A Day With Debbie

We went out and picked out a new car yesterday and bought it today--last time we picked out our own car was our '97 Honda----
A 2006 Volvo, silver-----

This week, for some reason, they have wanted to see Ma & G-daddy almost every day and night---yesterday, Lindsay and I ran a few errands then the girls wanted to stay at our house and play...so, after playing for over an hour with the toys they decided they wanted to watch "The Wizard of Oz"...we were all laying across my bed, Madalyn was rubbing my hair and neck--she looked at me and said "Ma, this is the movie me and Paul always watched." Sweet Memories!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO MARK & LINDSAY....
#8--we are proud of both of you and love you very much!!!!

Since I have posted anything---
Last Tuesday was the last of the summer MDO....Kaitlyn went with Lindsay and I to help out. For the most part the day was fun! Littel Jenna got Lindsay and I both a pretty butterfly plate, Thank you Jenna!

Cam brought his friend Amy to Waco for the week-end, we all went to Lindsay and Marks to swim and cook burgers, was really fun..Amy has 2 little puppies Heisman and Mia, we all fell in love with Mia, the girls have decided Ma needs one at her house.

Last week, kaitlyn gave us a guite a scare, started out, Amber and Kaitlyn were not feeling good, so they went to a family Dr, he diagnosed both with allergies....Amber is trying to finish up Nursing School, so Kaitlyn came to my house to rest up some---overnight, she became sicker and sicker,running very high fever---so Thur morn I decided she needed to be seen again---turns out it was not allergies, after x-rays, urinalysis, and a trip to Hillcrest for a CT scan, she was diagnosed with Mesentaric Lymphadenitis--condition known as a very bad infection in her abdomin..finally after 4 days of feeling horrible, she is now lots better!

Today, Lindsay and the girls and Kaitlyn all went to see "Hairspray"---was great!

A glorious day to say goodbye to our sweet Paul---Leigh and Terrill did an awesome job memoralizing thier precious son!
I will miss you my sweet buddy but I know you are not hurting anymore and you are in heaven now!
You will be forever in my heart!

Some of my memories of Paul...

The first time I met Paul, we had gone to Leigh/Terrills to eat dinner with them..Paul had already been diagnosed and gone thru about a year of treatments by then. He was going thru a lot of stranger anxiety, so he was mostly to himself not wanting to meet anymore strangers ...I decided to get up from the table, go into the living room and see if he would let me hold him and watch his train video with him...he won me over at that moment, we snuggled the whole movie as his mommy and daddy and Mike got to watch us!


Then a few weeks later, I asked him to go along to the zoo with my grand-daughter, Madalyn and myself...I can remember passing by Baylor, Paul saying to us, "That is where my dad works, Hey Dad"...then at the zoo, we were watching the giraffes and a strange smell came from around the corner as we were walking...Paul says, "that smells like Whitts diaper"


From that moment on, Paul was smitten with his Madalyn...they drew each other pictures, visited and had some fun play dates together. I watched Paul and Whit every Tuesday so Leigh could do her errands and just have a little alone time...Paul would come into the living room, see his reflection on the glass of the fireplace doors--"Miss Debbie, Miss Debbie, I can see Paul in your fireplace!" The I would reply, "Paul, you better get out of my fireplace, your mommy would be very upset if she knew you were in our fireplace!" Then his precious giggle....


Mike and I watched the boys one afternoon for Leigh and Terrill so they could have some much needed time alone to eat and do some shopping...Paul had just finished a round of chemo and felt so bad---I remember him just laying his head down on the picnic table as Jack jumped on the trampoline...finally after a little while, Paul got himself up and played just as hard as his brother...


Paul went into Cooks for some surgery, Mike and I came to help out with Whit, since he had just had some heart surgery, I can remember late that night after they had finally got him back to his room, his mommy laying on the bed with him comforting him, that sweet moment will always be with me.


Then the headaches came back, I tried to comfort him when he would stay with me till Leigh or Terrill could get there to pick him up... but there is no comfort like the touch of mommy and daddys hand....


When Madalyns little sister Loraly came along, one of Pauls very favorite things to do when he was there with Loraly was rub her head, it was soft and bald....now, that is one of my favorite things to do when I go visit with Paul, rub that soft/bald head.


Paul came to play one day and told me that he really wanted Bushes Chicken for lunch--so off we went, after all Miss Debbie can't say no....while driving thru, he had one of his terrible nose-bleeds..I pulled over, tried to stop it, called Leigh, thank goodness she was up the street eating with Whit---I drove like a maniac on Hewitt Dr to get him there--traded off with Leigh and took Whit home... I never realized the amount of blood you could loose and how calm and collected Paul was with it till Leigh got it stopped...another time, he stumped his toe, was crying and I was trying to comfort him, all I could see was what looked like the end of his toe--I thought he had apparently stumped part of it off...it finally stopped bleeding, Leigh got there to take a look at it and she started laughing----he had a wart on the end of his toe and they had been working on getting it off and that is what he stumped...they just forgot to tell Miss Debbie about it!


Putt-Putt, on a day when he felt so bad but would not let us carry him....he was determined to play and play hard....I think mostly he wanted to impress Madalyn.


The bike rides in front of my house and always stopping for water and a "Hey Miss Debbie".


We all had such fun at Pauls big birthday parties at Chuck E.Cheese and Peter Piper and bowling...lots of smiles, friends, pizza and presents for all! I especially enjoyed making him a "Jeff Gordon" and a "Tony Stewart"cakes, although I don't think Terrill had any of the "Tony Stewart" cake . Now, how many kids get 2 birthday cakes in one year?


And all our drives to Lake Belton to see the Christmas Lights---the joy in the kiddos eyes as we drove thru.... and the laughter after the year Madalyn had announced "the reindeer just pooped presents out"

A few years ago Mike and I took Paul and Madalyn, actually it was Madalyns idea for Pauls birthday to see the Monster Trucks...we ate dinner at a littel steakhouse nearby and they were both so excited! At the coliseum, we let both of them got mini Monster Trucks, and banners and all the drivers signed the banners....then the highlight of the night was when Paul, Madalyn and Miss Debbie got to ride in the back of a Monster Truck!

Last year, Mike and I decided to take Paul birthday shopping and let him pick out anything he wanted...lots of shirts,Imaginexes, and Nascar items, I think Mike had more fun than anyone! Our next door neighbor Dan, is a Professional Magician and he came to Pauls party and did some neat magic tricks....I think everyone had a good day at Pauls special birthday party.

I bought Madalyn and Paul lunch one day at school and ate lunch with them, as usual, they wanted Bushes chicken---when Paul came walking down the hall, he had his lunch bag, I said Paul did you forget that I was gonna bring lunch today--he said no, his mommy had packed him some broccoli..he opened up his bag and ate of his broccoli before he ate any of his Bushes chicken...


Then the big Kindegarten Graduation---Paul was so sick, but he managed to make it to his big graduation and even walk across the stage to accept his diploma....I don't think there was a dry eye in the whole school...

The last few months have gone by so fast and I have not spent a lot of time with Paul although Mike and I did go to Cooks one Saturday and make a visit--we took Paul a "Star War" leggo set, he was determined to finish it before we left.... took some time after we left but it got finished, ok, maybe Terrill helped a little....


About 3 weeks ago, we had dinner with Leigh/Terrill and Leighs parents, Terrill always sits on the middle of the couch next to where Paul lays---Terrill got up so I made my move to sit by Paul, he had just gotten home from getting his G-button and was still sore. Paul says, "Hey, that is where my dad sits" So, I asked him if I could rent that space and would give him my $3 I had in my car, so, he let me sit there by him, and I rubbed his little feet for about 30 minutes.I had asked him earlier if I could see his G button, he did not want to show me...so after I had sat there for a few minutes, he asked me if I wanted to see it---first time Paul had looked at it, he was not very happy with it but was a good sport about it.

So, now Paul is very sick, there are no more treatments left to help him live a good guality life, he has been in a lot of pain but thankfully that is being managed now, and we are all getting ready to say our goodbyes to this precious little boyfriend of mine. Sorry, Madalyn just this one time you have to share Paul with me.

I pray for no pain, lots of special moments to be remembered by a lot of friends and for your parents and brothers to know how much they are loved by lots of friends and to know just how special Paul is to his family, grandparents, cousins and all those friends...

I have a picture Leigh gave me for my birthday a few years ago, Paul was running thru a field, just being a happy, carefree child, that is so precious to me... Leigh could of never given me a better gift! I will treasure it forever just as all the sweet memories I have of my Paulie.

I wrote this about Paul on Friday night, it was storming here and he was on my heart heavily.

I had actually drove by several times this week just to go in and see Paul and rub his sweet head and maybe just maybe get a grin out of him, but I know that his mommy and daddy needed all the time with him that he had left...but this morning we got the call from Lynn, Paul had passed in the wee hours of the morning with his mommy and daddy at his side...

No more chemo, or pain,or getting poked, just sweet Paul in heaven now---

I love you my little buddy...

P.S. I will never tell anyone our "little secret" about when you and Madalyn were here at Miss Debbies house, we had just bought the house and Paul was over playing with Madalyn--anyways, the 2 little "stinkers" that they could be together some times, went into the play room, were coloring pictures and they got very quiet---so, I went to check them and they had drawn all over my carpet in that room.....so, I quickly called the carpet cleaning man and he came out and got it all out of my carpet----boy, those two really thought they were gonna be in some hot water but I let them off with stern warnings and never let them color on the carpet again.... I think the secret is out now Paul, but I forgave you long ago, so don't worry, you are not in trouble. Madalyn either...

Its another beautiful little grand-daughter....she will make her grand appearance around Nov30....thank heaven for our happy healthy little princesses!

Today Lindsay finds out of it is a BOY or a GIRL...sure wish I could be there to see the looks on Madalyn and Loralys face, I know it will be priceless! Hurry up and call me Lindsay, I am anxiously waiting here at home!

To my incredible husband, Happy Fathers Day today!

Last Saturday, Ma & G-daddy got to witness the prettiest ballerina in all the world! Madalyn did so good at her recital, all 3 dances...

it was such a thrill to be able to share a vacation with our first grandchild, Kaitlyn...many sweet memories were made with her, from being in the "spotlight" at the Hoop DeDo Review, to dining at Cinderellas Castle, all the princesses signing your picture for you, riding Space Mountain four times, the Rocking Roller Coaster and never knowing that it went upside down 3 times....having breakfast with Donald and Pluto, lunch with Pooh and friends.....the many bus rides, our fast passes, standing in line, It's a Small World, RAIN, locking grandma out on the patio,haha! And we can't forget the Goofey hat and Mickey hands....standing in lines getting all the autographs...collecting all the neat pins....the pool at midnight and getting so cold and having to get in the hot tub to warm up! And your smile!
I loved that you could be a little girl all week and just have fun!

We leave for DisneyWorld in Orlando Fri morning at 7:30---I will update when we get back to Waco....

We got Cam all moved to Arlington htis weekend, he starts a new job on Tuesday...nice apartment and close to a few relatives....
Went by Cooks and visited with Paul for a little bit, bought him a new Star Wars Leggo set, he was determined to get it done that night.... get well soon my little buddy!

No more 5th grader in this family---already in 6th grade!!!!
Now on to bigger better things..................................like DISNEYWORLD next week..............

Kindegarten Graduation at Spring Valley Elem.---what a special day to my most important 2 kindegarteners in the world!
My sweet Madalyn graduated, she was in Mrs H class and made so many special friends! We were all so proud of her, she is growing up into a beautiful, smart girl. We love you so much Madalyn!
Then Paul graduated also, he has been in the hospital very sick the last week with a nasty fungal infection, but he made it and even walked across the stage! I know this had to be such a bittersweet day for Leigh and Terrill, not many dry eyes this day! Go Paul!

This week has been very tough for mama, apparently on Monday night at some point, she has had a mild heart attack...we do not know if it was caused from the dehydration/spot on her stomach from last week/meds she has been taking or just her getting tired.
She was in ICU for several days, home tonight or rather with Laurie. They have had to put her on a heart med and cumadin which is very bad medicine..so, no more driving for now, no more getting her nails done,no more green foods, no more cranberry juices, she has to use a walker for awhile, we don't want her falling, her skin is so thin, she could have internal beleeding and never know it....Such a drastic lifestyle change for her!
We are lucky she is still alive tonight, things could of been so much worse for her!
I plan on going next week and staying with her and helping out as much as I can...cook some of her fav foods and dote on her!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO CAM...
Our only son, the one who will carry his fathers name on one day.
What a fine man you have turned out to be, you always meet friends easily, hold your head up high even when you are at your lowest...you love your nieces with ever being in you. Sometimes things don't turn out like you want them to but you always seem to land on your feet.
And one day, I know that the right person will come along, you will finally have met your soul-mate and there will be little kiddos to love....
My wish for you is to always be happy, look to the Lord, carry on your fathers name with pride and to know that we both love you very much and are so proud of what you have accomplished in life.

To my sweet Mother, Happy Mothers Day this year, I won't be there to help celebrate but you are always in my heart.
I fear this may be your last Mothers Day here on earth as your health is declining very fast.
I know how much you miss daddy now, my hope is that you are reunited with him very soon.
You have such a giving heart...
You love your grandchildren very much as well as your children.


To the 2 other special mothers in my life, Amber & Lindsay, I am so proud of both of you, what good mommies you have made, you both strive for the best for your girls, I see your love for your families in your eyes and hearts! Thank you both for letting me a part of those precious girls lifes, I am so proud of all my children and grandchildren.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO AMBER
My firstborn, the love of our life, what a sweetie you have always been...there were times when things were rough, you wanted and got your independance but you know we loved you and still do so much.
I am so proud of what you are doing, going to nursing school, fulfilling your dream, doing what you do best, nurturing other people. You have such a soft heart, I know you will touch a lot of people in your lifetime.
You are a good mom to our firstborn grand-daughter and Kaitlyn loves her mom so much! We are so proud of both of you and we love you!