We're Home

We had a good time getting away for a few days. My father-in-law took the whole family to Disney World. We tried to reschedule the cruise but it was too difficult working around everyone's work schedule so we ended up at our favorite place. We had a blast and the crowd was light. We were able to ride some rides several times. It rained a lot and the ponchos became a daily attire. We now need a vacation to recover. I did manage to finish a whole book which was great. Anyway, tomorrow is back to reality...

Getting Away

Well, things definitely can change in a split second. I feel that I have been on a roller coaster the last few days and have been unable to get off. We had Doug's grandfather's funeral today and it was really neat hearing some of the stories of things about him that I never knew. I could even see where Doug gets some of his ways. His grandfather was sometimes a man of few words. The one thing that I kept hearing was how much he loved his wife (who passed away 5 years ago) and his children and the legacy of integrity and commitment that he passed on to his children. We had a great visit with the family and saw some of Doug's extended family that we haven't seen in several years. Papaw will be missed but it is a blessing that he isn't suffering any longer.
We are leaving in the morning for Florida. Even though our original plans were changed, we are looking forward to getting away and spending time with each other. Please say a prayer for Ryan...he has a terrible cough. I am ready to check out and have some fun!

His Ways

Today has not gone as planned. We were suppose to leave for vacation in the morning. My father-in-law was taking the whole family on a 7 day cruise. We got a call this morning that Doug's grandfather had passed away so plans have changed. We definitely have many mixed emotions. We are planning on getting away for a few days after the funeral but are waiting on arrangements to be made. I keep reminding myself that God's ways are not mine...He truly knows what is best. While I am sad, disappointed and confused,I am confident that God is in control. Please say a prayer for Doug's mom. It is hard loosing a dad.

Under Attack

Wow....this has been a week! We have been attacked from all angles this week, spiritually, physically, emotionally and any other "ally" that I can't think of. I was starting to get down until today when while I was driving, God really spoke to me. I realized that we were being attacked because we are truly seeking God and His Will for our lives. We have been under attack from the one that wants to destroy us and rob us of our joy. As soon as I had this "revelation", I became excited because I realized more than ever that we are doing what we have been called to do. I think God is up to something huge and it is cool that we get to be a part of it.

In case you are wondering....Buster is feeling much better and looks 100% better. I didn't realize how swollen he was. The only problem is that he is now really spoiled. He expects to be served his boiled chicken twice a day and only wants the water from the dish that we placed by his bed while he was so sick. I think we have created a monster.

Getting better

Buster is still sick but is getting better. We took him back to the vet this morning and the vet was pretty perplexed. He actually thinks that Buster is having an allergic reaction to something, possibly a spider bite. The other possibility is lymphoma which we are praying that it isn't. The lymph nodes in his legs were enlarged which is a sign of lymphoma. Buster was put on a steroid and a stronger antibiotic and he is looking a little better. If he doesn't get better, they will do a biopsy. I came home several times again today to feed him by hand and give him water through a medicine dropper to keep him hydrated.

Buster

Our dog, Buster, is really sick. I spent last night at the Animal ER. His eyes are really red and almost swollen shut. They are treating him for doggie pink eye and allergies but he seems to be having a reaction to one of the medicines. I spent most of the day getting fluids in him by using a baby medicine dropper. His vet called tonight and wants to see him in the morning. I never realized that a pet could be this emotionally draining. Ryan and Ashleigh are having a hard time watching him act this way. We are praying that he gets to feeling better soon...

Crazy Week

This has been a crazy week with my work schedule, homework, tests, dance and everything else that I have already forgotten about. I am so glad tomorrow is Friday and we only have 8 more days until vacation. We are hitting 4th grade hard this year. Ryan is learning about being responsible with his homework and studying and I have to let him make some mistakes. It is hard but I know it is for his good. You know how it is as parents, we want to do it for them, but just like us, they learn from their mistakes. But...in the meantime, it is killing me :).
Ashleigh had her first dance class tonight and we were able to see a tap dance they learned to Hannah Montana's "Best of Both Worlds". Disney is really helping out the dance industry. While Hannah was playing in one room, High School Musical 2 was playing in the other. Seriously, Ashleigh loves dance and this is the beginning of her 6th year of dance. Things are starting to come together for her. Through the craziness of the week, God has really been teaching me some pretty cool things. I will share some later after I am able to organize my thoughts. God has a way of putting things into perspective.

Football, Sloppy Joes and more

Today was the first Georgia Tech game and they won. Ryan was pretty excited. It seemed like last year every time he watched a game they lost. I made homemade Sloppy Joes for him and Doug to enjoy during the game. Here is the recipe...it is really easy:
3lbs. ground beef
1 onion chopped
1 green bell pepper chopped
16oz. tomato sauce
3/4c ketchup
1 tbs Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp chili powder
1/4 tsp pepper
1/4 tsp garlic powder
Brown beef and drain. Put in crock pot and add remaining ingredients. Cook for 3-4 hours.
During the last part of the game, we played the game, Life and I won. I am not one of those moms that let my children win. I know, they are young and I should, but I like to win. I can be competitive at times...I try not to let it show. I don't always win and I don't think I have ever won in this game but tonight was my night :). Anyway, it has been a great day but it is time for bed. Tomorrow is a busy day.

Rules for Vacation

In case you haven't heard, we are going on vacation in exactly 2 weeks from today. We are not excited at all. We have Family Rules for Vacation and the other day coming home from school, my kids quickly reminded me of them. They are 1) no cell phones and 2) no computers. Doug and I also try not to talk much about our jobs, which is harder for him than me. Anyway, vacation has always been a priority for us and something we value very much. It is a time we try to check out and just concentrate on our family. We usually make some family goals and have some really neat discussions. We love vacation and are literally counting down the days.