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.