Lauren's Big Day (Lauren's Birthday Part 3)

So how did we celebrate this sweet girl's 3rd birthday?

First we slept late.

Lauren and I mixed icing for her "cookie cake".

She received birthday phone calls.

Got dressed.

We went to Cheesecake Factory.

Lauren got her ears pierced.

Check out the new bling.

Went to the Disney Store, got a new Minnie.

We ordered the big girl bed.

We opened presents from Mimi, Grandad and Ganan.

Took a nap.

Got dressed again.

Went to Chuck E Cheese with Caroline.

(Lauren took this picture)

Came home, had the cookie cake, opened a present from Caroline.

Had a bath.

Went to bed.

What a great day!

Lauren Turns 3! (Lauren's Birthday Part2)

Saturday was Lauren's 3rd birthday. I honestly can't believe it. In so many ways she is still such a baby, but in other ways she is such a kid. It makes me sad that the days are going by so quickly. I want to freeze time a keep her where she is for just a little longer, but at the same time I am love to see her grow and mature and become her own little person. God has blessed Doug and I so much to choose us to be her parents. She is an amazing little girl with so much to offer this world. Here are list of a few of her favorite things, in groups of 3, of course.

Favorite Colors

1. Pink

2. Blue

3. Green

Favorite People

1. Mommy

2. Daddy

3. Caroline

Favorite Shows

1. Dora

2. Wow Wow Wubzy

3. Wonder Pets

Favorite Movies

1. Cinderella

2. Horton Hears A Who

3. Toy Story

Favorite Food

1. Macaroni

2. Cheese enchiladas

3. Ham and cheese

Favorite things to Do

1. Church

2. Playgroup

3. Play games

Favorite Songs

1. Heyday Tonight

2. Jesus loves me

3. Get on Your Boots

Favorite trips

1. Disney World

2. Beach

3. Ranch

Favorite Animals

1. Puppy

2. Monkeys

3. Dinosaurs

Lauren, you are God's gift to me and your Daddy. I love to hear your sweet voice each morning with all the eagerness of a new day. I love your energy and your ability just to hang out. I love your hugs and kisses. I love that you love to go to baseball games, basketball games and play golf. I love that you are the best sleeper ever. I love to hear you say "I love you more." . I love that you are the essential picture of a little girl, curls and all. I love that you love to play dress up and kick the soccer ball. I love that you know who Jesus is and love to hear your sweet prayers. I love the joy your friends bring to you and love that you make friends easily. I love that you get excited at first mention of seeing your grandparents, aunts and unlces and cousins. I love that you are willing to try new things. I love how easy going you are. I love your sweet heart and it's reflection in your smile. Most of all I love that you are mine! I love that I get to share in your life, your joys, your sorrows, your journey. I love you, my baby.

A Sigh of Relief

I know I have posted on here before about the hole in my ear that will not heal. A couple of months ago, my Dr. made the call that a surgery was needed to repair it, while I DID not want this surgery, I gave in to it, knowing the consequences of not having it were far worse than actually having it. So, when the time came, I went to go have the standard blood work and chest x-ray done. The next day I get a call from the Dr.'s office. The nurse says, "We need to you go redo your blood work because it came back, abnormal." ME: "What does that mean, abnormal?" Nurse: "Oh just something in your CBC came back strange." So I'm trying not to freak out, hurry and get Lauren and I ready and go back to the hospital for one more test. Spend the rest of the day googling "abnormal CBC", then the Dr. Calls. Dr.: "Sorry for all the blood work we are having you do, but as it turns out your white blood count is low, so I'm cancelling the surgery, because you body will not heal correctly with your count so low. I have already spoken to a specialist who feels it is some type of virus in your system causing this. But until we know for sure, no surgery." Me: "Is this something to be worried about?" Dr. "No, I don't think so." So there I was, trying not to worry, googling low white blood count, and becoming increasingly, well, worried. I called the "Specialist" who as it turned out is an Oncologist/Hematologist. (I was only a little shocked about this, because a friend had been through a similar situation.) But still, it never feels good to have an appointment with an Oncologist.

I wait the week out until my appointment, where they take 9 vials of blood to check for everything under the moon. Meet with the Dr. who explains the possibilities for the low WBC, does a physical exam and I'm sent on my way, and told not to worry. (As a side note, my WBC had gone up slightly since the week before.) A week passes and I go back to see the Dr. More blood work (only one vile) he meets with me IN THE HALL, and tells me I have low B-12, I get a shot and I am told to come back next week. Not a lot of information exchanged (WBC is up slightly again) but I am feeling a bit better, after all it could be a lot worse.

Next week comes. (And I will leave out the details of the blond moment I had and how I showed up on the wrong day!) Doug meets met at the office as he has for every appointment, but this time I had to take Lauren so he stayed out in the waiting room with her. I go back, by myself. The Dr. : "So your WBC was down again lower than it was originally." He goes on to explain how all the other test ran came back normal, except the B-12 and since the B-12 shot the WBC has gone down he feels the next step is a bone marrow biopsy. Me: "To test for leukemia?" Dr. : "Yes it does test for that, but it test for other things as well. At this stage we just need to rule everything out." At this point, I began to worry. Again. I had the procedure done, which I will spare the details of except to say, it is very painful. I was taught how to give my B-12 injections at home and sent on my way.

So needless to say, Easter weekend for Doug and I was not exactly what it could have been. I was very distracted and to be honest often in prayer. In prayer for my health, in prayer for my Dad's health, in prayer for the health of strangers (who I have been reading about on various blogs.) I have been taught so much about prayer, leaning on God, trusting in God over these last few months. First, because of my Dad. Second, because of my own health issues. And finally through the testimonies of so many of those strangers I just referred to. So many times I prayed for peace and received it. So many times I asked for clarity and received it. So many times I have asked for good news and received it. Yesterday I found out my bone marrow is completely normal. Praise be to God. Next step, ear surgery and more B-12!

Now I am asking for God to be with my Dad and to heal him. He is scheduled for surgery on May 8th. Please join me in praying for him. I have asked big things from a God who has already given everything and yet, He keeps giving.

I have been very reflective over the past month. Trying to understand God's great love, grace, charity. And I have concluded it's not really something I have to understand, only something I have to accept. And that is my goal. To everyday accept all of these things and in return, try to give them back. I have learned to lean not on my own understandings and to accept God's will. And while I know all of these things to be true, it is an everyday struggle to accept it for what it is. I am but a broken, sinning human, put back together by and wiped clean by God's Holy love and sacrifice. And with that I give a big sigh of relief.

Jesus Loves Me

I have been meaning to record this for some time, but kept forgetting. I know the window of opportunity to get this on video is short. Another week another song. So today I got her to do, of course I had to bribe her with Easter candy, but she did it!

Conversations with Lauren

It's so fun to have real two way conversations with Lauren. Here is our conversation on the way to the mailbox today.

Lauren : I don't like squirrels. (Upon seeing my neighbors lawn decor of plastic squirrels, yuck!)

Me: Why?

Lauren: Because I like sharks.

Me: Or really, what else do you like?

Lauren: I like sharks, Disney World, Sea World and Church.

Me: That's good, what else do you like?

Lauren: Class, eating a snack in class, making new friends, and water. (all of these are related to class at church, I think she got stuck there.

Me: What else?

Lauren: Ummm my friends

Lauren: Me and daddy fixed that thing over there. It was really broken. I had my shoes on, but you didn't I saw you. (busted)

Me: That's right little girl.

Lauren: What are we going to do now? I'm NOT tired, I don't wanna go to bed. (Huge clue that she is ready to go to bed)

Me: I didn't say you were tired......

That's about it. A few things I love about this conversation..... It was two way, questions and answers. Second, I can tell she REALLY loves church, ranking it up there with Disney World and Sea World, wow. And finally, how it cycles back around, reminding me she is still only 2 for a few more weeks, with the whole, I'm not tired bit. I'm sure she won't be growing out of that any time soon and I am just fine with that!

Lauren's Bible Interpation

Every night before bed, Lauren "reads" her bible then I read it. (We have made all the way through Matthew and Mark, now on Luke.) Most of the time when she "reads" it is gibberish with a few "Gods" thrown in. But last night she grab it and said, "This is God's Holy Word. It says right here that Lauren can stay up all day long." Hiding my laughter and thinking quickly, I respond, "Oh, I don't think it does say that, but it does say to obey your Mommy and Daddy, and so for you, I am sad to say that means you have to go to bed." To which she responded, "Oh Man!" Too funny. But I am happy that she understands that the Bible is God's Holy Word and that she is starting to put together that Bible means something and is a guideline by which to live, even if it doesn't say little girls can stay up all day long!

Where Have I Been?

Yep, I know. Long time no write. I just haven't been feelin' it lately. Still not, but here goes nothing.

Houston Marathon

Doug and I ran in the Houston half marathon again this year. I was not prepared for it. I think the most I ran in between the SA half in this one was 8 miles. My knee was messed up, so I was sidelined for awhile. Excuses, excuses, mostly I was lazy. But I had a respectable time all things considered. I ran a 2:30. Still faster than my first but not as fast as SA. The best part of it, was running the first 9 miles with my rock star best friend Becky who did the whole marathon. It was awesome to experience that with her. And ummmm, I haven't ran since. I know, bad Leslie. I promise I will get back into, maybe in a week or two. (Yes, I say that every week.)

Valentines

I have to say this Valentines was one of the best if not the best ever. I hate Valentine's Day, I think it is stupid and made up. Some of this could stem from the fact that I have never had a really memorable one, in fact have I have had some really bad ones. Anyway, every year I always down play it to Doug, and every year he follows the lead and we just exchange some small silly gift, like a CD or something. But this year was a little different. This year we went to a fabulous restaurant here in San Antonio, Cocoa Chocolate Lounge http://www.sa-coco.com/. I felt so hip being there amongst the SA elite or at least the wanna be's. For a present he got me, an apron, a potato ricer and a single diamond stud. ( my ears are pierced twice on one side) Some may be saying "an apron"? But that is what I asked for. I love to cook, but I'm a really messy cook. And then some may be saying, "what the heck is potato ricer?"(Go to the Williams Sonoma Website if you are curious.) They make mashed potatoes even more delightful. So the night started with presents. The three of exchanged gifts. If you are curious I got Doug the new Pat Green CD, I framed some pictures for his office and a membership to the U2 fan club which includes a CD and a t-shirt. (And hopefully an advantage in scoring concert tickets when they go on sale.) Lauren got a plush Woody (from Toy Story), a plush Pluto, some candy and Toy Story 2. Oh and two cards. Doug got her one and I got her one, just happened it was the same one. Great minds, right? After the exchange, the babysitter came. We went and had cocktails at one of our favorite spots, Silo, then on to the restaurant. After waiting for 20 minutes for a table we had reserved, we were finally seated and had a wonderful dinner. Just as we were about to leave, I looked down to my wrist and noticed my bracelet was gone. Panic follows. My diamond bracelet the one Doug got me when I had Lauren was gone. I look up and say "My bracelet is gone." Doug: "Are you sure you put in on?" Me: "Of course I'm sure, I think I'm gonna vomit." I look in all the places we had been in the restaurant, we ask the front desk, no one has seen it. We go to the first place, no one has seen it. We drive in silence on the way home. I am sick. Doug is doing his best to make me feel better about it, but I don't. We get home, wait for the babysitter to leave. Once she is gone I run to my room looking, hoping it is there. Go into the bathroom and.......Hooray and praise God, it is on my vanity. Must of fallen of as I was touching up my hair. I was so relieved. I was running through the house, yelling "I found it, I found it!" So all was well and Valentines was saved and my faith in it renewed.

Oh and on the Wed. prior we had a little playgroup get together, here are some pics.

The Group


Two Sweeties: Caroline & Lauren

Rodeo

The SA Rodeo just left town. We were lucky enough to score 4th row tickets to two concerts. The three of us went. Lauren was not a fan of the whole stock show and touching the animals, but she loved the show part. Loved watching the bulls, broncs and horses. Even loved the concert part. (the first night anyway) Here are some pictures, you can see the excitement in her eyes.

Gary Allen

Our Cowgirl

Jeff and Reagan's Birthday Party

On Saturday after Valentine's day we headed to Houston for our dear friends birthday party. In the afternoon, was Reagan's 5th birthday party and one of those inflatable places. Lauren had a blast and bounced herself into delirium. That night was Reagan's Daddy's adult only birthday party. We went out for Mexican and then to a local honky tonk "Moe's" for a concert featuring Roger Creager. I'm not much for honky tonks, but we had a lot of fun. I was even dragged onto the dance floor a few times. I love my dear friends, Becky and Jeff and their precious family.

The group

Ft. Worth

On Sunday Lauren and I headed to Ft. Worth. (Doug had business all week in Phoenix.) As I have mentioned before, my dad was recently diagnosed with cancer. He has now started treatment, so we wanted to go up there to be with him. As it turns out, he is doing great so far and was at work most of the days. So Lauren and I hung out with my mom and got to have a great time doing fun stuff with her and hanging with my dad in the evening. As a highlight I got to go for Sushi with my sister and sister in law. We had a blast eating yummy food and cheap martini's. On Friday we headed back home, unfortunately Lauren was sick by this point, but fortunately she was. I was just on this side of the San Marcus, on the home stretch, when I got clocked going 80. But after explaining to the very nice officer that I was just trying to get my sick baby home, he let me off with a warning. Nice guy.

Lauren's Sick.

So as previously stated Lauren is sick. Started with a nasty sounding cough, then snot, then ear pain. So, yesterday we went to the Dr.s office. This was only like her 4th visit that wasn't a well baby/kid checkup. I didn't want to take her in. Pediatrician's offices creep me out. All those nasty germs kids bring in. I always think, if she wasn't already sick, she will be now. But to Doug's credit, he convinced me to take her in. Good thing I did, double ear infection. So for the first time ever, my baby is on antibiotics. We almost made it three years without them. That's something. Today has been a long day of staying at home, but we have done some fun things. I gave her a manicure and a pedicure, we made play dough and made cookies. (She's napping now, shhhh)

The Pedicure

The Cookies

The Play dough

Cooking

From Scratch cupcakes and frosting

Remember me making a commitment to one new recipe a week? I have pretty much done so. Here are some things I have made:

Buffalo Wings

Shrimp Fried Rice

Sweet and Sour Chicken

Ranch Style Chicken

From Scratch Cupcakes

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chunk Cookies (made today and yes they are as good as they sound)

Pork chop Parmesan

I am still on a quest to make the perfect Carne Asada, so far two trys and while both were tasty, still not what I'm looking for.

The House

As a surprise, Doug called several interior designers for me to meet with. He decided on two, and after I met with both, I narrowed it down. For awhile, we were deciding, "do we stay here and fix it up or move and start over?" Staying here won. So now on to making our house a home. This not my area of expertise, so we hired someone to do it for us. As it turns out, it's a bit more expensive to do this than we originally thought so we are starting with room one and we will see what happens from there. We are starting in the family room since that is were our life happens. In about three weeks we will have a completely new family room. Well, not completely, we are keeping our furniture since all have it has been purchased since we moved to SA. I am so excited and can't wait to see the finished product. I will post before and after pictures when it is finally done.

Disney World/Astros

This Saturday we are headed to Florida. We are going to Disney World, baby. It just so happens that the Astro's will be doing a little thing called "Spring Training" down there too. We did this same trip last year, but this year promises to be so much better. For one, Lauren is older and will have more fun. Two, the sickness was (hopefully, a knock on wood) before the trip this time not during. Last year we all took turns getting sick. And third, well, just trust me it will be better.

So, that is were I have been and I guess were I'm going. And I will try to be better about blogging. It's much better doing it a little at a time vs. writing a marathon at one time.