Well quite a bit has happened since I last blogged. My parents came to visit me for my birthday on Feb 12th. We were supposed to meet the next morning (my actual birthday) at Cracker Barrell for breakfast. When my mom called and said they could not make it I knew it was serious. My Dad was having trouble standing. I went over immediately and we took him to a walk in out patient care center. After 4 hours and several tests he was sent home with constipation. They were wrong to say the least. His pain and ability to hold himself up severely worsened and he was not able to move any extremeties by around 8. We were still thinking sever dehydration and pumping him full of liquid which he never did expell. That morning he went by ambulance to the ER, several hours later and the same tests later it was determined he had a massive spinal stroke. Three clots down his spinal column and one in his neck. He actually become quadraplegic. He was then taken to surgery (lasted FIVE hours) to remove the clots and had massive bleeding while doing so. The neurologist came out shaking his head saying it did not look like he would make it and advised us to stay at the hospitial. He said he would be surprised if he made it the next 12 hours. I prayed for God to prepare my heart to hand him over but also that if my dad could be the one to astound doctors and not be able to deny devine intervention, that I would love that as well. Well HE chose the latter! PRAISE HIM! The doctors were shocked and are still vocalizing this!! The neurologist said his arms were a loss but he may have mobility in his legs. This has turned out to be the opposite. He ended up spending 5 days in ICU and then moved to a regular room for two. He has since been moved to a rehabilitation hospital and has now been there five weeks. He does therapy all day every day and has regained quite a bit of movement in his arms and hands. Working on fingers. He has involuntary twitching in his legs and they have not responded as much. He has a power wheel chair now and will likely be there until the end of summer.
So it has ended well but with many adjustments. My parents have a second home here but their main residence is in Arlington Texas. My Dad has been outside once in over a month. He has a wonderful nursing staff but has had many night complications which have led to infection and prevented therapy the next day. This is where he needs prayers. He will most likely leave the hospital in a wheel chair. We are just glad he lived to do so. There will need to be major changes in vehicals, the house, bed, bathing, etc. As well as adding to my mother's role as wife AND caretaker. His spirits are high but he has his days.
It has been particularly hard to not be as involved as I would like due to me having my own family of three children one being a toddler. I wish I could be the one there every day making sure things were taken care of and keeping them on their toes. Thankfully my aunt who is retired has come to stay and balances out the time with my mother. My dad is only alone at night.
Baseball season has started back and I am doing the kid shuffle with piano and dance added to the mix everyday after school. I also still have my business which is going great. I have hired an assistant which has helped tremendously. There are alot of divine intricate details there that can only be the hand of God. I am still working part time at preschool, two afternoons a week. My husband regularly works 12 hour days. I am a bit tired. He is run down and so am I. We have had off and on winter and spring for the past month and we all have horrible allergies, ashma, etc. My three year old is the biggest challenge of my life. He brings me so much joy but much frustration as well. I am a firm parent. It doesn't work!! I think he needs more of my individual time and his dad but its just not possible right now. Lots of challenges going on right now.
Not quite the blog that most people follow! No original home decor posts or inspirational message here! Just begging for prayers. I have realized that its the simple things that bring happiness. My dishwasher is out and although I am doing more dishes than I EVER have, it gives me a lot of time to think, meditate, pray. My Dad's situation made me realize how much I take for granted. I remember coming back for an hour and a half b/c they made us leave ICU. We went back to their house and I sat in his big green chair and saw his slippers and glasses and just lost it. Thinking he won't ever wear thoses again. Well he just might now. Every time my legs are sore, I am thankful.
My dad's name is Maurice. He is a sweet man and the only one that ever read this blog. Please take a moment to pray for him. Pray for my mother Cheryl, and my aunt Martha as they devote their days to him. Pray that I can balance this crazy life and be the daughter he needs me to be right now. I am the only child. Thank you if you came here and read this far!
Wednesday, April 03, 2013
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Saturday, February 09, 2013
Its been ahwhile!
Well, I am super glad I have this little blog now with lots of pictures on it because soon after my last post my computer crashed :( All I have had is my phone and its just not real easy to blog on.
I had the blessing of being given an older laptop and will try to keep this thing up.
The MAIN reason for my lack of posts is my little business sort of exploded. I have had more work than I can do in my time to do it. Its not been extremely lucrative yet but its better than just my little preschool gig. My pregnancy with Levi is the first thing I ever completely handed over to God. This would be the second. Its amazing how much easier things are when you do that, however I don't know why its so hard to do and why I haven't done it in the past. He definately has provided the opportunity.
Its been a struggle to juggle the business, still working two afternoons at preschool, and keeping a home, being a good wife and mother. I am beyond stretched. In a lot of ways I wish I did not have the pressure to have to contribute financially. At the same time I feel blessed to be able to do so. Its just alot to handle at times.
Catch up-
Ty had his 9th birthday on December 9th. I will load pics from the phone soon. We had it at a park where he had invited several boys to come play 'Capture The Flag'. We had cake and hot chocolate too. My friend that made Livi's cake made his as well, it was Lego Ninjago.It was byond cool! He had a blast. That was the weekend after his birthday.
Christmas was good in some ways! The bad thing was we still had no flooring, so no tree. Lots of nasty white dust for 2 months! The other bad thing was that my children were all sick, one... after... the... other. Ty had an upper respiratory infection Christmas day. Then Levi got the flu a few days later, then Olivia. It was also snowy and really cold the majority of the holiday. My parents came and we could not even see them for the first few days because we did not want to expose them to all the sickness. Miraculously, Trent and I never got any of it!
January was better. Slowly got back to work and took on another client, a kitchen remodel. Finished up a corporate job, and still working with a new house construction. I did a ton of Christmas decorating in the fall which was good.
February has been busy and expensive. We have Olivia's dance rectital stuff due next week, Ty has baseball try outs for a different league, and Levi's registration is due for preschool next year. I turn 39 next Wednesday and then Valentines, both of which will probably be pretty low key with all the $$ going out!! Not like its ever not anyway but especially now. My parents are coming back tomorrow and I can't wait. I have really been missing them. Hoping for a date night too if possible. We need one BAD even if its a coke at sonic!
Well there you have it, my exciting life in a nutshell. Not that I expect readers but its nice to document things for my kids to look back on one day. I need to share some individual stories... LOTS in my mind right now but its late and time for bed. Maybe later. I am soaking these moments up. They are precious to me and I feel blessed to have the flexibilty to earn money and be with them when they are out of school. They are all at really neat ages right now. Family and home are my absolute favorite things EVER.
I had the blessing of being given an older laptop and will try to keep this thing up.
The MAIN reason for my lack of posts is my little business sort of exploded. I have had more work than I can do in my time to do it. Its not been extremely lucrative yet but its better than just my little preschool gig. My pregnancy with Levi is the first thing I ever completely handed over to God. This would be the second. Its amazing how much easier things are when you do that, however I don't know why its so hard to do and why I haven't done it in the past. He definately has provided the opportunity.
Its been a struggle to juggle the business, still working two afternoons at preschool, and keeping a home, being a good wife and mother. I am beyond stretched. In a lot of ways I wish I did not have the pressure to have to contribute financially. At the same time I feel blessed to be able to do so. Its just alot to handle at times.
Catch up-
Ty had his 9th birthday on December 9th. I will load pics from the phone soon. We had it at a park where he had invited several boys to come play 'Capture The Flag'. We had cake and hot chocolate too. My friend that made Livi's cake made his as well, it was Lego Ninjago.It was byond cool! He had a blast. That was the weekend after his birthday.
Christmas was good in some ways! The bad thing was we still had no flooring, so no tree. Lots of nasty white dust for 2 months! The other bad thing was that my children were all sick, one... after... the... other. Ty had an upper respiratory infection Christmas day. Then Levi got the flu a few days later, then Olivia. It was also snowy and really cold the majority of the holiday. My parents came and we could not even see them for the first few days because we did not want to expose them to all the sickness. Miraculously, Trent and I never got any of it!
January was better. Slowly got back to work and took on another client, a kitchen remodel. Finished up a corporate job, and still working with a new house construction. I did a ton of Christmas decorating in the fall which was good.
February has been busy and expensive. We have Olivia's dance rectital stuff due next week, Ty has baseball try outs for a different league, and Levi's registration is due for preschool next year. I turn 39 next Wednesday and then Valentines, both of which will probably be pretty low key with all the $$ going out!! Not like its ever not anyway but especially now. My parents are coming back tomorrow and I can't wait. I have really been missing them. Hoping for a date night too if possible. We need one BAD even if its a coke at sonic!
Well there you have it, my exciting life in a nutshell. Not that I expect readers but its nice to document things for my kids to look back on one day. I need to share some individual stories... LOTS in my mind right now but its late and time for bed. Maybe later. I am soaking these moments up. They are precious to me and I feel blessed to have the flexibilty to earn money and be with them when they are out of school. They are all at really neat ages right now. Family and home are my absolute favorite things EVER.
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Thursday, November 01, 2012
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
AND... back to crazy!!!
The design business is picking up. Mostly the Holiday side but picking up new residential clients as well added to the on-going two I have been working with. I was painting a ceiling medallion Thursday at a client's home. I had to leave because I ran out of paint. I had not eaten anything that day and was going to run home and grab some bread with peanut butter before picking my two year old up at PDO. That is when it alll began.....
I walked into my kitchen hearing water spray and seeing a floor with pooled water in the center. Looked under my sink and water flowed out the cabinets. I thought it was my RO system and called Culligan first. They sent someone out the moment they got my call and then walked me through the valve shut offs. Did all that, water still running. I turned off the water at the wall. HUGE shout out to Culligan man- the valve had corroded and he had the tools on his truck to change it out. He also brought in a shop vac and fan. This was not even their issue. So we thought we were on the way to recovery. Ummm...... NO.
I walked in the living room and as I put pressure of my foot on the floor water came through the grooves of the planks of my wood laminate flooring. It was also running under the wall in common with the kitchen and living room. I called the Culligan man off and had to call in the big dogs. DANG.
Long story short, they had to rip out all flooring and run 12 industrial drying units as well as 3 HUGE (size of outdoor a/c Units) de-humidifiers that hoses running into sinks in every bathroom. This lasted FIVE DAYS.
We are now back in our house after a hotel stay, that I have to say was not that hard on me! No cooking or cleaning for FIVE DAYS! Returning home however has made my stomache turn. Everything is displaced. We are living on concrete. Went from no shoes in the house to don't take your shoes off til your getting in bed! It will probably be a month before we have flooring due to the insurance and ordering, getting in, and installing new flooring.
Where I could use your prayers:
1. Was supposed to have a cooking party for my daughter here in two weeks... thinking it will probably actually be better with concrete floors but there is some stress involved there.
2. The place we bought our flooring is no longer here. Matching the old is important because we cannot afford to replace flooring in the bedrooms. Otherwise it would not matter. Pray we get a fair price for what we lost.
3. This has been especially fun with my toddler who cannot seem to keep his shoes on, and falls all the time.
4. Prayer of Thanksgiving. This is so much easier to deal with than something like a fire or to where we lost unreplaceable items or someone could have been hurt. Thankful we HAVE insurance that is good. Its a pain and inconvenient but a spec in the grand scheme of things. IT is setting us back financially with our deductable and out of pocket expenses that have to wait to be re-imbursed. We are THANKFUL that we have jobs and can scrape by in the mean time. We are THANKFUL for family and friends who stepped up and helped us with our kids on Thursday and Friday and for blessing us in areas that I can not share. God is good ALL THE TIME.
I walked into my kitchen hearing water spray and seeing a floor with pooled water in the center. Looked under my sink and water flowed out the cabinets. I thought it was my RO system and called Culligan first. They sent someone out the moment they got my call and then walked me through the valve shut offs. Did all that, water still running. I turned off the water at the wall. HUGE shout out to Culligan man- the valve had corroded and he had the tools on his truck to change it out. He also brought in a shop vac and fan. This was not even their issue. So we thought we were on the way to recovery. Ummm...... NO.
I walked in the living room and as I put pressure of my foot on the floor water came through the grooves of the planks of my wood laminate flooring. It was also running under the wall in common with the kitchen and living room. I called the Culligan man off and had to call in the big dogs. DANG.
Long story short, they had to rip out all flooring and run 12 industrial drying units as well as 3 HUGE (size of outdoor a/c Units) de-humidifiers that hoses running into sinks in every bathroom. This lasted FIVE DAYS.
We are now back in our house after a hotel stay, that I have to say was not that hard on me! No cooking or cleaning for FIVE DAYS! Returning home however has made my stomache turn. Everything is displaced. We are living on concrete. Went from no shoes in the house to don't take your shoes off til your getting in bed! It will probably be a month before we have flooring due to the insurance and ordering, getting in, and installing new flooring.
Where I could use your prayers:
1. Was supposed to have a cooking party for my daughter here in two weeks... thinking it will probably actually be better with concrete floors but there is some stress involved there.
2. The place we bought our flooring is no longer here. Matching the old is important because we cannot afford to replace flooring in the bedrooms. Otherwise it would not matter. Pray we get a fair price for what we lost.
3. This has been especially fun with my toddler who cannot seem to keep his shoes on, and falls all the time.
4. Prayer of Thanksgiving. This is so much easier to deal with than something like a fire or to where we lost unreplaceable items or someone could have been hurt. Thankful we HAVE insurance that is good. Its a pain and inconvenient but a spec in the grand scheme of things. IT is setting us back financially with our deductable and out of pocket expenses that have to wait to be re-imbursed. We are THANKFUL that we have jobs and can scrape by in the mean time. We are THANKFUL for family and friends who stepped up and helped us with our kids on Thursday and Friday and for blessing us in areas that I can not share. God is good ALL THE TIME.
Saturday, October 20, 2012
Crazy to Lazy
Last week was a doozy of one. Was hardly able to work on anything design related and things at our pre-school were not so great. LOTS of illness, with teachers AND kids, a major kid situation, all the while we had Scholastic Bookfair and our big fundraising spaghetti dinner Thursday night, also the night my husband left town for a golf trip in Ruidoso. Usual afterschool activities and homework left me feeling exhausted.
The amazing thing is that everything went rather smoothly despite all the circumstance. Our director was out and the assistant stepped up to the plate and handled everything with a smile and incredible grace. I managed to keep my cool and find joy in interacting with so many through the fair and dinner. My house however suffered tremendously. I hardly stepped foot in it except to sleep, and my room to the major brunt of it. Feeling guilty about not fixing that as I type!! Laundry got done at night but its clean ALL OVER MY ROOM! I am not able to spend ANY amount of time in there with out Levi following me and getting into stuff. So I leave it and run b/c I don't want it in my living room!
The best part of my week was last night when my daughter left for a slumber party and my two good girl friends came over to enjoy a pappa murphy's meditteranean pizza ( MY FAVORITE) and a little wine on the back porch with wonderful catch up conversation which was only interuppted a few times from the boys who mostly watch tv in their room. I just don't get that enough. I am not one who likes to have a girl's night out so much, but I absolutely adore a girls night in!
The Design business is taking off slowly. I have partially finished one clients entry and dining and am working online with another and been introduced to several builders who have sent business my way. I am hoping to get involved in holiday decorating and there is a strong possibility I will be involved in our town's Parade of Homes tour next June. Its rolling and I feel like I have no time!
I'll leave you with some more fun fall pics and a preview of my shared boys room which is almost complete with the exception of hung drapery and wall art.
The amazing thing is that everything went rather smoothly despite all the circumstance. Our director was out and the assistant stepped up to the plate and handled everything with a smile and incredible grace. I managed to keep my cool and find joy in interacting with so many through the fair and dinner. My house however suffered tremendously. I hardly stepped foot in it except to sleep, and my room to the major brunt of it. Feeling guilty about not fixing that as I type!! Laundry got done at night but its clean ALL OVER MY ROOM! I am not able to spend ANY amount of time in there with out Levi following me and getting into stuff. So I leave it and run b/c I don't want it in my living room!
The best part of my week was last night when my daughter left for a slumber party and my two good girl friends came over to enjoy a pappa murphy's meditteranean pizza ( MY FAVORITE) and a little wine on the back porch with wonderful catch up conversation which was only interuppted a few times from the boys who mostly watch tv in their room. I just don't get that enough. I am not one who likes to have a girl's night out so much, but I absolutely adore a girls night in!
The Design business is taking off slowly. I have partially finished one clients entry and dining and am working online with another and been introduced to several builders who have sent business my way. I am hoping to get involved in holiday decorating and there is a strong possibility I will be involved in our town's Parade of Homes tour next June. Its rolling and I feel like I have no time!
I'll leave you with some more fun fall pics and a preview of my shared boys room which is almost complete with the exception of hung drapery and wall art.
This is a friend's table for a party I helped with. She had all the stuff and I just put it together and added ribbons and rafia.
Monday, October 08, 2012
Ahhhh
My parents are in town so I was able to have some time to myself while they spent it with the rugrats! Got some decorationg done, laundry, and projects accomplished. Here are some of them....
I love Fall SO much that I only do Halloween that is easily removed to stay up through Thanks giving. I can thank my mom for all the fun little spider, bat, and owl silhouettes- she got them at Dollar Tree of allplaces!! SO fun! My decorative gene comes from her for sure!
Thursday, October 04, 2012
Monday, September 24, 2012
Design Business!
I still do the preschool thing twice a week and have been working on building a business the other two that I don't have children with me. Its only been two weeks but I have been able to do some research and marketing and expose myself to the latest in residential design. I had the opportunity to work on some offices at my husband's company last spring. I have a few things to finish up there and then will have them photographed. I am currently working with a friend on two areas in her home and have done two consultations. Its coming....
I am hoping to do anything and everything from rearranging someone's shelves and putting up seasonal decor, all the way to a full room design. We are at a turning point to where I need to be contributing more financially to my family. I hesitate to work for someone because of my fear that it will impede on my role as a wife and a mother. I need to be flexible at the same time in order to be there for those who mean most to me.
So far its been good but crazy. My house has suffered and projects have been put on hold as well as I am making less in getting started. That is the frustrating part. I am trusting God on this one. I know its either going to be a success or a major life lesson and both will benefit me greatly! I would appreciate any prayers!
I have a portfolio uploaded as well as give discounts and design advice on my facebook page- Lisa Phillips Interiors.
Stop by and 'like' the page if you get a moment! Now that I oddly have the ablility to post pictures again I may do a design blog as well. I am a little hesitant to do that b/c of Pinterest. I do not want to be pinable. We'll see!
If you are even reading this its a true miracle! I am sure nobody heads this way anymore since I had let it go for so long!
Friday, July 27, 2012
Thursday, July 19, 2012
HELP PLEEEEEEASE IM BEGGING!
I no longer have the option to post pictures. Can ANYONE help me?? I left a message with Blogger but no response. What are my other options for starting a blog??
Friday, July 13, 2012
Potty Training
It can take over your life. From the moment I found out I was pregnant I was dreading this day. I have a smart little booger and thought it would be a breeze. He has gone on the potty several times before. Just hit or miss. I got the Lori Jensen book from my friend Holly who used it with her little boy and it worked like a charm for her and eventually me. Its a Three Day Training Method. Basically You are by their side 24/7 for three days. FULL ON UNDERWEAR. All positive communication. I explained about how wet or poopy underwear is YUCK and DRY is GOOD! You do not even ask if you need to go potty but instead, are you dry? The whole emphasis is to help them to know their body and when to tell you. You can not leave because you have to catch an accident while its happening and regardless take it to the toilet. My parents kept my older two for this to happen which was a TREMENDOUS help. It was exhausting. I hated it. I thought I was going to die. But here we are on Friday and have had a two days without an accident. Until about thirty minutes ago a poop one. For some reason he has decided he does not want to do that on the potty anymore. UGH. Its a process and there are going to be occasssional accidents but no wet ones in three days! Has woken up dry as well. Here is my week in pictures....
at first we did not have underwear so we used sister's white panties that she had outgrown... dont hate me later Levi!
Soon after this pic he decided he did not like that seat anymore. It actually works better without to point down and he is a good balancer!
He was embarassed when I took his picture. How does he at 27 months old know to be?!
This was actually taken the first day right when we got the underwear. We have now been through 13 pair.
The deal is they are in a tshirt and underwear the whole time until they stay dry. We did a lot of playing outside.
We did venture out yesterday for lunch and play at McDonalds with friends. I was scared to death!!! I packed four outfits with clean underwear! My Mr. Regular now is not and I just knew it would hit there. He told me twice for tee tee and we made it all the way back home dry! I am not looking forward to visiting EVERY RESTROOM EVER.. but it will be easier on the pocket book!
at first we did not have underwear so we used sister's white panties that she had outgrown... dont hate me later Levi!
Soon after this pic he decided he did not like that seat anymore. It actually works better without to point down and he is a good balancer!
He was embarassed when I took his picture. How does he at 27 months old know to be?!
This was actually taken the first day right when we got the underwear. We have now been through 13 pair.
The deal is they are in a tshirt and underwear the whole time until they stay dry. We did a lot of playing outside.
We did venture out yesterday for lunch and play at McDonalds with friends. I was scared to death!!! I packed four outfits with clean underwear! My Mr. Regular now is not and I just knew it would hit there. He told me twice for tee tee and we made it all the way back home dry! I am not looking forward to visiting EVERY RESTROOM EVER.. but it will be easier on the pocket book!
Tuesday, July 03, 2012
What I am doing on my summer vacation....
Well the last week of school I painted my bathroom an elephant shade of gray.. warm. also known as Better Homes and Gardens Stoney Earthware...
Next up is my first experience with chalk paint. I love it! However, next time I will be making my own instead of paying $35 for a small can of it. Still a great deal since I painted SIX chairs with it and still have a quarter of the can left.. but DANG. I have now distressed four of them and will have to give a pic of the entire room after the mess is clear :)
Next up is the boys room! My projects take FOREVER. I only have a bits of time here and there with having three children at home, and then there is that thing called laundry and they constantly ask to be fed....Anyhoo. Here are some pics of thus far
Chairs before
Bathroom Before
Bathroom After
That last pic, was the inspiration piece for the room. I loved that color in the mat of the frame. The rugs on the floor also have a touch of warm gray. There is another vanity to the right as you walk in that I did not picure. I decided the new color really brings out the richness of the armoire I moved in from our room, as well as that dark red accent color we have going on. and makes all the trim pop. This room is not finished. I would really like to frame out the mirrors in some wood molding. Trying to decide between an espresso color or black. Any input is welcome :) Also may do a dark espresso finish in the creases of the wood on the vanity.
Next up is my first experience with chalk paint. I love it! However, next time I will be making my own instead of paying $35 for a small can of it. Still a great deal since I painted SIX chairs with it and still have a quarter of the can left.. but DANG. I have now distressed four of them and will have to give a pic of the entire room after the mess is clear :)
Next up is the boys room! My projects take FOREVER. I only have a bits of time here and there with having three children at home, and then there is that thing called laundry and they constantly ask to be fed....Anyhoo. Here are some pics of thus far
Chairs before
Bathroom Before
Bathroom After
That last pic, was the inspiration piece for the room. I loved that color in the mat of the frame. The rugs on the floor also have a touch of warm gray. There is another vanity to the right as you walk in that I did not picure. I decided the new color really brings out the richness of the armoire I moved in from our room, as well as that dark red accent color we have going on. and makes all the trim pop. This room is not finished. I would really like to frame out the mirrors in some wood molding. Trying to decide between an espresso color or black. Any input is welcome :) Also may do a dark espresso finish in the creases of the wood on the vanity.