Saturday, November 29, 2014

How Far Would You Go to See a Clydesdale

 
I love the Clydesdales.  I guess it is a sense of pride for me being from St. Louis.  We would tour Grant's Farm and the Anheuser Busch Brewery and our favorite part was visiting the horses.  The Clydesdales were always so big and beautiful. During the last short visit to St. Louis that a few us took we finally got a chance to visit Grant's Farm.  It is set up very differently these days.  Almost too commercial.  It now costs a fortune to get a picture with the horses.  I think that is crazy.  While in St. Louis I didn't even let the kids know how much it upset me.  Fast forward to a weekend here in TX and Goobers says that a Clydesdale will be at her HEB.  We missed the time and decided, on a hunch, to visit the next HEB on the same road.  We guessed right and got our photo op moment for free.  The handlers said that they were from the Brewery Location in St. Louis. J and I were probably more excited than the kiddos were.  A little bit of home and a little bit of childhood came for a visit. 












One last peek as we drive past.  By Timmy  (that is what the kids think the horse's name was). 
 Who knows if we will get a chance to see the horses again.  Next time we are in St. Louis we might try to make a quick visit to Grant's Farm.  It is a good place to visit for the historical reasons and the animals.

My Girls

 These two never stop, they are always on the go.
 Notice the pile of bedding.  We make their beds, they take it all off.
These two are nuts, but they have my heart!

Friday, November 28, 2014

EPI-ED AGAIN!

Poor Sugar feels this way at times.  She tells people how allergic she is but it doesn't sink in.  Even J and I hesitate to react.  In the back of our minds we are thinking,
"It is a small reaction!  
She didn't come in direct contact with shellfish!
This isn't that bad!"

All of those thoughts and hesitations could kill my precious girl. 

We even get mad when she says she is having a reaction.  It isn't on purpose.  It is just that knee jerk response.  The ER, the cost, the doctors doubting and questioning.  All these things make it so hard on her. 
After Kat stopped by for a visit, Sugar starting having trouble.  None of us could figure it out until someone asked if Kat had any shellfish.  We called her and as soon as she told us she had recently had shrimp Sugar was sure it was a reaction and then it was time to give her the shot.
Even when we realized the pen was needed it still causes a rumble in the house.  Goobers was ready to give her the injection again but one of the little ones ran upstairs to get Bear.  I was so impressed at how the kids take care of each other.  I looked at the pen and said I would do but I was nervous.  Sugar wanted to give it to herself but then realized she didn't have pants on. She worried that it would hurt more and hesitated.  Bear walked over but a blanket on her leg and helped her steady her hand.  When she pulled back he counted and then gave the injection to her, counted the time needing and then took the shot out.  He was calm and steady. 
The little ones went a got her stuff while Goobers took care of getting Sugar together and to the car.  The doctor and nurses always grill you like you are making the whole thing up.  I find it so frustrating and I understand why she hesitates knowing she is first facing mom and dad who doubt her and then the doctors.
I am so very thankful for this young woman.  Sugar is an amazing person.  I am so sorry that I ever doubt.  I am so thankful that the epi worked again and I am incredibly thankful for all of her siblings that make it better for her each time. I had just sent a note to someone on Facebook lecturing her about how you should never hesitate.  I hope Kat knows that we don't blame her.  She is just very sensitive.

Thursday, November 27, 2014

Happy Turkey Day!

So our big day is finally here.  Lots of shopping was done to make this a good day for the whole family and any guests that join us. 

Everyone must watch the parade.

Pookers friend Harry even joined the fun for the day 


After the parade the intense monopoly games began.



One of the girls posted the pictures below.  They love to tease Bear. 
 Now to create the food magic.  They all do a great job.






Beautiful

Bear and Adorable hiding in the hammock.


Time to eat!












and back to the games.


 
 
 
J loves having his family around.
 
So very Thankful for so much! 
Dear heavenly Father,
Thank you for all that you have provided for our family. 
We are blessed to have so much food! 
We are blessed to have so many people in this house to love. 
We are blessed that we love spending time together.
We are blessed to have the time to spend together. 
We are blessed to have each other.
We are blessed to live in the United States of America.
 Thank you for all of these blessings and for all those we didn't mention..