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WELCOME, GUEST |
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(1 member)
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niylnnrae @a…6 |
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MY PHAMILY
LilyGrace'sMom |
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| Category: Home | Sun | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | | | | | | | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 |
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MICKEY’S LETTER
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Nov 18, 2008 02:26am (EST)
Reading Champions is a reading program through the March of Dimes. It is designed to encourage elementary students to read while raising money to help save babies. This is our school’s 3rd year to participate. For the last 2 years, our school has raised a total of over $22,000 and ranked 1st amongst all participating schools in the Houston and surrounding areas. I’m hoping to retain that honor, but more importantly, that we raise money for research and development. With Texas receiving an F on the report card, we need all the funding we can get to score higher in the near future. To see how your state scored, check it out here.
However, this year not only am I still involved as a teacher, but I get to participate as a parent of a kindergarten student who will be reading, recruiting sponsors and fundraising to get the word out about how the March of Dimes helps babies born too soon.
Here’s an interview I did with Mickey when he came home after hearing about the Reading Champions campaign from his librarian and teacher.
Me: So, Mickey, what is Reading Champions?
Mickey: I read books and people give me money.
Me: Do you get the money?
Mickey: No, silly. The March of Dimes does.
Me: Why does the March of Dimes need our money?
Mickey: To help sick babies and babies born early.
Me: Who was born early that you know of?
Mickey: Woogie Woo!
Me: That’s right. So why are you reading again?
Mickey: To help the March of Dimes save babies, plus I get a medal too!
Me: You are too smart, Boo.
Mickey: I know, Mommy.
LOL
Here’s his letter that he wrote to his Honey and Joe. Check out his beautiful handwriting. I’m a proud mama! 
Jac
P.S. Want to be one of his sponsors? Couldn’t hurt to ask, now could it? LOL
RC letter edit
RC letter back
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Posted by LilyGrace'sMom | Comments: (8) | Permalink
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FAVORITE MOMENT FROM SHARE UNION 08
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Nov 02, 2008 02:24am (EST)
There are just so many fun moments from ShareUnion08 for me to lists. However, I must say that those icebreaker games and the wrap up Shareopardy game totally ROCKed (as did Alexis Trebek and VannaStClair)!!! LOL But, the most memorable moment for me happened within the first hour of ShareUnion. I was so moved by all the love and support as one by one you handled over a new preemie onesie to support our local NICU. I can’t begin to tell you how much that made my heart smile. It has been such a trying time with the evacuation and recovery from hurricane Ike that this was so much needed to bring comfort, love and healing back to my life. I so needed my bestest friends’ early arrival, ShareUnion, and all the laughter, hugs and even a few kisses.
So from the bottom of my heart…THANK YOU for the 83 onesies that we donated! Though I’m excited to hopefully make this a new tradition for SU, it will not be benefitting my own NICU each year, but rather for the local NICU where SU will be held each year (bummer for me though).
Here are some pictures of our drop off day. The first one is of Lily Grace and my favorite antepartum nurses. It was so good to see them and to bring them bagels…which is a tradition for us as well. The second picture is of Lily Grace and one of her NICU charge nurses. In this picture, Lily Grace is telling her about trick-or-treating last night and how she ate this one piece of candy and “it was desscuzzing”… great moment captured. The third is of all the onesies laid out on the table at SU while the fourth is of them individually wrapped, stuffed with a ShareYourStory card and labeled. Finally, our fun from last night.
Jac
Antepartum visit (Medium)
NICU visit (Medium)
preemie onesies
Onesies2
Halloween-Night
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Posted by LilyGrace'sMom | Comments: (8) | Permalink
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HURRICANE IKE RUINED IT ALL
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Oct 03, 2008 05:11am (EST)
Okay, so that statement might be a little exaggerated, but he did!!! September was pretty much all planned out for me, but his arrival on the 13th ruined it all.
We evacuated late Thursday night on September 11th. I came home from school and started packing. Granted, we didn’t take much with us, but I still needed to gather all the essentials, pack the important stuff away, and unplug the house.
Ruined #1: I missed an important conference call because of him. I so hate to be out of the loop.
We drove up to see my best friend, Dina. She lives in Granbury. It’s about 5 hours from us and just outside of Ft. Worth. She has three kids that I adore. The son is Mickey’s age and the youngest daughter is Woogie’s age. They love hanging out together…lots of laughs and lots of cries as well.
We hung out and watched the coverage of Ike while texting with family and friends. We went to soccer games, ate out and stayed up late. It was like a mini vacation, a fall break of sort. We even shopped for generators, but even way up north, no generators to be found anywhere.
Billy decided that he should return to check on the house and his company even though our neighbors called to tell us that our house weathered the storm just fine. Our fencing came down and our satellite fell off…no biggie. Those aren’t even worth mentioning while so many others have suffered so much, much more. I wasn’t thrilled about him going back so soon especially with power still out, tree limbs everywhere, power lines down, and flooded streets. But, he insisted and being in his glass business, he knew he would be needed by his clients. So off he went while we stayed put.
Ruined #2: Our family was separated by a hurricane once more. At least this time it was voluntary and not life threatening. For the most part, my family was in tact so I can’t complain too much.
While we were up in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area, we decided to go spend some time with family, my older sister and her family. My mother had evacuated to there so we met up with her then. My oldest sister is an excellent cook so I was living it up with every meal. My kids enjoyed playing with her grandsons. I’m glad they had the time to hang with each other. The weather was gorgeous so we spent each day at the park and lake, feeding the fish and ducks and just running around.
Ruined #2: Billy celebrated his birthday that Wednesday, September 16th, at home without power without us.
At least the neighbors did grill and sang him happy birthday by moonlight. Soon thereafter, he got the best birthday present…electricity and AC!
Ruined #3: Lily Grace celebrated her 3rd birthday that Friday, September 19th, away from home, away from her daddy and beloved cousins.
Though we did have a little birthday gathering for her at the lake that day, it just wasn’t the same. It felt thrown together and last minute…which it truly was. She didn’t noticed the difference though and truly enjoyed herself.
Ruined #4: Our 3rd Annual Haynes Phamily Preemie Onesies Drive had to be canceled.
For the last 2 years we send out emails and birthday announcements asking our families and friends to donate preemie onesies to benefit our NICU. First, I didn’t get it out in time. Second, the evacuation caused the delay. Finally, there are too many affected by the hurricane that I can’t bear to ask them to donate when more important and pressing concerns need to be addressed. Lily Grace and I did go and purchase a few onesies just to feel better about it. We’ll hold on to them for another time.
Ruined #5: My excitement and enthusiasm for ShareUnion was crushed.
We were out of school for 2 weeks, but the worst part was the last week kept us on standby day by day to see when our return would be so I couldn’t really plan anything. Some days we would know that school was still canceled for the next day by midday. Other days it wasn’t until 7pm before we got the call. The worst was that we all so needed to get back to normal, get back into the swing of things and not think, see or hear about the devastation all around, and to get back into a schedule and routine.
Ruined #6 (Maybe): Our campaign for the March of Dimes Reading Champions program that we do at my school each year will most likely be effected.
Our campaign usually kicks off on November 1st. We have had to delay already it until mid month. I fear that with all the many fundraisers popping up to help victims of the hurricane, etc. that the donations from pledges will be significantly less. I sure hope not, but totally understand given our situation here in southeast Texas.
But, the hurricane didn't take away and ruin the love that the human race has for one another in our most desperate time of need. It’s amazing to see the outpour of support and kindness amongst strangers and friends alike. People are resilient and amazing. People have the biggest hearts ever here. Good does come from devastations, hardships and struggles. We are blessed that we were spared and our home rode out the storm unscathed.
I can’t say it enough…thank you to all of you who texted, called, emailed and posted your thoughts and prayers for us. Your love and support doesn’t surprise me but amazes me in that I have such beautiful and loving people I call friends here on Share. Thank YOU!
Jac
Ike bday @ lake edit
LG 3rd Bday edit
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Posted by LilyGrace'sMom | Comments: (10) | Permalink
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MONDAY FUNNIES
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Sep 09, 2008 02:40am (EST)
Mickey informed me after school today that a girl wants to marry him.
“Is it a girl in your class?”
“Yes, her name is Josie. She’s sweet on me. She told me not to make her kiss me…whatever that means.” LOL
*****************
Mickey was nonstop talk in the car this afternoon. He was rambling about buying a truck or another and said, “Dad would kill me.”
“Mickey, let’s not talk like that.”
“You’ve said that before, mom.”
Acting really shocked, I replied, “Really? Never! When did I say that?”
“You know, about that purse. You said daddy would kill you if you brought it home.”
LOL Gosh, nothing gets by this kid!
*****************
Lily Grace hardly ever fusses about going to bed. However tonight as I was walking out her door she started whimpering and crying. I went back to her crib and told her I would rock her in her rocker (which she never ever lets me). That just made her even madder, and her cries went up a notch on the volume dial.
Billy came in just as I was saying that she needed to sleep in her bed like a big girl.
“NO!”
“Woogie, you don’t say no to Mommy.”
“NO, ma’am!”
Billy walked out laughing. I was stuck for another 15 minutes then she asked for him. Ugh!
Hope your Monday was just as entertaining.
Jac
Pictures of our weekend with the Grandparents.
Grandparents Weekend 08
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Posted by LilyGrace'sMom | Comments: (9) | Permalink
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TOP 10 REASONS TO ATTEND SHAREUNION08
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Sep 05, 2008 06:29am (EST)
#10: You will get to turn those virtual hugs into real live squeezes…and maybe even a kiss from James. 
#9: You will get to sleep in your OWN bed BY YOURSELF! (Are you sold yet? Do I really need to continue?)
#8: You will learn the history of the March of Dimes, and all the great strides being made through all the hard work from volunteers just like YOU!
#7: You will get fundraising tips and ideas for your next March for Babies. Our own Kara McTriplet will share some great money-raising ideas that has worked for her. Talk to Donna about her poker tournament. Visit with Denise about her restaurant coupons. Chat with Kelly about her sweet Angel Avenue… so many others with such awesome events that you, too, can use with and for your team.
#6: You will learn all about scrapbooking and how to preserve those precious memories. Tracy will give you insights on cropping, themes and color schemes. Don’t forget to bring your pictures!
#5: You will finally “meet” some dear friends that you’ve laughed with, cried with, and even drank with in our virtual cafe. LOL These are some of your favorite Share members who have comforted you, supported you, encouraged you, and helped you along towards finding healing and peace. Come hang with them! You'll just love them all!
#4: You will enjoy loads of “pee in your pants” laughs along with your favorite adult beverages of your choice at our “Share After Hour” session. (James close your ears eyes.) Don’t forget to pack your pantiliners! LOL
#3: You will be totally inspired to continue your passion for saving babies from premature births, infant mortality and birth defects. No greater mission than that of the March of Dimes to bring about changes and hope for the future.
#2: You will build friendships to treasure and cherish for years to come. Believe me, I didn’t think it was possible to find true friendships online. Two years later, I’m vacationing with these awesome girlfriends…truly amazing how Share brought us all together.
And that #1 reason for attending ShareUnion08…
You may just meet your “Share Twin” and find a friend for life! (Read more about that here.)
It will be a weekend of a lifetime! You won’t want to miss it! I hope you’ll join me…I can’t wait to meet YOU!
Place: Houston, TX
Where: InterContinental Hotel
When: October 18-19, 2008
For more information click here
Jac
SU07DC
SU06KS
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Posted by LilyGrace'sMom | Comments: (13) | Permalink
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LILY GRACE’S FIRST DAY OF PRESCHOOL
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Sep 03, 2008 03:16am (EST)
As Billy pulled into the school’s parking lot, we both said, “Look, Woogie. It’s your new school.” To which she replied with a big grin, “My school?” She’s always loved picking up Mickey from this school so she’s wanted to come for a while now. Today, she gets that chance.
We signed in and waited to be escorted to Lily Grace’s new class. We arrived to see about ten kids already there. Some were crying and some were playing. I was hoping that starting after Labor Day would help since most would have started already and there wouldn’t be so many crying. One little girl was just a wailing away. I was afraid that Woogie would chime in, but she didn’t.
Billy plopped himself on the floor. Instantly all the kids gravitated and hovered around him. He played dinosaurs and worked puzzles with them. They were having a ball. Lily Grace, on the other hand, wanted to check out all the other toys. She and I went around the room and explored some bigger structural items. She eventually settled for a tree house after playing with a ball contraption. She was quiet but was content.
We kissed her goodbye. She said goodbye, but as we were leaving another little boy came over and started hanging onto Billy’s leg. Seeing this caused Lily Grace to run over to us then the tears started. We assured her that we would be back later and that she would have loads of fun there. More tears fell. Her teacher came over to console her as we crept out the door. As we watched from the window, my heart just broke to see my baby girl so sad and full of tears. I couldn’t hold it in anymore and my tears fell.
As we watched for another minute or two, another parent came down the hall with her daughter. She assured us that she would be fine…that it takes a little time, but that she would be fine. That parent walked in and closed the door. She quickly opened the door and asked for Woogie’s name. Next thing we saw was this parent down on her knees introducing Lily Grace to her own daughter. They kept talking…the cries and tears stopped. That parent winked and waved to us.
Billy held my hand and walked me out. I told him I didn’t want to leave her there. He said, “I don’t want to leave my baby girl there either, but this will be good for her. She’ll be fine. You’ll be okay.” Of course this just made the tears stream down some more. I was just a wreck for our ride home.
Billy dropped me off and went on his way to work. I came inside and cried some more. I hate to admit this, but it was uncontrollable crying on my part…probably much worst than Woogie’s. I logged on Share and posted in the café…hoping to feel better, but every time I thought about leaving her I cried some more. It wasn’t until a good friend’s email that gave me an outlet to vent and get it all out of my system was I much better…well, until I arrived at work after lunch and other teacher friends asked how it went…tears rolled and rolled, but I was laughing now since I used to laugh at these kindergarteners’ parents who were just beside themselves on the first day of school. I joined that boat today. I so get it now. My baby girl was now in preschool.
Here are the only decent pictures I took. The others were all blurred…I wonder why?
Jac
PS. I can’t believe she turns 3 in 17 days!
LG 1st day 908 2
Dad & LG 1st day 908 2
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Posted by LilyGrace'sMom | Comments: (16) | Permalink
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MICKEY’S FIRST DAY OF KINDERGARTEN
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Aug 26, 2008 03:18am (EST)
As I stood outside helping out with curb duty this morning, I see the cutest little boy dressed in his favorite color shirt walk up the sidewalk with this daddy. He had the biggest grin on his face. Mickey was so excited yet so nervous as well.
Billy and I walked him in to his classroom. Mickey signed his name on the chart paper and then looked for his name on the tables. He came to a table where another little boy was already sitting. That boy’s parents introduced him to Mickey. They shook hands and said a quiet “hi”. Then Mickey got all quiet and tried to hide behind us. He wasn’t in the mood for pictures either (not that it stopped his momma lol).
Billy and I lingered for a little while longer then kissed him goodbye and were on our way. It was such a surreal day for me. My first born was in kindergarten…in my school…walking down my hallways. I wasn’t sure what I was doing today. I just lingered around the office, roamed around the halls, visiting with parents and teachers…anything to keep busy.
While Mickey’s class was touring the building they stopped in front of the office where I was walking out. He saw me. He waved at me and quietly said, “Hi Mommy. What are you doing?” So cute!
Then I dropped by the cafeteria to see how things were going. Mickey has already eaten his entire sandwich, bag of chips and flavored water baggie by the time I got there. He didn’t want his rice crispy treats so I snagged those from him. (I was hungry!) I didn’t need to ask how his day was. He was having a blast! I kissed him goodbye and went on my merry way.
Then around noon as I was heading out for lunch, one of the teachers called to me and said that Mickey was in the nurse’s office. He had thrown up all over his shirt out on the playground. I came in the nurse’s office to see her clean him off, wash his face and give him a new shirt. Mickey was drenched in sweat. He was so hot and flushed. He had 99.2 temp, but that could be from be overheated…that and the combination of nerves, food, heat and playing around probably caused it. After 30 minutes of lying around and cooling off some, Mickey asked to go back to class. He was fine…as was the rest of this day.
All in all, he had a terrific day. He came home with an art project and a green star (excellent behavior)! Woohoo! The best part was when we were walking out to head home he asked if he could come back tomorrow and upon my answer of “Yes. Of course, you can.”…he said, “And the next day after that?” I love it! My sweet little guy…a kindergartener! Wow!
Jac
Mickey's 1st Day Kinder
Mick & Mrs B
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Posted by LilyGrace'sMom | Comments: (13) | Permalink
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POOR SMELLY ELLIE
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Aug 19, 2008 01:36am (EST)
4:00AM I hear this faint whimper call, “Mommy, Mommy.” I rolled over (not happily I might add) and waited. “Mommy, Mommy”. I rolled over the other way (again not happily) and waited some more. Silence fell, but that only lasted a few minutes. Then I hear, “Mommy, Mommy. I need you. My nose.” Thinking something was up with her nose, I got up and went into Lily Grace’s room.
“What’s wrong, Woogie?”
“My nose. Dah dah dah dah my nose.”
“What’s wrong with your nose?”
“I can’t fine it, Mommy.”
“Nothing’s wrong with your nose, Woogie. It’s right there.”
“No, Mommy.”
Then Lily Grace holds up Smelly Ellie who is missing a head.
“I can’t fine hur, Mommy. Ellgie not herya, Mommy. Helf me fine hur.”
I burst into laughter as I did a hand search of her crib. Smelly Ellie’s head fell off in the middle of the night! Lily Grace was devastated while I was laughing.
“Mommy, no laughing. Hur woke. You fix Ellgie? You fix Ellgie, please Mommy?”
“I'm sorry Ellie's broke, sweetheart. I can’t fix right now, but Ngoai (grandma) can in the morning for you, okay?”
Relunctantly she replied, “Okay, Mommy. I go bed wif you?”
“Okay, Woogie. Let’s go.”
“You take Ellgie’s head, Mommy.”
LOL
Jac
P.S. Thank goodness, Smelly Ellie is all better now. Lily Grace insisted that Ngoai sew her back together as soon as I dropped her off this morning. LOL Some of you may remember this blog when Smelly Ellie had to go under the knife once before. LOL
SE Apart
LG & Ellie
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Posted by LilyGrace'sMom | Comments: (13) | Permalink
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