Making Memories

I couldn't help but be COMPLETELY overwhelmed by emotion yesterday.  I was looking for a phone number that someone texted me months ago, and I ran across "Laney Updates." 

One read..."This is absolutley the hardest thing we've ever been through.  Just keep praying!"

 Another said, "They've started her on an anitbiotic & steroid & dr. said she sounded GREAT this morning.  Her lungs are all clear & all is good!  Hopefully she will continue to improve!  And they've started feeding her through a feeding tube...she's a happy girl!" 

On Feb. 27, "Her upper gi was good today.  So, wednesday they are going to put her to sleep to do a bronchoscopy to check for fistula.  If they see a fistula, they will fix it at that time...if they don't see one, then they know its severe reflux, and they will do the reflux surgery.  Keep praying!" 

Feb. 29th 8:14 am, "It was just a fistula.  Praise God!!  So they have to do an incision on the right side of her neck to repair it!!  Yaay!!  No reflux surgery!!" 

March 3rd, "Little Laney is just cruising through the weekend, healing from surgery.  She is still on continuous feeds through her feeding tube, still off oxygen :), and not having any problems!  Monday will be another milestone.  They will do a "swallow test" to make sure there is no connection anymore between the trachea & esophagus, and make sure she can still swallow properly.  That test is at 9am. If all is well, the feeding tube will be removed & she will be able to try to eat from a bottle!!  Yaay!!  They will monitor her a few days, then, hopefully, we will head home on Wednesday. Thank you for all of your prayers!  God is so good!!"

Even typing this blog now, I am fighting back tears!  Wow!  Where we have been, the way the Lord worked through the doctors, nurses & our friends & family, the way He revealed Himself to Donny & me...I can't even describe it!  I've always believed in the power of prayer, but I'm blessed beyond words to be able to share Laney's story with others.  I'm so thankful for the experience now & I'm beeming with my refreshed faith!

This was Laney in the recovery room after surgery on Leap day. 

These were her poor little feet...

As the story goes...we were able to leave the hospital on March 6th...which, ironically was her original due date.  We were welcomed home with this from the Elysian Fields Volunteer Fire Department & Robert Bryan...Soooo sweet!  I teared up everytime I drove by for at least a month!!  :)

The next day, we had newborn pictures taken with Kristin Mosura.  She captured some truely remarkable moments of Laney. 

I love this first one!

She is our Angel!!

Laney is 10 weeks old today!  She is pushing about 10 pounds now...we will know for sure next Friday when we go for a check up.  She brings more joy to my life than I could have ever imagined!!  Donny said tonight, "Babe I can't believe she's 10 weeks old today.  Thats 2 & 1/2 months...she's going to be turning one "tomorrow!"  Not literally tomorrow...but time is going to fly by!  We are enjoying every single day with her!  She is such a tough cookie!  I can't wait to see what a precious little lady she turns out to be!


Thank you, Jesus, for Laney.  Thank you for the hard times we go through in order to be drawn closer to you.  Bless this baby girl!  Thank you for your promise...James 5:15...The prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well. Amen.

Laney Jewel

Little Laney is 16 days old now! And what an emotional 16 days it has been... Here is her story.

Laney was born on Feburary 17th @ 12:38pm. She weighed 6lbs 15 oz & was 18 1/2 in. long. After 17 looooong hours of labor, (with no pain meds or epidural) she was introduced to this crazy world by c-section...the greatest invention ever...after the spinal block, of coarse. Donny was very interested & watched almost all of the surgery. He was taking pictures of our beautiful baby girl & describing...in detail...what my insides looked like. Leave it to Donny!! :)

After the pediatrician saw her for the first time, he suctioned 17ml of mucous out of her throat. They took an X-ray to check her lungs, which was all clear, and decided the excessive mucous was from being a c-section baby. The next day, it was still there, but there was still no reason to worry. He gave us a few ideas of what could be the problem, but the most common was reflux.

We left the hospital on Sunday ready to begin our new life as a new family!

Monday & Tuesday we were at the doctors office for check ups. Still no need for concern.

Tuesday night my world stopped dead in its tracks. I was feeding Laney & she turned blue & couldn't catch her breath. We rushed her to the emergency room here at Sutton Children's Hospital on February 21st & have been here ever since. The doctors were puzzled by what they saw. A seemingly healthy baby with a little rattle in her chest, no big deal. They decided to do a sonogram to check certain parts of her brain, X-rays to check her lungs, milk studies to see how the milk was going down...all kinds of things.

We met with an excellent team of Pediatric Surgeons who were convinced she was suffering from severe reflux, the worst they'd ever seen. They were prepared to do a surgery on her that would keep her from Refluxing, but it would also keep her from burping, too. They would put an appliance on the outside of her belly that goes directly into her stomach, called a Mickey appliance, to burp. They also call it a button. You attach a syringe to it, and pull the air out. That totally freaked me out!

The only other possibility that it could be was called a fistula. A fistula is an opening...this could be in her trachea or esophagus, but they were certain there was no connection in her airway.

Donny & I prayed...& prayed...& begged people for prayers that our little girl would have a fistula. God answered our prayers on Feburary 29th when they took her back for surgery. Like i said, the surgeons we're prepared to do a bronchoscopy to check for a fistula, but then do the reflux surgery. Around 8:00am, the surgeons called us in the waiting room & were completely in shock. They did find a fistula, & it was connecting her trachea to her esophagus. In other words, every time she drank, the milk would "go down the wrong pipe." this caused her to choke.

Fun fact: fistulas are only seen in 1:4,000. Of those 1:4,000 The type she had, is only seen 1:400. It's extremely rare!

She had her surgery to close it, and is recovering very well!!! We've been here for 12 days, and have seen 100% improvement in little Laney. Tomorrow they will do another test to make sure there are no "leaks" & the milk is flowing properly down her esophagus. We are very certain that the Lord will have Laney I his hands again tomorrow, and it will come back perfect!!

Through this whole experience, Donny & I have learned to rely fully on Him. My faith has been renewed in a way that I never thought possible. I've always loved the Lord, and trusted him, but I have realized you have to surrender it ALL to Him! We have never been more fulfilled than we are now! We know that prayer is the most powerful tool in the world!!

We couldn't have made it through all this without our wonderful friends that prayed, brought us snacks, money, clothes, everything essential to camping out in a hospital. The staff has been great and caring! Despite actually being here, we have had a good experience!

So, keep us in your prayers tomorrow, and hopefully we will be heading home Tuesday or Wednesday!!

The LOVE of my LIFE!

Well, the time is NEAR...like REALLY, REALLY NEAR!!  We have a full term baby, turned 37 weeks last Saturday.  I have all my appointments on Tuesdays, which ment I saw her on Valentines Day, which is also our 3rd anniversary!  I'm sad to say that this is the first year Donny & I didn't take a picture together...kinda sad!

But, we did get some news yesterday.  My blood pressure is up, and I have excessive swelling in my feet, ankles & legs.  I'm no longer allowed to work. She said I need to rest....rest....rest. I am dilated to a 2.  whoo hoo. This is kinda graphic, but I have to save my urine for 24 hours, then take it back to the lab.  They are testing for protien, which is an indicator for preeclampsia.  She never actually came out & said it...she knows a freaked out new mom when she sees one!  :)  They put me on a fetal monitor to make sure Laney was doing ok.  Dr. Dean said she was great!  She is one tough cookie!  They should have all the results by Friday, so I go back then.  They are also going to do a sonogram to get an estimate on her weight.  We will know more details on Friday...like if they are going to go ahead & induce or let me ride this out.  Eeeeekkk!!!

Like I said, yesterday was our 3rd anniversary.  Donny made us reservations at Ernests Orleans in Shreveport & my dr said to enjoy our night...So we did! 

Today is my first day at home...and Donny has been such a great support person!  He went grocery shopping this morning, stopped by the pharmacy & brought home a ton of stuff for easy cooking!  He's so great!! 

I will try to keep everyone posted on any new developments!!  :)

These are a few of my favorite things!

When I was driving home from work today, I couldn't keep my mind still.  I mean, it was one of those days when my mind was racing ninety to nothing.  I was thinking of how my life used to be, how it is now, and how its all about to change! 

As for now, I wanted to jot down a few of my favorite things....(In no particular order!!) :)

*My husband...I know, kinda cheesey, but its true!   He's so excited about Laney's arrival, and that makes me giggle!  Example..last week Donny packed his hospital bag, bought her an iPod, and this week he installed the extra car seat base in his truck!  haha...He's so sweet! 
*This person, the size of a pineapple, thats still growing... little Laney
*Lola & Chico!
*Family
*My awesome Sunday School class!
*Water with lemon
*Gain laundry detergent, the tropical fruit kind
*The smell of Dreft
*Facials
*Chocolate milk
*Chocolate icecream..yuuummm
*The sound of laughter
*The smell of rain
*Nephews & nieces...Ty steals my heart, Brie has my attitude, Zach is hilarious, Grayson makes me giggle, Rylie is too cute, & Easton is developing his little personality!
*Alexia sweet potatoe fries
*Peaches
*Best friends (you know who you are!!)
*New friends (you also know who you are!!)
*Manicures & pedicures
*A nice, long, relaxing, warm bath
*Laundry straight out of the dryer
*Cool walks after work
*The ability to have an "able to do list" instead of a "to do list"

Thank you, Lord, for all my favorite things!!

Bring it 2012!!

Happy New Year!

I think its so funny that I started this blog last January & titled it "New Year, New Adventure."  Who knew what this past year would have held!

 Donny & I surely were thrown into a new adventure on June 29th, when we realized that we were expecting. Then, it became more of a reality...adventure, on July 12th, when that was confirmed by our doctor.  Oh man, our lives have changed...and little Laney isn't even here yet.  I can't even imagine how much more its going to change in 2012. 

We will be celebrating our 3rd anniversary this Feburary, also.  I'm so excited & can't believe its already been 3 years.  I know its so cliche, but I really do love him more with each passing year!  Eeek!!

Speaking of Golden..he was gone this year for New Years Eve.  He was in South Texas with some friends for a hunting trip.  I celebrated with some of our closest friends, and my goodness....I slept until 11 this morning.  I'm waaaay to old to stay up that late! I told him I felt like I had been run over by a mack truck.  hahaha...I can't wait for him to come home...I kinda miss telling him what to do...I mean...I kinda miss him being here!!  :) 

Resolutions...do you make them?  I usually say, "This year I'm going to be healthier.  I'm not going to try to loose weight...just get healthier....and the weightloss will come along with that."  Well, this year...like I've already said, things are different.  I have seen too many mom's take out their insecurities on their daughters....and I don't want to be one of "those."  So, with a ton of prayer, I know that I can make it!

I came across this on Pintrest...and I AM going to apply this to my life:
Less sugar,
More fruit.

Less meat,
More vegetables.

Less soda,
More water.

Less driving,
More walking.

Less worry,
More sleep.

LESS WORDS,
MORE ACTION.

Isn't that fun? 

I also love this from Anita Renfroe. My resolution for 2012: Eliminate the word "try" from my thinking and vocabulary. "Trying" to pick up a chair is pointless. Just pick up the chair. "Trying" is a continual state of non-doing. In the words of Yoda: "Do or no do. There is no try." Or in the immortal words of Nike: "Just do it."

So...Bring it 2012! I'm ready!!

Christmas Time!

Just like I knew I would, I forgot my camera at Thanksgiving. But...I didn't forget it for our Christmas parties in Dayton!!  I went home 2 weekends in a row...the first for Rick & Christy's "surprise wedding reception," & then the next for Christmas.  We had a great time at both gatherings...

Here's Momma & me...whoa...I look like a whale...especially in gray

...and...the whole family...Daddy-o, Momma, Christy, Rick, Me, Kim & Stebo.

Christmas Time.... Ty & Brie.  I love this pic!!

I have to say, though...This is my FAV of Brie!!

My Ty man is getting soooooo BIG!!

I love time with my family!  I enjoy the time that we have together..especially since I don't get to see them all the time.  Love you FAM!!!!

Time Flies When You Are...

Most people finish this phrase with...having fun.  I'm officially changing this to ...growing a baby!  :)  We are already 27 weeks along, with only 13 to go.  I'm so afraid that with Thanksgiving & Christmas being right around the corner, time is going to continue to fly!  I want to be able to savor the moment and enjoy our last holiday season before we add another family member.

I am very blessed to say that I have had a relatively uneventful pregnancy.  That is a good thing!! 

Today I did my glucose test.  What happens, is that you have to fast the night before, then have 3 tubey things of blood drawn.  You drink this drink...that my dr. said was equal to the sugar in 10 poptarts...(I really don't know if it is, or if she was just "breaking down" for me...hahaha), then wait an hour & have more blood drawn.  You get a call back if your levels are too high.  I got a voicemail from the dr's office, but it was soooo vague.  Of course, when I got a chance to call back, which was 4:50pm, they had already switched their phones over to the answering service.  UGH..That drives me nuts! If you are open until 5, then keep your phones on the regular system UNTIL 5! (my latest rant!!)
 
I'm not going to lie, I totally had a bratty Kayla moment when I realized I missed their call. I mean a good old fashioned, foot stompin', whining, "my life is over" moment!  So, needless to say, I am extrememly anxious to hear from them tomorrow.

Since I've been able to calm down, and eventually quit being a b.r.a.t...I've been praying for peace.  I know that the Lord has plans...and if I have gestational diabetes, its not the end of the world & it certainly doesn't mean that our precious baby is going to be unhealthy...it just means that I have to take more time planning & taking a conscious effort of healthy eating. 

I can do this...I can do this....but until then, I'll be waiting by the phone for the nurse to call me back....

Terific Tuesday!

Happy Tuesday!  I feel like all my blogs start like this...wow..its been for.ever!  But its true! 

Its Terrific Tuesday for more than one reason:

*Donny & Jim attached the hutch to Laney's dresser tonight, added a new shelf in her closet, & put blinds in the windows!! SCORE....now I just have to get decorations for the walls!

*Terrific Tuesday means that I only have half a days work until we get to go.HOME!!! 

* I have had nothing but AWESOME patients this entire week...it has truely been a blessing to have such great people to talk to for 45 minutes.  In those 45 minutes, I do most, well, pretty much all the talking...haha..

*Speaking of going home, I'm so stoked to see my family!  All of them!  My 2 brothers, 1 new sister in law, and another almost sister in law, the coolest nephew & niece ever &  my Mommacita & Daddy-o! Thursday I will get to see the rest of the fam...including the BEST MAWMAW, aunts & cousins in history! 

*Annnnnd...I'm officially 25 weeks pregnant!  Which means that we only have 15 weeks to go....wow!  Little Laney is just growing & growing.  I'm starting to feel her more & more.  Donny actually felt her kick for the first time on Saturday.  Such AN AWESOME feeling. 

Hopefully I'll remember to take my camera home so I can get pics of the family.  With my memory these days, I'll be lucky to remember my clothes.  haha

I'm so thankful for this time of year...a time to reflect on your life, purpose & relationships.  Thank you Lord, for fall... For the season of Thanksgiving & being ABLE to reflect on life!

Where have I been?

Wow..It's been so long since I've been on my blog.  I have been super busy growing a baby GIRL!! Yep, we found out Oct 2 that we are definately having a baby girl!  Donny has been in "better get the room ready" mode.  He hasn't even been bow hunting yet this season....he must be sick! He found mold in her room, so he had to cut out alot of the wall & replace insulation, paneling, and then paint, get carpet, put up trim & assemble & install her closet storage system.  whew...makes me tired just talking about it. 

I am making a vow to TRY to be better about posting...I said...TRY!! I know this blog was sooo boring, but I had to prove to myself that I could,  in fact, get back to blogging!!  :) 

This is the first picture of her face....and her little hands...

Oh...how could I forget...The golden nugget has a name....Laney Jewel!

Whew..What a Weekend!

This weekend was such a whirl-wind...But totally in a good way!

Friday: I woke up kinda late with the dreaded chore of cleaning on my mind.  Ugh...I hate cleaning the house when I let it get completely O.O.C..(out of control)  Mom & Aunt Karen were coming up, so I put a roast on to cook all day.  Lawdy, did the day go by fast...and I was kinda sore from being on my feet all stinkin' day.

Saturday:  Mom, Aunt Karen & I got up early & headed over to Shreveport for breakfast at Another Broken Egg.  I must say...it was deeeee-lish!!  After a belly full of tomato & cheese quiche & fruit...we hit the town for a little shopping.  I hate to admit, but at 14 weeks, I don't have any clothes that fit right!!  I guess fit "right" is the key.  Luckily I got HOOKED UP with some super cute clothes!  Thanks mom!! 

Donny said he was going to take us to dinner for my birthday weekend...but when we got to the restaurant..20 of our closest friends & family were there!  I was so surprised!!  Apparently Donny high-jacked my phone in the middle of the night & stole my friends numbers.  He's so thoughtful!! :)  He's been planning this the entire month of August!  How FUNNNN!!

Saturday night we had 2 extra visitors...I don't think the trai-la has ever been so full of guests before!  My brother, Stephen & Kim came up for the occasion!  So sad to say that we only have one picture from the night...This is my bestie, Megan & Me..

Today, I have slept all day.  We got up early again, had breakfast, all my peeps left...then I had a date with the couch!  Whew...What a weekend!

5th Annual Cousin Vacation!!

Last week I was off work...and I experienced the "Cousin Vacation" for the very first time.  Every year my Mom & Nana take their grand kids, (which is my cousins kiddos) on some sort of vacation.  Typically, us older peeps aren't really invited...but this year we were.  Whoa...

The plan...
*go to Dayton Monday...be there by 3pm
*pick up Ty from Momma Mia's house
*leave Tuesday by 11am to eat lunch (very important)
*arrive at Yogi Bear Park....
Then...Let the fun begin!

The realization...
*went to Dayton...left at 3:45..arrived at 7:00pm
*mom picked Ty up since I was a year late
*left Tuesday at 11:30 am, had lunch (very important)
*sat in Houston traffic on a random Tuesday...in the middle of the day...
*delivered a gun to my Uncle Donnie...(Long story)
*Arrived at Yogi Bear Park, Waller, Tx at 2:15....couldn't get in cabin until 3!

So...that's right...I went camping on my vacation...but it was totally worth it!

Yogi Bear Park is a kids bff.  There are bike trails through the woods, a huge water slide, pools, put-put golf, a craft cabin, karaoke at night, dance competitions, movies played at an outdoor theater...just plain ole cool stuff.

...Unless its 110 degrees outside!  The kids didn't mind the weather...but us grumpy adults did!!  There is only ONE RULE on cousin vacations... DON'T COMPLAIN.    I did my best....and really think I did a great job, considering my current state.  Guess we'll see how well of a job I did...if I'm invited again!  :) 

Here are a few pics I wanted to share with yall!

Gunner, Whitney, Will & Ty

Group shot after the PPG...Put-Put Golf Tourney! My cousin, Shannon & Ty, my nephew, on the very far right were the Champions!! 

The kiddos in front of our cabin...with the sun in their eyes! 

So cute!!  This one is my favorite!

That was the loft where they slept.  They almost look like jail birds...lol :)

Baby G

Yep, this is what you think! Donny & I are going to parents!!  Whoa. Kinda crazy!  Actually...Super Crazy!! 

The news is starting to sink in...just so hard to believe since I'm not sick, super exhausted, or down right mean.  I can't say I'm not moody....Donny would definitely tell you that I am!  Don't get me wrong, I'm so thankful that...so far...I've skipped the nausea!  Pray that this will continue.

I'm so confused..I really don't know how far along I am...I know that sounds crazy, but here's why.  I went to the dr at 7 weeks 3 days, but they baby was measuring 6 weeks.  So they called me 6 weeks. Then I went back 2 weeks later, at what I would think was 9 weeks 3 days, but they didn't measure the little pumpkin...and on the sonogram it says 9 weeks 3 days...but according to the size from the first one, I would just be 8 weeks 3 days.  I have no idea!  Too funny, huh!!  I'm so not good at this!  haha... So I guess I'll just go by the size of the little kidney bean....which means today the babe' is 9 weeks! 

One more week until double digits!!!  How stinkin' exciting!

Here is my quick, little rant for today...
I'm trying not to let negative people influence me in negative ways...This is very hard for me because I don't know a lot..about a lot of things...and others are way more experienced than me in a lot of areas...so I let them skew my ideas and thoughts on things...BUT.NO.MORE!!  I'm serious!  NO.MORE!  I have faith that everything will go according to His plans! 

I have to say, this sure is a NEW YEAR, NEW ADVENTURE!  whoa!  :)

Dog Days of Summer

Donny & I are sitting here, on this Sunday afternoon...with what sounds like a little storm a-brewin' outside...watching "K-9."  Its an older movie, but its so-o-o-o funny!  That got me thinking of the saying "Dog Days of Summer." 

Dog days are known as the hottest & muggiest days of the year, usually between July & September.  That came from back in the day when the ancient people read constellations. This time of year, they saw the dog star, called Sirius.  The ancients believed that the heat from the constellation in conjunction with the heat of the sun caused the sultry weather. This explains the horrible heat wave throughout America today.  So that's your history lesson for the day. 

But speaking of ....dogs...I wanted to share a few pics of my loves with you. 

This is the newest of the Goldens...Copper... He's going to be a HUGE pup.  At 8 weeks old, he was already weighing in at 16 pounds.  We were told he is probably going to be 80 pounds.  I've never had a big, big dog before...so this should be an interesting  journey.

Then we have Chico.  He's a hoot!  This boy is a mess...and Donny's best friend...when he is armed with the nerf gun. I love this pic because it shows Chico at his best..with a leaf in his beard & everything!  Hahaha...that's Chico for ya!

 Little princess Lola Bell.  Well, that's it...she's the spoiled rotten one.  Lola & I are out numbered by Donny, Chico & Copper, so needless to say...we stick together! 

I loved this picture of Nestle & Copper...Nestle is Donny's 120 pound, obese, chocolate Lab..She has totally taken Copper under her wing & I like to think that she is teaching him the "ways of life!!!"  :)

I had to add this picture of Boots...He's the meow meow that survives life with all the dogs...poor little fella has to hide in the trees to get a little peace & quiet!  

So, I may not be the constellation readin' ancient.....but these are MY  "Dog Days!!"

Long Time..No Post...

So much has happened here in the Golden house since that last post. It feels like its been 10 years since my last post. 

Ty graced us with his presence for a week.  It was b.u.s.y!  He had VBS in the mornings, and we tried to do fun stuff in the afternoon.  Poor little guy got so sick on this trip.  This insane stomach bug was going around his house...but I'm so glad that Donny & I didn't get it.  That Friday we went to Splash Kingdom.  It was sooo much fun!   Here's a few pictures from our week.

Group shot from the VBS Program.

Last weekend I went to Dayton & had an awesome weekend.  Laying out by the pool & visiting with the fam took up the majority of the weekend.  I was so excited because I got to see 2 of my high school friends...Keely & Amy!  We haven't seen each other since Keely's wedding 4 years ago.  Oh my!  It was a blast.  We really should do that more often. Catching up, great food & getting to meet little Avery was such a great time!  

There are about to be some changes around here...more of that to come in future weeks!

Weekend Review

Whoo hoo!  Made it through another weekend.  I'm almost looking forward to go back to work so I can rest....notice I said...ALMOST! 

This past weekend was the Bozeman Family Reunion.  The Bozemans are Mrs. Beth's (my mother in law) Mom's family.  So, Donny's MiMi's family.  This is my 4th year to be involved with this C-RA-ZY weekend.  The weekend gets kicked off on Thursday night...with the "drawing for teams."  They have a golf tournament on Friday, that they have so cleverly named...The Bozeman Open....That is taken.very.seriously! lol..

Donny & his momma were a team...and they won by 1 stroke!  In the last 5 years, Donny has won 4 times...What can I say..He's pretty amazing! ;)   Mrs. Beth has been practicing 3 or 4 days a week...and has been determined to get her name on that precious trophy.    Finally...she got it!  lol...

Friday night, I cooked supper for 13 people.  Not like a nice supper...just good ole tacos.  It only took 4 lbs of hamburger meat, 12 hard shells, 8 gordita tortilla things, 8 giant burrito things, a tub of sour cream, 2 bags of cheese & a pan of brownies...and finally everyone was fed. 

Saturday is the "Big day."  Lunch, horseshoes, washers, volleyball, apple bobbin', swing sets, a slip n'slide & supper keeps everyone entertained.  Whew weee...it was Hot!  I'm sure family reunions were way more exciting back in the day...before the wonderful world of facebook.  Now, everyone knows what you are doing, so there really isn't that much "new stuff" to share.  One of my conversations went like this..."I'm so glad you were able to come.  I was worried that you weren't able to get off work.  Yeah, I keep up with you on facebook!!"  haha...their response..."Kayla, your new office is beautiful!  How are Lola & Chico?  Now, tell me again when Donny goes back to the doctor."  I couldn't help but giggle...

Sunday is clean up day.  I got out of that this year...whoohooo! 

Normally, I am the annoying person with the camera..but I didn't bring it this year.  Sadly, I don't have any pics of this year to share with you!

This is Ty from Reunion 2010... 

Ty is staying with me again this week!  I'm so excited!!  He is going to VBS at IBC ..and is totally pumped!  I may sneak in a haircut for him, too! lol..

Happy week everyone!

Summer Lovin'

I.Love.Summer!!

I used to love summer even more...before I was a "workin' gal!"  Its hard to believe that I have been in this crazy dental world for 10 years...and a hygienist for 6 years!  Whoa..when I think of it like that...I kinda start to feel old!

Summer as a kid was AWESOME!!  My childhood best friend, Brandie & I would dress up in my super-stylish, rocky mountain jeans, (which I had in EVERY color), matching shirt & boots...and pretend to do glamour shots by the brick fireplace...True.Story. What were we thinking!! hahaha My favorite pictures were the bathing suit pics out by the pool. Now, keep in mind, we had to WAIT to use the ENTIRE roll of film BEFORE we were able to see these awesome creations!  Good times, good times!

Remember that area in WalMart, I think we called it, "The Photo Center!!" They made so much money off of my parents at the One Hour Photo!  Kiddos these days have no idea what its like to have to WAIT for your FILM to be DEVELOPED!!  lol...I say that like I'm some old, wise owl! 

One of my favorite things to do in the summer was to invite my friends over to swim!  I loved it when Emily's mom, Mrs. Urban, would drop her off at my house on her way to work in the morning!  I would be so excited that Emily was coming over, I could barely sleep the night before!! Donuts for breakfast, pizza for lunch, and lots of homemade cookies...Good times, good times!

As I got older...we would go on GREAT vacations!  

Camping in Bandera was a tradition!  And when I say camping...I mean roughing it camping...no running water, no electricity, cooking over the open fire, bathe in the Medina River kind of camping!  It was great!  Kelli, Brandie, Glenna, Stacey & Bobby were just a few of my friends that I was able to make memories with throughout the years!  Cheer camps, steer shows, & driving the truck while the football boys hauled hay...these were all good times, good times!!

Cancun was a great vacation with the Carmacks; Cozumel with my family for graduation...I really could just go on & on about the family trips & the places we've been...the times that I hauled poor, little Rocky (my very, very favorite stuffed animal) with me...the windows that my brothers held him out of...most of the time tied to a rope of some sort, just so they could hear me scream...Wooowzers!!  Good times, good times!

Although I NEVER see most of the people I have mentioned in this blog, I still have those precious memories of sweet summertime & summer lovin'!

I'm excited about all memories that I can create with my nieces & nephews! I know that these...too....will be good times!!

Wonderful Wednesday!

Today was such a great day!  I'll call it Wonderful Wednesday!  Why was today so great?

Well, today means I only have ONE more day of work for the week...and today means that my maid of honor, one of my very very best friends, Ardra, is getting married in THREE days!  I'm so excited! I know that she will be a gorgeous bride, and I'm so thankful that I get to serve as her matron of honor.  What a real honor!!  (Pics to follow! Hopefully I'll put them up on Sunday when we get home!) I did break down & tell her my bridesmaid dress drama...since I got it all taken care of.  hahaha. No really...REAL BRIDESMAID DRESS D.R.A.M.A... Ardra is such a great person, a great friend, and she is going to be a really great life partner for Brett (with 2 t's). 

I have to say, I already have my speech prepared!  And I will not spill the beans about how awesome it is!! ;) 

Ardra told me today to make sure I bring my running shoes this weekend. I had to insure her that MY shoes were strictly jogging shoes...not running shoes...and that I'm not fast...AT...A.L.L.  All in all, I super pumped about our "pre-wedding jog!!" 

Monday night Donny & I went to hear our precious friends kiddo, Levi, play in his very first piano recital. He was so sweet & innocent!  That sweet child literally..and I mean literally brought tears to my eyes when I listened to him play...and SING..."Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star."  Oh my gosh, it seriously made my heart smile! 

No more Awanas on Wednesday, which really makes me sad!  It will start back up in the fall....but that gives me something to look forward to. I did have lunch with Emily & Ty Ty on Tuesday... super fun girl & baby Ty time!!


Megan pretty much kicked my boo-tay today with our little jog!  I'm soooo over having shin splints...Its driving me crazy!  One day I will so pumped when I can write on here that I COMPLETED MY FIRST HALF MARATHON!  But until then...its just single digit miles for Kayla!!

Oh, and I forgot to tell you about our trip to San Antonio!  We attend the TDA meeting every year in order to get CE's. This year was way awesome cause Ashley stayed at the same hotel, took classes with me, and went to dinner with us!  It was a great time!  This is Ashley & Me after dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe! We are rockin' the windblown look!

Thank you, Lord, for blessing me with TRUE friends!!

Whoa!

Whoa peeps...I've been one crazy, busy ole' girl!  I haven't blogged in For.EV.er!!

Since my last post, we were ABLE to celebrate Easter!  What an awesome holiday!  I love Easter!! Can you imagine the excitement when everyone realized that the tomb was empty?  How cool!  I get so excited when I think about that!   Danny & Jessica, Zach & Grasyon, and Megan & Dusty, Rylie & Easton came to Elysian Fields on Saturday.  It was so much fun!!  The kids played with bubbles & had an Easter egg hunt, while us "grown ups" watched with envy!   This is Zach & Rylie chasing bubbles..aren't they cute!

 The Golden Girls...Megan, Jessica & Me...

 

Donny & I were ABLE to go to Church with his parents...

and then ABLE played a pretty fun round of golf!

I didn't get to see my Momma or Daddy...but I had a good Easter.  Mom & Aunt Karen came up the weekend before to watch The Sacrifice, IBC's program.  It was amazing..as usual!!

This last weekend was a great time with girls.  My best friend is getting married in 12 days, so we took her out for a night on the town.  Great times....I don't have a pic to share for this one...lol...;)
oh wait...i do....

This is Nikki, Me & Ardra

Oh, and I was ABLE to run 7 miles in 2 days last week!! 4 miles one day...then 3 the next...That is A HUGE ACCOMPLISHMENT for Me!!  If it hadn't been for my bff, Megan & our power socks....I would not have been able to do it!

Have I  told you all lately how BLESSED I am?!!!?

Thank you, Lord, for changing my "to-do's" into my "able" to do's!  Thank you for such great friends & family to celebrate holidays with!  Thank you for friends that push me to the max, and for sharing encouraging words from the Truth that help me realize I'm worth something! 

Little Girl's Dream

There is dream that most little girls share.  They pretend to be the princess bride. The bride that has all of her favorite stuffed animals lined up to be the best bridal party ever! The bride that has the most beautiful sheet from her mommas linen closet as her veil.

No matter how much money my daddy tried to pay me to just..."go get married at the Courthouse"...I couldn't do it!  I still had this little girl dream of a wedding in my mind!!  Two years later I think...man that $$$$ sure sounds nice now..  just kidding!!  I wouldn't trade our wedding day for anything! It makes Valentines Day just that much more special.

Today, I had the most precious 9 year old girl in my chair at work.  I gave her the remote to change the channel on the tv in my operatory, thinking it would soon be on Nickelodeon, or the Disney Channel.  I was quite surprised when I looked up to see TLC's Say Yes to the Dress.  She was so excited to see the beautiful women in wedding dresses, parading in front of their entourages.  She was smiling & so into the show, that she didn't hear me at first when I asked if she watched it at home.  Her response was, "Oh yes, I love it.  Do you like dresses? Are you married?  Did you have a beautiful wedding dress like these girls? How long ago did you get married? Did you have wedding? I can't wait to get married one day."

I love the innocence of a little girl's dream....

These are a few of my favorite things!

Family Time...One of my favorite things!!

Wow!  Donny & I had a great weekend!  It all started with my Mom's 57th bday on friday!  We cooked shrimp, homemade french fries, & Kim busted out the 3rd homemade cheesecake.  Let me elaborate...Kim is my brother Stebo's girlfriend.  The first time we met her she brought a "fresh from her kitchen" pumpkin roll.  The second time I saw her, she brought "fresh from her kitchen" toffee, peanut brittle, & all kinds of cookies.  The truth is...the chick can bake!  Per Mom's request, she made a cheesecake.  Thursday night, she was driving home from a friends house and her precious cheesecake fell on the floor of her car while rounding a curve.  The kitchen saw her again, at 5:00 am on Friday, to make another one.  That one didn't turn out exactly like she wanted, soooooo, we made another one when she got to my mom's house on friday evening.  Poor thing!  She practically had the recipe memorized by that time!!  But, I must say...It was GREAT! This is Mom, Kim, & Me!

My very first nephew...Ty...One of my favorite things!!

Ty, was my other brother..Rick's first born.  I can still remember that rainy day in September we were blessed with him.  I couldn't get from Tyler, to Nacogdoches to Baytown fast enough to see him!!  Tammi hadn't had him yet, so I was trying to keep her company by talking about my new friends I had met at college.  I kept saying, "Tammi, I have a new friend.  Her name is Sarah.  She is from this town called Hughes Springs"....and I kept rambling and rambling.....Ty is growing up for sure...but he is such a tender hearted little guy.  He cares about other peoples feelings...He is sooo smart....& most of all....He LOVES HIS KK!! 

My 2nd niece...Brie....One of my favorite things!!

Sweet baby Brie...Rick's second born.  What a special little angel!  Every time I go to Dayton, we always go pick up baby Brie!  She is a cutie, and spoiled to the core!  My dad is in love that baby!!  She finally took over my daddy's princess throne that I occupied for 28 years.  I was glad to pass that on to her!!  ;)  Brie is loved by  SO many people, and I know that she will also grow up to be an amazing young lady...that also  LOVES HER KK!! 

Mom & Dad had the most beautiful flowers in bloom...and I couldn't help but snap a few pics of my little loves.  It was a tad bit windy on Saturday, so we had her hat on.

I wish you could have seen her face when she first saw Ty!  It was the cutest little expression! 

Donny....One of my favorite things!!

Golden, D, Babe...just a few things that I call him!!  I can't imagine my life without him!  He makes me laugh,  he wipes my tears when I cry about my bad days & is my biggest supporter in life.  Donny is a thyroid cancer survivor!  What a strong & amazing man! He proposed just days after he finished his first radiation treatment...such an exciting time!  When he was asked about our future before we got married he said, "I'm excited...It's going to be like having a slumber party everyday with my best friend!"

Certainly I have more...but these are just a few of my favorite things!!


Thank you, Lord, for all of these things!