Project 366: (Days 93-130)

Well, the weekend came and went and I didn't get any pix published! I'm back. I'm limiting myself to 30 minutes. That goes fast when you have a S-L-O-W computer. However, I HAVE to get to some of my floors today.

Hmmm...let's see where was I?

93/366:

93/366: Playing hard on the first day of our spring break staycation.

94/366:

94/366: My beautiful Lindy on her 6th "Gotcha Day." I am so blessed to have her has my daughter.

95/366:

95/366: Fun times with fun friends at the National Zoo.

96/366:

96/366: Our back yard "Easter" bunny scouting out the place.

97/366:

97/366: Dyeing Easter eggs.

98/366:

98/366: Millie "helping" a resident at the rehab center play Bingo.

99/366:

99/366: Happy Easter! I look like the Leaning Tower of Lisa...Not sure why?! But a rare shot of the four of us.

100/366:

100/366: This doesn't seem like the most comfortable position for writing thank you notes???

101/366:

101/366: This is what happens when the flash wakes the precious sleeping baby. Oops...

102/366:

102/366: What I've been listening to.

103/366:

103/366: Excited to stay up to greet Grandpa.

104/366:

104/366: Manly men using power tools.

105/366:

105/366: Grandpa with his girls.

106/366:

106/366: The girls. Somehow we were all wearing black and yellow. Buzz, buzz, buzz...

107/366:

107/366: Grandpa and Millie.

108/366:

108/366: Must have been an exciting part! You just never know with Tinkerbell and all the fairies...

109/366:

109/366: Monkeying around with Grandma.

110/366:

110/366: Watching Grandma sew. Millie's hairdo courtesy of Grandpa. Oh my...

111/366:

111/366: Lindy and Grandma during one of their special and sacred "tea discussions." No one else is allowed.

112/366:

112/366: Getting ready to say, "goodbye." Never easy.

113/366:

113/366: A sweet daddy/daughter moment or a shameless plug for USAA.

114/366:

114/366: Lindy reading the book My Mei Mei to her mei mei.

115/366:

115/366: Working on her first research project (on cardinals).

116/366:

116/366: A sweet reunion with our dear friend, Denisa.

117/366:

117/366: Millie snuggling with Miss Denisa.

118/366:

118/366: Viva fiesta from Virginia! I'm sure the neighbors wondered what this wreath was all about, not to mention the funny looks we got with our Asian child wearing a Mexican dress out and about. We're here to keep everyone guessing!

119/366:

119/366: Number five is gone. It really was "lost" for a day but was later discovered...

120/366:

120/366: This ALMOST eases the pain of not being in "paradise" with him.

121/366:

121/366: Never, ever, ever go without these in the pantry AGAIN!

122/366:

122/366: She got this mirror for her first birthday. It has a permanent streak on it but somehow in all her vanity she still can find her reflection.

123/366:

123/366: I'm not sure what happened in here overnight but it appears someone might've been playing before she went to sleep. Normally I just see a tuft of black hair peeking from the covers.

124/366:

124/366: Loved having the windows open today!

125/366:

125/366: The man. The myth. The legend. Still wearing #19 after ALL.THESE.YEARS.

126/366:

126/366: Lindy zumbas; do you? Fun dance party birthday celebration for a classmate.

127/366:

127/366: Really, who needs toys when you have cardboard rolls?

128/366:

128/366: Trying out a recipe from Pinterest. Love my crockpot!

129/366:

129/366: Happy 7th birthday, Lindy! You are sweeter than a plate of cupcakes.

130/366:

130/366: If the shirt fits, wear it! Trying to teach Millie how to do jumping jacks.

Okay. That is ALL of them! I haven't taken today's yet, so I'm caught up for now. I blew off the 30 minute rule and went a little longer. It feels good knowing for a few moments, this project is caught up!!!

Now to the floors. Humming, Cinderelly, Cinderelly...

xo~
Lisa

Please pray

July 2009

~~~~~~~Update to the post below~~~~~~~

Thank you sweet friends for all your prayers and concern. My family has felt the awesome covering!

I am thrilled to report Dad was released from ICU on Friday evening and released from the hospital on Saturday night. He is still struggling with his vision (because the bleeding is still there behind his eyes) and there are some other issues, such as balance, weakness, and minor impacts to his speech (specifically recalling and finding words). We are praying that with time he will experience more progress and return to his spunky and active self. We're all going to need an extra measure of patience during in the process because we want our dad/husband/grandpa back the way he was--NOW. We pray there isn't permanent damage or that any damage is minimal. We believe God is the great physician and can and will accomplish all our requests. We also know if that isn't God's will, we will adjust and make the best of the circumstance.

Often during times of trials and tragedy, people refer to the verse, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose" Romans 8:28. I use it as well but I admit there are times I just can't begin to imagine what the "good" is in certain situations. Yesterday in church our preacher referred to this verse as he spoke of the life of David and said the "good" is often our "deconstruction" which ultimately gives way to the reconstruction of a better, more godly person. So it is my prayer that I will use this event to deconstruct and then become a more caring, empathetic, patient, loving, faithful, and kind person.

Since my dad is now at home, Lindy and I are going to travel tomorrow to be with my parents and help out however possible and mainly just love on them. My heart has been heavy not being near them during these past few days.

Thanks, again, for your kind words and thoughts!

With love & gratitude~
Lisa

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Yesterday was a beautiful day. It was gorgeous outside. Lindy played for hours outside and I had the windows open. We shared a picnic lunch. I watched the butterflies, the bees happily working around the blossoms of the Bradford Pear, and saw my first glimpse of Texas wildflowers. I donned my first "spring-like" outfit and was even having a fairly good hair day. It was close to perfection. It was also one of those days where I was reminded how life can change in an instant, that I'm not a little kid, and to always make the most of every opportunity. I was also reminded of many other things, including how much I love my dad.

At about 6:00 last night I got a call from my mom telling me my dad had suffered a hemorrhagic stroke and was in ICU. To make matters worse, it happened while he was driving so he was in a car accident. Thankfully, he was not injured, nor was the other driver. His vehicle was totaled.

He has lost vision because of the bleeding in his brain but is completely lucid and feels fine. He has had many tests and so far there aren't many answers. They do say this was not his first stroke or brain bleed. They don't see any signs of tumors but they aren't sure what is causing the bleeding. They also can't say whether he'll regain his vision.

Please pray that my dad will have a complete recovery and will be able to resume a normal life. Please also pray for my mom to have strength and peace as she worries about him and takes care of him. They have been married almost 44 years and are true companions.

I know this could've been so much worse and I praise God for the protection he gave my dad (as well as the other driver). I also know they could've found some really bad things in his brain and am glad they haven't. I am worried and feel helpless as I think of my beloved parents going through this trial two states away. I'm in a holding pattern and will make some travel decisions soon.

I would appreciate any prayers you would say for our family.

With love and thanks~
Lisa

Proud of our veterans

"This nation will remain the land of the free
only so long as it is the home of the brave." ~Elmer Davis

I am so thankful for the men and women in the military who have served and continue to serve our country. I know it isn't an easy road. I used to laugh when Don would tell me he was weaving the blanket of freedom I sleep under every night. I no longer laugh at that statement.

On Monday I had to go to the mall and I got there a bit early. I had 1000 things to do that day and didn't want to lose one second of time. However, I went and got a mocha and decided to walk a bit--counterproductive, I know. Anyway, it was approaching 10:00 so I went to camp out in front of the store I was planning on dashing in and out of. I sat down next to this lovely couple in their 80s and it became the highlight of my day. The man was wearing a powder blue jumpsuit and a ball cap that read, "WW II Veteran." His wife was absolutely adorable and so incredibly sweet and kind. Immediately he started talking to me and she chimed in. I asked him which branch of the service he had served in and he asked me if I had heard of General Patton and then proceeded to tell me he had fought in the Battle of the Bulge. I thanked him for his service and suddenly rushing off to complete my errands didn't seem so important. He introduced me to another one of his friends--also there to walk--who had also served in WWII and jumped out of airplanes. It was a privilege and honor that day to be with men who had served in such a huge conflict and lived to tell about it.

On this day, I hope you will join me in thanking and praying for our veterans. I am especially proud to thank my husband, father, grandfather, great uncle, and uncle for their service in the Navy.

May God bless America!

Weekend in Dallas & Fort Worth

Howdy~

Last weekend we took a jaunt to Dallas and Fort Worth and packed a lot in our short trip to the metroplex. Our "inspiration" event, so to speak, was the Navy/SMU football game. All other activities were planned around that blessed event. My parents hadn't really ever been to the area as tourists and they decided to fly down from Kansas City and meet us there for some fun.

On Thursday we spent a few hours at the Texas State Fair. It is the largest state fair in the country and we certainly didn't get to a fraction of it. While we all passed on this year's featured deep fried item of butter, we did indulge in a famous corny dog and tried a deep fried peanut butter cup macaroon (really a waste of a good peanut butter cup IMHO).


While we didn't have tickets to attend the famous Red River Shootout (UT/OU game) on Saturday, we did pay a quick homage to the Cotton Bowl which is on the fairgrounds. Hook 'em!

On Thursday night, my parents and I went to see the Broadway musical Mary Poppins. The only word I can think to describe it is supercalifragilisticexpialidocious. It was wonderful and I highly recommend it to anyone who likes the story, the movie, musicals, and a fun time.

On Friday morning I introduced my mom to Sam M*oon. It is a mecca for me when I'm in Dallas (which isn't often). It is just rows and rows of fun jewelry and accessories. It is like Claire's on steroids. We could've stayed there for hours but the men and child got a little restless. So we decided to mosey on over to Fort Worth, specifically to the Stock Yards. We made it in time to see the 4:00 cattle drive down Exchange Street.

Lindy did not want to get on Pecos Bill but didn't mind taking a more conservative approach as shown below.

When in Rome, do as the Romans and when in Texas, do as the Texans. We all attended our first rodeo at the C*owtown C*oliseum which was the sight of the first indoor rodeo in the early 1900s. Lindy seemed to like the sparkly belts and accessories that the cowgirls wore but she was a little hesitant about being a cowgirl when Don took her down to the ring to participate in chasing the mutton (no pictures available).


After a full Friday, we embarked on super-packed Saturday. We spent a couple of hours going through the S*ixth Floor M*useum at the T*exas State Book Depository. That is the sight of where Lee Harvey Oswald assassinated President Kennedy. The museum is very informative and done quite well. I liked history during school but never seemed to get past World War II it seemed. This museum has helped me understand more of what was taking place in the years just before my birth. My parents both were in high school when it happened and for their generation it is an event that they can vividly recall.



We walked around downtown Dallas and made our way to P*ioneer Plaza. I had planned this on our itinerary but had never seen or been there. I kept telling my family it was some bronze sculptures of cattle and I think they were wondering why we were hoofing it all over the city streets to see some statues. However, it was pretty amazing! It wasn't just a couple of cattle--it was at least 50 some cattle (give or take)...They were so life like and pictures can't really describe but I took a bunch, so I'll post them anyway.





Phew... After all that we headed out to Southern Methodist University to go to the long-awaited football game. You always want to get to a Navy game early because they do cool stuff beforehand like have Navy SEALS parachute in with the game ball and flag or send three F-18s to do a low and impressive flyover. You also may sit near a former president or see one (this time George W. Bush and Mrs. Bush were there).






This was my mom's first football game--ever--I think and I was concerned she'd be bored, too cold, or lost trying to learn the rules of the game and follow the ball. To my surprise I think she had a terrific time. We were sitting next to the band and all the cutie patootie YOUNG Midshipmen in their dress blues. Besides a good game that Navy won in OT, we had so much fun watching the youngsters cheer and do their special little Navy dances and traditions. During Don's tenure at the Naval Academy, they didn't have a good football program so I don't think he knows as many cheers.

The weekend was great and almost perfect. Sadly, my poor dad didn't feel well the entire time and initially thought he had a cold. It was obvious on Saturday night and Sunday morning that he was getting worse and it was more than a cold. Last Monday he found out he has H1N1. I felt terrible knowing he had persevered through the full days and nights feeling absolutely rotten. The good news is that he is getting better, my mom has not come down with it, and neither have we. Still praying for his complete healing and protection for my mom and us.

I know there is probably tons more to do in the Big D but we got a pretty good taste of it in the few days we were there. Now waiting for the next adventure...

Y'all come back now, you hear!