Bob Seger or Bust!!!

Nice, Erin! That is all I have to say! =) I'll see you guys when I get back to town!

Bob Seger here I come! I'm so excited. Well, I have GOT to go finish my hair and run a quick trip to the Mall. I am leaving around 11ish so Mitch and I don't have to rush right off to get to the concert. But we might have to anyway because no doubt we'll have traffic issues since we're leaving in the 5 o'clock hour.

SOOOOOO, I may blog. I may not blog. Depends on how busy I am in the next two days. It'll be back to reality on Thursday. If I don't talk to all of you before then, you'll hear all about my trip at that time! I'm bringing the digital this time, too! I forgot it for our Portland trip.

Check Out My Comments...

My Bob Seger post comments, that is. Worcester ROCKS!!!

AWWWWWWW! This One is from my Son!

This awwwww is from Zachie himself!
I was reading something about what kids remember and so I asked mine if they had to write about a favorite memory of me, what would they write about...and Zach says, "I wouldn't write anything."
I was like,"What? You don't have any favorite memories?" and he says, "I wouldn't write anything because I would run out of paper!"

Awwwwwwwwwww! He is going to be such a ladies man! Already with the lines!
I am so happy and have such a wonderful family. I love my babies more than anything in the world. I thank God every day for letting me be their mom. Even if nothing else worked out in my life ever, I would have to deem this life a success because of them.

My baby boy is getting baptized tonight. Kayla is too! Hayley and I got done this summer! Allison is getting done too! She gave her life to the Lord last week. I am so happy for her and proud of her. She has come so far in such a short time! Her mental issues are virtually non-existent now. She prays with me on the phone and goes to church with me. We help keep each other on the right track.

The Greatest Life EVER!!!

Yes, it is official. I have the greatest life ever! I was so disappointed about missing Bob Seger this weekend in Boston and Mitch just got us tickets to see him in Worcester Tuesday night!!! OHMYGOSHOHMYGOSHOHMYGOSH!!! I am sooooooo excited. I am sooooooo excited! I can't even blog because I am SOOOOOOO EXCITED!!!

Mitch is officially the greatest person to ever walk this fine earth next to Jesus! Next to Jesus and Bob Seger.

Thursday Night

I can't believe the week is over all ready! Tomorrow is Friday! I pick up my truck tomorrow morning. Fuel pump went. I was kinda mad because I just bought the truck (used)...but I've been assured that sometimes these things just go and they give you no warning. I had a new one put on and a new fuel filter and an oil change and tune-up...so I should be good for awhile. Everything else is in great condition and the mechanic thinks I got a good deal, excluding the bad luck with the fuel pump.

Mitch and I had an absolutely fantastic time in Portland. It is official. We are dating. And loving every second of it. Not only did he go to the rival high school, we spent our summers at the same summer CAMP! Unbeknownst to us! I don't remember him at Camp Telok!

SOOOOOO many funny things happened yesterday. So many romantic and wonderful things happened yesterday. My only regret was that I didn't let him buy me the Dooney & Bourke purse I wanted. He was like, "Pick one out. Pick out whatever one you want and I'll buy it for you." I wanted it so bad, but he was already spending so much money on me yesterday that there is no way I could accept it. I did accept a very lovely Yankee candle. Sun & Sand scent. So yummy!

We ate lunch at The Grill in Yarmouth. I've only eaten there with Brian, so that was kinda weird. For supper, we ate at Eggspectations. Ohhhhhh, and he also made me an adorable "Vote for Tank" t-shirt...it is an inside joke. He made it on his computer and printed it off on an iron-on thingy. He also bought me a cute stuffed doggy to go with my stuffed bear.

He dropped me off around 11 and called me 15 minutes later because he missed me (awwwwwww!) and we talked on the phone until he made it back to New Hampshire. He is also calling me at 9 tonight! He is just one of the most incredible human beings I have ever known in my entire life. He is amazing. We had our pictures taken in one of those little picture booths. We are a pretty darn attractive couple, if I do say so myself! I have never felt this way in my life. Even with Brian. WOW! That is a shocking thing for me to say! It is about time, huh??? =)

January 23, 2007

I had a great meeting with the project coordinator today. He was up from Augusta. And my friend Chelsea who works for him came up as well. She bought me a little present! Awwwwww! She is soo great! I had to work tonight, so I hope she and Stacey had a great time! I miss you guys! Soon, very soon, we will be together again! =)

And The First Lady of Maine (The Governor's wife) has been so kind with her comments about the center and in supporting me to Chip and everyone else in Augusta. Tonight, Chip was like, "You know Jenn, you have a fantastic opportunity in front of you. It isn't often that the Governor's wife backs someone like this and you could definitely use this to your advantage career-wise. Sooooo cool! I will miss it when I no longer work for the government! The Department of Health and Welfare has been such a great job and I've learned so much while being there!

I find it ironic that people have used my blog to post diparaging remarks about me in the comment section and basically threaten me with certain actions when in fact, I don't think they are aware of my job! Hello. Social workers are my friends. My present job is very closely tied to theirs. They are at my home frequently and assure me every day that I am a very good mom and a very good person. This is a personal issue, one in which I will deal with personally. Mitch and I talked a lot about it, as did Mike and I and they both said the same thing...keep doing what I am doing and that they know the truth. People can make all the assumptions about me all they want. I have been pretty honest about my past in this blog and don't hide the mistakes I've made. I also reserve the right to vent in any way that I see fit. Most people who read this, do not know me personally and the few that have read it and have been offended in the past, I apologize for maybe being harsh at a time I was feeling attacked and I was caught venting in my very own blog. If you don't like it, I suggest you don't read it.

The fact is, Mike knows how much I loved him. We talked about it last night. Zachary was the best thing we ever did and Mike and I are the ones that come first when it comes to spending time with him. There is still a lot of bitterness on my part, and Mike tries so hard to just let me work through that. Somedays, he and I can talk and somedays, it is better that we don't. What is important is that we have a beautiful little boy who loves us both desperately and he and I will continue to make our situation work the best it can. We're both sorry for a lot of things and we're both sorry that we can't go back and fix things, but we've also grown up a lot in the last few years. I appreciate Mike and all of the things he does for the kids and me and I made sure I told him last night and I also told him that I know I don't always say it enough to him.

I will also try to not be so mean on my blog when I am angry with someone. This is a healthy way for me to vent my feelings, I am getting a master's in Psychology, I do know some things but at the same time, I am aware that those things have hurt some people and that was never my intention.

Anyway, I have had a bitch of a week. I lost the ruby and diamond ring that Mike had bought me for Mother's day about 6 years ago and I have been pretty sad about that and I was having furnace trouble on like the most freezing cold day of the year, and I have a pretty hefty repair to make on the truck already ($600) and I am working and writing two grants, one with a group and one by myself. I've had quarterly reports, monthly reports and weekly reports to keep on top of. It is hard because of my schedule. Two normal 8-4 days and the rest are a combination of days and nights PLUS I have to work at home. Planning the curriculum for kids ages 4-18 is not easy and I do have my own family to worry about. My kids come first. Sorry. That is the way it will be for all of eternity. Certainly not an excuse as much as an example. Running a home ALONE is challenging, at best. I don't get help with paying bills and going to the bank and the post office and grocery shopping. Driving my kids all around town. Doing a little thing I like to call work. Squeezing in some personal time to avoid going crazy myself.

I am so glad I am going to Portland tomorrow. Because my truck is being fixed and won't be done until Thursday or Friday, Mitch is driving here all the way from NH to get me and then we're going to drive to Portland and then on Thursday, he'll drive me home and then turn around and go home. He is such a sweet sweet man. I am so lucky that he is in my life. He is my hourly dose of sanity. We talk almost all day now! Phone calls, emails...pretty much whenever we get a second to check in with each other. We are both so amazed that we have so much to say to each other and make each other laugh all day. Even when I was going through this bad week (Gosh, it is only Tuesday!!!) I had this silly grin on my face through most of it. Have I mentioned that he LOVES that I am smart? =) I'm very happy right now.

January 20,2007

I have spent the most wonderful lazy day at home today!!! Mitch and I played online for a lot of it! He's napping now and then has what he is calling an "intervention" with his parents and then he'll call me tonight when he gets to work. I watched Elizabethtown for the millionth time! He and I are going to watch it on Movie Night, Monday night...we are going to watch another movie together on the phone! =) And Wednesday night, we're going to watch Mystery, Alaska whilst sitting in our in-room whirlpool tub, relaxing and cuddling! He's never seen either and both are two of my favorite movies! He will love them.

This whole really liking someone feeling is the absolute best!

Awwwwww....

One of my emails this morning...is it any wonder I smile ALL DAY long???


"I just want you to know that you can make the craziest days sane, the funniest jokes funnier, and the simplist thing deep. I have never met anyone like you and never remember anyone making me feel as comfortable as you. Hearing you say "Awwww" makes me melt, and I can never get enough of you! You are just the perfect daisy! Although this situation was the last thing on my mind when I sent you that email, you are the only thing that I think of. Wednesday cannot come quick enough and be long enough for me. I can't wait to try my super powers, and make you smile. I miss touching your hand and getting you something to drink late at night. I can't wait to kisss you. Ok, enough of that. You know all of that already! I will end by telling you the most important thing... I am HOT!"

Isn't he just the sweetest boy in all the world?

To You Internet Stalker

So yeah, I might have one! An internet stalker that is...a certain someone's ex to probably be exact. Interesting! How do I know? Well, I can tell who has read my page and someone googled my whole name which led them to my fantastic blog! At first, I was going to go all private on your butt, but why? This is MY blog! It is where I sort out feelings and ideas and pretty much my whole life! It is where I contradict myself on a daily basis!

I also don't feel like I should have to sensor my thoughts and feelings...kind of defeats the purpose of a blog and/or journal. To make things even funnier, I guess she may have also implied to his parents that I am the reason behind the divorce...hmmm, interesting since Mitch and I have only been talking since November!!! Completely ignoring the fact that during 10 years of marriage, she may or may not have had something to do with the demise of said relationship! But blame me if you must. I have big shoulders...and big taa-taas...which brings me to another funny part of this story. Someone honestly took the whole joke about me being a Hooter completely seriously. So now, all of my friends and I have even more to laugh about! What started out as an innocent lunch lady asking me if I was a Hooter, has turned into me, in fact, actually being one! =) Go me!

Again, internet stalker, I hate to ruin your pristine thoughts of me, but I feel I must. I'm a teacher. Not a hooter. And working on my Master's in Psychology...and guess what? You're a little weird.

So yeah, we talked on the phone last night and he apologized for dragging me into all of the drama. That was never his intention. I assured him that drama follows me around like a love sick puppy and not to feel so bad. Please, this isn't the first psycho ex that has come unglued after nding out about my existence...okay, that was for her. Sorry. I'm not feeling so nice this morning. My plow guy woke me up extra early on a Saturday morning.

I'm also not going private. I will not succumb to the paranoia of someone watching and reading about my every move. And I will continue to write about my every move because I can. Mitch and I will be talking about this later, though. My blog is my blog and if she wants to find out what we're doing, she can ask him. Or I guess, just read about it here. It is a free country.

January 19, 2007

I got my report all done. It really wasn't bad as I thought it was going to be. I am waiting for Julie to come pick up Lexi and Hayley. Cody is spending the night with Zach.

Current Mood: very happy
Current Music: Champagne Supernova......Oasis

A Dog and Her Boy

A Dog and Her Boy
Originally uploaded by jennluvsgable.

Zachie sleeping in his Yankees hat with his arm around Sierra! She was asleep too until she heard me turn the camera on!

Working from Home

The internet at the office wasn't working this morning, so I came home to type up a report here. The kids had a snow day today, even though so far, we've mostly just got rain, but they're having fun, so I guess everything worked out! I am a little bummed this morning. I lost one of my ruby and diamond rings brushing off the snow from my truck this morning! =( It was a mother's day present from about 7 years ago! Lots of sentimental value!

I can't wait until Portland! A change of scenery will be nice. We're getting a room with a whirlpool IN IT! Yay!!! Now we won't even have to leave the room! =) Kidding! We'll manage to leave the room, I'm sure! Mitch asked if I wanted to spend the day shopping in Freeport! Duh!!! He even offered to carry bags! Have I mentioned just how sweet he is? And romantic? And funny?

Okay...now I have to get back to work! I'll blog later!

SOOOOOO Freaking Tired!!!

WHY??? Because Mitch and I stayed on the phone all night watching a movie together!!! Yes, we can all say another awwwww! He went out and bought my favorite movie Waiting and I already own it, and so we started the movie at the exact same time and watched it! We didn't even put the movie in until 11:30ish...

He doesn't want my road name to be Nadine...he wants it to be Daisy! This is his reason "Daisies are tough flowers that can grow anywhere, but they posses greater beauty than all of the other flowers!" I did remind him about Daisy in The Great Gatsby. I'd like to think I am not as shallow and materialistic and void of conscience as Daisy.

He emailed this morning and said he's off to buy my chariot! And we find out if in the next few days if he's getting the coaching job in Rhode Island...we have been talking a lot about my move and last night he was like, "Well, I hear Rhode Island is very nice. Great grad schools, too. And I might know someone who can get you some kind of discount!"

Life is certainly full of surpises!

=)

Just waiting for my nightly phone call from Mitch...awwwww! He is just so freaking sweet! We didn't talk long last night, what with him driving 8 hours total, working two jobs, and taking care of his kids, the poor guy was exhausted! =)

My grumpy mood is gone! Mitch finally woke up this morning about 11 and we talked for the whole afternoon. We definitely cheered each other up! He's trading in his new SUV because he knows I like trucks! He told me today. What a nut. I do like trucks, but I like him regardless of what he drives! I'm not going to argue, though! He's going to buy it and we're going to ride off in the sunset together! His road name is Tank and mine will be Nadine. We joked about it all afternoon! He and I definitely need a vacation, and since he won the Magnum bet, he gets to get what he wants, and what he wants is to hold my hand on some tropical island! =) Remind me to lose LOTS of bets with him! And every time we talk, he says he misses me...this is just so fun! Even if this is all this is...it is fun to be "wooed"!!! Brian was always very good at that, so it is nice to find out someone else can be just as romantic!

Grumpy Morning

I am super cranky this morning. I completey missed Hayley's PET at school this morning. She forgot too. She hasn't called from school, so maybe I marked it on the calendar wrong. I broke the carafe to my coffee maker this morning. I do have another coffee maker kicking around here somewhere. I hate days like this when you just can seem to get out of your own way. As much as I love having a long weekend, I don't like the chaos that follows. I spend a day trying to remember what day it is because Tuesday now feels like Monday. All day Monday felt like Sunday. So I just feel off. I haven't had any coffee yet this morning either. There are some moods I don't even think a latte can fix! The good news is, when the day is over, it is over and I'll never have to go through this same day again!

The tasks of today just seem to overwhelm me at this moment...grocery shopping, get the kids, go to work, run to my sister-in-law's, pay some bills...nothing too horrible or extraordinary, I know, but when you're cranky and you don't want to do anything but stay in bed all day, this gets complicated. And today is one of those days in which NONE of this stuff can be put off.

Maybe my latte will help. I just need to get through the day. I need to go for a run. Where's the 50 degree weather when you need it? If I wasn't so busy, I'd schedule in some racquetball with Allison, or Jim, but I just can't today. At least I don't have to share my crankiness with anyone significant until 2 PM. I wish Ampersand's had a drive=thru.

Hailey Smiling

Hailey Smiling
Originally uploaded by jennluvsgable.

I have had a lot of people ask how Hailey has been. There hasn't been a lot to share...the breathing tube was in and then it was out and then it was in...she's been breathing on her own since this weekend! Go Hailey! She's been moved from the PICU and into a different room while she waits for a room in Rehab. She looks healthy and very normal, but from the people who knew her before the accident, they say she has a long road ahead with relearning everything.

BUT look how far God has gotten her in just 3 short weeks??? IN THREE WEEKS, with the doctors saying their wasn't much hope in her even waking up from the coma and if she did she'd be a vegetable? And that was a step up from their intitial 48-72 hours to live diagnosis!!!

God is simply wonderful, not to mention the body's immensely powerful will to live, combined with people's prayers lifting her up to the Lord from around the world! Science just can't compete!

Happy Day Off!

We had so much fun last night! Dinner at Chili's. So so good! I got the Monterey Chicken and Mitch got some kind of steak. We rented Little Miss Sunshine, which I am watching AGAIN! Such a funny movie! Love it.

The best news??? It is snowing. With actual snow accumulation! LOVE IT!

Other than that, Zach is at Dakota's. I'm waiting for the roads to get in a bit better condition before I venture to the grocery store. They were messy this morning when I went out for my latte. Not worth a fender bender when I can just wait until they start sanding. They're plowing of course, but that just makes it slick...they won't sand much until most of the snow has stopped falling.

The girls and I are just all cozyed up on the couch and love seat watching Little Miss Sunshine. The house is already clean, so not much to do on that end.

Sunday

It has been a nice laid-back weekend! I got some cleaning done and visited with my friends. It is snowing...FINALLY! Yay! Yay! Yay! Not very much. Just a dusting! I am sooooo glad I have tomorrow off!

I have got a good headstart on my spring cleaning...the living room is FINALLY organized! Bathroom and kitchen are done daily, so they're never too bad. Upstairs, I'm going to have the kids toss out everything they don't want or need. Salvageable items will be put curbside during spring clean-up with a free sign and the rest I'm going to truck to the dump! I LOVE my truck!

I have Sierra's yearly vet-check up all scheduled. She has been such a delight to have! I am so so happy with her and with my kitties Chloe and Claudia. Claudia is Chloe's daughter and looks just like her except she is FLUFFY and fat like her brother Baxter, that I gave to Bailey. I am pretty sure Karen and Bailey will be at Jessy's baby shower, so I can't wait to visit with everyone!

My life is so incredibly good. I am so happy and feel so blessed. AND it is almost vacation time! The kids are excited! January is almost done... February usually goes by fast because not only is it a short month anyway, it is broken up with the kids week long vacation from school. March will be a long four weeks! But if the winter weather is any indication of what is to come, March could be quite nice around here! Of course, I'll start tanning again next week, so I'll need February and March to get nice and dark before Virginia Beach and Orlando.

Okay, latte time.

Happy Saturday

Andrea's birthday/housewarming party was a success! She got a lot of nice things and A LOT A LOT gift cards! =) That will definitely help decorate her new place!

Today has been a nice day! It was fun to hang out with Allison and Debi and Andrea, plus my girls and I got to meet Debi's mom and sister and Andrea's dad and his wife.

I am now watching Monster House! I love that movie!!! Zach is at Dakota's. I'm cuddled on the couch with Sierra and Hayley. Kayla is catching up on her celebrity gossip magazines!

My living room is spotless! I finally took the tree down and Christmas decorations! My living room is back. Everything is dusted and swept and organized and the kids' lingering presents have all been taken to their rooms and put in their new spots!

I'm going to take a long hot bath tonight and just relax. And read. Mitch has to work tonight, so I will call him and keep him company. Such a busy guy! =) I am glad he's been able to manage coming to visit me two weekends in a row! We should have a lot of fun. Swimming. Hot tub. Sauna. Out to eat and then we're going to watch movies. I hope he doesn't have to hurry back on Monday. He has the day off, as do I, so I think we can take a little drive somewhere. He said he's bringing me a present! I am so excited!

Next weekend, I have to go baby shower shopping. Jessy's baby shower is on the 28th. I have an itemized list of what she's registered for! This is very predictible of her, but she and I have similar tastes in style, so it should be an easy hunt. It'll be good to see Kami. Whenever Jessy calls, she is always like, "Oh, Kami says hi and she wants your purse!" My Louis. Which has been demoted to my make-up bag now! We went purse looking last week and the one I want is $250. That would be so totally wicked!

I'm getting sleepy. Maybe a nice little nappy would be just the ticket! =)

In the Air?

It is comforting to know, from talking with friends, and reading others' blogs, that I am not the only one completely running on fumes right now.

Mitch and even Brian, have been doing a wonderful job at keeping me sane and cheered up, as well as our blessed, wonderful, super fantastic, marvelous, amazing Lord has done wonders with my sanity the last two weeks. No one in blog world knows, and only a few close friends and coworkers know, that I have taken in the girl that was being raped by her step-father. It is only short-term, until the trial, and that is tomorrow. I will blog about it when this is all over. Not because any of you need to know intimate details, but because I need to de-stress and put all of my thoughts in writing. Plus, I'd like to demonstrate the complete incompetency of the DHHS system and how hard it is for foster families and the scrutiny they are under when they are the ones trying to HELP! Foster parents seem to be last on the list for emotional, physical, financial and legal support!

Anyway...that post will be coming up in the future. If you don't want to read it, then don't. But this has affected my life greatly, for better or for worse, and this is MY blog. But out of respect for the delicacy of the situation, I haven't wanted to share yet. But for my future sanity, I will at a later date.

Ironically, this whole story with Mindy has been keeping my mind off of my own turmoil. Watching and hearing about baby Hailey's amazing recoveries and God's miracles surrounding her life are keeping me on the right track right now. I only wish it didn't have to be something this extreme to do so. Little Hailey, you are always in my prayers. You are such a sweet blessing to so many people in this world. I can't wait to meet you someday!!!

So Lord, I just ask you to bless my friends, in their times of struggle, or depression, or ill-health. Even my friends that haven't accepted you. Especially my friends that haven't accepted you. Remind them that you love them even if they aren't feeling so loved right now. It is times like these that I know you are carrying us. Give us the strength and the peace to get through our trials. Let me continue to praise your name even when the chips are down. In Jesus' name, I pray.

Awwwwwwwww!!!

A poem from Mitch that he wrote me tonight...the only other person who has ever written me poetry was Brian!



In the tall field of white blur swaying,
there stands a daisy bright white and engaging.

Her perfect white pedals wrap simply around,
her soft yellow center and green stem in the ground.

She draws you close with her delicate care,
and the detailed beauty of her deep blue stare.

Calm and content she shines in the light,
Intelligent and sweet keeps you up all night.

In that tall field so confusing and crazy,
God has created such an incredible daisy.

Tuesday Night

A long night at work. The kids were cute, though! And sooooo well-behaved!!! I wish they were always like this! I made grilled cheese and BLT's for supper tonight for them. They loved it!

Mitch is calling around 9.

That is all very exciting, huh? =)

I have to take my grandmother around tomorrow to run some errands. Fun fun!

Happy Birthday Brian!!!

I just spent FOUR hours chatting online with him! My brain is fried. I need to get some sleep. Mitch and I have a big day planned tomorrow! We have a bet on who can outlast who in the sauna. The winner gets to buy the other something they have to wear throughout the rest of the day...so I was thinking a nice pink boa for him, or one of those beer hats, and he was like, "Oh nice! I was thinking of getting you a cute Dooney & Bourke purse so whenever you wear it, you can remember that you lost to me!"

This man knows the way to this purse-fetish girl's heart!!! =)

Ready for the Greatest NEWS???

Ready for one more amazing update on how fantastic our
Lord is??? This is from Mindy...

"Oh my gosh I don't even know where to start...Im
lying...yes I do--let's start by PRAISING GOD!!!!!

This morning was Hailey's 2nd MRI to compare to her
first. I wasn't there but my dad said that the WHOLE
army of doctors walked in her room to talk to my
parents...

THIS IS AMAZING...they were just at a loss for words
themselves. They said that all of the areas that were
severely damaged in the beginning WEREN'T ON THE MRI
results anymore!!! (REJOICE!!!)

They said that in ALL of their years of
practice...they had NEVER seen anything like this.
They had never even seen this much recovery in ONE
WEEK!!! (EVER)...wow wow wow WOW!!!!

One doctor said that she would have a hard time with
expressing her speech...and she would need some
physical therapy... BUT WE CAN HANDLE THAT!!! =)

They are saying that maybe tomorrow they will take her
off of the ventilator and get those nasty tubes out of
her!!! We can't wait!!! She's still in "chill-ville"
right NOW, but tomorrow should be a very bright day
for her.....

(SIGH) CAN YOU GUYS BELEIVE IT!?!?!?! How GREAT IS OUR
GOD?!?!?!!!...oh ...there are NO WORDS to express the
JOY we are overwhelmed with right now...

Her next step is to be moved to a rehab center and her
time there will just depend on how well she
improves...and WE AREN'T PUTTING ANYTHING past our God
at this point so that might be a short time-we'll
see!! =)

OH oh oh...I COULD NEVER ever EVER thank you guys
ENOUGH for all've the prayers....WHAT A POWERFUL GOD
we serve!!!!

Love you guys and can't wait to give
another update!! =)

One More Amazing Update...

This was an update that Angie posted to the carepage:

Mindy just called me. She is hoarse from screaming like a mad woman. The MRI results came back on Hailey and are AWESOME. They are the complete opposite from what was expected and have taken ALL of the doctors by surprise! =)

The doctors said that Hailey will have a hard time verbalizing things and with her movements at first, but with rehabilitation (therapy), she should be able to overcome these obstacles.

Is this not the best news you have heard??? ALL of our prayers have been working. The Lord has been listening to us!

*********************************************

PRAISE GOD!!! I am so happy for Mindy and her family!

Today is Brian's birthday. I am chatting with him right now. I miss him! I only hope he doesn't decide to come down tomorrow! I'm supposed to be hanging out with Mitch!

The drama will continue tomorrow...

Hailey Update

Here is the update Dena emailed Mindy after work yesterday:

"Ok girl, here is the update for today! We just got in. Hailey had a good restful night last night. Today, the therapists came in and worked with her and said her muscles had great movement. She does get rigid when she feels discomfort or agitated but they were pleased with her. We also talked to one of my favorite Dr's, and for once he was positive! So far, only the neurologists have been positive while the doctors on the floor have been "doomsday is near". He was glad that she smiled and that she woke up last night. She has actually started receiving steroids to help with the tube removal, which they will start doing once she has her MRI (anytime tonight or tomorrow).

Thank you for the prayers! Her breathing has improved so much. It still can get better, and needs to, so we don't have to have a "trachea". The Dr actually has started talking about her "step down" care in the rehab center! Isn't that great! We still don't know what she will be able to do, but we are believing that God will continue to heal this baby girl. Look at how many people have their eyes on Him right now. He is receiving the glory and that is awesome! I love you all so much!"

And below is the message Dena posted here on the care page earlier tonight:



Today while sitting with Hailey, I was listening to a cd and a song came on that really hit home for me, so I wanted to share it. It's by the David Crowder band and its on his Collision CD:

"come and listen, come and listen to what He has done, come and listen, come and listen to what He has done, let me tell you what He has done for me, let me tell you what He has done for you, He has done for me, come and listen, come and listen to what He has done, Praise our God for He is good, Praise our God for He is good, PRAISE OUR GOD FOR HE IS GOOD"

...and thats what i want to do. I want to tell you what He has done for me. He has protected our Hailey during her dark hour, He has carried us through this all, and He has healed and restored her where "they" said He couldn't. Let me tell you what He has done, He has given Hailey a smile, He has given her wiggly toes, He has given her family, and He has given her friends that she never even knew before. He has done good, praise God. Please with me, praise God for He is good!

I love you all,
Dena

Duh!

Oh DIPPIN DOTS!!! We used to have one of those stores in the mall! How quickly I forget.

I Heart The OC

I found it! It is on tonight instead of Wednesday night. They switched it back to Thursday. Sneaky, sneaky!

It was a fun night at work. I got to see just about all of the kids and we had a new one show up! =) Her name is Jenna.

Nothing else terribly exciting to report. I'm exhausted. I have to work in the office tomorrow. Mitch is calling tonight at 10. Hopefully this call won't be a terribly long chat. Plus we're going to be together on Saturday, which will leave us with plenty of time for conversation!

1/4/07

I hope everyone liked the updates from Mindy and Meemaw! I'm praying for some more good news today!

Here is a little survey for you because you all know I get bombarded with them on myspace! I feel I need to share them with all of you!

SURVEY FOR YOU
Q: What was the 1st thing you did this morning?
A: prayed

Q: Last thing you ate:
A: Willy Wonka Bottlecaps (Yes!!! I know my dietary choices are quesionable!)

Q: Do you have anything bothering you?
A: No, because I have a blog.

Q: What's the last movie you saw?:
A: Mozart and the Whale

Q: Where is the last place you went?
A: Portland...nope, I lied...I worked yesterday. Yes, that is what I call it!

Q: Do you smile often?:
A: Not enough to cause any wrinkles.

Q: Do you wish upon stars?
A: No

Q: Are you a friendly person?:
A: Darn tootin'

Q: Where did you sleep last night?:
A: on the couch. I sleep where I fall!

Q: What color shirt are you wearing?:
A: navy blue polo

Q: Do you have more guy or girl friends?
A: it's a toss up. I have an equal number. People like me. What can I say?

Q: When was the last time you cried?
A: the last few days

Q: What was your last thought before you went to sleep last night?
A: Whydidn'tMitchcallwhenhesaidhe'dcall, I'm glad he didn't call because I really am tired and he'd keep me up all night.

Q: What are you about to do?
A: publish my blog

Q: Rate life as of right now 1-10?
A: it's a niner!

Q: What do you hear right now?
A: traffic, cat meowing, dog collar rattling, coffee brewing

Q: If you could drink anything right this second, what would it be?
A: a double Irish cream latte with skim milk in a tall cup...

Q: Anything hurt on your body right now?
A: my lungs

Q: Whats your job position called?
A: curriculum coordinator, butt-kissing do gooder extraordinaire

Q: What kind of phone service do you have?
A : MCI yo

Q: Do you own a camera phone?
A: I own a phone and a digital camera. I have a thing about redundance.

Q:What's your favorite month?
A: JULY

Q: What was your elementary schools mascot?
A: Wildcats

Q: Whats your favorite bottled water?
A: Fiji

Q: What are/were you doing at 9 pm last night?
A: chatting online with Brian

Q: Whats your favorite Starbucks drink?
A: peppermint mocha latte, skinny grande

Q: Did you attend your High School prom?
A: Not my senior prom, but 8th and 9th semi-formals, 10th and 11th grade as a prom date for someone else's senior prom.

Q: Did you go to someone else's prom?
A: yes

Q: Do you prefer coffee or tea?
A: both...in restaurants I ALWAYS order an unsweetened iced tea.

Q: Something red within 5 feet of you?
A: My Tiffany glass candle vase on my coffee table...ever wonder why they were never called tea tables?

Q: Do you smoke?
A: a little weed now and again...just seeing if anyone was still reading this! =) I've given the wacky tobacky up since I grew up a couple of years ago...okay, like two years ago...no wait, it's a new year...THREE years ago...since before Brian, so 3 and 1/2 years ago!

Q: The weirdest thing that has happened this week?
A: The OC wasn't on tv last night! Oh and I got hit on by the store manager of Mr. Chuck E. Cheese! The story of my life! The story of my life...

Q: Ever done the Electric Slide?
A: Yo, I INVENTED the Electric Slide!!!

Q: How much French do you know?
A: I know French Kissing, French fries, French Lattes, Frenchmen, Monet, chardonnay, French's mustard. I did take 2 years of French in h.s. and 3 years of Spanish in h.s. and 3 years of Spanish in college.

Q: Favorite sparkly things?
A: rubiesanddiamonds

Q: Ever crash a car?
A: A woman crashed into my car while it was parked at Wendy's when I was working there. And an old lady ran a stop sign and hit my car. So technically, no, I've never crashed the car! Wait, I did "rub" the red post while circling the drive-thru at Taco Bell...I will never forget Mike saying, "Geez, Jenn, this isn't barrel racing!"

Q: Do you look good in yellow?
A: Sure, if you like that jaundicey peaked look.

Q: Do you sing?
A: Oh do I sing...horribly, but I sing!

Q: Ever sing in public?
A: Drunk Karaoke in Public

Q: Least favorite color?
A: lima bean green

Q: Favorite kind of pizza?
A: Hawaiian......is this even politically correct anymore?

Q: Ever had Dippin Dots?
A: What in the ? What is a dippin dot?

Q: Ever make fun of a homeless person?
A: Not until I actually WORKED in homeless housing, believe it or not. Making fun is such a harsh term...I believe we were all laughing "together"...like when Claire had to make a visit and a man opened the door in a see-thru black negligee...

Q: How old were you when you got a cell phone?
A:26

Q: How many speeding tickets have you had?
A: dang! 2 now. I didn't get my first until I was 31.

Q: Do you own your own house?
A: I only own everything in it.

Q: At what age do you want to get married?
A: 34

Q: Have you ever been married?
A: We won't go there.

Q: Have you ever had to get a restraining order?
A: unfortunately, yes

Q: How many kids do you have/want?
A: I have 3 beautiful children...

Q: Ketchup or Mustard?
A: depends on what I am eating, but I do LOVE mustard. Almost as much as my friend Shelly. She literally holds the bottle to her mouth and squeezes it in!!!

I am: praising God for all of the blessings in my life.
I want: to change the world.
I have: a fantastic life.
I don't like: being sick
I miss: my dad
I hear: more traffic
I regret: little
I love: Brian
I ache: in my lungs
I always: want lattes
I am not: going to give up
I dance: like a pole dancer.
I sing: horribly...didn't we cover this?
I need to learn: to drive a motorcycle.
I should: take a shower!

A Special Post from Meemaw

This is a special post from Hailey's grammie...

"Rob and I got to sleep in this morning..we get the all nighter tonight and a "day off." The things around the house seem so trivial but yet I guess need to get done, and we need to stay busy. Hailey girl had a restful night. Her motions are not jerky but she is making motions with her little ams and legs, so to me that is a great sign. She isn't able to open her eyes all the way yet, but I truly think that is the Valium. When I think that it has only been a little over a week, I'm so amazed at what God has done already. We all realize this will be a very long journey, but yet we all want to see her little brown eyes awake and shining TODAY. Give her mercy, Lord, and us patience. I don't want to ramble but I do want to say a heartfelt thanks to everyone - family, friends, people we don't know, for the prayers and kindnesses shown. When you are up in the hospital so much it seems to be just your little world; then we come home at night and Mindy scrolls the Carepages for us and we are blown away. Thank you is so inadequate, but I don't know what to say. Thank you again and God bless. He is answering prayers. All my trust is in our God of hope; not the doctors, not her age - only HIM."

Official Update about Hailey

This is the news from Mindy...

"My mom told me this morning after we has heard about Hailey's smile...that the doctor came in and told us it was very doubtful that is was an intentional smile...but probably just a involuntary movement in her face.

We didn't let him pop our bubble today...WE BELEIVE

I just got off the phone with Stefan and he said that she is JUST SMILING UP A STORM!!!!! He is there with camera so hopefully we will see it soon!!!

Her little IV line in her leg has become infected so they are going to go ahead and sedate her again to run a PICU line straight to her heart...which is okay=) I just wanted someone to capture that smile before she went back under...=) I HOPE we'll have it soon!! Praise God for such a WONDERFUL DAY!!!!! Love you guys!!"

And the latest update from Mindy:

"Ijust got off the phone with my sister (Hailey's mom)

She wanted me to remind you guys of the smiling this morning=)...(sweet baby)

Later in the afternoon, I just got the call, Hailey began to wake up pretty good...which naturally scared her to death...she started reaching for her face and grabbing tubes. She also was biting down on her own oxygen supply-cutting it off. When she wasn't getting her oxygen the alarms in the room started to go off and frightened her even more

So the doctors decided to go ahead and sedate her again, a little bit more this time...but still not as much as the first time.

Dena requested that the immediate prayer will be focused on the Lord regulating her breathing. The sooner this happens the sooner they will be able to take her off the venilator...and no more sedation. Until then, unfortunately, this is the way it has to be to keep her comfortable

THE NEUROLOGIST came in and said that her responses were good. Her reflexes were a little "brisk" which is due to the brain damage. They will begin doing therapy soon. He reported that the LEFT side of her body is weaker than the right which is normal when the brain is stroked. I noticed on the night that they brought her in...it was her left eye that was kind of doing it's own thing. and a couple of days later it was her left eye that had swollen up so badly=(...now I know why

The MRI is still scheduled for Friday...the sooner she starts regulating her breathing, the sooner she can wake up and be taken off the breathing machine ..and the sooner the doctors (AND WE) can see what we are going to be working with...as in WHAT EXACTLY has been damaged--and to find out how much of the brain is rebuilding or "repassing"

We know this is going to be a LONG road...don't give up with us!!! THANK YOU guys so much...pray pray pray...she's come so far!!!"


I'll keep you posted when I'm posted! God is SOOOOO good! Keep up the prayers, guys! I can't express to you enough how grateful Mindy is about all of this and all of these prayers. She is just blown away by all of the generosity.

Kayla's New Truck

I just bought Kayla a 99 Chevy S-10 V-6, 4.3 liter monster motor, truck with 10 inch rims, white with a purple racing stripe! The catch? I'm driving it until about April 6th, which is the cut-off date I've given myself to find a car that I can live with for the next few years.

She's psyched. I'm just glad I'll have reliable transportation to and from work until I find a car that I want and that I'm not pressured into buying because I HAVE to have one.

I'm excited about this weekend. Mitch and I will have a good time. He needs some cheering up, too. This was a rough weekend on him. It is his first weekend in his new apartment since his divorce. He said he was sitting in his "livedroom"...living room/bedroom...mullett style...all business up front with the party in the back! Bob Marley will help us both!

I will take pics of the truck tomorrow or Friday, with Kayla behind the wheel.

Stuff

Sooooo, Mitch and I are going on our "date" this weekend. We've been planning it for some time now. He's coming down on the 6th. Of course, this is the day after Brian's birthday, but we had planned this before I went out with Brian two weeks ago. And Mitch and I are friends. He's hilarious. He has this way of making me laugh, even when I am sick or exhausted or fighting with Brian. We're going to see Bob Marley in Ellsworth, then probably hang out at his hotel in the hot tub and sauna.

I'm not going to think about Bob Marley being mine and Brian's "thing". I'm not going to think about it being the day after Brian's birthday. See? This is me NOT thinking about it! Plus, I just want to go out with a friend that thinks I'm beautiful and funny, and sweet and who also happens to be a Christian. We won't spend the evening discussing theology OR politics. We'll just talk about how much he loves my hair and my eyes and my smile! And how much I really like his sense of humor and thighs! =) He used to play pro soccer. Did I mention that? Plus we're both 34. I won't have to deal with any kind of generation gap!

Mindy said that Hailey had a really GREAT day today! I'll post the official update in a bit! Hailey smiled today for the first time since this all happened!!! So Praise God! He is indeed good!

Yay!!!

While messing around online, I did some research...from my driveway to the Grand Canyon, it is 2909.1 miles. That is 44 hours and 9 minutes of driving. We can so do that in a week. Up the west coast in less than another, and take our time driving back. When we get home, we get home.

Allison was worried it would take too long driving. We can easily get to California in a week, even while spending a day or two at the Grand Canyon. Part of the trip IS the drive! I really want to see small town America, but not at a small town pace! I want to be like, "Ohhhh, the Grand Canyon...smile for the pictures...click, click...okay time for a donkey ride and then we're moving on!" Part of the adventure will be the people we meet on the way and all the drama that goes along with Allison and I in the same vehicle for any length of time! I may be making the drive back solo, of course, having dumped her off at the Grand Canyon, Joe Dirt style! We'll have to see! =)

Proverbs 31:25

I found it very fitting that the last thing I read in my Bible to complete "Bible in One Year" plan was Proverbs 31:25. I know the "she" it is referencing is Christ's church...but to me it represents the change that reading this book has made in me and my life.

"She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness. She carefully watches everything in her household and suffers nothing from laziness. Her children stand and bless her."

So last night, when I was discussing things with Brian, and I blogged my little prayer to the Lord, guess what? Yahoo decided to completely go beserk. My computer froze and when I went back online, I couldn't log onto yahoo, so I couldn't finish my conversation with Brian. This happened seconds after I asked God to fix this for me! I had a good laugh...proving once again, be careful what you wish for! =)

I have people looking all over for a new vehicle for my daughter. The best lead right now is Aaron's (Allison's brother) truck. Which would be perfect because I've wanted to have a car and a truck anyway! You always need a truck for something and I'm tired of having to borrow my grandfathers. This one is cute. A purple and white Chevy S-10, with an extended cab, so there are three seats in the back...albeit cramped, but in a pinch, this would work! Plus, Kayla will look super cute driving it! =) Mitch is looking in New Hampshire. My dad is checking out a couple of neons for Kayla. I find out tonight about getting my car fixed. I'll just fix it and Allison can pay me back for the repairs, that way I have something to drive for the next month. But if I get Aaron's truck, then Allison can pay me back sooner and then she'll be on the road, too. And Pastor Jim is looking around, too. Mitch is also looking for a good new used vehicle for me. He has a couple of "ins"...so we'll see what kind of deal he can get me. Anyway this will all work out like it is supposed to. I will get the car that I am destined to get.

I have to call the office in a minute and remind them that I am picking Zach up tonight at the airport, so I won't be working at the center. Desaraye and I'll be taking the boys to Chuck E. Cheese after the airport. Zach will have fun playing with Tajin there. After that, we'll start the long drive home and then I'll talk to Allison about what she found out about my car and about her brother's truck.

*Still Screaming*

I'm currently having a long drawn out theological discussion with Brian. What is annoying is he is using every argument I used on many Christians (namely Jim), as to why I was never going to become one of THOSE Christians.

This is some kind of bitter twist of fate AND God's way of further proving that we reap what we sow.

What is the point of this, God? If he doesn't want to come to you, then that is his choice and that's it. He can't have me, though. What is it you want me to tell him? What does he need to hear from me? I have forgiven him. I have loved him. I have tried to show you to him. I know people who are the closest to finding you, resist it the most, but I can't take this anymore. I am sick physically and all these talks are zapping my own spiritual strength. It isn't easy to have to defend you, Jesus and my sanity constantly. Please Lord. Do this. Fix this. Grant me wisdom, patience and peace during this.

Your Ever faithful and loving daughter,
Jennifer

*Screams*

I hate Mondays. I hate being sick. I hate having a lot of things to get done. I am very grumpy right now.

This has been a crappy start to the New Year!

Ironically, last year started off great and ended up with Brian and I apart. Maybe starting off crappy will bring better luck! :)

1/1/07

It feels weird writing that date!

My baby comes home tomorrow. I can't wait. This has been a long week. Hayley came home on Friday. When Zach gets here, our family unit will be complete. Just in time for them to all go back to school! = )

I'm bored. I'm waiting for my step-father. The roads are pretty bad out so we postponed our car shopping spree for a few hours.

Zach and Tajin are going to have fun playing at Chuck E. Cheese tomorrow. That is where we're going to dine after we get Zach from the airport! I have avoided the chuckmeisters since 2004 when I got food poision there...not at this one but the one in Viriginia...even so, it has turned the Chucky experience into an N to the A to the S-T-Y! Lots of small children touching and licking things. Germs everywhere! I'll be bringing sanitizer and NOT using the restrooms.

So Anyway...

...a very weird way to wake up in the new year! I woke up at 6 AM and went online for about 2 hours. Read and returned email, blogged, etc. Then I read in my Bible. Spent some time with the Lord and fell back to sleep and slept until 11 AM. I have to stop living this life of decadence! This will seriously catch up to me Friday at work when I have to be there at 8 AM! Maybe Carl and Iona will want to go out to lunch. *That is a GIANT HINT yous guys...LUNCH on FRIDAY*

So yeah, I woke up this morning in an okay mood, got bummed out about Mindy's niece, caught up on some emails with Mitch, and then all of a sudden felt really crappy. Like I could puke, cry and have a major anxiety attack all at once!

All I know is that I need to get back on my regular work and sleep schedule. My regular church schedule. This sleeping whenever I feel the whim and waking up at odd hours is NOT working for me!

Some of this has to do with worrying about the car. I wasn't outwardly worrying about it, and not in the ways I used to worry about such things, but it has definitely been on my mind. I'm not worried about it in ways you'd think. I'm not a logical kind of "oh man, I don't know if I am going to have the money" worryier. I am more like, "Oh man, this is going to take at least 2-4 hours out of my schedule. I hate signing papers. I hate making commitments." The last time I bought a car, it was my Taurus. After mounds of paperwork, signing my next born child away, etc, I had to have Mike run over to the QuikMart to find me extra-strength Tylenol, which they were out of, so I remember having to settle on one of his Vicodin that he had for his back. This is how SERIOUS I take these matters. Like Eric, I am completely opposed to change, even if it is a good change. Once I had the car, I loved it. In fact, I love it as much as I hate change!

AJ feels the same way about car shopping. He suffers anxiety attacks, too. I went with him as back up when he bought the Denali pick-up...bet you didn't know they made a Denali pick-up but au contrare! Anyway, it is kind of comical to look back on that now. It wasn't even my vehicle and I looked just as sick as him. We were both green and running to the bathroom.

I'm not sure why I am this way. Admittedly, I am way better than I used to be! It used to be in more areas of my life than just car shopping! It comes with any kind of preparation. I will talk myself out of everything, so if something is going to get done, it needs to be spur of the moment. Like vacations. I don't like to make too many plans. It all has to feel like this is me expressing my freedom and I can change my mind at any moment. Unless I am traveling with someone who has it all planned out. Like when I travel with Brian, I don't think about any of the details at all because he is SO detail oriented.

And just the thought of planning a wedding gives me hives. Having to plan at least a year in advance to be somewhere specific on such and such a date. No thank you! I will be getting married on a lovely isle somewhere. Or eloping in Vegas. It isn't that I'm afraid of commitment in the loyalty kind of sense. I'm very loyal. Brian and I aren't even close to being engaged and I've been loyal through most of our ups and downs.

But I am better than I was. The Lord has done wonders with my anxiety. Even this morning, when I was up and not feeling well, it wasn't an attack. It would have been a full-blown all out panic attack a few years ago. But this morning, it was a "I'm not feeling so well and I know where this is coming from" kind of thing.

I have to go get ready. Maybe I can talk the guy down in price if I'm looking purty!

=(

There is nothing like someone else's pain to make you feel really selfish and guilty and to remind you what really matters...which is family, God, love, faith...nothing about new cars and finances.

This is the newest update from Mindy...

"I HATE posting the sad news...FIRST of all...HAPPY NEW YEAR...we are just praying to GOD it will be a good year for everyone really

Well...I guess she's just not quite ready to wake up yet...she was off the sedation today and it really got aweful as the day went on...she opens her eyes and just stares blankly at nothing...it's crushing. She had too many problems today and got some REALLY ugly reports from the doctor. They decided to go ahead and put her back under.... In time...IN GOD's time

We don't know if the way she was acting today without her sedation was her coming off the meds, her high fever or just ...the brain damage. We still don't know. For now she needs her rest thats for sure it was such a hard day for her. To see the fear in that baby's eyes when she makes facial expressions...(sigh) We're not giving up and our faith and WILL NOT be tempted. We will praise Him right through this storm... love you guys and happy new year to you all

DONT STOP PRAYING thats all I ask..my sis called me tonight and cried to me to drop down on my knees right then and there...PLEASE do the same..i know you have been and words can't express how thankful I am for that...just don't stop."