Old friends and Revenge

Today I am bouncing between the need for revenge and overcoming the grief from the hurt that has been imposed on me.  I am aware that revenge is wrong, and I never would do it.  But can't I just fantasize about it?  I keep saying "if it happens again I will go".  Hmph.  Probably not going to happen.  But I can dream of all kinds of scenerios to make myself feel a little better. My friends can help me with those too. That's what friends are for.  They get you drunk, they tell you how awful you have been treated, then they tell you the honest truth about yourself and your situation.  That part hurts.  So they lighten things up by giving outrageous revenge ideas.  I have moved away from my friends to a different town, but I sure miss that support system.  They were there for me during a divorce and I know they would be there for me during this time too.  How I miss my besties.  They were crazy and fun.  Our little bunch had a lot of good times.  Some fights, but we always made up and had each others back.  Sigh..I will never have that again where I live.  I can't trust anyone here.  Now we have all moved to different towns, different relationships.  Our little bad of bandits broke up.  Oh how I miss those girls.

Amazing how one moment

Can change everything you believed and held secure.  Just when you think you know someone it can change so suddenly.  Things you had no idea about come to the surface and it conks you over the head like a crow bar.  And then the insecurities come in.  The weakness.  Uncertainty.  Anger.  Betrayed trust. I did not deserve this.  I was blindsided.  Now I have to figure out a way to peel myself up from the floor and get through it.  Life is so hard sometimes.  So I am crawling into my daddy God's lap. 

Things that make me happy....

 I am thinking of things that make me happy.  Sometimes it is the little things in life.  Like butterflies.  I love butterflies.  I am fortunate to see a couple each day.  They just twitter close then twitter away.  I wish one would stay still for like 15 minutes until I get a photograph.  Every time I see one I think of the movie "You've Got Mail" and the quote by Kathleen Kelly: 

“Once I read a story about a butterfly in the subway, and today, I saw one. It got on at 42nd, and off at 59th, where, I assume it was going to Bloomingdales to buy a hat that will turn out to be a mistake - as almost all hats are.”  

Rainbows, hot chocolate, love, flowers.  I love to go camping and enjoy the outdoors.

 

I love it when I can sit and read a book.  Sometimes I like historical, such as books on the Holocaust.  The will to survive.  Sometimes I like to read fictional Christian books.  Getting lost in a book with a comfy blanket and  a cup of hot chocolate makes my afternoon!  

Music, and peacefulness.  Quieteness. 

My friends bring me much laughter, lots of hugs.  Special moments. Wisdom.  It is love given freely.  No strings attached.  The ones that had strings have officially been sorted and tossed out the door. I love my friends.  We love each other no matter what the other is going through.  We are there for each other to have fun, offer a shoulder to cry on, and just share our lives.  God has blessed me with good close friends.  Few, but just the ones he has put in my life, special for me.

God has truly blessed my life.  I have two beautiful grandchildren.  Three children.  I am so proud of them all.  Justin is a pastor, and has 2 sweet little children.  Eric is just living a "no worries" have fun life in Spokane.  And Ashley is enjoying the life of a girlfriend.  Already thinking of weddings and children and love and all that.  

But really..how happy would I be without God?  I know..I wouldn't even exist without God.  But as Mary Poppins says.."Must you cloud the issue with facts?"  So that is beside the point at this moment.  I know that I would never have survived this world and all that is in it without having God in my life.  He is my strength. He is my life.  He covers me with His wings, and protects me in ways I never even know.  When I hurt I can crawl up in Daddy God's lap and cry.  When I laugh, He laughs too.  He brings the butterflies in my life. He blesses me with the life I have.  He is there for me.  He loves me.  he created me.  He has a plan for me.

Life is often times very hard and can be painful.  

But I find that when we open our eyes, even during the painful times, we can find beauty or something to smile about.  Such as the bird I saw  making its condo on the back of a horses butt.  Or the two little bucks, doe, and fawn that hang out in the pasture across from us.  That blasted gopher that keeps getting the best of our lawn.  The crane on the river with it's funny legs.  The bald eagles and hawks  that are in abundance here.  The baby calves and lambs.  Living in the country brings about many smiles.  The people here are GOOD.  They care about each other.  Everyone knows everyone.  I love being a country girl.  

I love to laugh.  I have friends who say "I have missed your laugh."  Joy comes everyday in our lives.  Sometimes we just have to focus on finding it instead of being consumed with the things that don't bring it. The stress of life can dampen the light that God surrounds us with.  So smile, look up...and know that God loves you!

8-26-11

I can't believe it has been so long.  In fact I am quite sure it hasn't.  I do believe I recently logged and forgot to save it and post it!

Time does have a way with getting away from us.  Life is so busy.   The business and the heat have made me disappear from the earth for awhile.  Thankfully we will be getting down to the 80's next week and it will feel more like Wallowa County. 
The business is going strong.  We have 6 distributors keeping us busy with several more on the line.  Some days I wonder how this ever came about.  I guess I can thank my honey for taking such good care of us.  I just didn't realize how well he would do it!  I forgot how being self employed causes lack of sleep.  How you don't work from 9-5, but instead 24-7.  How having a business in your home takes away the "homeliness".  I long for my own home.  Autumn coming up tends to make me long for many things.  My home, my kids, school buses, pumpkins, apples, crisp mornings and evenings. I hope we can get our own home soon.
Worries in a personal way still abound.  But I know God is with me.
Tonight I had dinner with Justin and Davi and the kids.  I got to hold baby a lot and played with Elijah.  That young man is all snakes and snails and puppy dog tails.  He is so much fun and such a love.    It was nice to spend time with them.
We are trying to find a place to rent in LaGrande. We have a business warehouse rented to manufacture our products. The plumbing and electrical are finished.  Just need a house to live in.  Part of me is so over Wallowa County but there is also a small part of me that will miss it.  Very small.  Just a few friends and the mountains.  But then the other half of me is scared t start fresh somewhere else.  I make no sense.  Oh well.
Ashley has a new boyfriend, Zane.  He is a very nice young man.  Eric is just loving life.  Free and easy going!
It seems like not much has changed, but still so busy.  All in all, life is good.
Yesterday was my birthday.  I am now 44 years old.  We had to do the numbers because like my mom, I never remember how old I am.    I remember many times we would ask mom how old she was and she didn't know, so we had to get her drivers license and figure it out for her. She never seemed too interested.  I was always shocked..how could someone not know how old they are?  Until I got in my 20's and started forgetting my age.

5-10-11

Today I am trying to not panic about some test results I will get on Friday. I had to have a colposcopy and they took 12 pieces to biopsy. I keep trying to remember everything is in God's hands. 2 weeks to wait for test results has been hard. sometimes I convince myself there is no way it could be cancer. Other times my thoughts get away from me and I forget God is in control and it could be cancer.

"If God has shown us bad times ahead, it's enough for me that He knows about them. That's why He sometimes shows us things, you know - to tell us that this too is in His hands."
— Corrie Ten Boom (The Hiding Place)

A busy few months

Gosh, I haven't been here is so long!!!! So much has happened. But to nail things down....

#1...I have a new granddaughter...Katherine Marvel Parker
#2...Our new business, Gianni's, is going strong. We have 3 distributors who are awesome! And very funny. We are looking at getting a warehouse in LaGrande soon to manufacture from. John has been asked to be a demonstrator, special guest, at the Metropolitan Cooking and Entertainment Show in Houston in September. He is listed as a Featured Presenter under Personalities along with Paula Deen and Tara Wilson. Funny thing is..we haven't even finished paying for our booth yet. LOL. I am so proud of him. I googled his name and discovered he really is rather famous! giggle...
#3 Kate and William got married
#4 Obama Bin Laden was taken out by our Navy Seals
#5 Family is #1. Special times with family..a new granddaughter and a perfect family reunion.
#6 Have become extremely close to my cousin, Linda. So good to have someone to talk to about certain things. She does like to mother.,....but man, is she funny! We talk almost eevery night and she is a good friend.
#7 Ashley has a new boyfriend...Zane. He is a youth pastor in LaGrande.
#8 Eric in love with the girls at every coffee shop that make his coffee the way he likes it.
Life is full of blessings.

Last night we went to a wedding for some friends of ours. I wasn't very happy about going since I know so much about their relationship, but if Jen is happy then I pray the best for her. They need a lot of prayer. She was so beautiful. Jen just has this natural beauty. And she is also a hairstylist....so she is double lucky! The wedding was outside in her parents yard and it was pouring down rain! So they had a lot of people bring tents to cover the chairs and it turned out really lovely. I saw my former classmate, Tad Woosley, since it was his sister, Terry's, daughter getting married. 45 degrees and all. We now have snow capped mountains again! And you know what that means.......................

Autumn!! Pumpkins! Apple Pie!!! Crisp evenings and mornings! Leaves turning color! OH! I seriously can't wait!!!

JT and I have started a Gourmet Chocolate Sauce business. So far for flavors we have Creamy Coconut, Cafe Espresso, Original, Mint Chocolate, Hazelnut, Orange Brandy, and Caramel.
Wer launched the new business in California because JT had a class reunion to go to. So everyday we did a Farmer's Market. Some days two. It was exhausting. Now we are looking for famers markets here and shows. Thought the fairs are very expensive to get a booth in. Today I just cooked chocolate sauce all afternoon. About $2,000 worth, so I am not complaining. besides, who can complain about being up to their elbows in chocolate? The only thing is, I don't sample it anymore. When we had to add acidic value to it, and had to add 1 tsp. of vinegar to each gallon, well, I just couldn't get past that. Vinegar in my chocolate. Ick. It doesn't change the taste, it's just the very notion of it.

In the depths of winter, I finally found there was in me an invincible summer.

This was posted by a friend on a message board and it just "hit the spot" of my life for so many years. But I am happy now and so glad that winter has passed. But I know that hard times will come again and I pray that thru God's grace and His love and protection, I will someday see Spring, and then Autumn, and then last of all...summer!! Those who know me know I don't like summer....;) Oh how I long for Autumn!

In the depths of winter, I finally found there was in me an invincible summer.

- Albert Camus, author

Stepping closer to the light at the end of the tunnel

Hard times are inevitable--death, financial struggle, family problems, the loss of a job, depression--all of these tough times are just seasons. Abraham Lincoln once said, "This too shall pass," and you can apply it to both the good times and the bad. The thrill of a new relationship won't endure forever, just as the grief of losing a loved one won't either. So endure the hardships of life, knowing that time will eventually heal your wounds and you will make it through. Think about what struggles have occurred in your life and what they taught you. No matter how dim the light at the end of the tunnel seems, it is still a light. Each day is an opportunity for that light of hope to get closer and closer, until eventually the clouds above your head part and you feel the forgotten sunshine on you again. Overcoming pain makes you stronger and better equipped to handle the next valley. 

Tuesday

Today I am going to take Sue to OHSU in hopes that she will get her neck brace removed. She also has more skin cancer so they will be removing that. She and I plan to stay thru Thursday to have some much needed time together.
Work has been so stressful. My boss's husband is under investigation for theft and sexual harrassment. His sister is one of the county commissioners. Everett is also the union steward so no one felt safe to contact the union over the troubles we have. We would have to go through him. The city police chief told Kenny that Everett is going down big time. So many women have complained about the sexual stuff. I am glad is isn't just Anne and I that have complained. But working in his wife's office as our boss is difficult at best. She is more mean to Anne though. Not sure why.
I have broke up with my boyfriend. Eric gave me bad news over the weekend. He needs so much prayer. And yesterday one of the pastor's son commited suicide. Such a difficult time for so many. It is as though the grief echos off the mountain like thunder and the county is so heavy right now. I am so glad to go away for a few days. I am tired.

Learning to Breathe ...again

Life has had a such a turn of events lately. I am dating my best friend's son. I have known him quite a few years and it certainly is an adventure. But sometimes I am not really sure if being in a relationship is right for me. Am I ready? Why are all the old worries coming back? I do believe I have unresolved "issues". Ashley loves to practice her psychotherapy on me. She's so funny.

The biggest worry I have right now is a family we are close to. They have 6 kids and the father is pretty abusive. The mother is planning a divorce, but if he finds out, he could hurt her and the kids. So I offered my home so she and the kids would have a place to stay if needed. I think she is afraid to leave, but it is getting really bad. She has no money. Actually she has nothing at all but the clothes on her back. For the last year the oldest daughter has had bags packed in her car for all the kids for when they have to run, which is often. What a way to live. So I just keep them in my prayers. I try to help when asked. I have found an apartment for them based on income, about $5 a month. Then we would have to gather household items. But mostly I worry about her...I know that horrible feeling in your stomach. The heartache. The worries. Not being able to think straight. I told her I am first praying fo reconciliation, but also for God's comfort and peace. The fear she lives in day to day makes me sick. I can't imagine. I am so thankful Pat never raised a hand to me.

Ashley is getting her voice back, stronger each day. She is trying to make sense of all the college stuff and where to go, how to do it, what needs to be done. She is considering a community college to start with because the expenses would be less for her basic classes. Or possibly getting those basics done online, and maybe challenging a few of the courses so she won't have to take them. Her world is stressful now. I need to sit down with her and go over it step by step. I have a graduation meeting today. We still have not set a date. So much to do!

It's fun to see each day what God has. So many amusing days. So many things to learn. yes, life is an adventure.

Apple Pie

Hmmmm...I have been thinking about Apple Pie. It is the only pie I really know how to make. Well, I can make a pumpkin pie with rice milk. Ick. My father taught me how to make apple pies. Using the old Betty Crocker cookbook. there were a few rules he told me I MUST abide by to have the perfect pie. The #1 rule is : Only use Granny Smith apples. They stay firm and are a little tart. #2...Do not use store bought crusts. That is really the most tempting part, buying those blasted crusts. But he is right, the store bought ones have a taste to them that will ruin your whole pie. SO this Saturday I am suppose to bake pumpikin pies made with rice milk for Ashley, so I just might have to bake an apple pie for myself!


Grandpa's Apple Pie
Grandpa Mallon says "Only use Granny Smiths!"


Ingredients
Pastry for 9" 2 crust pie
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup flour
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
dash of salt
6 Granny Smith apples, peeled, pared, and sliced

Instructions
Heat oven to 425 degrees. In a large bowl combine sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt. Mix in apples. Let sit while you prepare your pastry. This is important because the juice from the apples will dissolve your sugar.
Turn into a pastry lined pan, then dot with butter. Top with crust, seal and flute. Add slits, sprinkle with sugar. Cover edges of crust with foil and bake 45 minutes. (Remove foil last 10 minutes to brown edges).

Scriptures

More scriptures to cling to:

I took my troubles to the Lord; I cried out to him, and he answered my prayer.
~ Psalm 120:1, NLT

Choose a good reputation over great riches; being held in high esteem is better than silver or gold.
~ Proverbs 22:1, NLT

A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other.
~ 1 Corinthians 12:7, NLT

...Only in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength.
~ Isaiah 30:15, NLT

He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection.
~ Psalm 91:4, NLT

God’s law was given so that all people could see how sinful they were. But as people sinned more and more, God’s wonderful grace became more abundant.
~ Romans 5:20, NLT

For the kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation.
~ 2 Corinthians 7:10, NLT

Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all!
~ Romans 12:16, NLT

So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.
~ Matthew 10:31, NLT

God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort.
~ 2 Corinthians 1:3, NLT

They must not slander anyone and must avoid quarreling. Instead, they should be gentle and show true humility to everyone.
~ Titus 3:2, NLT

Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.
~ Proverbs 31:30, NLT

I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ.
~ Philippians 3:9, NLT

Let me hear of your unfailing love in the morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I have come to you in prayer.
~ Psalm 143:8, NLT

Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each day.
~ Lamentations 3:23, NLT

I refresh the humble and give new courage to those with repentant hearts.
~ Isaiah 57:15, NLT

Catching up

Wow...I can't believe it has been so long since I have written in my blog! So much has been happening in my life, some more important than others. Some more confusing than others. Some irritating, some happy, some exhausting, some peaceful...I have a mix of everything, which I am sure must keep me well balanced...on the edge. As the little sign next to my desk says "I'll have a Cafe-Mocha-Vodka-Valium Latte to go please...!
I have a new grandsonI Babies are such miracles from God. They are so precious and Elijah Justice is perfect in every way. I am quite certain of that. I need to go visit him! Seems like all I do is work and grandma is neglecting to get over there and spoil him!

Everything else in my life is still being thought out with little accomplished in the "done" department. I find each day that I am such a different person than I was even a year ago. I was surprised to discover a vengeful part of myself last week. A "you hurt me and I will get even" part of me. And indeed I did get even a little...I believe more to re-build my own self esteem after having it shattered than to hurt them, but a little to both I guess. Yet I was shocked as I self analyzed (with a brownie and a diet coke..such an oxymoron) to discover what kind of person I was becoming and to what ends I would stoop to just to build myself up. I am glad I caught it and the reasoning behind it before I truly hurt someone I care about. However, I am not certain that I have anything mastered, so no applause yet. I will probably at least kick someone in the shins.

I find the busy summer months keep me from doing the things I enjoy most and so I long for the peaceful days of autumn. I am most happy during the autumn months. I refect a lot during autumn and seem to find peace I am unable to find at any other time of the year. So as I suffer through the heat of summer, my longing is for September and the inner joy that comes naturally with it. I have always felt closer to God during that time. Maybe it is because everything is dying. Hmmmmm.....well enough about that.

Eric and Ashley are keeping themselves busy. Eric is moving in a couple of weeks to attend a culinary school. How did I ever get a child that loves to cook? I do not like cooking at all. Actually I like to bake, but do that very seldom anymore. Ashley is busy with her band, Wake Up Jane. They are in process of recording their first cd so every Monday they go to a professional studio and work on it. They also have several gigs lined up including 2 youth conferences, a jazz concert with a professional jazz band from New York, and Octoberfest in Athena. They have also ordered t-shirts. As long as she is having a good time, I can roll like this. All of my kids have made me so proud!

The house still has not sold and I hope it will soon. I feel that restlessness, the need to move away from Wallowa county, often. Something to pray about and think about I guess. Life feels very uncertain right now, so many changes that could happen in the blink of an eye. Perhaps too many options. But for now I will just set my rear down and do what I do every day.

TAMMY!!!

My co-worker, Anne Melville, went to visit her granddaughters in Hermiston last week,. The kids had this sidewalk chalk with 3D glasses. It really looks 3D! So I thought I would make sure you know about it! The kids had a great time with it! They got it at Walmart.

Isaiah Buck and the girls

The girls, Leanna, Joella and Ashley got to go see Isaiah Saturday. They had a great time with him, many laughs and hugs. Ashley said he was like the old Isaiah with his humor and sarcasm (fun sarcasm). He seemed tired a lot, but they really had much fun! He should be hom June 20th so the Bucks are busy remodeling their house to prepare. Isaiah does walk, but his balance is sometimes off. Pray that he eats better so they can take out his feeding tube. He is eating pudding and mashed tators. His throat needs some healing. He is truly a walking miracle. He regained his emotions so has had some tears and much laughter. God is good.
Wake Up Jane (Ashley, Leanna, Joella and Elliot) played for the Wallowa county Talent Show yesterday. They are just so cool!

Ahhh......coffee, coffee, coffee.......how do I love thee? Let me count the ways. Lets see.....with caramel or hazelnut flavoring is always good, sugar free, fat free, with one of those nice little coffee beans on top of the cup. Yes, that is the best way. I admit it. My name is Jackie and I am a coffee-a-holic. I drink at least one pot a day and Tuesdays and Thursdays are especially special because my friend Marty delivers to my office a very special latte every week. So I am totally overdosed on those days. There is always a pot of coffee in the office. This last time I broke down and bought Duncan Donuts ground up coffee. It is really good and I resent having to go back to cheap coffee. But it is just coffee after all. At least with the cheap stuff I can add flavored creamer to satisfy. mmmmm..I love coffee. I think it must be a Mallon trait.
Good news came last night at a school meeting that Isaiah is suppose to be home by mid June. Tammy: one of the teachers here, Mrs. Vernum, plays in an orchestra and was in Hermiston doing a concert. She was visiting with other orchestra members. Some of the Hermiston orchestra told her their church had been praying for Isaiah! I wondered if it was someone from your church.
I really don't even have anything to say today. Just felt like babbling. Probably because I am alone at work and have no one to talk to.

The Ball

I know when you read this you are going to think "Jackie, what were you
thinking!" That is the whole problem! I wasn't thinking!!!

Tonight is Ashley's school ball. At 6:30. Today I remembered the following
things:
1. Her dress needs hemmed, it is way too long. Like several feet. So I
have to do that when I get home at 5:15
2. She also has to take 1 liter of 7-up and a container of apple juice.
Ok, I can go grab that at the store at lunchtime and drop it off at the
school on the way home (it is 2 blockes from my house)
3. There is a cake walk and silent auction to help with the expenses of
her classmate that was in the accident and coma. Well, sorry, I can't do
this. I feel guilty, but i just don't have the time
4. She needs to bring a finger foods dessert. Someone shoot me now.

I would have Ashley take care of this, but she is at the school decorating
all day, then will come home and hurry to get ready. I am so stupid! I
have known these things for weeks and today it just became reality in my
brain!

So, at my lunchtime I suddenly remember that once I went to Dollarstrecher
and bought a bucket of frozen cream puffs. And then I took them to a
wedding rehearsal and sprinkled powdered sugar on them and then drizzled
them in chocolate. Wa la!! So off I went to Dollarstrecher to get the
bounty. Quite proud of myself at this point....

THEN......my brain was quite good to me. I thought about how I hate
sewing and what a pain it is going to be to hem this beautiful dress. And
a friend I did see in Safeway and she suggested: Duct Tape...............when you live in the country you memorize the manual "10,000 Things You Can Do With Baling Twine and Duct Tape". Well, why didn't I think of Duct tape before??? Do not laugh at my redneck ways......and this bears no further comment from
you either......
I mean really! Duct tape like...saves the world! Whether you are putting
it across someone's mouth, waxing with it, or hemming a ball gown.....and
it comes in Martha Stewart colors! But alas Safeway only had it in white,
but IT WAS ON SALE!!!! Everyone knows I love a good bargain! Now, my sister in law is the expert on Baling twine and I know she could have done something beautiful to the dress in baling twine, but I didn't have her here to help.

So tonight I will flee from work, go home, throw together the dessert and
tape up Ashleys gown and everyone will think I am supermom. And at 6:30
the girls will leave for the ball looking dazzling and giggling and I will
throw myself on the couch, put my feet up on the coffee table, and let out
a huge sigh...............and smile.

Update on Isaiah Buck and my world

This is an update by Mr. Buck Wednesday:
Just a brief update until Beckey can get to it.This week has been a challenge for all. Being here in Lostine I rely on Beckey's text messages and short videos. Isaiah was able to pull his trach out Tuesday and that caused some throat damage but he seems fine. Too active. Beckey and the girls have been staying with him 24 hours a day because he is so agitated. On the up side, he is coming more aware and more in control of his body. He actually moved a wheel chair by himself! We remain encouraged and are looking forward to seeing him settle down a bit. Please pray that he sleeps at night. This is our most urgent need. God has answered many prayers and we continue to put our hope and trust in Him.Archie

This was an update posted by Mrs. Buck Wednesday:

Wednesday, April 29, 2009 2:03 PM, PDT
Hello Loved Ones: So sorry ! I have had very little time to keep you all informed of Isaiah's progress. I am working on his laundry so I thought this would be a good time for an update.Isaiah is doing much better today. He is not agitated. Partially because he was awake most of night and also because he got his trach removed. Layken stayed with him last night and she got a work out. Her brother kept her on her toes. She is sleeping soundly now.We just recieved news that Isaiah will be moved to Elks Rehab. Hospital on Wed. We are very excited about this because this means a step closer to getting our Sai home in Wallowa County. Isaiah is very determined and this has aided his recovery. Today Isaiah actually tried to shave himself with his elec. razor. He was able to pick it up and put it to his face. He is following verbal directions a little better each day.And that is how we live. We labor today and let God prepare us for tomorrow.
So that is the latest on isaiah...and you can read updates at http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/isaiahbuck/journal

Racheal...if you read this I just wanted to tell you thank you so much for the loving care the staff gave our Isaiah! You can't ever imagine how much you are all appreciated! Many hugs to all of you...we are forever grateful.

Now for my life.................Sarah is here! Crazy times, giggly girls. She is here for the school ball, which is tomorrow night! Oh Aunt Tammy, how I wish you could be here to foo foo up these girls! Such a special night for them! Sarah is 6'1", very tall. Ashley is 5'1". So Sarah walks beside Ashley and just pats her on the head. They are so funny. But the ball will be a very important night for all of the kids, especially in light of what has happened to Isaiah. This has been a life changing experience for all of them. Some time I need to make plans to take the girls over to see Isaiah.
I also purchased a new camera..a Nikon D40! It is a digital SLR and very complicated, but I am determined to get it figured out, since I will be paying on it the rest of my mortal life. I think I need a hobby, and photography seems like just the thing! Oh how I would love to have a studio and take photos of little girls dressed up having tea parties!
I look forward to a quiet evening alone tonight as the girls will be decorating for the ball. I might even get to watch Bones! I love that show!

Rejoicing

We are all so happy that Isaiah is now officially out of the coma! The physical therapists in Boise are working him over pretty good too. They even had him up and helped his walk 12 feet....4-5" at a time, more like a shuffle. But I am so proud of him!
Tomorrow Ashley and I go to pick up her friend Sarah! The school Ball is this coming Friday night...fun fun fun!

Isaiah Buck update and Wake Up jane

Isaiah has been moved to Boise to a rehab hosptal, so our hopes are high that the therapy he will recieve there will bring him out of the coma. It is odd that he does so much, yet is still technically in a coma. His mom, Beckey, posted this yesterday: (Layken and Shannon are Isaiah's sisters and Samantha is the baby Layken just had before Isaiah's accident)

"Just as I expected Isaiah slept most of the day on Wednesday. Layken, Samantha, Shannon and myself came and went throughout the day. Later in the afternoon Isaiah really started to wake up. Layken decided to bring Sam over to visit her Uncle "Buck". What happened next was just amazing. Isaiah reached his hand out over to Sam and put it gently on her her thigh and stared at her for the longest time. Layken had sat Sam next to Isaiah. Everytime Isaiah would cough he would remove his hand and then put it back, touching his niece. This went on for a little while. Sam started to get fussy so Layken took her away to feed her. Isaiah seemed to reach out his arm to Sam as if to say, "I wasn't done." Layken saw that and told Isaiah she would bring her back. She did, and Isaiah responded the same by touching her on her leg. Layken asked him a couple to times to hold her hand and he did. He did!! Layken then told Isaiah that we were leaving and to tell Sam goodnight. She was sitting upright with Layken's help, next to Isaiah. He brought his hand around Sam's back and brought her to his chest. We all cried. This was the most responsive Isaiah has been all week. I am awe struck at the power of family and the impact they play on one's healing. Watching my son interact with his neice was a powerful picture of this. This has renewed our "hope" for Isaiah's future healing process. My girls have left this morning but they have committed to coming back on Monday. This will be nice because I will feel comfortable going home for a couple of days and sleep in my own bed and pamper my husband.I am praying for another impactful day for our son. Jaymz Hayes and his family will be coming to Boise for some appts. They will stop by to visit and I am hopeful that Isaiah will be able to communicate with them as well."...But we will trust in the Lord".

Tonight I am going to my friend Sue's for a girls night out. That should be fun for us! Ashleys band, Wake Up Jane, is playing Saturday at the Youth Arts festival in Joseph. It won't be the same without Isaiah on the guitar, but it will still be good. I think 7 out of the ten songs they are singing they wrote themselves.

Life is quiet, thankfully.