Someone said to me today, “I check your blog everyday…but there’s nothing new there.” And it’s true. I haven’t written to update my blog in way too long. There are several reasons why. And, I’m going to share them with you. But, I bet you knew that, didn’t you? After all, you did ask, didn’t you? Thought so.
1…..There are few things so vile and dastardly as that cruel, unrelenting curse that is the stomach virus…AKA ‘stomach crud’. We started with sweet Levi. Bless his heart after the vomitting stopped, the diarrhea started. He was with his parents for the vomitting. So, you know what that left for me…the other end! We managed and he got better. But, when Suzanne came home from school a few days later…she couldn’t make it past my couch. She was so sick with it. That same night, it decided to visit Adam. We tried to keep the baby away from them as much as we could. I had day duty and Levi’s other grandmother, Mia, had nights. They eventually got better as well. Then, one night soon after, Don woke me and said he was dying. Only, he wasn’t…he just wouldn’t have minded if he had. Four days dedicated to him. But, on the second day…Alex cheered us with the news that he had joined the Up and Down Club! We were on our 3rd week with this stuff. And, who held out and nursed the others and cheated death by willingly exposing herself to the ‘bug’? That would be moi! And, who succumbed, finally, to the plague that it is? That would also be moi! I should have lost a good 5 pounds, if you know what I mean.
2…..DH and I have been taking care of some out of town business. And, through the process, I have learned something. You should keep your social security card in a safe place. How have I lived these many years without knowing that? Or maybe I did know it at one time and just forgot. Whatever…I did not have it when I needed it. I know I have it somewhere. I have even seen it recently. But, the exact place eludes me. So, the next thing I needed was a birth certificate. I know I have one. I even know where I put it…..right into DH’s hand. Because the last time we used it, he said “Let me have that and I will put it in a safe place with our other papers.” And, I did. I know for positive I did! But, he can not find it. He doesn’t even remember what he said. So, I have had to spend the morning at the Health Department getting a new birth certificate. It’s fine…I ‘m good. But, listen to me, please, and be witness of the fact….I took the certificate to him and then I left it with him. I gave it to him at work, and it did not leave the building with me. I swear and attest to this fact, being of sound mind and all on the 30th day of the month of May in the year of 2012!
3….I’m a big scaredy cat! At least that’s what DH says to me! I don’t think there are that many things that scare me, except lightning, and bugs (SPIDERS). And, drowning or getting so far away from the shore that I can not see it or get to it in a few hops. I can go fishing if we stay right up next to the shore. And, I prefer one of those air conditioned boats with the cover over the top and a cute guy to bait the hook and remove the damage.
Now that it is such a lovely temp here most days….about 90-95 degrees…I begin to think about sweet Levi and how to keep him safe. The pool, she is a beckonning at me…… pulling me in her direction. And, even though it may be considered an assult to the eyes…I will happily don my swimsuit and enjoy the water! And, while I may or may not be a bathing beauty, I for sure am not an expert swimmer. I don’t worry if Adam or Suzanne or DH are here swimming, too. But, if Levi and I are swimming alone…he will be properly attired. Because, you do know don’t you, that ‘water wings’ or ‘swimmees’ or any other such offering are NOT life preservers. As a matter of fact, some very official looking swimming aids have symbols or seals on them. But, it must say US Coast Guard Approved. If it does not say those words it is not a lifesaving device.
While there are lots of swimming aids that are fun to use, be sure not to depend on them to save a life. Here is what I found for Levi.
Here’s the offiicial words from the manufacturer.
The Stearns Hydroprene Life Jacket fits nicely around your infant so they can stay protected while in the water without compromising their comfort. This stable jacket will help them confidently learn how to swim and play in the water while being safe. With a zipper and two buckles they can fasten in comfortably and securely. The PVC Foam Front and PE Back are high-quality and ensures floatation. Coast Guard Approved and offering a grab handle in case you need to lift your infant out of the water, the Stearns Infant Hydroprene Life Jacket is stylish and super cute choice for your child. . Material: Foam, Closure: No Zip Entry, User Weight: Less than 30 lbs., Covering: Nylon, Coast Guard Approved?: Yes, Kidsafe?: Yes, Coast Guard Approval Type: III, Model Year: 2012, Product ID: 267338, Also Known As: Life jackets are also commonly referred to as Life Vests and PFDs (Personal Flotation Device).
I bought this one at Wal Mart. It is manufactured by Stearns and is Model #2000009389. It was located in the sporting goods department…not where they sell the pool toys. These are also available at other stores as well as on Amazon. The one I bought cost less than $30.00.
I wanted you to see exactly what this looked like…so I found the CUTEST MODEL IN TOWN to show you. None other than sweet Levi!
He took to it just fine and after we got it fitted to him well, he just laid back, crossed those feet and floated around! What is so nice about this model is that his head is well supported and even if a wave was to cause him to turn over…the suit is designed to right itself immediately.
*****This is not a paid endorsement of this product. It is my honest opinion and research was done by myself*****
4…..My Pop is in excellent health and does all he can to continue as such. He stays up on all his doctor’s appointments and never misses an appointment. Today, he had some tests run and the results were wonderful! Praise the Lord! Thanks, Pop, for taking such good care of yourself. We want you around for a long, long time!
5…..I love this song. Everytime I hear it, my heart melts a little. I’m not a ‘teary-eyed type’, but this touches me every time. I’m sure you have heard it a thousand times, but look over the words once more. It is the simple things…isn’t it? The blue skies, the red rose, the baby’s cry. Gifts from God, all
What A Wonderful World lyrics
Songwriters: Thiele, Robert; Weiss, George David;I see trees of green, red roses too I see them bloom, for me and you And I think to myself What a wonderful world
I see skies of blue, and clouds of white The bright blessed day, dark sacred night And I think to myself What a wonderful world
The colors of the rainbow, so pretty in the sky Are also on the faces, of people going by I see friends shaking hands, sayin’, “How do you do?” They’re really sayin’, “I love you”
I hear babies cryin’, I watch them grow They’ll learn much more, than I’ll ever know And I think to myself What a wonderful world
Yes, I think to myself What a wonderful world Oh yeah
6…..Now that school is out, I won’t have Little Levi on a regular basis. That is good for his Mom, but sad for me. I’ll miss him coming over early in the morning. I’ll miss his rubbing those eyes to signal time for that morning nap. I’ll miss our luch together and his sweet little mouth awaiting every bite! I’ll miss watching Bubble Guppies with him and trying my best to get a little rocking time in before his afternoon nap. It’s usually a losing battle, for he’s so, so busy now. No time to rock! His Mommy manages to get some nightime rocking in, though, and I’m so glad. I want that to last as long as possible for her!
Suzanne brought him over for a few hours on Thursday and we took a little stroll in the front yard. Alex snapped some pictures while we were on our walk.
7…..I have been busy getting ready for Vacation Bible School at church. It starts Monday week, and I am doing the crafts for all the age groups. I wish you could see my studio floor! I have little piles everywhere! Not complaining…it’s so much fun! And, if one child comes to know the Lord, then it is all worth it!
8…..I love this time of year! And, I love to be outside and feel the sun and the shade and the cool breeze. Life is good and we are blessed. I wish you loads of blessings in the coming week!
SO GLAD to hear from you finally! The good, the bad, and the ugly!!
I need to order a new SS card, I guess. I used to always keep it in my wallet, but when that became an unsafe practice, I put it somewhere else. And I just can't figure out where that somewhere else is.
Have fun at VBS. I was eager to help out with the music at ours, as I usually do, but my shoulder surgery is putting the kibosh on that this year.
Now please don't go away for so long next time! I was beginning to fear that I'm the one remaining "B" Clubber that is still blogging!
I love you, sweet friend. I can read your blog and feel I've visited with you in person. It's so good to 'keep up' with you (and yours) and to know that all is well, even though you have had some rough going there recently. Have a beautiful summer! Oh yes…and thanks for your sentiments for my birthday. Speaking of birthdays…Adam gets to celebrate tomorrow; I know it will be a great family time! Love to everyone.
i'm SO glad you're back, and NOT glad for all that illness—it seems to flit around a family and land with all four feet on every one. And you don't know where it came from, a lot of the time.
It's always such a treat to hear about the Dothan Doings, especially that sweet boy's adventures. And it's always so good to hear from you.
So sorry you were all so sick, glad you are better now. I will be going to Wal Mart looking for on of those life jackets, not that we have a pool, but we do plan on some swimming activities this summer. Glad you are back. Missed you humor!
It was so good to catch up on things going on in your world, Tonja … I have missed you. I'm so sorry to hear about the virus you all shared. I can just imagine the toll it took, especially on you! Levi is getting so big, and is as cute as ever! I forwarded the information about the life jacket to my daughter. We may have to invest in one of those for Maddox — it looks like a good one.
I'm so glad your dad is doing well and received good news about his test results. I know that gives you peace of mind.
The children who attend your church's Bible School will be truly blessed to have such a talented, loving, and sweet spirited lady to do crafts with them. I know you will love every minute of it, too.
Take care and keep us posted on things … it's always a pleasure to hear about your "gatherings."
What a Wonderful World is my all time favorite song. I can't get enough of it. Have it for my ring tone for many years now. Sorry about all the ugly flu stuff. Glad that is over. Love the swim vest. Love the pictures of you and Levi. Enjoy vacation bible school. So nice to hear from you.
I am a Christian woman who has survived many years on the planet. God has blessed me with a wonderful family: husband, 3 sons, a dear DIL, and a precious grandson. I also have dear friends to keep me inspired. I am an artist of sorts and am finding my way through the great blessing of retirement. I recently retired after 20 years as a music teacher. Life is good!
My Boys
"All your sons will be taught by the Lord; and great will be their peace." Isaiah 54:13
Read their stories... Adam Alex Ian
Hello, my name is Everly. I am a blogger living in New York. This is my blog, where I post about interior design and decoration. Never miss out on new stuff.
Hello, my name is Everly. I am a blogger living in New York. This is my blog, where I post about interior design and decoration. Never miss out on new stuff.
Hey, I want one of those life jackets, do they make them in my size? I just wanna kick back, float, close my eyes, and take a little pool nap!
Glad to hear from you. Levi is the cutest thing! love his dark skin!
SO GLAD to hear from you finally! The good, the bad, and the ugly!!
I need to order a new SS card, I guess. I used to always keep it in my wallet, but when that became an unsafe practice, I put it somewhere else. And I just can't figure out where that somewhere else is.
Have fun at VBS. I was eager to help out with the music at ours, as I usually do, but my shoulder surgery is putting the kibosh on that this year.
Now please don't go away for so long next time! I was beginning to fear that I'm the one remaining "B" Clubber that is still blogging!
Oh, so sorry about the horrible, very bad stomach virus! So far we haven't had it and oh, how I hope we don't!
That Levi is the cutest thing and especially in that life jacket kicked back with his feet crossed! That is a laid back boy!
Glad your dad's doing so well……I wish my mama were doing that well! So blessed!
My grands will be here Tuesday! We are buzzing with excitement around here!
I love you, sweet friend. I can read your blog and feel I've visited with you in person. It's so good to 'keep up' with you (and yours) and to know that all is well, even though you have had some rough going there recently. Have a beautiful summer! Oh yes…and thanks for your sentiments for my birthday. Speaking of birthdays…Adam gets to celebrate tomorrow; I know it will be a great family time! Love to everyone.
i'm SO glad you're back, and NOT glad for all that illness—it seems to flit around a family and land with all four feet on every one. And you don't know where it came from, a lot of the time.
It's always such a treat to hear about the Dothan Doings, especially that sweet boy's adventures. And it's always so good to hear from you.
rachel
So sorry you were all so sick, glad you are better now. I will be going to Wal Mart looking for on of those life jackets, not that we have a pool, but we do plan on some swimming activities this summer. Glad you are back. Missed you humor!
It was so good to catch up on things going on in your world, Tonja … I have missed you. I'm so sorry to hear about the virus you all shared. I can just imagine the toll it took, especially on you! Levi is getting so big, and is as cute as ever! I forwarded the information about the life jacket to my daughter. We may have to invest in one of those for Maddox — it looks like a good one.
I'm so glad your dad is doing well and received good news about his test results. I know that gives you peace of mind.
The children who attend your church's Bible School will be truly blessed to have such a talented, loving, and sweet spirited lady to do crafts with them. I know you will love every minute of it, too.
Take care and keep us posted on things … it's always a pleasure to hear about your "gatherings."
What a Wonderful World is my all time favorite song. I can't get enough of it. Have it for my ring tone for many years now. Sorry about all the ugly flu stuff. Glad that is over. Love the swim vest. Love the pictures of you and Levi. Enjoy vacation bible school. So nice to hear from you.