Facebook Rant

Who likes Facebook?  I do/did.....

When one of my dearest college friends, Todd, introduced me to Facebook, I thought it was marvelous ...   This was back in '09.  I quickly caught up with a lot of my old college friends and high school friends.  I LOVED that about FB.  Folks I though fondly of, but had lost touch with them.  It was was great!  I felt closer to folks than I had for years.  I caught up with some folks I used to work with both as a probation officer and in various ministries.  Sometimes I'd see someone's name and be so excited to be contacted by them or to contact them.  It was a lot of fun to catch up and share stories and pictures.... 

Then the groups started....and sometimes things got a little odd.  I was in one group for my college and left it because I thought there were some real weirdoes in it.  People I didn't think even went to college with us.  Lot of odd ideas, I love a good argument but I'm usually quite "tongue in cheek" about things but some of these folks were like NUTS! 

Then when we started adopting the girls, things got odder still.....  I found the "adoption world" I'd known when we adopted Shad in "06 was not the same adoption world.  Some crazies were out there.....   too much info, guessing and DRAMA....I joined some adoption groups ONLY to get out of them as soon as we got home with the girls.  Too much complaining and whining on there, too many experts....   I was happy, Over the moon...happy with my babies and I really didn't want to hear about anyone else's issues....  I know that sounds mean but hey I'm being real.  I couldn't relate to the issues some were having with their kids. 

I really try NOT to add "friends" if I don't know the person "in real life"....well in the adoption world, you tend to add folks that you don't know in real life...and you probably won't hang with if you did know them ....LOL   As a disclaimer, I've met some great people on line, mostly ones I actually have friends in common with (REAL life friends)   When we were leaving to pick up the girls, after we lost he little guy were trying to adopt, I basically deleted almost everyone that I didn't know IRL....I felt safer. 

Then over time, I started adding people back on...good people....but people I don't really know.  So now my newsfeeds are stuff about folks I don't really know.  It annoys the heck out of me.  I want to hear about my old friends, see their pictures ....  But then I feel guilty if I delete someone.  But I am just going to have to start doing it again.  I feel like FB is an out of control monster that annoys me most of the time now.  It used to be you could "hide" a person but FB doesn't allow me to do that anymore so I have to scroll through all kinds of things....and miss things others wrote.....

I also hate the people that send friend requests, you add them and they never communicate again....they don't "like" anything you write or a picture....  I have two people that I comment on their stuff occasionally and they don't even "like" what I comment or ever say anything to me...WHY? be friends with someone like that?

So for me FB has gone from really fun to annoying.  The only reason I don't leave altogether is I really like being able to be in touch with some friends easily.  Yesterday I added a friend from high school and we actually called each other and had such a good time telling our life stories since high school.  That to me is what FB is all about....


When the accident happened, FB was wonderful to be able to share things with folks, because I couldn't stand to talk on the phone.  Talking required too much energy and I didn't' have any to spare at the time.  That was a good part of FB.


This has just bothered me lately....  Ok my rant is over....

Facebook get on your nerve too??

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Selah had a good day, she had physical therapy today.  We got her diapers in and a bunch of supplies. 

I enrolled the three little ones in school today.  I had turned in all their paperwork in LAST school year...but somehow it never got in the system.....  so now we wait and see what will happen....and how soon...or how slow...it will take.....


Last night was my "fall out and sleep like a rock night" I'm always so happy to have our night nurse here so I can sleep deep and not worry about missing something Selah needs!  I slept so good last night!  I do not take it for granted! 

Thank you for continuing to pray for Selah.  You have no idea how much we appreciate prayers for our little girl. 

Getting the Ark ready!

WOW it has been raining non stop here....ok I love rain but today I started wondering if there was a hurricane coming and I just hadn't been watching the news....  LOL  I only say that because....that happened to me before!!  The year Sam was born, we had so many hurricanes, direct hit ones, and for the last one ( the worst one for us) I totally zoned out and didn't know until just a few hours before it hit....no lie...  But hey things were just about as crazy as they are now, Sam was a very sick baby!!!  That was a RUDE awakening for me!!!  We ended up living in the adminstrion building at the prison for over a week  since we didn't have electrify and Sam was on a monitor 24/7...fun times....  Anyhow we are going to have a lot of rain for the next few days.  I went to the thrift store and bought me some books to read, nothing like a rainy day and a book.

Last night I had to get up with Selah a few times, and by the third night (we don't have nursing Fri-Sun night) I was beat.  I think the last time I got up with her, I changed her with my eyes closed....no lie.  She has still had a little higher heart rate, but she seems ok.  She still seems more alert for the most part.  Last night she was probably more alert than me!  So this morning I got up about 8:30 and stumbled in her room (our nurse was there by then)  and I'm in my robe, bleary eyed and there is the nursing supervisor and a new worker...LOL  then the Physical Therapist got here, at that point I just took off for the shower.  I had no pride left LOL  The kids also had Occupational therapy today and she worked on EATING...so that means she feed Sam and Sarah !  WOOHOO:)   I told her she was welcomed to come every day and work with them!!!

I cooked today used my 3 crock pot...it's one machine with 3 crock pots in it....I did a chili and a hot nacho cheese and ham & beans , everyone is happy:) 

 

Yesterday I made chicken noodle soup and it was soooo good.  I think the secret is to use a couple of cans of cream of chicken soup.  Tomorrow I already have the meat cooked for spaghetti:)  We ae only using ground chicken now, very low fat and I get the kind that is grass fed/free range/no antibodics...  I try and keep us healthy.  Then on Wednesday I'm doing a roast.  YUM!  I love having the meals planned out

 

 

Please keep praying for Selah.  We appreciate the prayers!!!

Quiet Sunday

Quiet Sunday....

Had to get up several times with Selah last night, her heat rate was up some, in the 90's and 100's.  Usually that means she is sick.  She does seem to have some more secretions than normal but not an extreme amount.  We are hoping see is not getting sick.  She is still on Tobymixion until tomorrow.  She still seems more aware of things:)  We love to see her looking around more and holding her head up.  Our nurse said Selah held her head up, off the bed, as she brushed her hair this morning:) 

The guys went to the river and went kayaking after church.  They had a great time and got lots of exercise:) 

I've been busy with the little ones today.  Sarah loves to play and hold my hands as she stands up.  She wants to do it over and over again:) 

Hope you have a peaceful day....I'm going to watch a movie with the family.

Please keep Selah in your prayers

Chuck E Cheese....

Well I didn't have to go through labor for Shad but I did have to go to Chuck E Cheese....the place that makes me start really disliking children (not mine of course LOL)  Chuck E cheese HAS to be a part of Dante's Inferno.....the 7th level or something like that.....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sarah was not too sure about the bouncy car

 

 

 

 

 

Look at my twins!  Do they not have the absolute small hair color?  And they are about the same size although Sam is almost 4 years older than Sarah.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

my friend's daughter

 

Shad and his bud Andrew.

 

 

 

 

Shad picking out what he could buy with his 425 tokens....

Shad bought me some sweet tarts my fav sugar candy:)

 

So the kids all had a great time, I fulfilled the Chuck E Cheese need for a year or so I hope... that place is more than I can bear!

 

 

 

 

Shad with the spoils of his bday, two of his Lego sets.  He is amazing with putting those together! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selah continues to do good.... so much more movement than ever.  Someone asked WHY was it taking so long to find a speech therapist for her....first it has been hard to find one for any of the three little ones.  At one point we were taking her a few times to a local hospital for speech but we were not satisfied with the therapist.  It's a lot of effort to take her out for only a 30 minute session that was missed a few times....  Also I was a bit uncomfortable taking her to the hospital.  So many germs and she is susceptible  to getting ill.   For Selah she has to have a therapist who knows what they are doing with a trach.  Not all ST have even worked a child off a trach before.  Several we contacted had no experience with that.  I believe we will connect with the right one at the right time, if that makes sense.   It can be frustrating to me. 

 

Last night we didn't have a nurse (the weekend) and Selah woke us up twice by making a gurgle sound in her trach.  She quit doing it as soon as she was changed.  It's funny to us and quite wonderful that she can make a noise like that.  We change her position and when Jon first walked in, the nurse had put her right leg on top of a pillow and she was somewhat on her side.  Selah was trying to move her leg off the pillow!!!!!!!!  We've never seen her do that before. 

 

Last night I dreamed AGAIN that Selah was back to normal.  I dreamed she sat up in bed, she wasn't' steady and fell over once and then caught her self up on her right arm.  It was so real....

 

Please keep praying for Selah.  Thank you so much for your thoughts and prayers for her! 

 

 

A Beautiful Day

We had a bit of a scare today.  Steve found two lumps in his "upper leg area"  I took him to the doctor and thankfully they are just ingrown hairs!  Evidently it can be a genetic problem LOL  And they can be removed, Steve was just fine with them staying LOL!!

 

Sometimes when you have gone through bad things, you always expect the worse....I always expect the worse and this morning, I was really afraid.  I was kidding around with Steve but inside I was scared.  I had to remind myself that God was still in control even if there was something really wrong...but thankfully everything was ok:)

 

I got the results back from my mammogram and "things are fine, see you next year"   Good news!

 

This afternoon our nurse had an appointment so I had a few hours alone with Selah during the day time.  It was great.  I enjoyed being with her and her being awake!  When I'm with her at night, it's different, this was great, it wasn't too hot.  We went outside and she was so alert.  I'm leaning towards we may do the HBOT again....   I did finger and hand exercises then thought about clipping her nails, she moved her hand back from me so quick!  I loved it!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Look at the sky!  Florida is beautiful!

 

 

 

 

 

I was going to try and answer some questions......

 

Yes Selah did have popsicles and things in her mouth in NY.  When we went to the "rehab" they no longer wanted to work with her like that and refused to.  I am not comfortable putting things in her mouth at home.  It could put the nurses in a hard situation since it has not been ordered by a doctor or therapist and Selah too if she aspirated anything.  We live so far out, that it just isnt' worth the risk .  We'd love to get her a good speech therapist to work with her on this...but haven't found one yet.

 

How does Selah show she doesn't like something.  She will FROWN up, and even cry with tears.  It's obvious when she doesn't like something and we are so thankful that she is able to show us!

 

So we are encouraged, Selah is moving her tongue and her neck/shoulders more each day.  All the nurses feel she is more alert....  The tongue thing is NEW...completely new so I feel good about that...  I know it's not a lot but it might take more to get her out of the state.

 

Please keep praying for her!! 

Lemon Swab

Busy day today... I had my mammogram and of course I am nervous till I get the results.....I have one yearly and no have problems but I'm always afraid of finding out something bad!  But I urge you to go and get one ladies....it could save your life.  I've also had some issues with my right side again.  I've gone to the doctors for this for years, with no answers.  I don't want to be a hypochondriac but it is scary to deal with a pain that comes and goes and changes somewhat.  The change in the pain, has worried me.   I remind myself that there are real people in real pain and to try and trust God.  Sometimes I think I focus too much on myself  (at least in my mind LOL that is the only place I can do it !)  So I'm hoping this is just the same old thing and it will go away...

I got home to a social worker and nurse coming form the school system to do evaluations on the little ones.  They actually seemed to care about us and helping the kids get some services.  It was a joy to talk about how we found our girls and even our first meeting with them....  in spite of everything that has happened. I can't help but smile when I think of meeting and falling in love with our girls....  Really hoping to get things started as soon as possible.  Sarah continues to do well in PT and loves drinking from a straw!!!!!

Selah has really been moving her tongue around in her mouth.  It is rather amazing.  So our nurse froze a lemon flavored swab and wiped her mouth out with it.  She went crazy, moving her mouth and tongue.  That is pretty new behavior.  She did something  like that a few times in NY but it's not happened for awhile.   she really responded nicely.  We are excited to see if she will do it tomorrow too!

Keep praying for Selah, our hope is in God. 

Happy Birthday to me and Shad!

One of the first things we noticed about Shad's picture was his birthdate below it...it seemed like a sign:)   so now I have a boy to share my birthday with....

Today was a Clanton crazy day...Jon's van broke down on the way to work, just stopped working and he had to coast off to the side of the road.  No other problems, it went from normal to stopped.... Since he didn't have his cell with him, he walked to the prison, it wasn't too far, maybe a mile or so.  He was a little late so no one stopped to pick him up.  I guess they would have thought it odd to see the chaplain walking down the highway!  LOL  when he called me he told me the gas light had come on.  So I told him that maybe he'd ran out of gas LOL  but that wasn't it. 

Finally got it towed, thanks to one of his volunteers for taking him back to the van and staying with him until the tow truck came!  Bet he will remember his cell from now on LOL!

He ended up with the day just about shot after everything ....so he came with us to pick Shad up early from school for a late lunch.  Shad took cookies to school this morning and was happy:)  Shad opened his presents at lunch. 



Look at Steve...he wants a present too LOL





   

 

 

 

Look at Sarah drinking from the straw!!!!!!  YEAH!!!!!

 

Sam loves the soup.  The staff came up and sang to us and Sam loved that too:) 

 

Then we came home and I took a NAP!!!!  A real face drooling NAP!  It was good!

Happy Birthday to me:)

 

Jon went and got us a cake...

 

 

Steve put on the candles......only 8 but they were trick candles...

 

So we've had a nice day.  I wouldn't trade this day for anything, being with my family is the best thing ever!

 

SO if you want to really wish me and Shad a Happy Birthday...please consider giving to our orphans of the month.  The two little blind twins from India that Amanda and Chet are adopting.  To give, send a check to Grace Church, mark it Orphan ministry. 7060 Berry Road Zephyrhills Fl 33540......we only have had $200 come in so far and I'd love to give them at least $600 to help them out!!!!  That would make us HAPPY!!!!

 

 

 

Selah has had a very alert day and tolerated being in her stander for an hour!  Her nurses are happy with her alertness.  She still isn't pooping like we'd like for her to do.  So thanks for all your prayers for Selah and don't forget to pray for her poop:)    I'm pretty real on here! She is pooping a little but we don't want her tummy to get upset or dependent on any meds!  We are giving her prune juice in her gtube (per the doc) and it does help.