Well, vacation’s over. Mostly. I say mostly because this is, after all, a holiday weekend. That doesn’t mean too much when you homeschool your kids. It does mean, though, that Ken has an extra day off from work and that’s a nice way to end vacation.
We’re traveling I-95 north, heading home. I love going on vacation, and I love being on vacation. But when it’s over – it’s nice heading back home. Darrell’s finishing his first full week at USC Upstate and I want to hear all about it. I’m also anxious to see Kit-Kat, Izzie, and Mischief and her kittens.
It will be a busier weekend than usual for me. I have to get groceries, do laundry, go through the mail, unpack, and get our classroom area ready for school to start on Tuesday. Not exactly glamorous no matter how many times I read it.
I did receive a message from Dawn yesterday. Nikki’s counts are over 200,000 and that was good enough to drop one of the required weekly blood tests she’s been having. This news makes me want to jump up and down! Very scary situation.
So, now our Florida vacation is over AND our summer break from school is over. Tuesday will find us shaking off the beach and hitting the books. Please pray for us and our new school year.
More once we get settled.
Have a great Labor Day holiday!
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Jensen Beach
Our first morning here it was dark and cloudy during what should have been sunrise. About the time I decided to give it up, this is what I saw.Keep the faith - before long the sun will burst forth from the clouds.
Thoughts from the beach...- Waves are beautiful...and destructive
- It's fun finding goodies in the $1 section at Target
- Closed doors prevent looking back
- It's still HOT in Florida in August
- Do you have any idea how much sand a 10-yr old can have in his board shorts?
- Do you have any idea how many shells a 7-yr old can find on the beach? AND did you know she can identify the one in the bag that she didn't put there???
- Be prepared when someone starts by saying "You better sit down..."
- Ice cream tastes best on vacation
- You know you're getting old when you can remember significant events from 30-years ago
- You just can't say enough about an ocean view
Master bedroom
Living Room
Vacations are wonderful!
shhh...confidential...
Hey, Matt-Man... Sure wish you were here little guy. Miss you much!
Zachary...see you soon, Z-Man - but not too soon.
Dearest Kaitlyn...stay sweet, beautiful girl.
Friday, August 22, 2008
As one who dislikes the heat of summer, it's always been ironic that we tend to vacation in Florida in July or August. This year we're adding a tropical storm/hurricane to the mix! "...and a good time was had by all."
Darrell started classes this morning at University of South Carolina Upstate. Darrell and college is an interesting combination. Last year he was registered in plenty of time - the decision for him to live in the dorm was made at the last minute, There was a flurry of frenzied activity just before the start of the school year to get him dorm-ready.
This year he made the decision to attend a public university. This decision was made rather late in the college application process. The decision to apply to USCU was made even later. He was notified 10 days ago that he was accepted. Yesterday was his scheduled orientation. This is when he had to do get his parking permit, meet with his adviser, select classes (this was interesting since what was available one minute was closed by the time it was entered in the computer), buy books, get his student i.d. and visit the financial aid office. We got everything done except financial aid. That office and the book store both closed at 5:00. With classes beginning the next morning we opted for the book store.
We had to change everything; get his FAFSA info sent to USCU, cancel loans which were to be disbursed to Erskine next week, find a new lender (last year's lender is no longer doing student loans), loan application, promissory notes, Check on availability of scholarships (what he had only applied to private schools). We had to work fast since tuition is due Monday. Phew! Keep your fingers crossed!
Then, back to laundry and packing!
**********************************************************************************
Darrell started classes this morning at University of South Carolina Upstate. Darrell and college is an interesting combination. Last year he was registered in plenty of time - the decision for him to live in the dorm was made at the last minute, There was a flurry of frenzied activity just before the start of the school year to get him dorm-ready.
This year he made the decision to attend a public university. This decision was made rather late in the college application process. The decision to apply to USCU was made even later. He was notified 10 days ago that he was accepted. Yesterday was his scheduled orientation. This is when he had to do get his parking permit, meet with his adviser, select classes (this was interesting since what was available one minute was closed by the time it was entered in the computer), buy books, get his student i.d. and visit the financial aid office. We got everything done except financial aid. That office and the book store both closed at 5:00. With classes beginning the next morning we opted for the book store.
We had to change everything; get his FAFSA info sent to USCU, cancel loans which were to be disbursed to Erskine next week, find a new lender (last year's lender is no longer doing student loans), loan application, promissory notes, Check on availability of scholarships (what he had only applied to private schools). We had to work fast since tuition is due Monday. Phew! Keep your fingers crossed!
Then, back to laundry and packing!
**********************************************************************************
- Our grandson, Matthew, was here last week and we got a couple of quick visits with him. He's back in Texas now and I already miss him terribly.
- We start school right after Labor Day. It should be a great year!
- Kaitlyn's doing well and gaining weight just like the Dr. wanted.
- Elisa has started seeing her Dr. weekly now. We're on the final stretch and baby Zachary will be here before we know it.
- I enjoy USA Today's (online) daily Soduko Puzzles. Particularly the 30-day archive.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Nikki Update
It's Sunday evening and I am so happy to report that I've received two good reports on Nikki. The first was her platelet count from Friday came in at a wonderful 41,000! (whoopin,' hollerin,' jumping up and down) They were also able to get her blood on the first attempt. That alone is such a blessing.
I also just heard from Dawn that Nikki had a good day as far as being fairly asymtomatic; no headache, a bit more energy, and fading spots. She did have a nosebleed, but even that was less severe and of shorter duration than before. These improvements are due to the heavy-duty meds she's on. If I'm understanding right, the goal is that her body will take over and basically do what the meds are doing. If not, another round of meds will be needed.
There's such a long road ahead, but at least this stretch is less treacherous than where they've traveled so far.
Please keep praying.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Prayers Needed...
Hello Friends,
The first thought that comes to mind as I type this is "Blogging is Stupid!"
This blog is my own little playpen where I can whine about the current inconvenience or a
nnoyance, share my thoughts about my family, vacations, depression, meals, restaurants, outings, etc. All normal, everyday stuff that, when it's all said and done, doesn't matter a single bit.
Sometimes it's nice to have a place to go where life's "stuff" doesn't matter. A break from all the stuff that does matter; all the stuff we have to deal with - whether we want to or not. But really, right now it feels incredibly insignificant.
So Tonight, I'm taking a break from the "norm," and will focus on something that matters - something that matters very much.
The beautiful young lady you see here with the $1,000,000 smile is Nicole Christine Lehotay. She's 16 (and plenty "sweet!") and is the daughter of my very best friend in the entire world.
She's a wonderful daughter and friend, an honor student with college-level courses and she likes her fun serious. Much of that for the last 12 years has been found on the soccer field. She's been learning to drive and getting ready for her junior year of high school.
But there's a problem...
Three weeks ago she started feeling tired. A week or so later she was grumpy, and still tired. Her mother noticed puffiness around Nicole's eyes. Each day got a little worse and before long there were headaches, nausea, and then spots.
The mysterious spots were caused from her capillaries; they were 'leaking." She was immediately sent to the hospital - the "good" one a little further away. STAT blood work was ordered and what followed has been an emotional trip to hell and back for Nicole, her family, and friends.
Platelet counts that should have been 150,000 - 450,000 was a mere 6,000. Test after test, treatment after treatment, needle after needle, and finally a diagnosis: Evans Syndrome.
Evans Syndrome is an autoimmune disease in which an individual's antibodies attack their own RBCs (red blood cells) as well as their platelets. In other words, her immune system is turning on itself. This is a serious condition and your prayers are needed.
She's also been diagnosed with mono and has enlarged liver and spleen. Nicole's platelet count bottomed out at a level "too low to count." With treatment she has improved and was able to go home once her count reached 11,000. At last count she had reached 20,000. At this level she is still prone to bleeding - nose bleeds, bruising, etc. She's exhausted and suffers with daily headaches.
While showing improvement, she's not out of the woods yet.
So I ask for your prayers...
Please pray for Nicole; for healing and complete recovery. For her count to reach 30,000 quickly and for continued improvement after that with no recurrence.
Mostly, please pray for what you feel in your heart.
My prayers are for her her healing, for her medical team, for her delicate and worn out veins. Prayers, too, for her peace of mind at such a frightening time.
Prayers for her family; for their strength and peace. For their wisdom in dealing in such unfamiliar territory, and for confidence in providing Nicole's care when they feel out of their element and overwhelmed.
Finally, if you would also pray for those of us who love them, that we can be a help and comfort, never a burden. That we will know what to say when we don't know what to say. That we will know when to listen and not say anything at all. Mostly, that our love and concern can span the physical distance involved since so many friends and family members are located in states other than Pennsylvania.
My friend, Dawn, Nicole's mother, is a regular reader of this blog. Please feel free to leave comments here for her and/or Nicole. You can also email comments and prayers to me at SWiren@charter.net and I will forward them.
Thank you...
The first thought that comes to mind as I type this is "Blogging is Stupid!"
This blog is my own little playpen where I can whine about the current inconvenience or a
nnoyance, share my thoughts about my family, vacations, depression, meals, restaurants, outings, etc. All normal, everyday stuff that, when it's all said and done, doesn't matter a single bit. Sometimes it's nice to have a place to go where life's "stuff" doesn't matter. A break from all the stuff that does matter; all the stuff we have to deal with - whether we want to or not. But really, right now it feels incredibly insignificant.
So Tonight, I'm taking a break from the "norm," and will focus on something that matters - something that matters very much.
The beautiful young lady you see here with the $1,000,000 smile is Nicole Christine Lehotay. She's 16 (and plenty "sweet!") and is the daughter of my very best friend in the entire world.
She's a wonderful daughter and friend, an honor student with college-level courses and she likes her fun serious. Much of that for the last 12 years has been found on the soccer field. She's been learning to drive and getting ready for her junior year of high school.
But there's a problem...
Three weeks ago she started feeling tired. A week or so later she was grumpy, and still tired. Her mother noticed puffiness around Nicole's eyes. Each day got a little worse and before long there were headaches, nausea, and then spots.
The mysterious spots were caused from her capillaries; they were 'leaking." She was immediately sent to the hospital - the "good" one a little further away. STAT blood work was ordered and what followed has been an emotional trip to hell and back for Nicole, her family, and friends.
Platelet counts that should have been 150,000 - 450,000 was a mere 6,000. Test after test, treatment after treatment, needle after needle, and finally a diagnosis: Evans Syndrome.
Evans Syndrome is an autoimmune disease in which an individual's antibodies attack their own RBCs (red blood cells) as well as their platelets. In other words, her immune system is turning on itself. This is a serious condition and your prayers are needed.
She's also been diagnosed with mono and has enlarged liver and spleen. Nicole's platelet count bottomed out at a level "too low to count." With treatment she has improved and was able to go home once her count reached 11,000. At last count she had reached 20,000. At this level she is still prone to bleeding - nose bleeds, bruising, etc. She's exhausted and suffers with daily headaches.
While showing improvement, she's not out of the woods yet.
So I ask for your prayers...
Please pray for Nicole; for healing and complete recovery. For her count to reach 30,000 quickly and for continued improvement after that with no recurrence.
Mostly, please pray for what you feel in your heart.
My prayers are for her her healing, for her medical team, for her delicate and worn out veins. Prayers, too, for her peace of mind at such a frightening time.
Prayers for her family; for their strength and peace. For their wisdom in dealing in such unfamiliar territory, and for confidence in providing Nicole's care when they feel out of their element and overwhelmed.
Finally, if you would also pray for those of us who love them, that we can be a help and comfort, never a burden. That we will know what to say when we don't know what to say. That we will know when to listen and not say anything at all. Mostly, that our love and concern can span the physical distance involved since so many friends and family members are located in states other than Pennsylvania.
My friend, Dawn, Nicole's mother, is a regular reader of this blog. Please feel free to leave comments here for her and/or Nicole. You can also email comments and prayers to me at SWiren@charter.net and I will forward them.
Thank you...
Monday, August 11, 2008
Never Too Old To Learn New Tricks...
"Do not be angry that you cannot make others as you would wish them to be, since you cannot make yourself as you wish to be."
-- Thomas à Kempis
This quote made it to my inbox this weekend and I quickly moved it to my "keeper" file. This is something I need to be reminded of often.
It also reminded me of a television show our family has been watching recently, "It's Me or the Dog." I've really been fascinated watching this. I'm not a very savvy pet-owner and it amazes me to see how problem dogs can turn around with a little training and patience. Ok, maybe a LOT of training and patience. But you get the point. The episode we saw today was the most extreme case I've seen yet. This dog was completely out of control in every situation. He also happened to be 7 years old. Even at that age and stage of this dog's life, the boundaries put in place and the training completely turned this dog around.
So...before you say "You can't teach an old dog new tricks..." I'll bet you can!
******************************************************************************
My favorite time of year is quickly approaching. I absolutely love autumn! My seasonal preferences are, in order,
AUTUMN, WINTER, SPRING
oh yeah, almost forgot - summer.
In all fairness, summer is good because it usually means a vacation and extra time off for Memorial Day and Labor Day. It's nice to have daylight into the evening and there's a certain feeling of freedom that floats in the hot, humid air. I also enjoy Ken's BBQ skills that enable me to keep the kitchen relatively cool.
But, back to autumn... back to school and new adventures, the first hint of cool air, changing/falling leaves, Friday night high school football, hot chocolate made from scratch, and anticipation... Thanksgiving and Christmas are just around the corner!
Speaking of anticipation... Elisa and Rob are expecting their little boy very close to the first day of autumn which falls on September 22nd this year. Baby Zachary's due date is September 19th. Recent reports indicate he may be a little early, though. He wants to show all of us what a big boy he is already!
******************************************************************************
As a final thought to end this weekend...
I've probably mentioned before how much I love our church, Freedom Fellowship. We've been there about a year and a half or so now. I still get blown away by the amount of planning, effort, hard work and general participation by the members that goes into everything the church does. With that in mind, it was with great pleasure that Ken and I worked with our church today at its 2nd annual "Back to School Bash." On hand for the festivities were...
-- Thomas à Kempis
This quote made it to my inbox this weekend and I quickly moved it to my "keeper" file. This is something I need to be reminded of often.
It also reminded me of a television show our family has been watching recently, "It's Me or the Dog." I've really been fascinated watching this. I'm not a very savvy pet-owner and it amazes me to see how problem dogs can turn around with a little training and patience. Ok, maybe a LOT of training and patience. But you get the point. The episode we saw today was the most extreme case I've seen yet. This dog was completely out of control in every situation. He also happened to be 7 years old. Even at that age and stage of this dog's life, the boundaries put in place and the training completely turned this dog around.
So...before you say "You can't teach an old dog new tricks..." I'll bet you can!
******************************************************************************
My favorite time of year is quickly approaching. I absolutely love autumn! My seasonal preferences are, in order,
AUTUMN, WINTER, SPRING
oh yeah, almost forgot - summer.
In all fairness, summer is good because it usually means a vacation and extra time off for Memorial Day and Labor Day. It's nice to have daylight into the evening and there's a certain feeling of freedom that floats in the hot, humid air. I also enjoy Ken's BBQ skills that enable me to keep the kitchen relatively cool.
But, back to autumn... back to school and new adventures, the first hint of cool air, changing/falling leaves, Friday night high school football, hot chocolate made from scratch, and anticipation... Thanksgiving and Christmas are just around the corner!
Speaking of anticipation... Elisa and Rob are expecting their little boy very close to the first day of autumn which falls on September 22nd this year. Baby Zachary's due date is September 19th. Recent reports indicate he may be a little early, though. He wants to show all of us what a big boy he is already!
******************************************************************************
As a final thought to end this weekend...
I've probably mentioned before how much I love our church, Freedom Fellowship. We've been there about a year and a half or so now. I still get blown away by the amount of planning, effort, hard work and general participation by the members that goes into everything the church does. With that in mind, it was with great pleasure that Ken and I worked with our church today at its 2nd annual "Back to School Bash." On hand for the festivities were...
- 550+ free backpacks filled with "back-to-school" supplies for the kids
- Inflatables; obstacle course, jump house, and slide
- Hot Dog/Potato Chip supper (while it lasted - over 400 hot dogs were prepared)
- Sodas, bottled water, snow cones
- Face painting station
- Music
The turnout was great and it was so nice to see all the folks who showed up. I was working in the drink tent and we had a long line the whole time I was there. The event was held between 6:00-8:00 pm Last year there was a LOT of leftover food and backpacks. Today the food was gone right before 7:00 pm. No leftovers to worry about this time!
Blessings for the week ahead...
Friday, August 8, 2008
Life's Just Slower In These Parts...
Ok, so maybe life's not that much slower here - I think it's just me.
Wow! I can't believe how long it's been since I've posted here! In my defense, we have had a lot going on.
For instance... We were displaced from our home for almost a week due to air conditioner problems. As if losing your a/c isn't bad enough at the end of July/first of August, trust me - it can (and did) get worse. Oh, did I mention this was during a string of 95-102 degree days??? It started that we just needed a part replaced. Until, of course, they found that the new part wouldn't fit on the old equipment due to something stripped, something rusted, etc, etc, etc. I learned more about air handlers than I cared to. Particularly how expensive they are, and that what went into a small space a number of years ago may not necessarily come back out the same way. English translation: The old air handler is stuck in the attic!
Through all of this, though, I can't thank my daughter, Elisa, enough. It was because of her that we had a comfortable, air-conditioned, hospitable place to stay. We were merely inconvenienced - not miserable in the sweltering heat. If we didn't know better we could almost convince ourselves we were on vacation. Elisa, Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!
***************************************************************************
We've had a few occasions to see Kaitlyn during the last few weeks. She's so beautiful and sweet. She needs to gain a little weight, though. She was at the doctor today and needs to go back for a re-check next week.
***************************************************************************
We're anxiously counting down the weeks to Zachary's due date. As expected, Elisa is big, feeling bigger, heavy, hot all the time, and wondering what happened to her feet! I nag her to slow down a little and get more rest, but it's hard for her. Like the rest of us, she keeps a pretty full plate.
****************************************************************************
Great News! Darrell found out today that he was accepted at FAU (Florida Atlantic University). The only problem is that now he doesn't want to go there. We're anxiously waiting to hear from USC Upstate. Assuming he gets in there, he'll be home this year. If not, Florida is a probability. I'm not sure about FAU, but USCU starts on the 21st of August!
****************************************************************************
During our quasi-vacation, I did get a good start on my lesson-planning duties for the coming school year. I think it's going to be a great year. Just don't ask Christopher about his English course - I don't think he'll be thrilled with it. He should love his Math and Spelling. The rest should be fairly middle-of-the-road as far as a love it-like-it-dislike it-hate it measurement. Abbey loves most of her school subjects. They're particularly looking forward to co-op (music, art, and Spanish), and homeschool choir.
****************************************************************************
That's about all for now. I'm not feeling very creative and we've really just been taking care of day-to-day life things. Business is still fun and exciting (www.MaryKay.com/SWiren) , and, I've got a wonderful project in the works that I'll write about next time.
*****************************************************************************
I'll apologize in advance in case there's another long break in-between posts. We're just spending time with family. I'm very thankful that having a husband and 3 kids at home (7, 10, 18) is time consuming. Add to that my business, a toddler grandson, a newborn granddaughter, a daughter who just had a c-section, a daughter expecting her 1st child in a few weeks, a fast-approaching year of homeschooling 2 elementary-age kids, working with and advising a college student in changing schools, new kittens, an older kitten, a jealous cat, and a family vacation - and, well, some things just get left undone.
****************************************************************************
Make some wonderful memories this weekend!
Wow! I can't believe how long it's been since I've posted here! In my defense, we have had a lot going on.
For instance... We were displaced from our home for almost a week due to air conditioner problems. As if losing your a/c isn't bad enough at the end of July/first of August, trust me - it can (and did) get worse. Oh, did I mention this was during a string of 95-102 degree days??? It started that we just needed a part replaced. Until, of course, they found that the new part wouldn't fit on the old equipment due to something stripped, something rusted, etc, etc, etc. I learned more about air handlers than I cared to. Particularly how expensive they are, and that what went into a small space a number of years ago may not necessarily come back out the same way. English translation: The old air handler is stuck in the attic!
Through all of this, though, I can't thank my daughter, Elisa, enough. It was because of her that we had a comfortable, air-conditioned, hospitable place to stay. We were merely inconvenienced - not miserable in the sweltering heat. If we didn't know better we could almost convince ourselves we were on vacation. Elisa, Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!
***************************************************************************
We've had a few occasions to see Kaitlyn during the last few weeks. She's so beautiful and sweet. She needs to gain a little weight, though. She was at the doctor today and needs to go back for a re-check next week.
***************************************************************************
We're anxiously counting down the weeks to Zachary's due date. As expected, Elisa is big, feeling bigger, heavy, hot all the time, and wondering what happened to her feet! I nag her to slow down a little and get more rest, but it's hard for her. Like the rest of us, she keeps a pretty full plate.
****************************************************************************
Great News! Darrell found out today that he was accepted at FAU (Florida Atlantic University). The only problem is that now he doesn't want to go there. We're anxiously waiting to hear from USC Upstate. Assuming he gets in there, he'll be home this year. If not, Florida is a probability. I'm not sure about FAU, but USCU starts on the 21st of August!
****************************************************************************
During our quasi-vacation, I did get a good start on my lesson-planning duties for the coming school year. I think it's going to be a great year. Just don't ask Christopher about his English course - I don't think he'll be thrilled with it. He should love his Math and Spelling. The rest should be fairly middle-of-the-road as far as a love it-like-it-dislike it-hate it measurement. Abbey loves most of her school subjects. They're particularly looking forward to co-op (music, art, and Spanish), and homeschool choir.
****************************************************************************
That's about all for now. I'm not feeling very creative and we've really just been taking care of day-to-day life things. Business is still fun and exciting (www.MaryKay.com/SWiren) , and, I've got a wonderful project in the works that I'll write about next time.
*****************************************************************************
I'll apologize in advance in case there's another long break in-between posts. We're just spending time with family. I'm very thankful that having a husband and 3 kids at home (7, 10, 18) is time consuming. Add to that my business, a toddler grandson, a newborn granddaughter, a daughter who just had a c-section, a daughter expecting her 1st child in a few weeks, a fast-approaching year of homeschooling 2 elementary-age kids, working with and advising a college student in changing schools, new kittens, an older kitten, a jealous cat, and a family vacation - and, well, some things just get left undone.
****************************************************************************
Make some wonderful memories this weekend!
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