Thursday, October 30, 2008

Creep

Someone stole pictures off my blog, and used them in a not so nice way. So my choice are:

to make my blog private,

remove all the pictures, or

figure out how to make the pictures non-copyable (That's not a word)

To the blog stalker: my blog was a good way for me to keep in touch with friends, and family especially those in Scotland who we do not get to see often.

What kind of wacko takes pictures off someone's blog, and does what you did? Do you have nothing better to do? Perhaps you should seek a new hobby, maybe you will make some friends in real life.

Hope you have a nice day.

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Just hanging out

Waiting for the mailman to bring our foster care license...

willie

Monday, October 27, 2008

Eight days, and counting

 

Incase you can't tell I am super excited about our upcoming vacation.  Not only could I use a break, I really NEED to see my family. We will be visiting the Georgia aquarium, Tybee Island, and Disney world!

We will be staying in my bosses beach house in Tybee, and are renting a five bedroom house in Orlando.

There will be seven adults, and five children four of which are three and under.  This will be the first time that I have met my brothers youngest daughter Carrie, and only the second time I have seen Erin.

We don't have a lot of activities planned.. Lazy days snuggling in bed with all those babies will suit me just fine.

Friday, October 24, 2008

Favorite photo Friday

 

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                                    Jannae

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                                      such a pretty girl..

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Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Good night...

 

alex1

Love Alex xoxoxoxox

Is it over yet?

 

I am so ready for the month of October to be over.  I am tired of hearing  "Martha was so strong that's how she beat the cancer".  "Susan wasn't ready to leave her kids she faugh hard, and won"  "Julie prayed hard, as did her church family, and God answered their prayers.

We prayed like crazy, my Mum put up a fight,  because she wasn't ready to leave her kids or her grandchildren, but for some unknown reason she didnt win, she wasn't cured.

Don't think for a second, that those who have passed didn't have the will to live, or didnt pray to God.

My sister overheard someone talking about their family member battling cancer, the lady made a comment along the lines of how she wished it were breast cancer,  because it isnt that serious.

So getting your boobs chopped off, and pumping your body full of chemicals that harm your body, while trying to kill the cancer at the same time isnt serious?

Some how my sister sat quietly, but I would have let her have it.  How ignorant can you be? Breast cancer is serious, it killed my Mother in less than six weeks.  It left her husband without a wife, her children without parents, and her grand children questioning where their grandma went.

While I am thankful that the month of October helps raise awareness about this nasty disease. I am also happy that not every family as to suffer through such a tragic loss. But sometimes I just want to scream.  "You have no idea what its like unless your been there".

Please don't compare the loss of my Mother to your 90 year old grandmother or your 16 year old cat, because quite frankly they don't compare.

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Random post..

 

I think Wayne has MRSA again, It just appeared last night.  He will get it check out tomorrow, please keep your fingers crossed that it isnt MRSA.

If it turns out to be MRSA, we are by passing our family doctor, and going to meet with an infectious disease specialist.

Our agency just called, my Virginia CPS check hasn't came back yet, so we wont have our license any time soon. Which means we more than likely wont have a child until the end of Nov as we will be out of town from the 5th-20th.

If we don't get a placement soon we may end up with another kitten.  My poor cats are tired of me dressing them up, and wrapping them in blankets.  I need help!

For those of you who adopt, especially internationally, my hat is off to you.  I have no idea how you wait so patiently. 

The weather has been so random lately.  It has been as cold as 40, and as high at 80 by mid day. 

My car broke down yesterday, but thankfully I married Mr. fix it, and my car was up and running within a few hours.

Have I mentioned lately how much I love my husband!!!

Monday, October 20, 2008

Sunday, October 19, 2008

Saturday, October 18, 2008

What's going on

 

  • Wayne's knee continues to heal, he attends rehab three time a week, and recently graduated to walking with a cane.

 

  • His MRSA is clearing up nicely.  He continues to take bleach baths  few time a week.  Hopefully MRSA wont rear it's ugly head again.

 

  • Baby Ella finally made it home after almost three weeks in the ICU, she doing a lot better, and weighed in at 9lbs 14oz at her last weigh in.

 

  • We're still waiting to get our license in the mail, the unknown is driving me nuts.

 

  • Only a few more weeks until Mark, and his crew fly over from Scotland.  We're gonna be busy.  Disney, the beach, and a tour of ATL!

 

  • We've been mini van shopping, but haven't found one yet.  I would like a town and country, but don't want to spend an arm, and a leg.

 

That's all for now folks..How is things going in your life?

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Who's who?

I am Karen, and my Husbands name is Wayne.

Pete, Spud and Lilly are our three cats..

Mark, Nicola, and Lesley are my siblings.

Jannae (nae), Alex, Jaxon, Erin and Carrie are my nieces and nephews.

Teagyn, aka baby girl, our angel- is my niece who passed away.

My Mum is well..my Mum also in Heaven

Peter- my Dad is watching over us

Jeff- my MIA step father

Parker and Willie B- are the boys I nanny for

Ray ray- is our nick name for the little one we will be welcome into our home via foster care.

Any questions?

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

pity party number 117

 

Its 11:26pm, and I am laying in bed.  I should be sleeping as I have a busy day ahead of me tomorrow.  I was talking to my sister Lesley,  about Teagyn's birthday

When they went to buy balloons to send to Heaven  the cashier asked my niece Jannae who the balloons were for.  Jannae said "they are for my cousin, she's 8 today"

The lady said "oh so your going to take her balloons" Jannae didn't know what to say, so she looked at my sister for help.  Lesley said "yes we are"

This pisses me off, why on Earth do we have to send Teagyn balloons in Heaven?  Why has Jannae endured so much, Teagyn was her best friend.

Why did my sister have to loose her daughter, my first born niece.  Why did my father have to pass away so suddenly.  Why did my mother have to struggle for breath? 

What did my family do or not do to deserve so much heartache? 

I want to led a normal life with a Mother, and  Father.  I don't want to stress about making sure Teagyn is included in our upcoming family pictures somehow. She should be here in person complaining about wearing a dress

Doesn't God know that one family can only handle so much?  Doesn't he know that we don't have any family around (they are all in Scotland) for support. 

Sometimes I doubt all things God, I am angry, and rightfully so.

Mum, dad, and Teagyn

 

"Your life was a blessing,
Your memory a treasure.
You are loved beyond words
and missed beyond measure"

Author: unknown

Lilly

 

My sweet little kitten Lillie was taken to the vet today by her Daddy to be spayed.  For some reason I feel bad about spaying/neutering my pets.  I know it has to be done, because, I don't want to become the crazy cat lady.

This time two years ago our little kitten Tillie was set to be spayed, and died during surgery.  Totally unexpected so hopefully everything will be alright with Lillie.

Keep your fingers crossed.

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

****News flash****

 

We should have our foster care license in TEN days, and should have a child shortly there after.  I can't contain myself, so many thoughts running through my mind.

Was everyone else dying with excitement over their first placement?

Monday, October 13, 2008

Sweet girl cont.

 

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Parker and Willie B getting ready to let off Teagyn's balloons.

 

 

 

 

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Parker watching is balloon take off.

 

Willie B holding his balloon tight.

 

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Wayne's balloon flying high..

Sweet girl

 

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Happy 8th birthday Teagyn, enjoy your party with all the other angels, I am sure grandma and grandpa will spoil you rotten.    Be on the look out for your balloons, we will send them later on today.

Love Auntie, and Uncle Wayne

 

I wonder what it is like to have a birthday in heaven...
I wonder if you will still be four or will you one day be eleven...
I wonder if you will have a big birthday party with all your angel friends
I wonder if you will celebrate till the day ends...
I wonder if you will have cake...
I wonder if it will be like the ones mummy used to make....
I wonder if you will get lots and lots of gifts...
I wonder if you know how much you are really really missed..
I wonder if you will dance and sing..
I wonder if you will remember everything...
I wonder if you are happy and free..
I wonder if you look for me...
I wonder if you truly know how much I love you so...
I wonder if I tell you now, would you even know...
I wonder why your spirit's tent was damaged beyond repair...
I wonder how I will ever learn to deal with such despair..
I wonder how my heart still beats without my baby girl...
I wonder why this happened, and why it had to end...
I wonder about so many things you never got to do...
I wonder how much more you could have possibly gone through..
I wonder how many wonders will cloud my mind today...
I wonder if you know I would have taken your place to take the pain away..
I wonder what it is like to have a birthday in heaven..
I wonder if you will still be four or will you one day be eleven.

Saturday, October 11, 2008

So in love with you..

Daycare

 

I have spent the last few weeks searching.  for quality child care for our foster child.  So far I have no luck, the good daycare's have a mile long waiting list, and the not so good ones, shouldn't be calling themselves a "daycare". 

What makes you think you can charge the same as everyone else when all you do is sit on your behind, while the kids watch tv, and play with the handful of toys you have for them?

Why do parents sign their child up for such a "daycare"? Is it because they just don't know any better?  A child spends on average 40-50 hours per week at daycare, most of their awake hours. Don't you want your child's day to be filled with fun, stimulation, and plenty of playtime?

In my opinion a quality home  daycare provider should have a playroom filled with age appropriate toys. He/She should offer a preschool curriculum for preschool aged children.  Their should be outside toys for the children to play with.  The providers home should be clean, and most importantly the provider should speak proper English.

I am at a loss as to what to do with little Ray Ray, there has got to be an opening at one of the good daycare's.

P.s I ran a QUALITY home daycare for five years, before moving to Georgia.

Friday, October 10, 2008

Culture shock..

Last night  Wayne, and I along with the boys ventured to "the deep south fair", it was an interesting night to say the least.  Wayne told me the words"deep south", and "demolition derby" should have clued me in.

We waited in a line of cars for 15 minutes to enter the parking lot, then we stood in line for another 10 minutes to purchase tickets to enter the fair ($6.00 a person).

I went to the fair each year as a child, but had never been to a southern fair.  We headed straight to the derby pit, with hopes of finding a seat.  Almost every seat was filled except for a few on the front row.  I thought I had hit the seat lottery until a women a few rows behind shouted "your gonna get hit with mud".  Mud? what? "the mud from the pit is gonna fly out once's the car's start crashing, and spinning their wheels" she shouted.

I knew there was no way I could convince Wayne to move, the poor man was sweating buckets from the long walk in. not to mention I had a 26lb baby hanging from my neck, and a skinny four year old attached to my leg.  So I resigned myself to the fact that I was going to get a little dirty.  Wayne told me it was all part of the derby experience.

 

In true southern style the derby started out with a prayer followed by the national anthem. Then the roaring began as the drivers fired up their engines.  Then the horn sounded, and the crashing began.  The first go round, we were not lucky enough to be hit with flying mud.

Before the second round started the fireman, turned on his hose, and gave the mud a good soakin.  I knew I was in trouble this time.  The horn sounded again, and so began the crashing.  This time one of the cars, crashed into the fence, right in front of us, his bumper was wedged between the fence, and he was trying his damndest to get out.

The sound of the engine revving scared the boys, as well as me, so I took them and walked to the side.  Just as I walked away, the car over heated a caught fire.  At this point I was done, and ready to head home.  But Parker really wanted to stay so we watched a few more rounds.

Round three is when the mud really started flying, I was hit in the face, head eyes, hands.  Willie B and I were in the wrong spot, as Parker and Wayne didnt have a speck of mud on them. 

We left before it ended so we didn't get to see the lucky car, and drive received their reward for being the last one standing. Maybe next year we'll be lucky enough to stay for the entire event..

Thursday, October 9, 2008

disappointed

 

Our home resource coordinator was scheduled to come today to complete our home study.  At the last minute she had some kids come in, and had to do intake, so we had to reschedule .  I am disappointed, ready to have this over and done with.

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Zoo

 

Yesterday the boys, and I ventured to the chewhaw Zoo, in Albany with several other people.  I think the total head count was six adults to 20 something children.  Most of which were under the age of four!

It was a long day, we left Thoamsville at 9:30, and arrived home just in time for our 3:45 gymnastics class.  The boys were asleep with in five minutes of being in the car.  Me on the other hand I am still trying to recover.. 

Parker and Willie's parents are heading out of town, so they boys will be staying with Wayne, and I until Monday. 

We have a lot of fun activities planned! Check back later for pictures.

Monday, October 6, 2008

Another MRSA update

 

We spent 2 1/2 hours at the doctors today.  She redrained the boil on Wayne's stomach, and cut open the two on his arm pit.. She then packed the one on his stomach to keep it from closing.

I think she was a little annoyed with me, since I questioned everything she was doing.  At this point she isn't overly concerned with the infection coming back,, but did state if he gets a new boil, that she will change our course of action.

We picked up some hibiclens soap, which is a antimicrobial skin cleanser. 

My husband is a mess, he has a hole in his tummy, to large holes under his armpit, and keep in mind he's on crunches from his knee surgery..

Sunday, October 5, 2008

Still waiting..

 

We have completed all of our paper for becoming foster parents.  We have one more home visit with our resource coordinator, and should have our first placement by the end of October. 

The unknown of what the child will be like, how old he or she will be is driving us crazy. There is no way to prepare since things differ between a newborn, and a four year old.

My sister Lesley donated some clothes, and my other sisters Nicola is bring a few baby items with her when she's visits in November.  

We have two twin beds, and will purchase a crib if we get an infant placement.

The excitement is killing me.

spreading

 

Today I spent over three hours bleaching anything, and everything in my house including my husband.  His MRSA is getting worse instead of better, the antibiotics don't seem to be working this time around. 

From what I have read about MRSA, once you get it its hard to get rid of it.  I have read horror stories of people battling this infection for years.

We have taken matters into our own hands.  We will wash towels, and bed linen's daily in hot water with borax. Wayne will take a  bleach bath every other day for twenty minutes.

He will also start taking a Colloidal silver supplement. which is supposed to cure MRSA.

He has a follow up appointment tomorrow morning, and I have plenty of questions for the doctor. 

Keep your fingers crossed, because MRSA is taking a toll on us both emotionally and finically.  

Good news!!

 

Ella was taken off the vent today, and has been stating well.  They hope to have her home within the next 3-5 days!!

Saturday, October 4, 2008

Are you a follower?

 

If you read my blog on a regular basis please click on the link on the right the says "follow this blog" under my profile.

Thanks a lot

Friday, October 3, 2008

Mum

 

 

From up above the Angel's came
Calling out our Mother's name
Her hand she reached, For the Angel's to take
But then she started to hesitate


She had so much to live for, she didn't want to die
And then a tear came to her eye and she began to cry
She thought of all the ones she loved, the ones she'd leave behind


She thought of all the things she'd miss, the days ahead she may not find
Why was this happening, it wasn't fair, she'd really like to know,
She wasn't ready to leave us, it's not my time to go
She knew the pain she would endure, if she was to stay
Meds and drugs, all of that, would be part of her every day


She fought with all the strength she had, determined not to leave To stay here with her children, whom she didn't want to grieve


We looked at one another, knowing what was in stow
Then we gently told our Mother, that it was ok for her to go
One by one we shared with her, the promise of our love
As we reminded her of those who awaited, somewhere up above


We stroked her oh so softly and wiped away her tears
As we thanked her for all she'd given us throughout the years


Mum, you have been so faithful, so caring and so true
It is hard for us to imagine, our lives without you
But you have given us, the one thing like no other
The gift of love... a part of you, that will stay with us all forever


And then she started to realize, as she always told us so
Things happen for a reason and this must be her time to go.
So when tomorrow starts without you Mum, don't think we're far apart.  For every time we think of you, you'll be right here in our heart.


We love you Mum, with every breath we take, you will always be a part of each and every one of us!

MRSA

 

Well it turns out Wayne has MRSA AGAIN in three different locations.  The one on his stomach is about the size of a dollar bill, he has two other small lumps under his armpit.

The Dr cut him open and removed the infection.  He will start oral antibiotics, as well as a nasal spray, and a topical antibiotic cream. He will also be taking bleach baths, and changing the type of soap he bathes in. 

Please say a little prayer for my poor hubby, he had a rough few months. 

Thursday, October 2, 2008

October

 

October is breast cancer awareness month.  I encourage all of you to have your mammogram's on scheduled.  To give yourself regular "self checks".  Should you feel something out of the ordinary go to the doctor as soon as possible.  Early detection, and fast treatment can save your life.

 

An Early Breast Cancer Detection Plan should include:
  • Beginning at age 20: Performing breast self-exams and looking for any signs of change.
  • Age 20 to 39: Scheduling clinical breast exams every three years.
  • By the age of 40: Having a baseline mammogram and annual clinical breast exams.
  • Ages 40 to 49: Having a mammogram every one to two years depending on previous findings.
  • Ages 50 and older: Having a mammogram every year. 
  • All Ages: — Recording personal exams, mammogram's and doctors' appointments on a calendar or in a detailed file.
    — Maintaining a healthy weight, following a low-fat diet, getting regular exercise, quitting smoking, and reducing alcohol consumption.

 

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Generally, early breast cancer does not cause pain. Even so, a woman should see her health care provider about breast pain or any other breast cancer symptoms that do not go away.

Common signs & symptoms of breast cancer include:
  • A change in how the breast or nipple feels
    You may experience nipple tenderness or notice a lump or thickening in or near the breast or in the underarm area.
  • A change in how the breast or nipple looks
    This could mean a change in the size or shape of the breast or a nipple that is turned slightly inward. In addition, the skin of the breast, areola or nipple may appear scaly, red or swollen or may have ridges or pitting that resembles the skin of an orange.
  • Nipple discharge

 

HOW TO DO A BREAST SELF-EXAM

Step 1

In the Shower

Fingers flat, move gently over every part of each breast. Use your right hand to examine the left breast, left hand for the right breast. Check for any lump, hard knot, or thickening. Carefully observe any changes in your breasts.

Step 2

Before a Mirror

Inspect your breasts with your arms at your sides. Next, raise your arms high overhead.

Look for any changes in the contour of each breast, a swelling, a dimpling of the skin, or changes in the nipples. Then rest your palms on your hips and press firmly to flex your chest muscles. Left and right breasts will not exactly match—few women's breasts do.

Step 3

Lying Down

Place a pillow under your right shoulder and put your right arm behind your head. With the fingers of your left hand flat, press your right breast gently in small circular motions, moving vertically or in a circular pattern covering the entire breast.

Use light, medium, and firm pressure. Squeeze the nipple; check for discharge and lumps. Repeat these steps for your left breast.

If we had only know..what was ahead..

In loving memory of all who lost their life to breast cancer.

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Only you..

 

If I could have a lifetime wish
a dream that would come true
I'd pray to God with all my heart
for yesterday and you.


A thousand words can't bring you back
I know because I've tried
and neither will a million tears
I know because I've cried


You left behind a broken heart
and happy memories too
I never wanted memories
I only wanted you