I Have a Problem.....

I have a serious problem.  I take WAY too many pictures!!!  I can fill up an iPhone faster than anyone I know, and that's exactly what I've done......AGAIN.  Time to back up my photos to the icloud and erase my precious pictures!  As I'm going through them, I'm putting a few from the past few weeks on the blog, for my own memory's sake.

My little prima ballerina showing me "first tosition" (first position) while waiting for dance class to start

This girl LOVES getting mail as much as her Mommy!  This was a Valentine's Day treat from Aunt Kelly and Uncle Michael

She also loves a good shopping trip to Sam's.  A Coke Icee and a soft pretzel are always the first stop when Mommy and Kyndall make a run to Sam's!  She also thinks it's super cool to hand her receipt to the little man or lady standing at the door as we leave.

Classic case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.  I was driving home last week minding my own business when a truck pulling a trailor full of junk pulled out in front of me and kicked up a rock and slung it at my windshield.  It started out as a little chip (no big deal) but as I continued to drive I watched it grow and grow and grow into a huge crack across my entire side of the car.  I absolutely HATE dealing with this kind of stuff, so I was none too happy.  Matthew was in Dallas for the week, so I took this picture so that he could see it.

And, the very next day we spent almost THREE hours at the glass place getting a brand new windshield.  That's three hours of my life that I will never get back.  I told you, I despise this kind of stuff and usually make let Matthew deal with it.  But, he wasn't around so I had to be a big girl and do it myself!  Kyndall went slightly stir crazy as we waited in a teeny tiny 8x8 room for THREE hours while it was fixed.  This was also the day of all those bad storms and tornadoes so I was going a little crazy myself, as I anxiously waited to get the heck out of there and get HOME!

Rainy days call for cute rain boots!

My friend Mary Beth (wife to Jay, my new liver transplant buddy) was on a trip to the Holy Land and she lit a prayer candle in my honor in one of the churches she visited.  She sent me this picture just a few hours before I found out that I was approved by the board to be listed for transplant.  How cool!

 I took this picture for my Mom to show her how much Kyndall loves her bean bag chair that she and my Dad got her for Christmas.  She drags it from room to room and perches herself up on it to watch TV, read books, etc.

Every Friday morning, Kyndall goes over to her friend Micah's house for a play date.  Rebecca sent me this picture last week of Micah and Kyndall tortuting playing with their sweet little dog.  We have two dogs that look EXACTLY like this one, but Kyndall never pays them any attention.  I'm pretty sure our dogs wouldn't allow THIS to happen anyway!

Last Saturday was my Mom's birthday.  As much as we wanted to be in Tallahassee to celebrate, we couldn't.  But, Kyndall proudly wore her cupcake shirt in honor of Grammy's special day!

That same night I went to dinner with my friend Glory and left Kyndall and Matthew home for the evening.  He sent me this picture just a few minutes after I left.  WHY does this NEVER happen when she's with me?!  

Last weekend the weather was HEAVENLY!  The sun was shining and the temperatures were absolutely perfect!  We spent a lot of time outside and I even talked Matthew into finally putting Kyndall's trampoline together.  It's been sitting on our back porch since we moved, due to the cold temps.  Kyndall was SO happy to have it back!  (Yes, those are her PJs!)

The beautiful weather continued through the entire weekend and into the beginning of this week.  Kyndall and I spent almost all of Monday outside going for walks, riding our bikes, jumping on the trampoline, etc.  I knew it wouldn't stick around for long so we soaked it up while we could!  It's a good thing, because currently the temperature here is 35.  Ugggggh.  Oh well, it was nice while it lasted.

Picking up rocks on our walk

When we came back inside, she requested a snack of popcorn and milk.  These days it's ALL about "doing it myself".

Tuesdays are dance class days and as much as we all love dance class, I sort of dread Tuesdays because they are guaranteed to involve a major meltdown at some point.  Usually, it's in the time between picking her up from school and the start of dance class.  We have about an hour, which sounds like a while, but by the time I get her a snack and get her changed into her dance clothes, we're usually cutting it close.  After a long day at school (with no nap!), many days this small window of time becomes her bewitching hour, where she turns into some kid that I don't even know.  Even the slightest thing can set her off and throw her into a full blown tantrum.  This week I wised up and presented her with a special treat in the form of a cute flower cookie from the bakery at Panera.  I knew the girly-ness of this cookie would win her over and I was right!  I told her she could hold it, look at it, smell it, admire it, drool over it, etc. but she couldn't have even a single bite until she was dressed and ready for class with NO tears and NO back talking.  Bribery at its finest and I'm NOT ashamed!!

Guess what?!  It worked!!!  If you see me dashing into Panera on Tuesday afternoons about 2:00, you'll know why!  Totally doing this every week!  Thanks for telling me about them, Julie!  =)

I have no idea why, but this week Kyndall has been asking almost daily to go to "Tamana City" (Panama City) and play on the beach.  I had no idea she even knew what Panama City meant, but apparently she does and apparently she has major beach fever, just like her Mama!  As much as I wish we could hop on down to "Tamana City", we are kind of stuck here in Jackson until after my surgery.  So, this morning on the way to school I told her we could pretend we were at the beach by wearing our sunglasses.  She thought that was a super fun idea, so here she is pretending she's soaking up the sun in PC!  

And, just for fun.....My friend posted this on Facebook earlier this week and I loved it!  If you're reading this, it means you haven't ever died while riding in my car so I'm doing pretty good!  =)

Hope everyone is having a great week!

Soul Sisters

I mentioned a few weeks ago on the blog that my sweet, precious friend Joy Greene had approached me about holding a special time of prayer on my behalf, with some of my closest sisters in Christ and my Englewood "family".  Of course I agreed, as I never turn down an opportunity for prayer!  I believe there is such power in prayer and especially corporate prayer amongst believers.  

Today I was honored to have some of the greatest prayers warriors I've ever known gather in my home and pray the most sincere, heartfelt, emotional prayers over me that I've ever heard.  Truly, I was moved beyond words by the whole experience.  I've had LOTS of people tell me they're praying for me, but there's something extra special about actually gathering together and physically holding hands and hearing these sweet prayers being offered up on my behalf.  The Lord's presence was so strong today.

Joy shared with the group what a great responsibility we have as believers to pray for one another.  When we say we're going to pray for someone, we need not to forsake that commitment.  Saying you will pray for someone needs to be more than just lip service.  We need to put it into action!  Joy had us read scripture which reminds us that that Lord hears the prayers of the righteous man, but that we cannot approach the throne of the almighty God and expect him to answer our prayers if we ourselves have unconfessed sin in our lives.  That's a reminder that I needed myself, for sure!  

Joy asked that I share with the group some of my deepest, most intimate prayer requests regarding this whole transplant experience and to express some of the burdens that have been weighing heavy on my heart.  As I shared these things, each of the ladies committed to praying for two of them and wrote their commitments down on pretty little personalized cards that Joy printed up with my name on them.  This way, my sisters in Christ can pray specifically for the deepest cries of my heart over the next few weeks and months as my family and I embark on this journey of FAITH.  

We had a time of individual prayer in which each of the ladies found their own private quiet place in my house and spent time on their knees in prayer before the Lord.  As we came back together, the ladies then gathered around me, put their loving hands on me and prayed the most moving, heartfelt prayers over me and my family.  There was laughter, tears and lots of love.  I have never felt so much tenderness and sincerity in one place as I did here today.  

I can't explain the peace that I feel just knowing that these righteous, faithful, God fearing women will be praying fervently for me and petitioning the Lord on behalf of me and my family over the weeks, months and years to come.  Their outpouring of love and compassion and sincere concern has reminded me that I'm not in this alone.  God has blessed me with some of the most wonderful friends I could ever ask for and they are ready and willing to see me through from beginning to end!  I have an entire army behind me, cheering me on and encouraging me along the way.  They're on my team and I couldn't be more thankful for that!

Before our sweet time of prayer and fellowship was over, I asked the ladies if they would allow me to document the special memory of this day in my most favorite way---with PICTURES, of course!  Despite the puffy eyes, red noses and smudged eye make up, they all graciously agreed.  

I had to use the timer on my camera, which made these pictures a little fuzzy, but that doesn't change the beauty that I see in these amazing women!!

What is it about a self timer that just makes you want to act goofy?!  I love these next few pictures because they remind me of a scene from my FAVORITE movie of all time, Steel Magnolias.  "Laughter through tears is my favorite emotion!"

Carmen definitely gets the award for funniest face in this shot!

Joy wins this one! 

I can't HELP but smile when I see those pictures!  =)  I'm going to print all of these out and put them in my hospital bag, along with the prayer cards and the sweet notes of encouragement that were given to me today.  I know there will be some dark days during my recovery but I have a feeling that looking at these beautiful faces and remembering that I am covered in their prayers will bring me much encouragement!  

Thank you, Joy, for organizing such a special time and for reaching out to me during this season of my life.  Thank you to all of the ladies who came and listened attentively as I poured out my heart and then took on the responsibility of praying for the things I shared.  I know there were several who wanted to be here but couldn't, and I appreciate your prayers from afar as well!  

I've said this over and over again, but I am SO thankful that the Lord planted our family here in Jackson, and specifically at Englewood Baptist Church, for such a time as this.  I can't imagine walking through something like this without the love and support of our "new" friends.  It still amazes me that we've only lived here for a year.  I feel like I've known these ladies my whole life.  They're more than friends, they've become our FAMILY and I don't know what we would do without them in our lives!

Thank you, LORD for the blessing of sweet friends!!!

Kyndall's First Dental Check Up

Today was an exciting day, especially for this dental hygienist Mommy!  Kyndall had her very first dental check up and cleaning and much to my surprise, she did GREAT!!!!  I've been both excited and nervous for this day, due mostly to the fact that she isn't very cooperative when it comes to brushing her teeth at home.  It's a battle EVERY SINGLE DAY.  

My friend Brooke was her hygienist and thankfully Kyndall cooperated PERFECTLY for her!  Brooke was able to do everything she needed to do and Kyndall didn't fuss even once.  In fact, she giggled through most of it!  It just goes to show you kids always cooperate better for others!  It was the same story when I was the hygienist and those stressed out Mamas would bring their little ones to me.  Those little heathens were somehow transformed into perfect little angels when they sat in my chair!  Funny how that happens!  =)

Y'all know I was THAT Mama who walked in armed with my big 'ole camera on my shoulder ready to document this momentous occasion!  

Excited!!

Brooke gave her several choices of prophy paste flavors and she chose chocolate.  YUCK!  But, she said it was "yummy"

Thumbs up for a great job!

Dr. Glenn came in and took a look and said everything looked pretty good.  She's got two places on her primary molars that are a little soft, so we'll just keep a close watch on them for now and give them lots of extra attention with the toothbrush from now on!!

Once she was finished, it was my turn.  She was very interested in everything that was going on, asking TONS of questions in typical Kyndall fashion.  I think they would've given her a job if she had been of age.  By the time I got out of the chair, I found her across the hall "helping" one of the assistants develop some x-rays for another patient!  Her curiosity never stops!  Maybe she'll follow in my footsteps and go to dental hygiene school.....or better yet, dental school!

She was very proud of her new toothbrush and her super hero sticker that she chose all on her own (the super hero obsession continues....)

Since it was almost lunchtime when we finished up, I decided to just let her skip school and spend the rest of the day running errands with me.  I treated her to a Chcik-Fil-A lunch and some play time on the CFA playground.  She was a happy girl!

Just for fun, here are a few pictures from the summer of 2011 when I took Kyndall to visit my former co-workers at Dr. Leadbeater's office in Tallahassee.  Here she is at 10 months old, sitting in my old operatory.......

My baby is growing up!!! =(

February FUN!

Enough with the sad and gloomy blog updates....Time to share some of the FUN things we've been up to lately!

On Thursday February 6th, my parents arrived in Jackson and the first thing we did was pick Kyndall up at pre-school.  I hadn't told her that Grammy and G-Daddy were coming, but rather decided to let them surprise her by standing outside of her classroom and waiting for her to see them.  It was SO sweet!  She first saw my Mom and screamed "GRAMMY!!" and gave her a big hug.  Then, she spotted my Dad and went running towards him yelling "G-DADDY!!"  I wish I had taken pictures because it was so cute!

We came back to the house where Kyndall was immediately showered with gifts from friends back home, sent by way of my parents.  She is one loved little girl, that's for sure!

Thanks, Mrs. Stephanie!!!

Mrs. Teresa sent gifts too......

G-Daddy also had a little surprise for her.....

LOVE this!

Spoiled??  What makes you think so?

That night my Mom and I went to my monthly Sunday School ladies Bible study and left Kyndall, Matthew and my Dad at home to hang out.  Mom and I didn't get back until after 10:30 and everyone was already asleep when we got home.  

Friday was COLD and rainy so we just hung out around the house while Matthew was at work.  Kyndall enjoyed having my parents here to entertain her and I was very appreciative of the break!  That evening, Matthew's parents arrived and we enjoyed a big pot of chili and a warm fire.  

Saturday morning we awoke to TWO surprises! One was great and the other was not so great!  The first was SNOW!  A good bit of snow had come down overnight, and there was just enough for Kyndall to play in.  The second (and not so great) surprise was a nasty, horrible stomach bug that had swept through our house while we slept.  My Mom and Matthew were in pretty rough shape, but at that point the rest of us hadn't caught it yet.  The worst part was, it was also Matthew's BIRTHDAY!  He spent his entire day in bed and miserable.  My Mom had it the worst and was VERY sick.  We didn't see either one of them all day long.  I did my best to play "nurse" running back and forth between bedrooms checking on them, bringing them trash cans, cold cloths, Gatorade, etc.  I was just praying hard that I didn't get it too!  I was also a little nervous, since BOTH of my "escorts" to Vanderbilt were down for the count!  

The rest of us tried to make the best of our Saturday by enjoying some play time in the snow!

Of course, you can't have snow without making snow cream!

Snow princess

The REAL Kyndall!

Mrs. Pam came over for a little while and brought her new puppy, Knox!  Kyndall absolutely went nuts over him!  He's so so cute!!

The poor birthday boy didn't even feel like going out to dinner that night or opening his presents, so those of us who were well just ordered out from a local diner and called it an early night.  

The next morning, Matthew was feeling 100% better, just a little weak still.  My Mom, however, was still pretty sick on Sunday.  This was supposed to be the day that all of my friends came together for prayer time at my house over my upcoming appointments, but after finding out that about 12 of my girlfriends had come down with the bug as well, we decided to call it off until everyone is well.  I've never seen a stomach bug sweep a town as fast as this one did in Jackson!  Later I found out that many of the kids and teachers at Kyndall's school were knocked down by it, and just a day after my Dad returned to Tallahassee, he came down with it as well and was out of work all week!  Even my Mother-In-Law got a touch of it during the 3 days that she was here taking care of Kyndall.  Somehow, by the grace of GOD, I was one of the only ones who didn't catch it, despite being right in the middle of it.  That's amazing to me, considering I don't even have an immune system right now.  I think the Lord was protecting me and I'm so thankful for that.  The last thing I need is to be sick as I'm waiting patiently for my call.

Even though the prayer time was canceled, we decided to have some friends over that evening to celebrate Matthew's birthday. Glory and her family had already experienced the bug, so I figured they were safe to enter our germ-infested home!

We grilled hamburgers, opened gifts, enjoyed a yummy birthday cake and had a great time celebrating Matthew's birthday a day late!

Monday morning came EARLY as Mom, Matthew and I left the house at 5:15 a.m. headed for Vanderbilt.  My Dad and Matthew's Dad also left at the same time, heading back south to Thomasville and Tallahassee.  The next three days were spent at Vanderbilt, as you've already read.  

Fast forward to Thursday morning, when Mom, Matthew and I were all back in Jackson and well rested after a good night's sleep in our own beds.  Grammy and Nonie went with me to drop Kyndall off at pre-school, where she was having her class Valentine's Day party.  

While Kyndall was at school, I treated my Mom and MIL to a fun, girly lunch at one of my FAVORITE places, the Antique Mall.  They both enjoyed it and we had a fun time while we waited for Kyndall to finish up at school.  

Later that night we participated in our very first flash mob!  It was SO fun!  A friend of mine wanted to surprise her husband for Valentine's Day and invited us to be a part of it.  I don't have any pictures, but there are several videos floating around on Facebook!

Friday was Valentine's Day, so after I returned from my doctors appointment, we kicked off the morning by putting together Matthew's Valentine's Day gift and making fun-fetti cupcakes!  It was a rainy, nasty day so this provided Kyndall with something fun to do while we were stuck at home.

She knows a good thing when she sees it!  Just a little taste.......

We received a very special delivery from the local florist and the card was addressed to "The ladies of the house".  This is how it was signed......

Turns out that Matthew, my Dad and Matthew's Dad all conspired on this Valentine's Day surprise earlier in the week!  Sweet!

We started to go a little stir crazy from all the rain.....

While we waited for the cupcakes to cool, Kyndall helped me wrap up everyone's gifts and set them out to be opened later that night.

Finally, the moment she had been waiting for...........

Ta-da!  Kyndall's masterpieces!

When Matthew got home from work we all exchanged gifts with each other.  There was something for everyone!

Remember how I told you she's completely obsessed with super heroes??  

Kyndall's loot.  RIDICULOUS.

Since ours Moms were still in town, Matthew and I darted out for a quick, kid-free Valentine's Day dinner alone.  Such a treat!!

I found these pictures on my camera a few days later.  Apparently, this is what went on while Grammy and Nonie were left in charge!  =)

And then, this happened.  "Flying" around the house like a complete maniac thanks to all those Valentine treats!

She did this herself and I thought it was too funny not to share!

Finally winding down for bed in her new Valentine's Day jammies from Nonie and Poppie

Saturday was spent relaxing and enjoying our last day with Grammy and Nonie.  We actually hung out in our PJs most of the day.  Kyndall enjoyed playing with her new Valentine's Day goodies, including this workbook that I got her.  I was pleasantly surprised to see how well she did with it!

We went out to dinner one last time but poor Kyndall wasn't feeling well and ended up falling asleep in my arms before our food even arrived.  I ate my entire dinner with one hand that night.  =)

We didn't even bother changing her clothes when we got home, just put her straight to bed in her jeans and t-shirt!  Thankfully she woke up feeling better the next morning.

My Mom and Matthew's Mom left early Sunday morning around 7:15 a.m.  We were all SO sad to see them go!  Even now, Kyndall still goes into each of their rooms several times a day looking for them and I have to remind her that they went back home.  Now, it's back to reality and routines as we gear up for another busy week.  Matthew is in Dallas until the end of the week, so I've been thrown back into it full force, going from three extra sets of hands to none but my own!

Kyndall will have her very first dental check up tomorrow, so I'll be back with pictures and stories to share about that!!!  This dental hygienist Mommy is WAY too excited about it!!!  =)  I just hope she cooperates and that we make it out of there without too many tears and screams.....not from Kyndall, but from the poor soul who will be attempting to clean her teeth!  Wish I could just do it myself!

Have a great week!