The duck pond

A few days ago, I took the kids to the pond on Spencer Street to see Brian's ducks. They don't actually belong to Brian, but Brian's family lives across the road, and when Aidan was little he would call them Brian's ducks. The title just sort of stuck. Rhae has fallen in love with ducks, so I thought it might be fun to go down and feed the ducks. They are very friendly and will come right up to you and eat out of your hand. I did get a little nervous at one point because 2 of the hens were pretty aggressive and Rhae was in her carseat, but all turned out well. She and Aidan really enjoyed them. When Aidan got out of the car with the bag of bread, they all started running toward the car and Aidan could barely move! It was pretty funny! This was also rhae's first experience in the grass. I'm still not sure if she really like it or not, but it was pretty stiff. Maybe once she can get in some soft grass she will enjoy it.

So much to talk about and so little time

Sometimes this blogging thing feels like such a requirement but I can't seem to find time. I wish I was one of those people that had time to blog everyday, but I just can't find the time.

So we've had a good bit going on lately so I'll do the quick update rundown. No photos this time, though I have some and just need to get them loaded on the computer. I'll try to do that soon. So I think my best news is we finally got a date scheduled for the OI clinic in Omaha! I am SO excited. My momma is going with us so that Jay doesn't have to take 4 days off work and also so he can be here with Aidan. I don't mind leaving him over a night or two, but a whole week would just be too much. He is really starting to whine about missing us more these days when we are gone. I know it's mostly put on, but it still hurts my heart. So Momma, Rhae, and I will fly out of Birmingham early on Tuesday, May 5th and will return even earlier on Friday, May 8th. This is such a hard time for me to go, but the best time for us right now. Jay and I will have our 9th anniversary on that Wednesday, the 6th, and that day is also the 2ndd anniversary of my Granny's death. I know that sounds weird to be sad about not being here then, but it is. I miss my Granny so much and honestly, as hard as it is, I don't think about that day being necessarily bad. I don't like that it happened on my anniversary because it reminds me that she's not here with me anymore. However, I'm only sad for jealous reasons. I miss her so much but I would never want her back because I know she is exactly where she wanted to be for so long. I was telling somebody the other day I think that is the only thing that got me through her death--the fact that she had told me several times when the time came she was ready, and I knew she was with her the love of her life, my Happy, and her son, Alston, again. I knew that day truly was her homecoming and she was happier than she had been in a long time. Okay, so I didn't mean to turn this into a post about my grandmother!

What else is going on with Rhae? She's still sick. The nose is still like a faucet, though she started running fever on Tuesday. It was 103 at it's highest on Tuesday and Wednesday, and today only 101.7 at the highest. She tries really hard not to be miserable, but it is so obvious. Thank goodness for Motrin is all I can say. We saw her pulmonologist today and he said everything was good. He changed some of her medicines and we don't go back for 4 months. I really, really like him a lot! She has lost a little weight, but currently is still over 13#, barely (13# 2oz). She is really starting to talk and still won't say Momma, but says da-da, daddy, Aidan, Bubba, Buh (which I think is her form of Bo, my daddy), bye-bye, something that we are not sure what it is but is consistenly what she says when she sees Lucy (our dog), puh (puppy), cat, and my favorite, duck. I've given up on her saying Momma. She is all over the place and I promise is the happiest child I have ever seen. Anybody that wants to be happy should just come spend an hour or so with us. She smiles brighter than the sun and will keep you laughing!

I've been wondering lately if anyone knows of any banks that make tooth fairy loans?!?! Aidan has not lost any teeth and I was starting to wonder if he ever would at 6 years old now. Well, I guess he'll loose them just like he got them...4 at a time! His top 2 and bottom 2, all which came in at the exact same time are all going to come out at the same time. They are equally loose. I just hope that stops the cycle, because that child went from no teeth to literally a mouth full in about 6 weeks. At that rate, he will be completely toothless! He is just so excited and keeps talking about the tooth fairy. He is also gearing up for baseball. This will be his first year to trade in the tee for machine pitch. So far so good. No concussions or broken bones and he seems to be a little faster this year. Only those of you who saw him last year can appreciate that! He's also eating me out of house and home and growing like a weed, maybe even faster! He turned 6 in December and now wears a large to XL t-shirt (and can wear an adult small), size 8 pants only for length (his waist is more like a 6 or 7), and a size 4 shoe. Yes, you read write--a size 4! I bought him a new pair of Crocs today and I can wear them. I don't know what I'm going to do to clothe that child in a few years!

Well, I think that is it for now. I have some other stories, but they go with the pics I need to post, so I will save them. I have been reading Kelly's blog for several weeks now, and have been inspired to follow her lead. At the end of every blog, she lists a few prayer requests. Well, it seems my prayer book stays full and I believe you can never have enough prayer warriors out there, so from now on, I will try to end all of my posts with a few prayer requests. Here goes...

1. Please keep the Hurst family in your prayers as they travel home from China with their newest member today (March 13th). Unfortunately, I'm not sure of the time difference, but just lift them up anyway.

2. I have been reading a blog recently about a woman in Texas who suddenly lost her husband to cancer. They have a young son, and a daughter that is due in May. Please keep the McKay family in your prayers. I cannot even imagine what they must be going through.

3. My niece, Halle, who is one day older than Rhae, has had quite a time with her little ears. She is finally getting tubes put in on Friday, March 27th. Please keep her in your prayers that she will do ok with the anesthesia, her surgeon will be skillful, and this will relieve the pain and irritability she has experienced. Also keep her mom and dad in your prayers due to that last part.

4. This is a little selfish, but Mandy and I are preparing to sell my grandmother's house. It is a sad time but something we know we have to do. Please keep us in your prayers that we find the right person to continue in this sentimental place...a family with rambunctious (sp?) children that will fill the house will love, fun, and laughter, and a family who will care for and love the house as much as we do. I know that sounds silly, but that place has such wonderful memories for not only us, but several other people and I always want to think of it as somewhere people are happy. Also pray that right person comes along sooner than later.

5. And as always, please keep Rhae in your prayers. I know prayers have helped get her this far and I hope people will continue to lift her up as they have over the last year.

A Beautiful Spring Day

Today is such a pretty day. Sunny and 70 degrees. We went outside for a little while--Rhae loves it outside--and watched Daddy wash our vehicles. Here are some pics of one of the cutest outfit ever! You can't really tell, but there is a small matching plaid square on the left thigh area (her knee!) with a little pink ladybug, and on the back, the pockets are made out of the same plaid as the shirt. I'm pretty sure they are supposed to be capris, but oh well...

Things I Want to Share

I've read a few things lately that I have really felt moved to share. These two things have spoke volumes to me. The first came from my very last lesson in Esther, so this may sound familiar to some, and others may be reading it soon.

I believe in the sun, even when it is not shining.
I believe in love, even when I do not feel it.
I believe in God, even when He is silent.
(Author Unknown)

In the last few days, I have started a new bible study titled, "Becoming the Parent God Wants You to Be." It has taken me a while to get through the first chapter because it is very...I don't know the words to use--thought provoking, real, hitting home, really. It is meant to be a group study, so some of it is difficult because it gives you activities, but I'll get through it, I guess. I miss working in a group, but it is often difficult for me to commit to a group with Rhae. Anyway, in the first chapter of the study, the author, Dr. Kevin Leman, shares "A Child's 10 Commandments to Parents" from his book Parenthood Without Hassles--Well, Almost. These were disturbing to me, in a good way. They say a lot, and I dare any parent to say they can't identify with at least one of these:

I. My hands are small; please don't expect perfection whenever I make a bed, draw a picture, or throw a ball. My legs are short; please slow down so that I can keep up with you.

II. My eyes have not seen the world as yours have; plsease let me explore safely. Don't restrict me unnecessarily.

III. Housework will always be there. I'm only little for such a short time--please take time to explain things to me about this wonderful world, and do so willingly.

IV. My feelings are tender; please be sensitive to my needs. Don't nag me all day long. (You wouldn't want to be nagged for your inquisitiveness.) Treat me as you would like to be treated.

V. I am a special gift from God; please treasure me as God intended you to, holding me accountable for my actions, giving me guidelines to live by, and desciplining me in a loving manner.

VI. I need your encouragement, but not your praise, to grow. Please go easy on the criticism; remember, you can criticize the things I do without criticizing me.

VII. Please give me the freedom to make decisions concerning myself. Permit me to fail, so that I can learn from my mistakes. Then someday I'll be prepared to make the kinds of decisions life requires of me.

VIII. Please don't do things over for me. Somehow that makes me feel that my efforts didn't quite measure up to your expectations. I know it's hard, but please don't try to compare me with my brother or my sister.

IX. Please don't be afraid to leave for a weekend together. Kids need vacations from parents, just as parents need vacations from kids. Besides, it is a great way to show us kids that your marriage is very special.

X. Please take me to Sunday School and church regularly, setting a good example for me to follow. I enjoy learning more about God.

My new best friend

I have a new best friend. Her name is Lane Bryant. I haven't shopped there for a while, and Tuesday I went in to look around after I washed and dried my favorite blue jeans for what I didn't know at the time would the last. When I took them out of the dryer, there was a hole in the seat. Oh well, I definitely got my money's worth out of them, as I have been wearing them for the last 3 years! The last few times I bought jeans from there I didn't really care for them, but since my body has morphed since having Rhae, I thought I would give them another try. I sure am glad I did! This company REALLY know how to make a big girl feel good about herself! Want to know what size I wear now? A 6!! They have a system they call RightFit. There are 3 different types depending on your body type...red is for straight people, yellow is for slightly curvy, and blue is fr extremely curvy. The sizes start at a 1!! Not only is the number great, but the fit is magnicent! I can't remember the last time I put on a pair of jeans that fit EVERY part of my body. Usually by the time I find some that fit my hips and thighs, the waist is ridiculous! I ended up buying 2 pairs, but will most likely buy a few more soon. They also have pants in this line. I also got a new sweater, a new shirt, and 2 new bras. AND, to top it all off, they gave me 20% off JUST for applying for a line of credit. You don't have to be approved...they give it to you just for applying! So of course, I did!

We haven't had a lot going on lately. Aidan has another ear infection. Same one that has been infected 3 other times since November. Chu thinks it is probably an allergy, so we have him on some new medicine. Rhae's nose won't stop running, so she is on allergy medicine now too. She doesn't seem bothered by her breaks, though she has found a way to manuever herself with the smallest amount of contact to the areas. We are due for a treatment Tuesday, so keep her in your prayers that everything goes as good as last time. We don't want to have more than one IV stick this time. Also pray that it stays in and the treatment goes well. She really seems to be feeling bad the last 2 days, so I am thinking she is starting to have some bone pain. Good news is, though, it has been longer than it usually is before she starts to hurt.

For those of you not from around here, our weather has been crazy the last few days. Friday we were under a tornado warning and had torrential rain and small hail. This morning, we woke up to snow. Unfortunately, Rhae had a horrible night, so by the time I woke up it was gone and I didn't get pictures. Of course, they wouldn't have compared to the pictures from last year's snow! Aidan was excited of course, but it really wasn't enough to play in. I did get to see it fall most of the early morning though (2:30 to 6:00), and that is what I like...otherwise I hate snow!

So that's about it for now. Just an FYI, we no longer allow Aidan to sleep in the bed...at least that is what you would think from the following pics:

Also, here is Rhae's new thing. Of course, the video is not that great because she freezes anytime a camera comes around and won't do what you want her to. But, I was lucky enough to catch a little clip of it! Now, I'm just trying to get her to do it when I say Roll Tide! She's also clapping her hands now! I'll have to try to get a video and add that later.