Daddy-Daughter-Dance 2011

Ellie is so excited today. She is getting some major one-on-one time with her daddy. It is the Daddy-Daughter-Dance this afternoon, and Ellie has been asking all week if it is time to go, yet! I am positive that Ellie and her daddy are both in their glory today.

Tonsil and Adenoid Surgery

On March 18, we hauled Reid to the hospital at 5 am for his tonsil and adenoid surgery. He was a trooper, and I am always amazed at how well he does.

Reid in the pre-op room all set for surgery, and as you can see, he was in good spirits. He was even more excited when he realized his bed was on wheels and moved!

Getting all set to be wheeled back. The dazed look is from being up so early in the morning!

Brian had his I-Pod with him which was a good time killer while we waited for the prepping of the OR room.

Made it through. This was in the recovery room. He was just waking up, and he was very happy that Mom brought blankie along to make everything better.

My little man....He has been through a lot over the past 3 years. This marks surgery number 5...and I am not even counting all the other little procedures he has undergone in the past. A trooper, no doubt.

Going home to rest and recover. Blessed by our family, friends, prayer warriors, and medical team that again have held us in their arms. We thank you.....

Once in awhile....

....they love each other enough to pose for the camera for me in all smiles. (Ellie was holding Reid and looks like she is pain while doing it! No wonder, Reid is just a few pounds and inches shy of looking eye to eye with his "big" sister!)

Yeee-Haw!

Reid is obsessed with being a cowboy. He loves cowboy boots and has made mention of having some of his own when he has seen them on someone else. Here is my happy little man after getting his wish.....real cowboy boots.

As you can see, it was bedtime here, and no chance of him taking off his boots. I really thought that he was going to wear them to bed, but we did manage to get them off before bedtime.

Quite the look.....western and pj's! You wear them well, Reid. You wear them well!

Another Surgery Scheduled....

....and this is how Reid feels about it!

We scheduled Reid's adenoid/tonsil surgery for March 18th. This is really the first step in a 2 step process for Reid. We are doing this in preparation for a much more involved surgery 3 months post op the tonsil/adenoid repair. Our plastic surgeon wants to complete Reid's palate by lengthening it and completing the closure (there is still a small gap in the very back of Reid's mouth) this summer. In order for this to be done, our p/s wanted all material clear for him to get the best results possible. Therefore...step one will happen on March 18. The summer surgery will help with Reid's nasality issues and will help also in terms of speech progress. Reid's speech is really pretty amazing, and with this repair, it will help things along even more so. I don't worry too much about the March surgery, but I am concerned simply about Reid getting older and understanding more. I actually think it was easier to hand over my infant to our surgery team because I knew that Reid would not remember. Now that he is 3 and so observant about so many things, I have more fears. I just ask you to keep Reid close in thought as we get closer to our surgery date....We will continue to keep you posted as we again journey through this hand in hand.

Angel Wings for Amy

A few posts ago, I apologized for my lack of posting, and explained about the tragedy of the Ward family that has been on my mind, heart, and soul. Well, another reason I had not posted was due to my heart being heavy at the loss of a friend, and co worker, Amy. Amy was a wonderful co-worker who I had the privilege to work with each day at school. She brought about joy, compassion, and a true spirit that is already missed terribly by our staff and students. During the 14 years that I have worked by her side, I also was lucky enough to develop a friendship with her. What a blessing that was. I am grateful for her love of Jesus Christ, and I rejoice knowing that I will see her again one day.

Besides her work with elementary school kids, she enjoyed "clowning" at various nursing homes or events to brighten the days of kids and the elderly. Every year when we would end a school calendar year, Amy would ask me, "So, do you think Ellie and Reid would like to have a visit from a clown?" Needless to say, "Clown Amy" was loved at our house, and we welcomed her in year after year. In fact, she even came over and agreed to clown for about 12 neighbor kids one day at our house. It was a big undertaking, and Amy gladly accepted, and we felt so blessed by her laugh, and her joyous spirit. My hear is saddened by the loss of my dear friend, but I also rejoice for her. I am sure heaven is a little bit brighter now that Amy is spreading her love there. Miss and love you, Amy. Until we meet again, my friend.....

Not my talent...

Ellie is a pretty wonderful artist in my mind. She drew this dog line-up the other day. Can you pick out the different breeds? Among them are a golden retriever, a yorkie, a weiner dog, a schnauzer, and a collie. For a 6 year old, I am more than impressed.....and she did not get any of this from her mom!