Thankful Thursday!

What a week! I don't usually say this, but I'm glad it is almost over. I have so much to be thankful for, but this week I've let the little things really get me down, and I'm ready for a change of attitude and scenery. Looking foward to my cousin's daughter's wedding on Saturday. That will get us out of town and away from the chaos of this crazy house for a while!

They have given me a job to do at this wedding. Serve Punch. Jack says that because of my ability to serve some pretty crappy dinners, he would keep me away from the food, but he thinks he can trust me with punch. Oh boy, just wait till you see how I can screw up a bowl of punch, lol!!!! Don't say I didn't warn ya.....Just kidding Kim!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm honored to help and can't wait to see these two love birds tie the knot!!!!!! Will you be posting a Facebook status update from the alter? Just wondering, lol!!

I don't like to complain, especially because my hubby is working sooo hard to get this house finished, but I'm really feeling overwhelmed by all the EXTRA clutter and mess right now. Bobby's bedroom is in the living room along with all of the eBay stuff, and Sarah's doing good to be able to squeeze through a tiny path to make her way to the kitchen!! I know that this too shall pass, and I keep trying to remind myself of that. All I know is I NEVER want to undergo another BIG project in this house as long as I live. New paint and furniture will do me just fine from here on out, lol!!!! Ok, enough about that, I don't want to get all blahhh again, let's move on!!

Since the last time I blogged:

Bobby got his job back at Great Dane!!!! Yay, another glorious miracle from our Lord and Saviour! One whole year we prayed about that job, fussed about that job, and almost gave up on that job but God is faithful!!!!!! He got his insurance reinstated right away, and he's back with his bestest friend!!! Now if Brandon would just stop trying to convince Bobby to move in with him, we'd be all set!!!!! Doesn't that boy know just how close Bobby is to FINALLY having a GREAT big bedroom?????? I don't think he's going anywhere for a while, lol!!!!!!

Sarah got final clearance from her last doctor, the plastic surgeon. He said NO MORE SURGERY! Thank you thank you thank you Lord!!!! He also said we should go to him for pressure sores and not mess around with PCP's who have no idea how to treat them in most cases. Thank you Lord again. That was what we were talking about on the way to her appointment. Wondering who we were supposed to go to now, not wanting to go to the PCP, and never even thinking it would be him!!!!!

Rob and I have starting attending the Lifetime Covenant Marriage classes at Church. They are AWESOME!!! Mark and Catherine do a great job! So far we've played with Playdough, watched Barney and Andy Griffith, and wrote our mates a love letter!!!! Oh what fun!! Here's a plug: If you want a FUN and life changing experience with your mate, head on over to the Enon Church of God on Sundays at 5:00. It's open to anyone, and it's very casual, laid back, fun and informative!!!!

Jeez Rebel, I coulda went all day without smelling that!!!! You made me lose my train of thought............anyhoo

Bobby's room is looking amazing, and I'm so thankful that Rob has been able to take lots of time off this week to work on it! The drywall is up, the old carpet is up, new doors are in, now we just have to pick out his wood floor, which we haven't been able to agree on yet!! We also don't agree on room color. I want taupe cause I think it would look awesome with all his camo bedding, but he wants white, and alas it is HIS room Crystal, so put your big girl panties on and deal with it!!!!!

As far as my resolutions go, oh don't even go there!!!! Stress eating has been my friend this week. Yes, I know exercise is a great stress reliever, but trying to find my gazelle in all the clutter is even more stressful, so..........I really need to work on getting the clutter out. The bad thing is Mom and I are cleaning out and storing things up for a yard sale in the spring. That means more clutter until the sale, grrrrrr!!!!!!! It never seems to end. Why do I keep going back to this? I guess this is my ugly cross to bear this week!!!!

Let me make a conscious effort to think about what I'm thankful for this week:

My family, who puts up with me through the mood swings.

My wonderful hubby who holds me at night until he's sure I'm okay, cause he says he can't sleep until I am. I love you baby!!!

My mother, who makes life easier by going above and beyond what she's paid to do at my house!! Where would I be without you?????

My Church family, just being in God's house lifts me up! I have a wonderful Church and thank God for the way He's moving among His people!!

My eBay job, even though stressful the last couple of weeks, sales have been steady and great!

That everybody is back to work which gives me some alone time during the day. I sure did miss that, and it's nice to have it back, even if I'm still just working while they're gone!!!

That Bobby came back to Church Sunday!!! For the longest time there was not much there for kids his age, but that's starting to change, and I'm thankful he honored God for answering his prayer about the job by coming back!!!

Oh my, look at the time! Gotta run take Sarah to work now. I have sooo much more to be thankful for, but I'll stop for now!

Take time today to count your blessings! It really does help to bring you out of the blues when you think about all you have been blessed with instead of what you don't have for a change! And don't forget to pray for the people of Haiti, and help out if you can! God called us to service for others ya know :-)

Love and Joy to you!!!!!!

Crystal :-)

Thankful for my Mom this Thursday!!!

Today is Thankful Thursday of course, and I have so much to be thankful for, but most of all I really want to thank my Mom for all the help she has given us over the last few months!!

Sure, she gets paid to work with Sarah. It's her "job". But she has gone sooo far above and beyond what she has been paid to do. She has been there for us no matter what time of day or how long each day we have needed her. She doesn't get paid when Sarah goes into the hospital, but she was there every day as Nanny, not caretaker!!! Just like she has ALWAYS been! In every hospitalization, she is right there to stay with us and keep us company, or to stay with Sarah so I can go home for a few hours.

A lot of times, she is Sarah's voice when things aren't going good. She has NO problem telling nurses and doctors when Sarah is having a problem and she thinks they aren't doing something fast enough!!! When Sarah hurts, she cries right along with her. She has the patience of a saint, because contrary to popular belief, Sarah can have a bit of an attitude (like most girls her age)! Mom tries to take it with a grain of salt most of the time. She keeps her cool when she'd really like to "give it right back to her", lol!!!

This next week is a VERY busy week for everybody, being the week of Christmas. We have TWO days of Drs. appointments in Richmond next week. Mom will have company coming in on Sunday, and yet she is still going to those appointments with us. Honestly, I don't know how she does it all. I wish I had half of her energy. Maybe this is her secret: Power Naps, lol!!!

Sometimes we work her to the point of exhaustion!!!
She's gonna kill me for this one!!!!!!!!!!

Our family NEVER could have gone on this journey without the help of my Mom. Well, I guess we could have, but I can't imagine how hard it would have been. And I can't forget Dad, who brings Mom to the hospital every day, and comes for every surgery even though he doesn't like hospitals.


They are the most amazing parents in the world, and I'm so lucky they are mine!!! Okay, I'm crying now, but it's sooo true!
I love them so much just because of who they are and how awesome they are, but they have just gone above and beyond their duties as parents and grandparents. How blessed we are to have them as our own!!!!!!

I love you Mommy! I thank God for giving me such a wonderful Mom and Friend!! May God bless us with many more years to walk this crazy but awesome life together!!!!

Her children arise up, and call her blessed:
Proverbs 31:28

Thankful Thursday

Thank God it's Thursday! This has been one busy week, but a great week. Because things are so hairy still (my own fault, I'll explain later), I've decided to combine my two blogs again this week. Maybe things will calm down in January? One can dream.....

For Today:

Outside My Window: I'm waiting for the sun to come up. I have tons of stuff to bring in from the shed to ship this morning and I don't want to slip down the ramp and break another ankle or step in doggy doo, so I have to wait till sunrise!!

I am thinking: Once again, I'm thinking: What was I thinking? I put a ton of items on auction at one time, and 52 of them sold. So now I have 52 items to ship out at one time. Am I crazy? Yep, but I just wanted to get this stuff out of here!

I am thankful for: so much!! The fact that they changed Sarah's meds to just one IV twice a day! Hallelujah!! Last night I went to bed around 9:30 and slept all night. Praise God!!! I don't have to wake her up at 6:00 in the morning anymore. The only problem with it right now is that the new med makes her nauseous. If it continues, they will give her something for it tomorrow. They took her off of the other meds just in time. They were causing her white blood count to drop. The doctor said those meds were not her friend anymore!!! I'm thankful that she is going to try to make it to her church and mine this week! It's still takes a lot of time to get her ready, so this will be a challenge, but one we are sooooo ready for!!! I'm thankful I was able to do everything for Sarah's little family party last night, even though I felt like my Dinners: crappy, lol!!! By the end of the night, whatever I had passed, and it all worked out. God is sooo good!!!

From the Kitchen: Well, lets see: we have mexican leftovers from dinner last night. Pizza leftovers from lunch yesterday. Hardee's Chicken and french fries & onion rings leftover from the party last night (Grandmother brought them at Sarah's request!!) Two kinds of cake leftover cause Sarah gets her favorite for her birthday which is chocolate, but everybody else likes the white cake, so she's the only one who always gets two cakes every year!!!!! leftover chips and 2 kinds of dip which I forgot to even set out last night since there was so much food. So........I think that pretty much takes care of lunch and dinner today. I won't be cooking till I can get all that mess out of my fridge!!!!

I am hoping: That Bobby gets Johnny's truck inspected and running soon. I forgot I have international items to ship out today, and Bobby has to have my van to be at work at 10. The post office doesn't open till 10, so I'm out of luck. I could take him to work, but nah, I'm not THAT desperate, lol!!!!! Oh yea, by the way, Bobby's newest buy is his uncle Johnny's truck. Johnny is not able to drive anymore due to his MS, and Bobby needed a vehicle fast until he can find what he really wants (the F-150 hasn't worked out yet cause the seller didn't have the title!!), so they helped each other out. The only problem is Bobby is a wheeler dealer, and nobody wants to see him sell Johnny's truck, even though it will have to happen eventually. There are too many memories and emotions tied up in that truck, and it's soo sad that Johnny has to give it up.

I am reading: Well, in all honesty, I've only been able to read Through the Bible in a Year and a few online devotions lately. Just been too busy to keep up with even our couples devotions. Since Rob and I are on such different schedules, it's hard to sit down together the last couple of weeks. We've just fallen in the bed exhausted at the end of the day. BUT.....we've already said we will be able to get back to them tonight now that I don't have to stay up late anymore. Yippeeeee!!!!!!

I am creating: Nothing. Please. I don't want to have to think or create anything today. Thank you very much. LOL

I am praying: That we'll get a good report from the Plastic Surgeon next week. That Sarah's nausea will go away. That we'll be able to attend some Church activities without too much problem. That Sarah forgives me for buying her an Argyle sweater for her birthday! (Had to be there!!! I LOVE Argyle, but apparently I'm the only one in the family that does, lol).

I am hearing: Absolutely nothing. Isn't that nice?

One of my favorite things: Sleep, just being honest.

Around the house: I have lots to do, so I gotta get busy!

A few plans for the rest of the week: Post Office tomorrow, maybe a little shopping, Church this weekend.

Devotional: December is all about gifts. Nothing but gifts....Gifts tied with heartstrings. Gifts that surprise and delight. Gifts that transform the mundane into the miraculous. Gifts that nurture the souls of both the giver and given. Perfect gifts. God has given us two hands: one to receive with and the other to give with. Open your arms wide to receive God's perfect gifts of salvation, forgiveness, faith, trust, comfort, peace, compassion, and courage. Then share your gifts with others. This is what Christmas is all about. God gave us the perfect gift of His Son. Share that gift with others this Christmas. Watch...and see what happens.
Here is the picture I am sharing: I can't believe I didn't take any pictures of Sarah last night, but I wasn't feeling good and we were so busy watching my brotherand his family watching Sarah on webcam and I just forgot.

God is Great!!!!!

Cousin Jimmy from Georgia

Vicki and Pastor Collier

This man has been a great source of comfort & strength for Sarah!!

Awesome card from Naomi in California!!

Sarah's favorite Food Service worker at St. Francis. He sang to her every time he brought her tray in, and came by just to say goodbye before she left! He was AWESOME!!!

It's 9:00 Thursday night, first night after surgery. I've decided to blog a little at a time. Partly to keep everybody informed, and partly just to help me remember what all of these Doctors say.

So, what I write up here could change by the time you get to the bottom of the blog!! That seems to be the way things have been going. One tells you one thing and another tells you something totally different.

The bad news today was that they had to take the whole top of the hip out, but the good news is that she can still sit up, maybe with some adaptive equipment. They will get her up tomorrow see how that works out.

I have to say that I have never been as freaked out by any of her surgeries as I have this one. This makes number 18, and I've gotten pretty used
to seeing all sorts of things, but I just couldn't bear to look at this one. When I first went in to her room, I thought I was gonna to pass out, I was so nervous. When we couldn't cath her and had to call special nurses in, I had to sit down while they worked on her. The one nurse was leaning all over her and putting her weight on that hip, and it just made me sick, even though I knew Sarah couldn't feel it. That's the blessing in all of this, she has no feeling from the waist down, so she is not in any pain, except for the extra IV line they put in her shoulder and a bad headache.

I finally did look at the surgical site, and it's not as bad as I had envisioned. The hip incision has about 12 stitches, and they had to make the actual pressure sore a little bigger, but it was small on the outside to start with, so it's not that bad. That didn't worry me as much as the fact that her leg was laying in a position it had never been able to lay in before. That was VERY freaky!

I still have a little problem with the leg. I'm just not used to it being so loose and moving in odd ways. But we both were really worried that there was going to be some type of disfiguring "hole" where her hip was, and that's not the case. To look at her, it looks the same as usual. PRAISE GOD!!!!!

Today is Saturday, 2 days after surgery. My what a change in our outlook!! God has moved mountains and performed miracles (again), and we are soooo thankful!!!!!!!!!! Sarah can sit up, she can move around in the bed by herself, she even transferred off the bed with a little assistance (that's normal for right after surgery). Even though things were so touch and go for a while, it's actually been one of the easier surgeries for her because it was below her line of feeling, so she's had no pain associated with the surgery.

There have been so many questions and uncertainties, but the major ones have proven to be no contest for God. The last test will be sitting in the wheelchair. Hopefully she won't need any adaptive devices, but if she does, we can deal with it now, knowing that that's the worst of her problems!! We had asked that nobody visit until we had more answers and were more comfortable with dealing with the outcome of the surgery, and I think that time has come. Sarah was talking everybody's ears off tonight, and texting all of her Facebook buddies. She says she's ready for company!!

She's doing well enough that she let me come home today to wash clothes, ship out eBay stuff, and post this blog. Even though my store was on "Vacation", I've still sold a ton of stuff. The only difference was that they got a notice that I wouldn't be able to ship out right away. Thank God I had that option!!

My precious little boy sold the only reliable vehicle he had while we were here, then sold "ragabomb", the junker Rob aptly named that was trashing up my driveway, lol!! Yesterday he bought a new Junker, but this one is a little better than the last few. It's a 4runner, not an embarrassment Rob says, I don't have to worry about it parked in front of the house. That's the good thing I guess :-) I've lost count now, but I think he's had about 278 vehicles in his 3 short years of driving!!!!!!!!!!!
(I only exaggerate a TINY bit)

As I type this I am itching to go Christmas shopping. I've read magazines and seen commercials and everybody is talking Christmas, but I haven't bought the first gift yet. We've already decided that both holidays will be very simple this year. There's no time or energy for the "all out" decorating and cooking, and we will be so busy this next month with Drs. appointments and nursing care leading up to the next surgery, so the simpler the better in this house.....thank goodness my kids are old enough to pick out their own stuff, and usually do, so that's all I'm concerned about right now, taking care of them!!! But I still want to SHOP!!!!!!!!!

I guess I better go for now, I don't think there will be any changes in Sarah's routine today since it's Sunday, but we should find out a little more about when she can come home and what type of care she needs once she gets here tomorrow. I'll keep you posted on Facebook, as usual!!!

The hotel St. Mary's

P.S. One more little surprise for Sarah when she reads this blog: Bobby just got back from Best Buy with your Brand New Laptop!!!! Now......can we have ours back????????? Love ya girlie!!!!!!!!!

Sarah Update

Well, since the surgery has been scheduled for tomorrow, I was able to come home one more time to ship out sales. I'm finally going to put my store on "vacation" because it's just too much right now.

Things have changed yet again. The only sure thing is that nobody knows exactly what's going to happen until they get in and look at the hip.

Tomorrow the surgeon will go in and clean out the bone and joint. Now they are saying they may have to remove most of the hip. That will be the worst case scenario, as she will have learn to sit up all over again, and there will have to be some adaptations to her wheelchair.

The Plastic Surgeon came in and talked with us, but he won't even touch her until all of the infection is out and the tissue has started to heal. Once that happens, she'll be admitted for another huge surgery where he will do a "flap", taking the skin off her leg and using it to close the fill in the sore and close it. She'll be in the hospital at least a week at that time. I still don't know how long she'll be in here this time.

After tomorrows surgery they will have to leave the wound open. She'll have to have frequent visits to the Infectious Disease and Wound Care Specialists for months and months, plus more involved Home Nurse Care.

Sarah's trying not to think about it too much. She just wants to get this first part over with so we know what we're dealing with. I second that!!

She had lots of visitors today, so that kept her mind occupied most of the day. Of course Mom and Dad, Sandy and Robin were here because we thought she was having surgery. Then Pastor Collier and Bro. Dale came to visit. Then Amanda Pursley. Then Ruby and Donnie. Then Georgia and Don. Now Dreama, Ashley and Sophie are staying with her while I get my work done at home. She's been VERY happy today!!!!!! Thanks everybody :-)

I've started this blog at her bedside, and right now she is napping. She finally got her hair washed. It hadn't been washed since Friday, and it was stuck to her head. NOT PRETTY, lol!! It took four of us but hey, whatever it takes to get the job done. It was more like a spa visit than a bedside hairwashing!!!!! Oh to have that kind of pampering, lol!!!!

I don't know what she's dreaming about, but she has a smile on her face! Must be somebody good!!!!!! I'll give you one guess, you South Hopewell people. I think he's called your shephard, lol!!!! (Oh, I'm so gonna get it now!!!!!) But most of you know how Sarah is about "Her Men", hahaha!!!

Well, gotta run. I won't be able to do anymore blogs for a while, because I have to post them at home, but I'll keep you updated on Facebook. Unless I can email the blog to Bobby at home and have him post it. That might happen!!

P.S. Naomi Bussinger: Sarah got your card and she LOVED it. I meant to take a picture so I could post it on here tonight. That was sooo cool how you put her picture on it, and everybody talked about how pretty it was. Ya did good girlie!!!

Until tomorrow......

Update on Sarah

Today's blog is just a quick update about Sarah and the awesome way God has put people in our path during this hospital stay. Sarah has had the most incredible night nurse! Her name is Elizabeth Gee (shortened version of a loooong last name!!) She happened to hear my cell phone ringing (it plays Amazing Grace, My Chains Are Gone by Chris Tomlin) and said she's been wanting that song, then told us what her phone plays (can't remember, but it was a gospel song).

That first night she talked to Sarah for sooo long, and reassured her. They talked about their faith in God and lot's of different things. She is the sweetest!!

The second night, we started talking again, and found out that she was raised pentecostal (not sure if she is from India, but she is of a similar nationality), and now attends West End Assembly of God, the same church that Sarah's friend Doug goes to. It's such a small world. We have had the best time with her. She is a GREAT nurse. Another great nurse was Ivone, her day nurse. She was soooo great to Sarah, sitting and talking with her forever, and promising she would be there when they put her Picc line in. I've never seen such caring nurses, and I've seen plenty!!

Monday we got some news that we weren't expecting, and was a little hard to take. Not only is the infection in the bone, but it has spread to the hip joint. The doctors at St. Francis don't know what to do for her, so she's being transferred to St. Mary's where the Spina Bifida Ortho Drs. will do major surgery to clean all of the infection out and maybe fuse the joint. It's a very complicated surgery, and they just can't handle it here. We really hate to leave, we're so spoiled now, but we have to go where she can get the care she needs.

We also found out that she is losing protein through her urine or kidneys (?), so she is malnourished. After all of this infection is taken care of, she will have to have tests for kidney disease.

As I write this, Sarah has calmed down, after a second visit from her wonderful Pastor Collier, and has decided that she's well enough to kick me out of the room, so I'm sitting in the lobby typing this blog until she calls and tells me I can come back. Can you believe that? It's 10:00 at night, and she wants some "alone" time!!!! I think it's great! She also kicked us out at dinnertime. When she told Rob "I love you, Goodbye, Get Out!", he said it was sooo good to hear cause he knew she was feeling better, lol!!!!

Hopefully she will be transferred tomorrow, but it could be Wednesday. Then we have to wait for another consult, and schedule the surgery, so we are in for a long ride this time. Nobody can even begin to tell me how long she'll be in after surgery, and I'm tired of playing the guessing game, so I'm just preparing for the worst and anything else will be A BLESSING!!!!!

Sarah got to talk to her Facebook buddy, Donnie Cox, tonight and he and Ruby prayed with us over the phone. It meant sooo much to her!! Donnie sent her the cutest email that looked like a Facebook status update because he knew she was having Facebook withdrawals!!! She loved it!!

She also got to talk to her CRAZY cousin Jack! That made her night! He knows just how to crack her up and he was telling her what a wonderful mother she had! Hahaha, Jack, if you don't get Facebook soon, I'm gonna keep putting words in your mouth! You keep telling me you're not old, but only old people aren't on Facebook!!!!!! No wait, even THEY are on here, you have no excuse man :-D

Thanks to everybody who has called, visited, sent cards, prayed, etc. It means the world to Sarah and keeps her spirits up. She had to call the school today to let them know she would be out indifinately and that was sad for her. She waited so long to start this new job, and she's hardly got to be there at all. So all the encouraging words keeps her going!!!

I will keep everybody posted. I try to post updates to Facebook by using my phone, but I never know if the text actually makes it through, sometimes it does, and sometimes it doesn't. I will try to keep up with the blogs. I don't know if St. Mary's has internet access, but we'll find out soon!!

It's now Tuesday morning, and I'm home for a few hours to ship out sales and pack some more clothes. During the night we found out that her Picc line is not working properly, and they can't draw blood. Not sure what they will do about that, she may have to have a new one put in. I've got to hurry and get back to the hospital in case they move her, so I'll keep in touch and let everybody know what's going on as best I can.

Sarah with her new "Room Decorations"!!

This is her "I'm going crazy, get me out of here" look!!

Thanks again for your prayers, and keep them coming.....

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear.....Psalm 45:1-2

P.S. Just got a text from my mom saying the Picc line has been fixed. Praise God!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thankful Thursday

Good Morning World! Today is a great day. It's a day to count your blessings and name them one by one. Ok, that might take a FEW days, so let's just name a couple for now, lol!!

First, I'm always thankful for my wonderful husband. That man brought me and Sarah flowers AGAIN yesterday! Fall flowers this time! He's so awesome.

I'm thankful for the work he got done the two days he took off this week. It's starting to look like a totally different house! Still looking for that delivery of sand for the front yard so I can officially call it my beach house, lol!!

I'm thankful for the man at the post office who told me I could mail jeans First Class International. All this time I've been going by what somebody else there told me, and thought they were too big to ship that way. I'm hoping sales will increase even more now, but I'm still waiting. Thank the Lord for 5 International sales so far this week and 5 last week, but none of them were jeans. Oh well, in time....

I'm thankful that my sales have increased over all recently. I think I finally have my listings looking professional enough to compete with other jean sellers, and I've been doing VERY well the last 3 weeks. Praise the Lord!!!!!

I'm thankful for Mitzi's new bed I made her. She would NOT stay off of my jeans, so I had to cover them with bubble wrap or anything she can't lay on.
I wanted to buy her a bed so bad, but Rob and Bobby both argued that she would NOT use it. She had one years ago, and wouldn't use it. She likes clothes or boxes with clothes in them, lol!! I finally took a Post Office Mailing Box and put a towel in it. That crazy cat has barely left it since. It's not pretty, a rather ugly eyesore in the living room, but hey.....SHE LOVES IT!!!!
I thank the Lord for my wonderful Mom and Dad, who celebrated their 48th Anniversary yesterday. I LOVE you guys!!! And for Robs grandpa, the "original" Robert Earl Jeffreys Sr., who turned 91 on Tuesday. May they all have many celebrations to come :-D

I thank the Lord for all the wonderful friends and family that keep popping up on Facebook! What an awesome way to connect with family you haven't seen in ages (or in some cases, ever)!! I love keeping up with cousin Crystal (one day we will meet!!!) and her baby news, Congrats on finding out it's a boy!!! And Kim and her wedding plans: very exciting! Talking to Leslie and Doug more often than when we HAPPEN to get to Pennsylvania at the same time, lol!! And I talk to my brother more now than I did when he lived here, that's crazy!!! But it's an awesome site, and I thank God for it!!!

I'm thankful for my Church, and what God is doing through our new leadership. People are excited about the changes, and we are growing. Our new youth leader Carl has already increased attendance of the youth, and they LOVE him, but who doesn't? He's been our "baby" since he was little, and I'm so excited that he's grown into the awesome young man he is today. God sent him back to us just when we needed him!!

I'm thankful for my children! They are the light of my life. They keep me sane, or insane....I can't decide. All I know is I would be lost without them. It makes me tear up just thinking about how much joy they've brought to my life! When Sarah was born, God used her to show us how to live outside the box! Nothing would be cookie cutter perfect when it came to taking care of her. We learned to take whatever we had and make it work for our circumstances. I never would have even considered what it was like to raise a disabled child had she not been born. God has taught us compassion for others through her life! Sarah is Daddy's girl, but I forgive her for that, lol!!!! She has been the bright spot in a lot of lives through her years, and God has blessed her with good health inspite of her disability! We have seen lots of SB kids with much more severe problems than her, and we feel fortunate!

Then came Bobby! I know he won't admit it, but he was (is) a Mommy's boy! Sarah is outgoing and never meets a stranger, just like Rob. Bobby is shy and reserved, just like me. To this day, if Bobby wants to order a pizza, he makes me call. He's not one to talk much...unless he is excited about a possible new truck or toy purchase....then he can really get the gums going! He's such a great kid, and I thank God that he has grown into the responsible young man that he is today! Watching him grow up is bittersweet. I'm so excited about what his future holds, but wish I could sometimes rock my baby boy to sleep again. They grow up way too fast!!!!!

Oh, can you tell....I LOVE my chillens!!

Enough now, I have a million things to do. Just had to take a minute to be thankful for the blessings in my life! Won't you do the same today? Have a great one :-D

Uh Oh, It's Monday!

I dedicate my bog today to Sarah and Donnie! Goodness, I can't even take a day off without getting into trouble, lol! I hope you're not disappointed :-)

Well, today is Monday, but it really doesn't feel like it. We decided to take a last minute overnight trip to the river, and while we had a great time (Rob did hardly any work this trip!), we didn't make it to Church, and I didn't get the 100 yard sale items I bought put away. So I feel a little lost and overwhelmed this morning. I have a mountain of STUFF staring me in the face, and I have to get this blog out before Sarah strangles me!!!!

Before I do "For Today", I have to give props to some of my favorite family folk who made it to the newspapers this week! First there is my cousin Jack. He's the fella who aggravates the daylights out of me and Sarah just to get us going! I LOVE LOVE LOVE him, he's like my big brother! He's pretty old, hahahaha, well older than me anyway! Here's his "Meet Your Neighbor" from the Tidewater News:
Name: Jack Dodson

Age: 48

Occupation and title: Captain at Greensville Correctional Center

Spouse’s name: Sheri

Children’s names and ages: Kimberly, 26, Lee, 22

Church affiliation: Baptist

If I could change my name, I’d make it: I am happy with my name. I was named after my great-grandfather and have a son that is named after me.

People say I look like: Barry Dodson (former NASCAR crew chief — no relation)

Favorite movie of all time: “Smokey and the Bandit”

TV show I never miss: “CSI”

The secret to happiness is: My wife and kids

I wish I knew how to: Shag dance

Song I’d love to sing karaoke to: People Are Crazy (Billy Currington)

If I had to eat only three foods for the rest of my life, they’d be: My wife’s spaghetti, steak and French fries

Three words that best describe me: Funny, patient and caring

One superpower I wish I had: X-ray vision

Book currently on my nightstand: No books on nightstand

My proudest achievement: My kids

My most humbling moment: When my kids moved out on their own

My most recent trip: Martinsville to late model stock car test

My life won’t be complete until: I am able to retire and do what I want to do when I want to.

My friends think I’m: A racing fanatic

I really lose my cool when: I have to deal with disrespectful people

Favorite college sports team: WVU Mountaineers

Favorite pro sports team: #1 Nationwide Race Team (Miccosuke)

Favorite color: Orange

What’s the best life lesson you’ve learned, and who taught you? Work hard, be fair and have fun — Hershal Mitchell

What’s the best decision you’ve made in life? Marrying my wife

Which local charitable or non-profit organization do you wish more people would support? Due to the history of my wife’s family — any breast cancer charity

What gives you the blues? Not being able to spend much time with my grown children

What’s your best childhood memory? Times spent with my grandfathers

What’s your most recent venture? Was named acting captain effective Sept. 1.

Awe, he's the BESTEST!!!! BUT.....gonna have to razz him about the shagging and x-ray vision. Hmmm.......

Then, his daughters engagement was in the Paper:

COURTLAND—Mr. and Mrs. Jackson Lee Dodson are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Kimberly Nicole Dodson, to Clayton Edward Gaskins, son of Mr. and Mrs. Donald Gaskins of Hampton.
Dodson is the maternal granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Harvey J. Porter Jr. of Newsoms and the paternal granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Dodson of Courtland.
She is a 2001 graduate of Southampton High School and a 2006 graduate of Christopher Newport University.
She is currently employed as a teacher with Franklin City Public Schools.
Gaskins is the maternal grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. Elbert Dement Sr. of Hampton and Mr. and Mrs. Norris Roberts of Newport News. He is the paternal grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. Edward Gaskins of Hampton.
He is a 2001 graduate of Hampton Christian and is employed as an Industrial Medic at International Paper in Franklin.
The wedding will take place Jan. 23 in Newsoms.

I can't believe little Kimmy is old enough to get married, but like I said, her dad is pretty old!!! (Ha Jack, you can't get me back because you WON"T get a Facebook page! What's wrong with you, EVERYBODY in your family has a Facebook page!!!! We're all waiting......)

Anyhoo, I love that little family! Can't wait for the wedding, but hoping I'll get to meet Clayton before then, like at my house for Christmas??????? Will you be there Clayton?????

Ok, here's one little tip for you dog owners: if you use ProMeris flea treatment, you might not want to put it on them right before bed. Some bright person in our house did that last night (yea, it was me) and since Rebs sleeps under my bed, he took my breath away all night! Man, that stuff stinks! Even Sarah wanted to know what stunk up the whole house!!! Rebs must hate it too, cause Bobby helped hold him while I put it on, then he WOULD NOT have anything to do with either of us after that. Usually we call his name and he comes running, tail wagging. But he wouldn't even look at us after that!!!! He sat with his face toward the fireplace and wouldn't budge when we called him. Who knew dogs could act like Sarah? (Oh Lordy, I'll pay for that one!!)

For Today:

Outside My Window: Well, well, well....It's almost light out. I sent my hubby off to work at 5:45, and here he comes walking back in the door at 7:05. He took the day off to work on the house. YAYYYYYYY :-)

I am thinking: I love the early morning talks I have with my brother on Facebook! Since we both eBay, we talk about our strategies and successes (and failures). But we love to talk about the crazy people you encounter on there too. It definately takes all kinds.....

I am thankful for: The 35 eBay sales I had last week! That's a record for me. About 5 sales a day! NOT BAD :-D Praise the Lord!!!!!! And I just made my first sale of this week at 7:10 in the morning, hope that's a good sign for the coming week!!!!

From the Kitchen: Chicken & Dumplings

I am hoping: To sell most of the costumes I put on auction this week, to get Rebs to the Vet for his Rabies shot (been trying to get that done for a month), to get this house cleaned up a little, hmmm...the list goes on and on.

I am reading: The same: Through the Bible in a Year, Nightline Devotions for couples. Every now and then Rob reads me some of the book he's reading: The Man in the Mirror.

I am creating: You should know by now, I'll give you one guess: yep, another eBay strategy. And it seems to be working, so I'll stick with this one for a while :-p

I am praying: For God to direct our path and keep us in the center of His will. We have our own agendas sometimes, and have to stop and ask: is this what YOU would have us do Lord?

I am hearing: Mitzi taking her bath in the living room floor, and Rob rustling papers in the bedroom. He's doing a few bills until the sun comes up, his favorite activity....NOT!

One of my favorite things: My new mannequin Brownie!!! I got her at a yard sale Saturday! I have an old mannequin that has my Mommy's wedding dress on it in my bedroom. I tried to use it for eBay, but it's so old, and so is her dress (sorry Mom!), and it was too much stress on both of them to take the dress on and off when I wanted to use it. I also have torso mannequins, but sometimes you just need a full length one. And she's brown, so she shows off lighter clothes much better than a flesh colored one!

Around the house: Lots to do. Boy oh boy, Mom's gonna love coming here today. She'll probably threaten not to come back like she usually does when this place is a mess!

A few plans for the rest of the week: Take Rebs to the vet, eBay, taking Sarah to work, CLEAN, who knows what else will pop up????

Marriage Enrichment idea: Husband, nurture and cherish your wife.. Do not be distant. Do not refuse to communicate. Do not plunk yourself down in front of the television for hours on end without being with her. She needs you to talk to her.

Wife, pray for your husband. God has placed an awesome responsibility upon your husband to be provider and protector. Sometimes it can be downright overwhelming for him. Acknowledge & praise his efforts. Pray for him.

Here is the picture I am sharing: It's Brownie of course!

And Rob putting in the Dining Room window!

I wasn't counting on all the sheetrock dust that covered everything in the

Dining Room and Living Room though!!!!

Well, I think I'm done for today. Hope you have a great Monday! And hey, if you're not busy, come on over and clean my house, will ya?

That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strenthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patientce and lonsuffering with JOYFULLNESS. Colossians 1:10-11

For Today

For Today

Outside My Window: The sun is coming up. It's quiet and peaceful.

I am thinking: My ribs hurt because I laughed so hard ALL WEEKEND long!! And, don't trust Dreama with a camera, cause she takes pictures of EVERYTHING!!!!!

I am thankful for: My Dreama and Sarah!! We had the best time laid up in that camper acting CRAZY!!!!

From the Kitchen: Something good I hope, I'm tired of junk food!!!!

I am wearing: Blue and White nightgown

I am hoping: I can sneak back to bed to catch a little more sleep before starting my day!!

I am reading: Night Light Devotionals, Love and Respect. This very seldom changes since we only read a couple of pages out of a book every night. Through the Bible in a year!!

I am creating: Something I can't talk about yet!!

I am praying: For healing for Sarah's pressure sore!

I am hearing: A big truck going down the road. Otherwise, silence. It's great!!!

One of my favorite things: My 15 tomatoes and 3 green peppers on the window sill. I feel an egg and tomato sandwich coming on for breakfast. So much for the diet....

Around the house: Rob got Sarah's new window in while we were gone, and some siding up below it. The house looks sooo great. And he cleaned and washed clothes while we were gone. I came home to a great looking house!!! Where does he find the time???????

A few plans for the rest of the week: Got a busy, busy week ahead. But i still have to make time to take Sarah to the doctor for her pressure sore and make an appointment with the foot doctor for her funky toes (you don't want to know).

Here is the picture I am sharing:

River Rats!!!

Our Fishing Buddy
One of many crazy pics this weekend!

Lots more pics of our CRAZY weekend to come on Facebook! Look for them :-D

For Today

For Today:

Outside My Window: The sun is just coming up, and my daylilies are on their second round of blooming. They're booteful!!!!!

I am thinking: This weekend ended too soon! Where is Bobby, he didn't come home last night :( It's way too early to be doing laundry!!

I am thankful for: Sarah getting to ride the motorcycle again. Seeing Bro. & Sis. Carpenter at our river church. Rob taking his "girls" out for seafood lunch after church yesterday! 8 eBay sales to ship today.

From the Kitchen: Well, it's just way too early to be thinking about this, but maybe Pork Chops on the grill if it doesn't rain. Haven't heard the forecast for today!!

I am wearing: That infamous mint green nightgown!

I am hoping: I can get everything done that needs to get done today!

I am reading: Night Light Devotionals for couples, Love and Respect, Through the Bible in a year.

I am creating: A clean(er) house I hope!

I am praying: That Bobby comes home soon. (Ok, heard from Bobby at 6:45 and he's at a friends house, I can relax now!!) That Rob gets some more siding put up soon. That I can finish everything that needs done around the house this week!

I am hearing: The washer running.

One of my favorite things: My three new matching tablecloths at the river. They make everything outside look nice and summery!!

Around the house: Rob just left for work. Rebels is curled up next to me, Mitzi is curled up in a box of jeans (Bobby swears she's gonna get shipped out by accident one day!) Sarah is snoozing in her room, and I'm washing clothes, blogging, and getting ready to ship out eBay sales from this weekend.

A few plans for the rest of the week: To Sam's Club & Post Office this morning. Breakfast with Dreama tomorrow morning, gotta hit a few Target's this week to look for more tablecloths. That's about it except for work, work, work and try to get all these jeans listed.

Here is the picture I am sharing: Lots of pics today!

My precious baby boy turned 19 on the 3rd!

Only wants money for the birthday!!

Can we please just get on with this motorcycle ride!!!

The big bike pulls in!!

FINALLY!!!!

Keri and Mahala in the Golf Cart Parade

Uncle Rob is the driver!

Me and Mini Me!

Sniffing each others pits (yea, we're disgusting!!)

Keri and Mahala crashing at my place!!

Baby Alex and cousin Sarah!

Baby Alex and cousin Bobby!!

Pretending to be a biker chick!

Rob& Bubba getten the job done!!

2 hard working Roberts!!
Yay, one little wall done and it looks great!!