Coach's Cave, Part 1 (by Chris)

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

In our little corner I have been able to build myself a cave to catch some zzzz when needed. Tonight we sent Matt home to spend time with his family and sleep in his own bed, which I am sure he has not done for over a week. Mom also made the drive home with Deb tonight to clean up and try to rest. I have stayed back to have sometime with Dad and my thoughts. I was with Dad from 9:00-10:00. The time spent with Dad's caretakers tonight has been good for me. Before I crawl into my cave for a couple of hours here is what I can tell you.

During my 9:00 visit I noticed that one of Dad's tubes looked different and was hooked up to a bag of "oatmeal." Evidently this afternoon they started feeding him though a tube directly into his stomach. This is not a new tube just a previous one used differently--before it was being used to suction fluid out of his stomach and now it is putting nutriment into his body. I see this as a good sign. Not only have they started feeding him with real stuff, but they have also increased the amount that he is getting...imagine that Dad is going back for seconds.

This was my first time to spend a little alone time with Dad. I as sat with him I reminded him for the healing power of God that I felt 7 years ago. I reminded dad of the day that I told him that I was never going back to dialysis even though the doctors felt that I would need to be hooked up the machine again in a couple of day. . . my levels were too high. I never was hooked up to the machine again. Dad, your levels are too high to fix the other parts of your body and they need to come down.

I return the corner/cave to prepare for tomorrow. . . trying to manage the soccer team from Nashville.

100% Update: Mom Style

5:00pm: Chris and I went up to the 10th Floor. This was the first time that it was simply two brothers and their Dad. I don't know if he was ready, but Dr. Big Voice was in for a healthy cross-examination. You see, Chris asks every question, about every test, and every medication, and every medical finding, and every everything. My viewpoint is a little higher up...some would call it the 30,000 foot viewpoint. Mom says that she needs both viewpoints.

Here's what we know:

1. Chest x-ray shows lots of gunk/yuck in the left lung. No sweats, no elevated temperatures = no infection. Right lung looks and sounds remarkably good.
2. Brain stem functioning is remarkably good = Dad's not paralyzed.
3. The #1 concern is getting ICP less than 10. If ICP is not less than 10, Trauma Team cannot do the exam. When Trauma Team cannot do the exam, we remain in the dark. (Note: We've told you that the magic ICP is 20, but that is really the "unsafe" number. To do the exam, we need "less than 10" or let's shoot for the moon with a "5").
4. We learned on previous visits with the Trauma Team that Day 4-5 of head trauma demonstrates the most swelling. We are now entering into Day 4.

BTW, I guess Nurse Shaved Head somehow read my previous post, because he smiled at Mom this afternoon. She even said, "I guess he might have some pink wire in him."

A Open Letter to Area Pastors

Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, it is okay to come by the hospital, visit Our Little Corner, and pray with Mom. She needs you, we need you, Dad needs you. God's arms are long enough to reach from the 1st Floor to the 10th Floor. Email me if you want my cell phone number.

100% Update: Two Rounds

Round 1 - 9:00am: This morning, after defusing a little Red Tape incident involving Security Guy Barney Fife, we got an update on Dad's condition:

1. ICP levels fluctuated between 15-21 throughout the early morning.
2. Bronchoscopy procedure went well, cleaning Dad's nostrils and air passages.
3. Chris and Mom saw a series of CT Scans, which demonstrated that the cranium bleeding has stopped (i.e., no increased bleeding or pressure on the brain). The new CT Scan from 3:00am showed ridges of the brain surface (i.e., ridges = good)
4. Even though Dr. Trauma was unable to repair chest cavity during surgery yesterday, Dr. Trauma(2.0) said that the ventilation machine will allow the rib cage to heal as necessary without immediate need for new surgery.
5. Dr. Trauma(2.0) was "pleased" with progress of Dad, but reiterated that Dad had a "long way to go."

Round 2 - 1:00pm: Nurse Shaved Head Guy and Nurse Fisherman played all day with Dad.

[Editorial Note: Some people have blue wires...Some people have pink wires. We like all Trauma Nurses, but we particularly like Trauma Nurses with pink wires. It does not change the level of care, because those with blue wires are often task-oriented and want the same success (perhaps more so), but those with pink wires simply have a way of making us feel better.]

Shaved Head Guy and Fisherman are very talented and we fully trust they are focused on getting Dad better! We wish they could just cross wires, though. Thanks. Here's an update:

1. Dad remained stable all day.
2. Dad's face is clean, his nose looks good, his skin remains warm.
3. Trauma Team is going to try a neurological exam later this afternoon. The Nurse will turn off the fast-acting sedation medicine (the Nurses jokingly call it Milk of Amnesia because it is a white liquid), they will perform various tests: (a) "WAKE UP RAY"; (b) "Can you hear me Ray?"; (c) "Move your fingers Ray!"; (d) "Move your hand Ray!" (e) "Move your arm Ray!"

In case you want to say an afternoon prayer, here's what Dad needs:

1. Reduced swelling in the brain with stable ICP levels under 20.
2. 100% free from infection.
3. Normal neurological responses.
4. Continued development of lungs and clearing out of blood, mucus, clots and other yuck.
5. NEW REQUEST: Keep Dad's memory in place.

Thanks for your prayers.

Our Little Corner (by Deb)

If anyone has ever had anyone in the trauma unit of a hospital you can appreciate the ups and downs each minute (literally) brings. The chaos is controlled but inserted into every (it seems) function. What it has meant to me is to appreciate the little things in everyday life…like being able to breathe on my own, see the leaves blow in the fall sun or to simply squeeze a loved ones hand in silence.

We have set up “camp” in a little corner, next to the door leading into the chapel here at Vanderbilt University Hospital (the site seemed appropriate). It has become the epicenter of emotions where we have cried, prayed and celebrated the little wins in Ray’s journey. The “traffic” through the area near our little corner is constant. The feel is electric with emotions with a common thread of pain and concern running through families waiting to hear about loved ones and their delicate dance with life. It has made me realize that everyday, every hour, someone is in need of God’s blessings. As we sit in here in our corner, the prayers and scripture read remind us that God is good and of what a blessing Ray is, how he is instrumental in serving the Lord and the role he plays in blanketing others in His word.

Our family wants everyone to know that from the hugs to the faith shared to the food, the outpouring of love is much appreciated. Thank you…. Deb

Red Tape

Bureaucratic Red Tape in Government = Tolerable...

Bureaucratic Red Tape in Trauma Unit = NOT GOOD!

100% Recovery: The Cliff Notes Version

Welcome to http://www.growingandgrowing.com/.

If you are a regular here, we both know why you are here. Thanks...

If you a family member or friend that just found out about what happened, drop us an email here or leave us a comment below. If you want, please email your phone number to me so Mom can give you a call during a down time.

If you are a friend of a friend, thanks for stopping by to see why the DeVries are different. Our hope is that your life is changed by our changing life.

If you simply stumbled across this page, or perhaps you got here by accident, then snoop around and learn a little bit about faith in Christ Jesus, a little bit of humor (probably just the effects of major sleep deprivation), and one Godly Man named Dad. Here's what happened:

9/12/08, 5:11 pm, Jackson Dwight Cooper DeVries born (8lbs,1oz, 20.5in)

9/12/08, 11:00pm-ish, Jackson taken from Hospital1 to Hospital2-NICU

9/12/08 to 9/19/08, NICU-blur, click here and here for what happened.

9/19/08, Dinner at Puckie and Pappy Razor's house...Everyone in Nashville hoards gas!

9/20/08, 7:30am-ish, Dad (on his way to find some gas) is involved in sole-car accident. Best we can tell is that car lost control, ran off the side of the road, and slammed sideways into a telephone pole. Here's the first post.

9/20/08, 5:30pm-ish, my brother Chris and his lovely bride Deb arrive from "waaaaay north...Minnesohta...yah..."

9/20/08, Trauma Team Prognosis (50-50%) v. Our Prognosis (100%)

9/21/08 to 9/22/08, Medical updates, videos, stories, notes of encouragement, no sleep, too much uneaten food, lots of calls, little productive work, some tears, lots of questions, many more supporters, . . .

Big Sigh, Little Tear

This is why I am posting to this site as regular as possible:

"You don't know me, but your Mom and Dad are both special people to me. I cannot tell you how much I appreciate the updates you are doing. I first learned of the accident from [the "Don't Call me the Other Pat"]'s post and have been looking for information several times a day. Please tell your Mom that [Ms. Vlassic Pickles] sends her love and is praying for Ray's recovery. I am keeping all of you in my prayers because this is difficult on the whole family. Thank you."

No, thank you...

100% Update: Bronchoscopy

It's 6:00am and it was the first night that we did not get a call to our humble condominium on the Second Floor in the middle of night. My neighbor rattled the neighborhood with some booming snoors. (Maybe he's just exhausted... I say a prayer for his family...)

We talked to Nurse Newbie before her shift change. ICP levels were maintained around the magic number (20) with prayers and medication. Since Dad was able to rest through the night, we now open a new chapter called "Facial Fractures." We had these questions in the back of our minds, but they were not a concern because of the heart, head, and lung concerns. This morning, Dad's oxygen saturation levels need a little prayer. Not because his lungs are not working, but because of the facial trauma to the bronchial and sinus areas. Newbie told us that they are about to perform a bronchoscopy. (Is that spelled right? Who knew that you had to be a spelling bee champion to understand each medical update?) The procedure is intended to try to open his bronchial passages to help breath and increase oxygen saturation. Currently, there is a lot of swelling, fractured bones and "stuff" in there affecting Dad's levels.

So, the Good News is the Gospel. The good news is Dad got some rest last night. The good news is that we did not receive another call in the middle of the night. The good news is that the Trauma Team is starting to look at other areas in Dad's recovery.

UPDATE:
What would life be like without Google, Wikipedia, or WebMD? According to our internet friends, the bronchoscopy is a procedure that allows the doctor to look at your airway through a thin viewing instrument called a bronchoscope. During a bronchoscopy, your doctor will examine your throat, larynx, trachea, and lower airways.

Bronchoscopy may be done to diagnose problems with the airway or to treat problems such as an object or growth in the airway. See a picture of bronchoscopy.

A rigid bronchoscope is usually done with general anesthesia and uses a straight, hollow metal tube. It is used: (1) When there is bleeding in the airway that could block the flexible scope's view; (2) To remove large tissue samples for biopsy; (3) To clear the airway of objects (such as a piece of food) that cannot be removed using a flexible bronchoscope.Special procedures, such as widening (dilating) the airway or destroying a growth using a laser, are usually done with a rigid bronchoscope.

Thanks http://www.webmd.com/ for the information.

100% Update: Late Evening CT Scan & Fast-Acting Sedatives

While you are all sleeping your lives away, Mom and I went to the gift shop and purchased some Vandy Commodores Toothpicks to place in our eyes to keep them open. (Note: Eyes half shut while typing this, so excuse any typos.)

Let's cut to the chase, so I can cut to the crib. They took another CT scan this morning (at around 1:00am). While Mom and I were back with Dad--praying, laughing, and tearing (no crying)--the results came back. Dr. Big Voice, a neurosurgeon on another team, came by and told us the CT Scan "looks good...no new bleeding...now just let him rest..."

Nurse Short Stuff and Nurse Newbie were doing great tonight. Second round of good news is that Dad was going on a new, fast-acting sedative. With this new sedative, Dr. Big Voice's counter-partner (who we don' t know yet) will be able to instantaneously cut of the sedative to perform neurological testing. That's good news.

Until tomorrow a.m., adios.

The Characters

Monday, September 22, 2008

Please, please, please, let everyone know about this website. The prayers and words of encouragement are lifting up Dad, Mom, and all those who sit in these stinky, uncomfortable, three-seater chairs. (Yes, we are allowed to laugh every now and then.)

I received one particular note this evening from a local pastor who let me know how important these updates are to the Prayer Warriors out there: "As a fellow CP pastor and a former Vanderbilt chaplain, I have met all of your characters. I was recently on the 10th floor trauma unit. Last Saturday night, my wife's cousin was in a fatal automobile accident. I was re-acquainted with the characters in your postings. I guess I share this to let you know I have walked your path very recently. God is sooo, so, so there, for a lack of a better term."

What did he mean by "characters"? It was not until I re-read some of my posts this evening when I realized that we have been surrounded by some truly magnificent characters. You've already met Dr. Trauma, Nurse Meanie, Nurse Confused, and one of our favorites, Nurse Ruby Slippers. Well, let me introduce you to a few more characters in this drama:

Nurse J1 was Dad's first nurse. Mom liked her from the start. Nurse J1 was consoling and answered Mom's questions, concerns and fears.

Nurse J2 took over the evening shift from Nurse J1. Those guys at the Vandy Trauma Unit really have their act together. So the patients and families do not get confused, they give the nurses from the first two shifts the same name. Quite ingenious! Nurse J2 comforted Mom as well. Thank you Nurse J1 & J2....Mom really needed that.

Head Nurse Boot Camp runs a tight ship/trauma unit floor. She actually yelled at Mom (in a good way) to take care of herself. Boot Camp explained to Mom that "fast does not last." In other words, she explained that as long as Dad's progress was slow, it was good. And if the progress became fast, it usually was not good. Boot Camp reassured Mom that she, as one of Dad's nurses that evening, would tell Dad regularly that "God is good." Thanks Boot Camp.

[I have to apologize if I forget one of you characters. You have touched our lives these past three days, but it seems like weeks, and my mind keeps racing.]

Nurse Softspoken and Nurse Shaved Head Guy helped Mom and Chris through the day most of today. Mom says that Softspoken loved Dad's prayer blanket. Mom liked the fact that you allowed her to put Dad's blanket over him, even though you said you can't promise the blanket would remain clean. Shaved Head Guy drank lots of water. During our confusion this morning, he stood firm on the Surgery Floor Hallway, as he tried to track down Dr. Trauma. Shaved Head Guy hugged Mom after he found Dr. Trauma. (It's not your job to hug, but thanks Shaved Head Guy! Also, my brother was a little tense this morning. Sorry about that. It wasn't personal, just please understand that brother loves Dad.)

Finally, we've had two consecutive nights with Nurse Newbie and Nurse Short Stuff. Please take no offense at these names, as Newbie is at the top of her game. She knew the answers to all my questions (which can be calculated given my legal training), she was confident, and she was compassionate. Tonight, she caressed Dad's hand, quietly saying, "It's all right, Ray. Calm down. It's all right." [Notice that Newbie did not call Dad by his code-name, Stat Album, but by his name-name, Ray.] Short Stuff is perky, bouncy, and chews gum. Short Stuff answered some of my tougher questions, without one ounce of sugar coating. Answered with compassion, but no sugar coating. BTW, Mom wanted to thank you Short Stuff for letting her kiss Dad goodnight tonight, even though it was 5 minutes past that deadline hour.

It's getting late. I'll let you know about some more characters later. Thanks for the smile guys and gals!

Tonight's Prayer

ICP < 20
Rest
ICP < 20
Rest
ICP < 20
Rest
ICP < 20
Rest
ICP < 20
Rest
ICP < 20
Rest

Jackson Says, "Goodnight"

Dad, no personal laptops allowed in the Trauma Unit. However, you can watch it later. It's a "ni-nite" from Jackson. Get some rest tonight.

Faithful Night...

It's 7:14 pm and we are about to begin another long evening.

"It is a good thing to give thanks unto the LORD,
and to sing praises unto thy name, O Most High:
to show forth thy loving-kindness in the morning,
and thy faithfulness every night." (Psalm 92:1-2)

Earlier this evening, the (Wonderful, Great, Amazing) Trauma Team needed to replace Dad's ICP fiberoptic port. They were able to use the same hole and safely attach the new port. We continue to focus on 0-20 ICP...knowing that anything above 20 is an increased risk.

Let us all have faithfulness into the night.

Actions Speak Louder than Words

We have received a lot of encouraging words from my post this afternoon about one simple text message. Well, I was able to finally talk to Chris about what is happening with Dad.

Dad's ICP fiberoptic port had to be replaced this afternoon. This device measures the inner-cranial pressure, which evidences the blood and edema in the brain. After replacing the port, Mom and Deb (my bro's lovely bride) were able to go back to see Dad.

The Trauma Team told my Mom that she should NOT speak to Dad because they did not want to get him excited or overstimulated. The lastest text message gives new meaning to the phrase, "Actions speak louder than words":

...he won't let Mom let go of his hand...

100% Update: Text Msg from Chris

I just got a text message from my brother Chris who is in the Trauma Unit room with Mom:

He just squeezed Mom's hand :)

Another 24 Hours

Yaya made an entrance today. If you did not know, our smaller children (Dylan, Addy, Faith) call Alex by her sibling-given name, Yaya. (It means Alex in 2-year-old garble.)

As we were waiting on the first floor, they called the "Ray D." family. It was Nurse Yaya. "Imagine that," Mom whispered silently. "Yaya's here."

We went up to the Trauma Unit to see Dad race by in his 2008 Four-Wheel Explorer Bed. Dr. Trauma came out to talk to us.

The Good News:
The surgery this morning was complete. The areas were stitched, the areas were cleaned, the areas were looking good. His chest cavity was closed with a wire. (I am sure it was something other than chicken wire...this is Vandy, you know.) Although placed on blood pressure medication momentarily, he was taken off totally and his heart beats on its own.

The Areas for Growth: (I guess I don't like hearing Bad News)
Dr. Trauma was not able to repair or rebuild the chest cavity wall. A titanium plate is the recommended path to rebuild the cavity wall, but that is a couple of weeks down the road. There remains bleeding in the cranium, and the risk of infection increases 2-5 days post-op.

Now, here's where we really get to test this man's will. The Trauma Team will begin to reduce the paralytic medication that has Dad paralyzed. They do so in order to perform neurological exams to test for injury to the brain. This process will take about 4-6 hours. Dad will remain sedated (as he has been intubated), but the goal is to "unparalyze" him.

What can you do? Pray. (Matthew 21:21)

How can you pray? Without ceasing. (1 Thess. 5:17)

What can you pray for?

1. Reduced swelling, bleeding and pressure in the brain.
2. Normal neurological responses to the testing after paralytic drugs are eliminated.
3. Free from infection. (They say 50-50% chance of getting an infection...we say 100% of not getting an infection.)
4. Continued progress and development in his lungs.

We made it another 24 hours. It won't be easy, but we were never promised an easy trip. Thank you again for all the calls and emails and prayers.

100% Update: Change Back to Plans

Who knew this was going to be a roller coaster ride? Dad probably knew, because he's seen it so many times. Usually, though, he's on the other side of the bed...hands on the cold skin...heart focused...words of affirmation streaming from his tongue...

Since the last update, we learned about a "Change in Plans"... I think I shared it with you this morning. First, they had scheduled a surgery at 7:30am to close the heart cavity. Then, they told us the surgery was cancelled due to bleeding and increased pressure in the brain. We were waiting for a CT scan result this morning...and waiting...and waiting...and waiting.

Tired of waiting, I tried to track down our the trauma head nurse. We were told to come up to the Trauma Unit. When we arrived, Nurse Confused said they had been paging us all morning. At that point, we learned that the pager was not working and they did not call any of our cell phones. Enter Nurse Meanie, who exhanged a few words with my brother.

Some would say, "by coincidence," but we say, "by God's divine Grace," we ran into the trauma surgeon on the elevator. Imagine that...8 elevators, 10 floors, 100's of broken bodies, and 1000's of hurting souls...and we ran into the one guy who had answers.

"We heard you cancelled the surgery this morning. Any reason why?" Mom asked.

"The surgery has not been cancelled. I'm on my way now," answered Dr. Trauma.

We asked why, but the look on our faces told more than inquisition...it was uncertainty and confusion (but not fear or doubt).

"I will see you down there," Dr. Trauma reassured us.

After another hour of uncertainty and confusion, we were able to find out what happend. Dr. Trauma had always planned to do the surgery this morning. Dad was bumped back in line because a higher trauma had entered the scene. Good news for us, sad news for someone else. (I prayed quietly for that one, whoever's father/child he was.)

Since we did not get a chance to lay our hands on Dad, Nurse Ruby Slippers asked us to write the prayer on a piece of paper and she would stick it on his bed. God not only hears, He reads too!

We will let you know about the 100% recovery.

100% Update: Change in Plans

Of course, our plans are not always God's plans. Late last night, we saw great improvement. Dad's heart was functioning fully on its own. His heart remains strong.

The change in plans is really a change in prayer requests. This morning our prayers (and hopefully yours) will be for:

1. Stop the bleeding in Dad's brain.
2. Comfort and free from pain as the doctors reduce the medical paralysis (to perform additional nuerology testing).
3. Strength for his lovely wife of 42 years (that's how long they've been married, not that Dad robbed the cradle!!)

Thanks for never ceasing in your prayer. We will let you know about Dad's 100%.

100% Update: Blood Pressure Medication

Sunday, September 21, 2008

The surgeons are pleased with Dad's hourly improvements. Check back regularly for updates, but we have great news! Here's an update as of 10:00pm this evening:

1. Dad is off blood pressure medication = HIS HEART IS BEATING ON ITS OWN.
2. Inner-cranial pressure remains stable = no irregular pressure on the brain.
3. Oxygen percentage dropped to 40% and respiratory rate lowered to 20.

Next hurdle is 7:30am surgery to close Dad's chest. We pray for reduction in swelling so that the cavity can be closed without extreme pressure.

Remember, it's not 50-50% survival...it's 100%

100%

When we first spoke with the trauma surgeon yesterday morning, he said the Dad had about a 50-50% chance of survival. I struggle with percentages--whether determining an outcome of a lawsuit, the chances of rain, or my Dad's survival. In our vocabulary, Dad has a full 100% chance of survival. We speak truth in our words...with no fear...with no doubt!

Here's what Jesus had to say about our prayers:

"Truly I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, 'Be taken up and cast into the sea,' it will happen. And all things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive." (Matthew 21:21-22).

And here's what the Psalmist had to say about our Dad:

Because he (Ray) has loved Me, therefore I will deliver him;
I will set him securely on high, becuase he has known My name.
He will call upon Me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble.
I will rescue him and honor him.
With a long life I will satisfy him
And let him see My salvation. (Psalm 91:14-16)

One Out...One In...

In case you have not heard, we had some exciting news on Friday night, coupled with a new challenge on Saturday morning. Jackson came out of ICU on Friday, while Dad went into ICU on Saturday morning. There's no easy way to share the news, but Dad was in serious car accident yesterday morning. He was transported to Vanderbilt Trauma Center, where he remains in critical condition. The last 36 hours has seemed like days, but each hour brings new life and rewards. If you are a prayer warrior, if you are a Believer, if you know your Maker, please say a prayer tonight for Dad. Specifically, pray for the following:

• Eliminate the swelling in and around his heart.
• Stablize blood pressure through surgery tomorrow.
• Strength, rest and peace for Mom.

If you don't know your Maker, please please please call me and I will be happy to tell you about Him.

He Said, She Said

Friday, September 19, 2008

"How are you doing today?" (Matt)

"Oh, man, I'm tired.......But I ain't no hungry no more." (Extremely large man at the mall throwing away 3 styrofoam EMPTY lunch containers)

He Said, She Said

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

"Dad, can I pet the baby when he comes home?" (Addy)

Food & Oxygen

Monday, September 15, 2008

2 pictures = 2,000 words

Update on Jackson

For those of you sent Congrats!.........Thanks. I have not had a chance to respond to all my friends. We've had a long three days, but certainly nothing like the other peapods in NICU. For those of you who don't know. Jackson decided he liked the food at another hospital across town, so they transferred him to a NICU in Centennial Medical Center about 5 hours after delivery. Of course, being 8 pounds, we couldn't call him your typical premie. He was suffering from an infection, pulmonary distress, and a hole in his lung. Rather than go to the Flavored Oxygen Bar at Opry Mills Mall, he opted for the standard, flavorless 100% O2 at Centennial. His x-ray last night showed great improvement on closing the leak in his lung and he is now off antibiotics. Last hurdle is just the "watch and wait" game. Here's some pics and we thank you for your prayers.

The Bride, The Beast, The Baby

Friday, September 12, 2008

Bouncing Baby Boy!

5:11pm -- 8lbs, 1oz. -- 20.5 inches

Dilly Jo Hearts Kung Fu Panda!

Here's another one of Courtney's creations . . . a special request from Dylan on his B-day.

Please God....

Monday, September 08, 2008

When you have kids, every now and then you get the opportunity to observe pure innocence. It happens when least expected and if you are lucky you will have a camera ready to snap that moment into a permanent memory bank. After years of praying with our children at bedtime, Dylan decided to call on his Maker for some help. We have no idea why he was writing this, or what he was thinking, but the pure innocence made us smile inside. (Of course, he could be sending a message for help -- "Please God...Get met out of this house!")

Proper Dress Attire...Go Figure?!?!?!?!

Okay. So this is what happens when I have guests arrive early, I have dressed all other children, and I say to my wonderful husband, "Go ahead and pick out Dylan's outfit (for the party), I don't have anything particular for him to wear."

Tickling Two Toddlers

Wednesday, September 03, 2008

Such a great way to start your morning. You should try it sometime!

The story of My Stroller

Monday, September 01, 2008

With baby number five on the way, I have been lusting after a new stroller. First of all, let me say that I have NEVER had a new stroller. My first double stroller was bought at a yard sale for $10. The second we got from Craigs List for $40. Both, I will say, worked. However, because they were such great deals, they did not have some of the features that I long for…cup holder, a basket that I could actually get to, a place to snap in the infant seat and so forth. So, throughout this pregnancy, I have been test-driving friend’s strollers, asking questions, going to Babies R Us and salivating over one. I was determined that this was the stroller for me and I was somehow going to save enough to get it.

First, I had the great idea to have a garage sale. I mean, since I am nesting, it made it easy to find enough to sell. I had it set in my mind that anything I made would go toward my stroller. Guess what? I MADE THE EXACT AMOUNT!!! $200! It was meant to be. Well, it just so happened that it was just about time for Father’s Day and money was tight (filling up a 12-passenger van when gas is $4 hurts a little). So, my stroller fund was at zero, but Matt had a wonderful day and that was so much more important. Well, I still had a lot to sell and my friend, Jen, was having another garage sale. Perfect! At 8 months pregnant, I loaded up the car and sat in the heat with her to sell more “stuff”. I made $100. It was a great start! I was halfway there! Well, we needed groceries…

Needless to say, I was at square-one again. I had come to the conclusion that God had blessed me with what I had and I needed to be happy with it. I probably would not like the stroller anyway, right?

Well, I have the most amazing friends. On Sunday, Jen had a surprise shower for me. Aside from never needing diapers for my new little one, everyone donated to the stroller fund. Jen wanted to take all the money from me because she thought I would spend it on something else again, but I promised her that I would use the money for what it was given to me for.

So, ladies, as I promised! Here is a picture of the stroller! As you can see, I took a picture of it IN MY HOUSE…so that there would be no doubt! Plus, I had to test-drive it!

Thank you so very much!

A trip down memory lane

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

As a mother of many young children, I attend a group called MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers). Twice a month, I get to put my children in childcare for a couple of hours and actually sit down and eat breakfast without cutting anyone else’s food. I get to have a conversation with someone who doesn’t spill their milk and does not talk with food in their mouth (usually). It is great. My kids love it. I love it.

This year’s MOPS theme is “Adventures in Mothering.” I think this if funny because my friend Peggy says to me all of the time that I need a top hat because it is a 3-ring circus here every time she calls. Well, our meeting was last Friday and we went around our tables and discussed one of our most “adventuresome” stories, which reminded me of one that I have not told yet. So, here it goes:

I have never been the outdoorsy type. Mostly because bugs and I just don’t get along. They bug me and I kill them. My parents would tell you that, as a kid, I was not like that. I used to go camping with dad, etc. Yes, I did go camping. However, when I reached adulthood, I decided that I did not have to do that anymore…I am an adult. I don’t want to. I don’t have to.

Wouldn’t you know it? God sends a wonderful couple into our lives: The Armstrongs. The Armstrongs love to go camping. They go camping as a family twice a year. It is a big family event. Everyone loads up the campers and heads to the hills…brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles and wouldn’t you know it? The DeVries!

For the record, everyone in the Armstrong family has a camper of some sort. When asked to accompany them on their adventures, my darling husband goes out and buys a….tent. I will have to say that it is a grand tent. It will hold 12 people (albeit crazy ones) and it even has a front and a back door. Talk about style! Did I happen to mention that I HATE camping?

Okay, so now you know the background. Which, in ten years, will make this story even funnier. At the end of May, we load up our 12-passenger van with all the essentials, our four children, and me, who is 6 months pregnant. We follow the Armstrongs (who are towing their lovely camper) to Fall Creek Falls. Things are going great. I have exactly one can of bugs spray on me, I don’t have ankles anymore, and I have to walk uphill ¼ of a mile to the bathroom. GOOD TIMES! Then, one of the Armstrongs, who was watching TV in their camper hears that there are severe storms headed our direction. After much thought and consideration, it was decided that it would not come close enough to us (I am still unsure of who’s meteorology skills we depended on and that is probably best).

Well, you guessed it. In the middle of the night, the storm hit. I am not just talking about any storm. I really don’t think I have ever been in a bigger storm in my entire life. It rained so hard that Matt had to keep pushing the top of the tent up to get the standing water off so that the tent did not collapse. I just kept praying that the trees were very happy where they were and did not feel the need to fall on us!

Now, picture this: Matt is on a twin mattress. Faith is in the Pack n Play. I am on a queen blow-up mattress between Dylan and Addy. There is water gushing on our heads and I, of course, have to go to the bathroom. Matt and I are trying to decide on whether or not we should try to get to the van. We decide against it because we are afraid that, in running back and forth to get all the kids, one of us would get struck by lightening, fall, etc.

So, there we are, riding out the storm. I am laying there, looking up at the top of the tent and lightening strikes. The whole tent lights up and I now see it so clear! The ceiling of our tent is shaped exactly like a circus tent. That all-famous music came to my head…do do do do do do do do do do do. How poetic my life is! It is so funny the things God uses at just the right time to remind us that HE is in control and we just need to chill out a little!