Sandy's Pearrls

FIVE POUNDS

2011-06-04T07:35:00.000-05:00

Reese is still in the hospital growing and just learning how to eat. Last night she weighed 5 pounds. She only lost down to 4 lbs 4 ounces so she has really done well. The doctor told Erin the other day that she was doing "marvelous." Such good news to hear. She passed her hearing screening and all other screenings they have done. Everyone in the NICU thinks she is just beautiful. Of course we feel the same way. She has been moved to the Continuing Care Unit which is just an extension of the NICU and the care is no different. She only has her NG tube to complete her feedings in case she doesn't finish them. She gets 20 minutes to eat and after that they tube what she didn't drink. The reason for this is so she can rest. Last night she took 50 cc's and that is close to her goal. She must consistently take her goal feeling for a certain length of time before she can come home.

We are very anxious to introduce Grant to his little baby sister!

LET ME INTRODUCE YOU......

2011-05-23T08:03:00.000-05:00

REESE GENTRY OGUIN

BORN MAY 20, 2011

4 LBS 7 OZS

17.5"

5:13 PM

TOO LONG!

2011-05-08T08:56:00.001-05:00

It has been too long since I have posted and just wanted to catch up with a few pictures! This Spring has flown by and we have had some crazy weather. Just looking forward to a wonderful summer.

We are looking forward to a busy summer and the arrival of my new granddaughter in late June or early July! Stay tuned!

HAPPY 2ND BIRTHDAY GRANT!!!!

2011-02-20T15:56:00.000-06:00

We all celebrated Grant’s 2nd birthday on Saturday, February 12. He has grown into such a big boy and is so sweet. His favorite things (at 2 years old) are playing outside, playing inside, okay, just playing anywhere. He is always excited when Luke, Rylee, and Parker are around and he wears himself out playing with them. He and Parker are about the same size and have had a couple of tiffs that almost came to blows! It’s kind of funny to watch them to see who gets the upper hand. At 2 he weighs almost 30 pounds (just a couple of ounces shy of 30) and is tall for his age. He is starting to talk and is very particular about most things. If he doesn’t want to change clothes then he just doesn’t. Don’t even try! He doesn’t care if they are dirty or wet. He probably likes what he is wearing. The “twos” are upon us and we love him just the same.

Happy 2nd Birthday Sugarman!

And for more great news. Grant is going to be a big brother to a LITTLE SISTER! I am thrilled that I will be having another granddaughter (and so is Rylee). She should be here around the first of July and her name will be Reese Gentry Oguin. We can’t wait to meet her!

Picture Alert (#2 - Also see #1)

2011-01-20T19:32:00.000-06:00

Santa came to see Grant on Christmas Eve. It's just too much to cram in one day and he didn't really care what day Santa came to see him.

When he first came out of his room that morning he was really mad. He had no idea what was going on!

Then he saw what Santa brought!

The next morning Santa came to see Luke, Rylee and Parker! A good time was had by all and we almost lost Rylee in all the paper!

We all got together to watch the Sugar Bowl and the kids had a blast!

And last but not least - the snow! Just beautiful..

Ashley's house!

That should get me up to date - ha! Maybe I will do better updating my blog this year! Happy New Year to all!

Picture Alert! (#1)

2011-01-20T17:32:00.001-06:00

I have not had time since Jeff's accident to update my blog so here I go with lots of pictures and a few comments!

In November, Luke's (#22) football team went to the Championship but didn't win. There was only one game in which Luke didn't make a touchdown! It was a great season and he can't wait to play again next year.

Parker celebrated his 3rd birthday on November 20 and had a great time. They had a bouncy house that all the kids loved and it turned out to be a beautiful day. I love you Parker!

Rylee had her first Mother/Daughter Christmas Cookie Tea and the girls had so much fun sharing cookies, ornaments, and other goodies to eat.

Look at part 2!

WHY IS GRANT SO HAPPY?

2010-11-11T07:16:00.000-06:00

Grant has some exciting news! Can you guess why he is so happy???

In fact his whole family is happy!

He can't quit celebrating!

Because he is going to be a big brother!

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-31T11:49:00.001-05:00

We celebrated Halloween in Wynne last night and the kids had a great time! Luke, Rylee, and Parker went to a party with a bon fire and a hayride. Grant went trick or treating with his girlfriend, Lexi! I made Grant's costume and a last minute "Scream" costume for Luke.

Luke ("Scream")

Rylee (Cute Little Ladybug)

Parker (Scary - but cute - Dinosaur)

Grant (Fearless Pirate)

Grant and his girlfriend Lexi - an awesome kitty!

Ashley (The Beautiful Witch)

Russ, Grant, Erin, Crystal, Lexi, and George!

A good time was had by all!

MENA

2010-10-21T09:49:00.001-05:00

Erin and I just returned from a few days in Mena and we had a great trip. We went back to see Mom’s monument which was set a week or so before. It turned out beautiful and I know Mom would love it.

We were hoping to see some beautiful fall foliage but the dry weather has kept the leaves mostly in the brown and yellow shades. Grant barely put up with us as we carted him from cemeteries to shops to hotels. The most fun he had was playing in the puddles at the hotel in Hot Springs.

Our visit with Sue, my cousin in Mena, was great and we can’t wait to go back and spend more time with her and her family. I have so many memories of sweet times there with Sue and her family, my grandparents, and many holidays spent with extended family so many years ago.

We spent the night on Rich Mountain at Queen Wilhelmina State Park. It stormed during the night and was really foggy the next morning but the views were still awesome.

This is the Rocky Methodist Church which sits next to the Rocky Cemetery. My grandfather lived next to the cemetery and is now buried there.

Can’t wait to go back again next Spring…..

PARKERMAN

2010-09-22T06:41:00.000-05:00

Sweet Little Parker broke his leg last night. He and Rylee were playing around and Rylee said she dropped him. We were all in the next bedroom and went running. Ashley knew right away that something was not good because he is one tough little cookie and he is usually off and running 10 seconds after he gets hurt. They took him to LeBonheur Children's Hospital in Memphis and confirmed that he has a spiral tibia fracture. The doctor said he couldn't walk on it for six to eight weeks. Sure hope they have some little bitty crutches because this little guy will not be down for long!

Hope you feel better today Parkerman - I Love You!

MOMMA

2010-09-14T07:13:00.000-05:00

On August 18, 2010, my sweet precious Momma passed away at the age of 91. She died of an acute heart attack that struck her early that morning. She continued to decline during the day after she was admitted to the hospital but was awake and talking until that evening. No one will ever be able to take the place of my dear Mom and I miss her more than I can say. We were so blessed that Lynda and I and all of her grandchildren were able to be with her before and up until she died. We loved on her, held her, and prayed for her. The room was filled with Elvis gospel music (her favorite) as she peacefully made her way to heaven. Even though she was 91 it still wasn’t easy to let her go.

TO MOM: Happy 92nd Heavenly Birthday today Mom! We will love and miss you always. You are so beautiful! You and Faye better stay out of trouble!

THESE BOOTS WERE MADE FOR WALKING!

2010-07-03T13:43:00.000-05:00

And running...

and exploring...

and swinging on the trees....

and riding on trikes...

and playing hide and seek...

and falling down laughing...

and peeking through the gate...

and finally RESTING...

Summertime!

2010-06-17T16:19:00.000-05:00

I always have lots of butterflies and hummingbirds in my back yard during the summer so I took this picture today. The butterflies love the phlox that is around my deck.

2010-06-14T17:24:00.001-05:00

ONE HOT WEEKEND!

We had another great weekend of baseball and swimming! Luke's team came in second in the baseball tournament even though the heat index was through the roof and we were all melting! We have one more tournament to go until Fall ball starts so NO MORE sitting in the heat after next weekend.

Good hit Luke!

Russ ran the scoreboard and Grant made sure he was well fed while he worked so hard - all the time dipping his little fingers in the cheese dip.

As soon as we got home everyone lined up on the diving board to jump in and cool off. Luke's friend, Ty, came home with him and they all enjoyed the pool after a long hot day.

Grant checked out the diving board but on second thought decided that wasn't for him. He does his best swimming on the pool steps.

Parker didn't back off though - he is a real waterbug!

This is my little t-ball girl! These girls don't know much about softball yet but they sure are cute. Rylee always checks to make sure we are watching!

On a more important note, please remember all those involved in the campground tragedy here in Arkansas this past weekend. There are many devastated families and so much heartbreak. Pray for these families and those who worked so hard to rescue as many as they possibly could.

More later.....

2010-05-18T11:41:00.005-05:00

Luke's baseball team won their first tournament of the year Sunday and they were so excited. They played and won five games and only allowed 6 runs the entire time. They scored 50 runs. Their team has been struggling but it seems this weekend all the boys came together and played like a great team. I'm so proud of Luke and his entire team!!

Way to go Bandits!!!!!

Different game but I love this picture of Luke. He is the best catcher ever (and the ~~cutest~~ most handsome too). And no - I'm not just saying that because he belongs to me.

I'm so glad he chose not to swing at this one.

Plus, he made the "ALL A HONOR ROLL" again!!!

2010-03-06T12:09:00.001-06:00

Just Plain Cute!

Grant loves playing with Luke!

And Rylee!

They all had a fight over Rylee's apple and more apples had to be produced.

Is this not the sweetest pic of Parker?

2010-02-20T12:15:00.000-06:00

Locks of Love!

From this...

to this....

Last Saturday Rylee donated her hair to Locks of Love and I am so proud of her. She was happy that she was able to help a child less fortunate than her. Locks of Love assists financially disadvantaged children suffering from long-term hair loss. I hope she has made a difference in another child's life.

Rylee has such a sweet heart and I wouldn't be surprised if she does this again sometime in the future!

(Beth made her look just like her Mom which was the look she was going for. Thanks Beth!)

2010-02-15T06:54:00.001-06:00

Happy 1st Birthday Grant!

We have been busy all weekend celebrating Grant's first birthday! His birthday was Friday and the party was scheduled for Saturday so Erin made him cupcakes and we had a mini-party Friday night. He loved digging into his cupcake - something he had not experienced before but he definitely decided it was pretty good.

He has grown into such a sweet 1 year old this year. He had a doctor's appointment on his birthday and ended up with five shots but they didn't seem to bother him too much except for a big knot on one of his legs!

Grant has eight teeth, weighs 21 lbs. 10 ounces, is 31 inches tall, crawls faster than I can walk, has taken a few steps but is not too interested in walking just yet, loves grilled cheese sandwiches and sweet tea, blows kisses, loves to clap at all of his achievements, and sleeps well at night.

Erin made his birthday very special and did a great job on everything!

I love this precious boy and can't wait to celebrate all of his birthdays in the coming years!

Ashley made this awesome monkey cake!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SUGARMAN!

I LOVE YOU SOOOOO MUCH!

2010-02-08T08:45:00.000-06:00

BEAUTIFUL!

This is what we woke up to this morning. As of right now we have over 5 inches of snow. The kids are out of school again and will probably be going to school until July this year. I don't think they really care right now!

This was taken from my back door. I love this snow (without ice this time).

2010-01-29T05:42:00.000-06:00

First Haircut

Grant went for his first haircut yesterday and he didn't like it one bit. He cried the entire time. We are hoping he will get used to it and the next time it won't be quite so traumatic for him. A man that was in the shop even offered him his cell phone (which he normally loves to play with) but that didn't work either.

Glen, his barber, was very patient and said he was used to first timers being upset.

He looked so cute and is all ready for his first birthday!

Stay tuned for more haircut news in the next couple of days.....

2010-01-01T09:46:00.002-06:00

ANOTHER HOLIDAY - ANOTHER ER VISIT

Well, make that two ER visits! My little Parker had an accident in Walmart last night - somehow falling out of the cart. He had a bump on the head and a busted chin. Ashley and Pete took him to the ER here in Wynne and they were so busy they didn't know when they could see him. After an hour they still hadn't signed him in. Soooo, Pete took the other kids home and I went with Ashley to the Forrest City ER. Thank goodness they weren't busy and saw him right away. They cleaned up his chin and put dermabond on it and said it didn't look like he had a concussion so he was all fixed up. He was so good I couldn't believe it. Whatever they asked him to do was fine with him.

Anyway, these holidays are about to get the best of us. I'm still thinking about that cruise but now we will have to go from Thanksgiving until New Year's Day to keep everyone safe.

Also, when Parker was in the Wynne ER, Russ' grandmother was brought in with a broken hip after she fell at home. Keep her in your prayers - she has had a tough year! His other grandmother went in the hospital on Monday with a broken pelvis after a fall.

Ashley and I got home right before Midnight to welcome a new year (lots of fireworks around my house) so I want to wish everyone a Happy New Year!

2009-12-31T09:43:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas to All!

Although we were so busy during Christmas and I didn't have time to post anything I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas with lots of days full of great times with family and friends!

It's always fun with my grandkids and they had a great day seeing what Santa brought and also spending the day playing with all their things.

Luke will now be skateboarding in the house with his Tony Hawk Ride Wii game and skateboard...

Rylee will be coloring and cutting hair in the future..

Parker will be doing all of the gardening this summer...

And Grant will be begging for wagon rides...

However, he wasn't too crazy about Santa this year!

So many memories to enjoy!!!!!!

2009-11-27T13:17:00.003-06:00

WHAT IS UP WITH US AND THANKSGIVING????

Backup to last year when Erin was in the hospital Thanksgiving night due to blood pressure problems and facing a way too early delivery of Grant. We had many reasons to be thankful since she did not have to deliver and Grant was born right on time in February.

And then there was the year before at Thanksgiving time when Parker made his entrance in a way too dramatic fashion. Once again we were thankful that all was well with him too! More on him later...

Fast forward to this year (in fact, just yesterday). Grant was not feeling well and as the day wore on and our Thanksgiving celebration continued he started looking worse and worse. Erin and I decided about 8:00 p.m. that he needed to go to the emergency room and get checked. We were off to Memphis and after chest xrays, blood work, flu swab, RSV swab, oxygen and an IV they got a positive result for RSV. So he was admitted to receive oxygen and IV fluids. Today he is feeling a tiny bit better and we are hopeful he will get to come home this evening. We are once again so thankful that he is better and very very thankful for Jill Davis (his ER nurse and Erin's friend for 20 years). We were so happy to see her in the ER when we got there.

On a lighter note - yesterday was Parker's 2nd BIRTHDAY!!!! He had a great time and slowly opened all of his presents (Rylee thought he couldn't get them open fast enough for her to start playing with them). We had a Mickey Mouse cake Ashley made AFTER we ate our Thanksgiving meal. He is getting so big so fast and is as cute as a bug! I love you so so much Parker. Happy Birthday!

And in the middle of all of this Rylee and I worked to put up one of their Christmas trees!

Next year we are all going on a cruise to try to avoid our annual Thanksgiving trip to the hospital!!!!!

2009-10-12T07:03:00.000-05:00

Happy 8 Month Birthday Grant!!!

Grant somehow got to 8 months old very fast and Erin still wants time to slow down! He is about 20 pounds, has two teeth with two more starting to come in, and is such a sweetheart. His smiles just melt my heart. Pretty soon he will be crawling and getting into trouble with the rest of the kids! For now he enjoys watching them play and he can't wait for Halloween (one of his Mom's favorite holidays).

Grant, I Love You more than you will ever know!!!!!

2009-09-22T12:02:00.000-05:00

#1 Stinger Fan and #1 Stinger

Grant was way too cute all decked out (he got to wear his new big boy tennis shoes) for the football game on Saturday. He is Luke's #1 fan.

Luke made two touchdowns and the final score was 12-0!! He's the one below with the blue socks and the only one on the team with blue socks but we told him he has to wear them now because it's easier to find him on the field. I'm so proud of him...

It started raining early and rained throughout the whole game but we stuck it out with our umbrellas and only our bottoms were soaking wet. Russ and Grant retreated to the truck but had a great place to watch the game anyway (and they stayed dry.)

Next week we play in Earle and, hopefully, the Stingers will be 3-0!

2009-09-19T08:24:00.000-05:00

ZZZZZZZZZZZZ.....

Seriously, this girl can sleep ANYWHERE!

Remember - Rylee loved her nap on the granite countertop...

When she finally gives up it doesn't matter where she is!

2009-09-12T07:04:00.000-05:00

Bears, Bandits, and Stingers

The first of the year Luke was busy with Upward Basketball. His team, the Bears, did very well and Luke could really fly up and down the court.

Then in the Spring he started baseball. This was the first year for kid-pitched ball and he loves it. He is the catcher and his enthusiasm shows in every play he makes. He is on a traveling team (the Bandits) and this Fall is playing in tournaments (mostly out-of-town).

Now he is playing football and has waited so long to wear that uniform! The Stingers' first game is today and he is so excited. His position is running back on offense and linebacker on defense. He was timed as the fastest 4th grader. Way to go Luke! Can't wait to see you play....

Thank goodness he decided to give up soccer this year......

2009-08-27T16:58:00.000-05:00

ORANGE BEACH 2009

We had a great vacation this year and had a great condo just over the Perdido Pass Bridge in Orange Beach. Our condo was huge with three bedrooms and three large bathrooms.

Pete, Ashley, Luke, and Rylee went to the waterpark the first day we were there while the rest of us got settled in. We had beautiful weather the entire week and the water was so clear. However, there were a LOT of HUGE jellyfish hanging out at the edge of the shoreline.

No one stopped from daylight til dark everyday swimming, eating, and playing in the sand and ocean. Grant, Parker, and Rylee took a few naps when they couldn't possibly go anymore. Rylee preferred the cool granite countertop for her naps!

Grant turned 6 months old while we were there and also got his first TOOTH!! He loved the beach and the swimming pool and also made the trip without a peep. He said he couldn't wait until next year to go again.

We ate at some great places and Parker's favorite was Lulu's where he danced the night away.

I'll write more later - since I have a lot of catching up to do - in fact, the whole summer!

Ashley took Luke and Rylee to watch the Blue Angels during their practice session and Luke got all of their autographs and loved talking to the pilots.

The week, as always, went by way too fast! We can't wait until next year either, Grant!

2009-08-16T15:11:00.000-05:00

A Great Place to Start Again!!!

Just got back from vacation late last night! It's been a while since I posted so it is time...

More to come.....

Special Prayer Requests

2009-04-21T05:50:00.000-05:00

My cousin, Sonny, will be traveling to the Mayo Clinic next week for treatment for metastatic melanoma. Please keep him in your prayers as the doctors try to find the source of his cancer. His family has been through so much the past couple of years. My cousin, Cinda (Sonny's sister), has breast cancer and his granddaughter, Baylee, has neuroblastoma.

Pray that Grannie and Rylee's bones heal quickly and that they have no more problems from these breaks.

Everyone in Mena (and especially my family members) need your prayers as they recover from the devastation of their little town due to a tornado a couple of weeks ago. Their recovery will be a long process.

BABIES, BUNNIES, AND BALL!!!

2009-04-21T04:29:00.000-05:00

Grant is growing so fast we have decided to put a brick on his head to try to slow him down. His is still such a good baby only fussing when he is hungry or sleepy. At his doctor's appointment a couple of weeks ago he weighed 13 lbs 1 oz. He is now two months old and had a great First Easter. He slept through church enjoying the special music and dreaming of the Easter bunny.

Erin has gone back to work and hates that she has to be away from Grant. We text a zillion times a day with updates on Grant.

Erin and Ashley's Grannie Brawner broke her hip on Friday before Easter so we cancelled our Easter dinner and egg hunt. We spent time on Saturday and Sunday at the hospital with her after her surgery. They put in three screws during surgery and she is now in rehab and doing great! She told us not to tell everyone because they would kick her out of the hospital and she wouldn't get waited on as much or get much sympathy. She has such a great attitude and we promised to keep her secret!

Luke played his first baseball tournament a couple of weeks ago and came in second. The umps called the game for time and our coach protested but they just said "too bad." He later got an apology (since he was right) because the championship game cannot be called for time. Anyway, it was great pre-season practice and we all had a great time. This is Luke's first year for kid pitched ball and since they can now steal the bases he is having a great time with that.

Rylee was all set to play Weeball this year and was loving it, however, last Tuesday she fell off the barstool at home and broke her arm. I know she is disappointed about ball but she will be ready to go next year. She broke her arm right above her wrist but is handling it all great. Her hot pink cast makes it all worth it!!!! Her coach hated to lose her - he said she was the fastest and could throw the ball better than anyone - even the boys!

We just try to keep up with Parker. He is so cute and laughs so much - he just cracks me up all the time. He loves his big brother and they spent an afternoon mowing my yard. He was so cute Easter - I told him he looked like a "Dreamsicle."

More to come......

2009-03-24T09:27:00.000-05:00

RANDOM STUFF!

I know it has been a while since I posted but I spend my days either keeping Luke, Rylee, and Parker or working and at night I am at Erin’s keeping her company since Russ works evenings. (That way I get to hold and love on Grant a bunch!)

Luke, Rylee, and Parker have all been sick this week. Luke has the flu, Parker has an ear infection, and Rylee woke up with fever on Friday. This Winter has been rough on these three with at least one being sick all the time! Hopefully, the coming Spring weather will help them get well and stay that way for a while! Ashley and Pete are just about worn out.

Luke spent several days in Washington, D.C. this past week with his Grammy Janet. She was speaking before Congress on Tuesday but the other days were filled with seeing all the sites of Washington. Luke said his overall favorite thing was the plane ride and his favorite thing about Washington was the Capitol Building. Janet always gets tickets for a White House tour but after several contacts with Senator Lincoln she was told it wasn’t possible. Guess that’s typical of our current adminstration. His open door White House policy has apparently also been rescinded! Oh well, we better get used to it. Seems as though lots of his promises have been rescinded.
Hopefully I can get some of Luke’s pictures and post them. He turned out to be a pretty good photographer on his trip.

Grant is growing so fast we can’t stand it! He is really serious about his milk and you better not take it away or you will hear about it. He rarely ever cries and if he does it doesn’t last more than a few seconds. He loves to smile and show his cute dimples! Erin and I took him to the doctor today for a little congestion and he weighs - are you ready for this???? - 11 POUNDS AND 7 OUNCES. These pictures are with his Build-A-Bear and he has definitely added a few pounds and inches!

On March 16 Erin’s friend, Crystal, had her baby and she is a cutie! She only weighed 4 lbs. 14 ozs. and is now home and doing great. This is Lexi and Grant. We thought Grant was so little - he makes more than two of her!

Ashley made this cake for Crystal and Lexi's baby shower! She gets better all the time.

The last two pictures were just too cute not to post. The first one is not very clear but you can see his dimple!

2009-02-28T10:43:00.000-06:00

What a Sweet Face!!!

Just had to post this sweet face. He is growing fast (don't tell Erin I said that). She loves this time and wants it to slow down!

I love this picture too!

Luke held him first when they got home! Rylee didn't know that or she would have been mad. She did get her turn though and they are both loving on him as often as they can! Parker really hasn't noticed him much other than pointing to him.

2009-02-23T17:54:00.000-06:00

A NICU NURSE AND A NICU BABY….

What happens when a NICU Nurse has a NICU Baby? It is a lot different being on the outside looking in than being on the inside looking out. Erin will now have much more compassion and understanding of what is involved when your baby is sick. Although she had a lot of compassion and understanding before - it just takes on a whole new meaning. Grant had such great nurses to help us through the entire process and we are very thankful for their expertise. Two of the nurses had been NICU nurses for over 25 years (each). We would leave scratching our heads over all the information we tried to consume while visiting Grant.

That being said there are so many people to thank and I’m sure I will leave someone out but I‘ll try anyway….

THANK YOU to….

God - We know you healed Grant and we are thankful for all of the answered prayers!

Doctors and Nurses - To Dr. Stern, the neonatologists, and all of the NICU nurses and OB Nurses at Baptist Women’s Hospital - we thank you for taking great care of Erin and Grant.

Our Family - Whether you were here or in Tennessee, Kansas, Texas, or in all areas of Arkansas or another state - we felt your love and prayers. Tyra, thank you for letting me know that almost the entire town of Mena was praying for Grant. That is awesome!

Our Friends - There is nowhere to begin with this one. So many friends were praying in Wynne, St. Louis, New Orleans, Jonesboro, Rogers, Little Rock, Fayetteville, Trumann, just to name a few!!! You will all remain in our hearts forever. (To my Wade Sisters - thank you for sending encouraging messages every day - I love you all!)

Churches - I know entire churches were praying for Grant and we will never forget what you have done for us. As Bro. Matt said the day Grant came home, “God is good.” A special thank you to Bro. Matt Pearson and Jeff Brawner (my nephew who is a minister in a Memphis church) for their trips to the hospital to pray with Erin and Russ.

We have so very much to be thankful for today and will forever be grateful for each and every person in our lives! I hope you all get the chance to love on Baby Grant soon!

2009-02-19T22:03:00.000-06:00

THIS SIGN SAYS IT ALL!!!! (Day 8 - Thurs. - Feb. 19)

Russ, Erin, and Grant made it home tonight about 6:00 p.m. It has been a long day of waiting and preparing for them to get home. I will post a longer update tomorrow. We are all just so happy to have them home safe and sound. Can you hear my sigh of relief from way over here?

We are praising God every minute for healing his lungs and bringing him home to us!

2009-02-19T08:01:00.000-06:00

HE IS AN OVERACHIEVER! (Day 7 - Wednesday - Feb. 18)

Just had to list a few of Grant’s accomplishments for today:

1. Dr. Hamilton came over from LeBonheur Children’s Hospital to do his echocardiogram and the little hole in his sweet heart has closed.
2. He was given his hearing screening today and passed with flying colors.
3. He was moved to a big boy bed.

4. He nursed today for the first time and did so well.
5. He will get his last dose of antibiotics tonight.
6. His bilirubin had gone back down. It was up and down the last couple of days but so far he has avoided the bililights and sunglasses.
7. He got to wear big boy clothes. When I was there his nurse put him in a yellow and blue outfit so I guess he is officially a “Yellowjacket.”
9. His Grammy got to hold him for the first time and his Aunt Ashley got to hold him last night. I know I listed this last but believe me - there was no better feeling than loving on this beautiful boy!

PRAISE GOD FOR ALL OF OUR ANSWERED PRAYERS! Please pray for all the other little babies who are fighting in the NICU. There are so many families who are also praying to bring their babies home.

Grant is saying his bedtime prayers and is praying for all his tiny friends in the NICU.

2009-02-18T07:33:00.000-06:00

COUNTING OUR BLESSINGS! (TUESDAY - Day 6)

A short update for now!

Today was another great day for Baby Grant! He ate so well today (and was still wanting more). Erin said he would just go right to sleep after she burped him. Tonight they will be taking his umbilical IV out. That is a big step and one I will be glad to see happen. They told Erin he will be in a regular crib in the NICU in the next day or two and will be able to wear CLOTHES!!! She can’t wait to put some of his real clothes on him. Grant really has made LEAPS AND BOUNDS in his recovery over the past two days. The first four days were so scary.

The power of prayer is awesome! So many friends, relatives, and entire churches were praying for him on Sunday and so many of those prayers are being answered. What a difference a day makes! We are on our knees thanking God for our many blessings.

This was Erin and Russ’ first Valentine card from their little miracle!

2009-02-16T21:00:00.000-06:00

A GREAT DAY - MONDAY - Day 5 !

Today was the best yet with Grant being free of all tubes from his face. See how beautiful he is!

When I got to the hospital this morning Erin could hardly wait for Russ to take me to the NICU to see Grant and I wasn‘t sure why. She said be sure to take your camera so I thought something must be good. When we got there I was so surprised to see him with no tubes and he was just looking all around (I think he recognized me!). Then the nurse told us that he just had a bottle (his first breast milk) and drank 10cc’s. We were shocked because we thought that was at least a couple of days away. He tolerated it fine and they are no longer concerned about his digestive system. PRAYER ANSWERED!

In the afternoon Bro. Matt came to visit and prayed for Baby Grant. We enjoyed his visit so much. One (among many) specific prayer request was offered up and we can’t believe what happened on our next visit. At 4:00 p.m. we went to see Grant again and the nurse said to Erin “I think you need to hold your son and he needs for you to hold him.” So Erin and Russ spent the next hour holding and loving on him. This was also not expected for several more days. PRAYER ANSWERED! (Thank you Bro. Matt!)

Grant is still working hard to breathe but his sats are at 100 and you can’t get better than that. The breathing issues should get better over the next few days. He still has a few more days in the NICU for his pneumonia to clear up but he will be home, hopefully, before he is two weeks old. (Maybe way before if he keeps doing so well.)

Erin is doing well but is still pretty sore. Her blood pressure and high heart rate issues are starting to get better so she will probably be discharged tomorrow and they will move into the Hampton Inn which is on the hospital property. Russ is doing great and has been so good to Erin. I could sense a look of relief on his face today with so many positive things happening.

I can’t say enough or thank everyone enough for the prayers, support, and love over the past five days. Please continue to pray for Grant to breathe easier.

Will update tomorrow - love you all…………..

2009-02-16T07:55:00.000-06:00

YOUR PRAYERS ARE WORKING!!!

This update was for Sunday (I got home too late to post that night).

When I said this to my nephew (Jeff Brawner) today - he said “they always do.” He is so right. Thank you, Jeff, for coming with your family to pray with Erin and Russ today.

Grant was feeling a bit better today. These may be little teeny tiny baby steps but to me they feel like leaps and bounds. Erin called when I was on my way to the hospital this morning to tell me Grant was on room air and looked better. He still has his nasal cannula but now it is only helping to push the room air when he breathes. They fed him 7 cc’s through his tube today but his digestion system is still not working quite right. They will try to feed him again tomorrow and if he is still having problems they will do an upper GI and see what is going on with that. Erin feels like it will be okay and that his feeding tube was too far in. The neonatologist told her they had backed it up a little so maybe this little problem will improve tomorrow.

I went in to visit Grant right before I left the hospital tonight and he was sleeping so well. His sats were good and he looked very comfortable. I’m thinking it was because I was there holding his little paci for him. (I’m sure you all agree with that - right?) We are not supposed to stimulate him in any way. He just doesn’t feel like being touched right now. Erin and Russ were told today they don’t have to wear gloves anymore so at least they have skin-to-skin contact now.

They kept Erin for at least one more night to treat her high blood pressure and high heart rate. Hopefully, this will be better today although she will stay in the hospital as long as they will let her.

Baby Grant still has a lot of progress to make but I will keep looking for those baby steps along the way……

Thank you again for all your prayers, support, and love.

2009-02-15T07:51:00.001-06:00

NO CHANGE - Day 4

Just talked to Erin and she said Grant was about the same. I am washing all their clothes to take back today. There is a possibility Erin will be released today so we will have to get them a room in the onsite hotel. Erin said she's not leaving until Grant comes home! I'll update later today, hopefully, with encouraging news. I'm sure with all of the prayers going up for Grant he will soon be better. Thanks again for the support and prayers for Grant, Erin, and Russ.

They can't wait to touch this beautiful boy!

One proud Dad!

Love you all! Keep praying!

2009-02-14T11:27:00.000-06:00

MAYBE A DIAGNOSIS! (DAY 3)

Erin, Russ, and I just went down to see Baby Grant and he seems to be breathing a "little" better. The Neonatologist came in and said they think he has pneumonia and will start treating him for that. He will be here at least 10 days. Thank you so much for all of your prayers. They mean so much to Russ and Erin. I will update later. I hope to put a video up.

Isn't he beautiful!!!!

2009-02-13T12:00:00.000-06:00

PRAY FOR BABY GRANT

Grant Aston Oguin
Born February 12, 2009
5:48 p.m.
6 lbs 11 ozs
19-½ in.

UPDATE FROM MESSAGE BELOW:

Erin and Russ visited with Grant this morning (Friday - Day 2) and he is about the same. They were told he would be in the NICU for about a week. While they were there they turned the C-PAP machine down to see how he would do.

THURSDAY - DAY 1

What a long day! Erin and Russ’ day started out about 3:45 a.m. having to get up, get dressed, and get to the hospital by 5:00 a.m. Erin was induced and labored all day long - and did she ever think it was the longest day ever!!!!! Dr. Stern finally told her about 5:00 p.m. that he didn’t think she would progress enough in the next few hours and based on his opinion recommended a C-Section. She was definitely ready for this to happen and was already exhausted. The section went well and Erin did well afterwards. However, Baby Grant apparently had fluid on his lungs and was having a hard time breathing. After all of his assessments and a bath he was taken to the NICU. He is currently on a nasal CPAP which involves the use of nasal prongs or a mask that fits over the nose and gives Grant help by providing extra pressure when he takes a breath. He is also receiving IV antibiotics in case he has any infection from the fluid. The neonatologist visited with Erin and Russ tonight and told them that he would be in the NICU 24 to 48 hours and it was possible he might have to have surfactant to help his lungs along.

Neither Erin or Russ have been able to hold him and Erin only saw him for a brief second so this is very hard for her. It will at least be tomorrow before that happens. She needs lots of rest and Grant needs to get better and I think things will start looking up. Everyone is just so tired - I even passed up the exit to come home tonight and had to drive several more miles to get back to where I needed to be (to get home at 1:00 a.m.) My mind was definitely on Erin, Russ, and Baby Grant.

Please pray for all of them and for a better day tomorrow! God has blessed us with this special little baby boy and we can’t wait to bring him home and love on him…….

2009-02-12T14:52:00.000-06:00

WAITING.................

It is almost 3:00 p.m. and we are still waiting...... The last time she was checked she was at 3 cm so, hopefully, she will start making real progress soon.

2009-02-09T17:31:00.000-06:00

3 MORE DAYS!!!!

Grant’s birthday will be February 12!! Erin will go into the hospital on Thursday to be induced at 5:00 AM. Dr. Stern gave her the option of today or Thursday and she chose Thursday. If she had elected to have him today she would have had to sit in the waiting room until someone else delivered and the room was cleaned. There was no room in the inn today for any more babies. Also if she had chosen today he would have been born at Methodist Germantown Hospital. Instead he will be born at Baptist Women’s Hospital which is beautiful. The labor and delivery room is the same room she will stay in the whole time. Rylee was born at Baptist Hospital and Parker was born at Methodist so we are familiar with both hospitals.

We are praying for a quick easy delivery and a healthy Mom and baby! I hope to post pictures soon after his birth so stay tuned……

2009-02-02T12:37:00.000-06:00

ON HOLD!

Another Monday appointment and another wait……

Erin’s appointment today went great and she is dilated to 1 cm. Well, that’s a start!!! Dr. Stern said he would see her next Monday. Last week he said he would probably induce at 37 or 38 weeks due to her high blood pressure. This Thursday will be 37 weeks so it could be next week. We will patiently wait and Grant will be here when he is ready (or when Dr. Stern is ready). Since a healthy happy baby is our goal we will just count our blessings now and let our anticipation grow!!!

I will try to get a recent picture of Erin this week.....

2009-01-22T08:32:00.000-06:00

A Precious Baby Boy’s Shower!

Erin’s baby shower was on January 10 and it was wonderful. She got so many nice things that I wasn’t sure where everything would go when she got home. Each and every present was ooohed and aaaahed over as she put things in their place. I have forgotten how much is needed for a new baby but she had a place for everything and Grant’s room is ready whenever he is! (Erin says the sooner the better.)

Erin is blessed to have great friends! Thanks to Laura, Crystal, Jillian and Liz for everything you did for Erin, Russ, and Grant! Thanks to Ashley for the beautiful cake!

Now we wait and I think this last month will be the longest of all. Erin is doing well with occasional episodes of tachycardia and high blood pressure that usually subside with a little rest. Next week the doctor said they will set a date for Grant’s birth. We are very excited about that!

I finally finished Grant's bedding and curtain! We have ordered his rug and that should be here next week!

2009-01-13T04:59:00.001-06:00

A Few More Christmas Pics!

2009-01-12T19:02:00.000-06:00

A Blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year!

This Christmas was filled with so much fun, great memories, and wonderful family time. We celebrated on Christmas Eve with the kids getting their stockings from me. Luke got juggling balls (that was fun) and puzzles, Rylee got pens, paper (I think she will be a writer), and lip gloss, and Parker got a little hammer with sounds (he promptly decided that beating on my glass coffee table was the most fun of all). Before the stockings Luke read the story of Jesus’ birth from the bible and we talked about the true meaning of celebrating Christmas.

Christmas morning brought so much more and I doubt I could remember everything everyone got. Let’s just say it was more than enough! Luke’s favorite thing was a Wii that Mike got for Ashley’s entire family. We all have had fun playing it and my favorite is bowling. Rylee’s favorite thing was her doll house and her Tinkerbelle blanket from Santa, and Parker loved his Giggling Elmo chair.

I couldn’t let Christmas pass without presents for Grant. He got a new scrapbook (Erin is already busy working on that), a swaddler, and toys to hang from his car seat.

With Christmas now over until next year I am so happy to enter a year that will again be filled with new life. My blessings are many and I am so thankful for each one. We are eagerly anticipated Grant’s arrival and can’t wait to see his precious face.

Parker and his Giggling Elmo Chair.....

It's too bad we didn't have very many presents.........

All the stockings I made for the kids (except for Ashley and Erin's - A friend of mine - Jill Hamrick -made theirs over 20 years ago).

2008-12-19T06:22:00.000-06:00

My Little Angel

Even though her hair is sometimes askew, her halo might be a little tilted, and she often has a dab of chocolate on her chin she is still my little angel and always will be…….

2008-12-09T12:01:00.001-06:00

28 Weeks and all is well!

Erin went to see her OB doctor yesterday and everything is looking good. No word yet from the cardiologist but he seemed to think she is just going to have high blood pressure and a high heart rate during her pregnancy (more commonly known as gestational hypertension). She has an increased risk of preeclampsia but the doctor said he would tell her when and if it was time to start worrying about that! She is wearing a blood pressure monitor for 24 hours and since she is working today we will see if “work” causes her blood pressure to increase (like it did on Thanksgiving Day). I am so relieved and thankful for this good news and appreciate everyone’s prayers and support.

2008-12-03T11:04:00.000-06:00

“The Glorious Gift of Christmas”

Last night was Wynne Baptist’s annual Christmas banquet for women and it was so awesome. Ashley signed up to host a table for this event. It is unbelievable how much work these ladies put into their tables and it is quite a sight to see. Each hostess decides how to decorate their table with a certain theme. These range from nativity scenes, to flowers, and even to whimsical themes that are so much fun. This year Ashley chose to use as her theme “A Candy Christmas” and she did a beautiful job. Here are just a few of the tables from last night.

The speaker (Annie Chapman - www.steveandanniechapman.com) and the praise music were inspiring and everyone left with a renewed sense of the true reason we celebrate Christmas.

I am looking forward to this Christmas season!

2008-12-02T22:02:00.000-06:00

Update on Erin!

Erin went to see Dr. Stern (her regular OB) on Monday and he made her an appointment with a cardiologist on Friday. They will do an echo and another EKG and no telling what else. Dr. Stern was a little concerned with her rapid heart beat. I’m still hoping that this is nothing to worry about. However, I will continue to worry as that’s what I do best! On Monday she will go back to see Dr. Stern for another ultrasound. Her placental fluid levels appear to be a little high so they will be checking on that as well.

Dr. Stern did laugh and say he hopes her only problem is the "Nurses Curse." Then he added it could be genetic because Ashley is her sister. He is Ashley's doctor also. (We have banned Ashley from having any more kids due to all the drama she caused when Rylee and Parker were born!)

Does anybody out there think that we actually know too much these days with all the technology that is available today? Some days I think that’s true but know with all this knowledge the doctors are more capable of preventing and “fixing” so many things. I am so thankful for that.

Waiting on Friday…..

2008-11-29T09:09:00.000-06:00

“NURSES’ CURSE”

There is a spot on patients’ charts where the doctor fills in any possible complications of pregnancy or risks for a certain patient. I think they automatically put “NURSE” in this blank spot when it applies. In the health world it is called the “Nurses’ Curse.” Now I am a believer. When Ashley had her last two kids she had emergency C-sections with both of them! With Parker the doctor even said he had never seen anything like what happened to Ashley. I told Erin we would have none of this “MAMA DRAMA” with her babies. Well, as usual, I was wrong wrong wrong!!!!!!!

Erin was admitted to the hospital on Thanksgiving Day with high blood pressure, high heart rate, and visual disturbances. They began treatment for preeclampsia with steroid shots to boost Grant’s lung function in case he had to be delivered. After a 24-hour observation period it was determined through lab tests, ultrasounds, and monitoring that this was not the case. I am SOOO thankful for that. She will be seeing a cardiologist next week to check on her symptoms but I am praying that this also checks out to be only pregnancy related changes that are not critical. Baby Grant looked great on his ultrasound!

Each grandbaby takes 10 years off my life with all of this stuff! Maybe we could do a rewind and the girls could pick a different occupation????

She will kill me for posting this picture when she was in triage!!

After her counts went DOWN!

Thanks to everyone for your prayers and support…….

2008-11-23T11:15:00.000-06:00

PARKER’S FIRST BIRTHDAY!!!

We celebrated Parker’s 1st birthday yesterday and nobody had more fun than he did. Every time he opened a present he would clap his hands and grin so big. Ashley made him a carousel cake (carousel cakes are a tradition for our family for 1st birthdays). There was lots of good food to eat including sausage balls, pigs ‘n a blanket, chicken quesadillas, hot wings, veggies, and dips. He had so much fun digging into his little cake!

In the above picture he is trying to invite everyone to join him. He is so good at sharing!!

Parker has grown so fast and we all just want him to stay little. He is so precious and it always amazes me how fast these babies learn and grow. When Ashley or Pete say “let’s get your coat on” he walks to them and helps to put his coat on, he waves bye bye (sometimes when no one else is leaving but he is ready to go), he understands “no no” (no, we don’t say that constantly), and often will walk over to you and put his head on your knee and pats you like he is giving you a hug.

HAPPY FIRST BIRTHDAY PARKER – I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!!!!!

I think I am the luckiest Grammy in the whole world…………

2008-11-11T08:02:00.000-06:00

23 WEEKS AND COUNTING

This pic was taken November 2.

Little Grant is growing big and strong and we are getting more and more excited. Christmas comes so fast and then it won’t be long until Grant will be here. I hope Erin enjoys every minute of her pregnancy (even though her back and everything else hurts sometimes). There is never another time when you don’t have to worry about where your child is, if they are safe, if they are hungry, or cold, or if they just need a hug!

Erin, the time goes so fast and before you know it Grant will be in Junior High and you will be shuttling him from one place to the other and wondering how he got to be so big.

So enjoy this time because it will be over way too soon…..

2008-11-07T12:46:00.000-06:00

YIKES!!!!!!!!!!

No, I did not wash a load of clothes while I was home for lunch with NO CLOTHES in the washing machine!

Note to Self: Check and see if there is a full moon tonight.......

2008-11-07T08:12:00.000-06:00

WORRIED!!!!

No, I did not brush my teeth this morning with moisturizer!!!!!

NOTE TO SELF: C - R - E - S- T!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-11-06T19:41:00.000-06:00

Halloween 2008

The kids were so cute in their costumes and had a great time trick or treating. Even Parker endured wearing his scarecrow costume all night. The only costume I made this year was Rylee’s and she was soooo proud of it. I think she made a beautiful Dorothy and will probably dress up as Dorothy many times until she outgrows her dress. Luke was a very handsome gangster!!! He thought this costume was so much fun. Mom was here this year and enjoyed seeing the kids dressed up and so excited about Halloween!

I think Halloween is such a fun holiday. How many times do children get to dress up any way they want and just “pretend” for a whole day?

Next year there will be one more to add to the fun and I can hardly wait........

2008-10-26T17:32:00.000-05:00

The Fright Night that Wasn’t

Last night we went to Parker Homestead’s “HAUNTED HOMESTEAD.” The lines were sooooo long we knew the little ones wouldn’t last (a couple of the little ones would have probably been very scared before it was over) so we decided to try to find something else to do. It just so happens there was a carnival in town so off we went. Since we got there late we asked how long they would be open and their answer was “when the crowd thins out.” I’m sure at least 15 people were there – BIG CROWD. However, the kids had a great time and it was a good substitute for not being able to go through the homestead.

Parker took his first carnival ride on the carousel and he looked like he really enjoyed it.

Rylee rode the jet skis and they were so dangerous they had to put caution tape on them.

Luke and Seth (his cousin) loved the Tilt-A-Whirl. I’m just glad when they got off the ride their stomachs were still in the same place as when they got on.
We will all be ready for next Friday and lots of candy.....

2008-10-16T18:10:00.000-05:00

HALLOWEEN 2007

I normally wouldn't put this out here but Kaye challenged others to put up past Halloween pictures - so here goes! This was the one and only time I have dressed up for Halloween since I was like 9 or 10 years old. Last Halloween was spent in New Orleans and EVERYONE there really celebrates and dresses for the holiday. This was a group of girls I worked with and I have to admit the whole day was a lot of fun. Henry and Jim gave me a going away party that night also! I have had a going away party (OR TWO) but never one that was a costume party - it was very appropriate for leaving New Orleans. I miss all the girls I worked with down there and hope to see them again someday!

If you don't know which one is me - sorry..............

2008-10-08T09:44:00.000-05:00

DRUM ROLL PLEASE!!!

Isn’t he the cutest thing on the block???? Erin is now halfway there and so far is doing great. You can’t yet tell she is pregnant but soon she will be busting out of those jeans – (pleeeez don’t tell her I said that).

Just wanted to let everyone know that this cute little bundle who will soon be playing with snakes and snails and puppy dog tails will now be known as:

GRANT ASTON OGUIN

Grant was a favorite for both Erin and Russ and Aston is his maternal Great-Grandmother’s maiden name. We thought it was just perfect for him. We can’t wait for the next 20 weeks to pass so we can meet this little guy who already has our undivided attention!!

2008-10-03T21:37:00.000-05:00

FUNERAL HOME HUMOR

I work at a wonderful funeral home here in Wynne two days a week (for those who don’t already know that). Of course, how many people read this blog and don’t know that about me – my guess would be NONE. Don’t tell anyone but we have some fun times working at the funeral home – shhhh! (Is that normal?)

Soooo, today my sister (who works for a repo business) calls while I am at work and tells me that that were busy cleaning out some property they had taken from the vehicles they repossessed. The previous owners of the vehicles have the right to have their personal belongings returned to them. The young man who was doing the cleaning said there was a box among the property items and the tag read “Tennessee Creations.” Now you would normally think that a small black box with that TAG would probably be something really nice and it immediately made the girls’ curious. Then he broke the sad news that it was full of cement dust – like Quik Crete. The girls were very disappointed that there was no wonderful CREATION in the box. Upon further inspection it was then brought to everyone’s attention that the tag actually read “Tennessee CREMATIONS.” Someone’s loved one had been repossessed in June and evidently was not being missed at all.

I called Lynda when I got off work to get an update on the CREATION and she said the deceased person was actually the owner of the vehicle they had repossessed. Who said you can’t take it with you??? This person was actually taking his vehicle where ever he went and had a chauffeur to boot.

They are trying desperately to return this person to someone….

Teaching Bad Habits...

2008-10-02T12:11:00.000-05:00

Rylee has always loved to stand directly in front of the TV about a foot away and I'm guessing the reason would be so she wouldn't miss anything. My TV is sitting on my coffee table since I still haven't found an entertainment center. Perfect viewing for Rylee! She has decided that she doesn't want Parker to miss anything either so has taught him where the perfect spot is for his TV viewing as well.

Looks like he learns fast...

We'll see what other lessons she has in store for him......

SO MUCH TO BLOG ABOUT AND SO LITTLE TIME…….

2008-09-29T18:55:00.000-05:00

I know, I know, one excuse after the other. Erin said everyone was probably tired of watching Parker eating sand.

MOM’s 90th ……

On September 13 we celebrated Mom’s 90th birthday (her actual birthday was the 14th) with family and friends and it was a wonderful day except for the heat and humidity. We had a whole park (actually, it belongs to the Elks Lodge – Thanks Wayne) to ourselves for cooking and just having fun. Mom has told me several times what a nice birthday she had and that’s what we hoped for. My cousin, Bob (Mom’s sister’s son), and his wife, Beth, drove all the way from Bartlesville, Oklahoma, to celebrate with her. I am so thankful they came and Mom was so happy and quite surprised to see them. My “bestest” friends in the whole world (Joan, Susan, and Ray) also came to help us celebrate. Lynda and I decided that Mom likes them the best (you know how that sibling rivalry goes) – ha!!!! Joan told me ahead of time that they were working on a project for Mom but never gave me a hint as to how special it was going to be. They gave her a beautiful embroidered pillow with her name, her birthday, and all of her children and grandchildren’s names on it. Joan outdid herself with her pillow selection and Susan with her awesome embroidery. For some reason I didn’t get a picture to post but will when I go back to Mom’s.

I am so thankful for everyone who came to make her day so memorable!

A BIG Question Answered…..

Jeff and his girlfriend, Melissa, were at the birthday celebration and Erin started talking to Melissa about her work as an ultrasound technician. So, the two of them got busy and cooked up a trip to the hospital to take a peek and see what little Baby Oguin might be! Erin just couldn’t wait another minute so after the party off we went. I am so happy to announce that it is a BOY!!!!! Russ was grinning from ear to ear – you know how men are about having a boy first! Now, Erin and I are knee deep in fabrics trying to decide about “his” room. She has decided that I will make his bedding and we will definitely find the most special fabric for this special boy who we can’t wait to meet in 2009......

EATING SAND!

2008-08-22T21:22:00.000-05:00

I'm going to try to post this video of Parker. We need to check his diet and see what he is missing. He loved eating the sand.

VACATION 2008

2008-08-22T20:34:00.001-05:00

Oh, it was so hard to come home on Saturday!

Below are some things I have been meaning to put on this week but just haven’t found a lot of spare time! This probably won’t make a lot of sense but I wanted to get these pictures added.

On Wednesday it was raining so we went to the Navy Air Museum in Pensacola, Florida. There were many airplanes, displays, and flight simulators. The Blue Angels fly and train out of the Pensacola Navy Base. They would have been flying on Wednesday but the weather was too bad.

Parker proved to be a pretty good pilot….
And so did Luke….
And as you can see Rylee REALLY loved it…..

After the museum we went to The Track where they have miniature golf, rides, go-carts, and a video arcade – just what Luke ordered!

Even Rylee got to drive a go cart – they put this sign out just for her. The go cart tracks got progressively bigger and faster with the largest being a huge wooden track. Rylee and Luke were not allowed to drive these – THANK GOODNESS!!!

Thursday and Friday were beautiful beach days and we spent the whole day just enjoying the sand, beach, and sunshine.

Until next year......

This is my FAVORITE picture of the week!

2008-08-16T22:16:00.001-05:00

More pictures tomorrow. I'm tired........

Home

2008-08-16T22:14:00.000-05:00

It is a good thing I just had a great week. Got home tonight to a broken air conditioner! Needless to say, it was a lot cooler outside than inside.......

"THE BEACH"

2008-08-13T11:10:00.000-05:00

Just wanted to post a few pictures. Will write more later. We are having more rain than we usually do but enjoying it still. The surf is high today with high winds – we may have to do something indoors for a while.

Parker LOVES the waves and sand!

Shopping???

Luke and Rylee getting ready to go crabbing on the beach - they brought back a bucket full and then let them go!

More later...........................

HAPPY 9TH BIRTHDAY LUKE!

2008-08-02T15:07:00.001-05:00

I guess by now everyone knows how we love and celebrate birthdays. They are important to us because that is the one day every year that we feel is our day and secretly expect to be treated special. Everyone is my family does feel special on their day just because we all feel so loved by our friends and family and are so glad they want to spend that day with us.

Luke and two of his friends, Hunter and Whitt, were treated to a Redbirds baseball game in Memphis for Luke��s 9th birthday on July 28. During the game the Redbirds shortstop threw Luke a ball as he was coming back to the dugout �� he loved that! We all ate until we were sick, sat in the terrible heat, and cheered the Redbirds on for about 6 innings. It was all we could stand since the first two innings took an hour and a half and we were exhausted.

Whitt gave Rylee a little stuffed animal that he won while we were there (they have games for kids to play at the baseball park) and I looked at the tag on it and it said ��Not for use by INFANTS or CHILDREN.�� Okay��. Am I the only one that thinks that is really weird? Is this little stuffed animal for use by adults only? This is what they give to kids for spending money to play their games?

Russ, Luke, Hunter, and Whitt had to climb the rock wall at the ballpark. They all made it to the top!

Earlier in the day Luke got a new shotgun for his birthday (he LOVES going hunting with Pete �� if I am right, I think they go dove hunting or maybe deer, or something like that). Anyway, he was excited about his gift. Erin and Russ got him one of the new Wave Boards (like a skateboard) and he quickly got frustrated. I think it takes a little patience to learn and he thought he should be able to do it immediately.

He had a great birthday with his friends! It is so hard for me to believe he is already nine years old. Seems like it was only yesterday that I was driving Ashley to the hospital in the middle of the night and she was either yelling ��slow down�� or ��speed up.�� There was no way I was going to get it right!!

Luke, Happy Happy Birthday to you��

'BABY OGUIN'

2008-07-29T17:53:00.000-05:00

I guess the title of this is a pretty big hint what my wonderful news is!!! Erin and Russ are expecting their first baby on February 27. I can’t wait to meet this new baby and add one more to my growing brood of grandchildren. My life has been blessed beyond measure with my girls, my son-in-laws, and my grandchildren.

Life just couldn’t be any better………….

STARSKY & HUTCH, WELL MAYBE JUST STARSKY

2008-07-27T21:26:00.001-05:00

If anybody read this in the Arkansas-Democrat Gazette today the witness to this assault was my nephew, Keith. He followed this man for over 45 minutes talking with 911 the entire time. The man once got out of his car to try to come after Keith but he changed his mind and got back in his car and took off. The state police were very impressed but I’m just so thankful he didn’t get hurt in the process of keeping up with this man.

Witness to purse grab in mall aids police in nabbing suspect

ARKANSAS DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE

A bystander who witnessed a Saturday afternoon purse snatching in the parking lot at McCain Mall followed the suspect along Interstate 40, relaying the man’s location to the officers who eventually arrested him, police said.

Ercil Kermit Gates, 41, of West Memphis was charged with robbery and later charged with two counts of breaking and entering by Little Rock police in connection with two vehicle break-ins earlier in the day. He was being held at the Pulaski County jail for the Tennessee Department of Corrections where he is wanted on a parole violation.

North Little Rock police said a Jacksonville woman was walking in the parking lot of the North Little Rock mall when a man snatched her purse. The woman, who wasn’t identified Saturday, fell to the parking lot, scraping her arms and legs and cutting her head, police said.

Police said the woman’s head wound required stitches. “Fortunately a witness saw the crime and was able to follow the suspect,” said North Little Rock police spokesman Sgt. Terry Kuykendall. “He was able to stay in contact with 911 operators and provided valuable information that ultimately led to the arrest of the suspect near Interstate 40 in Lonoke County.”

When questioned by North Little Rock detectives, Gates said he committed the robbery, the arrest report states. Gates was then taken to Little Rock police headquarters, where detectives charged him with breaking into a car parked at a west Little Rock gas station Saturday morning. He was also charged with breaking into a car at Custom Audio and Video at 10014 N. Rodney Parham Road about 10 a.m. Saturday.

Lynda’s account of this was much more exciting…..

"CHUCKE"

2008-07-27T20:27:00.000-05:00

What a great birthday! Rylee celebrated her 4th birthday yesterday at Chucke Cheese’s Restaurant and had so much fun. She had 12 kids there to wish her a Happy Birthday – 13 including Chucke! The kids played all the games, ate pizza and birthday cake, and had a special appearance by Chucke just for Rylee. He danced with them and posed for lots of pictures. She was a little leary and only wanted to look at him – not getting too close. One of the little girls at her party took off screaming – she obviously wanted NOTHING to do with him – and only came back after he had left.

Having a party there is what all parents should do – they do everything and the parents can just relax and watch it happen. They restaurant is very safe with kids going where ever they want and the doorman will not let any child out the door. (I wish I had thought of a restaurant like this – they make tons of money just selling coins for the games – no such luck - ha!)

I do not think she could have had a better party – next is Luke’s birthday tomorrow…..

HAPPY 4TH BIRTHDAY RYLEE!

2008-07-23T08:57:00.000-05:00

Here we go with the birthdays again! This is the beginning of Rylee’s birthday celebrations. Yesterday we had a very small party for Rylee because Ashley had to work today (which is her actual birthday) and they gave her a BARBIE JEEP. She was very excited and only had five wrecks in the first five minutes. We finally decided we had to turn the speed down from 5 mph to 2.5 mph. This girl may grow up to be a NASCAR driver – she has no fear!! There will be more celebrations as the week continues with a big party at Chuck E. Cheese’s this weekend.

Happy 4th Birthday Pretty Girl!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I maybe kind of think I would like to be "4" again.....

WORLD CHANGERS

2008-07-23T08:18:00.000-05:00

Ashley just returned this past Saturday night from attending a church mission trip called “World Changers.” About 80 people from her church went to Chattanooga, Tennessee, to work on projects for people in need. The group consisted of many young high school kids and a few adults. Ashley went along to serve as their nurse since these great kids were installing new roofs, painting houses, building porches, etc. She had a very busy week and was totally exhausted and said she couldn’t imagine how tired everyone else was as they worked in the terrible heat all week going to bed at midnight and getting up at 5:00 to start their day.

There were some difficult times at the beginning of the week. One young boy lost his Dad on Monday and had to return to Wynne. His Dad was only 38 and died of a heart attack. Outside of this tragedy she made trips to the hospital twice and had various other accidents and illnesses to treat.

They slept in a church basement and showered in tractor trailers that are often used during disasters such as hurricanes and tornados. Their reward came on Saturday morning when they all went white water rafting on the Ococee River. They all loved it and Ashley was so sore on Sunday morning she could barely move. Everyone was happy when they finally got home at about 11:00 Saturday night after a two hour delay on the interstate from a blow out on one of the church buses.

Luke and Rylee were so excited to see their Mom and she was so happy to see them as well. Parker didn’t seem to remember her and cried during the night. She was sad about that but I think it was late and he was just excited and couldn’t sleep – ha! Rylee, being almost 4, couldn’t understand why her Mom wasn’t coming home during the week and told Pete she thought she (her Mom) might be in jail. She was concerned she wouldn’t make it home in time to go to the beach in August. My sweet Rylee, she was far from being in jail!

Ashley said she would do it again in a second but that it was wonderful to get home and take a shower without flip flops on.

Ashley, thank you for being a wonderful role model for your children….

JOHN 3:16

2008-07-23T08:16:00.000-05:00

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16).”

On Sunday, June 8, 2008, Luke was baptized at Wynne Baptist Church by Bro. Mark Sandy. Luke made a decision several weeks ago to ask Jesus into his heart and in return receive eternal life. I am so proud of Ashley and Pete for the guidance they have given Luke in becoming the young man he is today.

I just want Luke to know that God did not promise a life on this earth free of disappointment, pain, or grief, but he did promise to walk along the path with us no matter what. Luke, always rely on your faith and He will never leave you.

Parker's dedication was also on the same day and he was so good as Bro. Matt held him in front of the congregation. This service is held to celebrate God's gift of the child and the dedication of the parents to acknowledge the need for God's wisdom, guidance and strength in parenting.

Luke and Parker, I love you so much......

p.s. Luke’s teacher last year wrote such a sweet note on his last report card indicating what a great help he was to her all year, helping with the other kids, and recognizing that he had outstanding morals and she was so proud of him for that. We’re proud too and pray he will continue to know right from wrong and also that he will continue to make good decisions throughout his life.

WHOOOOO HOOOOOO!

2008-06-28T09:19:00.000-05:00

I have had so many happy “moments” in my life and I am so thankful for all of them. The best of these “moments” involved the births of my children and grandchildren. Now I get to talk about the “proud” moments as well. For the second time (the first time was for Ashley), I have had the pleasure of jumping up and down when one of my daughters found out she had passed the most dreaded nursing test EVER.

ERIN PASSED THE NCLEX EXAM! YEA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

She is now officially Erin Oguin, R.N. and had a great time today at work signing her name with the R.N. added. When she signed onto the Arkansas Board of Nursing website and saw that she passed she had all the nurses she works with at LeBonheur look at the screen so she knew she wasn’t just seeing things.

For those who are not familiar with the NCLEX exam, no one has ever taken the test and felt confident that they passed. It is an individualized test where your answer to each question determines the next question you get.

I am so proud of both of my daughters and their accomplishments. Many years of nursing school and so many hours of studying and research are rewarded when they take that one test that determines their entire future.

CONGRATULATIONS ERIN! WE ARE ALL SO PROUD OF YOU!!!! There will be many tiny little NICU babies who will gets lots of love and special care from a very special nurse.

What could be better when I “eventually” get to my old age than to have two daughters who are nurses taking care of me..........

HAPPY 30TH BIRTHDAY TO ASHLEY!

2008-06-23T07:42:00.000-05:00

Happy 30th Birthday to Ashley! (Yes, I am late again - her birthday was June 10.) It is so hard to believe that Ashley is 30 years old. Seems like only yesterday that she was born and I held her in my arms – I was so excited! I turned 30 exactly one month before she was born and I never knew I could be so happy. She was so beautiful (still is) and never in my wildest imagination did I know what a blessing she was going to be. Ashley, thank you for being a wonderful daughter and for giving me three beautiful grandchildren! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

We all went to Memphis for her birthday to eat and then went to the Redbirds baseball game. Ashley told me way ahead of time that she did not want a surprise party for her 30th so we honored her wishes and let her choose what she wanted to do. We all had a great time.

Pete and the kids got Ashley a new laptop!

Luke and Rylee – downtown Memphis.

Redbirds Mascot – Rylee likes him okay as long as he doesn’t get tooooo close!

I know this picture is random - don’t ask where she got these glasses!

Until later...........

Happy 23rd Birthday to Erin!!!

2008-06-10T14:06:00.000-05:00

Happy 23rd Birthday to Erin! Erin’s birthday was on May 22 so I’m a little slow in posting. The week was rushed getting ready to go camping but we have been celebrating all month with graduation, my birthday, Russ’ birthday, Mike’s birthday, Mother’s Day, and then Erin’s BD. We all chipped in and bought Erin a GPS. She occasionally has a tendency to get lost when going to a strange place so we all thought a GPS would serve her well. (Besides, I can borrow it when I go on a trip! Maybe she got her sense of direction from me. Ya think!) She loves polka dots so her cake appropriately had polka dots on it. Her birthday cake was late due to all the chaos - she had just gotten home from work!
During our camping trip -

Parker had his first “finger food”

Pete learned how to play “Fish”

Rylee and Parker shared the Pack and Play (Rylee hated it when she was little but just had to get in it with Parker)

It was nice to be at the park and relax. The weather was just right except for the last day when it was way too hot. The air conditioning in the camper is great and I slipped away every afternoon for a wonderful short nap in the camper under the very cold air.

Now, just a few random pictures!

Have you ever seen a sweeter face?

I received a Hydrangea from Lynda when Ashley and Erin’s Pappaw George died and this is the first year it has bloomed. I have babied this plant and was so happy to see it bloom this year. The frost killed the blooms last year when I was in New Orleans.

Erin getting her graduation ring from Russ. Luke was happy too! (Erin looks like Kellie Pickler in this picture - everyone at the hospital calls her Kellie!)

Ashley after graduation thinking I sure am glad this is not me graduating and facing the dreaded "NCLEX" exam!

Erin and Crystal - Saturday night at Crystal's wedding. She was a beautiful bride! Congratulations Crystal and George!

That's all for now but today is Ashley's birthday so I will post again very soon......

POX!!!! (And More)

2008-05-21T10:22:00.000-05:00

In the time it took me to pick up Luke from school and drive home these kids contracted some new kind of pox and when they got out of the car I couldn’t decide whether to take them to the ER or spend the next few minutes slowly torturing them by peeling these off their faces. Beware of Sticker Pox!

As promised, here is a picture of Erin’s graduation ring from Russ. So beautiful!

Yesterday was such a beautiful day that Ashley and I sat outside and enjoyed a shade tree. Rylee and Parker enjoyed it as well. We just couldn’t get that fake smile off of Rylee’s face. She is such a monkey!We celebrated Russ’ 23rd birthday on May 15! We had a Mexican dinner and cooked chicken enchiladas, Mexican salad, Spanish rice, cheese dip, and tacos (Thursday is always “Taco Thursday” at the Oguin house). Everyone loved the Mexican salad and still wanted to eat it after Erin dropped in all in the floor (we all got one serving but wanted more). Belle and Zoe (our Shihtzus) jumped right in and tried to devour it all before we could get it cleaned up. Ashley made Russ a Razorback cake and it was sooooo cute. Happy 23rd to Russ…….And, last but not least, Erin officially started her intern job at LeBonheur on Monday. She will be very busy for a few weeks during orientation with classes and clinical shifts. Next week she will be working 48 hours. On the way home Monday, while still in downtown Memphis, a girl slammed into the back of Erin's car and really messed up her bumper. Erin loves her Maxima and was not very happy. No one was hurt but the girl that hit her was really carrying on and crying and wouldn't even speak to Erin. Erin was thoroughly disgusted by the time she got home.

Erin's birthday is tomorrow so maybe things will start looking up........

HAPPY GRADUATION!!!

2008-05-14T09:46:00.001-05:00

The anticipation of seeing Erin walk across that stage was nothing compared to actually seeing her get her diploma. I know she wanted to jump up and down. I was so very proud of her! Having watched my two beautiful daughters receive their nursing degrees is just the best feeling – knowing that they chose to give care and healing to others for a lifetime! So many times I have seen quotes on T-shirts and coffee cups, etc., that say “It takes a special person to be a Nurse.” That is so true because it is such a demanding and stressful job – especially with both choosing ICU careers – Ashley works in an adult ICU and Erin will be in a neonatal ICU. These patients are the sickest in the hospital and sometimes it is not a pleasant job. I am so blessed to have these two beautiful young women who choose to work hard and assist in healing the sickest patients and also who love to laugh and play with their friends and family.

Now back to graduation! It was fun to see so many of the graduating nurses with “R N” in glittery jewels on the top of their hats. No other college (i.e. education, fine arts, et al) was having as much fun as these nurses. They worked so hard for a few years doing care plans, performing clinical rotations, and doing research time and time again that they definitely just wanted to have fun on “their day.”

This is Erin and her friend, Crystal, as they were filing out of the Convocation Center. Do they look happy and/or relieved????

After graduation we all went back to Mike’s for another great BBQ dinner. Ashley made her a special cake and it was so cute. Check it out!!!

Erin received a BEAUTIFUL diamond ring from Russ. Good Job Russ! I’ll have to get a picture of that and add it later. Ashley and her family gave her a new watch – you know a nurse must have a good watch with a second hand that you can actually see. She got so many nice things from her family and friends. She was smiling all day!!

Check out the weather warnings on the TV. A tornado hit Stuttgart and one of Erin's friends who lives there called and said it was so scary.

I could say my job is done since Erin graduated but that wouldn’t be true. I look forward to many more years of achievements and special accomplishments from my entire family and I will continue to be so proud of each and every one of them……..

PINNED!

2008-05-10T09:06:00.000-05:00

Last night was Erin’s pinning ceremony at the ASU Student Center. It was obvious that all the NEW nurses were very excited to be graduating and starting their careers. Governor Beebe was there to give them a motivational speech – I am pretty sure he used to be a used car salesman and was going to break out his can of hair spray at any minute! Actually he had a few funny stories to tell but he is still a politician. He reminded the nurses to all be sure to give back to the university as they enter their careers. I think between the tuition, housing, and 15 pound text books that completely fill a whole bookcase (and cost $200 each) they have contributed enough for a while. He must think their education was free. (I'm sure they will give back when the time is right.)

I am sooooo proud of Erin! I’ll post pictures after graduation…..

SURPRISE!!!!!!

2008-05-07T08:22:00.000-05:00

I have the most awesome family EVER!!! Mike called on Saturday night and said he was cooking steaks for everyone on Sunday and to come at 1:00. Russ came over at about 10:00 on Sunday morning and said they were going to church and I told him I would see them after as I didn’t feel really great and was afraid I would have a coughing attack in church. When I drove out at about 1:15 and pulled into the long drive up to Mike’s house I immediately saw so many cars and thought he must have asked the rest of his family out also. Then I saw my sister’s car and I knew something was up. I looked into the carport and saw the tables, the cake, and all the decorations set up for my 60th birthday. It was the best surprise ever and, of course, made me cry. When everyone started coming out of the house I started greeting everyone and then saw my best friend, Joan, from Little Rock (our friendship goes back to the 7th grade) and her sister, Susan, and husband, Ray. I had not seen her since I first went to New Orleans in 2006 and it was such a wonderful gift to have them there. I was also so happy to see my Mom and Sister there from Little Rock. It was so special to also have Grannie, Ronnie, Mary, Mary Bob, Larry, Steve, Mattie, Abby, and Kaye Butler and her girls, Mary Margaret and Taylor there.

I got some awesome presents and am so thankful for each one. The girls and their families gave me a video picture frame which I love and have already put to work showing my thousands of pictures. I have had my eye on those for some time. Joan, Susan, and Ray brought me two beautiful bags and some Bath and Body Works lotions (my favorite). Susan embroidered the bags and also made me a cross that is so beautiful. She also makes the crosses on her embroidery machine and Ashley and Erin both wanted to take it away from me. (I don't think so!) Susan thinks she is still in the learning stages on her machine but she is way better than that! Kaye made me an apron (finally – ha!) and I love it. I have been wanting one for so long and she did a great job (Kaye: Erin is trying to steal it from me – what’s up with that?) Lynda brought me a beautiful plant (she bought me a gorgeous sweater earlier for my birthday to wear for Easter) and Mom gave me money (she knows her daughter well). Pete’s Mom sent me a Cinnabon candle and it smells good enough to eat. And last but certainly not least – Luke drew me a precious picture of me and him and I will treasure it forever. Thanks to each and every one for the special presents!
Kaye made a DVD which was so much fun to watch. Erin had given her lots of pictures of me and my family to use and she put some of my favorite music on it - I love it! Thanks Kaye!

We had some great food. Mike had his “Ponderosa” looking good and cooked his famous Boston butt and we had all the trimmings! YUM! The decorations were beautiful - white and yellow tulips in vases with lemons and limes. Erin said the florist had to call several places to find the tulips but she wouldn’t let the girl at the florist give up until she found them. Ashley made the cake and, as always, it was beautiful.

Lynda was taking all the pictures so I’ll have to get them from her.

Luke ended up in the pool before the day was out and it was soooooo cold. I don’t know how he did it but he certainly had fun. He always has to take a dip as soon as Mike opens the pool and way before it gets warm enough to swim.

With all that said – IT WAS SUCH A WONDERFUL DAY! I have never had a surprise party and couldn’t imagine a better one than the one I had. Ashley and Erin - you light up my life!!! I am so very thankful for the love of my family and all they do for me..............

STORMS!!!!!

2008-05-03T08:40:00.000-05:00

The past three days I have been in Branson, Missouri, with a girl friend I met while in New Orleans. Kathy drove down from St. Louis and we had a great time just catching up since I had not seen her in a year. Branson is a beautiful place up in the mountains and EVERYTHING is built on the side of a hill. We stayed at a resort on Table Rock Lake which was very nice and also a peaceful place to relax.

Our last night there brought severe storms and this is what I saw as I drove home on Friday through the Bee Branch/Damascus area. Three people were killed in this area for a total of 8 killed throughout the state.

Devastating for so many......

SO MUCH FOR THAT PROMISE!!!!

2008-04-27T20:41:00.000-05:00

Although I promised to be better about updating, that has yet proven to be true!!! When you are retired there is never enough time to get everything done - - who would have ever thought that?

That being said I must add a few “funnies” from my grandchildren (who are the main reason I stay so busy).

I was at the post office the other day and while sitting in the parking lot making out my check to mail to the IRS at the very last possible minute (YUK!) Rylee and Parker were in the back seat being very quiet. All of a sudden Rylee said “Grammy, you are wasting my time.” I laughed - thinking to myself “well, I think writing this check to the IRS is also a waste of MY time.”

I’m not sure what Rylee thought she should be doing instead! MAYBE THIS…………

Jumping on my couch singing a Hannah Montana song

One night last week Ashley and Pete must have been having a particularly chaotic time at home with three kids because Luke was talking to his Grammy Janet (Pete’s Mom) and said “You know my Mom didn’t mean to have all these kids but she loves us all anyway.” Luke, you are right – she does love all of you so very much and she meant to have every one of you!

Erin is loving her job at LeBonheur in the NICU. Last Thursday she had clinicals for school in Paragould (an hour and a half from home) then drove to Memphis to work 7P to 7A and then back to Jonesboro on Friday for a four hour test. Hopefully, she will get to rest in a few days – she is through with regular classes – only 4 final tests left - and then graduation on May 10. WhooooHooooo!!!

Erin recently hosted a wedding shower for a friend. She will be a bridesmaid and the shower was wonderful. Ashley is our cake decorator and is very good at it. It was scary when I had to make the cake at the last minute because Ashley ended up having to take Parker to the doctor.

Russ spent last Saturday replacing the siding on one side of their house that was blown off in a storm. He had never done this before but Russ can do or fix just about anything and it turned out great! We sometimes call him Bob Villa!!!

I am posting more pictures below but, first, some GREAT news. Baylee has completed her stem cell transplant with few problems, was released to the Ronald McDonald House and should now be back home in Kansas! Her family has been blessed with all the concerns and prayers being offered for them. Please continue to pray for her healing! She just had her first birthday!!! AND the day she had her break through party at the hospital her Mom and Dad got to tell her that she was getting a new baby sister in September!!! Congratulations go out to Brianna, Aaron, and Baylee!

Now for pictures!

IS THIS PARKER???

OR IS THIS PARKER?

Of course, the first one is Parker. I am just amazed at how much they look alike!!!

And Pete’s favorite basketball team is ??????????

Now for the best one of all!

I love these kiddos so much!!!

That's all for now. Will try to do better...............................

"FAYE"

2008-03-15T17:35:00.000-05:00

My special cousin, Faye, passed away this morning about 5:30 A.M. Our hearts are heavy because her physical presence will be missed and for her family who loves her so very much. Faye was special in so many ways – she was a wonderful hostess if you ever had the privilege of visiting in her home, always had a deep faith, cared about others over herself, worked like crazy, loved her kids and grandkids with a vengeance, and could make you laugh like nobody else ever could. She will DEFINITELY be missed!

So Much for Spring - It's SNOWING!

2008-03-04T09:13:00.001-06:00

Since I took this picture my car is now covered with SNOW! I love it. I know Luke is having a fit since he can only see the snow from his classroom. This is the first snow I have seen in two years - I was in New Orleans last Winter. I hope it snows enough for Luke and Rylee to play in it for a little while.............

Waiting for Spring!!

2008-03-02T06:57:00.000-06:00

So sweet!!!

Parker was out helping Uncle Russ wash cars on a beautiful day!

Uncle Russ and Rylee acting silly!

Dad, please give me a cookie!

Last basketball game of the year!

Parker is getting even cuter (if that’s possible). He loves to grin and talk back to you. Ashley said she weighed him yesterday and he weighs about 14 pounds. Doubled his weight so far! I’m sure that has nothing to do with the fact that he wants to eat 24/7. He likes to eat a little bit and then wait a couple of hours and then eat again and again and again!

Rylee surprised her Mom this week! Ashley stepped out of the bathroom for ONE second to get a hair bow for Rylee and when she got back she saw all of this beautiful blonde hair on the floor. Ashley said she wanted to cry. Rylee sat there with her head down and knew what she did was really bad and Ashley just stood there with her hands over her eyes. It wasn’t really too drastic – one big chunk out of the side. Anyway, I have a feeling she won’t do that again. She didn’t get in trouble – she just knew it made her Mom very sad! I’m thinking I hope that is the worst thing she ever does to her hair!!!!!!!!

Fantastic update on Baylee!!! She had surgery on Thursday to remove the last small tumor in her abdomen and has been declared "cancer free." She still will be heading to Fort Worth in March for her stem cell transplant so keep praying - the prayers are working!!!

BIG news for Erin! She has accepted a job as a Nurse Extern at LeBonheur Children’s Hospital in Memphis in the NICU. After graduation she plans to work there full time. She loves working with babies and I think she will be a wonderful and caring nurse. I can see her getting attached to every single one of the babies there! GREAT job Erin…..

LACTOSE INTOLERANT!!!!!

2008-02-12T10:05:00.000-06:00

After a few days of stomach issues and lots and lots of crying I think Parker is finally back to normal. He definitely can only drink soy based formula! We thought he might be over not being able to drink milk based formula and tried it again since Ashley had $75.00 worth of formula sitting in the cabinet – but NO! Two days after trying that he was a mess! No one could put him down and he just screamed at the top of his lungs. Another lesson learned. As you can see now he is a HAPPY baby again!

“The Move”

We spent Friday, Saturday, and Sunday moving Ashley’s family out of their house and mostly into storage units. Russ kept everyone motivated and kept saying we can get this done – just keep working!!! Erin was definitely just sick and tired of the whole thing by the time they got home Saturday night about 11:30. They will be living with Pete’s Mom until they decide about a new house. It was an exhausting task but when all was done everyone was happy. (Ashley just hopes they got the right things in the climate controlled storage unit and the others in the regular unit – we’ll see!) Pete’s Mom lives about 15 miles from Wynne. I told Erin yesterday it seems like they have moved out of state even though I don’t think I will see them any less. Luke and Rylee will be spending some nights with me to go to school the next morning and I will still keep them while Ashley works. I just got used to them being right around the corner.....

One More Prayer Request

2008-02-06T03:34:00.000-06:00

Whooo-Hoooo! Yea! Just received important information from another sweet cousin of mine. I'm sure you think by now I have lots of cousins - well, I don't have that many but the ones I do have are VERY important and special to me. Cinda, another cousin from Kansas (and Baylee's Aunt), just finished her last radiation treatment for breast cancer. She is doing so well and has such a wonderful attitude! Please keep her in your prayers for the good news to continue.

PRAYER REQUESTS!!!!

2008-02-05T08:50:00.000-06:00

Please pray for my precious little cousin, Baylee Anne Banning, who is 10 months old and was diagnosed with Stage IV Neuroblastoma when she was 6 months old. She lives in Kansas and if her counts are where they need to be she will have a stem cell transplant in Fort Worth, Texas, sometime in March. To read about her battle go to http://www.carepages.com/ and her password is BayleesBattle. Her family needs prayers, specifically, for her counts to improve so they can proceed with her transplant.

Also, please pray for another favorite cousin of mine (Faye) here in Arkansas who is very ill with brain cancer. Her children and grandchildren are just taking it one day at a time right now. She is the kind of person who can always make you laugh and will just make your day. Please pray for her and her family.

Love to All...... (and Thank you)

HOW LONG HAS IT BEEN?????

2008-01-27T13:21:00.000-06:00

The last two months have been so full of doing this and doing that and not ever knowing what would be happening the next day. There is never a dull day around here. I’m working some on my house (painting {Russ and Erin have done most of the painting so far- THANK YOU Russ and Erin!!!}, cleaning closets, etc.) but I just get to do a little at a time. Ashley has had the flu for the past week and I was busy helping with the kids. Life is very exciting with an 8 year old, a 3 year old, and an 8 week old.

Luke is doing great in basketball and really hustles up and down the court. He is SOOO fast he runs over himself sometimes. Hmmm – I’m thinking some kind of pro athlete in the future (perhaps most Grammys think that way - but I’m pretty sure about him!!!).

Luke is really getting good at Guitar Hero and Rylee is perfect as Barbie Hero.

Rylee is busy just being a Princess!! You never know what she will come up with next. When I took her to school the other day she discovered she had ear wax in her ear and went down the hall announcing it to everybody that walked by. There was no way I could make her quit talking about it. She was really grossed out about it. What a girl!!

Parker is growing so fast we can’t keep him fed. He wants to eat every two or three hours – much to Ashley and Pete’s dismay. They are going for four hours between feedings and would love for him to sleep at least six hours at night. They seem astonished that babies don’t sleep all night. How soon we forget!

ISN'T HE JUST TOOOOO CUTE?????

I have a new Shihtzu puppy named Zoe. She is really sweet and already puppy pad trained (it’s a good thing since it is FREEZING outside lately). If she wasn’t trained I would just have to toss her in the back yard to fend for herself….. not really – well MAYBE.

And MAYBE I will get better at updating this blog…………..

More Pics of Parker!!!

2007-11-30T07:29:00.000-06:00

Just wanted to post a couple more pictures of Parker. They all made it home from the hospital yesterday and were so happy to get home. Parker is doing great and, so far, he is the best baby! He sleeps and eats and barely fusses at all. Did Ashley and Pete really get this lucky? Ashley feels much better and is getting around pretty good. She has a little swelling in her feet but during her surgery and afterwards they pumped her so full of fluids I suppose it will take a while to get rid of all of it. She is not a complainer so I have to keep a close eye on her!! HA! Check out Parker's Razorback hat. (Sorry about that to all my LSU friends.) Pete is already trying to get him on the recruitment list. Luke and Rylee love him to death, however, Rylee still says, "He's a GIRL." She was so insistent that Mom was going to have a "pink baby" I guess she still hasn't accepted she has a new baby BROTHER.....

IT'S A BOY!!!!!!

2007-11-28T08:31:00.000-06:00

PARKER PHILLIP GEORGE DUNCAN arrived at 5:10 p.m. on November 26, 2007, weighing in at 7 lbs 1 oz and 20 inches long. What a beautiful boy!!!! (Of course, I’m not partial but he really is perfect.) The story of his arrival is quite long so I will try to make it short. Ashley never has been and never will be a “drama queen,” HOWEVER, she sure likes to stir up the pot when it comes to having her kids. She went to her normal doctor’s appointment at 3:30 p.m. on Monday and he said everything looked good and he would see her again on Friday so she and Pete decided they would go to the Macaroni Grill to eat. All of a sudden she had a really terrible pain that would not go away. She told Pete she had to go back to the doctor’s office. When they got there Pete went up to the Doctor’s office and made him come out to the car. They immediately sent her to the hospital where she AGAIN had an emergency C-Section because Parker’s heart rate had fallen drastically. The Dr. said when he opened her up she had over one liter of blood in her abdomen. He also said he had never seen anything like it before. After they got Parker out they went to work on Ashley trying to find where the blood was coming from. They determined that some previous scar tissue had torn away from her uterus and caused the bleeding. The Dr. said if they had not been in Memphis Parker would not have made it. Erin, Russ, and I were all driving in separate cars just trying to get to the hospital. They were not in their regular hospital and I didn’t even know where I was going – I was just GOING. I did find out where to go as soon as I crossed over the bridge in Memphis. Erin and I cried for most of our trip while we were driving and the phone calls were flying fast and furious just trying to find out what was going on. I was so relieved to see Ashley after she woke up! After midnight we finally got to hold Parker and see that all was well. There was a lot of praying going on and we know God was guiding Dr. Stern’s hands. Thank you God and Dr. Stern!!!!

More pictures later..............

Happy Birthday Grandma!!!

2007-09-22T19:21:00.001-05:00

Mother turned 89 on September 14 and we all celebrated together for her birthday this year. Only Keith could not come but he had to work so we excused him, however, this is his notice that we expect him to make it next year for her 90th!!!!! Lynda and Wayne brought Mom to Wynne since I had to drive up from New Orleans for the party. I appreciate them so much for doing that – thanks again Lynda and Wayne! Mike cooked her favorite (Boston Butt), Erin made potato salad, and Wayne made baked beans. Ashley made her a beautiful birthday cake (Red Velvet)! It was all delicious!!! She got lots of nice presents and Luke and Rylee helped her blow out her candles (a few times since the candles were the relighting ones – ha!). The weather was beautiful so we hung out on the deck and watched Luke and Rylee swim. Thankfully Mike had heated the pool since it was only in the 70’s that day! Luke brought his dirt bike and had lots of room to ride after he was through swimming. All in all it was a very nice day and I think Mom was worn out by the time she got back home that night. We now look forward to celebrating her 90th next year………..

First Day of School - Aug 2007

2007-08-28T18:44:00.000-05:00

Luke and Rylee started school this week with Luke in the 2nd grade and Rylee starting Wee School at church. Luke’s first day was Tuesday and when everyone was ready to leave Ashley noticed that Rylee had her backpack on and was ready to go. She was so disappointed since her first day was not until Thursday. So, on Thursday she got ready again and had a great first day. The Wee School program is wonderful and they teach them so many things. Of course, with her being so smart (especially according to Grammy), she will do great. She has known her ABC’s for some time now and can count with the best of us so we will look forward to her coming home with new songs to sing and papers to show off. Luke still likes and excels in his classroom. He has decided not to play soccer this year and has narrowed his sports to basketball and baseball so far. Next year he will be able to play football. I hope they both have a great year…..

Audubon Aquarium 8/4/07

2007-08-05T17:02:00.001-05:00

What a great weekend! Ashley, Pete, Luke, and Rylee came to New Orleans for the weekend for the sole purpose of going to the Audubon Aquarium. We had promised Luke for a year that we would go and it was so worth it. Luke touched a Stingray and also got to “pet” a shark. Afterwards we walked around Jackson Square and shopped a little while after eating lunch at Bubba Gumps Seafood Restaurant. I asked Luke last night what he thought was the best thing in the aquarium and naturally he said the sharks. Then I asked Rylee the same thing and she said “MY SHOES.” What a girly girl – thinking only about her new shoes!!!!!! I guess the sharks just didn’t compare with the same feeling as getting a new pair of shoes……

Luke & Rylee's Birthday Party 7/28/07

2007-08-05T16:41:00.000-05:00

Luke and Rylee had a GREAT birthday (or should I say birthdays). They celebrated together with a swimming party at Pa’s house with lots of their friends and family. The kids all loved the pool and the big water slide. Afterwards, they both said they had a wonderful time and so much fun. They never did quite get the “blowing the candles out” thing figured out since they were sharing a cake and had to blow at the same time. Their blue underwater cake was made by none other than their beautiful Mom, Ashley.

Speaking of Ashley, she went for her 2nd ultrasound this past Friday. The ultrasound tech told them the baby was showing out by waving, and putting it’s foot in it’s mouth. Everything looked good and she and Pete didn’t get weak about their decision to not find out whether it is a girl or a boy. We will all have a big surprise this December and can’t wait! Luke got to see the ultrasound and was really impressed. He asked lots of questions and was excited to be involved. He wants to be in the room when the baby is born. We’ll see how that goes. Rylee won’t even talk about a new baby in the house.

Russ started his job at the prison on July 23 and was glad to finally get started. He will be going to Georgia sometime soon for three weeks of training. Everything has fallen into place for him since he came back from Iraq in April and then home for good in May. We are so happy to have him home!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Erin will start her last year of nursing school next month – YEA!!!

As for me, I have been in New Orleans for 11 months now and plan on being home no later than the end of October. This has been a long hard year for me and I will be so glad to get home to my family. It has never gotten any easier to be away from home……..

More Beach Pics 2007

2007-07-05T12:42:00.001-05:00

Orange Beach June 23-30, 2007

2007-07-01T16:41:00.000-05:00

There is never ever enough time! All year long our anticipation for our vacation grows and grows and then we leave for the beach and way too soon it is over and it seems like we just got there. We had an even greater vacation this year because we FINALLY had Russ along - something we had looked forward to for so long. Our days were filled with lounging in the sun (well, that's what the girls did) and eating lots of good food. While the girls did most of the lounging the guys played in the sand and the surf! Luke was even better this year on his skim board and Rylee was a tiny bit better about getting closer to the water. Pete and Russ played lots of paddle ball and their muscles grew by leaps and bounds but I'm not sure the body slams in the sand did them any good at all. I have to say they really put their heart into it (they are secretly hoping paddle ball will be added as a new Summer Olympics sport so they can compete)! Everyone enjoyed swimming in the pool. Also while there our activities included miniature golf, go-carts, deep sea fishing (Russ, Pete & Luke), and shopping (Ashley, Erin, Rylee & Me). Now we have to accept that it is over and start looking forward to next year where once again we will say "let's move down here" knowing all along that it wouldn't be a special place if we actually did live there. Until next year......