Our Loco Life

YEAH --- STILL NOT BLOGGING, HUH?

2010-01-18T10:01:00.002-06:00

MY APOLOGIES -- REALLY!! :-) I'll be back soon, I promise!! Love you all!!

My apologies to BLITZEN!!!

2009-12-04T08:39:00.000-06:00

Dear Blitzen -
I am so sorry for being so ugly to you yesterday morning!!!

You obviously REALLY ARE MAGIC!!!
Love- Kristi

OH MY GOSH YA'LL!!!! Luke is totally spellbound by this thing!!

Here's the convo that took place this morning!!!

Luke, uhmmm, where's Blitzen?
I don't know Mommy ...... I DIDN'T TOUCH HIM....I DIDN'T I PROMISE!!!
Well Luke, he's not on top of the cabinet anymore. Where did he go?
I don't know Mommy!! I PROMiSE I DIDN'T TOUCH HIM!! I PROMISE!!!
Well, we have to find him. Remember, he moves to a different place every night after visiting Santa.
Mommy, where is he?
I don't know Luke. Look high and low and all around.
(Whispering) Moooommmmy.....MOOOOOOMMMMMY!!!!
What buddy?
(Whispering) He's UP THERE!! (on top of a painting in our living room over the couch)
Well he sure is!!! How'd he get up there?
OH MY GOODNESS.....MOMMY!!! HE'S MAGIC!!! HE IS HE IS!! HE CAN FLY! HE! CAN! FLY!
Wow Luke, I guess he really can, huh?
Runs over grabs me around the waist and says --- I'm SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO SORRY MOMMY!!! He does fly. I'm gonna be REALLY good!!!

This may just work out after all......

Who's freaking idea was Elf on the Shelf? REALLY?

2009-12-03T09:20:00.002-06:00

So, this morning we did the whole "WHAT'S THIS?" on the Elf. http://www.elfontheshelf.com/

This middle child of mine(Luke) is going to be the death of me:

Read the story -

Named the elf - Blitzen....yeah the reindeer.

Then came the hysterics:

His eyes don't move how can he see me when he's sitting right there????!!!

He can't fly..................HE CAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAN'T FLLLLLLLLLLLYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!

He doesn't have wings, Daaaaadddddyyyyyyyyy, heeeeeeeeeee caaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaan't flyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!!!!! tears and more tears!!!

He can't talk to Santa, his mouth doesn't move!!!

I don't want him to talk to Santa!!!

So, I say to Alan as Luke leaves the room:

Screw you Blitzen........

You were NO HELP AT ALL!!

And Bethany..............Luke flipped his lid at the "NO TOUCH" rule too!!

EEEK --- 6 weeks? REALLY?

2009-10-22T12:06:00.003-05:00

I'm such a bad blogger!!

Facebook is so much easier to use and load pics.

I know that's really no excuse but it's the truth.

Several have emailed me and asked how we are.....

Well, we're doing ok.

I went back to work in August and I *LOVE* my new job!

Aaron started 9th grade in August!

Luke started Pre-K in August!

Sydney has adjusted AMAZINGLY well and I can't believe she's been home 11 months yesterday!!! Her 3rd b'day party has been planned, too!!

The holidays are upon us -

I'll try to do better ......

I PROMiSE!!!

When a child prays -----

2009-09-09T20:57:00.001-05:00

It just pleases my heart!!! This was Luke's prayer tonight:

Dear Lord -
THank you for letting me pray. Thank you for baseball and going to Disney World. Thank you for letting me live with my Mommy & Daddy. Thank for church, God. Amen

Oh to have the faith of a little child.........................

Another friend......another Mommy.....Another loss from CANCER!!!!

2009-09-08T14:54:00.002-05:00

Anoher adoption friend has lost her battle with cancer --- Leukemia!!

Staci left behind a husband and son named Joshua. We know that she was welcomed into heaven by my MIL Faye, my dear friend Deana and another friend Annette.

All of them passing since July 4th. My heart just aches!!!

I'm a FACEBOOK JUNKIE!!!!

2009-09-05T07:30:00.002-05:00

YEP, I AM!!

Most of you already know that.

Anyway, I'm kinda glad that I am though.

It's brought me back together with friends I've had over the years but lost contact with.

It's brought me new friends.

But, most importantly,I've been able to get back in touch with family members that I don't get to see nearly as often as I would like!!!

PRETTY COOL HUH?

Life's been hectic the past 2 weeks!!!

2009-09-05T07:05:00.006-05:00

Wow, the past 10 days have been just NUTTY!!!!

I started my new job at Teledyne Brown Engineering on Wednesday 8/26 --- note to self ---

DO NOT START A NEW JOB AT MONTHS END!!! :-)

HOLY GUACAMOLE!!!

Nothing like a crash course in learning the ropes during the BUSIEST time of the month!!! WHEW!!!

But I survived it and

I *L*O*V*E* IT!!!!

I'm still learning all the duties that come along with my position but LINDSAY, the chick that's training me, ROCKS!!! We've become friends quickly and she is insanely patient with me!

Good thing!!!

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Alan's Dad came to visit with us this week too!!!

George got here on Monday evening and stayed till Thursday morning. He not only got to hang with us and totally enjoy the grandkids but he also got to visit with some of his closest friends while he was here. The kids absolutely LOVED having Granddaddy around and

He REALLY needed that.

It was so weird for him to be here without Grandmother. It's been 2 months and 1 day since she went to be with Jesus. It's been really hard on everyone. Please keep George in your prayers......after 55 years of a partnership, he's having a very difficult time being on his own.

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Luke has started t-ball and it wears me out!

I dreaded watching it when AJ played and it looks like I still feel the same way!!!

T-ball ...... whose idea was that?

A field full of children who aren't terribly co-ordinated all running after a small white ball that's been cranked of a T.

Can't we just skip straight to coach/machine pitch? That's where the fun really begins!!!

And I still have 2-3 years of it....OY!!!!

Please let Sydney want to me a dancer or a gymanst or something!!! :-)

WHEW! What a week!!!

2009-08-22T19:18:00.002-05:00

Ok, here's the rundown:

Job falls in my lap on Tuesday. Since I had not heard from the company that I *REALLY* wanted to work for, I took this other job. They wanted me to start on Wednesday.
Start on Wednesday and by lunchtime, I realized that I was in WAAAAAAAAAAY over my head!!!! That same afternoon, the company that I interviewed with last Friday offers me the job. I explain to them that since I had never heard anything from them, I had taken another offer because I needed to work. I am so in far over my head that.....
When I go to work on Thursday my heart rate is 127 and I feel an SVT attack coming on really quickly. By 11:00 I realize this job is SOOOOO not for me!!! I explain to the management that I just can't do it and that they would have to find someone else.
I call Teledyne Brown to inquire whether they had filled the position and they had NOT, so they RE-OFFER me the job and immediately begin making arragements for me start on Wednesday Aug 26!!!! I felt like a million pounds was off my shoulders!!!!
Exhaled and enjoyed Friday!!!

Hmmmmm, decisions decisions ---

2009-08-19T21:06:00.002-05:00

I don't know what to do about this job ----

it's just very very overwhelming!!!

I am just gonna pray that I can make a clear decision!!!

I asked for it and here it is!!!!

2009-08-19T06:41:00.002-05:00

I GOT A JOB!!!

I've been at home since Sydney came home last November. It's been great and since she went to "school" in May to help with her development and socialization, I have been ready to go back to work. With the summer upon us and many plans already made, I decided I'd just have to wait until school started back.

After our beach trip in July, I looked and looked. I applied and applied. FINALLY!! An interview and it went great --- oh shucks, not enough hours and it was 35 minutes from home. So, I started again. ANOTHER INTERVIEW....never heard anything, although it went GREAT too.

Suddenly, a job literally lands in my lap yesterday!!! HOW EXCITING!!! It's back with interview company #1 and it's 40 hours a week. Going back in FULL TIME right off the bat. I'll be working for a local mortgage company as a "pre-pocessor"(for lack of a better term). As the files come in, I'll be ordering title work, appraisals, pay offs, etc. I'm excited - I've never done this type work but they are more than happy to train me!!! How cool is that!! :-)

If I don't blog about my "first day of work" then you'll know I'm exhausted and have fallen asleep........

Testing 123 Testing 123 - Is this thing on?

2009-08-14T05:47:00.002-05:00

ANYONE OUT THERE?

I'M BLOGGING.....

LOOKING FOR FEEDBACK.....

ANYONE READING THIS THING???

HELP ME OUT HERE!!

PLEASE VOTE FOR MY FRIEND LISA!!!!

2009-08-11T06:23:00.006-05:00

Last fall, my friend Lisa's WHOLE life changed. She was diagnosed with Stage III Breast Cancer. After the initial shock wore off, Lisa vowed to

"FIGHT LIKE A GIRL"

and give this nasty disease a run for it!!! Well, breast cancer met it's match with her!!! Lisa is a mother of 2, a wife, sister, friend but most of all she's a

SURVIVOR!!!!

Well, and she is a

DUCKY

so she rocks!! :-)

Since the minute she was diagnosed, Lisa has jumped in with both feet to help educate others. She has supported people in the same place, researched tirelessly, volunteered and has fought to overcome every obstacle thrown in front of her. All the while trying to keep her 2 kids lives as normal as possible!! Now it's time for her efforts to TRULY pay off!! Lisa has decided to start her own website to be a wealth of knowledge for those people who need the same help she did.

In order to get the best possible design for her site

www.fightlikeagirl.org,

Lisa has entered a blog give away contest and needs

*YOUR*

vote!!! Knowing what you know now, would you

PLEASE

head over to http://www.ebsiwebsites.com/_blog/EBSI_Main_Blog/

and leave a comment on her entry as to why Lisa Mittleman should be given this

$6,000 WEBDESIGN!!!

You'll be glad you did........ THANKS!!!!

(PS: Please tell your friends and post it on your blogs!!)

****To sweeten the pot, if you vote for my friend Lisa, leave me a comment. I will pick a winner after the contest is over and send you a "prize" for supporting my sweet friend in her journey to help others fight breast cancer!!!****

Hoping to find my feet again ---

2009-08-06T20:35:00.002-05:00

Wow and DANG IT, it's been a VERY ROUGH SUMMER!!!! I've been a little off kilter this past month or so. I've got so many things that I want to blog but with my mother in law's passing on July 4; Deana's passing on 7/27 and some other stuff going on at Casa de Jones, I just haven't had the energy. I barely move off the couch b/c I just have nothing left right now!

Show me some love and tell your friends about my blog. I'm trying to grow it and get into some sponsorships give aways.

Anyone want to hook me up to get me started???

Monday I am turning over a new leaf.........be prepared, or maybe afraid!!! Look for new posts, pictures, give-aways, etc.

OOOH, I hope I win!!!

2009-07-31T19:01:00.003-05:00

I could SOOOO totally use this in the car with my kiddos!!! We have a set at the house but one of them isn't working anymore and it's just too hard for them to watch the same one. BLAH!! Sooo, I hope that I win this one. I'd love for you to check out THIS blog ...... maybe you will win it and will let me use it instead!! Hahahahah!! :-)

I almost turned into MADEA today.....

2009-07-30T17:24:00.003-05:00

Oohhhhh ya'll...... I thought I was going to have to re-enact MADEA GOES TO JAIL today!!! I was afraid that I was gonna get to make one call and that was it!!! The "lady" at vital records at the Mad Co Health Dept almost caused me to get UUUGLY!!!!! I thought they were gonna have to call the "po po"!!! I wanted to do a drive by, pick up her car with a fork lift and iron her head in a presser in a matter of moments!!! HELP ME LORD!! Here's what happened...........

I had to go to the Health Dept to get a copy of Luke's birth certificate so he can play Fall TBall. Now remember, I've done this TONS of times and it's never been an issue. I know how to fill out the form -- what I'm getting is his CERTIFICATE OF FOREIGN BIRTH....it can't be filled out like a normal request. The lady that usually helps was working on something else so I get "OL GIRL"!!!

Well........

"OL GIRL" WANTED TO ARGUE THE LEGITIMACY OF LUKE'S "FOREIGN BORN" ALABAMA RE-ADOPTION STATE ISSUED BIRTH CERTIFICATE AND WHETHER "GUATEMALA GOT IT BACK BECAUSE THEY DON'T KEEP NOTHIN' FROM OUT OF STATE"!!!! Yeah, I'm serious! Keep reading, it gets better!!!

HELLLLOOOO....IT IS STATE ISSUED.....I KNOW THEY CANNOT GET IT FROM A FOREIGN COUNTRY AND I CANNOT FILL IN COUNTY OF BIRTH ON IT SINCE IT IS NOT A STATE OF AL COUNTY.

All the while, the poor woman I usually deal with was sitting at the other desk in ABSOLUTE SHOCK!! Mouth open and everything!! She tries to explain it all to "OL GIRL" only to be shot down by her too..... "I ain't sayin' nothin' else about it. I tried to tell her and I ain't gettin' in it. Montgomery can make that decision. Wellllll, fortunately for "OL GIRL", nice lady recovered from her shock and handled my stuff from there on out. She rescued her dumb as a box of rocks co-worker from this stressed out ADOPTIVE MOTHER.....WHICH SHE WAS ALSO HAPPY TO POINT OUT!!!

Just glad Madea didn't have to go to jail today!!!

MY serenity prayer......

2009-07-29T08:15:00.002-05:00

GOD,

PLEASE GRANT ME SERENITY TO NOT STRANGLE

MY TEENAGE SON!!!

AMEN

Deana's Caring Bridge site -

2009-07-28T07:49:00.001-05:00

You are welcome to view Deana's journal by setting up a free account with Caring Bridge and going here:

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/Deana

Deana's battle is over.......

2009-07-27T18:38:00.001-05:00

There are no words:

Dearest family and friends,

It saddens my heart to let you know my dearest Deana has spread her angel wings and is flying above us all now. Deana left us gracefully and peacefully around 1:30pm central time today. There is no doubt that she is now looking down smiling upon us all. Here in Houston it is sunny for the first time in days, very likely due to Deana spreading God's curtains of storm clouds, and letting the sun shine through.This last week had been tumultuous and Deana's beleaguered body just could not keep pace with her soaring spirit. Ever the consummate fighter, Deana left this world awash in love from her dear loving parents Bruce and Martha, her brother Ryan, Aunt Laurie, niece Kylie, best buddies Missy and Debi, our precious Zboyz Zane and Zachary, all of you and me. She touched so many lives. It's important--VERY important--for you to know that YOU have touched ours. I will never forget the love and support you've shown our family. I will continue to raise my Zboyz to be compassionate gentlemen, impressing the importance of love for fellow man.I also want to acknowledge the relentless support and adoration of M.D. Anderson Cancer Center's and Scripps Memorial Hospital's staffs. All of Deana's doctors and nurses hold a special place in my heart. Thank you all for trying so hard to save our Deana. Some marvelled at how I remembered everyone's name and face. How can I forget the dear souls who cared so well for my wife? God bless you.I also want to publicly recognize my colleagues and managers at Cisco Systems. My company has been Deana's stalwart supporter, always at my disposal, always at the ready. The Cisco TS and CAP family rallied around mine when we needed it most, allowing me to spend quality time with my bride, keep my Zboyz safe, and give us piece of mind. So Chris, Mike, Paul, Curt, Joe, Emma, Alison, Jill, and fellow CAP managers, God bless you all.Deana told me just weeks ago I was her guardian angel. Now she is mine. I will miss her dearly and now yearn to go home to be with my Zboyz, where I am needed most. I will most likely return Thursday, but will not leave Houston without my wife.My best friend Brad arrives tonight, and I look forward to seeing him. He and his wife Michelle have been there for our family like so many. Brad and I were each other's best man, and would walk on fiery coals for one another. I love you bro.To my brothers Lee and his wife Ewa, Grant and his wife Jillian, and Mark, to my parents Opal, Jack and Doug, and to my grandmother Opal, thank you all for being there for Deana, our Zboyz and me. Deana loved you all so very much.I have learned so much through this ordeal -- no doubt we all have. In my profession my peers and I "prevent the preventable" through Lessons Learned, sparing valuable customers, Cisco or its partners from any shortcomings experienced elsewhere. In that very vein, these are the following lessons learned in Deana's triumphant ascension to Heaven:1. Have blood or platelets? Donate them. There is no greater gift you can give another human, but a chance at life.2. Hug your family. Do it often and for no reason at all. You will all feel better.3. Family and friends are everything. Without them one is lonely. With them at your side, ALL things are possible.4. Never, ever quit. No matter what, rise to the occassion. It's what makes life worth living.(Details on darling Deana's funeral are forthcoming. I will leverage Caringbridge to share that information).

God bless you all,Jack and in spirit, Deana

Give-Away to come........

2009-07-26T19:19:00.003-05:00

I AM GOING TO BE GIVE AWAY A BOW HOLDER.......

CONTEST DETAILS TO COME!!!!

STAY TUNED!!!

Hairbow holder.....

2009-07-26T08:10:00.003-05:00

Well, as many of you can atest to, Sydney has more hairbows than she has hair!!!

I LOOOOVE HAIRBOWS!!!

As a result, she has quickly filled up the sweet "Angel" holder that and Aunt Tammy/Amanda made her. Soooo, on a whim, I decided to try my hand at making her a BIG ONE!!! And I must say, I'm pretty darn proud of the way it turned out!!! There are a few things I would do differently and I wish I had made pictures in stages but I didn't even think about a picture till the end!! All total, I think it took me about an hour or so to make.

Materials from Michaels:

flat wood sign - $2.99

felt letters with wood backing - $2.40 (total)

black glossy paint - $1.99

4 yards satin ribbon - $3.52 (total)

Grand Total: $12.00 (approx)

Pretty good, if I do say so myself!!! :-)

2009-07-13T09:41:00.003-05:00

WE ARE HAVING A BLAST!!!

Just a few pics for now......hope that'll hold ya till later!! :-)

OFF TO THE BEACH.....

2009-07-10T17:14:00.001-05:00

Going to try to post my GT's first trip to the beach while we are there!!! WE ARE ALL SO READY TO GO!!!!

My MIL is now resting with Jesus....

2009-07-04T12:05:00.001-05:00

Alan's mother, Faye, is at PEACE with Jesus on Independence Day. While our hearts are heavy, we can't think of a more fitting day to become FREE from pain and suffering! Please pray for our family in the coming days.

We will miss you, Gran!!

BioMom's can but Adoptive Mom's can't???

2009-07-01T19:19:00.002-05:00

No, this isn't a riddle.....it's not even a bad joke! It's a double standard and it frustrates the heck-a-mighty out of me!!! BIG TIME!!

Why is ok for a biomom(which I am as well) to be INSANELY frustrated with their kids but Heaven forbid that an ADOPTIVE Mom might be?

Why is it okay for my BIOchild to have traits and idiocincricies that drive me UP THE WALLS but my ADOPTED children aren't allowed to make me crazy?

Why is okay to fuss about the above mentioned tendancies with Biochild and people laugh it off but if I say anything about it with my ADOPTED children I am immediately reminded that not too long I ago I was hysterical b/c she wasn't home. Or in shambles because she didn't want to have anything to do with me?? Get my drift????

Why is this a double standard?? Let's just say it..... ALL THREE OF MY KIDS MAKE ME ABSOLUTELY, UNDENIABLY, UNBELIEVABLY CERTIFIABLE from time to time!!! It's got NOTHING to do with the circumstances in which they became my child. It has nothing to do with how hard I "worked" to get them here (Did I mention that AJ was an IF baby?).

I am HUMAN. I get tired. I have good monents with my kids. I have hard moments with my kids. I laugh with my kids. I laugh at my kids. I scream at my kids. I scream with my kids!

That is life........

No real news from South Alabama

2009-06-29T07:08:00.002-05:00

My MIL is still hanging on. We actually had the chance to talk to her last night while she was coherent. She has slept the past 2 days and when she has *TINY* amounts of food, they go through without stopping. Initially Hospice thought it would be all over by now but God quite obviously has different plans.......and His plan is ALWAYS best!! As for me and the children, we're coming home today. We'll repack and be ready to come back down when Alan tells us we need to be here.

3 nights in a hotel (cramped &expense)

+2 toddlers who are having a blast at Miss Amy's

+ the exhaustion of waiting

+ the need for them to be back in their routine

= Time To Come Home!!!

PLEASE JUST KEEP US ALL IN YOUR PRAYERS!! Pray peace for Alan's family and an easy passing for his Mother. Pray for me and the kids as we come home. I WILL BE MAKING THE DRIVE HOME TODAY AND I DESPISE DRIVING THROUGH MONTGOMERY/B'HAM AREA!!! BLAH!! I just hope I get us hope in the 3 - 3 1/2 hours it usually takes! :)

Update on Alan's Mother

2009-06-26T21:46:00.002-05:00

HI ALL......

Just a quick update from South Alabama..... We arrived around 9am today and have been at his parents home most of the day. We were able to check into the hotel around 1:30pm and catch some sleep. That helped all 5 of us.

Faye is not well at all and Hospice feels that it will only be a matter of days. Our hearts are so heavy right now but at the same time we rejoice in knowing that she will be with her SAVIOR and LORD soon. Out of all pain and 100% whole again! We praise JESUS for HIS sacrifice so that WE may have ETERNAL life!!

My sweet hubby is holding up pretty well but family members that are coming and going...not so much. They know that this is probably the last time they will see her EARTHLY body. Pray especially for our cousin Cody. Faye is "Auntie"(aintie) to him and she is his favorite on earth!! Cody(wife Jen & daughter Caylee) had a really hard time saying "good bye" during his visit today.

My heart aches to watch them leave...

Please pray for a peaceful passing of our sweet Faye and comfort/strength for my family. This is by far one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. My eyes fill with tears in an instant......

Please pray for Alan's Family.....

2009-06-23T15:27:00.002-05:00

Please pray for Alan's family right now......

We just found out that Alan's Mom's cancer has spread everywhere. It is literally just a matter of time and they have been advised to call in Hospice. We are just trying to digest it all and figure out what to do from here. That's basically all we know. I will keep you posted.

I am really worried b/c AJ's birthday is next Wednesday. The doctor has said that "it won't be long before she's no longer in any pain". I know this is INSANELY selfish but would you please pray that she will not pass on AJ's birthday. I think it'll be longer than a week but my heart is so heavy for my son right now. He has endured more than any one child should and I just can't stand the thought of this happenning at his birthday. July already sucks b/c that's when he lost his granddaddy and his Daddy.

I am just at a loss......

Thanks!

PIGTAILS........FINALLY!!!!

2009-06-17T07:43:00.004-05:00

Doesn't she look like "BOO" from Monsters, Inc??

SOX THAT ROCK!!!

2009-06-12T07:56:00.001-05:00

My friend Lynda makes THE CUTEST sox evah!! Beads, buttons, bows, lace, ribbon.....you name it, she can make them!!! She is doing a give-away right now as well.

Go check her out and order some SOX THAT ROCK!!!!

http://lund7.blogspot.com/2009/06/calling-all-little-feetanother-giveaway.html

It's the little things that keep me sane.....

2009-06-11T17:47:00.001-05:00

When asking Luke why he had Sydney's leapster instead of his,

Luke replied..... "Because"...

I asked "Because why?"....

He answered "Because SHE'S MY BEST FRIEND!!!"

Sydney says..."YEAH"!!!

It's those moments that keep me somewhat sane......

The day has FINALLY come.....

2009-06-04T19:28:00.003-05:00

AJ IS GETTING HIS BRACES OFF!!!

CAN I GET A WOOOOOHOOOOOO!!!!

In November 2007, we started the process. First with a pallet expander that was twisted every night for 3 weeks. That was as painful for me to do/watch as it was for him to go through. We cried and cried over this experience....EVERY SINGLE DAY!!!

Then we had to let everything expand and set for 5 months!!!

Then came brackets and wires. Power chains and adjustments. Tightening and cleaning. Braces wax and "christmas tree' brushes. Gray bands and colored bands. Fussing about not brushing. Loose brackets and pokey wires. Busted gums and canker sores.

FINALLY........

19 MONTHS LATER IT'S TIME FOR THEM TO COME OFF.... APPROXIMATELY 4 MONTHS EARLY AND WITHOUT RUBBERBANDS FOR CROSSBITE ISSUES THAT WERE CORRECTED WITH THE EXPANDER!!!

The date for removal is 6/18 at 10:30am!! They'll be taken off, his teeth will be cleaned really good and his permanent retainer will be put on bottom. He'll be molded for his top removable on at that time. It will be fitted a week later!!!

I DON'T KNOW WHO IS MORE EXCITED....ME OR AARON!!!

Deana's Stem Cell Update......

2009-06-03T21:51:00.004-05:00

2:20 pm EST JUNE 4, 2009

GREAT NEWS! Deana just met with her doctor and while 5M harvested stem cells is the optimal number (and they are continuing to harvest today) the numbers are “good enough.” The doctors plan to move forward with the bone marrow transplant next week! Deana has a long day in front of her still: blood transfusion, platelet transfusion and then harvesting. She’ll be at the hospital for many hours and has a morning appointment with the doctor to schedule the steps leading up to the transplant.Please keep Deana and her family in your prayers – keep the mantra up for 5M cells - the medicine and positive thoughts are working.

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10:00 pm EST JUNE 3, 2009

An update from Deana as relayed via Deana's Aunt Laurie . . .

"I'm so tired after spending hours and hours in the hospital that by the time I get back to the motor home, I'm too tired to get online and do it myself. I really appreciate that you will spread the news for me.”

"They collected 1.6 million stem cells on Monday and 1.2 million yesterday. I don't know the counts for today and I will go in again tomorrow. The minimum number I need is 5 million" "If I only get 1 million today and 1 million tomorrow, I will be 1 million short, so I'm hoping that these shots they have been giving me are working to bring my counts up. (She had one today.)

"The pulmonary specialist was a great guy. He really worked with me to help me pass the (respiratory) test. I needed to score 50 and only got 48. He said not to worry about it, though and I really liked him. I asked about taking it again a couple of times today, but no one knew the answer, so we're just letting it ride.”

"They tell me I should start getting stronger now that the shots are over -- I had my last one tonight."I'm having a difficult time with the strength in the fingers of my left hand, so it's hard for me to type. I'm so sorry I haven't been able to answer everyone's emails and messages and do my own updating. My chemo brain is just so tired and after these long days, it's hard to do much of anything. Last night I didn't get home until 11 pm and then had to be back in at 7:30 this morning.”

"I really appreciate all the thoughts and prayers everyone is sending me. It means so much to know that you are all out there praying for me and thinking about me. I'll let you know when I can how we are doing and what's going to happen next.”

As always, Deana sends her love..........

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NOW is the time to storm Heaven with prayer to bring up Deana's stem cell counts and give her the strength she needs to pass her respiratory test (insurance required). We LOVE you, Deana! Keep the faith and please get your rest. You will get your 5M stem cells!

Let's just be realistic here people!!!

2009-05-26T10:21:00.002-05:00

I AM SHORT,

I AM PLUMP,

I HAVE BIG BOOBS,

I HAVE A BIG BUTT

AND

I HAVE HUGE THIGHS!!

There, I said it.... it's out there.

Soooo, answer me this:

Why oh why don't swimsuit makers make suits that are HELPFUL to people my size??

I *NEED* UNDERWIRES!! NOT 2 PIECE TANKINIS!!!

I *NEED* a decent "skirt" not boy cut or dipping fronts.

I *NEED* a suit that I can actually afford and feel ok in public in!!!

AND WHILE I'M AT IT......

Why in the world don't they make DECENT work out clothes for plus sized people?? I need work out clothes too. I don't want them painted on and I don't need them so big that they hang everywhere!!! ACK!!!

I need a sports bra that fits!! One with underwire, without jiggly straps!! That breathes and doesn't cost a fortune.

It took a LONG time to get to this size, it ain't goin' away FAST! I need these clothes to fit a while and hang with me, not be replaced when I lose weight. I have to lose weight and I need to work on it soon!! I get so freaking frustrated looking for things in my size......BLECH!!!!

More info for Guate Mission Trip

2009-05-24T12:45:00.004-05:00

DATES: JUNE 22 -29

IT IS A MEDICAL MISSION TRIP....

THERE ARE CURRENTLY NO PLANS TO VISIT AN ORPHANAGE

BUT THAT COULD CHANGE ONCE THEY GET DOWN THERE.

PLEASE EMAIL ME AT rolltidegirl73@yahoo.com WITH ANY QUESTIONS OR FOR MY PAYPAL INFO!!!

THANK YOU!!!

WIll you help Guatemala?

2009-05-21T10:23:00.002-05:00

Hey guys --- I am here to ask for your help! Luke and Sydney go to a small church run daycare. The church that it is a part of is sending a mission team down to Guatemala in about a month to help out their missionaries. As most of you know, my Luke and Sydney are from Guatemala. They could have EASILY been one of the children receiving assistance from mission groups. I have decided to try to help them out with gathering donations.

Here is a list of items that are needed. Monetary donations are accepted as well. I have a paypal account and would gladly accept donations to give the church in one check or I will shop for you.

*Spanish Language Bibles - $3.50 each

*Each monetary gift of $10 will be used to purchase additional supplies once in country!

Antibiotic Ointment (Neosporin, etc)

Cortison Ointment (Cortaid, etc)

Antifungal Cream (Lamisil, etc)

Diaper rash ointment (Desitin, etc)

Hemorrhoid Creams (Prep-H)

Cough/Cold/Allergy Meds (Benadryl, etc)'

Pain/Fever Meds (Tylenol, Motrin, Advil, etc)

Ear Wash Kits

Vitamins (Adult & Children's)

Antacids (Tums, Rolaids)

First Aid Supplies (bandaids, gauze, tape, ace bandages, etc)

Hand Sanitizer (any size)Ziplock Bags(all sizes, any brand)

You might also be able to ask your doctor for samples of antibiotic ointments, anti-fungal creams, anti-parasite meds.

SCHOOL SUPPLIES ARE WELCOME TOO!!! Pencils, Crayons, Markers, Pencil Sharpeners, Paper, Scissors, etc

Hygiene Items:

Soap

small toothpastes

dental floss

toothbrushes

combs

washcloths

shampoo/ conditioner
Reading glasses - 2.5 & up

If you can't donate money, please send your prayers! Those are even more important!!! If you are interested in helping, please EMAIL ME (rolltidegirl73@yahoo.com) and I can give you the paypal account information. Thanks!!!

Disappointment

2009-05-20T16:42:00.002-05:00

Today my oldest son, my only biological child "graduated" the 8th grade. His last year of being a "kid" and entering the big world of high school!!! The world of cars, girls, sports, curfews, friends....oh and school!!! :-) My son is growing up and moving on whether I am ready for him to or not. Wasn't it just yesterday that he was in Kindergarten? Maybe even 5th grade? Such big deals are made out of those 2 years. Pomp and circumstance....honors, awards, achievements, certificates of completion. Excitement as they enter a new stage in their lives.....ESPECIALLY 6th grade.

As these children work towards finishing middle school and heading to high school, you would think that there would be a little "Pomp and Circumstance" heard as they officially left the 8th grade. Moving towards growing up....becoming a young adult. Not at Aaron's school....not unless you had achieved "academic excellence" or were voted student of the semester/year. If you weren't getting an award you weren't recognized. Sad, huh? You got to sit and watch the same handful of kids receive award after award while you were..........AVERAGE. A regular kid with regular grades. Why isn't it ok to be average anymore????

As a result of my disappointment, I composed a letter/email that I emailed out to our principal, asst. principal and County Superintendent relaying my feelings of sadness that my child is not looked upon or recognized because he's a good kid, not a troublemaker, respectful and *gasp*.... AVERAGE!!! Hopefully that letter will make a difference in the years to come.

Maybe one less parent or student will feel slighted for being AVERAGE.......

Wow....

2009-05-19T20:33:00.003-05:00

Tonight I was reminded that Luke and I do NOT look alike. Typically, I don't pay much attention to it since I am wrangling two kids. However, tonight I went to Wal-Mart....just me and my little man. As we walked into Wal-Mart, several people looked back and forth between us. You could tell they were processing us...or maybe they thought he was just too cute....heck maybe they thought I was just *H*O*T*!!! Hehehe.....anyway, I often forget that he doesn't favor me. He doesn't favor Alan. He doesn't favor Aaron.

Luke favors Sydney because they come from the same place.....my heart.

DEANA IS BACK IN THE HOSPITAL

2009-05-18T13:56:00.001-05:00

Here is the latest from her CaringBridge site. Sorry for the format........ PLEASE PRAY ........

Our dearest friends and family,I am terribly sorry for not having written an update sooner, but perhaps by the time you've read what follows, you'll understand why it has taken this long.Deana is back in the hospital, unexpectedly. Earlier this week, while performing what are now routine tests as an outpatient, Deana became very faint. Deana's parents were encourgaged by clinical staff to take Deana to the emergency room. There, Deana's blood pressure was found to be critically low, and a special blood test's results told Doctors once again Deana was septic.It's important to note that Deana is taking extremely aggressive chemotherapy -- so much so that now even our insurance company is calling into question some of the protocols. It renders Deana's immune system helpless against infections that you and I would not get. But it is sorely needed. If the Burkitt's Lymphoma is not in a near-dormant state when stemcell treatment is performed, it will greatly diminish chances for success.Now out of ICU and in a room on the oncology floor, Deana is being treated with the strongest of antibiotics in an attempt to fight the sepsis and what may be yet another case of pneumonia. We won't know for sure until tomorrow when CT scans, chest X-rays and bronchoscopy results are available. Doctors claim it will take 6-8 weeks to treat pneumonia if it is a reality. There is mixed discussion among staff (and some ambiguity overall) if this will negatively impact the tight schedule Deana's stemcell process is following.I told Deana I plan to visit her once she is out of the hospital this round and will spend a few days with her in a nice hotel, where the only interruption will be the knock at the door from room service. This will also give Deana's parents, who are at Deana's side, a few days to decompress as well. Timing is everything, as my company really needs me back to work. I will most likely fly out on a Friday and return on a Sunday.Our zboyz miss Mommy, there is no question. I do too. We talk with mommy a few times everyday. Tomorrow is our wedding anniversary. I told Deana we would celebrate when I get there.We continue to receive from you your incredible love and acts of kindness: from my dear coworkers, family and friends, wonderful neighbors, to Deana's Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS), and of course Deana's mommy playgroup. Without your overwhelming generosity, our fight for Deana's healthy return would be much more difficult. We are truly blessed.I cancelled my home number, so if you're trying to reach us, call me on my cell. Please give your loved ones an extra hug today. It takes so little and means so much. Do it for no reason at all.Thank you all so very much for keeping Deana and our zboyz in your prayers. God bless you.

2009-05-09T21:27:00.002-05:00

Dear clothing manufacturers....

My name is Kristi and I am the proud mother of 2 incredibly adorable toddlers!!! As a result of this, I find myself shopping for them quite often. Upon completing the sorting and folding of the laundry, I have found that my children have way too much freaking cute clothing and will not need another article of anything for the remainder of the summer. Not one stitch!! Actually, there is SO much clothing, I will COMFORTABLY send some clothes to their grandparents house for backup......along with their Aunt Kandi and Uncle Mike's house. Only to have overflowing closets and drawers at home.....STILL!!!!!

I emplore you to please stop making such stinking cute clothing that my children look far too adorable in!! I am having a hard time resisting these purchases......particularly from THE CHILDREN'S PLACE!!! Now, please understand, fortunately for me I only buy clothing that is at a SUPER CHEAP SALE so I totally justify my spending and I am TOTALLY getting my money's worth. Technically, I'm so cheap, you lose money when I buy from you!!! So see, it's best if you just start making uglier clothes for other people to purchase. :-)

Sincerely -

My niece is home!!

2009-05-08T06:37:00.003-05:00

Thanks for your prayers and positive thoughts!!

Tess is back at home and feeling so much better. I talked to her for a few minutes last night and she sounded just like herself! A sweet, bubbly, happy, sweet angel .....

The only thing the doctors could tell them is that it was probably just a really nasty virus. They did lots of bloodwork and didn't find anything.

Taite is ok too......cutting teeth now though. NASTY diaper rash!! No daycare for them till Monday. So glad my Mom is down there helping out!! Nana is the best!! :-)

I have TWO pre-schoolers!!!!

2009-05-07T09:51:00.004-05:00

SYDNEY WENT TO SCHOOL THIS MORNING!!!

Alan dropped her off, stayed a few minutes and left. She cried, of course. I called 30 minutes later to check on her and they said she was MARVELOUS!!! Only cried for a few minutes and then she was fine!! She was using good manners....yes ma'am, no ma'am, sharing, playing with new friends, following directions, smiling for everyone and having a snack!! Miss Lori, one of the teachers I adore, answered the phone when I called and they are all just tickled pink that she's FINALLY there!!! They helped us pray her home and they love her big brother so, she's in good hands!!!

Now it's time for Miss Selena, her teacher, to do POTTY TRAINING BOOT CAMP!!!

WOOOOHOOOOO!!!I pick her up at 11:30, just before lunch. We'll repeat tomorrow. Next week, we'll begin the schedule. I'll have Tues & Thurs ALL to my self!!!

Cue the Hallelujah Chorus!!

My big girl, on her *FIRST* day of "school"!!!

Getting some big brother love!!!

He's still recovering so he'll start back on Monday.

Telling Daddy to come on!!!

Can you feel the love????

URGENT PRAYERS PLEASE -

2009-05-06T14:36:00.000-05:00

My Mom just called and they have put my niece, Tess (3 years old), in the hospital in Montgomery. She has been throwing up for several days and can't keep anything down. Doc says she is severely dehydrated and has an extremely elevated white count. They aren't sure what's going on with her. Also, her sister Taite (9 months old) is battling pink eye and can't be around the hospital. We have no family down there so we're trying to figure out how to help out. My sister is beside herself with worry!!!

Day 2 of recovery

2009-05-05T10:53:00.003-05:00

WOW!!!

Anesthesia hangovers are NO FUN!!

ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU ARE 4!!!!

He has an icky headache that only the pain meds help! We'll start weaning those meds on Thursday. All in all, he's doing well. He's eaten a little but of eggs, bananas, sherbet and apple juice.

Sydney, on the other hand, is NOT liking NOT being the center of attention all day long. 2 straight days of brother being in the limelight and she ain't happy about it!!! Next week we start part time daycare for her. Now would be the time that I *NEED* time to fly!! :-)

Surgery was a succes......

2009-05-04T20:02:00.000-05:00

Luke did GREAT!!! We got to the hospital at 7am and they took him back for surgery at 9am. By 9:30 they were done and we got to a room around 10:15am. Doc said on a scale of 0-4, the tonsils were a 4 and the adnoids were a 2-3. His ear canal was flushed and cleaned but there was NO fluid in behind the eardrum. NO TUBES WERE NEEDED!!! Needless to say, we are glad that we had this procedure done.

After getting to our room, they continued to push fluids until about 5pm. Luke ate his fill of popsicles and jello!!! Doc came in and released us at 5:30pm and we were home by 6:30. Luke is dozing in and out on the couch ..... doing GREAT!!!

Thank you for your prayers!!!!

Surgery is scheduled...

2009-05-01T12:29:00.005-05:00

Luke has been scheduled for his tonsils/adnoids/tubes! We have to be at the hospital by 7:00am on Monday. It'll be at Women's & Children's and he'll be 23 hours out-patient but they've told us to please pack a bag in case we need to be admitted. Please keep my sweet boy in your prayers. We are hoping and praying this will take care of quite a few different things!!!

Yes! It's ok to sing at the table and other ramblings from Casa de Jones!!

2009-04-30T10:17:00.002-05:00

It really, really is!! And ya know what.....we sang the "Diego" song at breakfast this morning....and we sang it LOUD, LONG AND STRONG!!! We might even do it at lunch too!!! :-) Well, partly because the SWINE FLU closed the THREE school systems in our county of 2 PROBABLE cases.....siiiigh. You do what you have to in order to get through 2 days of NO daycare!!! :-)

Soooo.........things have been a little crazy at Casa de Jones lately!!! I mean, C!R!A!Z!Y! Research paper and a history project for AJ. End of school year. Planning some summer trips. Figuring out how to phase Sydney into part time daycare for her sanity and mine. Wanting to PURGE this house but not knowing where to start, so we cut back some bushes and stuff in the yard. You get the drift.

AJ had baseball tryouts this week and will be playing for the Monrovia Diamondbacks. I can't believe my BABY is playing Babe Ruth baseball. Siiigh......and what makes it even worse is that I am filling out his HIGH SCHOOL scheduling forms after I finish this blog update. We go back to the orthodontist in May to find out when the braces come off. We're looking at late July/early August. Thank goodness!!! Where does the time go? My sweet baby will 14 in July.

A few weeks ago, Alan and I decided that Luke's behavior, sleep, etc just had to be discussed with our ped. Talked to him and he agreed that he needed to see an ENT. Called the ENT, got in to see him on April 28. Doc says his tonsils are DEFINITELY too big and they need to come out. They are causing Apnea, restlessness and a ton of other stuff. While he's in, he'll also take out his adnoids and evaluate for tubes. Luke had LOTS of ear infections as a baby and the doc says there's lots of build-up we can't get to down by the eardrum. So, out it all comes and the tubes may go in.......we'll update that on Monday after the surgery! Glad that we have an ENT that doesn't wait around!!!

Sydney's language has just blossomed. She's quite the little parrot!! Uhm, that means I need to be more careful, huh? She's all over the place and will begin a new stage in her life next week. We'll start her in daycare. She needs the socialization and needs to know that others are able to help her but that Mommy will ALWAYS come back for her!! Her attachment is FINE, so ya'll don't worry yourselves over that. I tell Alan that she's so close to me that if I sneezed she'd come flying out my nose!!!! Our sweet princess is turning out to be QUITE THE DRAMA QUEEN though!! Help us all!!!

As if that isn't enough, I took a pretty nasty fall on Sunday night. Typically, our dogs sleep in the garage, even in the summer but the other night it was so nice out we decided to let them stay out. Well, after being woke up several times by our Lab's barking, I decided this wasn't going to work. The pups were going in the garage. Our Lucy puppy went straight in. Joise, not so much. I finally coaxed her to to the backdoor area and just as we were about to come in the house, she decided she wasn't going in. Josie jumped around, tangled up in my feet and took them out from under me. As a result I went down into the metal porch swing. I whacked my head, sternum, arm/hand and knee. I went out for a minute and ended up with a tennis ball sized goose egg on my noggin!! YEEEEOUCH!!! Have a pretty good knot on my arm that hurt when someone even glanced at it. Let's not forget the layer of skin that got left on the patio from my knee!!!

Well, the next morning, my head was ok. It hurt but it was managable. My arm, WOW, it hurt!!! By Tuesday, the swelling had NOT gone down at all, so I made an appointment at the Ortho Center to get it looked at on Wednesday. Fortunately, it wasn't broken just have severe soft tissue damage and a bruised nerve. Also found out that some point I broke my hand between my ring/pinky fingers at the hand knuckle. The doc asked me when I did it and I told him I had no idea that it had ever been broken. He showed me the xray and sure enough, there was a calcification there. Have no idea when it happened.....I'm not terribly co-ordinated so there's no telling!! Anywho, I'm in a brace for 3 weeks and go back for a recheck in 2 weeks. It's a pain but I'll take the brace over a CAST any day!!!

That's it for now.....hopefully, we're back on track after a little break.

BoReD wItH BlOgGiNg............

2009-04-26T22:58:00.002-05:00

So tired of reporting the same old stuff. I still have not finished Disney pics, Luke's b'day and some random other pics. Sad huh? My get up and go to blog, just isn't there right now.....any suggestions to get my rhythym again??

I think it's time for a TODDLER BED!!!

2009-04-18T07:40:00.001-05:00

I don't wanna do it but I might have to!!! Sydney's "new thing"(in the past few weeks) is upon waking, she begins SCREAMING AND HOLLERING for me to come get her. Over and over and over till someone comes in. Now, while she's doing this, she laying all snuggly under her covers still just playing with her lovies and chilling. She's not mad, she's not scared, she's not anything but ready to get up!!

Here's the problem - she's waking up Luke!!! Waking up Luke before he's ready to get up is SO NOT A GOOD THING!!! Fortunately, he stumbled into our room(crying) this morning and got up in the bed with Alan. Fell back to sleep. He's been out for a good hour again. I, on the other hand, have been used as a jungle gym for the past hour. And she has no concept of "inside voice" yet. It's beginning to get really old, really fast!!!

EASTER 2009

2009-04-14T12:54:00.005-05:00

What a beautiful day for such a celebration of Christ's sacrifice for us!!!

We had a wonderful day at church with Zach preaching the importance of salvation.....many came forward to be saved or rededicate their lives to Him!!

After church, we had a wonderful time of fellowship with my best friend and her family along with my Mom and Dad!! It was REALLY great!!! Here is a video montage of our day:

EASTER 2009

Doing my part to "SaVe the TaTa's"!!!

2009-04-10T17:38:00.004-05:00

Ok, I went for annual physical today and everything checked out great.......

HOWEVER;

Now that I've hit the big "35", I get to go to the "BOOB MASHER"!!!!

SOOOOO,

My FIRST mamo is scheduled for next Thursday April 16 @12:15pm.

You know you don't feel well when.....

2009-04-07T11:50:00.001-05:00

You go check the washer that's running and you've run a full cycle of ABSOLUTELY nothing. Added water and detergent --- but no clothes!!! Not a single piece of anything.....siiiiigh!! And now I'm out of dryer sheets!! Good thing a load of nothing doesn't need any!!! I need to go to bed!!

AN AMAAAAAZING DEANA UPDATE!!!

2009-04-03T21:14:00.000-05:00

At about 6pm this evening, as Deana and I were both catching a cat nap, a familiar face appeared in the room -- one we weren't expecting until Tuesday or Wednesday of next week: Dr. Rodriquez, Deana's oncologist. To say the least, we were surprised.

Dr. Rodriguez had some VERY GOOD NEWS to share with us. The bone marrow biopsy performed yesterday showed absolutely no Burkitt's lymphoma cells. The doctor explained we have an aggressive schedule ahead, and as soon as the CMV treatment is complete or near-complete, Deana will begin a single-drug regimen of Methotrexate. The doctor explained that our goal is to get the Burkitt's to a near non-existent state to facilitate a bone marrow transplant. That is a way's off, but she was very frank about the multiple steps and Deana's candidacy for either bone marrow or cord stem cell (experimental) transplantation. On Monday, the doctors will have a comprehensive schedule. Until then, Deana will have a quiet weekend.
I will fly home Sunday most likely to get our boyz. There isn't much time before Deana resumes chemo. We're so excited!

I took Deana downstairs for a hot chocolate to celebrate and we're now just minutes away from videoconferencing with our Zboyz (Skype). We haven't seen their beautiful faces in over a month.

Thank you, thank you, thank you all for your prayers. God is listening and we feel your love. Please give your loved ones big hugs, and an extra one from us. Have a wonderful weekend. We will!

Love,
Jack and Deana

A conversation about dinner with Luke

2009-04-02T16:26:00.002-05:00

So, we're driving home from daycare today and I ask....

"What would you like for dinner? Spaghetti!!"

Luke: "Oh yeah!! I love that!!!"

Me: "Alright, spaghetti it is."

Luke: "But wait, Momma, are you going to put hamburgers in it? I love hamburgers in it!!"

Me: "Yes, Luke, we'll have hamburger meat in it."

Luke: "Oh good, Momma.... I LOVE hamburgers in my spaghetti!!!"

HaPpY bIRtHdAy LuKe!!!

2009-04-01T06:55:00.006-05:00

Where does the time go? This time 4 years ago, I was working at Harvest Elementary School, going about my daily tasks. The students were trying to play April Fool's jokes!! It was a nice day and oddly enough, I actually remember ALOT about it!!!!

I had no idea that while all this was going on, a young woman I would never meet was giving birth to my son.....in a country I had never really given much thought to......that would result in adopting internationally instead of domestically. A country and a people that are now occupying a HUGE place in my heart!

Luke, we learned about you when you were 3 weeks old. You came to us in the form of a picture ..... a picture of a CHUBBY CHEEKED, 8.5lb baby!! That's one big boy in Guate!! You stole my heart with that picture and I knew that God had destined you to be my son!!!

Here we are 4 years later and you are a rough, tough, spirited, smart, hysterically funny little boy!!! Even when you are making me crazy, you are my Sweetie Punkin' and I love you bunches!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BUDDY!!!

I know I know -

2009-03-29T08:41:00.001-05:00

I haven't blogged the rest of our trip. I'll be working on that this afternoon.........

Blog comments have been opened up

2009-03-23T20:52:00.002-05:00

I decided to open up the comments to anyone.

I will still moderate but won't limit it to Google accountholders only.

Hopefully, that will ENCOURAGE those of you who LURK, to comment or maybe even those who are followers to comment.

It's discouraging to post over and over but see no comments to what I've spent time writing or photographing.

Marina Fun ~ Pony Rides at the Resort

2009-03-17T18:43:00.003-05:00

Today we decided to hang out at the resort for a little while in the morning. Just a more laidback approach to the day. We went down to the resort Marina and killed some time. The boys all road the Speed Raycer boats, the little ones played in the sand for the first time, the "teens" played at the waters edge after the boats and we ate an INSANELY OVERPRICED meal at the resort restaurant!! Sydney got her first "real" booboo when she fell on the deck. We had to go get band-aids from the rental office. Overall though, everyone had a blast!!!

After being sucked dry for lunch, we decided to do horseback riding. We were all sooo excited since the little ones had never ridden a horse before and us big ones wanted to too!!! We were also looking for the petting zoo on the resort (which we never found) and came across the kid sized ponies!!! OH! MY! GOODNESS! WHAT! A! FIND!! $5 a child and you lead them around the corral!! My two little ones were STINKING thrilled with this! Sydney was trying to get on Luke's with him but we kept having to stop her. It was so funny!!! They had so much fun and did REALLY well!!

We got done with the ponies and headed back up the riding stables. As we approached them, 2 ladies and a photographer with Disney Resorts PR came up and asked if we'd like to be in their magazine. UH YEAH!! They wanted us to get on the horses, hang out for some camera shots etc. We discover that we need to go check in at the office area and then come back up for saddling up/photos. Upon getting to the office, Alan found out it was $46 PER PERSON for 45 minutes!! ARE YOU KIDDING ME?? ARE THEY TRIPLE CROWN WINNERS? Siiiiiigh, seeing as how we weren't paying $180 to ride and be in the magazine, we headed to the bus stop for a trip to Downtown Disney instead.

Marina/Ponies --- WDW 2009

ANIMAL KINGDOM

2009-03-16T10:51:00.000-05:00

Ok, the CROWDS WERE HORRIBLE!!! H!O!R!R!I!B!L!E! because the weather was PERFECT for being outside!!! Animal Kingdom really is the best place to be able to get close to the characters. We saw Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald and Baloo. The kids had a BLAST!!!

Kilamanjaro Safari was AWESOME!!! Animals were very active because it was soooooo mild out. The temp was perfect. We even saw a white Rhino RIGHT BY THE ROAD where our jeep passed by. VERY COOL!! Lots of gazelles. Saw a cheetah, a lion and a giraffe. There were a couple elephants and a sweet baby elephant in the field.

We also waited for about 30 minutes to go watch "Festival of the Lion King" and I am so glad we did!! The kids just LOOOOOOOOVED it!!! They were enthralled by the entire thing!! Afterwards, the bigger guys rode Expedition Everest and they loved it!!

And you simply cannot forget MICKEY'S JAMMIN' JUNGLE PARADE!!! God provided us with front row seats!!! Not once but twice!!! Me and the GT's watched the parade while the big guys went and rode Everest. We happened upon a FABULOUS spot...AGAIN!! As soon as the parade was over, we were heading over to the Safari to meet the big guys and as SOON as we went to the "edge of Africa" to be the beginning of the parade, they roped us in...soooo, we watched it AGAIN on the front row!!! The little ones loved it!!!

Animal Kingdom 2009

My life is complete

2009-03-16T05:53:00.000-05:00

The Magic Kingdom is TRULY magical!! There's so much to tell but I just don't have the energy to tell it right now. I'll be blogging like mad when we come home this weekend!!

LOVE TO YOU ALL!!

Magic Kingdom

2009-03-15T10:53:00.002-05:00

(Montage added to the bottom of this post....turn on your sound!)

Let's just start with this ..............................

I LOVE DISNEY WORLD!!!!

It was crowed and hot and crowded.......did I mention crowded? REALLY REALLY CROWDED!!! But it was FUN!!!! We walked what seemed like about 100 miles!!! It was really only about 10 I bet but when you get there at 10:30am and don't leave till 9:30pm, it seems like you walked across the US!!!!

Sydney was really too small for most everything except the trains, Blue Line and the like but I tell you what, she had a blast too!!! She did EVERYTHING she was big enough for and was just a sweetie ALL DAY!!! The kids areas were so crowded that it really was hard to wait in line for much.

My youngest son has proven what we already suspected......he is FEARLESS!!! The faster the rollercoaster, the better he liked it!! The more he wanted to ride it!!! He has a need for speed!!! He rode Goofy's Barnstormer(little kid coaster), Big Thunder Mountain, played on the climbing/sliding stuff near Town Hall in ToonTown.......he rode everything twice because we had the parent swap!! That is ONE COOL FEATURE!!!

Aaron surprised us all..........he has become pretty fearless too!!! Space Mountain, Big thunder Mountain, Barnstormer. Other rides that I'm sure I am forgetting!! He says he found his INNER DAREDEVIL!! Great, like being a teenager isn't crazy enough! :-)

The 2 cooooolest things on earth happened to us while at WDW:

On Sunday night we were riding the train back to Main Street to head out. Well, overhead comes the conductor - IF YOU'LL LOOK TO YOUR EAST....YOU CAN SEE DISCOVERY AS IT LAUNCHES!!! HOLY COW!! We saw spaceshuttle Discovery ascending .... up over the trees.....into space!! We watched until we simply couldn't see it anymore. Such an awesome experience!!! AWEEEEEEEEEEEEESOME!!!! Unfortunately, it all happened so fast we couldn't get the camera out in time. Darn it!

As we were leaving the station, we come up on the Main Street roundabout. It was almost time for the 8pm Luminations Parade. We'd never been there to see the parade so I looked at my EXHAUSTED hubby and said, Please...let's stay!! He said ok. We stop a Cast Member named Christina(Atlanta, GA) and asked where we were in relation to the route.

Well, low and behold.....the BEGINNING of the parade was literally 100 yards away and we walked up on an EMPTY spot RIGHT on the street!! It was perfect. We were dead on in front of the castle at the other end. It was spectacular. We watched the children watch the light parade in awe. Even the big kids. I really didn't think the night could get any better.....until:

I got to chatting with Cast Member Christina and our adoptions came up. The Reader's Digest version was told. Along with a few tears from both of us by the end!! Anyway, at the end of the parade, she approached us with celebration buttons. Alan and I had ones that say: "HAPPILY EVER AFTER" and then all of us got one that says: "I am celebrating our family being together". The italicized section is what was written in by Christina for our family specifically!! It was really the perfect end to the perfect day!!!

WALT DISNEY WORLD 2009

Fun in the Grand Floridian gift shop

2009-03-15T10:52:00.000-05:00

(-: NO CAPTIONS NECESSARY!!!! :-)

CHARACTER BREAKFAST

2009-03-15T07:47:00.008-05:00

1900 PARK FARE

THE GRAND FLORIDIAN RESORT

The GT's were SOOOOO cute in their custom outfits that Miss Kristine made them!!

We got stopped EVERYWHERE!!!

I just LOVE the character breakfasts!!! Love, love, love them!! They are fun, interactive and good way top get up close and personal!! Each character made TWO stops at our table. It was way cool!!! This b'fast included:

Pooh, Tigger, Alice in Wonderland, Mary Poppins and the Mad Hatter

The Mad Hatter was BY FAR my favorite!! He was HYSTERICAL!!! During his visit to our table, there was an empty seat between AJ & Kyler. "MH" walked over to it, rolled his eyes and said...."Oh heavens, I guess I'll sit here between the teenagers even though I! DON'T! LIKE!YOU!! This age is so so, so....oh, I just don't like you!!" The boys rolled and they loved it whether they admit it or not!!! ;-)

I love Kyler's face in this picture!!!

The Mad Hatter spies Luke behind him and got all excited since he wasn't a teenager!

Look at his eyes..... crazy!!!!

Sydney wanted NOTHING, I REPEAT - NOTHING, to do with the "people" characters!! Freaked out when they were by her. However, she jumped at the chance to hang out with Pooh & Tigger. 2 of her faves, I might add!! She would get so excited every time she'd see them!

MOMMA LOOK!!!

POOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOH!!!!!

No thanks, Mary Poppins!!!

And Alice, same goes for you!! Back away slowly!!

I was calling Luke in the shot, he said this "was for girls only"!!

Luke, he was in his glory!! He loves Tigger and just beemed when he'd be around!!! Calling him over and over and over!! He was not bashful or shy but wanted to be right in the middle of the action!! :)
A GOOD TIME WAS HAD BY ALL!!!

And awaaaaaaaay we go.......

2009-03-14T07:03:00.001-05:00

We were out the door at 2:30. Headed for "The Happiest Place" on earth!!! No naps for the little bits and they gladly obliged our request to sleep in the car. Instead of driving the WHOLE way today, we determined we needed to stop 1/2 way. So, after 7 hours in the car, we stopped in Albany, Georgia. Who knew we could fit that many people in one hotel "suite" comfortably!! :) We highly recommend Country Inn & Suites there!!! New hotel with GREAT staff and ammenities.

After a hotel continental breakfast we were up and on the road again around 9am. After a few potty stops, we arrived at Fort Wilderness around 2:30pm. YAY!! A couple minutes to check in and we were on our way to our cabin - 2309 Shawnee Bend. Cute little cabins that are just enough for 6 people since all we really do is sleep there! :) Definitely recommend them to anyone who wants to "rough it"....hahahahaa!!

Do you think that this really lasted????

Hahahah.....no, it didn't!

Watch out Mickey, here we come!!!!

WE ARE OFF TO DISNEY!!!

2009-03-13T10:29:00.002-05:00

YES YES YES!!! I am so stinking excited!!! At 2:30pm today, we're hitting the road!!! We are driving 1/2 way today and the rest tomorrow. Should be there around lunchtime tomorrow!!! I am SOOOOO excited!!!

Stay tuned for photos and stories!!!

I don't like these type updates -

2009-03-12T06:39:00.002-05:00

This is the latest on my sweet friend Deana!! PLEASE KEEP PRAYING.....PLEASE!!!

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I am not going to lie, this is a tough update to write, but Deana wants me to share.

Deana's OK, but we've come to another obstacle, which we WILL overcome. The doctors have not been able to isolate the viral, bacterial or fungal illness in Deana's bloodstream and she has developed respitory failure to a point where she is now intubated. For at least the next 3-5 days, Deana will be on a ventilator (tube down her trachea) for breathing. There is a lot of fluid in Deana's lungs and her cough is pronounced and creates incredible pain for her, so the doctors advised that we intubate, allow pain medication to do its job and the antibiotics to do their job.
Deana and I spoke to our boyz this morning before the procedure. When we hung up, I kissed her, and was ushered out of the room. When I returned, Deana was unconscious but restful, with even more equipment, lines and tubing attached.

Doctors have also opted to put in a "central line" in her femerol vein (thigh) because Deana's blood pressure is just too low and her veins are not cooperative with the IV lines (for blood, platelets, and fluids) attached to her central venous catheter (CVC or PICC). Deana will be semi-unconscious during this time. Her heart rate is very high and her blood pressure is susceptible to dropping more. Doctors are taking every precaution.

The nurse told me Deana would probably not wake up much, if at all, over the next three days. Then, just as I was about to leave the room, as the nurses were washing Deana and changing her sheets, Deana awoke. She made eye contact with me. I grasped her hand gently and told her how much I love her and I saw her try to form the same words with her lips amidst all the tubes and tape, then she closed her eyes and went back to sleep. Deana is the strongest person I know and has A LOT MORE FIGHT IN HER.

Deana and I have befriended many people at the hospital, but one stands out among the rest. He's a young CNA, in his early 20s, and has a fantastic personality. He and I laughed incessantly about one-liners in movies we both like and Deana just loved having him around (no he does not look like Sam Elliot, more like Denzel Washington).

The reason I mention George, is today was his first day working in ICU. I came up behind him and greeted him, as he was standing just outside Deana's room. He seemed to be in a mild state of shock. "Jack," he said. "She was fine a couple days ago, what's happened. This is @#$* unbelievable" I told him what occurred and he became speechless. He then told me this was his first day in ICU, and it was hard. I placed my hand on his shoulder and I told him to look to Deana for strength, and to have a great day.

Hug your family, and do it often. Thank you for your countless prayers, as they fill Deana's lungs with hope and strength. They also see me through, hour by hour.

Much love,
Jack and Deana

2009-03-11T05:46:00.003-05:00

OH MY GOSH!! LET'S JUST ADD IN THAT THERE IS ANOTHER MOUSE IN MY HOUSE!!!

I HATE MICE!!!

(EXCEPT MICKEY & MINNIE OF COURSE)

Why this week?

2009-03-11T03:43:00.003-05:00

So, it all starts EEEEAAAAARRRRLLLLYYYY on Saturday with Luke throwing up. By 1pm, he was pretty good, just very tired. No more throw ups!! Yay!! Still had some tummy issues but otherwise ok. He even wanted pizza for dinner that same night.....so, that's what he got!! Did fine!

Sunday he was 24hours puke free.....and WE! WERE! STIR! CRAZY! So, off we go to the Home Builders show (Daddy's company had a booth so we got in free!). Spent some time there, wandering aimlessly but out of the house!! :-)

On our way out, Luke got a peppermint. That boy LOVES him some peppermint. Anyway, we're be-bopping on home and I happened to look in the backseat and Luke has started gagging. The peppermint has lodged in his throat and he VOMITS to get it dislodged. Well, in Alan's attempt to stop the car, we slammed a curb with the tire. We get pulled over and Luke is ok, rattled but ok. We go look at the tire and sure 'nuff.....a big gouge out of it. Fortunately it's not bubbling when water is poured over it so we know there's NO hole! We make our way, SLOWLY, to Sears. Sears says, yep you need to replace it BUT we're covered up.....try again tomorrow.

Go back to Sears on Monday, HALLELUJAH we bought the road hazzard warranty last year when we got new tires!!! Yeeehaw!!! All we paid for was the alignment and an oil change(we need that anyway). Whew!!!

Fast forward to Tuesday afternoon. Beautiful day - the boys are outside grilling pork chops while Sydney and I are in the kitchen making the rest of our dinner. Suddenly I hear, "KRIS, Luke's POOPED on the trampoline." Yep, that tummy is not quite ready for jumping like that yet. Luke comes in the house, walking like Frankenstein. Looks at me at says - "Momma, I have poop in my sock!!!" Off to the shower......hoping and praying that this is the end of the yucks! We are going to Disney on Friday and want to leave that junk here!!!

I'm in there cleaning him up and AJ comes running in. Alan as cut the backside of his fingers on a nail in the fence while throwing the hose back over it for AJ to roll it up. It wasn't bad but it was all 4 fingers which are now all band-aided up. Fortunately, he's had a tetnus shot in the past few years, so we are good on that.

Now, it's almost 4am. I'm sitting in the living room blogging. The washer is running and Alan is in the recliner. At 2:45am.....it became his turn.......UGH!!! It's gonna be another LOOONG day!!!

URGENT PRAYERS FOR DEANA!!!

2009-03-10T20:17:00.003-05:00

Deana readmitted to the hospital - prayers needed

Please take a moment to send up a prayer for healing on Deana's behalf. Her little boys, Zane and Zach, need their mother.

Hi everyone,
Deana's back in the hospital today after being discharged last night. She is more comfortable at this moment, but was not so this morning. I had to call an ambulance as she collapsed from exhaution. When we got to the emergency room, she was diagnosed as septic and the doctors believe she has pneumonia as well after comparing x-rays from just 2 days ago to today's. Rather scary seeing her condition deteriorate in less than 12 hours.
Deana is in intensive care and is being cared for around the clock. Doctors told me that she will be in ICU for at least 24 hours and possibly longer.
Deana's parents are en route and will be here in just about a day.
I hadn't left her side today at all but to make phonecalls to family, and was eventually kicked out of ICU due to non-visitation hours. I took Deana's advice and have since returned to our hotel (It's about a 5 block walk). I will be back at her side, first thing in the AM.
I no sooner arrived in my hotel tonight that I got a call from the hospital. It was Deana's nurse who relayed to me that Deana asked that I bring her laptop tomorrow. I laughed I was so relieved. Here Deana is, in ICU, and wanting her laptop. So strong, that's our girl.
The boys are doing just great at home. Thank you Kelley for helping out tonight. And happy birthday, Jodie!!
Thank you all for keeping Deana in your prayers, we cherish them and FEEL them. We are neither giving up nor in to this cancer.
All our love,
Jack

We have the pukies!!

2009-03-07T10:54:00.003-06:00

Poor Lukester woke up at 1am today throwing up.....not keeping anything down. Throws up every few hours....Poor little guy!!! We need everyone well because we are leaving for Disney on Friday!!!

Nooooo more pukies!!!

If you see an explosion somewhere over North Alabama

2009-03-04T19:46:00.003-06:00

It'll be coming from the proxemity of my house..............................

Mom can't take much more!

A PRAISE GOD UPDATE ON DEANA!!!!

2009-03-04T11:31:00.001-06:00

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 04, 2009 08:34 AM, CST

Hello Family & Friends,

This is Deana posting. The doctors just came in and gave us the good news that the chemo seems to be working. My numbers are looking good and they are pleased w/ how things are progressing.

My parents left this morning to head back home to get the motor home. They have found a RV park nearby where they are going to come back and set up shop. We are talking to the boyz every morning & & every night. Tonight we are going to try and Skype w/ them w/ the help of Uncle Dennis.

It looks like I may be released as soon as Friday or Sat as out patient. We will wait and see what my numbers look like then. I may be out for about a week and then back in as an inpatient.I have been having some nausea so they give me some anti-nausea meds that make me real sleepy so that is why I am not on-line, or on the boards that often.

Jack is doing laundry today and then he has to take an IV class this afternoon to learn how to flush my line w/ Heparin while I am out patient so my IV does not clot. Will check in again closer to the weekend to let you know if I have been released or not.

Many, Many thanks for the prayers, cards, visits, goodies and posts of support here. They are working.

As Jack would say, hug your loved ones tight tonight.

xoxo~Deana

SURGERY DAY FOR SWEET YOUYOU!!! (UPDATED)

2009-03-04T08:12:00.004-06:00

The first thing he said when he walked into the room was "This was a tough one." He gave us lots of details and here are a few.

The first "tough" part was that she had a fever of 101 after she was asleep. They will be keeping an eye on that over the next few days.

The other "tough" part was her developing a funny heart rhythm. They almost had to shock her heart. Right before they put the paddles on, her heart started beating normally. (Thank you for everyone that was praying for her during this unknown time...Praise the Lord!)

The VSD was very, very large. He was able to patch it and there is currently no leaking around the patch.

The cleft in the mitral valve was very peculiar. The tissue is normally very thick, but hers was very thin and this made things a little more difficult. He was able to stitch the cleft and it seems to be leaking less.

For some reason her tricuspid valve is now leaking a little more than it was before surgery. The head of cardiology looked at this and does not think it is because of the stitching around the VSD. It will need to be closely monitored.

They attached the wiring for the pacemaker. This was planned because children with L-transposition are at a higher risk for heart block.

She still has some bleeding that they will watch over the next couple of hours.
They had to give her a blood transfusion because she was anemic. (We knew there was a good chance of her needing a transfusion because she is so small.)

Lord willing, she will be waking up and off the ventilator around 5 tonight.

After the doctor was done giving us an update and answering questions, Aaron shook his hand and Erica gave him a hug. When he left we had a sweet time of prayer and thanksgiving. Thank you Lord for your loving care. We give You all the praise!

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My dear friend Erica's daughter, YouYou (pronounced YOYO), is having her first open heart surgery this morning at Children's Hospital in Birmingham. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers today. The surgery will last approximately 5 hours. Here is the link to YouYou's surgery blog. Please follow it and comment if you wish. They feel the prayers!!

I will update this post as details come in.......

YouYou in her "chariot"

YouYou just chillin' and waiting. Look at the way her little leg is crossed and her toe sticks out!! She is a prisspot for sure!!! I can't wait to get YouYou and Sydney together to play!!

Erica and I are in BIG trouble!!!

A Trip to the Circus

2009-03-01T16:35:00.005-06:00

RINGLING BROTHERS BARNUM & BAILEY CIRCUS

ZING ~ ZANG ~ ZOOM

This was Sydney's first trip to the circus --- we went with Luke's pre-school. Mrs. Sharon got us some ROCKIN' SEATS!!! They were right up front!!!

We had a such good time!!

Syd was just fascinated by the goings on......but still wanted some snuggles!!!

This is Ivan......

He is a "REAL" circus clown. When asked if he'd take pics with us, he HAPPILY jumped the retainer wall and came up to our row!!!

Uhmmm, unfortunately, Sydney was NOT feeling it!!!

Neither was Luke - he wouldn't even go over to the guy!

Which one is the REAL CLOWN, again?

AJ thought it was too cool!!

Luke sat like this throughout most of the 2 1/2 hours!

The costume on the elephant and performer were BEAUTIFUL!!!

This big 'ol thing circled the arena as the National Anthem was played!

I wish we had a better shot of these flags - they were GORGEOUS!!!

Sydney kept pointing to things and saying ---

"THAT, LOOK, LOOK, MOMMA MOMMA!!!"

This guy was RIGHT above us on one of those weird wheels things.

AMAZING!!!

I JUST LOVE THE ELEPHANTS!!!

The horses were beautiful!! This one "bunny hopped" all the way out of the arena!

The cannons shot 2 areialists out onto 2 huge airbags!!!

On our way back to the car......we were ALL sooooo tired!!!

A HOPE-FILLED update on Deana....

2009-02-28T07:56:00.001-06:00

Here is the latest from Jack ---

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Dear family and friends,

Deana had a pretty good day yesterday, all things considered. We took her down to get out of that hospital room and she and her parents listened to a children's jazz band-of-sorts while I went back to the hotel to get showered up.

Deana's oncology team came in to reiterate the complex treatment facing Deana. At that time the doctors still didn't know exactly what treatment they wanted to pursue.

That has since changed! Deana begins her chemotherapy today. Today is a VERY big day for Deana. The doctors are going to try something DIFFERENT than what Scripps suggested, and this is giving us a lot of hope. Please keep Deana in your prayers today.

Deana's pain management is getting better too. Chronic pain doctors have spent a lot of time listening to Deana and have modified her pain medication. It's making a big difference.

Have a great day everyone,

Love Jack and Deana

DEANA NEEDS A MIRACLE

2009-02-25T14:07:00.002-06:00

Here is the latest update on my dear friend Deana. This is what her hubby, Jack, posted on their Caring Bridge site.....please please pray for God's hand to be on this family. Pray for a miracle.

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Deana and I met with her Lymphoma specialist today. The doctor agrees with Deana's previous doctor on the EPOCH chemotherapy protocol, and frankly shares his concern for its viability. The two previous protocols were much more promising.Clinical trials are most likely a not an option for us as Deana's central nervous system is under duress from Burkitt's and she has thus far endured a mixture of different chemo drugs. Most clinical trials are single drug trials.

STILL, we march forward! Deana and I will not give up hope, however slight our chances. We have decided to stay here in the hopes that the doctors see or experience something different that the Scripps team did not. We need your prayers, now more than ever.

Deana will be admitted tonight into the hospital as they begin more preliminary testing. Chemo won't start until this weekend. Right now it's focus on Deana's increasing pain and constant nausea.

We love you all and agreed now is as just as good a time as any to get this post out. We're devastated, but NOT beaten. We will not give up or in.

Our boys are being taken good care of and Deana's parents are working on travel arrangements to join us. Please keep them in your prayers as well. We love you Mom and Dad.

Love,

Jack and Deana

Prayers for Sweet YouYou........

2009-02-24T17:33:00.003-06:00

2-25-09 YouYou came through her heart cath just fine this morning. They will know more about the results later. Please keep praying for this sweet girl!!

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Hi friends --- please add this sweet little girl to your prayer list. Clara "YouYou" just came home from China about a month ago. Her parents and I have been friends since we were kids. YouYou is having a heart cath done tomorrow at a reputable Children's Hospital. She has some medical needs with her heart that will require immediate attention. They knew about these issues at her referral but didn't expect them to be quite as serious as they seem to be.

Now, if you know me, you know that I believe in the power of prayer and a God that is the Great Physician. He can heal her with the wave of His hand. Please pray for this family as they begin the journey to giving Clara a nice, long, happy life.

http://prayingforyouyou.blogspot.com/

Another DEANA UPDATE!

2009-02-23T19:36:00.002-06:00

Deana is going to MD Anderson in Texas tomorrow and will be treated at there. Jack is at the hospital gathering all her records, etc. and they fly out tomorrow. It's not all "cheery" in that MD Anderson plans to do what the San Diego hospital would do....but at least its a fresh set of eyes....and maybe they'll add a fresh perspective.

Please for them even harder as they travel this new course.

Pray for, believe in, hope for, EXPECT a miracle!!!

YELLOW CARS AND A DEANA UPDATE!

2009-02-22T21:29:00.002-06:00

2/22/09 -- 6:30 EST -- This update came from another friend of ours.......

I just got off the phone with Deana and the difference in her voice, spirits and attitude was a 180 from Friday! Our prayers are lifting her up and she's ready to fight.

Tomorrow is a big day because the oncologists from her current hospital and MD Anderson will be formulating the next steps in her care plan. There is no time to spare as she needs to begin the next treatment which was originally slated for Monday. Jack and Deana have an appointment in Houston on Wednesday a.m. if the next step takes her there. Please keep sending healing thoughts and pray that the doctors can find a new direction to treat Deana so she can continue to parent her beautiful boyz (as she is truly amazing). Kudos to Jack for rallying Deana's spirits and for persisting even when she was at a low point.

Thanks to everyone who is praying fro Deana although you don't know her!! I know she feels them!

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YELLOW CARS

My Dad came up with this idea while we waiting for Ms. Sydney to come home. He is in sales so he is always in his car. Everytime he saw a yellow car he prayed for Sydney, her fostermom and everyone involved with her adoption. He mentioned it to our Sunday School class and before we knew people had picked out a car color and was also praying for Sydney. I mentioned it at school and teachers and parents were coming up to me saying "Do you know how many yellow, blue, red cars are out there"............. Some people told us they were sending postive thoughts and good wishes when they saw a certain color car. It gave us such a good feeling knowing how many people were supporting us.

Along with our Deana, I know there are several others are dealing with health issues, job issues, marriage and the list goes on and on. I will continue to find my yellow cars. It doesn't have to be more than a simple sentence -God knows what's on your heart.

PSSSSST............ be careful if you pick white or black!!!

Please pray for my friend Deana - URGENT!!!

2009-02-20T06:56:00.004-06:00

My heart is so heavy for the Reynolds family right now. As many of you may remember, a couple of months ago, my sweet friend Deana was diagnosed with Burkitts' Lymphoma. At the time, the odds of knocking it out were so high that things would be fine in a short amount of time. Unfortunately, things have gone from bad to worse.....in a hurry!!! Deana is married with 2 little boyz 4 & 2. Please read this update and PLEASE keep Deana's family in your prayers!!!

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Dearest friends,

Deana and I met with her doctor today and received some disturbing news. Apparently Deana's cancer is not responding at all to the chemotherapy treatment she's been receiving these last several weeks. It has started to appear on the right side of her face causing a numbing sensation that Deana describes as 5 novacaine shots after a dentist visit.

Deana has tried two different chemotherapy protocols and is now going to start a third (possibly final) no later than Monday. We will know in as little as two weeks if it is successful.To our shock and utter dismay, the doctor is not optimistic about this round of chemotherapy, but given the odds are greater than zero, we charge forward. We will not give in.

Tomorrow, Deana's oncologist and I will each be contacting medical oncologists at M. D. Anderson Hospital in Houston, TX. Apparently their lymphoma treatment is the most progressive and if there are applicable clinical trials with experimental drugs -- should it come to that -- that hospital will be leading those efforts.

Deana wanted me to let everyone know that while we are hopeful, and are trying to remain positive, that the doctor did tell us that given the aggressive nature of Deana's cancer, we are dealing with just a matter of weeks for Deana if not addressed. He has encouraged us to contact Hospice.

I apologize for the impersonal nature of this update, but wanted to make sure to keep you all informed.Please keep Deana and our boys Zane and Zachary in your prayers. It means so much to us. We need them now more than ever.

Please, please take the extra moment to hug your spouse and kids today and often.Either I or Deana will post an update just as soon as we know more.

God bless you all,Jack

I am throwing it in the middle of the street!!!

2009-02-18T12:41:00.002-06:00

I really and truly am about to!! This laptop has been NOTHING but a pain for the past 5 months. It was blowing up chargers, then the motherboard went out so it went to be repaired for 2 weeks. Got it back about a month ago but now it starts getting hot, humming and just shutting down.

I think this time they need to replace the darn thing!!! It's not even a year old yet!!! Sooooo, frustrating!!!

What do these things have in common??

2009-02-17T12:19:00.002-06:00

POOH, ELMO, MICKEY, PUPPY, GIRAFFE AND SOMETIMES BABY???

If you guessed, naptime/bedtime friends, you are CORRECT!!!

It's an ordeal to make sure they are all in there. Then we must not forget that HUGE blanket she brought from the fostermom. She gets them all on her chest, she wraps her arms all around them, I tuck the blanket around EVERYONE and she goes to sleep!!

Pass it on.......

2009-02-11T22:10:00.005-06:00

My dear friend Jill has this on her blog and I thought it sounded like so much fun. So this is how it works..... The first 3 people to leave a comment on this will receive a gift from me during this year. When and what will be a surprise. There's a small catch...You knew there would be didn't you? Post this on your blog then come back and leave a comment, telling me you're in. Fun, huh? Remember, only the first 3 comments receive the gift.

OH - And there's one person that I still owe a replacement gift to. Sorry that hasn't made it's way to you yet "M"!! It'll be on it's way this weekend. HUGS!!

Winner #1: My sweet friend Leanne!!!
Winner #2: My sweet friend Gail!!!
Winner #3: My sweet friend Linda (who I met through my sweet friend Tammy last year)!!!

A Sydney Girl Update

2009-02-11T13:05:00.003-06:00

Today I took Sydney in for her last set of catch up boosters....thank goodness! She always does so well and just wants to snuggle Mommy after the shots! I hate those shots!! Boohoo!! We don't need another "check up" till November when she is 3. Whew!

Anywho, just thought you'd like to know what her stats are ........ then and now:

November 24, 2008 (4 days after coming home) 21lbs and 31.25 inches

February 11, 2009 (home 2 months 22 days) 23lbs and (just over) 32 inches

So she's grown almost an entire inch and gained 2lbs in a VERY short period of time!! YAY SYDNEY!!!

What? I'm sorry I didn't hear you??

2009-02-10T19:22:00.003-06:00

That's because my children do NOT have a VOLUME CONTROL!!! NONE!!! My house has been so loud this week, my ears LITERALLY have a reverb feeling in them when any sound is made.

Then we have the "tandem" name calling -

Mommy, Momma, Mom, Mommy, Momma, Mom....repeat!!

Combine that with the LACK of sleep during the great mouse adventure last night and what you have is one tired Mommy who feels as though her ears are going to bleed!!! I think I could sleep for a week!!!

I HATE MICE!!!!

2009-02-09T23:12:00.006-06:00

2/10/09 1:25pm

The mouse is STILL here!!! I NEED AN EXORCISM!!!! Anything that rustles, moves, makes noise, etc makes me almost come completely out of my skin!!! I can't handle this!!!!

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12:30am UPDATE:

Well, the mouse is still hanging out under the hutch. It's there and not leaving....we can't get it. I have resigned myself to having to buy mousetraps tomorrow!!! I HATE MICE!!!

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MIDNITE UPDATE:

We have determined that's only ONE MOUSE.....which is ONE MOUSE TOO MANY!!

It's currently trapped in the den behind the hutch. Alan's trying to figure out to get him out of here!!! OMG!! I HATE MICE!!!

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11:50pm UPDATE:

We have one behind the entertainment center and one in the kitchen!!! NOW WE HAVE TWO MICE!!!! CAAAAAAAAAAAAALGON!!! I'm gonna need therapy!!! I HATE MICE!!!

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I am wishing I drank because there's a mouse in my den and I hate mice and we

can't find it and I hate mice! I'm walking across furniture. Won't be able to sleep-hate mice!!

We've been trying to flush it out for almost 45 minutes and I said several ugly things when it ran across the floor. I have to use the bathroom too but my feet have not touched carpet for almost 45 minutes. I hate mice!! Please pray that it goes away soon. I hate mice!!

Another new baby!!!!

2009-02-09T09:59:00.004-06:00

INTRODUCING:

CIRCLE K'S SWEET LUCY BELLE

LUCY

A TAD BIG FOR A LAP DOG, HUH?

CHECKING OUT HER NEW HOME!

Lucy is a 4 month old BULL MASTIFF. We got her this past Saturday 2/7 from Angel Bull Mastiffs in Russellville, Alabama. Lucy was one of 5 pups that needed a home. She is soon to be an AKC limited registered "pet". You can see the other 3 pups at www.angelbullmastiffs.com. They do ship or meet. You can get an EXCELLENT deal on these babies!! Please help Cindy & Cody Pierce find these babies a new home. Lucy's Dad, SAINT(fawn black like Lucy), is 2 1/2 and weighs "ruffly" 150-160lbs....... average size for a bully. Mom, ANGEL(brindle aka striped), is 6. She weighs "ruffly" 100lbs......a bit on the small side for a bully. We expect that Lucy will be about 115lbs at full grown.

More pics

2009-02-05T15:08:00.005-06:00

Aunt Kim & Sydney

Fun with camera settings....

More fun with camera settings....

This is Alan with his HS best friend Mike.

They hadn't seen each other in 20 years.

He finally found him through some other friends on FaceBook.

We went to their house for dinner while we were in South Alabama last weekend.

It was super cool!!

Mike & his son Jonathan

Dadddddy......wake uuuuuuuuuup!!!

Syd: Whadda you mean I look like Don King? I'm gonna get you!

Luke: Hahahah - you still look like Don King!

Fun with hair.... I need some practice!!

Uhmmm, yeah, they were a bit crazy!!

How stinking cute is this girl??

2009-02-04T21:13:00.002-06:00

Let me start by saying, this is MY STORY about MY KIDS! Any "bashing" or inappropriate messages will be DELETED! I'm not asking for approval or advice. Just answering some questions......

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Here is your chance to tell your story! Copy and paste the questions into a new post and tag your friends if you'd like! Learn a little more about their experience and what adoption was like for them!

1. When did you decide to adopt?

April 2004

2. Was it a hard decision to make?

No -

3. Why did you decide to adopt?

We had major fertility issues and a bio-baby just wasn't going to happen without tons of intervention.We tried for almost a year with no success.

4. Did you choose an International or Domestic adoption?

We did Domestic for a year before God led us to International

5. Where did you adopt from?

Guatemala

6. Why did you choose that place?

Guatemala chose us.....we saw a picture of Luke and thought he was a domestic newborn. He was SOOOO light complected.

7. Do you incorporate any traditions from that location into your child's life?

We do have some cultural flare in our house and we've gotten involved with a Guate playgroup. We will do more as they get older.

8. When did you receive your referral?

Luke - April 25, 2005Sydney - December 9, 2006

9. How old was your child at that point?

Luke - 24 days

Sydney - 25 days

10. How did you receive the news that he/she was going to be yours?

We used a photolisting site and actually chose our children. That was really cool because we prayed over the children and let God direct us.

11. Were you able to go visit your child before pick up/ delivery?

Luke - 1 trip in August 2005

Sydney - March 2007; June 2007; November 2007; January 2008; April 2008; Late May 2008

12. When the time came, did you go get your baby or was he/she delivered to you?

We traveled to Guatemala

13. How long was your wait?

Luke - almost exactly 7 months from when we saw his pic to when we landed in the US.

Sydney - oh heavens FOREVER -- 1 year 11 months

14. What was your reaction seeing your baby and knowing they were yours?

Luke - We were so thrilled because we wanted a baby so badly!!!

We waited SOOOO long for Sydney. I was overwhelmed and nervous and joyful and scared and....I couldn't believe it!! She was finally, legally ours!!

15. How old was your child when your brought him/her home?

Luke - 7 mos 16 days

Sydney - 2 years

16. How was the transition home? Any bonding difficulties?

Luke's was a breeze. He was at a great age. Slept immediately, loved on everyone...it was so easy!!

Sydney's has been a little more difficult since she's older and there's another child in the house so close to her age. It's been a bit of a roller coaster at times. All in all, she's doing pretty darn good!

17. If you had to do it all over again, would you?

Absolutely!!

18. Do you plan on adopting again?

Lemme think about......NO! We are done!

Fostermom's SPECIAL blog

2009-02-01T22:10:00.001-06:00

Got an email from our sweet FM today........she has finally been able to log onto her SPECIAL BLOG that we set up just for her. AND SHE LOOOOOOOVES IT!!! I am so excited! I even figured out how to make the backgrounds for it so I can change it up!!! I am so happy that she likes that it's especially for her AND that she is loving seeing Sydney so happy!!!

Such good news at the dentist today!

2009-01-29T17:19:00.003-06:00

I took AJ in for orthodontics adjustments and Sydney in for her first check. This is how it all went down:

Sydney: The dentist was thrilled at how great her teeth look! They are white; the last molars are making their way in slowly; the spacing is great! Dentist thinks we lucked out with her mouth!! It's a good thing because Luke and Aaron will make up for it with their dental issues. OY!

AJ: Orthodontist is very pleased with his brushing habits (although he says they have lots of room for improvement). He is thrilled that AJ's teeth have adjusted as quickly as they have in such a short amount of time. So much so, there's a possibilty of him getting them off in EARLY SUMMER instead of end of August or later. Looking toward a permanent retainer.....somehow I don't think that this child will:

a) Remember to wear it

b) Remember where he put it so he CAN wear it!!

I AM WELLLLLLLLL!!!!!

2009-01-29T07:08:00.001-06:00

Well, mostly!! Tummy is still a little touchy here and there.....but......I'll take "a little touchy" over the alternative! Man that was a rough few days!!!

GO AWAAAAY

2009-01-27T19:58:00.001-06:00

Ok, this stomach yuck needs to find a new home!!! I'm 24 hours into it and I am feeling sooooooo nasty!!! Sooooooooo nasty!!

Conquering the common cold

2009-01-23T08:45:00.000-06:00

2 TOILET PAPER SQUARES AT A TIME!!!!

Snotty but SOOOOO stylin' in her new Dora sunglasses!

(Notice all the fingerprints on them.)

The nose is still running at break-neck speed. The eyes are still weepy. Every time I wipe her nose, she has a coughing spell. Not sure how those 2 things go together. When the dripping starts, she comes a-running.....

"NOSE NOSE NOSE.....NOSE MOMMA NOSE!!!"

Just some Bama Family cuteness.....

2009-01-23T08:07:00.003-06:00

They were playing in Luke's room and called Daddy in to see them. When he went in they yelled - CHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEESE!!!!

Could this be any cuter?

Oh my, don't they know that this hat SO does not go with the nightgown?!?

I guess I'll humor them!!

Syd wouldn't look at me, she'd just giggle!

The constipated smile.....our family is famous for these!

A New Blog ---

2009-01-22T12:50:00.002-06:00

I have started a new blog.......JUST for Sydney's fostermom!! It's so hard to email back and forth sometimes because a majority of the time, the e-mail system down in Guate is splotchy at best. So, I have set up a special blog just for her that only she, Alan and I have access to!!! Anyone willing to "pimp" it for us PRO BONO?? :-)

Now I can post pics and updates (translated into Spanish of course) any time. I can tell her little stories about the funny things she's doing, etc. Our FM can look at it whenever she wants!! I hope she REALLY enjoys it!!

Sydney's First Cold

2009-01-21T14:53:00.002-06:00

Yep, we have our first cold around here......and it took 2 months!! We have weepy, watery eyes. A constant, clear drip from on nostril or the other. A tickley, drainagey cough and a stuffy nose. She has no idea how to blow her nose yet and is SICK of me wiping it. I believe everything we own might have snot on it. Hopefully it'll pass quickly.

"C" IS FOR COOKIES.....IN FRANKLIN, TENNESSEE

2009-01-19T21:52:00.002-06:00

Do you want some YUMMMMMY goodies for your next gathering? Or how 'bout a SUPER COOL way to celebrate for your child's birthday?? Well, if you answered yes to either of those questions, have I got the place for you!!!

Head on over to:

http://www.sweetdreamscookies.com

My friend, Marnice Crawford Smith owns this little bakery in Franklin, TN and she wants you to come see her! Matter of fact, next time I'm up that way, I'll be stopping in too!!! My mouth was watering just looking at the pictures!!!

Anywho.....just thought I'd give my friend a little plug....go check her out and pass it along to your friends!!

Melt my heart moment ----

2009-01-18T20:23:00.003-06:00

As per our usual routine.....Alan puts Luke down and I put Sydney down for the night. Tonight was no different. We put them down and then went to other ones room to do our tuck in there. I was headed down the hall and poked my head back in Syd's room to tell her goodnight. This was the "convo" that ensued:

Me: Nite Nite NeeNee(she calls herself NeeNee or Nydney)

Syd: Nite Nite Mommy, Wub You! (Nite Nite Mommy, I love you!)

THE WHOLE SENTENCE.......TOTALLY UNPROMPTED!!

Thanks Guys -

2009-01-17T08:17:00.003-06:00

I have received so many emails, PM's, IM's of support from so many of you. You have no idea how much they mean. It's been a really bad couple of days. I never dreamed I'd come under fire for calling my child "GuateTot" or stating that I am tired and that a certain stage of toddlerhood was going to kill me. I never dreamed that being honest would invite people to tell me how wrong I am and in the same breath tell me they weren't judging me.

As for the "GuateTots" thing.....I still find nothing wrong with that term. I really truly honestly don't. And believe me, I've been given ALL KINDS OF REASONS why I should. Even so far as to tell me that God wouldn't like it because of "XYZ Scripture" reference. I am so sorry if that offends you but please, don't let it eat at your soul like this one person did. Ya'll know my heart and my love for my kids. Even when they make me absolutely certifiable.....I would give my life for them....all 3 of them.

Anywho - I'm moving on. I'm done with the DRAMA. This is my blog. It's my place to tell what's going on in our world. It's my place to get my feelings out there and exhale. If you find things offensive, just remember --- not everyone agrees with everything and that's ok.

Love you all!!!

Our Loco Life

YEAH --- STILL NOT BLOGGING, HUH?

My apologies to BLITZEN!!!

Who's freaking idea was Elf on the Shelf? REALLY?

EEEK --- 6 weeks? REALLY?

When a child prays -----

Another friend......another Mommy.....Another loss from CANCER!!!!

I'm a FACEBOOK JUNKIE!!!!

Life's been hectic the past 2 weeks!!!

WHEW! What a week!!!

Hmmmmm, decisions decisions ---

I asked for it and here it is!!!!

Testing 123 Testing 123 - Is this thing on?

PLEASE VOTE FOR MY FRIEND LISA!!!!

Hoping to find my feet again ---

OOOH, I hope I win!!!

I almost turned into MADEA today.....

MY serenity prayer......

Deana's Caring Bridge site -

Deana's battle is over.......

Give-Away to come........

Hairbow holder.....

OFF TO THE BEACH.....

My MIL is now resting with Jesus....

BioMom's can but Adoptive Mom's can't???

No real news from South Alabama

Update on Alan's Mother

Please pray for Alan's Family.....

PIGTAILS........FINALLY!!!!

SOX THAT ROCK!!!

It's the little things that keep me sane.....

The day has FINALLY come.....

Deana's Stem Cell Update......

Let's just be realistic here people!!!

More info for Guate Mission Trip

WIll you help Guatemala?

Disappointment

Wow....

DEANA IS *BACK* IN THE HOSPITAL

My niece is home!!

I have TWO pre-schoolers!!!!

URGENT PRAYERS PLEASE -

Day 2 of recovery

Surgery was a succes......

Surgery is scheduled...

Yes! It's ok to sing at the table and other ramblings from Casa de Jones!!

BoReD wItH BlOgGiNg............

I think it's time for a TODDLER BED!!!

EASTER 2009

Doing my part to "SaVe the TaTa's"!!!

You know you don't feel well when.....

AN AMAAAAAZING *DEANA* UPDATE!!!

A conversation about dinner with Luke

HaPpY bIRtHdAy LuKe!!!

I know I know -

Blog comments have been opened up

Marina Fun ~ Pony Rides at the Resort

ANIMAL KINGDOM

My life is complete

Magic Kingdom

Fun in the Grand Floridian gift shop

CHARACTER BREAKFAST

And awaaaaaaaay we go.......

WE ARE OFF TO DISNEY!!!

I don't like these type updates -

Why this week?

URGENT PRAYERS FOR DEANA!!!

We have the pukies!!

If you see an explosion somewhere over North Alabama

A PRAISE GOD UPDATE ON DEANA!!!!

SURGERY DAY FOR SWEET YOUYOU!!! (UPDATED)

A Trip to the Circus

A HOPE-FILLED update on Deana....

DEANA NEEDS A MIRACLE

Prayers for Sweet YouYou........

Another DEANA UPDATE!

YELLOW CARS AND A DEANA UPDATE!

Please pray for my friend Deana - URGENT!!!

I am throwing it in the middle of the street!!!

What do these things have in common??

DEANA IS BACK IN THE HOSPITAL

AN AMAAAAAZING DEANA UPDATE!!!