A good read

"Friends are God's way of taking care of us."
This was written by a of Metro Denver Hospice Physician:
I was driving home from a meeting this evening about 5, stuck in traffic on Colorado Blvd., and the car started to choke and splutter and die - I barely managed to coast, cursing, into a gas station, glad only that I would not be blocking traffic and would have a somewhat warm spot to wait for the tow truck. It wouldn't even turn over. Before I could make the call, I saw a woman walking out of the "quickie mart" building, and it looked like she slipped on some ice and fell into a Gas pump, so I got out to see if she was okay.

When I got there, it looked more like she had been overcome by sobs than that she had fallen; she was a young woman who looked really haggard with dark circles under her eyes. She dropped something as I helped her up, and I picked it up to give it to her. It was a nickel.

At that moment, everything came into focus for me: the crying woman, the ancient Suburban crammed full of stuff with 3 kids in the back (1 in a car seat), and the gas pump reading $4.95.

I asked her if she was okay and if she needed help, and she just kept saying " don't want my kids to see me crying," so we stood on the other side of the pump from her car. She said she was driving to California and that things were very hard for her right now. So I asked, "And you were praying?" That made her back away from me a little, but I assured her I was not a crazy person and said, "He heard you, and He sent me."

I took out my card and swiped it through the card reader on the pump so she could fill up her car completely, and while it was fueling, walked to the next door McDonald's and bought 2 big bags of food, some gift certificates for more, and a big cup of coffee. She gave the food to the kids in the
car, who attacked it like wolves, and we stood by the pump eating fries and talking a little.

She told me her name, and that she lived in Kansas City Her boyfriend left 2 months ago and she had not been able to make ends meet. She knew she wouldn't have money to pay rent Jan 1, and finally in desperation had finally called her parents, with whom she had not spoken in about 5 years. They lived in California and said she could come live with them and try to get on her feet there.

So she packed up everything she owned in the car. She told the kids they were going to California for Christmas, but not that they were going to live there.

I gave her my gloves, a little hug and said a quick prayer with her for safety on the road. As I was walking over to my car, she said, "So, are you like an angel or something?"

This definitely made me cry. I said, "Sweetie, at this time of year angels are really busy, so sometimes God uses regular people."

It was so incredible to be a part of someone else's miracle. And of course, you guessed it, when I got in my car it started right away and got me home with no problem. I'll put it in the shop tomorrow to check, but I suspect the mechanic won't find anything wrong.

Sometimes the angels fly close enough to you that you can hear the flutter of their wings...

Psalms 55:22 "Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee. He shall never suffer the righteous to be moved"

Just a Simple Thursday

Fall must be close, right? Granted it is still in the mid 90's outside - College football started tonight! TU is playing as we speak and for me, it always means that fall is just right there...despite the temperature. And fall is my favorite time of year.

I like on MYSPACE, where they ask you your mood...if they did that here, I would tell you today I feel nostalgic. Maybe it is the football thing, maybe it is taking Anna to her open house at "school". Life happens so fast. You know, I remember pre-school?! Am I really there? Old enough to have a preschooler?

When Jake got home today, I told him I did NOTHING this afternoon...he looked at me like, "who cares". I never said anything, but I thought about it, you know what I did? I watched Mary Poppins with Anna and then when Bo woke up I spent almost an hour throwing him in the air, playing with his shape sorter, saying "vroom" with his trucks, helping Anna with her computer game. Who am I to even begin to classify that as nothing? I will NEVER get that back, NEVER. The moments when they want to do those things with me will only get fewer and fewer. And I want to feel blessed that I get to do those things instead of guilty, like I should be doing something else. (no one makes me feel guilty except the devil).

Anyhow - just some insight into what is currently occupying my brain. My children, their ages, their life moments and how I just can't seem to capture it all into my mind and that scares me!

Whew, TU just scored a field goal - 21-17. Come on Golden Hurricane!

Anna told me today that she is big and that next week daddy and Bo and mommy could NOT come to school with her like we did today. She needed to go by herself. She told me she like Miss Nancy (which she was worried about b/c her other teacher from last year Miss Debbie actually moved up to this class, and at first Anna wanted Miss Juanita too and it was a big deal that Miss Juanita didn't follow. So we have been talking about getting to know people before we say we don't like them. So, she met miss Nancy and has decided she will be fine. Oh that girl.

Bo said "cheese" again today along with "go" and "bal" and his latest routine is taking his own diaper to the trash, you just have to open the garage door and he drops it right in.

I love them, I love them to the ends of the earth and back again - with every fiber of my being. Thank you God for choosing me to be their mother. I promise to do the very best I can to raise them in your light and in your word.

My Last Tuesday with Two

Yep, you got it - next Tuesday, Anna will be in school! She is so excited, I am so excited. I think however, when Bo realizes his playmate is not around he will be sad. He is old enough and has gotten used to "playing" with sister this summer, that having her gone 2 1/2 days a week might just be a little rough. However, I hope to use that time as more special time for just me and him. On Tues. morning we will still have Bible study and he has his friends there, the rest of the time, I will do my best to put other distractions aside and get to really know my son!

So, what has been happening, you ask....?
Well, I found out last week that Sept. is my last month with Emily, and even at that, this is my last full week with her, in Sept. I will have her every Monday, a couple of Wed. and no more Fridays. Her mom has decided to stay home. Can't blame her, but I can be selfish and say I will miss the pretty princess. She is so fun, even though she isn't awake much, when she is, her smile is just precious and her coos and such. I think it is really fun too, to listen to Anna and watch her dote on her, making sure Emily has everything she needs. Let me tell ya, Anna has all the maternal instinct she needs! It comes so naturally.

Bo has learned to be gentle, most of the time, and he says "BAY" for Baby...it is cute. He gives her toys now and then they are even appropriate for her size! We have moved him to a booster chair and I noticed in Anna's photo album that if we follow her timeline, he has two months left in a crib. Can I just say I am so not ready for that. I am NOT NOT NOT ready for him NOT to be in a crib. You can blame this baby stuff on his mommy, he is allowed to keep his paci at nap and bed time until he is 2, and he can sleep in that crib until he is climbing out of it or turns 2. That is just the way it is. My baby is moving into boyhood a little too fast for me.

I am so anxious for life to start - I say that, life never stops and our summer has been full of fun and spontanious things, but for me, miss type A, there is a certain sigh of relief that comes with a schedule of school, regular church programming, etc. etc. If you have known me for any length of time, you know I like life and I like my house and pretty much anything around me to be like that - in order. The good news is, I have learned to not hyperventilate when it is unscheduled, a little messy or out of whack. I roll with the punches a tad better. I don't have to like it, but know one would ever know. I really think, if nothing else, that might be one thing I improved on this summer, with two at home and no real scheduled activities. I didn't have either of them signed up for anything. We managed between play dates, and babysitters and mall play grounds and such....And I think I did okay? Now that it is over, I can admit, I am soooooo excited for a schedule!

That said, back to spin class, which yes, I love, but b/t June, July and most of August I got all anxiety ridden about (no pun intended) and am now taking this laxy butt back, without a partner. As far as my personal weight loss journey before my brother's wedding I weighed less then I had since I got preggers with Anna, I then proceeded to have the TIME of my life at the wedding and following three weeks in July as I vacationed and gained a total of almost 10lbs. I am now 3.8lbs away from pre-Brando wedding and then I will start working on that next 20 that I desperately want to see GONE by the year 2008. I am hoping riding helps kick that into gear a little faster. Like all my puns?

My headaches are under control. I visited my neurologist again last week and we are on the same regimen - still just Topomax and Tylenol for the little pains, no more then 6 per week and Imitrex for migraines. I have had NO Imitrex in probably a month and not even enough Tylenol that I can count, so the Topomax seems to be working. He did put me on a Potassium supplement to help with the tingles I get as a side effect of the drug. Other than that, I wait and see how this all works and go back in Nov.

Knock on wood we are all healthy!

For those of you that are golf fans, we did make it to the PGA Championship - I went with Jake to a practice round, where you can take pictures, get autographs etc. Then Jake was able to spend his millions and go with his dad to Saturday's Championship round. It was so stinkin hot that week here in Tulsa. Unbelievable! But it was the experience of a lifetime and even I had a total blast. For some it might seem scary, but you can't take cell phones in, so our kids were here with our 13yr old bbsitter and we had no cell phone. Her mom was home and was the back up. However, for us it was just plain freeing! No one could bother us! It was great!
I have lots of pictures, if you want to see them, just ask, not everyone is a "fan" so I didn't want to send them out.....

I guess that is it.

I think it is time for a little thankful list and a list of a few things that I have thought about that are my FAVORITE things.
First things first.

Thankful for:

1. My coffee night tonight - reminds me of going out for coffee in high school - to relieve our stress. HAHA! What was I thinking. Now I can call this real stress relief

2. Sunday school class - a true life line

3. The Perry family - good "new" friends

4. My amazing husband, who at the news of losing my job said, "just promise me you will take this new free time and concentrate on you". HUH? Me? Me who? Yep, he said, hobbies, working out - whatever it is that allows me to find myself. Okay God, thank you, I don't deserve him.

5. My brother's guardian angels that took him overseas and back on his first mission and landed safely, as well as bringing our troops home.

6. My relationship with my family, mom/gma/dad/brother/Erin - I have been talking to them, and usually do at least once a week, if not more. I am realizing that is really rare. I always thought it was normal. Guess not - Guess I am lucky - I wouldn't want it any other way.

7. My new couch - it doesn't hurt my back.

8. Bo has learned to give night night kisses and they are too slobbery and cute for words

9. My husband's ice cream scoops

10. The way Anna tells me she left her kisses at home and so I can't have any until we get there. HA!

Favorite things:

1. Hair product: DIRT by Jonathan - it is by far my longest running hair product ever. I have been using it for over a year, short hair, longer hair. I can't live without it.

2. Chi hair straightener - totally worth the money (and yes I have straight hair, but this takes out the random kinks)

3. The Blueberry Cobbler Creamer - I know it sounds nasty but it is soooo good - ask Connie, she'll tell ya.

4. Regulator (it is a brand) clock - favorite b/c my gma always had one (or 10) seems like they have always been everywhere, they all sound hte same. Now I have one and so I feel like I am at gma's house. it is weird I know - but very comfy feeling!

5. Venus (brand) razor - their new disposable ones. You must try them, come in packs of three in bright colors - so fun!

Whew - That is the top of my list for now.
oh Bath and Body works Sugar scrubs (aromatherapy line) - Holy Moly - you must try. Be prepared for an oily tub afterwards but they just make your skin feel awesome and smell good tod.

Ta ta!

Video

Okay when I preview the post below, it shows my video, when I publish it, I get an x - go figure.
GRRRRRRRR.
I give up!
It is a cute little video of Bo hammering some shapes into their holes and grunting all at the same time.

I am here

I am here, and I will post - and I do not want you to stop checking...but I am going to enjoy a little TV time, no children, on our NEW, yes NEW couch, with my hubby. So to ensure that you will keep coming back, I will post some pictures :)

NEW COUCH!!!
No more high chairs in this house!
My Pretty "borrowed" princess, Emily Ha
All Three of my kiddos....
Okay, that should keep you coming back for more, right?? For all you die hard golfers, I have PGA pictures, I have heart warming tales of my husband's undying commitment to this family, Anna's anxious anticipation of starting school (i.e. "do we go to school today?", "no, Anna, two more weeks to go")....
Much love!

Happy 16mo bday little Bowman

July 30

Okay, so this is messed up. I started a draft on July 30 and just finished it, I figured since I finished it now, it would put it on Aug. 3, but it still puts it on July 30. So, some of the stuff I wrote sounds silly if you read it like it was July 30, You need to read everything from Aug 3 first, then read July 30, and it will make sense.

Now I call it quits.
Bye Bye

Whew

So that Speech thing has only been hanging over my head for a month now....glad I got it down somewhere other then my notebook paper....
I suppose you want to know how Idaho was? Or do you want to see more wedding pictures? I have 869 of them!!! I have taken collaborations of all wedding photos on shutterfly and now have 869. That is a lot folks. I also have a DVD put together by my uncle and a CD soon to be coming from the bride and groom themselves.

I have had so many "blogging" thoughts and moments that I can't even begin to jot it all down.
The way my kids have made me laugh and scream, the new experiences they had in both places, the exhaustion of the wedding, the sentimental feelings I had walking "down" the aisle wit Jake as a bridesmaid etc. Haven't done that in awhile and it was fun. I had a lot of sentimental stuff that I will keep tight in my heart (that happened with my brother that just floored me), I had a week of missing my husband, I had a week of feeling like I was 12 again being at "grandma's" house and I loved it.

I have seen old friends, I have reconnected, I have come home and felt like I was home and seen friends that I haven't seen in three weeks and realized I missed just as much as the ones I hadn't seen in 10yrs. I have had moments in the last two weeks where I have seen and felt where my lifelines are and a couple moments of pure euphoria and July 27 came and went and we have now not only lived in Tulsa for over a year but lived in our house....Can I get an amen.

I sat in a closet (Bo's) getting out some scrap book stuff for my neighbor Jen and found myself, literally, getting all antsy like a kid in the candy store. So, apparently I need to work something out and get back to my hobby. I have so much stuff it is ridiculous, not just silly, RIDICULOUS!

We got a picture of Anna's teachers in the mail today, school doesn't start until Sept. 4 but it is around the corner - so crazy to think! We talked to GG about it and although she could go into the public school system next year for their pre-K we will keep her in Private/Christian school until Kindergarten. Basically AS LONG as possible, so she has this year and then one more here at STBC.

This week is our first week watching little Emily Ha....she is 11 weeks old and is just a joy. I have enjoyed every moment of her presence and so far so have my kids. Wilson (the dog) totally ignores her, so far. I think in another week or so he will probably get "used" to her and start being protective of her just like he was of Bo at this age. Anna thinks she is Emily's mom and is ready to change her diaper, feed her, wake her up etc. every 5 min. Bo has no idea WHAT she is or why she is here. He occasionally attempts to poke at her and only once has had a jealous moment. It has not stressed me out once. (which surprised me), it has kept me busy and made me felt like I have a schedule. I think Jake likes it too b/c he is guaranteed an air conditioned RIDE to work MWF, as we stay home.

As for my head...I saw the neurologist in b/t CO and ID and I am done with steroid treatments and currently just on Topomax. I am allowed 6 Tylenol or Advil type pain relievers every 7 days, should I get a "normal" headache and need relief, but no more than that, and I still have Imitrex for migraines. I have had relatively no head problems in the past three weeks, maybe three headaches that were controlled with 2 Tylenol - which I say AMEN! That is how it is supposed to work. Which, is exactly what the neurologist was trying to get to, a point where my "pain receptors" responded to medicine like "normal" people, and normal doses. However, I have had two migraines this week, which I have sought help from my chiropractor on - and we believe them to be socially related - which I won't go into but a sort of social anxiety, which creates tension in my shoulders and shoots straight up neck into my head. However, 1 Imitrex and they were gone, a month ago migraines like that would have been 2 -3 or totally unresponsive. My only continuing problem is hair loss, which I am going on Tues to have my Thyroid and hormone levels tested. Despite how it may or may not sound, I really feel very good. So thank you for all the prayers.

So, that is that. I will now just post some pictures, self explanatory really, you have the kids first boat ride on Payette in McCall, ID on Uncle Rey's boat. You have Anna on a big person golf course, you have some random wedding shots. You know just all the things that consumed us in July! Here's to August and some regular posting.

A Toast to Mr. & Mrs. Brandon Stock

Here they are folks - the newest "Stock's"


And now for the toast - please note the photo of me in action, now you feel like you are really there:


Please excuse my cheat sheets. This isn't just a two sentence, good luck "toast" - I'll warn you that it probably falls more in line with what most would call a SPEECH. I have never been known for my lack of words. Plus, Brandon is the only brother I have, and this WILL be the only wedding speech he gets from me, seeing as (of course) this is the ONLY wedding he will have. Please note that I love Erin dearly and Brandon, if you do anything to send her away, I will make sure I send you away, far away.

My dearest little Boober, I'm so proud of e everything you have and are becoming; not just to your friends, extended family or even your country, but to me. I vividly remember occasions upon which I was desperate to rid my life of you. Harsh, I know, but ya'll have no idea how growing up with Brandon was....painfully wonderful! Ha ha. You see, everything had to be his way (which of course is the right way, and the only way). We played games with his rules, which ensured that he would win. It was always HIS turn to ride in the front seat of the car and can we just say that Christmas at the Stock house started out about Jesus and ended up about Brandon.

Now, 25 years later, I've chosen to embrace these qualities, most of which he still possesses...but for the last 8, I've had Jake which adds humor to the situation and usually ends up with Brandon, being put in his place, screaming "okay, okay" and that is revenge enough for me for the years of torment I had at home.

Seriously Brandon, I've watched and captured you in these still frame moments in the last few years. Your academic and military achievements, your steady walk with Christ, moments with my children and glimpses of a man that I never envisioned my brother could ever become. You have absolutely made my heart melt, made me proud and of course, made me laugh.

We have conversations about adult things, when I know you call me because I am your big sister and you need my opinion or my story and I love that. You may never say it, but I know you need me and I know you love and feel the same way and I am so thankful that we have that kind of relationship.

So, my GI Joe, Transformer obsessed, A Team watching, annoying pest of a little brother, you are one of my dearest friends, larger than life heroes and trusted confidants. And today you've added yet another reason for me to be proud - you've married the only woman I would've ever hand picked myself for a sister - you will never understand what a gift that is to me and that is okay.

Erin, the bad news about this whole thing is that you are now responsible for making and laying out the cookies and milk for Santa ever Christmas Eve. Just FYI.

Erin, I can't recall any moments of wanting to sell you to the next door neighbors, but I can think of many when I've thought, "I sure wish they were going to be able to LIVE near us." I know it isn't possible, but a girl can dream, right? You just showed up one Christmas eve in the Salt Lake City Airport and Said, "Keri?" -I am not sure we've had any issues since. You are an amazing woman - marrying Brandon proves that in and of itself. But for me personally, our friendship and your honesty, your openness and respect for our relationship come first. I trust you and love you as Erin first and then the second added benefit is I am guaranteed a lifetime with you now as my sister!

It's no secret, I am the only girl in my family, or was. Both sides. I have 7 wonderful male cousins, a brother, a father, a husband, a son (thankfully a daughter) and I have picked up some wonderful female cousin -in laws along the way, but girl, welcome to the family! I could tell you to take care of Brando and all that but I don't need to. I have not one doubt that God hand picked you to love, cherish and keep him in his PLACE!

Now for my advice, and now, I do not give unsolicited advice, to anyone on any subject, ever.....except to my brother and his new wife on their wedding day! I've only got seven years under my belt, but it is something, right? So here goes it:

When Jake and I use Ephesians 5 as a model for our marriage and really look at how Christ and the church work together, the sacrificial love and giving, things go better. When we keep unity the focus, like Paul talks about in this chapter, things are easier.

TALK - and I don't mean to talk about the hard stuff, that's a given. Too often, that becomes all you talk about, the bills, the house, the chores, talk about the funny things, the things you think the other person wouldn't want to hear because it is so silly! We were told to keep our "useless" conversation going.

Pick your battles. We decided, that for us, we didn't always have to hammer out an issue before we shut our eyes but we had to be comfortable enough to shut our eyes, lying next to each other - no sleeping in separate beds or on couches (unless of course we have uncontrollable snoring or a pregnancy, then there is an exception)...but really, in 7 yrs, we have NOT slept in separate spaces, unless I was pregnant or he was snoring!

I am going to close with a favorite passage of mine, Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8. I chose it for a few reasons. One because it reminds me that life isn't all cheese and wine and beaches and sunsets but yet it is also full of moments of blissful peace and times where you can see a gorgeous sunset and experience overwhelming blessing and abundant love. They are all part of God's plan and promise for us.

1 There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven:
2 a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
3 a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
4 a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,
6 a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
7 a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
8 a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.

Brandon and Erin, today is the beginning of your time as a couple, as a family. On behalf of everyone here, on behalf of our family members who were unable to attend, and those who have gone on before us and are sitting at the right hand of God, smiling down with approval - Congratulations and Best Wishes! I love you both!

Seriously

Okay seriously, I have had a post in "draft" mode for like a week. I will get it done. PROMISE.
We are home, we are healthy, we are happy, we are just busy. I do have a million pictures to post, I still have a speech to post, but in the mean time, feast your eyes on this - my gorgeous family: I'll be back later.


And here is what happens, when you are waiting for daddy to set up the tripod:


Oh! Yes, the rumors are true, we got some new family room, furniture, brace yourselves....




Yep, takes up our whole family room, but the other side of the story, it provides hours of entertainment when it is humid, rainy, 100degrees (or in the winter icy and 20), it can be a club house for your dolls, a huge fortress to climb in and out of, a patio to eat on, you name it , it pretty much can be IT! Thanks GG...it goes with my decor beautiful.
Stay tuned. I will be back!