11.08.2008
Cuteness
Notice my son...trying to keep up with her. LOL
If I only had a nickel for every time they do this cheer at home her cheerleading dues would be more than paid for. (and that is not counting the amount of times I hear it at the games)
11.05.2008
Barack Obama has been elected President of the United States of America.
Policies and politics come and go. We all need to come together as a united nation and stand behind our newly elected leader.
That was one of the BEST victory speeches I have ever heard.
Congratulations, Mr. Obama.
God bless America.
Policies and politics come and go. We all need to come together as a united nation and stand behind our newly elected leader.
That was one of the BEST victory speeches I have ever heard.
Congratulations, Mr. Obama.
God bless America.
11.04.2008
Election Day
Election Day is here again. History in the making. I am very proud to say I was part of this election as I am every time I vote. I think it's great so many people have gotten involved and passionate about this election and the future of our country, but I also think that they fail to realize how very important the local elections are also. There have been many times in the past few weeks that I wanted to scream at someone for being so ignorant.
Sadly, I can't say that I am proud of who I voted for. For me it boiled down to who I disliked and disagreed with the least. That is not the way I like to vote and it frightens me that McCain and Obama are the best that our great country was able to churn out. Obviously this is a time we need a Great Leader, not an average, crooked politian.
11.02.2008
Here's your sign...
"Lacey! You stop crying right this minute. There is nothing to cry about, do make me give you a reason!"
"Does it LOOK like I have any water coming down my face?!?!"
"Does it LOOK like I have any water coming down my face?!?!"
4.14.2008
Starting Again
A few little updates for everyone....
If you have watched the news I am sure you have seen the crazy weather we have had here this year. We have had snow, tornados, warm weather, freeze warnings, hail...you name it, it's made it's way through here in the past few months. We were VERY close to a tornado back in Feb. We had a few trees fall in our yard, destroying our fence. Luckily, we have a great neighbor. It was her tree and while LEGALLY she wasn't responsible for the damage, she fixed everything that her tree tore down one Saturday while we were out. I was certainly grateful for that!
Andy and I are doing fine. We stay busy with work and the kids. Andy clocks in about 60 hours a week, and that DOES NOT include drive time. He leaves at 5:30-6:00 in the morning and we are lucky if he gets home before the kids are in bed (8:00). He's been working a lot of Saturdays also. That leaves Dr. appts, housework, bills, ect to me. We both need a break. He needs one from work and I need one from the hussle and bussle of handling work, kids, and the house. We are looking for a cheap weekend getaway. Any ideas?
When I was sure I didn't have a job to go back to and had finally accepted the fact I was destined to be a stay at home mommy (and was actually excited about it), I received an email from my HR Dept. It seems there was some "executive" interventions on my behalf and they wanted me to come back. While Zach was finally better and I was happy to be at home with the kids, I couldn't walk away from my job. I am a big "sign" person. When I was told by our HR Dept. my job was no longer available to come back to, I took it as a sign that I was meant to be at home. So of course I took it as a sign I was meant to work when I was offered my job back. And really, who in their right mind would turn down a well-paying job with a stable company this day in time? It's one thing to loose a job, its quite another to turn one down.
My first day back was 2.29.08 and I have yet to make it a full week at work. I came into work last week with intentions of putting in a notice. When I had come back from my leave, I had promised my boss that if the absences for Zach's health got out of control, I would quit. Zach was much healthier when I was at home with him. Maybe he just physically couldn't handle daycare. When the time came and I had Shelly alone for a meeting, I just couldn't do it. I'm just not a quitter I guess. I told her that while I had promised to quit, I just couldn't walk away from my job. She said she was so glad that I wasn't leaving and that she didn't want for me to go anywhere. She said we would continue to just work it out, she didn't know how we would, but we would. Of course that made me feel better. That was just another example of how lucky I am to work where I do.
I decided to take the kids to a new daycare starting last week. This one is a little harder to get to (traffic wise) but it's a new establishment and the owner was a working mom. She and a few other working moms had a "vision" and decided to open their own daycare. They cater to working mom's and REAL focus on learning and the KIDS. (imagine that) Other daycares are like the puppy mills. People file in and out all day as quickly as they can. Management stuffs as many children in the classrooms and the state will allow and they pay their workers min. wage. The daycares will hire anyone who can pass a background check, regardless of age, skills or love of children. This new place encourages you as a parent to stay and be involved. They even have a "parent room" with internet access and coffee. All of the teachers have bachelor degrees in early childhood education. While I don't think a degree makes you smarter or better than others (my mother is a PRIME example of that), I do think if someone has spent that much time and energy in SCHOOL to work with children they really LOVE kids. So keep your fingers crossed. Today is our 1 week mark AND I haven't missed a day of work since they started :).
Since going back to work we have had to move the boxers outside. Andy and I couldn't bare the thought of them sitting in crates 14 hours out of the day while we were working. We also couldn't afford to leave them inside to tear the house down. Sadly, their training has been brought to a screeching halt. I just don't have the time to sit outside and work with them everyday. Every extra second I have after work is spent on the kids or getting things done around the house. Hopefully now that the days are getting longer we will make it out to play with them more often. We also received some devastating news about our Drake. He has a heart murmur. This could possibly mean #1 we cannot breed him or stud him out and #2 it could be something fatal and we will have to put him to sleep. It all depends on what it is. It could be a harmless murmur or it could be something very bad. We have to get an ultrasound done (for the small fee of $250.00) so that the vet see his heart. Hopefully it's nothing, but with our luck...I just don't know. He's one of the best dogs I have ever had and so big and beautiful. He and Daphne would have made great puppies.
I wrote specific updates on Zach and Lacey on their pages within the Kids Page.
Thanks for checking up on us!
If you have watched the news I am sure you have seen the crazy weather we have had here this year. We have had snow, tornados, warm weather, freeze warnings, hail...you name it, it's made it's way through here in the past few months. We were VERY close to a tornado back in Feb. We had a few trees fall in our yard, destroying our fence. Luckily, we have a great neighbor. It was her tree and while LEGALLY she wasn't responsible for the damage, she fixed everything that her tree tore down one Saturday while we were out. I was certainly grateful for that!
Andy and I are doing fine. We stay busy with work and the kids. Andy clocks in about 60 hours a week, and that DOES NOT include drive time. He leaves at 5:30-6:00 in the morning and we are lucky if he gets home before the kids are in bed (8:00). He's been working a lot of Saturdays also. That leaves Dr. appts, housework, bills, ect to me. We both need a break. He needs one from work and I need one from the hussle and bussle of handling work, kids, and the house. We are looking for a cheap weekend getaway. Any ideas?
When I was sure I didn't have a job to go back to and had finally accepted the fact I was destined to be a stay at home mommy (and was actually excited about it), I received an email from my HR Dept. It seems there was some "executive" interventions on my behalf and they wanted me to come back. While Zach was finally better and I was happy to be at home with the kids, I couldn't walk away from my job. I am a big "sign" person. When I was told by our HR Dept. my job was no longer available to come back to, I took it as a sign that I was meant to be at home. So of course I took it as a sign I was meant to work when I was offered my job back. And really, who in their right mind would turn down a well-paying job with a stable company this day in time? It's one thing to loose a job, its quite another to turn one down.
My first day back was 2.29.08 and I have yet to make it a full week at work. I came into work last week with intentions of putting in a notice. When I had come back from my leave, I had promised my boss that if the absences for Zach's health got out of control, I would quit. Zach was much healthier when I was at home with him. Maybe he just physically couldn't handle daycare. When the time came and I had Shelly alone for a meeting, I just couldn't do it. I'm just not a quitter I guess. I told her that while I had promised to quit, I just couldn't walk away from my job. She said she was so glad that I wasn't leaving and that she didn't want for me to go anywhere. She said we would continue to just work it out, she didn't know how we would, but we would. Of course that made me feel better. That was just another example of how lucky I am to work where I do.
I decided to take the kids to a new daycare starting last week. This one is a little harder to get to (traffic wise) but it's a new establishment and the owner was a working mom. She and a few other working moms had a "vision" and decided to open their own daycare. They cater to working mom's and REAL focus on learning and the KIDS. (imagine that) Other daycares are like the puppy mills. People file in and out all day as quickly as they can. Management stuffs as many children in the classrooms and the state will allow and they pay their workers min. wage. The daycares will hire anyone who can pass a background check, regardless of age, skills or love of children. This new place encourages you as a parent to stay and be involved. They even have a "parent room" with internet access and coffee. All of the teachers have bachelor degrees in early childhood education. While I don't think a degree makes you smarter or better than others (my mother is a PRIME example of that), I do think if someone has spent that much time and energy in SCHOOL to work with children they really LOVE kids. So keep your fingers crossed. Today is our 1 week mark AND I haven't missed a day of work since they started :).
Since going back to work we have had to move the boxers outside. Andy and I couldn't bare the thought of them sitting in crates 14 hours out of the day while we were working. We also couldn't afford to leave them inside to tear the house down. Sadly, their training has been brought to a screeching halt. I just don't have the time to sit outside and work with them everyday. Every extra second I have after work is spent on the kids or getting things done around the house. Hopefully now that the days are getting longer we will make it out to play with them more often. We also received some devastating news about our Drake. He has a heart murmur. This could possibly mean #1 we cannot breed him or stud him out and #2 it could be something fatal and we will have to put him to sleep. It all depends on what it is. It could be a harmless murmur or it could be something very bad. We have to get an ultrasound done (for the small fee of $250.00) so that the vet see his heart. Hopefully it's nothing, but with our luck...I just don't know. He's one of the best dogs I have ever had and so big and beautiful. He and Daphne would have made great puppies.
I wrote specific updates on Zach and Lacey on their pages within the Kids Page.
Thanks for checking up on us!
4.05.2008
Ethan
Ethan passed away this morning. He was 16 months old today. He fought for 14 of his 16 months here on earth. Such a sad situation.
I ran across this little story today and I thought it was perfect.
'The Brave Little Soul'
Not too long ago in Heaven there was a little soul who took wonder in observing the world. She especially enjoyed the love she saw there and often expressed this joy with God. One day however the little soul was sad, for on this day she saw suffering in the world. She approached God and sadly asked, 'Why do bad things happen; why is there suffering in the world?'
God paused for a moment and replied, 'Little Soul, do not be sad, for the suffering you see, unlocks the love in people's hearts.' The little soul was confused. 'What do you mean,' she asked. 'God replied, 'Have you not noticed the goodness and love that is the offspring of that suffering? Look at how people come together, drop their differences and show their love and compassion for those who suffer. All their other motivations disappear and they become motivated by love alone.'
The little soul began to understand and listened attentively as God continued, 'The suffering soul unlocks the love in people's hearts much like the sun and the rain unlock the flower within the seed. I created everyone with endless love in their heart, but unfortunately most people keep it locked up and hardly share it with anyone. They are afraid to let their love shine freely, because they are afraid of being hurt. But a suffering soul unlocks that love. I tell you this - it is the greatest miracle of all. Many souls have bravely chosen to go into the world and suffer - to unlock this love - to create this miracle - for the good of all humanity.'
Just then the little soul got a wonderful idea and could hardly contain herself. With her wings fluttering, bouncing up and down, the little soul excitedly replied, 'I am brave; let me go!! I would love to go into the world and suffer so that I can unlock the goodness and love in people's hearts! I want to create that miracle!!'
God smiled and said, 'You are a brave soul I know, and thus I will grant your request. But even though you are very brave you will not be able to do this alone. I have known since the beginning of time that you would ask for this and so I have carefully selected many souls to care for you on your journey. Those souls will help create your miracle; however they will also share in your suffering. Two of these souls are most special and will care for you, help you and suffer along with you, far beyond the others. They have already chosen a name for you.'
God and the brave little soul shared a smile, and then embraced. In parting, God said, 'Do not forget little soul that I will be with you always. Although you have agreed to bear the pain, you will do so through my strength. And if the time should come when you feel that you have suffered enough, just say the word, think the thought, and you will be healed.'
Thus at that moment the brave little soul was born into the world, and through her suffering and God's strength, she unlocked the goodness and love in people's hearts. For so many people dropped their differences and came together to show their love. Priorities became properly aligned. People gave from their hearts. Those that were always too busy found time. Many began new spiritual journeys - some regained lost faith - many came back to God. Parents hugged their children tighter. Friends and family grew closer. Old friends got together and new friendships were made. Distant family reunited, and every family spent more time together. People checked a website and sent notes of encouragement. People made and brought meals to the family of the suffering. Everyone prayed. Peace and love reigned. Lives changed forever. It was good. The world was a better place. The miracle had happened.
God was pleased ......
(By John Alessi)
God paused for a moment and replied, 'Little Soul, do not be sad, for the suffering you see, unlocks the love in people's hearts.' The little soul was confused. 'What do you mean,' she asked. 'God replied, 'Have you not noticed the goodness and love that is the offspring of that suffering? Look at how people come together, drop their differences and show their love and compassion for those who suffer. All their other motivations disappear and they become motivated by love alone.'
The little soul began to understand and listened attentively as God continued, 'The suffering soul unlocks the love in people's hearts much like the sun and the rain unlock the flower within the seed. I created everyone with endless love in their heart, but unfortunately most people keep it locked up and hardly share it with anyone. They are afraid to let their love shine freely, because they are afraid of being hurt. But a suffering soul unlocks that love. I tell you this - it is the greatest miracle of all. Many souls have bravely chosen to go into the world and suffer - to unlock this love - to create this miracle - for the good of all humanity.'
Just then the little soul got a wonderful idea and could hardly contain herself. With her wings fluttering, bouncing up and down, the little soul excitedly replied, 'I am brave; let me go!! I would love to go into the world and suffer so that I can unlock the goodness and love in people's hearts! I want to create that miracle!!'
God smiled and said, 'You are a brave soul I know, and thus I will grant your request. But even though you are very brave you will not be able to do this alone. I have known since the beginning of time that you would ask for this and so I have carefully selected many souls to care for you on your journey. Those souls will help create your miracle; however they will also share in your suffering. Two of these souls are most special and will care for you, help you and suffer along with you, far beyond the others. They have already chosen a name for you.'
God and the brave little soul shared a smile, and then embraced. In parting, God said, 'Do not forget little soul that I will be with you always. Although you have agreed to bear the pain, you will do so through my strength. And if the time should come when you feel that you have suffered enough, just say the word, think the thought, and you will be healed.'
Thus at that moment the brave little soul was born into the world, and through her suffering and God's strength, she unlocked the goodness and love in people's hearts. For so many people dropped their differences and came together to show their love. Priorities became properly aligned. People gave from their hearts. Those that were always too busy found time. Many began new spiritual journeys - some regained lost faith - many came back to God. Parents hugged their children tighter. Friends and family grew closer. Old friends got together and new friendships were made. Distant family reunited, and every family spent more time together. People checked a website and sent notes of encouragement. People made and brought meals to the family of the suffering. Everyone prayed. Peace and love reigned. Lives changed forever. It was good. The world was a better place. The miracle had happened.
God was pleased ......
(By John Alessi)
To Kacey Rose, Ethan Powell, Sullivan Farrar, Courtney Saunders, Sophie Quayle, Kaleb Schwade, and countless others who have suffered to create their miracle.
1.08.2008
Head Above Water....?
I know, I know. It's been a long time since I have updated. Sorry. Things have been quite hectic around the Stephens' household over the past few months.
I'll begin by saying I hope everyone stuffed themselves for Thanksgiving, received everything they wanted for Christmas and rang in the New Year on a good note!
I know the last time I updated Zach had been sick a lot. Well, that continued....through Christmas. We had our first real asthma attack (not fun) and found that he is allergic (highly sensitive)to a few foods. He also still isn't really talking, which puts him a little behind for his age. So, long story short; we had tubes put in his ears on 1.08.08 and I took a FMLA leave of absence from my job starting 12.27.07. Since those two things happened we now have a different child. He is starting to talk and for the first time since OCTOBER, he has gone more than 10 days without an ear infection. We are weaning him off of his steroids and introducing some of the foods that we had to avoid only a few months ago. We (his MANY doctor's and I) think that his little system was just so weak that any and every little thing made him sick and being in a daycare was the worst thing for him. We still have to be careful around food and watch him closely if he gets a cold, but it's no longer PANIC PANIC PANIC on a daily basis. This is good, so good Im thinking about staying at home on a permanent basis.
Lacey is doing well. She will be 4 tomorrow. I can't believe it. It seems like I just blinked my eyes and she went from being Zach's age to 4 whole years old! She loves me being at home, but I am searching for a church pre-school of some sort. The girl is busy...and very social. She needs an outlet. She is still very much a Daddys girl!! She also loves her little dogs. The boy, Drake, is still small. She carries him around like he is her baby. I think he thinks he a baby too because he never runs from her, he always comes to her. He also loves snuggling up with her when she lays him down in the midst of all of her baby dolls at nap time. It is just the cutest thing. Boxers and children are made for one another and it is so sweet to watch.
Andy and I are doing really well. I am a little bummed about what is going on with my job. I am first and foremost a mother and a wife, but following closely is an independent woman who enjoys working. I have a great job. The pay is outstanding and the people are great. I know it like the back of my hand. But when I see the difference I make in my sons health by staying at home, none of it matters. Staying at home is a little bit of a challenge for me. I like to stay busy and I like to get things done. You can only mop the floors so many times, ya'll. I have created little projects to do around the house and I make sure that we get out of the house (even if its just to go to the post office) at least once a day. A month into it and it seems to be working. Im very grateful I have this option, and while my mind isnt made up yet (I have 12 weeks) Im leaning towards staying at home. I think I may even start back to school. Im only 25. Still plenty of time to get my education, right? Ive got the time and scholarships, why not? Anyways, I always wanted to make sure I received some sort of higher education degree for the kids. Statistics show that if you went to college, you children are more likely to also.Andy is very happy with his decision to change jobs. Right now he is working out of town a lot, but the pay and the hours are good and thats what we need. Since I am not working, we are able to take little trips to visit him. He also brought me home a present a couple of weeks ago. He gave us a sweet little puppy, a boxer to be exact. She was a runt and no one wanted her. Andy has always loved Boxers and he has been on the lookout for one for a while now. A week later he brought another one home. This time it was a boy. Andy has decided he would like to maybe breed them one day. Im ALL for it. I love dogs. Boxers are one of my favorite breeds too. So right now Im here with two kids and two puppies. Add to that, one little boy who I am starting to potty train and two puppies that I am trying to house train. So I am VERY busy. ALL the time. It bugs me when people ask me what it is I do all day. And no, I don't watch Oprah thank you very much. :)
Hopefully that catches everyone up. If you think about it when you say your prayers, pray for us. We have been searching for an answer on what to do with my job. Given the state of the economy it is, quite frankly, very stupid to GIVE up a good job. We also hope that Zachs tubes STAY in his ears and he continues to get better!
I'll begin by saying I hope everyone stuffed themselves for Thanksgiving, received everything they wanted for Christmas and rang in the New Year on a good note!
I know the last time I updated Zach had been sick a lot. Well, that continued....through Christmas. We had our first real asthma attack (not fun) and found that he is allergic (highly sensitive)to a few foods. He also still isn't really talking, which puts him a little behind for his age. So, long story short; we had tubes put in his ears on 1.08.08 and I took a FMLA leave of absence from my job starting 12.27.07. Since those two things happened we now have a different child. He is starting to talk and for the first time since OCTOBER, he has gone more than 10 days without an ear infection. We are weaning him off of his steroids and introducing some of the foods that we had to avoid only a few months ago. We (his MANY doctor's and I) think that his little system was just so weak that any and every little thing made him sick and being in a daycare was the worst thing for him. We still have to be careful around food and watch him closely if he gets a cold, but it's no longer PANIC PANIC PANIC on a daily basis. This is good, so good Im thinking about staying at home on a permanent basis.
Lacey is doing well. She will be 4 tomorrow. I can't believe it. It seems like I just blinked my eyes and she went from being Zach's age to 4 whole years old! She loves me being at home, but I am searching for a church pre-school of some sort. The girl is busy...and very social. She needs an outlet. She is still very much a Daddys girl!! She also loves her little dogs. The boy, Drake, is still small. She carries him around like he is her baby. I think he thinks he a baby too because he never runs from her, he always comes to her. He also loves snuggling up with her when she lays him down in the midst of all of her baby dolls at nap time. It is just the cutest thing. Boxers and children are made for one another and it is so sweet to watch.
Andy and I are doing really well. I am a little bummed about what is going on with my job. I am first and foremost a mother and a wife, but following closely is an independent woman who enjoys working. I have a great job. The pay is outstanding and the people are great. I know it like the back of my hand. But when I see the difference I make in my sons health by staying at home, none of it matters. Staying at home is a little bit of a challenge for me. I like to stay busy and I like to get things done. You can only mop the floors so many times, ya'll. I have created little projects to do around the house and I make sure that we get out of the house (even if its just to go to the post office) at least once a day. A month into it and it seems to be working. Im very grateful I have this option, and while my mind isnt made up yet (I have 12 weeks) Im leaning towards staying at home. I think I may even start back to school. Im only 25. Still plenty of time to get my education, right? Ive got the time and scholarships, why not? Anyways, I always wanted to make sure I received some sort of higher education degree for the kids. Statistics show that if you went to college, you children are more likely to also.Andy is very happy with his decision to change jobs. Right now he is working out of town a lot, but the pay and the hours are good and thats what we need. Since I am not working, we are able to take little trips to visit him. He also brought me home a present a couple of weeks ago. He gave us a sweet little puppy, a boxer to be exact. She was a runt and no one wanted her. Andy has always loved Boxers and he has been on the lookout for one for a while now. A week later he brought another one home. This time it was a boy. Andy has decided he would like to maybe breed them one day. Im ALL for it. I love dogs. Boxers are one of my favorite breeds too. So right now Im here with two kids and two puppies. Add to that, one little boy who I am starting to potty train and two puppies that I am trying to house train. So I am VERY busy. ALL the time. It bugs me when people ask me what it is I do all day. And no, I don't watch Oprah thank you very much. :)
Hopefully that catches everyone up. If you think about it when you say your prayers, pray for us. We have been searching for an answer on what to do with my job. Given the state of the economy it is, quite frankly, very stupid to GIVE up a good job. We also hope that Zachs tubes STAY in his ears and he continues to get better!
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