Port Wine Stain Treatments and other stuff....

One of the primary reasons I started this blog was to chronicle Greer's journey with her birthmark (which has turned into birthmarks).  She was born with a Port Wine Stain on her face/head/neck and later (about 2 weeks after birth) developed a strawberry hemangioma on her back.  You can follow her progress in pictures by viewing the slideshow over on the right side of the blog.  She has had 4 laser treathments on the PWS and we have seen great fading...simply AMAZING fading since her birth.  

Even with the great fading, we have a ways to go, and it will be a lifelong process to keep the fading at a maximum.  PWS is a progressive condition that will recur/worsen over time if left untreated (i.e. it will darken and possibly thicken and possibly develop "blebs" that may bleed easily).  We are also closely monitoring her for a syndrome called Sturge-Weber that can occur when the PWS involves the face/eye.  Because of the involvement of her eyelid, Greer has a 70% chance of developing glaucoma in her lifetime (it usually shows up in childhood) and the syndrome can cause seizures and developmental delays.  So far, Greer has shown NO signs of Sturge-Weber, but we are always on the lookout for those things.  Thankfully, she shows no signs of glaucoma (she saw the opthamologist again in August) and has had no developmental delays.  She is actually doing things ahead of the curve (this week, she is standing up in the middle of the room totally unassisted....and she's not even 9 months old)....that has been a huge relief.  Before I can even worry about her missing a milestone, she has already reached it!  God is good (but I already knew that!).

Greer did start to do this "shuddering" thing a few weeks ago (it looks like an adult getting a chill).  Everything I am reading says that it is something that is benign and seen in lots of infants, but because it "could" be a seizure, we are going to have it checked out.  She will have and EEG on October 7th and an MRI sometime after that.  The MRI is something that we were planning to do at a year of age, but because we are seeing the shuddering, it may happen sooner than January.  She had a CT scan (with and without contrast) on her first day of life.  It was clear, but as I have learned, follow up MRI's are important to continue to rule out problems.  Please keep her (and me) in your prayers.  I really have a peace about it, but extra prayers are ALWAYS appreciated!

Greer was supposed to have a laser treatment this week, but because of some changes in our insurance, that has been postponed until December 2.  It will be treatment #5 (again with general anesthesia...praise the Good Lord!).  We realized that treatments with anesthesia were going to be significantly more expensive under the insurance provided by Chris' company (basically, it was crappy insurance anyway!).  We made the decision that I would work a couple more days a month and carry our health insurance.  It was a decision that was not very hard to make....we had to do it for our baby girl!  To be honest, it is a huge weight that has been lifted off both our shoulders.  The insurance I receive through my employer for simply working 2 days a week is PHENOMENAL (at least in comparison to the alternative)....and it helps that I have an awesome husband who takes care of the kiddos when I work.

NOW, here are some pictures of Greer's progress....

This picture was taken on a day when she had a fever.

I figured out that the birthmark is a bit darker when she has a fever.

This picture shows the PWS on the back of her ear!  Can you see it?

This is the fading we have seen so far.  Check out the slideshow to compare

it to the pictures before and after her treatments.  It has really faded!  

We will continue treatments until we don't see any more fading.

So far, we have seen more and more with each treatment!

What Really Matters

It really doesn't matter that I keep changing things around here on the blog site (and more cool changes to come...promise!), or that I didn't get around to putting away any of the laundry today (although everything is clean and folded in the laundry room....I just gotta put it away), or that I can't seem to keep my house straight and clutter-free no matter how hard I try, or that I have no clue what Reeves needs to do to earn his required Cub Scout badges, or that Lucy should wear really cute clothes to school because this is the South and all the little girls need to wear really cute clothes to school, or that the kids bikes are out in the front yard (oh and the helmet and the golf clubs and the bug spray can and the sidewalk chalk), or that my car looks like a Yoo-Hoo exploded in it, or that my closet looks like a department store threw up in it, or that....well, you get the point!

It matters that my friends know I am here to listen to their struggles, that my kids know I care enough about their day to sit down and listen to EVERY LITTLE detail!, that my small group knows that I have prayed for them this week while we are apart, that my friend Jennifer knows that I am not helping her because I want something in return but that I am helping her because it is what I DESIRE to do, that I am compassionate in my care of my patients and that I realize that my chosen career is a ministry (a calling) and not just a job,  and that I don't pray because I want God to GIVE me what I desire but that I pray because I am YEARNING to be in a deeper relationship with him.  

Just so you know....

"Not me!" Monday

It's that time again! Well, almost...

We are on the eve of my new favorite "bloggy" time of the week....and it's called "Not me!" Monday. It's extremely fun and therapeutic. So, here are my "No never....not ME" events for this week. Hope ya'll join in by linking to MckMama's blog or posting a comment of your very own "Not me!" moments here on my blog! Happy "Not me!" Monday!!!

I did NOT sneak some of Greer's frozen baby food cubes of spinach into the spaghetti sauce I made this week. I did NOT do this in a desperate attempt to get my dear hubby to eat something green.....nope, not me!

I did NOT listen to Christmas music every time I was in my car by myself this weekend. I did not EVEN get embarrassed when the guy at the red light saw me belting out "Go, Tell it on the Mountain" at the top of my lungs....nope, not me!

I did NOT forget ANOTHER one of my children this week! Last week, I did NOT almost forget to pick Greer up from Mother's Day Out, and this week....I did NOT lose track of time while at the library and totally MISS getting home before Reeves' bus. Thank the Good Lord, my sweet (and have I mentioned, patient) husband was very close to home and managed to beat him home....whew...nope, I did NOT do that!

I did NOT secretly get excited when Greer woke up with a fever on Wednesday because it meant that I did NOT have to work all morning long like I had planned....nope, I was NOT happy that I had to stay in my PJ's and drink coffee and cuddle with her ALL MORNING LONG....nope, not me!

I mean, could you resist spending a morning with this adorable little thing!!!?

Nope! NOT ME!!!

In case you have some time to cook this weekend....

I have a couple of recipes that I have perfected (not that I'm bragging or anything) in the past couple of weeks.  These aren't anything amazing or extraordinary....but they are simple and good.  I just have to share....

Salsa 

1 can Rotel

1/2 jalapeno pepper sliced and de-seeded

1/4 white onion chopped 

a little (or a lot, just depends what you like) fresh cilantro

2 or 3 or more shakes of Crazy Mixed Up Seasoning (I call it Crazy Salt...it has salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and herbs)

Blend it up in a food processor (my choice is the magic bullet...have I mentioned how much I LOVE it!?)

Enjoy with tortilla chips after you chill it for a little while

Chunky Chicken Salad

meat of a store bought rotisserie chicken (I buy it, let it cool to warm/room temp, and pick it to the bone...leaving out the skin and fat)

1/2 cup mayo (more or less to taste)

3/4 cup red grape halves

1/2 cup crushed pecans

3 stalks of celery sliced

Just mix it all together!

Taco Soup (Can't take credit for this recipe...it was given to me by my friend Amy E)

1 pound ground beef 

1 1/2 packs taco seasoning

1/4 onion chopped

1 can tomato sauce

1 can rotel

1 can diced tomatoes

1 jar salsa (as spicy or mild as you like)

1 can corn drained 

1 can black beans drained

1 pack Ranch Dressing Mix (the dry stuff)

1 cup water

Salt and Pepper to taste

Brown the meat with the onion and 1 pack of taco seasoning.  Drain. Return to pot and add everything else.  Bring to boil and then reduce to simmer for a while...YUMMY!

Spaghetti Sauce (from scratch.......pretty much)!

3/4 pound ground beef

a little olive oil

1/4 white onion (chopped)

1 can tomato sauce

1 can diced tomatoes

1 small tomato chopped into big chunks

several Basil leaves

dash of oregano

Crazy Mixed up Salt (several shakes)

Brown the meat with the olive oil and onion.  Drain.  Add all the other ingredients.  Bring to boil and simmer for a while.  Serve with pasta and fresh Parmesan!

If you have anything to share that you have "perfected" please feel free to leave a comment and share it here....I always love to try new things!

Wrestling Matches and Prayers

Tonight we fought the wrestling match of the century on our....bed.  

Not what you're thinking (mind out of gutter, please)! Chris, Reeves, Lucy and I had a wrestling match.  It was completely silly and goofy and fun.  Chris (aka Cobra) fought the evil Lowercase i (aka Reeves) and his partner in crime, Splash Mountain (aka Lucy).  Waiting in the wings to take on the victor was Green Eye (that would be me).  Lowercase i even fought a couple of matches in honor of G Money (aka baby Greer... who was fast asleep and totally oblivious to the monumental event taking place just one floor below!).  

It was beyond fun and we loved laughing together.  Our kids are adorable and funny and we love getting to know them more in these intimate moments.  

After our workout, we did what we really love to do.  We all prayed together.  The kids each chose the prayers they wanted to say, and we took turns (with various rules and variations depending on the "pray-er").  Lucy is very specific with her rules for praying.  She likes you to repeat what she says and to mean it!  The sweetest thing she prayed for tonight was this...

"For Skylar's daddy to get that head thing off so he can play with us, Amen!"

I can't wait to tell Jennifer about that prayer...it's one we are all praying for!

Hungry

When I care about something or want to do something, I try to do it well. And, if I feel like it is ordained by God, well, it's hard for me to say no (I've tried that before and the results are not very good....to say the least). Leading a small group Bible study at my church is one of those things that I didn't plan on doing. I didn't have the time, the energy, the desire....

Well, that's what I was telling myself, anyway.

It's been a tough year (a good year, but with many challenges). Some of these challenges I have talked about here, and some I haven't. Maybe I'll get to them along the way, but for now, some of them are just needing to stay inside for a little while longer.

For quite a while, I've been feeling pretty empty, spiritually. To put it bluntly, I've felt kind of dead inside. Through God's grace and mercy and love, I am FINALLY starting to wake UP!!

I've really been focusing on my relationship with God over the past few months. I find myself just basically living in constant conversation with Him. I mean, I just talk to God all the time lately. I know it may sound weird, and I don't really know how it happened (well of course I do), but it has....and amazingly, I feel alive again....I mean REALLY alive....and I am

HUNGRY!

I'm hungry for fellowship, I'm hungry to serve, I'm hungry to share his love and grace and mercy.......

I'm in the process of satisfying that hunger, and I am sooo excited about it and looking forward to sharing it here! Stay tuned!

Wordless Wednesday

Not me!, a Drama Queen, and Bathtime

**Update** I forgot that I snapped these pictures day before yesterday when we were playing out in the yard with Nana. I think that this incident is what started the "loud noise phobia" that has overtaken my dear, sweet baby G.

It started out innocently enough, playing with our sweet dog, Nana, in the front yard.

Greer loves Nana, and has never had any fear of her.

Until.....

A big truck drove down our street and turned

around in our cul de sac. Nana decided to bark

VERY LOUDLY

in baby G's ear!

Doesn't that face just BREAK. YOUR. HEART!!!

I have had a busy day (Home Goods, Publix, Home to unload, Costco, Publix (I forgot something), Bank, Picked up G at Mother's Day Out (didn't forget about her this time), Carpool for Lucy and Skylar, Home to unload, Cooking!, Took dinner to a friend and picked up Lucy, Home for Dinner, Bath, Homework, Bedtime, Dishes, Picked up, whew!!!), and I'm pretty tired, but I just have to post about a few things. It's therapy for me to do this, you know. It's partly preservation of memories and partly cathartic. Here goes....

I had so much fun with "Not Me!" Monday, and I totally encourage you to join in on the fun if you are a blogger (and even if you aren't). It is very freeing! I have loved reading the other ones that are linked from MckMama's blog.

Lucy gave me another dramatic "pearl" that I must share (along with the "how babies are born"conversation from last night, but that is a whole post in and of itself). She came to me after dinner with this little statement.

"Mom! I REEEEEEEally need something to DRIIInK!" (pause) "I haven't had anything in DAAAAAAAYs!"

Seriously, DAYS!? (Oh, and by the way, I did NOT let her have coffee in a sippy cup for the ride to school this morning)!

I cooked A LOT today. I mean alot, and it was so fun! I have some new/perfected recipes to share, but I will probably do that tomorrow. Tomorrow is also a day for laundry, and work (I have a new legal case I am reviewing and will try to finish up while Greer naps), and rest, and babyfood making. I plan to make batches of sweet potatoes, squash, peaches, blueberries, and brocolli. Maybe a few other things if I have time. After school, Lucy and Skylar have gymnastics and of course I'll be there, too.

Greer has developed a "loud noise" phobia that is considerable. I'm afraid that it has escalated to a fear of bathtime that is quite serious....get ready for a stinky baby, ya'll! I will not torture my child more than ABSOLUTELY necessary! (and for another I DID NOT, well, I did NOT rub her down with baby lotion just before Mothers Day Out so her teachers would think she was nice and clean)!

Did I mention that Danielle is giving my blog a makeover? I can hardly WAIT to see the finished product. It is going to be awesome, and so much more "me". The whole "premade" template thing is getting on my nerves and I have no idea how to do this stuff myself, so I gave myself an early Christmas present.....a blogover! Stay tuned! It should be done in a week or 2.

I am really excited about Bible Study on Wednesday night. We are going to have about 15 in all doing Beth Moore's "Stepping Up"....It is a great group of women, and I am beyond blessed to get to know them (and my wonderful Savior) more!

Guess that's it for now.

"Not Me!" Monday

So, in blogging world (which I will admit that I am new to), there are some bloggers who have themes for certain days where they invite other bloggers to participate in certain little posts.  I have never joined in this phenomenon, but have chosen to do so for MckMama.  I have really gotten hooked on her blog, and I also love the way she thinks.  I have to admit, this one is right up my alley....

As for me....here are my "I did NOTs" for the past week....

I did NOT completely forget that I had a BABY (whose name is Greer, by the way).  I did NOT totally forget that she was at "mother's day out" and that I had to pick her up..... until I drove by the church where she was (on the way to pick up Lucy, my 4 year old, from HER preschool)....No, I didn't do that!

I did NOT tell Chris and my mom that it was NOT OK for Greer to have pancakes with SYRUP and then feed them to her myself the very next morning!

I did NOT spend hours on end researching the Jon and Kate Plus 8 scandal instead of doing all the other things I should have been doing last night! 

I did NOT tell Lucy EXACTLY how babies are born (when she asked me what part of Greer came out first), down to the body part they come out of.  I did NOT tell her that I was lying down so that Greer wouldn't fall on the floor when she came out (she asked me specifically "but Mommy, how did you do that without Greer falling on her head!  I kid you NOT!).  

What did you NOT do this week!?

 

While I was getting ready for church this morning...

Reeves was helping Lucy work on her signs for her bedroom door. 

I meant to post about this a while back, but I forgot about it till just now.  When I walked past Lucy's room after putting Greer down for her afternoon nap, I noticed that Lucy has signs to match the ones Reeves made for his own room a couple of weeks ago.  

This is how the signs on Reeves' door read:

No GiRLS A ALLOWED Ni The SpORts RooM

i AM Serese LUCY's Frinend's PLeAS Dot Not comes in Here

And this is how the signs on Lucy's door read:

No BoYS A ALLOWED In the Makeup RooM

i am Serese Reeves frinenD's Dot Not come in Here

What cracks me up the most is that Reeves made the signs for her.  Oh, and that they are taped up with duct tape!

Drama Queen

Lucy just bumped her toe on the breakfast table.

"Owww!," She yelled!

"What happened, Lu?,"  I said.

"I hurt my toe yesterday.....", she said, "LOOK!"

".....it's RUINED!"

Tears and Frustration

Oh my dear sweet first born baby boy!

Frustration and striving for perfection. As a first born, I know this feeling very well! I just spent some quality time with sweet Reeves teaching him how to draw a heart on half a piece of paper so that when he cut it out it would be a whole heart.

Easier said than done!

He was in tears because he wanted to do it himself. With some patience and determination, though, Reeves has perfected the paper heart.

And all is well with the world!

I'm gonna be an Aunt....again!!!

My sister Rachel (aka Aunt Ray Ray) and her hubby Matt (aka Uncle Mack/Matt, depending on the child who's calling for him) are expecting their third, sweet baby (tiny pictures below)!

YAY!

Please pray for a healthy and happy pregnancy for her (she is due the beginning of April, 2009)! We are thrilled to have another baby in the family, and I know that Reeves is hoping and praying for a boy (poor thing...he is vastly outnumbered)! If it is another baby girl....well, she will be VERY well dressed (and loved beyond measure)!

Reeves, Greer, Charcey, Caroline, Papa, Lucy, and Olivia

It's gonna be 6 grandbabies in 6 years for my parents....bless their hearts! I know I'm biased, but that is a beautiful group of kiddos!

Congratulations, Rach!!! I love you!

At least Lucy thinks I'm living in God's image!

A couple of weeks ago at church, the kids were talking about what name they think describes God or Jesus best. They were given the obvious examples (Father, Savior, King, etc...) and asked to pick the name that they liked best for God.


Their answers really surprised me, and just seemed so unbelievebly intimate....


Reeves chose "Daddy" and Lucy chose "Mother"





Only a child can choose a name for God that is so fitting for what He is in our lives. I am just so humbled that maybe she sees God for what I am for her:


Provider, Comforter, Protector, Boo-boo healer, Compassionate, Forgiving, Loving (I'm trying to forget about the awful things I can be sometimes).


Sometimes, they just melt my heart!

Have I mentioned that I LOVE to Cook!!!

I really do. And, even though this week is crazy, I've seemed to be doing a lot of cooking. It is therapy for me and who doesn't love a good home cooked meal!? This is a picture from last Thanksgiving of Lucy and Aunt Becca working on mom's cornbread dressing.

I come from a "foodie" family, if you will. My mom is a wonderful "purest". She can cook anything, and she does it really well. Her greatest dishes are simple classics (at least in the Southern tradition). Cornbread Dressing, Squash Casserole, Chicken Casserole, Mashed Potatoes, Fried Chicken, Green Bean Casserole, Lasagna, Cream Cheese Pound Cake....the list goes on and on! I mean, other than the time she tried to pass the decadent dessert from Food World off as homemade one Thanksgiving, this woman is purely and simply the best cook ever!

My dad is quite a chef in his own right...albeit a bit more eccentric. He spends hours and hours and HOURS in the kitchen when he has the chance (which isn't very often....mostly on vacation and when Alabama is playing football...he gets too nervous to watch, therefore he cooks). His specialties are things like Pastries, Gumbo, West Indies Salad, Seafood Dishes, Grilling, Smoked Meat, and other eclectic things. Seriously, one year during the Alabama/Auburn game he managed to make about everything you can possibly make from pumpkins my mom had on the porch (pumpkin muffins, pancakes, bread, soup, biscuits, pie, toasted pumpkin seeds, pumpkin flavored pastries, etc.)!

Even with the great influence of my mom and dad (not to mention my grandparents), I started out as a pretty picky child. I basically lived on grits and cheeseburgers until I was in college. Over the last 15 years or so, I have expanded my horizons, though, and I will eat (and cook) just about anything! I am proud to say that I have honed my skills in the kitchen because of my parents influence......I think they thought I was a lost cause!

Tonight, I made one of our favorites. Goat cheese chicken with tomatoes. It is so very simple, and I just have to share it! Plus, I'm simply OBSESSED with basil lately...

4 or 5 (or how many you need to feed your family) spilt chicken breasts (with skin)

Fresh Basil

Goat Cheese (1 tub should do)

Salt and Pepper to taste

Olive Oil

Fresh Tomato

Simply separate the skin of each chicken breast enough to spoon in a big scoop of Goat Cheese (about 1 TBSP)

Stuff each with a large Basil leaf

Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste

Drizzle with Olive Oil

Top with another basil leaf or 2

Cut Tomato into fourths (1 or 2 depending on how many you are serving) and throw in

Cover with foil and bake on 350 degrees for 1.5-2 hours or until cooked through (I uncover it for the last 20 minutes or so)

Enjoy!!!

Listening!

I think that everything happens for a reason. I believe that God is in all things and that He moves in mysterious ways. Most of the time, I give God the credit He deserves, but sometimes I need to be reminded.

Over the past few weeks, I have felt like God has been trying to get my attention. Pounding at my door, jumping up and down in front of my face, and leading me over and over into situations where He is calling me to do more and be more. I feel like everything I do and feel and think and see is some divine message, and it is making me feel like I am coming out of my skin (in a good way, bear with me)! I feel like I am back in His presence, and it is amazing. It's hard not to spill it all out in one long post, but I don't have the time or energy to do it all at once, either.

This week, I have many challenges ahead of me (mostly just a lot on my proverbial plate!).

I am starting a Bible Study at my church tomorrow night, and I am beyond excited about it (and still needing to get myself ready to lead it). I am so hungry for some deep, spiritual goodness and fellowship. It is one of the things God has been beating my door down about, so it will be great to get it going. I am praying each day for all of my small group members. I love each and every one of them and I can't wait to "dig in".

I am in the process of trying to do as much as possible to help my friend Jennifer Henley as she prepares to bring her beloved, Alan, home. I'm excited about all of the people who are stepping up to help with meals and whatever else Jennifer needs. I can't wait to tell Jennifer that she is going to have meals coming.....for a very long time!!! I hope it lightens her load just a little. If you would like to help out with a meal, please email me (meganmileski@mac.com)!

I have a big test on Friday (a certification exam that I am electively taking just because....crazy, I know). I am not as prepared as I would like to be, but I am trusting God to get me through it. I really feel like He is in all of these things and I just have other things that are more important to me than studying right now. I'm giving this one to God.....

Oh, yeah, I also have that Zoo fieldtrip tomorrow, have to remember to dress Lucy for picture day tomorrow, and have to teach "Breathing and Relaxation" to some pregnant mamas and papas on Thursday....whew!

Gotta go, Greer just woke up from her nap, and we have a fun afternoon ahead. Skylar and Lucy have gymnastics (the picture is from last Tuesday after gymnastics). Aren't they just adorable together!

Random Thoughts

Amazingly, the kids were in bed by 7:30 tonight. They didn't catch that it hadn't quite reached that magic number 8, and went to bed without a fuss. They really needed it....dragging them out of bed this morning was extra hard. School and after school activities are starting to really exhaust them, and it shows in their attitudes (and mine!). I'm hoping for a good long night of sleep to rejuvenate them (and make them a little bit less cranky tomorrow!).

I read a book on birth order this Summer, and I find myself really cluing in to their individual personalities more and more. It is strange how engrained those roles are, even though you feel like you are treating them all the same. It is amazing to watch them and to see their budding personalities....for better or worse. If you have never read a book about birth order, I highly recommend it. It is quite an education not only in figuring our your kids, but in seeing how you parent/deal with life based on your own birth order. I can't begin to tell you how much I learned....amazing! I recommend the books by Kevin Leman (birth order with a biblical perspective).

Greer is eating more and more and is in a great little groove (her napping and playtime are just so much more predictable and fun). For those of you following my "baby food making", I just thought I'd give you a list of Greer's latest favorites (beware....some of them may seem a little disgusting as combos, but I assure you, Greer thinks they are divine. Chris says that it makes him want to "throw up a little".):

Cream Cheese and Spinach

Squash, Egg Yolk, and Cottage Cheese (yep, that one)

Organic Oatmeal (just like the big kids eat....and she can eat a whole packet at once) mixed

with fruit or whole milk yogurt....dashes of nutmeg and cinnamon for a little flavor

Raisins, Cheerios, Blueberries, Nilla Wafers

Steak, Chicken

Frozen veggies...not pureed (she expecially likes broccoli)

Pumpkin and Applesauce

Cheese Toast

Oh, and I learned a cool trick from my friend Angela. Greer is pretty good at eating small bites of food, but most of the fruits are pretty hard to pick up (slimy and wet). I have been crushing cheerios, bread crumbs, and even graham crackers and rolling the fruit bites in them. It makes them SOOOO much easier to pick up!

My friend Jennifer Henley really needs prayers this week (click here to read about her husband Alan's accident back in July). Alan is probably headed home sooner than later, and she has about a million things to get ready before that day comes. She has become a dear friend and we have adored helping her by keeping her sweet Skylar a few afternoons each week. I just ask that you cover her and Alan with prayer.....I know they would appreciate it. The biggest thing she needs are prayers!

My parents are stuck in LA tonight, and I ask you to help them get home safely. Their flight was canceled because of the mess in Texas (they were to have a layover in Houston). Please pray for all of the hurricane victims and those affected by this tragedy!

I guess that is about all for now! I pray that you have a great night!

Guess Who!?

Guess which baby this is!

I'll give a few more details about this one tomorrow...tonight I am tired from working all weekend, and I have birth stories on my mind! Check back in for the full story!

I am a bit out of shape!

Reeves just beat my pants off playing pool on the Wii, and I really paid for it.

Sadly, I'm winded from doing 10 push ups as my losing consequence! This week (or maybe next), it's back to the gym!

Sorry, This Site is Under Transformation

Well, first of all, I need to apologize.  

I have been changing lots of things around here lately (sorry Joan, I know it drives you crazy), and there is a good reason for it.  The blog is about to change looks (again), and this time it will be for good (at least for a little while!).  Like me, consider the blog "a work in progress."

You may have noticed that my Blog Roll and Favorite Blogs have disappeared from the sidebar.  I'm trying to cut down on the "stuff" over there, and I must say, I love the new alternative to the sidebar blog roll.

I am now "Following" all those blogs on my profile page.  Just click here and "View Complete Profile" to see my awesome blog roll (friends and strangers alike).  It makes it really easy to follow all the blogs I love, and it keeps me updated whenever someone posts something new.  I love it!!!

If I get enough followers, I plan to add a little "followers" widjit, but for now I only have 1 follower (thanks Brittney!).  Feel free to join in, and check out how I am following your blog (if you were already on my blog roll)!

Happy Blogging!!!

It's Finally Here!!!

Remember this?

Lucy has had to use my monstrous backpack from my college days since school started over a month ago (gasp!)

She's really been a good sport about it (although we never did see if she could fit in it....I'm willing to bet she could)

Her new backpack finally arrived yesterday, and this picture says it all!  She is so proud to finally have a backpack of her own....

Put a fork in me, I'm DONE!

Let me just say, it has been one of those days (although the above picture was the highlight of my day!) 

Not really a bad day, per se, just a knock me down, beat me with a wet noodle kinda day.  I am WHOOPED!

For one thing, I had to get up and out earlier than I am used to, and that just really messes me up for the rest of the day.  I truly need to "get over" some of my OCD issues, but that is another post for another day.  God knows I am a work in progress....

I dropped Greer off at Mother's Day Out and headed to run about a million of those "not at all fun" mommy type errands.  Here is a run down of my day:

Chick fil a (at least I started my day with a little chicken biscuit and some diet lemonade (yummers)....I had already met my coffee quota for the day)

CVS (where I only spent $2 on $32 dollars worth of stuff....yay me!)

Lifeway (to buy my leaders guide for "Stepping Up"....I'm so excited about starting this study next week!)

Costco (yep, there again....and it was not pretty)

WalMart (not usually somewhere I EVER shop....I have issues with Wal Mart....but it had to happen today)

Home to unload and put things away (interrupted by a very important call from Dr. I to talk about G's "shuddering" issue....we are now headed for an EEG and probably an MRI sooner than later....more on that coming soon)....In the sweltering heat by the way!  I am looking forward to our 2 day fall....it will be here (and gone) before we know it!

Back to MDO to pick up G (who is having a great time there every day....they love her!)

Then to pick up Lucy and Skylar (yep, they were waiting on me cause I was the LAST mom there)

Story time with Katie Jane (again, I LOVE her!....however I didn't enjoy her choice of short film for the end of story time.....let's just say it was about a little 4 year old who has a NIGHTMARE about his MONSTER of a pre-school teacher....that made for a great bedtime for Lucy!)

Home for an afternoon of absolute MADNESS (wild children I tell you)

Dinner at Pablo's (our favorite mexican place) and then home

That is where the real fun began!  Greer pooped on me, then she got a bath in the sink, then she threw up all over me taking her bottle for bed, then she tee-teed all over me while I was preparing her 2nd bath, and then....

I figured out that Reeves wet the bed last night.....

Tomorrow will be better!!!

Crayons (and glue, and scissors, and pens, and markers) are for PAPER!!!

So, Lucy (and Reeves) love art projects. We spend hours and hours each day creating new masterpieces. Reeves is very "by the book" with his artistic style (typical first child...stays in the lines, follows the rules, strives for the top).


Lucy, well Lucy is a bit more creative. She likes to push the limits a bit. I was OK with that, until, she decided to venture to more "adventurous" artistry..





Yep, that's crayon on the face. As you can imagine, it took quite a bit of effort to make that crayon stick. Lucy is a determined and strong willed child though. She wasn't takin' NO for an answer.


Not two days after that "crayon to the face" incident did we have a true crisis involving art supplies. This incident turned out to be a lesson in patience, determination, consequences, and forgiveness. Here's what went down....


I had just served the kids dinner and was cleaning up the kitchen when I found the evidence.


Green magic marker strokes all over the white kitchen cabinets. I knew who did it, it was just a matter of getting her to confess to the crime.


"Hey guys", I calmly called from the kitchen. "Who wants to tell me who colored on the cabinets with a green marker?"


Pause.....


"Not me, I promise, IT WASN'T MEEEEE.... I DID NOT DO IT!", Reeves begged and pleaded with all his might. I knew he didn't do it (he can't hold a lie for more than 2 seconds).


A couple minutes later, Lucy says, "Well.....I didn't do it either!" With a tone of sassy determination.....mixed with a teaspoon of G-U-I-L-T!


I knew she did it, but I was gonna start out like I could hold out....


"Well, somebody did it, and there will be NO MORE crayons or markers or glue or pens or ANY art stuff till you tell me who did it".....


"MOMMY! I PROMISE IT WASN'T MEEEEEE!" said Reeves.


(I know sweet boy, but hang on with me on this one...justice will be served!)


"Well, I didn't do it either" came a soft little voice from the same room. Guilt was written all over it.


I needed reinforcements, so I quickly found Chris (who was bathing sweet G) and explained the situation. We decided to really use this as a teaching point, and we were determined to stand firm.


Into the den we went...together.


"So, guys, somebody did this, and you gotta tell us who it was."


Silence...


Reeves was crying and Lucy was sitting over on the couch with a look of wonder and fear and...... GUILT.


After only a few seconds, she fessed up. And what did we do next?


We hugged her, we cheered, we told her how proud we were of her.


Crazy....maybe.


But, for Lucy and Reeves, it was a lesson learned. This was our perfect opportunity to explain forgiveness, and to give them every reason to come to us when they have done wrong.


The last thing in the world that I want is for my children to not tell me when they have failed. I want them to know that I am there, even when they have fallen. I'm not saying it's OK to color all over the cabinets, but, I am sending my kids the message that if they do wrong they can tell me and I will still love them (and next time there WILL be consequences).


Isn't that what God did for us through Jesus? Isn't that what He wants us to do in our lives?


I sure hope so, cause I screw up all the time!

Sunday Rewind: Coffee with Honey

Each Sunday, I will post a Sunday Rewind with an older picture or story.  It will help me give you a little insight into our history and be a virtual walk down memory lane for me and the kids (they love to look through old pictures and to hear stories about when they were little...like they are just so much older now!)

Honey (Chris' mom) sent me this picture and message after reading my last post.  I just had to share it!

"Megan, I found this picture of Lucy drinking her coffee on the porch when she spent the night with me.  She always has to have her coffee in "Granny's Mickey Cup" (I bought it for her when I went to Disney World with Martha and Johnny).  It was really cold that morning so we didn't last too long on the porch!!  Anyway, thought about this picture when you wrote about you and Lucy having coffee.  I love it because I'll ask her what she wants for breakfast and she'll say "I need coffee".....I usually do too!"

That's My Girl!

Sleepless Nights, Flag Football, and Strong Coffee

Greer is still sorta sick.  I have no idea what is really going on with her, and I am trying to not make it more than it is.  She acts pretty normal during the day, but the nighttime is pure H-E-Double Hockey Sticks!  I can't decide if it's teething or headaches or just an 8 month old not wanting to miss a thing!  She has been waking up almost hourly for the past 4 nights, and I am beyond tired.  I worked yesterday, and I have to admit that I was praying for my patients safety....just kidding, it wasn't really that bad.  

Today I did get a GREAT nap (and some delicious Cracker Barrel grub), and I really feel better tonight.  I'm trying to be positive, and hoping for a good night tonight.  It really can't get much worse!

Even with all the misery related to my Greer-Goo (that's our little nickname for her), today was a very fun day.  We kicked off the flag football season with great enthusiasm, despite a rainy start.  Reeves and Chris were beyond pumped, and after some strong coffee and a good hot shower, Lucy and I were good to go (yes, I let my daughter enjoy a bit of coffee with me from time to time.....it is one of God's greatest gifts :) !

Check out that intensity!  He is in the ZONE!  Chris was in the zone, too, and it was so much fun to watch.  The Refs were so funny and loved our team enthusiasm!  Chris and Keith have got the kids doing all sorts of cool plays with names like "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" and "Peanut Butter and Jelly"....it is absolutely hilarious.  

Here are a few of the boys after the game....you would never guess they lost this one!  Oh well, it was just the first game!  It's not winning the game that matters anyway...it's just about having fun.  And when you're 6 and 7, playing football in the rain is about as fun as it gets!!!

Go Titans!!!

Greer is a sick little baby today...

Please pray for sweet Greer tonight.  She has been running fever since yesterday afternoon, and the fever will just not go away.  She is still running 101 degrees despite constant medications.  It just breaks my heart!  She cried out at least every hour or two last night, and today she has been miserable.  I think her head hurts because she keeps hitting it and screaming....I just held her a cried with her this afternoon.  

Dr. I says she just has a yucky throat (no strep), swollen lymph nodes, and the fever.  Her blood work looked fine, so there is nothing more to do than treat the fever and wait it out.  I've just been trying to keep her comfy.  She had her first popsicle today, and all the fruit she could eat.  It was the only thing she wanted.  

On top of it all, she is cutting a top tooth....poor sweet baby.

I hate when my babies are sick!

She's crying again.....

Now that the dishwasher is running....

I am finally sitting down for what seems like the first time today!  I look forward every night to that final chore of the evening, and when I hear the sweet hum of the dishwasher and turn out the kitchen lights I know it's time to relax a little....ahh!

Greer had her first day of Mother's Day Out today.  Here in the South, Mother's Day Out is a very popular, economical, and safe environment for little ones.  Let's face it....it's heaven on earth!  It's sort of like a 4 hour playdate without Mommy (but with 2 sweet grandmothers).  Greer spent the morning with Mrs. Christy and Mrs. Linda and 4 other little boys (a couple of them were already friends).  Yep, she was the only girl today....and she showed 'em who was boss!  She did wonderfully, and it was nice to get my errands run without having to drag her in and out of stores.  She got a great nap in her own little crib, and made some new friends.  

I think it is going to be nice for both of us and I couldn't be happier with the program (at a local church).  I plan to use these 12ish hours each week to run errands, attend to personal appointments (i.e. the essentials like pedis and eyebrow waxes and maybe some dental upkeep), volunteer at the other kid's schools, and one day a week I will work in Labor and Delivery (Chris will work from home those days and MDO will give him some quality work time).  Not to mention, it's the start of her social life! 

 Good times!  

After dropping Greer off, Chris and I came back home.  I had intended to get right to the errand running, but I was not as prepared as I had hoped.  I have been putting off the CVS trip because frankly I'm a little bit overwhelmed by the whole thing.  I organized my coupons and made my list and was off to bite the bullet.  It turned out pretty well I think, and I came away with $27 in Extra Care Bucks...I can't wait till next week.  When I get all the kinks worked out I plan to give you a little bit more details about the ins and outs of how I'm doing with it!

Well, my CVS adventure took me up till about 11:20....and I had a long list of other things to get done.  I headed to the mall to purchase a new glass turntable for my microwave (it exploded in an unfortunate incident several weeks ago....it's just amazing that the entire microwave wasn't lost in the mishap), but Sears doesn't carry them.  I decided not to let my mall trip be completely pointless and so I headed for Children's Place to buy Lucy some new socks for school.  Around here, we live in sandals and flip flops and crocs in the Summer.  For almost a month now, Lucy has been wearing socks that are absurdly too small....it is getting kind of embarrassing.

Since I was close to the food court, I decided that a Chick-fil-a salad was in order.  Had I known what was about to transpire, I might have decided to eat in my car like any other sensible lone diner.  But, no, I made the decision to eat alone....in the food court.  

I hate eating alone...especially when I am in a hurry.  I feel like I look like some ravenous fool gobbling down the last supper.  So, what could make this any worse?  Try CHOKING on your food.  Yep, I choked.  In the mall.  By myself.  That's all the details you are gettting because it was beyond humiliating (and if you know me and read this you are not at all surprised that this happened to me)!  I will eat in my car from now on (and if you see me choking, please call 911)!

After the mall, I had exactly 30 minutes to get a few things from Costco.  If you know me at all, you know that Costco is probably my favorite store.....ever.  I really should be on their payroll.  I can drop $500 in no time, and that is why I have discovered that when it comes to Costco, I need limits.  I must follow a list and only have 30 minutes to shop.  I did really well today...really well.  My plan is working so far.

I loaded up and headed off to pick up all my girls.  Today we had the pleasure of spending some time with sweet Skylar.  Her Daddy is Alan Henley, the man I have asked you to pray for (check out his caring bridge site over on the right), and her Mommy had a really tough day today.  Please pray for Jennifer and Alan....they are simply precious and have amazing faith!  I am confident that God has unbelievable things planned for their future, and I can't wait to see it!

We headed to storytime at our local library with Miss Katie Jane.  She is phenomenal, and the girls had a great time.  We ran in to lots of dear friends, and it was just a wonderful time.  I just love my little town!

This afternoon we played and played and played some more.  I continued my tomato/basil/feta obsession with a yummy chicken dish, and the kids LOVED it.  Chris had to head to Florida for business, so the nighttime routine was a bit exhausting, but pretty smooth.  I've resorted to bathing Greer in the sink lately, and I am wondering why I never thought of this before....we both love it.

So, it was a great day, and I need to go now.  I'm looking forward to hearing Sarah Palin's speech in a few minutes......

Have I mentioned that I really LOVE her!?

New Name....But Not Really!

I officially have a Domain Name!  You can easily access the blog now by typing in 

www.holdituptothelight.com

 I have always wanted to change the name, and today I finally figured out how.  But, have no fear!  You can still reach it through the old link.

It was simply divine intervention that the name was not already taken.  I plan on explaining the meaning behind it sometime in the next few days.  Some of you have probably figured it out, but there are a few details that may help you to understand me a little better.  It basically sums up how I am choosing to live my life here on earth...

I realize that I change things a lot here, but I'm just still trying to figure out everything I want the blog to be.  Don't be surprised if you continue to see changes in the coming days.  I want it to be a reflection of the things I am passionate about while also being fun, interesting, and easy to navigate.   

If you haven't figured it out already, I have a lot going on in my head pretty much all the time....

I'm just hoping that the things I write and post about make any sense at all!  

More later!

A Wonderful Day Brought to You in Part by....

Sticker charts!



I'm not above a little bribery. It is one of the most powerful parenting tools out there, in my humble opinion. Especially when it is positive reinforcement for good behavior and a docking system in the event of not so good behavior.


In our house, it is working like a charm. The kids have responded to it like Gang Busters, and I've gotten a little bit more control back. They choose the prize, and I hand out or take away the stickers. Here are some examples of sticker worthy events:


Going to bed without a fight
Staying in bed all night, without coming to get in bed with Mommy or Daddy
Picking up your toys
Brushing teeth and Dressing for school after only being asked one time
Entertaining Greer for a few minutes so Mommy can get something done
Playing well together (no hitting, screaming, shoving, biting...etc..)
Putting dishes in the sink and clothes in the hamper without being asked
And, whatever else Mommy or Daddy deems worthy of a sticker


It has made for a great day!