The Big Apple

The View from our hotel room, 39th & 3rd

This is a sculpture that stood at TWTC and was taken from the wreckage, there is a flame at the bottom that burns constantly in remeberance of the lives lost that day

THE Tree!

Imerial Pizza.. yummmm

Radio City, The Rockettes (KayEllen -mil, Tina-sil, Hannah-niece, Tamara-sil, and yours truely)

Ride on the ferry

In case you can't read, Grand Central Station

The famous MAP!

Tavern On The Green

Ashleigh, Me, and Shauna @ TOG

I had the huge blessing of being asked to accompany my Mother-in-law and Sisters-in-law, and oldest Niece to the City that never sleeps these past five days. I have always wanted to go and especially at Christmas time. What a gift?!!! I felt like I was five again the entire time! Just incredible.

We left last Thursday and after we checked in to our hotel we started out for Rockefeller Plaza to see my most anticipated part of the trip, the tree! On the way we stopped at Imperial Pizza which was an authentic Italian Joint! There was a picture inside showing a shot from the film, The Godfather. It was WONDERFUL pizza! Then we made it to the tree...It was quite a site! Bigger than I imagined and beautiful! We went down and saw the ice-skaters and then ducked in several shops. TWO of my ALL TIME favorites, H&M, and Forever 21!!! (Thanks for the tip last year Jodi ;) ) Seeing the department store windows for Christmas was pretty beautiful and just incredible!

The next day we headed out to the subway, which was a different experience every time we rode thanks to the very entertaining people that were along with us. I mean truly entertaining and wanted to be paid for it! There was a group of VERY young boys on one of them.....it was really quite sad. I also kept thinking I just don't see how people with small people do it there. We saw alot of strollers with their little ones bundled up tight! It was SUPER cold the entire time. I felt so sorry for those kids. I tried to imagine myself with mykids there and then noticed, you didn't see alot of people with more than one child which would definately make it more doable! We mostly rode the subway because we never even saw an empty cab! The last day we rode, we were eating in a place where one of the drivers was sitting next to us and overheard a message that a little four year old boy had been separated from his parents and a description to be looking out for. All I could see was Ty lost and afraid! It just broke my heart and I have not stopped thinking about him since. I pray that they found each other!

On a brighter note, we did WAY TOO MUCH SHOPPING! I almost did not get it all back! China town was a complete shopping high. I think my favorite store was FAO Shwarz though! I couldn't get myself away from the Madame Alexander dolls, that thanks to Meme my daughter is collecting, and then the baby section!!! I wanted a doll for myself! They have this little nursery set up where the dolls are behind glass and in beds just like the hospital, the salesperson is dresssed as a nurse and the little girls come pick out their baby. They get it out of the bed and prepare it for its new mother and then she gets to sit and rock it in a little chair!!! TOO PRECIOUS! Oh how I would love to take Olivia to do that someday! I had a ball in there.

I think the highlight of our trip was a tie between Tavern On The Green and seeing the

Christmas show of the Rockettes. Truly amazing, both of them. The fun part of our eating venture was getting to meet up with my sweet friends Shauna and Ashleigh who were also there on an all girls family trip! I love them both to death and how fun to get to experience some of New York with them! Ashleigh's mother, and Shauna's MIL is also a close friend of my MIL so it was a blast for all! We also went to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, Wall Street, Macy's, Time Square, Grand Central Station, and where the World Trade Center towers once stood. Very somber and sobering at the same time.

I am way blessed to have such fun Sisters-in-laws, beautiful niece who is just as beautiful inside- trust me you just can't know- and INCREDIBLY WONDERFUL AND GIVING Mother-in-law! We had so much fun just laughing together and I truely enjoyed every minute of each of them. Tamara kept us on track and guided us in the right direction, we could not have made it without her and I still don't know how she figured it all out! You know, I just had no idea what to expect of this city. I just pictured what I had seen on television and movies. It was really different in person and the people were un-believably nice and helpful!!! I don't know where they got a badr reputation but everyone I even just came in contact with was pleasant and smiling! I hope to be able to go again some day!

We made it back and our husbands made it okay without us taking care of our children. I had too much fun but have to admit I was ready to kiss my babies! The day I returned my first baby turned FOUR! I just can't believe it. I will post about that next. I am glad to be home and soak him and sister and Dad up for all their worth!

Its Beginning to look a lot like Christmas....

Like the B family, we have more than one tree in our family as well. First we have Ty's "cowboy" tree.
Next Olivia's "frilly" tree.

Next our family tree in our living room. Notice there is no tree-skirt! Mine has vanished since last year so I suspect I will be making my way to Hobby Lobby at some point tomorrow to purchase one that is half-off! I am really sad! I LOVED my old one. It was a red velvet with a green velvet wide trim :(

The ornaments.... I love anything old or that looks old as a rule throughout my life and especially on the tree! My mother has given us the most to trim this tree but Ty and Olivia have added with some sweet ones as well ;)

My Dining room table is set with Lenox Holiday china which are a yearly gift from my mother-in-law. Our entry is graced with a precious simple pewter and rustic manger scene. I wrote about this last year when I had to replace Joseph's head to his body and enjoy it long after Christmas.

Next our stockings which are hung by the chimney with care. My nutcracker collection also resides here. Thank you Mother for blessing my collection with a new member each year! We enjoy a fire almost everynight and early morning because although the highs have often reached the mid 70's the lows are low 30's in this town!

Next my breakfast area with one small table tree, also a thank you to my mother for her incredible giving heart!

I added a "Kitchen" tree to my window sill last year. I found some little mugs that are quite useful little "gifts" to adorn the bottom!

These things help us to get into the holidays at our house. We have the tradition of opening one gift Christmas Eve and the rest in the morning. My grandfather usually reads the Christmas Story out of the Bible that night at my parents house where we enjoy fun little appetizers and treats. I do not watch Dr. Phil very often if ever but a few years ago I purchased his book, "Family First," where he discusses how important having famiy traditions are. He shared several but one that I have incorporated into our family is taking a video each year of the kids telling what they would like for Christmas each year as well and more importantly, what Christmas means to them each year. This may also include things they feel thankful for and blessed by. As my children get older and the years that we happen to be in our own home I would like to start a Christmas breakfast in our family followed by a time of study and prayer focusing on the birth of Christ which would have to be age appropriate of course.

Thanks for letting me be a part of this year's bloggy Holiday Happenings. If you have not already stop by and visit the host herself at :http://talkinghairdryer.blogspot.com/2007/12/holiday-happenings-2007.html

The road to recovery

Well, we are all on the mend. My third trip to the doctor turned out to be the charm after another more powerful 'miracle' shot, new antibiotic and cough/decongestant/antihistamine syrum and my voice is slowly returning-just not quite yet! Olivia seems to be pretty much cleared up but is still on her anti-biotic for her terrible ears and Ty is still pretty bumpy. He complains a lot of his mouth and gums hurting and his hands and feet don't look too great. He should be clear in another day or so if he goes like his sister.

We woke up to snow Thanksgiving Day and it has snowed each night since. We had a rather lonely Thanksgiving- about the only one I can ever remember not really celebrating. We started to but then returned home for various reasons. We have been in the house the majority of the holiday weekend with the exception of a lunch outing yesterday and trip through the Starbucks drive-through, oh and I ran in Wal-mart for milk and such, big fun there! I put up our tree yesterday along with some other house decorations but have yet to actually decorate the tree! We stayed in again today watching the tube and made some beans and rice along with hot sausage from the Roberts. I can't wait to taste it!

Although the holidays did not go quite as planned, it has been nice to just be together as our own little individual family being lazy and not feeling guilty for doing so! I started out pretty sad about not having Thanksgiving dinner, its my favorite time of the year. I was quite upset about everyone turning from fall one day and jumping right into Christmas the next. Then I watched some holiday HGTV and slowly decided to give in myself. I have really enjoyed just holding my baby girl while she sleeps for naps and just sitting with Ty running my hands through his crazy curly hair. Trent and I have taken full advantage of this snuggle weather too so I am thankful for these things! Eventually I will be thankful for my health again too. God has truly blessed us with so much. I was also not really happy to be in this house for another Christmas, thinking it surely would have sold by now. I prayed for contentment and He gave it to me. Now I just look around feeling so grateful-amazing, how He can change your heart when you ask. I think the materialistic side of Christmas always kinda gets me down-but I choose not to focus on that and hopefully will raise my children not to do so as well. I am grateful to my parents for not putting emphasis on presents. As a parent I am all the more thankful for their outlook on many things.

FYI

What is hand, foot, and mouth disease?
Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a common illness of infants and children. It is characterized by fever, sores in the mouth, and a rash with blisters. HFMD begins with a mild fever, poor appetite, malaise ("feeling sick"), and frequently a sore throat. One or 2 days after the fever begins, painful sores develop in the mouth. They begin as small red spots that blister and then often become ulcers. They are usually located on the tongue, gums, and inside of the cheeks. The skin rash develops over 1 to 2 days with flat or raised red spots, some with blisters. The rash does not itch, and it is usually located on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. It may also appear on the buttocks. A person with HFMD may have only the rash or the mouth ulcers.
Is HFMD the same as foot-and-mouth disease?
No. HFMD is often confused with foot-and-mouth disease of cattle, sheep, and swine. Although the names are similar, the two diseases are not related at all and are caused by different viruses. For information on foot-and-mouth disease, please visit the web site of the US Department of Agriculture.
What causes HFMD?
Viruses from the group called enteroviruses cause HFMD. The most common cause is coxsackievirus A16; sometimes, HFMD is caused by enterovirus 71 or other enteroviruses. The enterovirus group includes polioviruses, coxsackieviruses, echoviruses and other enteroviruses.
Is HFMD serious?
Usually not. HFMD caused by coxsackievirus A16 infection is a mild disease and nearly all patients recover without medical treatment in 7 to 10 days. Complications are uncommon. Rarely, the patient with coxsackievirus A16 infection may also develop "aseptic" or viral meningitis, in which the person has fever, headache, stiff neck, or back pain, and may need to be hospitalized for a few days. Another cause of HFMD, EV71 may also cause viral meningitis and, rarely, more serious diseases, such as encephalitis, or a poliomyelitis-like paralysis. EV71 encephalitis may be fatal. Cases of fatal encephalitis occurred during outbreaks of HFMD in Malaysia in 1997 and in Taiwan in 1998.
Is HFMD contagious?
Yes, HFMD is moderately contagious. Infection is spread from person to person by direct contact with nose and throat discharges, saliva, fluid from blisters, or the stool of infected persons. A person is most contagious during the first week of the illness. HFMD is not transmitted to or from pets or other animals.
How soon will someone become ill after getting infected? The usual period from infection to onset of symptoms ("incubation period") is 3 to 7 days. Fever is often the first symptom of HFMD.
Who is at risk for HFMD?
HFMD occurs mainly in children under 10 years old, but may also occur in adults too. Everyone is at risk of infection, but not everyone who is infected becomes ill. Infants, children, and adolescents are more likely to be susceptible to infection and illness from these viruses, because they are less likely than adults to have antibodies and be immune from previous exposures to them. Infection results in immunity to the specific virus, but a second episode may occur following infection with a different member of the enterovirus group.
What are the risks to pregnant women exposed to children with HFMD?Because enteroviruses, including those causing HFMD, are very common, pregnant women are frequently exposed to them, especially during summer and fall months. As for any other adults, the risk of infection is higher for pregnant women who do not have antibodies from earlier exposures to these viruses, and who are exposed to young children - the primary spreaders of enteroviruses.Most enterovirus infections during pregnancy cause mild or no illness in the mother. Although the available information is limited, currently there is no clear evidence that maternal enteroviral infection causes adverse outcomes of pregnancy such as abortion, stillbirth, or congenital defects. However, mothers infected shortly before delivery may pass the virus to the newborn. Babies born to mothers who have symptoms of enteroviral illness around the time of delivery are more likely to be infected. Most newborns infected with an enterovirus have mild illness, but, in rare cases, they may develop an overwhelming infection of many organs, including liver and heart, and die from the infection. The risk of this severe illness in newborns is higher during the first two weeks of life.Strict adherence to generally recommended good hygienic practices by the pregnant woman (see "Can HFMD be prevented?" below) may help to decrease the risk of infection during pregnancy and around the time of delivery.
When and where does HFMD occur?
Individual cases and outbreaks of HFMD occur worldwide, more frequently in summer and early autumn. In the recent past, major outbreaks of HFMD attributable to enterovirus 71 have been reported in some South East Asian countries (Malaysia, 1997; Taiwan, 1998).
How is HFMD diagnosed?
HFMD is one of many infections that result in mouth sores. Another common cause is oral herpesvirus infection, which produces an inflammation of the mouth and gums (sometimes called stomatitis). Usually, the physician can distinguish between HFMD and other causes of mouth sores based on the age of the patient, the pattern of symptoms reported by the patient or parent, and the appearance of the rash and sores on examination. A throat swab or stool specimen may be sent to a laboratory to determine which enterovirus caused the illness. Since the testing often takes 2 to 4 weeks to obtain a final answer, the physician usually does not order these tests.
How is HFMD treated?
No specific treatment is available for this or other enterovirus infections. Symptomatic treatment is given to provide relief from fever, aches, or pain from the mouth ulcers.
Can HFMD be prevented?
Specific prevention for HFMD or other non-polio enterovirus infections is not available, but the risk of infection can be lowered by good hygienic practices. Preventive measures include frequent handwashing, especially after diaper changes (see "Handwashing" in: An Ounce of Prevention: Keeps the Germs Away), cleaning of contaminated surfaces and soiled items first with soap and water, and then disinfecting them by diluted solution of chlorine-containing bleach (made by mixing approximately ¼ cup of bleach with 1 gallon of water. (See more about cleaning and disinfecting in general in CDC's Prevention Resources). Avoidance of close contact (kissing, hugging, sharing utensils, etc.) with children with HFMD may also help to reduce of the risk of infection to caregivers.HMFD in the childcare settingHFMD outbreaks in child care facilities occur most often in the summer and fall months, and usually coincide with an increased number of cases in the community.
CDC has no specific recommendations regarding the exclusion of children with HFMD from child care programs, schools, or other group settings. Children are often excluded from group settings during the first few days of the illness, which may reduce the spread of infection, but will not completely interrupt it. Exclusion of ill persons may not prevent additional cases since the virus may be excreted for weeks after the symptoms have disappeared. Also, some persons excreting the virus, including most adults, may have no symptoms. Some benefit may be gained, however, by excluding children who have blisters in their mouths and drool or who have weeping lesions on their hands.
If an outbreak occurs in the child care setting:
Make sure that all children and adults use good handwashing technique, especially after diaper changes.
Thoroughly wash and disinfect contaminated items and surfaces using diluted solution of chlorine-containing bleach.
See the section “Can HFMD be prevented?” to learn more about hygienic practices which may be helpful in preventing HFMD transmission.

It continues...

Well today at noon we were sent home from school under suspicion of dots all over Olivia. They suggested I take Ty too since he had been exposed and just to play it safe. So we were able to get an afternoon appt. and found out that they both have 'Hand, Foot, and Mouth' disease. She looked at Olivia's ears and commented, "They are both beyond HORRIBLEY infected!" The girl has never been fussy, feverish, nothing! We all have had congestion but it ended up in her ears. She took a look at Ty's just to see and sure enough his right ear was infected as well but not real bad. I was not familiar with Hand Foot and Mouth disease. They are little blisters on the palms, bottom of feet and of course in the mouth and down the throat! She said its pretty painful and VERY contagious! So now we are all on antibiotics! Please say some prayers for these lil shorties!

Phillips Infermory! (sp?)

We need some prayers here at our house for sickness over the past month. Ty stayed home twice last week with pink eye and was super congested and had a cough to go along with it. Sister woke up with it in her beautiful long lashes this morning :( Their momma has had a sinus infection for the past three weeks. First went to the doctor the day before Halloween to gear up for treat night. I got the 'miracle' shot and a z-pak. Did absolutely nothing. Called back three days later only to be prescribed a series of steirods and the particularly useless......Flonase. Here I am a week after that feeling again like I did the first day of it. I have only missed a half day of school for me and one to stay with Ty. I really can't be missing much. Please say some prayers for our little family that we get through all of this before the holidays! I would really like to be able to taste our turkey dinner next week!

On a brighter note, Trent and I were able to go on a much needed date last night!! Four of the girls on the golf team came over and stayed with our lil ones and we headed out for a kidless night! We first stopped by our friends' the Roberts' to celebrate their son Boston's first birthday! He is too precious of a little boy. They did a Boston Red Sox party and did it well! They even gave us some peanuts and crackerjacks to enjoy during our movie later! Then we went to a great mexican restraunt here, Ruby Tequila's. They have the best Tortilla Soup EVER!!!! Its super spicy but still did not enable me to breathe :( Then we went to see 'American Gangster'. Excellent movie!! We had a really nice time despite my kleenex and sniffing! We are having to miss another dear friends little party this morning due to Olivia's eyes. Hopefully they will be better for church tomorrow. The good news is we already have drops from Ty! Well I am off to enjoy some incredible graham cracker cinn. coffee that my sweet friend Denise brought me last week! Enjoy your weekend!

Olivia Lane is TWO YEARS OLD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And no, I can't believe it. She talks very clearly and says everything now. She loves to give hugs and kisses. Still quite the sleeper. She LOVES babies, especially live ones but enjoys her pretend ones quite a bit. I am keeping her in the crib until she tries to get out or we move, which ever comes first. I am betting on her getting out, however she never wakes up on her own so she may be in it til she is three!!!! Just kiddding. I will give in eventually. All these stages are the last for me. I do not desire to be pregnant or have another baby- but I just wish I could hold on to the moments and keep them fresh in my mind from these two precious little people. They are fading way too fast! I love how they play so well together and truely do love each other, such great little friends they are. It is especially neat to watch this relationship to me because I do not have siblings. Just really special. She is possessive of Ty. She tells him she loves him frequently and gives him random hugs. She always runs to him first when in trouble or hurt! She has a special dog that she sleeps with everynight and refers to all blankets as 'night nights'! She loves to prentend cook. Also quite the little eater! She wakes up by first asking for Ty, next its I am hungry. Always requests a 'fuffin' and occassionally oatmeal!

Olivia's birthday was officially Sunday, was and always will be on Veterans Day! So nice for her someday, she will most likely always be off for her birthday! I remember that day so clearly and it just can't be two years ago. She recieved many nice things for her birthday. My parents were able to be here too which made it especially nice. She has a starter charm bracelet from Mommy and Daddy who are adding an appropriate charm for each year. This year she gets one with her full name and birthday on it. The actual bracelet is for the first year. I have one from growing up and am STILL adding to it! Its very special to me. I also have my grandmother's. It was a beautiful day and unseasonably warm which made for great fun outside! She shared cupcakes and treat sacks with her little class today.

TREAT NIGHT

Boy did Spider Man and Itsy Bitsy spider have fun at Treat Night! After we made our way through it all we sat and visited and Olivia sat and ate candy for an hour! That girl can put it away! Ty was trying to climb walls and spit webs at everyone. We had a great time getting to enjoy the season with Marli and Carson, two of our favorite people, and well of course their parents! TOO FUN!

FALL IS HERE!

Add some wings and a harp and he looks like a little angelic cupid! I love this precious boy! The big one too!

This is how I can tell...........my fall decorations outside my front door are BLOWN to smitthereeeeeens, its only reaching 58 degrees today, there are mini white pumpkins gracing my mantel and three varying sized orange ones at the hearth, and I dusted off my crockpot early this morning for tonight's dinner! This beautiful bouquet from my beautiful friend Reese, oh I mean Shauna, puts a real sense of the season on my table as well! Thanks sweet girl! Just thought I would share some pics of this past week. My kids are in the tent that Pop and Cita brought them on their last visit to see us. Boy do they love to hide out in there and eat snacks, look at books, and be silly together! Here they are enjoying their afternoon snack of popcorn! The other is of Trent and Ty asleep watching the cowboys on a Sunday afternoon! Only a few more weeks of golf and before we know it we will be celebrating Olivia's second birthday and then Thanksgiving! Where has the time gone??!!!

The kids are really enjoying their classes at school. Mine is better. Learning to manage so many shorties really has helped. I have gotten to know the people there a little better too which is also a lot more comfortable. I am looking to returning to my field though and would appreciate prayers for opportunity and confidence involving this desire. I would still like for my children to benefit from pre-school in a Bible setting and hope to contribute more financially to my family at the same time. I pray that God will make a way for that to happen. My mother is coming to visit this next Saturday and I am looking forward to enjoying that time with her. We are discussing lots of fun fall activities for during that time! Until next time.........

Crock pot recipe I found while blog-hopping:

four frozen chk breasts

2 c mexican corn

1 c kidney beans

1 c rotel (spicey)

1 c green chiles

I added a few cans for ck broth

Empty all cans over chicken

cooked for 8-10 hours, shredded ck after it cooked.

serve over rice or tortilla chips with shredded cheese on top and a dolop of sour cream... YUM!

Before and After Locks of Love

I have been letting my hair grow over the past year and finally reached the Ten inch mark! I have been looking forward to my October 15th appt. for quite some time! I actually contracted some type of virus either yesterday or the day before which put me in a very nausious state. I was in desperate need of hair maitenance (color) as well so after coming home to get sick and carried on to my appt.! Complete craziness! It was there that the chills and achiness hit. The girl doing my hair was too nice warming me up and getting me bottled water. I was so afraid I was going to get her sick as well but she said, "Hey I am wearing gloves and if your okay I am okay!" I am so glad I did because I LOVE my new do! I was able to come home and take a muscle-ache (best purchase ever from the spa on our cruise back in December) hot bath and when Trent got home I went to bed. It was a 24 hour flu bug and I am praying I did not pass it along to any of my kids yesterday or the teachers for that matter! I thought it was just because I over-ate the night before until it was more intense by the end of the day. Trent took the kids for me today and I stayed home in order not to infect others although I am feeling MUCH better. Now I just have to send the hair off! If you are interested in doing so you can get all the info you need at www.locksoflove.org

Thank you Trent!

The View.

Bum and Em (the expectant parents of twins!)

Hunter (Tina's oldest) and Olivia

Mommy and Ty, his freckles are catching up to ours!

I came home Thursday in tears for many reasons. Trent and I had some GREAT discussion which helped me to have a different perspective on many things. I really believe God uses him to do so. Sometimes I wonder how we make it being so incredibly opposite from one another, but then again.......I think its because we are so incredibly opposite from one another! I have had a rough go for the past few weeks and have really missed time with him. He has been gone four days out of every week since school started. This past weekend they were home and had an entire week in town! Trent has been very sensitive to the fact that it is hard to do a lot of things without him. With my new job situation its hard to spend time with friends with him being gone the time that I am not working. He made me feel VERY appreciated this past weekend.

My friend Shauna and I had a girlie date Friday night and went to a movie and then out for coffee. Thank you Trent and Cole for keeping your kids so we could enjoy each other! We enjoyed a movie with the Tech football team! We saw Valley of Elah, great movie but kind of a downer. We then went to Starbucks and had a great time visiting outside. The weather was so nice that night! The next day we were able to sleep in!!!!! I saw the clouds part as a chorus of HALLELUJAH rang in the background! We have finally trained Ty to get his own milk in the morning and I just went in and turned on the t.v. then returned to my husband until 10 A.M.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We then WOKE OLIVIA UP! Yes, our kids are complete opposites as well- in almost every way possible! We had coffee and watched t.v for a couple of hours. Then I got in the shower where he told me to hurry up b/c I needed to make my appt. for an HOUR AND A HALF MASSAGE!!!!! It was incredible!

He then surprised me with a double date with Tim and Em to the Tech homecoming football game. The really cool part about that is that we enjoyed the game in the Sprint/Alamosa (the company Trent used to work for) box at Jones Stadium! We had never been in a suite there before which was incredible. A wonderful meal and non stop snacks to boot!

The next day was church was so nice to attend with Trent! I love being able to worship together not to mention having an extra set of hands to carry backpacks in and get at least one kid to class! After brunch, we headed out to LCU to watch Shanon and Tina's softball girls play the Tech girls. Great beautiful day. Then evening service and dinner with the Meme and G. Just a wonderful weekend.

I can't tell you how much I appreciated not only a break but being pampered as well! As I walked upstairs to get my massage there was a sign that read, "The Quiet Zone." I couldn't stop smiling! I have an incredible husband for more reasons than I could list. Boy does he know me and meet my needs. Talk about filling up the love bank this weekend!

Jerrod Shelton

There is a precious family within our church family at Greenlawn that is in dire need of prayers. Some of you are in the area where they are undergoing medical counsel and treatment at the moment. It would be great if you were able to encourage them in person, all of their friends and familly are here. Jerry, the father works for United Foods here in Lubbock and his company flew this family on their company plane because of the emergency to get his child (a son in highschool at Lubbock Christian Schools) to Dallas on Friday. PLEASE read the specifics in the following and take just a second to pray for his son and this family.
Thursday morning a tumor was found in Jerrod Shelton’s brain; deep, near the brain stem. He was flown to Dallas and then transferred to Plano . Fluid has been removed from the spine and has been sent off for testing. They anticipate the results Monday. He is presently in ICU and will stay there a week. They are looking at Chemo and Radiation to reduce the size of the tumor and probable surgery about the middle of next week. If you want to email Jerrod, go to http://www.medicalcenterofplano.com/. Click on Patient. Go to Email Patient and follow the instructions. They will personally bring his emails to him.

Thank you,

Dad had a little bit of complication in his surgery and ended up having to spend the night in the hospital. Hopefully he will be home soon. Please continue to pray for him, he had a hard night and is still in quite a bit of pain. They are hoping for 80% pain free eventually! He was in a severe auto accident when in college and actually lost his best friend. This is an injury remaining in addition to a fall he had last month. Pray for a smooth road to recovery please. Thanks.

Prayer Request

Please pray for my Dad, Maurice Young, throughout the week and specifically Thursday. He will be having surgery on his shoulder. He should be home that evening. Pray that He be with the doctors performing the proceedure and that he recovers smoothly and quickly. Thank you~

Sweet Haylee's Birthday Tea Party!

This was the cutest and sweetest party I have ever been to! As mentioned before we went to Seminole last weekend to watch Hayden play football and then onto the party. Ty came with the girls because the big boys were playing football. He did great with all the girliness aside from asking if he could go with the boys about twenty times! We had such a great time celebrating this precious girl. Haylee is one sweet girl with a great sense of humor yet quiet spirit. How blessed we are to have her!

Blast that Ming Ming

Its Friday and the kids have watched T.V. all morning and I just have to say that the duck on Wonder Pets is driving me nuts with not being able to say those r's. Ming Ming disturbs me greatly. Okay, so I am a little irritable these days............

Well lots going on around here as usual! Trent was home a whole two and a half days this past week and will be gone for five! We did however make the most of those days. We were able to enjoy a dinner with some friends we have not seen in a while and Trent got some guy time in with Jon. Yesterday we did not have to be anywhere in the morning so we made Suzanne's famous orange ninnemon rolls ! They just always remind me of her because she loves them so much and I had never even heard of them before she introduced them to us several years ago on a Sunday night football night! Foods, smells, and music take me back to various places. We also watched the end of the movie we started the evening before, "We Are Marshall". Great movie but very sad!

We cooked together for lunch. Something we enjoy doing together and hardly ever are able to these days. We had baked talapia cajun style, roasted red potatoes and Trent fried up some zuchini and squash (my favorite!) and green salads. So tasty and minus the stick of butter in the potatoes, not too bad for the body! Afterward he put the kids down while I ran some errands and he finished packing. Two hours later we put him and his girls team on a plane and I cried pulling out of the airport. I am not a big crier, I hardly EVER do actually.

I think I am just allowing myself to become stressed out and I need to make the choice not to be. I hate it when he is gone even though I have had him all summer and will for two months after this fall season ends. I try to remind myself how this is so much better than when he was gone all year long for four days out of the week. Its just when I am in thick of it I lose sight of that. After basically working daycare all day I come home and drink three cups of coffee to gear up for dinner and bathtime and putting the kiddoes to bed. Then I hear Satan tell me I am too tired to get into The Word and the sad thing is I listen and believe him. I know that this is why I am feeling overwhelmed and I want to change this. I had about five minutes of quiet time in my bathroom yesterday doing the "Busy Mom's" devotional. Its nowhere near enough but its a start. I am getting back into prayer journaling again too.

The kids have a hard time when Dad is away also. They decide that its a free-for-all at home and develop a deaf ear to my instructions. Yesterday as I was coming home and the car was quiet I called Em to meet me for a coke at Sonic to catch up a bit. After two pit (field) stops for Ty and we were parked and she got in, Olivia turned into a different person and screamed at the top of her lungs the entire time. I got her out tried to give her some of my drink instead of hers, which was not satisfying to her, got back and disciplined her several times, nothing changed the circumstance so we were forced to leave. (I AM SO SORRY EMMY) This is not a rarity at my house when Trent is gone, yes ONLY when he is gone. This girl has developed quite the attitude and does not seem to understand that its not acceptable to scream at her mommy and tells me NO to lots of things. Last week Ty came up to me and proudly told me he colored on my coffee table! Whose kids are these??????????????????? Why can Trent just give a look or say it one time and work magic. If I ever pick up a phone the same type hysteria is set into action. It can be calm and normal for hours before but these things seem to set it off. Its like the phone turns into a giant sign saying GO WILD~

I kind of want to go wild myself! I will get somewhat of a break today as we are going with G and Meme and the Hays kids out to Seminole for Hayden's game and then onto Hobbs for Haylees 8th birthday! She is having a tea party with two other little girls. I need to go charge up my camera and get the house somewhat in order to trick my inlaws into thinking I have been keeping a neat house through all this! Yeah, the house is not going back on the market until Trent's season is over. I may even try to sqeeze in getting my fall decor up- that always makes me happy because its my favorite time of year! If I can just make it to Thanksgiving it will all be good! God give me courage, and I am scared to say patience, and help me to make good choices that can only glorify you. Have a great weekend everybody!

What is today coming to!

Okay, I did not write this, I got it off a bulletin from a 'myspace' friend. It was just too funny not to share. This is in no way to offend anyone, just classic. I have MANY similar stories from a Jack in the box drive through and Trent ordering at BBQ place in Las Colinas close to where we to live! The difference is the one at the end of this story not a change matter.

Last week I purchased a burger at Burger King for $1.58. The counter girl took my $2... and I was digging for my change. I pulled 8 cents from my pocket and gave it to her. She stood there, holding the nickel and 3 pennies, while looking at the screen on her register. I sensed her discomfort.... and tried to tell her to just give me two quarters, but she hailed the manager for help. While he tried to explain the transaction to her, she stood there and cried. Why do I tell you this? Because of the evolution in teaching math since the 1950s.

1. Teaching Math In 1950
A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is 4/5 of the price. What is his profit

2. Teaching Math In 1960
A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is 4/5 of the price, or $80. What is his profit?

3. Teaching Math In 1970
A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is $80. Did he make a profit?

4. Teaching Math In 1980
A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is $80 and his profit is $20. Your assignment: Underline the number 20

5. Teaching Math In 1990
A logger cuts down a beautiful forest because he is selfish and inconsiderate.... and cares nothing for the habitat of animals or the preservation of our woodlands. He does this so he can make a profit of $20. What do you think of this way of making a living? Topic for class participation after answering the question: How did the birds and squirrels feel as the logger cut down their homes? (There are no wrong answers.)

6. Teaching Math In 2007 Un hachero vende una carretada de maderapara $100. El costo de la producciones es $80. Cuanto dinero ha hecho?

No I am not racist toward hispanic people. I do believe however when you work in an area that the majority of the population speak english, it might be a good idea to learn it yourself. I always wonder how they don't get screwed on stuff themselves!

Olivia's napmat

For my family members who care:

Oops, here is the napmat! I forgot. I was going to have her little name monogrammed on the top part of the sheet in that turquoise color but waited until the Tuesday before school started and they said it would be two weeks before they could get it back to me. Maybe around Thanksgiving or something. Way to go Grandmom on the sewing! Trent's grandmother also helped me make Olivia's bedding, Ty's curtains, my kitchen curtains and the curtains in my bedroom. All of which will be going with me if anyone ever buys our house! She taught me my favorite hobby that I never have time to do, and hope to get back to sewing someday if I have the time and space to spread out. Have a great weekend!

First Day at a New School

All dressed for our first day.

Liv with a backpack! She is still snackin on some toast!

Well we are now into our second week of school. I think the kids are doing well and like their teachers. "it was just the first week!!" or so I keep telling myself. I have nine 18-24 month olds each day by myself. Most of them are closer to 18 months old. All sweet kids, just the hardest days work I have put in, in a real long time. I do not remember being this tired after pulling an all-nighter for a deadline when in design. I did however have to take the required CPR and health safety class Sunday after church and had the blessing of getting to know some of the other teachers better. One of these had my class last year and has switched to the babies this year. I have her son in my class all four days. She gave me a lot of encouragement and ideas that I think are going to make a big difference. I could tell I have freinds praying for me because today was a lot better. Well its bath time and I am beat and this is going to be the extent of my blogging for some time I think. Things are just too crazy right now. I do still believe that this is a blessing that we can all be together and at the same place four days a week, however I am exploring other options for the future. This is always a hard adjustment for our family with Dad traveling in addition to all this so please continue to keep our family in your prayers.