Update on Ralph

Yesterday we went to see a wonderful doctor. He took over an hour with Ralph, and really discussed things with him and explained things. He thinks the vertigo was caused by the virus we had, which may have led to an ear infection, plus Ralph has sinus and allergy stuff, and all that stuff combined to make alot of pressure in the ear and probably led to the vertigo. He explained it better, but I am lame with words. Anyway, he gave him his release to drive, as long as he promised to pull over if he starts to get dizzy (of course!) and call me to come and get him. He also gave him some antibiotics, some allergy stuff, and some medicine in case he gets dizzy again. So, that is taken care of.

He also wants Ralph to get a sleep test done because he thinks (as do I) that Ralph may have sleep apnea. I can probably almost guarantee that he does, but he has been ignoring me. But the doctor explained in his ever patient way that if Ralph does have apnea, and he gets treatment, he will have so much more energy and feel so much better. So I really hope my love goes and gets the test.

In other news, today we take Joy back to the airport. :-(

We will miss her!

And then we will go and see my mom, which I am looking forward to.

Hi Mrs. Craig

Last night

Ralph has been having plugged up ears on and off for a few weeks now. It started about the time we had the flu. Last night he went to bed and after a while got really dizzy. So dizzy that he could hardly walk. Then he got sick, and lost his dinner (and probably his lunch too, and also the cookies he ate for dessert). He was so dizzy and so sick that I was kinda scared. I have never seen him that sick. We decided to go to emergency. We figured maybe it was an inner ear infection and that he could get some medicine for it and be done with it. Well, it ended up to be vertigo. Probably caused by the virus we had. But it could be caused by something else (but I don't think so), and sooooo the not so nice emergency room doctor felt obligated to turn Ralph in to the DMV. So now he can't drive until he gets a release. We have an appointment with a doctor today and we are just praying that he gets the release so he can drive to work. He commutes and I don't know what we'll do if he can't drive. I guess I will have to drive him, but it will surely be a hardship. So we are just praying for a release. He seems fine now, except really tired since we didn't get home til about 12:30 am. Oh, I dislike emergency rooms. Next to us was a 92 year old lady who just really wanted out of there. I think she was having a breathing treatment. And then across the hall, there was a lady who must have fallen. I think she was having x-rays and, oh, the pain she was in. It just made me sad and upset because my dear mother is in the same pain right now and had to have those same xrays --twice. She fell last Sunday night and has a long recovery ahead of her. So we are all so praying for her healing and recovery, and also just for God to bless her spirits. She is so used to doing for others, and now she will have to let others help her for a while. Even in her pain, she is thinking of others, with her servant's heart. So that is the latest around here.

Today I'm praying for Ralph to get his release that he needs to get to work, my mom's healing and relief for her pain, and if Ralph can't drive yet, for me to be able to drive our friend Joy to the airport tomorrow without being scared (I get nervous on the freeway). God is in control and He loves us and I'm trusting these things to Him.

Today I'm thankful for:

Joy's visit from Alabama (which is going by too fast),

all things chocolate, and

Scott and Lynn's upcoming move, which is such a blessing because we will get to see them alot more, and also, they will be near my parents, who may need their help in these next few months.

Belt Test

Tuesday night, Danny and Nick had their belt tests for karate. They both did great jobs, passed, and have moved up to blue belt. We were all there to cheer them on.

Here are a couple of pictures.

Four and half years ago, my Best Friend Forever, Teri, and her family, moved way across the country. It was such a sad time for the kids and I, because the kids were best friends too. But God had plans that we didn't understand, and we accept that.

Anyway, I still miss my BFF, and our prayer times, and chatty times, but today we got the privilege of picking up her daughter, Joy, from the airport for a week long visit with us. Cara is thrilled to have her old friend here for a week. Time seems to have melted away and I hear giggling and talking and visiting. I only wish Teri could have really sneaked in Joy's suitcase, as she said she would..........

While we were at the airport, picking up Joy, I ran into my sister and her husband, who were picking up his daughter, Heidi. Can you believe it, they girls were on the same flight. Sooooo, I got to visit with my sister, Jennifer, while we waited. Here are some pictures:

This is Nick, Joey, Joy, Cara holding Jackson, Rebecca, and Samantha.

And this is Matt, Jennifer, and Heidi.

Another exciting thing that is happening is that my brother Scott and his wife Lynn are moving closer to us. It will still be over an hour away, but that is so much better than 4 hours away. We are so looking forward to more time with Uncle Sock and Aunt Lynn.

Mother's Day Breakfast

Today, the girls and I went down to Mom's church for a Mother's Day breakfast. Both of my sisters were also there, and my sister Rae's three girls, and Scott's wife, Lynn. It was really fun. My sister Jennifer led music, was in a skit, played the piano for at least one song, sang in a trio, and well, I guess she just did alot to make the day special! And my wonderful mother was the speaker and did a great job!! The theme was on having a joyful heart. Here are some pictures.

God is so good!! When we were ready to leave my parents' house, Jackson ran out into the street and came really close to getting run over, but God protected him. Being a country kid, he doesn't realize about staying out of the street in the city. Then just a while ago, he went running into the laundry room, and fell and hurt the side of his eye. He has a nice shiner, but if it had been a little bit over, he could have really hurt his eye badly. God has a special purpose for my little man; otherwise, the kid would have killed himself long ago!

New Ham

Nick got his ham radio license today. Not only is he the youngest in our family to get his license (12), but he is also distinguished as the only one in our family to get a perfect score on the test. Now we have another radio "geek" in the family. Awesome, Nick!!!

Read Aloud Time with Mock Milkshakes

Today was school as usual. At around 2:45, we have read aloud time. We always get something good to drink or a snack, and gather around and I read to the kids. It's my favorite part of our day. Right now we are reading 10 P's in a Pod. It is a true story about a homeschooling family of 10, who also happened to be travelling evangelists. We are really enjoying it.

Some days during read aloud time, we drink hot tea or lattes (but don't tell Ralph's mom). Or it could just be fruit, or popcorn, or occasionally cookies. Today I made the kids chocolate mock milkshakes. Here is our recipe:

Mock Milkshakes

1 can of evaporated milk, not fat free (you need a little fat or it won't be smooth and creamy like a milkshake)

About 3 1/2 - 4 cups ice cubes

1/2 cup sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla, optional

Either chocolate syrup, caramel syrup, strawberry syrup, or whatever other flavor you like

Put all into blender, blend until smooth. Make sure you blend a good long time.

I don't measure the syrup, just put in a nice big squirt, to taste.

This makes about 4 servings.

Spring Tea

Here is the picture from our ladies Spring Tea.

The back row is Cara, Samantha, Lynn, and me.

The front is Rebecca, my mom, and Ralph's mom.

Clown

Ok, I tried to resist. I know how it will kill his father for me to post this picture. But I can't help it. So here goes. The other day, Jackson came out to us dressed like this:

(Yes, that is his sister's swimsuit.)

Then this morning he put on a "purse hat".

Two-year-olds are so much fun!! And I really mean that, I love two-year-olds. Who needs television? We can just have Jackson entertain us.

Two thought provoking quotes by J.C. Ryle

"...He that has trained his children for heaven, rather than for earth,-for God, rather than for man, -- he is the parent that will be called wise at last."

~

"In every step you take about them, in every plan, and scheme, and arrangement that concerns them, do not leave out that mighty question,

"'How will this affect their souls?'"

~~J.C. Ryle~~

Tummy Trouble....

We have some sort of virus going though the house. It started last weekend, and it keeps on going. So today, instead of the usual school, we are just having a reading day. I'm hoping everyone is well soon. In the meantime, it warms my heart to see them snuggled up on the couch reading together.

Three things I'm thankful for today are:

vanilla caramel lattes,

indoor plumbing,

and my husband who works so hard for us.

Three things I'm praying for today are:

my brother Scott and his wife Lynn (job and house),

everyone to get well,

and Danny to get through these next 2 1/2 weeks of school,

especially his three finals on May 19th.