The Praying Mama

Praising and Praying!

2011-10-22T12:45:00.000-07:00

I am praising and thanking God for all of the above! The babies are growing and gaining and will soon be coming home! Ryan is 100% cancer-free! Laura is gaining strength, driving and loving on her babies every day!

One of the hardest days of my life was praying over Laura as she was taken back into that OR. She was so pale, so small and so my sweetheart daughter. Dr. Elliott was my hero. He hugged me and said that he was going to do everything he could to save Laura's uterus (and he did) and I thanked him. Under God's supervision, the doctor did in fact save Laura's uterus and stop that bleeding. God gently took me and held me together while I waited.

To God be the glory in all that He has done for Laura, Ryan, Alaina, Jaxson and Jameson. You know Alaina's middle name is Grace! Boy! God's unmerited favor over this whole family! How cool is our God? Our Savior is able, is in control and He reigns. May we testify of what God has done in this family forever.

34 Weeks.......

2011-09-23T07:28:00.000-07:00

Praise the Lord! Laura and the babies have good reports:

***This is an addition: Dr. just came in and said that Laura's Platelets are elevated! Yea God! We give You, our God the glory for raising Laura's platelets! Lord thank you for high platelets, You Sir have encouraged us this morning!***

Dr. Elliott says that he is anticipating 34 weeks! He says that things are going well, and that 34 weeks is a good goal. He doesn't want to push Laura too much further than the 34 mark and so I praise and pray................

The growth ultrasound yesterday shows Alaina at 2.9 pounds, Jaxson is 3.0 and weighing in at 3.1 is Jameson! Hallelujah the babies have grown! Dr. Bush checked the sonogram and she says the growth is beautiful. They will continue with monitoring Alaina closely, (especially her doppler blood flow, pray for that too) with her brothers getting routine monitoring and again, I praise and pray............

You know we started out saying "Pray for Grandma Lyd's birthday". That would be 35 weeks, (October 24th). We then prayed to get to the Second Trimester, then 28 weeks, then 30 weeks. WOW! I am praying with faith and with the knowledge that My God Reigns and that He is growing the babies and that He is in CONTROL! So please pray with me for my grand-children.

On August 31st, we started praying for the babies to grow, especially Alaina. Ryan and Laura's little girl is on the bottom and basically "squished" by her 2 brothers. She is something huh? She is just getting bigger and bigger! Thank You Lord for adding weight to Alaina, You Sir have answered our Prayers, and we give you the honor and glory for growing Alaina, Jaxson and Jameson!

Laura and Ryan? Let's just say that Laura's statement to Ryan yesterday was; "If I could get out of this hospital bed, lay face-down on the floor, I would do it in a heart-beat to thank God for what He is doing and what He has done". They both are praising God for all the good health reports and I am too!

By the way, I am currently.......watching her sleep.................

Update and Prayer Requests......

2011-09-18T23:27:00.000-07:00

I apologize for taking so long to update. Thank you all for all of the praying that you are doing. It warms my heart to know that so many are praying and lifting up Laura, Ryan, Alaina, Jaxson and Jameson. I give all the praise, glory and honor to the Lord for bringing Laura's pregnancy this far. Yes, she has a great doctor, one of the best in America, but even he says that he attributes to "divine intervention". In a nutshell this is what has occurred:

Dr. Elliott calls Laura "his miracle patient". He states that in all his 30+ years of delivering babies he has never had a patient turn completely around like this. Also he says that as long as her body keeps responding to the diuretic and the blood pressure medications, she will make it to 30 weeks on Tuesday and then hopefully more days / weeks to allow the babies to grow and mature more.

The neonatologist says that for every day that the babies are not born, gives them 2 days that they won't have to be in NICU. We like that formula! 1= 2 sounds so sweet, huh?

The babies are moving, kicking, and growing and are just hanging out inside. Their heart rates are within the parameters when checked daily.

Laura's kidneys are working great, her blood pressure is at a much safer place, her asthma, lungs, breathing are clear, crisp and good. Her fluid retention and puffiness has improved significantly and she just feels better. God is so good, He is the One that has all of this under His control. Praise The Lord, Hallelujah!

Prayer Concerns for Our Prayer Partners:

1.Babies stay inside for 30+ weeks

2.Laura's blood pressure/kidneys continue to work right and her labs come back with great numbers

3.God will give me directions about my car situation, details of shipping my car and what to do about a vehicle mean-while and that He will provide the finances.

4.God will show me where to work and will provide what I stand in need of while I waiting for job.

Okay, will update again soon, tired. Ryan went home tonight, he stays on Friday and Saturday nights and then I stay Sunday through Thursday nights. I am on duty and here I am typing this. My bed is a window seat and is very comfy and it is best to sleep quickly before the next round of vital signs!

Alaina, Jaxson and Jameson

2011-09-15T11:53:00.000-07:00

Today's ultrasound revealed 3 hearts beating, adequate fluid for each baby and overall good. The babies are moving, kicking, relaxing and hopefully gaining lots of weight.

Oh Lord, I lift up my grand-babies. I pray that they will stay inside for 30+ weeks. I praise You for what You have done and the miracle of life. To You we give all the glory, honor and praise! Amen.

Watching Her Sleep.......

2011-09-14T10:06:00.001-07:00

Oh Wow! How Glorious to have a son-in-law like Ryan. He is truly amazing. As Laura sleeps I hear her breathing so easily, no struggles or short shallow breaths, but just a normal easy breathing pattern. I think how could a mother be this fortunate? To be here in this room attending to your child's needs, watching over her, listening to her heart's desire about her babies, about her anxieties, fears, and yes her praises. Last Thursday and Friday were not good days and certainly very rough, but again just a reminder of HE who holds my daughter and grand-children in his hands is all-powerful and is victorious!

Back to Ryan, he is such a Godly man, a doting husband and a "hands-on dad". We are blessed to have Ryan in our family. It is strange to have an "instant son", but he is more like a son than a "son-in-law". He treats me with great respect, takes care of me and most importantly takes care of my daughter, his wife. It is Ryan that allows me to spend the week-days and nights with Laura, then he gives me the weekends off. I then rest on Friday and Saturday evenings, visit Laura during the day, then ready to return to my mama position Sunday afternoon. How cool is that?

Another thing, he also is appreciative of everything I do, the things I pick up and the errands I run. He is such a good care-giver for Laura. He watches over her like a hawk and protects her from anything or anyone that stresses her out. He is .... well .... Just Amazing! Oh Lord, I lift up Ryan to You. Please watch over his health, his job, his emotions and his family. Give him strength, wisdom, courage and bless him for honoring You. Thank You Lord for Ryan and for what Ryan means to me.

Updates for Laura: She looks good today, feels good and is hanging in for 30 weeks. She misses the outside world and is hopeful for a wheelchair ride outside today, I pray she can do that. I can at least stroll outside the room every now and then and run a few errands when Ryan comes in the evenings, but she cannot leave this room without a nurse/clinical staff with her. All in all she is well and for that we give God all the honor, glory and praise.

Now I watch her sleep, afternoon nap today is a first, no tests, no treatments, no vital signs for a while, so while she sleeps I will pray and praise..........

Watching Her Sleep.......

2011-09-13T08:01:00.000-07:00

29 WEEKS and COUNTING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have had so much time this past week to reflect on the past 28 years. My daughter is a trooper and she is quite the mama fighting to keep Alaina, Jaxson and Jameson inside until 30 plus weeks. As I rock in this hospital room rocker watching Laura fighting this eclampsia battle, I am flooded with things from the memory bank and the tear bank. I remember when..............

She tried to come early at 7 weeks gestation, and my little fight began, and now to see my daughter engaged in no fight, but a war, a war with her body and so I pray........

Memories of a little baby girl being taken to the NEO Unit for only a few days is nothing now compared to Laura and Ryan knowing that their babies will be taken to NICU until Mid-November is nothing that I had to do, and so I pray........

Memories of walking, sleeping in my bed at home, seeing and talking with friends, going into labor just a tad early is nothing compared to Laura hospitalized at 28 weeks, sky high blood pressure, fluid retention all over her little body, going on a diurectic and a hypertensive med, needing breathing treatments and oxygen in order to keep their babies inside longer, and so I pray........

Memories of no worries or fears and praying for Laura who came home with us from the hospital, is nothing compared to what my son-in-law and daughter are going through, and so I pray......

Yes! Our God who is faithful has blessed Laura and Ryan with another week! For every day their babies stay inside, means 2 days they WILL NOT be in NICU! And so I pray and I praise........

Laura's kidneys are working great, daily her fluid is leaving her body, daily her puffiness is better, daily she looks and feels better, so I pray and praise.. .....

Alaina, Jaxson and Jameson's hearts are beating, their placenta~fluids look great and they are flipping, moving, kicking and just having a ball in their mama's womb, so I pray and praise.......

Dr. Elliott came in this morning and briskly walked up to her bed and gave her a big "high~five" and said "Way to Go!, I think we are going to make it to 30 weeks!" Oh I wish all of you could have seen the smiles on his and Laura's faces! Then he said that when she gets to 30 "who knows, maybe we will just keep on going"! And so I pray and praise......

So I ask you to join with me, Uncle David, the other grandparents and the great-grandparents, all our family, the friends & churches in Florida, Tennessee, Georgia, Germany, Texas and California in lifting up Laura, Ryan and their babies. We ask You Lord for 30 plus weeks for the babies to be inside their mama, we ask You Lord to continue to take care of Laura's kidneys, blood pressure, asthma and strength. Oh God we thank You for what You have already done and for keeping Laura from delivering so far. Lord, help us to give You all the honor and glory and testify to others all that You have brought us through. We continue to trust in You Lord, for You alone are The Strength, The Hope, The Lover of our souls and The One in Whom we TRUST. Thank You Lord for all that You are going to do, in Your Name and Your Will we pray. AMEN! I leave you all praying and praising.......

The Praying Grandmama!

2011-07-29T10:05:00.000-07:00

I know it has been a while, but I'm back. No longer am I just the Praying Mama, but now I am also "The Praying Grand-mama! Or as Laura says it "Glam-ma" :-) That's rght Laura is pregnant. She is just as cute as she can be. She is carrying triplets: Baby A is a girl and Baby B and Baby C are both boys. We are praying that she does not deliver until my birthday, which is October 24th, and that will put her at 35 weeks. Please pray wth us for this goal. Laura's doctor says that the bigger they are and the longer they stay in utero, the better it will be for these precious babies. You know Laura and Ryan prayed for a baby and look what our God did, He gave them the miracle of THREE! Thank you Jesus that Ryan's job has brought him back to the states from Germany and they live in California!

Please go to www.ourcrazyadventure.com

and be a part of the terrific, tremendous, thankful, triumphant topic of TRIPLETS! And join us in prayer for Ryan, Laura, Baby A, Baby B and Baby C!

Uncle David? Well so much is happening in his life too. David just completed his 1st semester at "South Texas School of Law", in Houston. He is living in my old garage apartment in Angleton and commuting back and forth to Houston. He will start again for the Fall Semester soon. Please join me in prayer for him as he studies, studies and studies! He is so excited about becoming an Uncle and is looking for a cute Aggie Uncle shirt or onesie for each baby to wear.

My darling son-in-law, Ryan, sent me to Texas to meet up wih Laura. His hometown/church/family had a baby shower for Laura, and Laura's hometown/church-family gave her a baby shower also. What an awesome bunch of friends these kids have. Ryan's children were given gift cards galore and some baby clothes, diapers, bibs and more. The babies are off to a great start because of all the love!

So in June, I was able to see David and Laura at the same time! Laura and I stayed at his apartment with him. We had such a great time and I did get a few pictures that I plan to post soon. All in all I am one very thankful, happy grandmother!

Me? Well, it certainly is an adventure living with mom and dad. They are truly precious people and so good to hang out with. Oh that I could have been and be a Godly parent like they have been and are. They have been a blessing to me and I pray I am to them also. It is good to be back in Florida in this very familiar territory, but I do miss my kids!

Lord I lift up all who read this posting, may you give them all that they stand in need of and encourage, heal, and given peace to them. May the one reading this that does not know you accept you as THE CHRIST, that died on that cross for them. In Jesus Name I pray, AMEN.

Love, prayers and hugs to all of you, Lydia

Surprise! Happy 27th Laura! Love, Ryan, David, Mom and Dad

2010-08-24T17:18:00.001-07:00

Ryan's Sweetheart, David's Best Friend, Daddy's Bun-Bun, and Mama's Little Girl

Our Little Girl Turns 27 Today, August 25th!

When you can't be with your kid on her birthday, what better to do than to surprise her while you are in Germany. Complete with Hello Kitty Decorations brought from America. The secret was held by friends, Lori, Rebecca and Little Ava, Mary Liz and held by Family-Uncle Justin, Ryan, David, Dad and Mom.

Thank You to Rebecca and her daughter Ava and Lori

Uncle Justin looks like he was really enjoying this Hello Kitty Party! He was such a sport, especially being the one male in the group, (tee,hee)
Ava loved the balloons!

Rebecca's niece, Mary Liz even joined in the fun! In the middle of Stuttgart, Germany, we stopped at a side-walk cafe. While Lori took Laura for a "long restroom break", the rest of us decorated. The guy in the background even gave us an extra chair and extra room. Laura was very surprised and had a wonderful early birthday!

Worms and Bitche on a Shoestring!

2010-07-28T02:51:00.000-07:00

Worms, Germany
More of Worms...

Town Center Fountain in Worms (pronounced Vorms)

Wish my camera would give you a better glimpse of this beautiful church!

The inside was just gorgeous!

Then off to France....

Does anyone speak French?

Someone thought it would be a cute picture?

On the Ubahn with our loot after shopping in the rain one day, scroll down...

My breakable item in the wet paper bag is now broken...

Amazingly Lori didn't get one strand of hair wet!

"London on a Shoestring"

2010-07-21T15:26:00.000-07:00

Buckingham Palace!

Wouldn't be a trip for me without visiting the local Hard Rock Cafe, and how cool to visit the ORIGINAL Hard Rock, where it all began...

I didn't like carrying luggage down and up these stairs the first time I visited, and it wasn't any fun the second visit either. But the girls were troopers and even turned down offers to help them. Me? I accepted every offer to carry my large bag up or down these tall staircases! Mum was tired!

Don't we look like we are having a blast?

The Abbey is probably one of my favorites

Are they not just gorgeous?

Isn't this fantastic?

Westminster Abbey, wish we could have taken pics inside :(

The three L's are still going strong!

Times Square in London, one of the more crowded areas we visited

The Tower Bridge

St. Paul's Cathedral

More of St. Paul's

Lori did not like those "mushy peas", so she put them in her empty water glass! Laura the tour guide, always ready with her map in hand!

The Tower Bridge

London Eye

We spent lots of time waiting for the subway...

We also took lots of pictures while on the subway!

"Mind the Gap"!

Camden Market was "interesting"

Leaving for London, Germany and ????

2010-07-16T20:53:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited! Tomorrow I leave to see Laura! Lori Beaver and I will fly to London and meet Laura there. After a couple of days in London, we will head to Stuttgart. My brother, Justin, will pick us up at the airport. Laura has a busy shedule for us, she has everything planned. I have been packed for days and I am just overwhelmed at all that I still have to accomplish before we set "sail" or maybe "set wings" for the "Fun Adventure with Laura". More to Come Later!

Baby Dave is 25!

2010-07-16T20:33:00.001-07:00

Can you believe it? My youngest is 25! Yeah, it is cool that he gets a "raise", via Auto Insurance, but my did I ever pray for David. Of course I prayed for David and Laura when I was pregnant, however, that was only the beginning. I know without a doubt that had it not been for God, that David would not have turned out so awesome! God has protected, healed, encouraged, fed, educated, clothed and found humor in my kid. Lord, I lift up my son, "Baby David" to you tonight. Thank you Lord for keeping him safe from harm and for healing all his injuries and healing his heart. May You bless David and wrap your arms around him and give him the desires of his heart. Help him to stay faithful, to marry a Godly woman, raise Godly children and to always be a "Man after God's Own Heart"! Thank you God for your faithfulness, AMEN.

Brazos Bend, Texas

2010-07-16T20:18:00.001-07:00

Years ago when Linda Beaver found out that I had never been to Brazos Bend, she immediately planned a trip for a visit. My first trips were with her riding our bikes, our husbands riding bikes (once or twice), then with our daughters, Lori and Laura. Through the years we have gone camping/shamping (that is our code for shopping in a nearby town when we are hot or it is raining!) and walking out there as well with several friends, Mari and Pella first, then Gayle, next Jo, followed with Angela, Jennifer and our families. It is such a peaceful place (most of the time), to walk, think, figure things out, eat and fellowship. Little did I know that this would be the place that would help me pray through some of the roughest times in my life! Thanks Linda for sharing this beautiful place with your friends.

Hurrican Alex, July, 2010

2010-07-16T20:07:00.001-07:00

Ole Blue Turned 300,000 Miles!

2010-07-16T20:00:00.000-07:00

My friend, Linda, invited all who could to come, to her Suburban's Birthday Party. She is the only person I know that has driven a car for 300,000 Miles. We celebrated at Brazos Bend State Park.

Friends

2010-07-16T19:16:00.000-07:00

Kim, (Buckey's mama), we have prayed over our boys for years. God take care of those two and keep them safe! Bless Kim for her faithfulness to you.

Lyd, Jan and Nanc (one of my visits to Orlando!)

We graduated together from Oak Ridge High School! We have been friends since Junior High (Nanc) and 10th grade (Jan).

Kristi! She and husband Brad drove me to Florida Spring Break~2010. They dropped me off & picked me up at my folk's house in Kissimmee! They were heading to Kissimmee~Clermont to watch their Shelby play College Softball. Thank you Brad and Kristi!

Jennifer Beaver and Angela Smith, mother and daughter fishing????

Lyd, Sandra Pousson and Janet Brooks, celebrating our OCTOBER Birthdays! With our other October Birthday gal........

Another October Birthday ~ Terri Holder, feeding her handsome grandson! No, Terri did not choose that hat, we made her put it on!

Linda Beaver, Mary Houston, Lyd and Ima Jean Smith, after church on Wednesday night, eating of course and resting from teaching Children at our Church.

Gayle Stein, Lyd and Kathy Sanford, I think we were at a fund-raiser for a Judge?

Same fundraiser, Kathy & Joe Sanford, and Regina & Ken Bishop. I worked with Regina and Joe in the SAIL Program at The Lighthouse.

More fundraiser, Tonya Heard, Nurse B, Debbie McDougal.

Co-workers from the Lighthouse!

Lyd's Florida Family, Fall-2009

2010-07-16T17:29:00.000-07:00

The following 2 pictures are actually the last pictures taken for this trip to Florida. Laura and I were saying good-by at good ole McCoy/Orlando Inter.

~Now that you have seen the ending, scroll down to see the beginning~

My Florida Family, or at least some of them. Many Many are MIA's! Laura and Ryan came in from Germany. Ryan's mom and brother flew in from Crosby. Ruth from Germany, via Cape Canaveral. Of course David and I caught a Southwest flight from Houston. Then we ended up in St. Cloud at my brother's (Tim and Deb) and enjoyed lots of food and fellowship! Thanks Debbie for getting us all together, (and Tim!).

Pictured left to right: Deb, Tim, Lyd, Dustin's wife and baby, Dustin, Uncle Jack, Joyce Marie, Dad, Laura, Bobbi Jo, Mother and Baby Dave.

Mom and Dad and my 3 kids! We were all respresenting Texas A&M, until....

Dad decided he couldn't leave out his beloved "Florida Gators"!

The following pictures were taken at Nana Bleakney's after a "pig-out" at Sonny's bar-b-que, (our favorite!). Dave and I used to take the kids to Sonny's after church on Sundays for their 99 cents kids-meal, also our favorite place to eat in Florida!

Giselle, Ava Marie, Laura and Kathi. Ava is Kathi's grand-daughter and Giselle her daugher-in-law and Kathi is my sister-in-law, Clayton's wife.

(My brother Clayton passed away on June 5th, 1990, the day we moved to

San Antonio, Texas.)

Ava and Laura after a very very long day! Lord, thank you for my darling daughter, bless her with her own children some day soon!

Ava Marie (my great-niece), Laura, Giselle (my niece), Jonathan (my nephew), Julius (my nephew). Jonathan is my brother Clayton's son and this is his family.

Tim (my brother), me and Debbie (my sis-in-law) (Bobbi Jo's folks!)

Ryan (Bobbi Jo's "boy-friend", Bobbi Jo (my niece), Laura and Ryan

David with my brother-in-law, JAY! Jay makes us laugh and as usual the two Bleakney boys are "goofing off"!

Ryan, Laura, Max (my nephew), Ruth (my sister-in-law) David and me.

Max is Jay & Ruth's son, their daughter, Leslie was not able to come :(

Scott-(Ryan's brother), Ryan, Laura and Debbie (Ryan's Mom) Holmelin

The Crosby Crew, Ryan's dad passed away several years ago, after a long battle with breast cancer. Ryan is an absolute jewel and I love my son-in-law!

My cousin, Joyce Marie and my little "Praying Mama"

My sister-in-law, "Ruth". She lives in Germany and she is the mother of Max and Leslie Anne. Ruth was visiting at Cape Canaveral Beach and could join us! :)

Isn't She Amazing?

2010-06-19T14:07:00.000-07:00

My daughter gave "the praying mama" a new facelift! I just love it, she did an awesome job. Laura is so talented and has a gift with this whole blog thing. Go to her blogspot, http://www.ourcrazyadventure.com/ and then check her links for: Bobbi Jo's, Lori's and Natalin's blogspots. Laura designed their blogspots as well. Lord, be with my daughter and help her to use her talents to honor and glorify YOU!. Thanks Laura, my new look is beautiful!

changes

2010-06-18T08:26:00.000-07:00

I'm leaving and not on a jet plane. I have been praying for some time about leaving Texas and heading back to Florida. My folks are getting older and I would find it a blessing to live with them and take care of them for the remainder of their time on earth. The hardest thing will be leaving David here, but David assures me he will be fine. Laura is still in Germany, but she is definitely worried about how this will affect her and her holidays in the states. So this praying mama needs all of your prayers for God to guide me through this new path.

My plans are very tentative, but hopefully will be moved by end of summer. Still looking for a job, storage unit and a place to hang my hat. More to pray on, but trusting in HIM! Will keep you posted.

I adopted a HUMMINGBIRD!

2009-09-27T18:10:00.000-07:00

Okay, I know what you are thinking. A Hummingbird Extravaganza? You went, watched them band the bird you adopted, held him and fed him? Yep, I am officially a NERD! I use to think the little ole people going bird watching, etc., were just plain weird! Now I am one of them. I even have the official T-shirt! (No, I have not bought a "fanny-pack"!)

May I present to you Mr. Louie Ford Hummingbird.

My mom and I named him yesterday. We named him after my dad.

And Yes, I felt his little heart beat! It beat so fast I couldn't even count it! Then just as I started to touch him and stroke his back, he flew away........First they bring the hummingbird to the table and weight him. Louie weighs 4.0 grams. He is considered a "porker". He is FAT! He sure is cute though. Not as cute as you Dad! In this picture the man is trying to get Louie to eat.
Linda and Angela adopted one too. Linda's is a boy and Angela's is a girl!
Mari waited in line, but they ran out of Hummingbirds! She will try again next Saturday.

Then they band the little guy. Louie's number is H-27433. Whenever they capture him again or have information about him, they will pass that information on to me. Angela is a 4th grade teacher and her kids are going to see pictures of her new little girl tomorrow!
Next, they will try and feed little Louie.

I think Louie Ford likes that sugar water. Linda's new guy didn't eat much, but he was the fatest one of all, weighing in at 6.2 grams!

This is a better picture of his feeding. Cool huh?

"GONE FISHIN'!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-09-27T18:02:00.000-07:00

David, Max and Dave. Max is completing his internship in Dallas. He lives in Germany and decided he wanted to go off-shore fishing with Uncle Dave and Cousin David. They mainly caught sunburns........

My youngest nephew Max! Girls he is a single man, currently in Dallas, Texas!

My favorite son! Also single, lives in Houston!

FLORIDA VISIT IN JULY 2009

2009-09-27T17:35:00.000-07:00

Lyd, Kathi, Dad and Mom, July 27, 2009

Lyd, Mom, Bobbi Jo, Tim, Deb...Where Kathi, oh yeah, she just left. Uh-oh, WHERE IS GRANDPA? Dad?

There's dear ole dad! I guess grandpa was ready to go, doggie bag in hand! Doesn't he look good for an 82 year old man?

Lyd, Tim, Dad and Mom

I spent all day with my dad and my brother Tim, we visited every relative we could fit into our schedule, then we met the rest of the family for dinner...BECAUSE it was my baby Brother Tim's BIRTHDAY!

Thanks for hanging with me, I know I had a good time, especially praying we didn't get into those BEES! Or rather those bees didn't get you and dad!

Dad and Tim and the limb they pulled down....The rope attached to the long limb........

Where this huge comb of BEES were driving my aunt crazy!!!!!!!!!!!

Lyd, Nancy, Tim and Aunt Coonie

Teaching Dad how to use the digital camera, good job dad!!!!!

Dad, Nancy and Aunt Coonie

Dad, Aunt Mildren and Uncle Budd

GAME - TIME with the ASTRO'S and CONCERT TIME WITH MERCY ME

2009-09-27T17:07:00.001-07:00

Kristina, John and I

You know I am so blessed! John was my preceptor at Methodist Cath Lab. He has to be the most patient man ever! John is a born again, single dad of 3 girls and 1 boy. I think one day he must have made me re-glove 5 times! I kept getting contaminated! I think John was wondering why Katrina hired me and why he had to be my preceptor! John taught me so, so, much! He calmed me when I got "nuts", and gave me a "pat on the hand", when I GOT IT RIGHT! He learned that if he didn't say "STOP", I would keep on going. He walked with me and Kristina to our remote car lot and gave me a ride when it was raining. John is clearly devoted to the Lord God and is raising his children in a Godly way. God Bless my John and encourage him to keep on witnessing for you. Give him strength and wisdom daily and continue to help him make a difference in the cath lab. And NO JOHN! Men are not the righteous ones! Re-read that scripture!

Kristina and Me

Kristina worked with me in the Cath Lab at Methodist. One day she told John and I that she wanted to ask us a question. "Why do I have to go to my Priest and ask him to ask God to forgive me?, Why can't I just ask God myself?" I was so excited! A few weeks and many conversations later, Kristina asked Christ into her heart! Hallelujah! It has almost been a year of watching her grow in the Lord, but it has been such a blessing. She blessed me so much and helped John and I so much in the Cath Lab. She pitched my table for me and helped we clean up the room when the case was over. She taught me (she says I'm not good at it) how to hold pressure the RIGHT WAY! NO HEMATOMAS! She helped me remember all the combinations to the staff areas. She walked with me the 2 miles to our remote car lot and keeps in touch today, even though I don't work there anymore! Love you Kristina, God Bless my friend and keep her safe. Continue to grow her up in you.

Linda, Kristina, Diane, John, Lyd, Gayle and Angela

Diane is such a great nurse in the cath lab! She works 1/2 of the week in the cath lab and the other 1/2 in the OR. She has taught me so much. She came and got me one day when I really knew I could never work in the cath lab again. She gave me one of the best pep talks ever! Thanks Diane for being my friend and God Bless you as you continue to walk in Him.

Of course you guys all know Linda and Gayle and Angela and how they are just good friends and help me laugh and keep me lifted up in prayer. Thank you God for fellow believers!

We enjoyed Mercy-Me before the game began!

OAK RIDGE HIGH SCHOOL CLASS of 1974!

2009-09-27T16:45:00.000-07:00

Joli, Karen, Lyd and Sher

Joli and Sherry picked me up at the airport, then we met up with Karen and spent the entire afternnon talking, talking and yet talking! Nancy is not in the picture, she is on vacation with her husband. The 4 of us plus Nanc have been getting together since we graduated from High School. Jan and JK used to meet up with us too. Plans are to meet up again in October with Jan and talk and talk and talk!

Jan, Sher, Joli, Me, Karen, Lynn, & LaDonna

Some of the gang on Saturday Evening, at least the ones that stayed to "close it down"!

Sher, Joli, me and Karen (Nanc in thoughts!)

Sunday afternoon on Lake Conway

The 35th Class Reunion of Oak Ridge High School was a blast. You always wonder how these things will go. I think the funniest thing was Sherry's folks making sure we knew how to get there, that we had umbrella's and money, and then they were waiting up for us when we got home at MIDNIGHT! They stated that they were just watching a movie! How cool to be able to say with all honesty we went where we said we were going and we didn't toilet paper any yards! We sure missed ole Nanc though!

David's 24th Birthday Party! July 9, 2009, Baby Dave is now 24 YEARS OLD!

2009-09-27T16:18:00.000-07:00

I called a few of David's friends and Dave. We thought David would love to celebrate at La-Casona. Although David won't believe me, I WAS NOT the one that told the waiter it was Baby David's Birthday!

Laura started calling David "Baby Beau" the night that David was born. She was saying Baby Boy and it sounded like "beau". As time went on she began to call him Baby Dave and Baby David. To this day, relatives and friends in Florida call him Baby Dave(id)!

Oh God Thank You for my Son! Thank you Lord that David is saved and on his way to heaven, continue to keep him safe and keep him in your ways. Thank you for his job and for all the blessings you have given him. I pray now for that young lady that will become his bride and for his future offspring. May David's wife be a Proverbs 31 girl. May David's children become believers at a young age. Help David to be a Godly husband and father. David you are indeed wonderfully and fearfully made! God Bless You Son!

ROAD TRIP - - Look Out FLORIDA!

2009-09-27T16:03:00.000-07:00

Oldies, but goodies! This is the longest car-trip from Houston to Orlando ever! On June 27, 2008, Mari, Linda and I took off for Florida. I was delivering the Expedition to mom and dad and then staying through July to work for my friend Nanc at the "Orlando Colon & Rectal Clinic". The girls stopped everywhere, just to stop, "hey Starbucks!, let's get coffee". In Mobile, Alabama: "Hey Linda's grandmother on her porch, let's visit her!" "Hey Florida State Capitol, let's go!", etc. Thank you God for friends, I couldn't have made that long drive alone. Having just moved out of my home, leaving my "safe job", and going to work in Houston, at The Methodist Cath Lab. Let's just say, I was a fish out of water! Thanks Linda and Mari!

Cookbook

2009-07-21T08:20:00.000-07:00

Click HERE to go to Laura's blog and see a recipe from the recipe book I am always referring to.

This is the recipe book that Ryan's family made as a fundraiser for Breast Cancer. Ryan's dad, Victor Holmelin passed away November 15, 2004, after a 16 year battle with Breast Cancer. Please pass this on to the man in your life that you love!

Is not my son-in-law, Ryan (Ry-Ry), so cute? He takes such good care of my bun-bun. That boy cooks, cleans, brings home the bacon, and most importantly HE PRAYS! God has blessed me with not only a wonderful daughter and son, but also a fantastic son #2, Ryan!

2009-06-15T19:48:00.000-07:00

"MOTHER"S DAY 2009"

Not pictured this time Laura, the other gift presenter, (she was in Germany).

Then I spent the night with Hel & Jay, (the camera was missing, so no pictures of Hel). Then the memories began with Hel and I shopping at our favorites, eating, laughing, and catching up on things...........

Just when I think my kids "can't top this one", they surprise me yet again! The best present ever, a ticket to.........FLORIDA! I get to see my mom, dad & Hel-my mom-in-law, for Mother's Day. I don't think my offspring could have made me happier! God has truly blessed me with the best 3 kids alive! David drove down to spend the weekend with me, then after church he gave me the "TICKET"

Ava and Julius playing at Great Grandma & Grandpa's House.

Of course my other memories start with watching my great niece & nephew turning on the hose, filling buckets and picking up sticks, just as Laura and David used to do when they were around this age! Don't tell their parents that this is why they love Aunt Lydia!

I just love, love, love, MY FAMILY! My brother Tim, his wife Deb,

their daughter (my niece)-Bobbi Jo, Mom & Dad.

Bar-B-Que at Kathi's! Good Food, Silly Talk, Contagious Laughs....

Uh Oh...a tear :( missing them already

MEMORIAL DAY! My Family sporting "Red, White & Blue". Bottom Row: My nephew, Jonathan's kids Julius, Ava, Mom & Dad. Back Row, My Nephew's wife-Giselle, my Sister-in-law-Kathi,

My Brother-Tim & Debbie-Tim's wife

No "Girls Night Out" at the Movies this trip, but lots of laughs & tons of food! Julius, Mom, Ava, Dad, Giselle, Lyd, Kathi, & Debbie

Ahhhhh, a day at the Beach, Ben, Lesley & Justin............

Memories of long days at Cocoa Beach, strolling, collecting shells, & "The Windjammer" with my sister-in-law Ruth & my niece Lesley

Last but not least, memories of sailing in the Intercoastal in Cocoa & Melbourne, anchoring at "The Dragon", sitting under the Palm Trees, watching the sun set at Pineda......

So so good to see mom and dad, go to church with them, visit, laugh and sing around their table, listen to some of dad's stories, (he has new ones too!), then wake up to the smell of mom's cinammon coffee! Shhhhhhhh, don't tell them I'm going back for my class reunion in July! They will be so surprised. I just hope they are happy to see me again so soon!

Hopefully I'll have more pictures for you.........................

Some of my Cath Lab buddies.....

2009-04-29T15:38:00.001-07:00

Karen, Lydia and Brenda. Karen is a rad tech and Brenda a circulating nurse in the cath lab. They both have been so sweet to me! I'm so blessed to work with fun, young, nice folks!

Karen and her birthday "roasted pig", the pork was yummy!

Here is the gang at a Luau. We were celebrating birthdays, Ricky, Charmaine and Karen's.

Laura Ann's Visit to the USA, April 2009

2009-04-29T14:45:00.000-07:00

Our precious Blue! He is guarding my apartment from the neighborhood cats

My two beautiful children, David 23, Laura 25Laura with good friends of ours

Luke and Levi Brooks,

Parents - Jonathan & Steph Brooks

Grandparents -Terri & Marc Holder, Janet & Don Brooks

Look how God has blessed these little guys! So Cute!!

One of Laura's best buddies, Lori Beaver Romans

Ryan's mom-Debbie, Lyd, Laura, Dave & Ryan at Ryan's 1st surprise party ever!

The proud parents and their favorite daughter!

One of Laura's other best friends, Jason Doxey.
Laura taking a picture of mama & her handsome devils!
Ryan, Laura & David

What a wonderful time we had. Ryan's surprise Birthday Party, Going to our home church and hearing Bro. Rodney preach and singing worship songs, Visits with friends, shopping, playing with Blue, our morning coffee runs, watching American TV, Bucees Ice Tea, Sonic Coney Island Dogs, Airport Shuttle for David and Ryan, late nights at my apartment with friends. We even helped my friend Janet with her grandbabies, Luke and Levi, one day. Most of all--the laughter, we laughed and laughed and laughed. I thank you Lord for bringing her home again, especially so soon. Keep my boys and Laura from harm and give them a special blessing for treating their mama so great and giving me the best Mother's Day ever!!!

PRAISE THE LORD! HE HAS A JOB!

2009-04-04T22:44:00.000-07:00

David starts his new job on Monday, April 6! Hallelujah! My God reigns. Thanks for praying and for encouraging him. He will be working for an orthopedic company in North East Houston. We looked for apartments all day today and he studied tonight for the exams he will encounter next week and has to pass. Then he will travel to New Jersey for training. So after 3 months of interviews and applications God has answered my prayer for a job for David. Please join me as I lift him up and thank God for all He has done in the lives of my children and in my life!

SHE CAME HOME!

2009-03-24T08:11:00.001-07:00

What a blessing! God is so faithful! He brought my favorite daughter home! We had such a good visit. She went to her favorite restaurants, shopping for items to take back to Germany, a trip to the beach and visits with friends! She told me goodbye every morning and "have a nice day, mom"! She, David and I had a blast and above are a few of the memories.....

HE DID IT! A&M AGGIE CLASS OF 2008 WHOOP!

2009-02-23T13:56:00.000-08:00

First to catch up on David! Here is one of the happiest days ever! He did it! Dave, myself, Debbie (Ryan's mom), 2 of David's buds, Peter and Matt all cheered David on as he "limped" across the stage at A&M. I was able to place a cell phone call to Laura just as David's name was announced and Dave got a fabulous video of all of it. Laura says it was the next best thing to being there in person.

Then the next week David had ACL and a torn meniscus repair. While playing Rugby at A&M in October he was injured. He has recovered nicely and is still in physical therapy. I think that was surgery #4! He should have gone to medical school or sports therapy!

Praying currently for David to land a job. It is rough times as you all know, and our recent college grad is interviewing, applying and sending out his resume. God knows where David's job will be and when it will begin, so we pray and wait on the Lord. Please pray with us.

2008-09-07T13:38:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to touch base and let everyone know I am great! Other than Ryan's bike wreck he and Laura are fantastic. They found a church and made some friends and are busy every weekend. David went to float the river this weekend and all is well with him. No new pictures, but will try to take one of the cath lab soon. Gotta run and catch up on ironing and make my lunch before tomorrow......

2008-08-24T14:19:00.000-07:00

Finally got to see Laura's face! She called me earlier on Skype. An answer to prayer. My computer was not working. I was able to fix the glitch just before she called. How awesome is our God that he would show me how to work on a computer just in time to hear and see my precious daughter! I'm going to try and stay up late and call her at Midnight, which is 7:00 am her time. BECAUSE tomorrow is Laura Ann's birthday! She will be 25 on the 25th. Now if everyone can please send me $25, I'll donate it to the "Praying Mama Goes To Germany Airline Ticket" Fund. Just kidding....

I may call David early to to tell him happy first day at school. Yeah, A&M starts back up tomorrow, so back to school everywhere here, wonder what the traffic will be like?

I am now employed at The Methodist Hospital, at the Medical Center in Houston. So far so good. Everyone is nice and so helpful. I'm giving it my best shot, lots to learn and more to relearn. Will keep you posted when I can.

Leaving The U.S.A.

2008-08-11T13:34:00.000-07:00

August 11th, 3:36 pm. David and I just dropped Dave off at the hospital. Now we are in our cozy apartment, "as Laura refers to it". I will call Laura now.... So surreal, as I said "Goodbye honey, God will take care of you and will be with you", then I hung up the phone. David also bid his sister farewell and then left quickly to run a few errands for us. Blue even seems to miss "Aunt Laura", as he is sitting as close as he can to me and wants to keep his paw on me. It is weird I am wiping the tears and I can't stop them from coming, but there is also a great peace and excitement knowing that my God is with my daughter and He can take better care of her and watch over her more efficiency than I ever could! I can feel the Lord speaking softly to me. God has given me such great assurance that He is in charge and He is with Laura and Ryan. Thank you Lord for this peace and for your precious gift of life.......Thank you God for answering my prayer so quickly!!!!!

Thus it begins, a new yet awesome path!

2008-08-11T07:13:00.000-07:00

It begins with pray for my kids as all 3 of us enter the path God has given us.....
David and I will leave shortly to take Laura to the airport and away she will fly to Germany!
It is so exciting for her and of course for Ryan. Then David will leave for College Station, for his last semester! Please pray with me for their safety and protection.....