My Sad Day Ends Happy

Well, yesterday Tiff and I had our last cup of coffee together in Corpus. We hung out at Starbucks with our friend Michelle, and tried not to shed tears as we said goodbye. Tiffany actually left this morning headed to follow her family's dreams in Florida, and I felt such a sense of loss. Even though I know we will still email daily and talk often, it is so hard to say goodbye to friends when they move away.

Here is a picture of us last week at a small get together at Melyn's house. Before we left the party, she shared such a beautifully written piece about how God has moved in her life over the last several months. She told us all how much she loved us, but most of all she challenged us to listen to God, to trust God, and to follow Him.

Just a few of many who also love this precious friend of mine. Side note: Please remind me that white pants do not flatter most people, especially ones named Susie.

Tonight was the first night Skip and I have had a couple's date in quite a while. We needed it. Bart and Michelle have been our friends for a few years, and every time we get together we have a blast. We had dinner at a wonderful new restaurant in town. Well, it's new to us. It's called Bistro D' Asia and Bart and Michelle knew the best things to order. I had the specialty- the Asian Fusion Bowl. Way too much food, but delicious! Then we went to see the new Batman Movie. Very disturbing, but Skip loved it. I liked it too, at least the parts I saw when I wasn't covering my eyes from the Joker. Do not let your kids see this!!! I told Skip I don't want them to see this until they're my age at least.

Michelle, Bart and Skip really made my sad day very happy. That's what friends are for!

Sappy Post-Beware!!!

YouTube is so awesome! I am such a sucker for sappy love songs, and nostalgia. Anyway, this morning while I was doing dishes and cleaning the kitchen, I found some oldies to jam to. Yes, Susie left a messy kitchen last night and turned in early with the hubby. How dare I, I know.



Back to the sappy post, music was not only huge to my husband's early years, it was to mine too. Even though I don't sing well or play a single instrument, I LOVE MUSIC! In fact, there are a few special songs and artists that stick out to me in such a way that it takes me right back to SunValley Pool in the summer or standing up in the front seat(no seat belt) while my mom drove the car. Can you imagine if we had an accident?



Here are my list of songs that immediately take me back. Some of these are happy memories, a couple not so much. Anyway, here they are in no particular order.



1. "Playground in My Mind" by Clint Holmes. Oh my goodness, my sister and my cousins Paula and Bryan would sing this in our plays/shows we did for our parents all the time. So many happy times.



2. "Tie A Yellow Ribbon Round the Old Oak Tree" by Tony Orlando and Dawn. Oh my goodness again! This was often played on our way to Shipley's on Sunday morning when I would get either a cinnamon twist or a cherry filled donut with a chocolate milk. My sis and mom would get coconut donuts and my brother would have a chocolate top. Oh, the things I remember like yesterday.



3. "My Eyes Adored You" by Frankie Valli. My mother LOVED this song. I remember being about 8 yrs. old and hoped this would be my story. Too funny!



Am I totally boring you yet? I'm sure anyone under 35 is going, "What is this?"



4. "Close to You" by the Carpenters. My mother sang this to my little brother ALL THE TIME. He had blue eyes and he was the boy she and my father always dreamed of, we ALL did. Spoiled rotten, and he today is still the handsomest, sweetest boy ever! When I get to heaven, I really hope I can sing like Karen Carpenter. Skip would be so impressed.



5. "Mr. Postman" also by the Carpenters. I can remember dancing in the middle of our sunken den to this song. My mom would do the twist and the swimming move. Good times!



6. "How Deep is Your Love" by the BeGees. Who doesn't love the BeGee's? I knew every song by heart on the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack (8 track all the way baby!). Oh, and the



7. "You Light Up My Life" by Debbie Boone. Did anyone else watch this like a thousand times on HBO as a kid? I did, and I loved it. Now, I think I would puke if I had to watch it again. Great song, though. I wish Skip would do it at church.



8. "I Just Wanta Be Your Everything" by Andy Gibb. Skip and I love this song! Skip and I are only one month apart in age, so we listened to exactly the same music and this is definately one of "our" songs.



9. "Love On The Rocks" by Neil Diamond. He was my dad's favorite and when The Jazz Singer came out, it was played non-stop in the car. My dad wore his hair just like Neil and dressed pretty much like him too, minus the sequin shirts of course. This song still makes me cry at times because it was paralling what was happening in my parent's marriage. They divorced and now are both in new marriages doing great! Skip sang it karaoke at our 40th birthday bash, which just made me laugh. He loves Neil too!



10. This is a toss up because there are two songs that pretty much sum up the happy times of my childhood. The first is "Love Will Keep Us Together" by the Captain & Tennille. What a great song! So much fun to dance to! Yes, this girl loves to dance! Second is "Rain Drops Keep Falling on my Head" by BJ Thomas. I mean who actually comes up with lyrics like the 70's.



Okay, now it's your turn. This is simple, just give me a couple of songs that bring you back to your youth. It's fun to reflect and remember times of the past where music has meant something to you.



Oh, and I'll try to do my favorite 80's music in the future. Beware it WILL involve some hair bands and guys with makeup. Sorry.

What Is Your Gift?

I know it may seem like I am always watching movies, but I'm honestly not. Skip is a HUGE movie buff, so I tend to watch bits and parts if he has one playing. Last night we were watching Chariots of Fire and I heard two lines that really struck a chord with me.

The first was said by Eric Liddell - "I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast. And when I run I feel His pleasure."

The second quote was during a conversation between Harold M. Abrahams and Sybil Gordon. Harold was frustrated after losing a race to Eric Liddell, and he said, "If I can't win, I won't run!" Sybil responded, "If you don't run, you can't win."

Wow! How true are both of these quotes!

On Thursday, one of my Thankful Thursday praises was that Skip was now doing worship at our Corpus campus and that I couldn't wait to see him doing what he loves again. You know I don't even think it is about what he loves, as much as it is about what he was created to do.

Have you found that thing yet? That thing that you know when you are doing it, makes complete sense. Like it is what you were created to do? Do you feel like God is pleased by you doing it?

Now, I know everything we do is not about us, but instead bringing pleasure to our Father in Heaven so that He may receive the Glory and Honor. I also know that each one of you has distinct talents and gifts that He gives you to use to do just that. It reminds me of why I started this blog, and my original story behind the name. Am I doing the things that I am good at, or am I trying to be someone I'm not?

The reason I am questioning things is because our church is embarking on some wonderful changes with a new campus and the volunteer opportunities are endless. I don't want to just do something to fill a spot and help out. I want to serve in a way that brings God pleasure. So far I know I want to lead a bible study (my heart is women), but there is also 1st time visitor greeting and helping in the book store/cafe that sounds fun. I know God will show me the way to go, but these are the things I'm praying about.

Here's a question to leave you with- What do you feel like you were created to do? And when you are doing it, things just fit.

Jonas Obsessed?

A couple of weeks back, Ashley asked if I cared if she and Annie hung up a few posters on their wall. They are sharing a room for the next 6 months and they wanted to make the room more inviting.

This is just one wall, but the other 3 look about the same. Thanks to Tiger Beat and Bop Magazine, they achieved their perfect look.

Should I be worried?
Actually if I had a picture of my room when I was 14, it would had been filled with posters of Andy Gibb, Sean Cassidy and Scott Baio. A few years later when I was 16 or 17, it was all Duran Duran.

So tell me, whose face was on your wall as a teenager?

Thankful Thursday

I could not wait to post another Thankful Thursday because there is just so much to be thankful for this week.

*Two weeks and Skip is still doing great! No infections and he is walking with his golf club cane wonderfully! Praise God, He truly answered our prayers.

*Annie's hand is also on the mend. It was just a sprain and she is using it as if an injury never happened.

*The hurricane has pretty much passed and left us with lots of rain, but no damage or flooding.

*My dear friend Lori received some amazing news yesterday! Huge Praise to God!

*My sweet friend Alisa wrote an amazing post that touched my heart and it is sure to bless yours. Go read it here.

*Had some special time with friends.

*Get to hear my hubby rock this weekend worshipping our Lord!

If you would like to join in and share what you are thankful for this week, go to Sting My Heart and leave a link. Be blessed!

Hanging Out With Dolly

Well, I'm sitting here hanging out with the Weather Channel and Hurricane Dolly. Noticing that there is a tornado warning flashing across the screen is not all that fun, but having it rain in our dry area is nice. It is also nice to see palm trees blowing fiercely in the neighbor's yard every once in while. If we have to encounter a hurricane, I glad it is a weak one.


Today will be a quiet one(except for the loud thunder that just made me scream), but yesterday was filled with music, laughter and conversation. I had several friends over for a last minute breakfast. I wasn't sure what to serve, but I did have lots of fresh fruit, yogurt, pancake mix and coffee on hand. Giving the night before notice call, everyone came. Obviously we were all craving some girl time. I love having girls over individually at breakfast time, but this morning it was so nice to have a full breakfast table. I have been so inspired by Sandy at Reluctant Entertainer to forget the fact that our rent house is small and that I'm not a Betty Crocker type. My friends don't care if things are perfect, they just want to be together.


I decided to make a huge stack of pancakes with the help of Annie (my official pancake flipper). I had small bowls of walnuts, yogurt, fresh berries, and granola. Everyone made their own individual plate of things they like. I stuck with granola and fruit only since our family is trying to stay away from high carb items. Tiffany showed up with some muffins from My Favorite Muffin. I also filled a large bowl with cheesy scrambled eggs. My kids love them!


We ate, talked and then almost cried listening to some beautiful music Lori brought over. Our friend Tiffany is leaving in a week to start her new life adventure in Florida, so tears are right on the surface for most of us.


You know, I think I have been a little lonely the last couple of weeks since Skip's surgery. He was home for a full week and my friend time was limited. I knew if I wanted to feel better, I needed to make the ask. I think others may have needed the girl time too.


Laura with her son Luke as the Weather Channel kept us updated on the track of Dolly. Why do I have a huge tv on the kitchen counter right now? Skip likes the tv on when he cooks and when he works on his laptop at the kitchen table.

Tiffany and Karissa

Grabbing a quick picture before heading out the door.

Thanks Laura(with your cute preggo belly), Lori, Karissa and Tiff for your friendship!

Just Curious

This was breakfast for Skip and myself this morning. Carrots, apple, broccoli and a few purple grapes. Yummy, right? Ha Ha! How about you? What do you normally eat for breakfast?

*By the way, this is not my normal)o:

Hitting it Hard (Again)

Ever since the She Speaks Conference I have fallen off the diet wagon. Staying with Skip in a hospital was the clencher. I actually feasted on PF Changs the night before he went in, and the rest was downhill.




Skip promised me that Monday morning he is joining me in a healthier lifestyle. I have been juicing for him at least every other day since he got home from the hospital with carrots, brocolli, apple and some other yummy fruit and veggies thrown in. Eating good produce is no problem for us, but we also love the Bluebell ice cream a little too much. Don't even get me started on the meals our church and friends provided for us last week. Mexican food, fried chicken, chicken chili with cornbread, and Rudy's barbeque are just a few of the fattening, glorious meals we devoured. BTW, thanks again everyone!




Today, I started great but failed miserably when Ashley decided to make this for dessert. It wasn't that unhealthy until I added that scoop of vanilla to the side of the dish. Here was my lunch. Oh it was SO yummy, but the portions were way too big. I did eat all the salad, but the potato was a meal in itself. The salad is leaf lettuce (all I had), raspberries, walnuts, feta, and raspberry viniagrette. The potato had a little real butter, ranch and shredded mozzarella. I have somewhat of a love affair with cheese too. All these things are not so bad, but the excess is my problem. Oh, if I could just run 5 miles a day, I could probably eat all this without gaining.



Robin at Little Bits of Life is doing a 30 day challenge here. I am taking some of what she is doing, and some of this website's ideas. Maybe by the time school begins, I will feel lighter and have more energy.

*Annie's xrays did not show a broken bone in her hand, so we are guessing it is just a sprain. Praise God! She only complained a few times today, and I saw her pick up a glass with her hurt hand earlier. Things look like they are on the mend. Thanks for your prayers!

My Mini-Me

Before.
For a pre-high school makeover, I took Ashley to get a haircut with highlights. Our only request was that she do a style in that she would look fresh, cute, and not like her mom. Well, two out of three ain't bad.

After.



Scary, I know.

If It's Not One Thing, lt's Another

Just as things started getting back to normal around here (whatever that is), Annie decided to give body surfing on the living room floor a try last night. She pushed back the furniture to the wall while I was talking on the phone and doing dishes, and started diving onto a pillow at full force speed to slide across the open floor. Well, on the 4th or 5th run the pillow slid out from under her and she put too much weight on her right hand. The scream was probably heard from 30 miles away. After she finally caught her breath (another story), we were able to see that it was a hit pretty hard. We put some ice on it and let her rest for a while. She seemed okay and fell asleep without any problem.

However, isn't there always a however, it became apparent that it may be more than just a sprain when she couldn't move it this morning. She was crying when she woke up, and absolutely not using it for anything. I got right into the doctor's office and they sent me over for several x-rays on her hand and wrist. We probably won't have the results until tomorrow morning.

Do you know what I find most interesting about things that happen to my family now, as compared to years ago before real trials in my life? First, I try to calmly assess situations before freaking out. Second, I immediately pray and acknowledge that God is in control and knows the outcome even when I don't. Third, I ask him to help me with whatever is going to occur next. I ask for strength, wisdom and ability to press forward no matter how overwhelming things seem. Today it is just a small fracture or sprain for Annie, but tomorrow could bring a lot worse for me, my family or my friends. Let's stay focused on God's truth which will never leave us alone or without hope.

Praying for a Miracle

When things seem to be going well for me and my family I sometimes forget that at every moment someone is struggling, someone is hurting, and often someone is given a diagnosis that is unimaginable.

I can't give many details yet because the person is unaware of her situation and so are her children at the moment. I don't think any of her family reads this blog and I am not a close friend to her, but my heart is aching for every life that will be affected in the weeks and months to come. She went in for surgery yesterday, and the news is bad. It is almost hopeless. I'm not sure of her family's faith and beliefs, but I know she prays.

My friends who read this blog know that with God, nothing is impossible. I have seen it firsthand over and over again. This is a big one, but God can bring back life itself as we have read throughout the scriptures, and he can certainly cure a life-threatening disease. Please join me in prayer for this young woman who is the same exact age as me. She is married and has two children which will soon learn some very devastating news. Though we are not related, she is the daughter of someone very close to me.

My prayer is first and foremost for her salvation if she is not a Christian. I think she may be, but I will find out for sure. Second, I pray for healing in Jesus' name. I pray that things that seem hopeless will miraculously change and she will fight this battle ahead with victory. I pray for her kids and husband to be covered with love and support by family and friends, and they will find some peace in the midst of fear. God is able to do far more than we can imagine, and I pray that He blows us all away with what He is about to do.

*Also, I pray for all the friends who emailed and commented after the last post with special needs and issues they are facing. I have been praying for each of you, and believing God for good.

The Unexpected Blessings are The Best Kind

Weeks before Skip's surgery I started having very lengthy conversations with God. Most of these conversations dealt with my fears and my frustrations that centered around my husband. Some of you know this about Skip, but most probably don't. He and my son have a muscular disease called Central Core Disease. It is an inherited neuromuscular disorder that you can read more about here.

We both did not know the diagnosis for Skip's condition when we began having children, but did find out after our son Seth was diagnosed with a muscle biopsy at 17 months of age. He had similar characteristics like Skip, and more severe in some ways. Praise God Seth is doing great and only has difficulty with running and jumping. Some kids with CCD never walk.

One of the possible complications with CCD is malignant hypothermia. We have to be very clear in talking to the anesthesiologist to let them know of his possible reactions so they can develop a plan which is tailored to this predisposition. When Seth had an operation as a baby, he had a very adverse reaction to anesthesia and it scared us to death.

Now back to my talks with God- I think you can see how I had a lot on my mind to pray about. Skip was not only having total hip replacement, but it was on his stronger leg (his stronger side). There was fear that Skip would not recover so well having to use his weaker side to support himself. There was the fear of surgery and anesthesia itself. The fear of his heart due to high blood pressure he had been having the last year (most likely due to his pain level). And I could not erase the memory of the staph infection just 2 weeks after his last hip replacement. Not to mention, my sweet dear friend Jeannie who had prayed like crazy for Skip's last surgery and gave me such a peace with her reassurance, passed away just a little over a month ago. No one else had called and told me that everything was going to be just fine in the way she did.

This time it was just between me and God. I had to really turn things over completely to God. I gave him ever fear I had, every worry, every part of me that didn't trust. It didn't help that just a couple of days before the surgery Skip and I watched the saddest show EVER together. Have you seen What Dreams May Come ? It is about a man who dies and goes to heaven. It is sad and I don't recommend you watching it before a loved one goes in for major surgery. We both cried a lot and then prayed a lot.

I think I freaked Skip out a little bit about how much I initiated prayer with him. I must have prayed at least 3 times a day with him and the kids during the prior few days before surgery. I prayed in the car on the way to Houston with him, the night before we went to bed, the morning of the surgery, twice when we got to the hospital, and for the full 30 minutes before his surgery started when I was in the waiting room. Not to mention, we had tons of people calling, emailing and texting us with prayers and encouragement. Finally the peace did come and I was able to visit with Skip's aunt and uncle during the actual surgery.

By the time Dr. Kruetzer finally came out from surgery, I had been joined by Skip's parents and my kids. I walked over to the doctor alone. I couldn't tell by the doctor's face what had happened. There wasn't a big smile like I had hoped, but the first words out of his mouth were something like, "It went remarkable." I said, "Praise God!" I then was told that he would be in recovery for a while. The doc also said it was a pretty challenging surgery, but he did great. We later found out it was because of the scar tissue and bone growth from previous surgeries Skip had as a baby.

This is where God is so good. I just wanted Skip to come out alive. I know that sounds so silly, but I was prepared for the worst and God gave me so much more. Skip not only had a fantastic surgery, the doctor was also able to shorten the length of his leg a bit to help even out a discrepancy that he has dealt with for almost all of his life. We are still waiting to see how this will affect his walk and his movement. So far, he looks great. Also, with the last surgery, he was in the hospital for 6 days, and this time 3. He was using a walker for two weeks and this time one day. He has been on crutches the whole time he has been home. Today, he even went unassisted across the room. I scolded him pretty bad after Annie told me, but secretly I'm so excited for him. I want God to continue to blow me away with his goodness and mighty powers. I never want to live in a state of just wanting things to be okay, I want miracles and to see God answer beyond our wildest dreams.

I know things can change in the blink of an eye, but I am trusting my God that He knows what is best for Skip and his health. However, that doesn't stop me from crying out to God for complete healing. I know that Skip is such a special tool in the ministry of God's kingdom, and to be feeling pain free for the first time in over 15 years is going to completely give him the focus he has so desperately longed to achieve. May Skip's best days be ahead, and may he make music and media for God for generations to come!

I just can't end the post here. I feel like I need to encourage someone out there who is struggling with some setback. Maybe you are feeling depressed, unmotivated, trapped, overwhelmed, or maybe just unloved. I want you to know that God is real, His love for you is real, and that He is just waiting for you to come to Him. Let Him in and let Him take over. We can't do it alone guys, and we don't have to. God bless!

Not Another Skip Post

I am actually veering away from the hub's updates for today. If you're disappointed, never fear. There is so much I haven't shared from the lovely catheter story, to the hilarious comment the nurse made to Skip in regards to his svelte physique (ha ha).


Today it is all about nieces and nephews. Let me share with you these special treasures in my life. First we have my niece Steph, who recently had a precious little boy, Deacon. He is the sweetest baby, and she is the best mommy ever to him. My kids could not get enough of his sweet baby smell. He obviously never went potty during our visit. I'm so proud of you Steph!


Here he is again fast asleep. That is how Deacon likes to spend a lot of his time. Do you blame him?

Next is my superstar nephew Matt. He finished wrapping on the HSM3 set a couple of weeks ago, and is now busy auditioning, and doing other promo stuff for the motion picture coming out in October. Keep it real Matt! You are awesome!

My sis got this shot of Matt at the wrap party for HSM3. My girls were more excited to see Ashley Tisdale's dog Maui, than the picture of Ashley herself. She is a total cutie pie!

Last, are my sweet nieces Taylor and Samantha with my girls. They had a blast playing together on the 4th of July and during their stay at my in-laws during Skip's surgery. Living only an hour and a half away from all our relatives is so nice.

My brother-in-law Mark took this picture of the girls with his new high tech camera. Great shot Mark!

I can remember as a young girl spending so much time with my cousins and I feel so blessed that my kids are doing the same with their cousins. Family is so important, and I hope to keep these ties strong as the years continue to speed by way too fast.

Gifts Rock!

Christmas came early this year when my friend Liana sent gifts our way from China. Oh, I do love me some gifts! So unexpected and so cool! Look at the Beijing Olympic shirt she sent Seth. He LOVES it! Skip and I feel like we are their adopted family from the USA. Hee Hee.

The purse was a gift to Ashley, but I may have to borrow it.

Look at the beautiful detail on this box and photo album. Just gorgeous! Matches my house perfectly.

Next we have a darling stamp for Annie with a carved Chinese dragon made out of marble or something. Look how it has her name in Chinese. Zoom in on the other picture to see the dragon or whatever animal it is.

My kids also received some great gifts from their cousin Matt who just finished wrapping up HSM3 in Utah. He had a blast and wanted to pass on some souvenirs for them. Here is Seth's hat that he autographed for him. The E stands for EAST HIGH.

Here's the inside and the autograph.

The girls each received a signed shirt from their cousin. So cool!

My favorite gift of all I received this week (insert my tears now) is that my sweet hubby came through his surgery beautifully. And guess what else? We're home!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Thank you so much Lord for your goodness, your faithfulness, and for the gifts you lavishly give to your children. Sometimes life just stinks, and we can't understand why we are going through all we are going through. Then, we we least expect it, YOU just blow us away with blessings, love, friends and grace overflowing. Thank you Jesus that no matter the good or the bad, you are GOOD all the time.

Day 2- We Learn Something New Every Day

Today was a good day in Skip's recovery except for two things. One, he was told he would have to have a one time radiation therapy to prevent H.O. What's H.O? I had the same question so I had to do some further research. Basically, heterotopic ossification is is a process by which the soft tissues around the hip harden into bone. We don't want this to happen or another surgery could be required. Obviously Skip's surgeon felt it extremely necessary after looking at his situation up close and personal. There is a slight chance for the development of a tumor (1 in a 1000) from the radiation, but we felt that another hip replacement is not a route we want to take in the next oh say, 100 years or NEVER.

The second rough patch was the radiation experience itself. Since I was across the street in Target searching for a blanket that didn't feel like industrial strength sandpaper when they came after Skip, I missed going with him for the treatment. He was gone about 3 and a half hours. I might or might not have alerted every staff member in the hospital of his long voyage and of my worry. I thought 30 minutes tops, but apparently they have this thing called a waiting room. Therefore, Skip waited 3 hours for his 20 minute procedure. They took him by wheelchair about two blocks away (it's a big hospital). In only his hospital gown. For all to see. He had an experience with his vacuum suction thingy falling off his wound in the radiation office, and he said a neat freak attendant was scrambling trying to clean up the mess. She couldn't get his bloody gown untied to change it, so she just cut it off with scissors. He said the site looked like something out of The Shining. I tell you what, with my man there is never a dull moment.

It looks like we will be making our escape tomorrow. I hesitate to put that in writing because of all the hoopla we went through two years ago. It was pretty crazy looking back at this post in July of 2006. Actually, all of July and August 2006 was pretty crazy. Things are going to look up! If you look closely in the picture of Skip at the top of this post, there are crutches in the background. Day 2 Skip is using crutches! Last surgery he used crutches on the 14th day. Ooh, I'm so excited. Skip is also excited because there is very few restrictions compared to the last surgery. More news tomorrow..........

Day 2-The Morning After

We are both having surgery hangover. Living on an hour sleep here and an hour there is hard. Skip believes I am somehow a qualified nurse so I am called for every need. I keep telling him my degree is in education, but he refuses to listen. I cut off beeping alarms, reattached the crazy ice machine attached to his wound, and failed miserably at putting on his foot pulsors after each trip to the bathroom. Sorry if this is way too much information. I'm bored in a hospital room and Skip's had already used his all his words for the day by 3 AM and won't hang out. He said something about needing sleep and wanting some quiet time. Whatever...

Skip's fever broke in the middle of the night. I don't think I have ever prayed so hard for him. I take that back. I have definitely prayed that much for him too many times. Seriously, God is so faithful to come to our need when we call on Him.

I have to thank ALL OF YOU again for the prayers and constant support we are receiving through emails, texts and comments. I want to send a special thank you to my in-laws for watching my three precious children. I know it's not easy, but you do it without complaining and with such love and patience. Thanks also to Skip's Aunt Alannah and Uncle Tommy for coming and sitting with me during the early morning surgery. We had such a great time visiting and keeping my thoughts on Truth.

Lastly, the love and support from Skip's coworkers at Real Life has been over the top. Thank you guys (and girls) for making us feel like family. Love and peace!

My home away from home.

Quick Update

It's getting late (11:20p.m.) and we are TIRED. Skip is beginning to run a temperature which can be totally normal after surgery, but we are praying it goes away soon. My tendency is to worry, but I am giving this to God. The nurses are on top of things, and don't seem too concerned. After the staph infection Skip had a week or so after the last hip replacement, I am not going to hesitate to keep a close watch on him.

He is having some shoulder pain and a headache right now, but is able to catch some z's between the constant checks and monitoring. Please continue to pray for Skip. I would love for him to heal quickly and get home soon.

On the Mend

Surgery was a success and I am so RELIEVED!!! Skip checked into the hospital at 5:30 AM and then the surgery took place about 8:30AM. It only lasted about an hour and a half, and the doctor said he did remarkable. Can I just say, "OUR GOD IS AWESOME!!!"

This picture of me with Skip was taken right after they moved him out of recovery and into his room. He was still a little loopy and said he wanted to get up and walk. The PT walked him down to the end of the hall and back. He was doing great until he realized he was about to pass out. His blood pressure dropped dramatically down to 65 over 36, when just a few moments before the walk it was 120 over 90. Yikes! It totally freaked me out, but once he laid back down it went back to normal. This surgery is so different from the one 2 years ago. He feels so much better, well other than the fact I almost lost him after his show-off walk a couple of hours ago.

Thank you to everyone for your prayers and love you have shown us. We love each and everyone of you, and thank God for such wonderful friends.

What's Fun?

Shopping with a Caramel Mocha Frappuccino is fun.

Shopping with a Caramel Mocha Frappuccino and a friend is more fun.

Shopping with a Caramel Mocha Frappuccino, a friend, and finding cute, comfy, matching slippers is even more fun.

Shopping with a Caramel Mocha Frappuccino, a friend, finding cute, comfy, matching slippers, and paying only $2.81 for the slippers because you had a $10 Kohl's cash coupon is The Bomb!

My foot ................................... Tiff's foot

As a Gift To Me

Hi Friends! Well the final countdown in on for Skip's surgery. He is going in Monday morning in Houston, Tx. for his total hip replacement.

To surprise him with prayers and well wishes, I hijacked his blog today. If you get some time this week (or how about right now), stop by and leave him some love and prayers. It would mean so much to him to see us all joining in prayer for a successful, NON-COMPLICATED, speedy surgery and recovery.

I know God is going to finally free Skip from hip pain with this surgery and allow him to live life more fully. Thanks everyone!