afraid he was going to bruise. The kid is so strong. I had to hold him down with all my might! With tears in his eyes he said, "Why did you hold me so hard? I would be still?" Oh, it broke my heart!!! We left the doctor and went straight to Blockbuster for a movie, then to McDonald's for a milk shake and finally to Publix for Danimals Crush Cups just like I promised. My little baby boy...
March 17, 2009 The cloud has finally lifted and the sun is shining in Georgia! Thank you, Jesus. I usually don't mind the rain. I enjoy it actually. However this run of rain and clouds has been miserable. I've felt depressed and just plain sad. I hope now that there is some sunshine in the forecast I'll perk up a bit. I'm exhausted, too. I have not been able to sleep lately. Last night, I was still watching the clock at 3:30am. I was sitting up on the side of the bed begging God for a few hours sleep when Brad woke up asking what I was doing. I started crying and began to panic at the thoughts of having to care of 5 kids on no sleep. I can't understand why such a normal human function is so hard for me. My Dad is the same way. Sleep just doesn't come easy for us. Thank God, I do have energy today. At least for now, I'm sure I'll crash around after lunch! Jackson has to go to the doctor tomorrow for his 5 year well check. We broke the news to him this morning that he'll require a shot. Oh he's so dramatic... just like his Daddy! LOL We finally have him convinced that the shot does hurt a little but it's very quick and when he's done we'll go to Publix and get some Danimal's Crush Cups. Have ya'll heard of those? It's some new yogurt that is in a cup you crush and slurp... very mannerly! He's been asking for a week if we can get those. I told him after his appointment we'd go to the store and get them. Then he gets to pick out a movie at Blockbuster. He's already decided on Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Gabrielle wants a princess movie and Connor wants a puppy movie... isn't that sweet? I hope you have a sunny day!!!
March 14, 2009 Brad left yesterday on an overnight fishing trip to Augusta so it's just been the kids and I hanging around today. Connor spent the night with Memaw last night. He was so excited. All day Friday he told me that he was going to Memaw's ALL BY HIMSELF. He loved having that one on one time with her. Gabrielle and Jackson however were not so excited that he was going. They weren't jealous they just missed him so much. They hugged and kissed him 1,000 times. Connor kept saying, "You already kissed me!" When Connor left Jackson said, "Mommy. I love my brother." I agreed and with a sad and sappy face Jackson looked out the window and said, "How do I feel like I can cry?" His little emotions had gotten the best of him and tears flowed down his cheeks. I tried to explain that we are used to all being together and when we are seperated it feels sad AND that's okay. When we woke up this morning they were ready to go to Memaw's and get Connor. Connor, on the other hand, was not ready to come home. He didn't even give me a hug! LOL We stayed with Memaw most of the day and just have gotten home. It's rainy and cold outside. It's really a sad Saturday. I've felt depressed most of the day. Can't fully explain why but none the less it's been a battle I feel like I've lost. I need more sunshine! Thursday night Susan and I had a girl's night out. We met for some shopping and dinner. We ended the night at the book store having a cup of coffee. We picked out two books we both wanted to read deciding that after each has finished the book we bought we would trade. Our own little book club, if you will. It was wonderful to get out for a while. I have not had a night out to myself in weeks. I'm not sure how that happened but I'm going to make sure it doesn't happen again! Please be in prayer for my sweet and dear friend Lisa. I've mentioned before that Dorian is Lisa's grandson. Lisa is the only mother Dorian knows. Lisa's daughter, Holli, passed away only weeks after Dorian was born. Dorian's father, Keith, has been absent since Holli's death. Lisa has guardianship over Dorian. Keith has shown himself to be a unfit and selfish father. He claims that he is now ready to be a father and thinks he can just waltz back into Dorian's life. There is a court date coming up in April regarding Dorian's guardianship. Dorian is scared and doesn't want to be forced to live with this man he does not know and hasn't seen in years. Please pray for them all.
March 11, 2009 I failed to mention that Brad came home from work yesterday evening with a upset stomach and fever. Yes, another virus has found it's way to our home. Today I had a couple sweet potatoes in the oven for dinner. Jackson kept complaining about the way it smelled. He said it was making him sick. He and I both have a very sensitive sense of smell. I told him he would be okay and ignored it. An hour later I found out that he was indeed sick. He had projectiled vomit all over Sissy's bathroom. EVERYWHERE!!! The other kids were so intrested in what was going on. The babies were trying to come into the bathroom to check everything out. I was pushing everyone out the door trying to clean up Jackson as well as the rest of the bathroom. By the time Brad got home I had just finished everything and pulling supper together. When he walked into the door I sort of melted in his arms thankful for a partner. He said something about wanting to meet his Dad to fish for a while this evening and I kind of fell apart. I was so tired. I started to cry and he backpeddled and said, "Of course, I'm not going to do that though." Good answer, right? You would think he'd learned a lesson but just like a man he had to stick his foot in his mouth as far as it would go. He looked at me and said, "Why are you so overwhelmed?" (Ohhhhhh, you can all close your mouths now) Yep, he said it. All I could do was just look at him and say, "If you really have to ask me that question then the answer is just too hard for me to muster. Are you serious? I mean really. No, really?" He said, "Why does that offend you? Things looked under control and you don't usually get overwhelmed. I just wondered what had happened that overwhelmed you and made you cry." I told him it absolutley DID offend me and if he dares to repeat this conversation to a friend, family member, or coworker tomorrow they will all look at him like "NO YOU DID NOT!" and then they'll say, "BRAD- What were you thinking?" We got over that coversation rather quickly and enjoyed our grilled salmon, roasted asparagus, corn on the cob and sweet potatoes. I have relived that moment over and over all evening and I've come up with an answer.... PEOPLE JUST DON'T UNDERSTAND! Isn't that a song? Anyway, I decided that I can not let other people's thoughts and misunderstandings measure my worth as a mother. Noone besides me knows how much time and effort it took to clean the vomit mess, distract the others, ignore Connor's constant request for milk, stall Gabrielle's request for fruit loops, Jackson's cries to be held, defend the bathroom from Brady and Cooper's attempts to get in the middle of the mess I'm cleaning and not forget that I had supper going. HE JUST DIDN'T UNDERSTAND. I had no more gotten the first bathroom cleaned up when I hear a scream, run into the office and saw Jackson do the same scenario in the front bathroom. I went back to the laundry room to pull out the same cleaning supplies I had just put away.... got on my hands and knees and cleaned floors, walls, pipes, mirrors, vanities and anything else he may have sprayed. Isn't Motherhood peachy?
March 11, 2009 When we pick Jackson up from school each the day the first thing he tells me is if he got a star that day for good behavior. Yesterday when he got in the car he said his teacher forgot to give him his progress report. I said, "Well, why don't you just tell me how you did?" He said, "Okay. I kept my hands and feet to myslef. I listened to Mrs. Ronda. I did not play fight or real fight. I did not kill and I did not steal." LOL I guess the lesson on the 10 Commandments is paying off!
March 10, 2009 This time change has gotten the kids and I all in a tizy. We are having a hard time going to bed at night and even harder time waking up in the mornings. I have had to peel myself out of the bed the past two mornings and wake up every single child in order to get Jackson to school. There's just something soooo wrong with waking up sleeping children! Usually everyone is up and at 'em! It's been really really warm here. Yesterday the high was 78 but this weekend it is supposed to drop down to the 50's???? Weird. We are enjoying the outside playtime as long as we can. Brady and Cooper are really keeping me hopping when we are outside. They seem to huddle together and decide which way to split. Then I have to chase after them in two different directions. It's hilarious to them and tiring to me. Maybe I'll drop some weight this summer... a girl can hope, can't she? On the way home from taking Jackson to school this morning Gabrielle pulled out "her" cell phone (my old broken one) and began a coversation with someone. I heard her doing her best fake laugh and then she said, "Oh no, oh no! Don't you go there!" I was talking to Brad on my cell and he overheard her conversation. We both laughing our heads off. The funny thing is I guess she's heard that from me!
March 8, 2009 We had a good weekend. By Friday everyone felt better and we were on our way to a good weekend. I had a hair appointment Friday and then did some shopping at the new Canton Marketplace. It's directly across the street from our neighborhood. We are 2 miles back in our subdivision so the traffic of the plaza doesn't bother us. We now have a Lowe's, Dick's Sporting Goods, Super Target, Kohl's, Bed Bath and Beyond and a ton more shops. We are also getting an Olive Garden, Chick-Fil-A, and a Taco Mac. Friday was Target's Grand Opening and believe me I was there with bells on! Papa left the house around lunch to head back to Fayetteville. He took the stomach virus with him. Sorry Papa! Jack and Kate came to visit Friday night. We all stayed up way to late and were struggling the next morning. It was a rainy start to the day but by 1pm the sun was out and it made for a beautiful day. Brad and Jack took the older kids to Home Depot. They were having a bounce house and some crafts for the kids to enjoy. They had a good time. We grilled chicken, hamburgers and hotdogs for lunch then let the kids play outside the entire rest of the day. The kids found a huge box in the garage and used it as a sled. They have been down the hill in our back yard the entire weekend. I was even pushing Brad down! Today we went to church, lunch and home for naps. Marci came to babysit at 4pm. Brad and I went on a date. We went to the movies and saw "Taken." It was pretty good... disturbing... but good. After the movie we hit the new shopping center and then were home by 8pm. What a great start to the week! Hope you all have a Marvelous Monday!!!
March 5, 2009 Brady and I went to the Cardiologist this morning and are happy to report that he has a "soft or functional murmur" that he will more than likely grow out of. Great news! Brady seems to be a little better. He ate supper tonight so that says a lot. He has had a really rough time. While we were leaving the doctor's office Brad called and said he had a break in between patients and was coming home. He sent Papa and I off to lunch at Williamsons Bros BBQ! What a treat. Daddy and I had a great time together. After lunch we picked up Jackson from school and headed home. By that time, Memaw had come over for a visit so the house was full. Brad left to go back to work and the kids played outside for a long time before a much needed nap. The evening ended with American Idol. Gabrielle loves to give concerts during commercial breaks. She stands on the fire place and makes up the silliest songs that we all giggle to. Tonight her song was "I love my Momma and Papa and we don't have to eat fruit and mashed potatoes!"
March 4, 2009 Today was a smoother day than the last few. Brady woke up hot and still very sick. By 7pm I would say we began to see a little improvement. Maybe tomorrow am he'll wake up a new man. Cooper had thrown up just a bit during the night. Not sure what that was about. I guess this virus. He has not eaten very much but otherwise seems okay. The ENT gave him a clear bill of health. Great news! Tomorrow is Pediatric Cardiologist for Brady. I'll give you more info when I have it.
March 3, 2009 Poor Little Brady! He has been a very very sick baby. I was up with him the first part of the night with fever and vomiting. He breaks your heart just to look at him. His eyes are so droopy and his face red. He's had a 103 fever off and on since Sunday afternoon. I decided last night I would take him to the doctor today if he hadn't shown any signs of improvment by this am. I got to bed at 2am after soothing Brady. At 2:45am Gabrielle wakes me up asking for water. My thoughts were, "Are you kidding me?" But I put my best foot forward and went to get her some water. While she's drinking I hear Brady again so I head upstairs to get him. I come back down and she says with a very calm serious voice, "I think I might throw up." I really thought she was just saying it because she wanted to be up with Brady and I. I told her to get a bowl (we have special throw up bowls!) and sit on the couch. About 2 minutes later she says, "What about my hair? I don't want to get throw up in it." At this point I'm thinking maybe she's serious. I send her for a hair tie and pull her hair up on her head. She quietly says, "It's coming" then throws up in the bowl. I wipe her face and she smiles! I swear I'm not making this up! I asked her if she felt better and she said "Yes. When will God take all the yucky stuff out of us?" She and I prayed right then for healing in our family. Such a precious reminder. She knows at such a young age that God is the maker of all things. He gives life and takes it. She knew that her Jesus was aware of our pain. She has been fine ever since. That girl amazes me. I think I went to bed around 3am. I woke up at 7am with all the signs of the same virus. My stomach was cramping and had me running to the bathroom. I was so nauseated I couldn't stand to turn my head. I decided to leave Jackson home from school today. The thought of driving made me want to hurl. Brady woke up 103, again. I got him an appointment to be seen after lunch. My Mom called and when she was informed of our situation at the Harris's she was on her way. THANK YOU JESUS FOR BEING BACK NEAR FAMILY! Had we been in Indy I would have just indured it all alone. I've done it many many many times before... over the toliet throwing up with 3 kids standing next to me asking for lunch. GG got here in time for me to take Brady to the doctor. Turns out he too has strep. They also detected a heart murmur and want us to see a Pediatric Cardiologist asap. We have an appointment for Thursday am. I have Mitral Valve Prolapse with Regurgitation and wondered if any of the other kids would have a murmur, too. The visit will be uneventful I'm sure. I'll let you know Thursday how it goes. I ran a fever most of the evening but by 9pm I was feeling up to eating a little bite. GG left when Brad got home and he assumed all kid duties. Brady had two rounds of his antibiotic before bedtime. Please Lord, let the sweet thang feel better in the morning. Tomorrow am is Cooper's follow up ENT appointment. I called Papa and asked him to please come up for the next two days. He was here by dark! I have such an incredible support group. Momma and Daddy, I love you!
March 2, 2009 Guess what I'm doing today? Taking care of sick kids! Does that surprise you? Brady threw up yesterday evening and again sometime through the night. He's also running a fever. Connor has been complaining all day and whining about his stomach hurting. He has diarrhea and from what I can interepret I think he has some stomach cramping, too. Jackson seems to be just fine. He went back to school today. I know it's all in my head but I feel so nauseated! I guess it's the anticipation of getting sick that lingers over my mind. I'm off to do laundry and santitize while the babies are napping. Prayers please!
February 28, 2009 After 24 hours without a fever and 48 hours of antibiotics we FINALLY had Jackson's birthday party. It was a huge success. We had 10 kids and lots of parents. On our menu was queso dip, Aunt Susan's Famous Corn Dip, Vegetable Tray, pizza, cake and ice cream. The kids played in the basement for a while and we attempeted a "sit on the balloon and smash it with your bootie" game but it ended up being a "do whatever it takes to make the blame balloons pop!" game. We tied a pinata outside in the garage. That was the biggest hit of all the games and fun. Jackson loved opening all his gifts. He was beside himself with all the goodies. I would love to post more but I am pooped! I've got to get to bed soon or else I'll be sleeping through the preacher's sermon in the morning. More pics and stories about the party to come...
February 26, 2009 Jackson woke up this morning still holding onto his fever. Also, his face was really red and splotchy. That's when I knew it was strep. I took him to the doctor at 1:30pm and the culture came back positive for strep. So he's on an antibiotic, again. I don't understand? It seems to me, and I'm no doctor, that when you've had strep, scarlett fever and then strep again within 2 months maybe something else could be the culprit and a symptom is strep. The PA says it's a fluke and he is just getting it over and over. Any insight? Papa stayed again last night and I'm so glad he did. It was wonderful taking Jackson by myself and really being able to hug on him and give him full attention. Papa just left to head home a few minutes ago. We were all sad. Sissy hugged him for the 5th time as he walked out the door and said, "Will you come see us again sometime?" I've been working on the house most of the day. A lot of the decor in the Sales Office in our neighborhood is for sale. I have gotten massive amounts of stuff the last couple of days. I'll take pictures soon of my book shelves. Most of our shelves were empty. It costs a fortune to decorate with all those books and knick knacks. I got a huge painting of a lemon tree, beveled mirror, wall decor and tons of shelf decor for a mere $225. I'm so excited! Everything looks so good. I am really looking forward to decorating our Formal Living room next ....or Sissy's room... or the master bedroom... or the boy's room... or the basement.... there is so much to do I just don't know where to start!
February 25, 2009 Well, well, well... Last night around bedtime I noticed that Jackson was just kind of not himself. Brad said he thought he felt warm. I said, "Hmmmphhh, whatever. He's fine." I guess I was trying to ignore the very thought of someone in the house getting sick. Within an hour he had a fever! We let him sleep with us last night. Anytime the kids are sick they sleep with us. Before we laid down he said, "I don't want to be sick and miss my birthday party AGAIN!" Then the tears flooded from both he and I. Brad and I assured him that if we had to wait until June he was going to have the best birthday party EVER!!! All night and I mean ALL night the poor kid whined and moaned and groaned. It was pititful. He was dreaming about something just awful. When he woke up this morning his first words were, "Momma, you know how we talked about my party maybe being another day? I dreamed about that last night." Ohhhhh, my heart broke. All that moaning he did was over his little party? Take me now! Tomorrow he was supposed to have his little party at school. All day I have been thinking oh maybe he's better. At 4pm he did not have a fever but by 6pm it was creeping back up. I canceled the order for his cupcakes at school and notified the teacher. He's complaining of a sore throat so I guess if he doesn't improve by Friday I'll take him in for a strep test. Can't I just purchase a do it at home kit or something?????? I was a "Home Cooking, Momma" tonight. Papa is still here visiting. When he and I get together we start talking about all this good food and before you know it we've got a menu set. I made meatloaf, mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus, fresh corn on the cob, two loafs of homemade white bread and a pound cake. Actually, it was the older kids who made the cake. They love to cook. I took lots of pictures. Needless to say the food was wonderful and the cake was by far the best I've ever had!
February 24, 2009 I have to admit that was just about the worst traveling experience we've had since all 5 kids. The older ones were fine. The problem lied in the babies. They were restless, uncomfortable and as far as Cooper goes, sick. I'm just very very glad the trip is over and we are home. Brad and I both wanted to kiss the ground right when we hit GA soil... literally! Traveling with little ones is just not fun. As soon as they are potty trained it's easier as far as I'm concerned. It was good to see family but great to get home! When we left McKee (Nancy's hometown) we headed to Sommerset, KY where Brad's paternal grandmother lives. Her given name is Kathleen but I call her Mam. She's just been placed in a nursing home. I can't explain the feeling to walk in there and see her. She just looks so out of place. I lost both my grandmothers over 11 years ago. Since I married Brad Mam has taken that role for me. She's come and stayed with us in Indiana. Every trip to KY to visit her was filled with the aroma of a hot breakfast at the break of dawn. She has just started to go downhill the past couple of years as far as her mind goes. She's in great physical shape at the age of 91! I love this woman. While we were visiting her my heart just broke. I felt like if I looked at her too long I would ball my eyes out right in front of her. She had this look that said, "Get me out of here!" When we were leaving she said, "Let me get my purse. I'm going with you." I just walked away. Brad said she followed them telling the staff, "I want to go home with my family." Words can't express... Her mind has slipped so far that it's not safe for her to be anywhere without 24 hour care. The family has tried to take care of her at their own homes but can't trust what she may do when they turn their heads. Brad and I were talking on the way home saying if we didn't have a family of our own to take care of I would dedicate every second to her care. I cared for Brad's maternal grandmother who just passed, too. However I didn't really get to know her that well. By the time Brad and I married she had really begun to slip. From what I hear she was a wonderful woman, too. So yesterday I took Cooper to the ENT. The doctor did a culture and seems very sure he has a MRSA infection. It's caused by a staph infection. He gave him an antibiotic and said his ear should show improvment before long. Cooper already seems to feel better. I'm really glad I took him. Yesterday morning I called Papa and asked him to please come up to the house to watch the kids while I took Coopie to the doctor. After our weekend I would rather pull each toe nail out with a pair of pliers than take all of them to the doctor. Papa came to the rescue! Jackson's birthday party is this Saturday. He's super excited and so am I. GG scored a bounce house and I've planned for pizza, salad, dip, cake and ice cream. His friends are invited and it should be 68 degree weather. On Thursday he gets a little party at school, too. We went to the store today and ordered his cake and cupcakes for school.
February 20, 2009 Happy 5th Birthday, Jackson!!!!! His actual birthday was yesterday but we were on the road to Kentucky for Rena's funeral so I couldn't update. I can't believe my little baby boy is 5. I spent a few random moments in tears just thinking about it. When he woke yesterday morning he ran to my arms and I picked him up and told him happy birthday. Like all Mom's I had to remind him of the events that happened exactly at that moment 5 years ago. I was tearing up and he said, "Mom, were you holding me just like this and crying just like you are now?" Awwww... I sure was! The drive up here was pretty horrible. Gabrielle and Connor rode with Grandpa and Uncle Ernie. They faired just fine. Brad and I had the babies and Jackson. Cooper was still feeling bad and Brady was miserable in the car, too. They cried and whined most of the way here. I called the ENT and made an appointment for Cooper next Wed. His ear is draining all this wax and just looks awful. The ENT called in drops to a pharmacy up here. They have seemed to help. The viewing for Rena was tonight. We took the older kids and left the babies with Jessica. She and her friend, Emma, came with their family to babysit. I was so glad I didn't have to take them with us. After about 2 hours Jackson, Gabrielle and Connor were done! I met several people at the viewing that read my website (Hi Ladies!). I'm glad other people enjoy it as much as I do. On the way home the conversation went like this: Me: Do ya'll understand everything about tonight? You know that was only Mamaw's body in that coffin, right? Her soul has gone on to be with Jesus. Jackson: Why were her legs cut off? Me: They weren't cut off. The bottom of the coffin was just closed so you couldn't see her legs. Jackson: Why can't you wear shoes when your dead? Me: What? You can wear shoes? Jackson: Oh. Does everyone die? Me: Yes, everyone dies. Gabrielle: I don't want to die!!!! Me: (I think I said too much)... Uhhhh, you won't die until Jesus is ready to take you to heaven... like when you are old. Gabrielle: I don't want to die when I'm old! Connor: Me nee-der! I not want to die! Jackson: GAB-RI-ELLE... everyone dies!!! People even shoot horses when they are sick and they die!
February 18, 2009 Cooper had me scared to death that he was coming down with an ear infection. He had been showing all the signs. Last night he cried and cried. He was terribly uncomfortable. Brad and I went to his bed and consoled him over and over again. Finally, somewhere around 11pm I took him into my arms and he finally gave up the fight. He allowed me to rock his sweet little sef for at least 30 minutes... maybe more. The whole time he stared at me. I mean really stared deep into my eyes. I wondered what he was thinking. I can't even begin to express the thoughts and feelings that passed through my mind during that time. Mostly I thought about how life is brought into this world by a mighty creator and also taken away. It's amazing to me the love I have for my children. I would do anything to take their pain. There is no sacrafice too great. You know that's very much how God wants to be to us if we allow him. He wants to take us in his arms and allow his Holy Spirit to console and rebuild our broken hearts. He wants us to quit fighting, judging and resisting and just lay in his presence thinking of nothing but Him. I laid him down and he fell peacefully to sleep. I came back downstairs and the phone rang. I'm sad to say that Memaw's Mother, Rena Metcalf, passed away. I thought long and hard all evening that while I was holding this new life in my arms she took her last breath on this earth. What a powerful God! We are heading to Kentucky tomorrow for the funeral. Jackson's birthday party has been postponed and I'll reschedule when we return. Please pray for our travels.
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