I can still remember where I was on July 23rd, I was sitting at my desk at the law firm working and received a phone call from the greene county CD's office saying that had a baby boy who was just a few days old and needed placement for him. Of course I was ready to say yes immediately. But I asked her some questions and told her I would need to speak with Boyd and call her back. One of the things the social worker told me was that his case was a very sad situation that involved homicide and that he would more than likely never go back, and their was no family that wanted him because he was born with achondroplasia (Dwafism). Again, I was psyched. So I spoke with Boyd, and he was a little concerned about a "special needs" child. I called the social worker and told her we would like to come and meet him and talk with the nurses. I met with Boyd and we headed to Springfield to meet this little guy. We walked into the nursery and saw him in his crib. OH MY WORD! I was instantly in love with this baby. LOVE at first sight. I was in tears as I held him for the first time. Then Boyd held him and even though he was incredibly nervous he fell in love too.
We had to leave for a couple of hours because we were in the middle of buying a new home and we had to go and sign some paperwork. I hated leaving our baby at the hospital while we did our errands. When we got back to the hospital, the nurse showed us how to give him a bath and sent us home with enough diapers and formula to get us through the weekend. Then she wheeled me and baby "A" down to the back of the hospital where Boyd picked us up. It was so cool. They treated me just like the birth mother. The nurse hooked his car seat in and closed the door. Boyd and I just looked at eachother. What do we do now? He hadn't really been around a baby much and had a little. But there we were on our own. We headed to his mom's house and our niece Stepfanie met us there. She is a NICU nurse, so that was AWESOME! She helped me a ton. After a few hours we headed home. HOME with a baby boy.
A week later we had to take him to Springfield for a visit with his bio mom. It was so hard dropping him off, even for just a hour. I was so confused why she was getting a visit period. I was told by the social worker that day that there was a bio aunt that might be interested in taking him. Uhhhh...what? I was told that he would be going up for adoption and that no family wanted him. Well, that apparently wasn't true. So that was the first time my heart was broken and dream was shattered.
Another couple months passed and we met up with Baby "A"'s bio sister. We didn't let her know it was her brother, but they wanted her to be able to see him to see how she reacted. She was not happy about him being there. She was a really cute girl, but it was opposite they did not need to be in the same placement. So they state started the adoption process on the sister.
A couple weeks later, we got a different social worker. She told me that the paternal family had contacted her and they were in fact interested in him. So they started the paperwork to get them interviewed. But she did give me hope that it was the "team's" decision in the end where they baby went.
Another couple weeks passed and I got another devastating phone call. It has been found that our baby was an Indian child. That meant that the tribe would take the baby and place him with foster parents within the tribe. Seriously? Heart broken, dream shattered.
We had a meeting that next week with the social worker from the tribe. I was sick to my stomach as we waited for that time to approach. Finally we met in the CD office and the social worker was there by phone. The social worker explained our situation, and told him a little bit about the baby. Once he learned that Baby "A" was speical needs, he said they did not have the means to support a medical baby and that they were ok with us keeping him until his bio family was ready to take him. That it was in their best interest that the bio family get first chance. Do you remember in the last paragraph when we were told that the "team" would get to make that decision? Well now that the tribe was involved they trumped everything that the state did. So although we were happy we got to keep him a while longer, we were sad that it would more than likely not be forever. Again, broken hearted, dream shattered.
In the next months we were just so confused and so hurt. In the mean time we got another phone call for a little 2 year old girl. We got her November. What a sweetie she was.
I got a phone call in January that his bio family wanted to come and visit him in January. I'm going to be honest, I was sick! I dreaded it so bad. We agreed to meet with them in Springfield at Chilli's. 1:00 rolled around and we saw the aunt, uncle, and cousins walk in. So away we went. But you know what... We fell in LOVE with them. They were such wonderful people. What a relief it was. We made a date to meet again in February and this time the aunt that wanted him was going to come up and visit too.
February rolled around and she came and again we fell in love with her also. She was so sweet. Even though I would be devastated for him to leave, I knew he would be loved unconditionally. We waited patiently, or maybe not so patiently for her to make a decision on what she wanted to do.
In February we got a phone call about another little baby that needed a pre-adoptive placement. Oh my. Do we put our heart on the line again? Of course we do. So we went and picked her up. It was pretty crazy for several months with 3 kids who were 2 and under. But the Lord helped us out.
I'm going to quit here and pick it up again in a few days. I didn't realize how mentally and emotionally draining this was to re-live again. But I want to make sure I have it all down.
To Be Continued...
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Monday, March 19, 2012
Don't Count Your Chickens...
Well, we didn't get to adopt our boy on the 9th of February like we thought. I got a call earlier in the week stating that before we could adopt Jonah the Cherokee tribe wanted him to have his roll number with his birth name, then we would go ahead and change it once he was adopted. My attorney and I had both talked to the tribe social worker and he had confirmed with us we did NOT need a roll number before the adoption. Little did we know that a new social worker was assigned to this case and said we HAD to have his roll number prior to the adoption. So, my attorney, the GAL, and our social worker got all the paperwork ready and the social worker from the tribe agreed to bring all the paperwork herself up on Thursday morning. I got the call saying it was a go at school around 2:15 p.m. Just in time for my baby shower that my co-workers gave me. I got home and Boyd and I were so excited. Another obstacle the Lord got us over. We were just so thankful it was truly happening. Then...
About 9:30 p.m. (the night before our scheduled adoption) our home phone rang and it was our attorney. She was doing some research on-line and found out that the birth mom was pregnant when she got a divorce. Even though we already have a paternity test done and know who the bio father is, we now have a legal father in the picture who has to have his right terminated. Are you kidding me??? I can't even begin to tell you how I was feeling at that point. Boyd was trying to console me while dealing with his pain as well. The attorney told us she would call us first thing in the morning and let us know what the judge said. I called everyone who was going to come to court with us for this special day and told them to be on stand by and I would let them know when I found something out.
The next morning we were on our way to the hospital to drop by and visit our new great niece Camille, to visit an aunt who was having heart surgery, and to take Callie to an ENT. My phone rang and it was our social worker stating that the adoption was NOT going to take place. My heart sank. I knew it was a possibility, but still was so upsetting. I cried and cried. Boyd kept asking me questions and I couldn't even get the words out. I finally got my composure and explained everything to him. I think by that point I was just down right mad. Mad at the legal dad, mad at our attorney for finding this out, mad at the judge, and just mad at the whole system in general.
Anyway, fast forward to the present. We have gone to court and of course the legal father is MIA, so we are going to have to publish it in the paper. Another 45 days at least. BUT, I am thankful this was caught before we adopted him and would have had to set it aside. Now it's just a waiting game.
Our little girl is getting closer to be ours. Her parents rights were terminated and now we wait for our social worker to get all her paperwork together. I'm guessing it will be June before that's finalized.
I am so thankful that the Lord has walked with us every step of the way. He's never left our side. I'm also so thankful for the support our family and friends have given us. Even though times are hard, we still have SO much to be thankful for.
About 9:30 p.m. (the night before our scheduled adoption) our home phone rang and it was our attorney. She was doing some research on-line and found out that the birth mom was pregnant when she got a divorce. Even though we already have a paternity test done and know who the bio father is, we now have a legal father in the picture who has to have his right terminated. Are you kidding me??? I can't even begin to tell you how I was feeling at that point. Boyd was trying to console me while dealing with his pain as well. The attorney told us she would call us first thing in the morning and let us know what the judge said. I called everyone who was going to come to court with us for this special day and told them to be on stand by and I would let them know when I found something out.
The next morning we were on our way to the hospital to drop by and visit our new great niece Camille, to visit an aunt who was having heart surgery, and to take Callie to an ENT. My phone rang and it was our social worker stating that the adoption was NOT going to take place. My heart sank. I knew it was a possibility, but still was so upsetting. I cried and cried. Boyd kept asking me questions and I couldn't even get the words out. I finally got my composure and explained everything to him. I think by that point I was just down right mad. Mad at the legal dad, mad at our attorney for finding this out, mad at the judge, and just mad at the whole system in general.
Anyway, fast forward to the present. We have gone to court and of course the legal father is MIA, so we are going to have to publish it in the paper. Another 45 days at least. BUT, I am thankful this was caught before we adopted him and would have had to set it aside. Now it's just a waiting game.
Our little girl is getting closer to be ours. Her parents rights were terminated and now we wait for our social worker to get all her paperwork together. I'm guessing it will be June before that's finalized.
I am so thankful that the Lord has walked with us every step of the way. He's never left our side. I'm also so thankful for the support our family and friends have given us. Even though times are hard, we still have SO much to be thankful for.
Thursday, February 2, 2012
I'm Still Alive....
Can you believe it? I'm actually doing a blog post. I wasn't even sure if I could remember my log in information but I managed to figure it out.
The Lord is doing so many wonderful things in my life right now and I just wanted to jot it down so I can remember it. The Lord is answering so many prayers. We have 2 babies, well they are 16 months and 18 months, that have been with us most of their lives. The 18 month old we picked up from the hospital. Anyway, their cases have such an emotional rollercoaster ride. We were told we'd get to adopt them, then things would happen and we were told we'd have to give them up. It's been like this the entire time we've had them. Let me tell you, this takes a toll on you emotionally, physically, mentally, and spiritually. I was looking through my CD's the other day that I sing at church. As I was reading the titles of the ones I bought during the last year, I chuckled to myself. Let me give you some of the titles... Even in the Valley-God is Good, The Anchor Holds, Trust His Heart, Through the Fire, He Understands My Tears, etc. And let me tell you, I'm so thankful that the Lord used these songs to help me through the difficult time.
Last year I was really struggling with what was or wasn't taking place. So in February I decided to really get serious with my relationship with the Lord and put all my trust and hope in Him. I also decided to pray and fast. I have done it before and I don't know why I didn't do it sooner, but my heart wasn't where it needed to be. I decided to give up pop and let me tell you that was a perfect because even now, a year later I think of it. So it's a perfect reminder for me to pray. During the past year, I would cling to several verses. The first one is my best friend Tammy's verse, Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." What a promise!! The next one I have repeated over and over again. Even when I was single. Psalms 37:4 Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. WOW!
I wish I would have written the ups and downs of the past year on paper. What a testimony to God's faithfulness it would be to my babies when they are old enough to understand. One of the days that was so hard was on July 12th. We were in court waiting for the termination of parental rights to take place on our baby boy. The mother and her attorney were fighting tooth and nail and making them out to seem like roses. And across town my dad was in surgery for Prostate Cancer and here I sit, not with him, trying to keep my emotions at bay. Right. I think Boyd's hand was a little numb from me squeezing it. We had to wait until September for the Judge to make a decision. He did go ahead and terminate the parents rights and we firgured the mom would appeal the decision which would put off our adoption another year at least. But God had another plan!!!!! She did NOT appeal the decision.
And now, on February 9th, we will go to the same court room where so much heartache took place, and we will adopt our little boy. Jonah Boyd Lee Combs will forever be the son of Boyd and Kayla Combs. The Lord has given us such a miracle.
Then on the next day, we will go to court and take another step forward in getting to adopt our little girl. God is so good!
So now what are the songs I sing?... Life is great and getting better, Over and over God is faithful, Mornings Coming, To God Be the Glory, etc. :) And my favorite verse is...
"For this child I prayed; and the LORD hath given me my petition which I asked of him: Therefore also I have lent him to the LORD; as long as he liveth he shall be lent to the LORD. And he worshipped the LORD there." 1 Samuel 1:27-28
AMEN!!!!!
The Lord is doing so many wonderful things in my life right now and I just wanted to jot it down so I can remember it. The Lord is answering so many prayers. We have 2 babies, well they are 16 months and 18 months, that have been with us most of their lives. The 18 month old we picked up from the hospital. Anyway, their cases have such an emotional rollercoaster ride. We were told we'd get to adopt them, then things would happen and we were told we'd have to give them up. It's been like this the entire time we've had them. Let me tell you, this takes a toll on you emotionally, physically, mentally, and spiritually. I was looking through my CD's the other day that I sing at church. As I was reading the titles of the ones I bought during the last year, I chuckled to myself. Let me give you some of the titles... Even in the Valley-God is Good, The Anchor Holds, Trust His Heart, Through the Fire, He Understands My Tears, etc. And let me tell you, I'm so thankful that the Lord used these songs to help me through the difficult time.
Last year I was really struggling with what was or wasn't taking place. So in February I decided to really get serious with my relationship with the Lord and put all my trust and hope in Him. I also decided to pray and fast. I have done it before and I don't know why I didn't do it sooner, but my heart wasn't where it needed to be. I decided to give up pop and let me tell you that was a perfect because even now, a year later I think of it. So it's a perfect reminder for me to pray. During the past year, I would cling to several verses. The first one is my best friend Tammy's verse, Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." What a promise!! The next one I have repeated over and over again. Even when I was single. Psalms 37:4 Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. WOW!
I wish I would have written the ups and downs of the past year on paper. What a testimony to God's faithfulness it would be to my babies when they are old enough to understand. One of the days that was so hard was on July 12th. We were in court waiting for the termination of parental rights to take place on our baby boy. The mother and her attorney were fighting tooth and nail and making them out to seem like roses. And across town my dad was in surgery for Prostate Cancer and here I sit, not with him, trying to keep my emotions at bay. Right. I think Boyd's hand was a little numb from me squeezing it. We had to wait until September for the Judge to make a decision. He did go ahead and terminate the parents rights and we firgured the mom would appeal the decision which would put off our adoption another year at least. But God had another plan!!!!! She did NOT appeal the decision.
And now, on February 9th, we will go to the same court room where so much heartache took place, and we will adopt our little boy. Jonah Boyd Lee Combs will forever be the son of Boyd and Kayla Combs. The Lord has given us such a miracle.
Then on the next day, we will go to court and take another step forward in getting to adopt our little girl. God is so good!
So now what are the songs I sing?... Life is great and getting better, Over and over God is faithful, Mornings Coming, To God Be the Glory, etc. :) And my favorite verse is...
"For this child I prayed; and the LORD hath given me my petition which I asked of him: Therefore also I have lent him to the LORD; as long as he liveth he shall be lent to the LORD. And he worshipped the LORD there." 1 Samuel 1:27-28
AMEN!!!!!
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Out with the old...In with the new
This is a picture of our old 1967 home. Goodbye! I will (kind of) miss you. Seriously though, I do have a lot of good memories in that old trailer. But it was in really bad shape. So bad, that the company who took it as a trade-in is actually giving it away! ha!
Next post will be the messy inside as we were trying to move things in. Coming soon...
Thursday, August 26, 2010
COMING SOON IN SEPTEMBER...A NEW HOME
We are so excited to be welcoming this beauty into our home in September. We were hoping for a double wide, but that isn't what God had planned for us. This is a 2011. Much nicer than the 1967 we live in now! ha! It has 3 bedrooms, and 2 full baths. I can't wait to move into it and start decorating. Guess, I better start packing up our old trailer. Nah, I work better under pressure.
Here is the kitchen. I'm so excited about all the cabinet space. I don't have any room in the one we are in now, so this excites me so much. And, all the appliances come with it, so that will be fun. I'm especially excited to have a dishwasher. All the decorations and other furniture do not come with the house, but that ok, I've got all my decorations ready to go and themes ready for each of them. I'm excited.
This little beauty is in the master bathroom. I am looking forward to lighting some candles, laying on a bath pillow, adding some bubbles, and relaxing some evenings in this. That is if Boyd will watch "Jonah" for me. ha!So here are my ideas for each of the rooms of our home...
Master Bedroom: Log Cabin feel. I'm trying to find a reasonably priced Cedar bed. Bears, Antlers, Moose, etc. Dark/Navy Blue and a Dark/Forrest Green
Master Bath: Not really sure
Kitchen: Red/Green and Farm Animals
Livingroom: Horses Duh!!! ha!
Small Bedroom: Spill over horse stuff probably
Main Bathroom: Not sure really
Guest Room: Americana
Will post picture hopefully as everything is being done. Should be pretty fun. I'm ready to get it going and get all packed up. Having a newborn could make that more of a challenge. But I love a good challenge!
Blessings!
Trust His Heart...
God is too wise to be mistaken
God is too good to be unkind
So when you don't understand
When you don't see His plan
When you can't trace His hand
Trust His heart
Being a part of the foster care system, I have to lean heavily on Jesus. And there are a lot of times that I don't understand His plan for some of these kids. But I just have to trust Him. Let me tell you, that is easier said than done.
Since my last post, "Big Brother" went home on a Thursday in July. It was hard to see him go, but we didn't have long to be sad because the night before we got a call for another 2 year old boy and we will call him "Bug". We only had him a week and he was able to be placed with some of his family. We were happy for him, and I actually get to see him still every day. So that's an extra treat.
We got a call in July to take a baby who was still at the hospital. We will call him "Jonah". His situation is more severe than anything we have ever dealt with. We also have never had a "new" baby. (Bless you moms of newborns!) But Jesus has been with us every step of the way. We have been lied to so much with this case and it is heart breaking. Telling us that we will be able to adopt him, there won't be any visits with parents, no family wants him, etc. Well all of those are lies. I guess she needed a place for him on a Friday night. So upsetting. But we wouldn't trade our time with him for anything. He is such a good baby. I know that the "plan" is for him to be with family, but it doesn't hurt any less. I have enjoyed having him and he is helping to fill that hole in my heart right now. You see, right now I know of 14 people who are pregnant and I must say I'm a tad bitter about it. But again, I don't see HIS plan, but I'm trusting Him.
There are days that I'm ready to throw the towel in and give up our foster care license. But then I get that phone call about a baby, or a toddler that needs love and protection and I just can't say No! But how many more times am I going to have to say goodbye before I can welcome one into my home forever! Don't see HIS plan, but trusting Him. Are you seeing a pattern here?
If you are reading this post, prayers would be much appreciated. We just want God's will for "Jonah". Even if it means taking a piece of our hearts with him to a different home. And please pray for "Jonah" specifically. He is going to have a long road ahead of him.
Much Love,
Kayla
Heavenly Father. Thank you for "Jonah". Thank you for giving him life and for keeping him safe through all of this mess. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of his life, even if it's for a short time. We don't understand Your plan yet for him, but help us to keep trusting You and looking to You for the answers. We want Your will done in his life Father. Please help me to have patience during this time that You are finding the right child for me to be their "special" mommy. Thank You for walking with us through these trials. I love You Jesus!
Thursday, May 13, 2010
This Thing Called Life
I don't know about ya'll but I could use a bit of a breather. I can't believe we are halfway through May and that Boyd gets out of school in 1 week. I thought things might slow down, but it's not looking that way!
We got a call last Thursday afternoon for a 2 year old boy and his 24 day old brother. We said we would take them and that baby brother was just getting out of the hospital. So I picked them up and they were SO cute. Baby brother had some health issues and by Thursday night we were rushing him back to the hospital. We are waiting on him to get better before he comes back to our house. In the mean time, on Friday we headed to Oklahoma to surprise my mom for Mother's Day. We got to their house about 9:00 p.m. and they were still gone. My dad called me to let me know the ETA and so we sat in their living room in the dark and told Big Brother that when Granny walked in we were going to yell surprise. As dad was unlocking the door, Big Brother yelled "Prise". It was so cute. We definitely surprised her.
Saturday we went yard selling. It was a lot of fun and we needed some clothes for Big Brother so that worked out well. Then we swung by the Christian Gift Store and picked out a song for Mother's Day. My mom did it with me this year and I think it was really cute.
Saturday night mom and dad received a surprise... Ron and his family came walking in. Love surprising the old people!!
We had a great time and Big Brother enjoyed showing off for the family. Drove foster mommy crazy, but oh well.
Sunday we had a great service and I must say it was a lot of fun being able to stand up with dad asked all the moms to stand. My heart overflowed with joy. Thanks to Big Brother for making that possible this year. It was very enjoyable to be able to attend church with my momma on Mother's Day. She is such a blessing to me and I thank God for her and for our relationship that we have. I'm very blessed.
After church all the restaurants were full, so we went back to mom and dad's and packed up to head home. Ron and Sheila decided they were going to stay one more night. Thankful they did! (read ahead to find out why) We went from OK to Clara's that evening and took her out to eat for Mother's Day. Big Brother had a great time and seemed to not get full. He ate everything that was in sight.
On our way home I was visiting my friend Tammy when my brother kept calling me. I had Boyd call him while I was visiting and he gave me the phone and he was trying to get a hold of me to tell me that Dad and Mom had just been T-Boned by a drunk driver and were on their way to the hospital by ambulance. SCARY!!!
They hit right behind my dad's door. He could see them coming and tried to speed up, thankfully he did that or else they would've hit him right in the driver side. Anyway, dad's neck started swelling so they needed to get him checked out. THANKFULLY there were no broken bones for either of them. They both are just really banged up and bruised and sore from the impact. The drunk driver and his passenger are both sitting in jail. They tried to run after they hit mom and dad but were found shortly. PUNKS!
Anyway, they are home and safe and that is just the way I like them. Their suburban is totaled, but they are not and that is what's important.
I'm sorry, it seems like the past couple of blogs have been kind of depressing, but this if MY scrapbook/diary of things I want to remember. Hopefully next time I blog I will have more pictures and happier things to write about!! ha!!
Cute things I want to remember that Big Brother said...
"Hey, where you husband at?" meaning Boyd
Me: "Who's that" Big Brother: "You dad" "You Mom"
One morning on the way to work he kept trying to tell me things and I couldn't understand him so he finally put up both hands and said, "Fordit It".
While feeding the animals one night I called him Buddy and he said "You can call me (insert name) if you want"
In the morning I hear, "KK, I waked up"
Another one of his favorite sayings is, "No I Yain't"
We got a call last Thursday afternoon for a 2 year old boy and his 24 day old brother. We said we would take them and that baby brother was just getting out of the hospital. So I picked them up and they were SO cute. Baby brother had some health issues and by Thursday night we were rushing him back to the hospital. We are waiting on him to get better before he comes back to our house. In the mean time, on Friday we headed to Oklahoma to surprise my mom for Mother's Day. We got to their house about 9:00 p.m. and they were still gone. My dad called me to let me know the ETA and so we sat in their living room in the dark and told Big Brother that when Granny walked in we were going to yell surprise. As dad was unlocking the door, Big Brother yelled "Prise". It was so cute. We definitely surprised her.
Saturday we went yard selling. It was a lot of fun and we needed some clothes for Big Brother so that worked out well. Then we swung by the Christian Gift Store and picked out a song for Mother's Day. My mom did it with me this year and I think it was really cute.
Saturday night mom and dad received a surprise... Ron and his family came walking in. Love surprising the old people!!
We had a great time and Big Brother enjoyed showing off for the family. Drove foster mommy crazy, but oh well.
Sunday we had a great service and I must say it was a lot of fun being able to stand up with dad asked all the moms to stand. My heart overflowed with joy. Thanks to Big Brother for making that possible this year. It was very enjoyable to be able to attend church with my momma on Mother's Day. She is such a blessing to me and I thank God for her and for our relationship that we have. I'm very blessed.
After church all the restaurants were full, so we went back to mom and dad's and packed up to head home. Ron and Sheila decided they were going to stay one more night. Thankful they did! (read ahead to find out why) We went from OK to Clara's that evening and took her out to eat for Mother's Day. Big Brother had a great time and seemed to not get full. He ate everything that was in sight.
On our way home I was visiting my friend Tammy when my brother kept calling me. I had Boyd call him while I was visiting and he gave me the phone and he was trying to get a hold of me to tell me that Dad and Mom had just been T-Boned by a drunk driver and were on their way to the hospital by ambulance. SCARY!!!
Anyway, they are home and safe and that is just the way I like them. Their suburban is totaled, but they are not and that is what's important.
I'm sorry, it seems like the past couple of blogs have been kind of depressing, but this if MY scrapbook/diary of things I want to remember. Hopefully next time I blog I will have more pictures and happier things to write about!! ha!!
Cute things I want to remember that Big Brother said...
"Hey, where you husband at?" meaning Boyd
Me: "Who's that" Big Brother: "You dad" "You Mom"
One morning on the way to work he kept trying to tell me things and I couldn't understand him so he finally put up both hands and said, "Fordit It".
While feeding the animals one night I called him Buddy and he said "You can call me (insert name) if you want"
In the morning I hear, "KK, I waked up"
Another one of his favorite sayings is, "No I Yain't"
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
What A Week...Whew...
Mercy sakes!! We got back from Easter weekend and were hoping to rest up a bit last week. But apparently we weren't vocal with our idea, because it was crazy and emotional to say the least.
Wednesday I got a call from Boyd, saying they were taking his mom by ambulance from the doctors office to the hospital. They thought she was having a heart attack. He was pretty frantic and so he came by my office and I drove us up there. (Side Note: Tammy, my driving fast came in handy that day!! ha!!!) When we got there she was gray in color and was having a hard time breathing. We stayed in the ER ALL day long. Finally, they admitted her and she got to go to a room. They scheduled her for all kinds of test. So Boyd stayed the night with her on Wednesday night.
Thursday I went to work and waited to hear what was going on with Clara, when my dad called and said that my Aunt Lora was very sick, on a ventilator, and not doing well at all. I talked with my cousin who confirmed that they were going to take her off all the machines Thursday night or Friday. Well, I had to go and see her before then, so off I went again!! (Thankful for such a caring and wonderful boss and office manager). Boyd met me at Cox and we headed to ICU to see her. I was not ready for what I saw. I had told myself to be strong, but I just couldn't. It was so sad.
Friday morning I talked with my Pastor's wife who told me that my Pastor's dad had just died that morning. So I knew there were be services that we would need to attend. Friday afternoon we headed back to the hospital to check on Clara and called to see if Aunt Lora was still alive, and she was. They had not removed her from the machines yet. Went out to eat with Ethel, Sharon, Stepf, and Quentin. We went to Nakato's. Boyd had never been to anything like that before, so that we pretty fun. I was worried that he might need a Big Mac after we left that place, but he really enjoyed it.
Saturday we had a benefit we needed to attend here in Bradleyville. We got word Saturday mid morning that Clara was diagnosed with Swine Flu (H1N1). I realized I had never had my vaccine for that. The doctor warned me that I needed to isolate myself from people who had cancer, babies, and older people for at least 72 hours. So I did not get to attend the benefit Saturday. I was disappointed. We worked outside all day Saturday and got a lot of things accomplished.
Sunday, couldn't attend church because of swine flu germs that I might have. So, knowing I couldn't go to my Pastor's dads visitation that night we went Sunday morning instead. Figured I couldn't infect anyone there. Came home and worked some more outside, came inside to watch movies and got a call from my father-in-law saying that our cow was hung in the fence. Went outside, sure enough, "the grass is always greener on the other side", so we spent until dark, fixing fence.
Monday, went to work for a second. Let them know what was going on with the whole swine flu, they nicely told me to go back home until my 72 hours was up. Went home and started working outside again. Then came inside so I wouldn't make a bunch of racket while the funeral was going on across the street. Bumming because I am missing the funeral and being there for my Pastor's family. Went back outside in the afternoon and washed the windows. Window breaks and takes a chunk out of my finger. Probably need stitches, but can't find the chunk that's missing. Go inside, bleeding all over the place. Call it a day and wait for Boyd to get home. When Boyd got home we headed for Ozark to visit his mom. I went to Wal-Mart while he visited his mom. I love my mother-in-law, but don't want the piggy flu that she has. (She is home and feeling much better by the way). We got home about 8:30 last night and barely got sat down and I received a call from my cousin letting me know that my Aunt Lora had passed away. Knew it was coming, but still very sad. Got into bed, just went to sleep, phone started ringing. It was DFS with children who needed a placement. We declined, I just can't handle a placement right now with all that is going on.
So needless to say, on the scales this Monday, +2 lbs. I'm thankful it wasn't more than that. You see I am an emotional eater. And when I eat out, I don't always make healthy choices. I cried for quite a while on Sunday night. Just so disappointed in myself. Number 10,999th failure. The whole weekend I would say, well, I better eat this now, because Monday it's back to healthy foods. Or, it won't matter that I've eaten half this large pizza, Monday I'll get back on track. I'm so frustrated with myself. I truly am addicted to food. Last night I really had planned to go to Wendy's (even though I had already made and ate lasagna for supper) and then hide the evidence from Boyd. How sad and pathetic is that. AHHHHHHHHHHHHH!! It makes me so stinking mad!! But I did NOT go to Wendy's. I resisted, barely.
Even after the week I have had I am happy to report that God is still on the Throne!! He has been with me and my family every step of the way. In my devotions I read last night there was a quote that said...
"God's promises are a lot like stars. The darker the night, the brighter they shine." LOVE THAT!!!
Expecting great things this week.
Love to All,
Me
Wednesday I got a call from Boyd, saying they were taking his mom by ambulance from the doctors office to the hospital. They thought she was having a heart attack. He was pretty frantic and so he came by my office and I drove us up there. (Side Note: Tammy, my driving fast came in handy that day!! ha!!!) When we got there she was gray in color and was having a hard time breathing. We stayed in the ER ALL day long. Finally, they admitted her and she got to go to a room. They scheduled her for all kinds of test. So Boyd stayed the night with her on Wednesday night.
Thursday I went to work and waited to hear what was going on with Clara, when my dad called and said that my Aunt Lora was very sick, on a ventilator, and not doing well at all. I talked with my cousin who confirmed that they were going to take her off all the machines Thursday night or Friday. Well, I had to go and see her before then, so off I went again!! (Thankful for such a caring and wonderful boss and office manager). Boyd met me at Cox and we headed to ICU to see her. I was not ready for what I saw. I had told myself to be strong, but I just couldn't. It was so sad.
Friday morning I talked with my Pastor's wife who told me that my Pastor's dad had just died that morning. So I knew there were be services that we would need to attend. Friday afternoon we headed back to the hospital to check on Clara and called to see if Aunt Lora was still alive, and she was. They had not removed her from the machines yet. Went out to eat with Ethel, Sharon, Stepf, and Quentin. We went to Nakato's. Boyd had never been to anything like that before, so that we pretty fun. I was worried that he might need a Big Mac after we left that place, but he really enjoyed it.
Saturday we had a benefit we needed to attend here in Bradleyville. We got word Saturday mid morning that Clara was diagnosed with Swine Flu (H1N1). I realized I had never had my vaccine for that. The doctor warned me that I needed to isolate myself from people who had cancer, babies, and older people for at least 72 hours. So I did not get to attend the benefit Saturday. I was disappointed. We worked outside all day Saturday and got a lot of things accomplished.
Sunday, couldn't attend church because of swine flu germs that I might have. So, knowing I couldn't go to my Pastor's dads visitation that night we went Sunday morning instead. Figured I couldn't infect anyone there. Came home and worked some more outside, came inside to watch movies and got a call from my father-in-law saying that our cow was hung in the fence. Went outside, sure enough, "the grass is always greener on the other side", so we spent until dark, fixing fence.
Monday, went to work for a second. Let them know what was going on with the whole swine flu, they nicely told me to go back home until my 72 hours was up. Went home and started working outside again. Then came inside so I wouldn't make a bunch of racket while the funeral was going on across the street. Bumming because I am missing the funeral and being there for my Pastor's family. Went back outside in the afternoon and washed the windows. Window breaks and takes a chunk out of my finger. Probably need stitches, but can't find the chunk that's missing. Go inside, bleeding all over the place. Call it a day and wait for Boyd to get home. When Boyd got home we headed for Ozark to visit his mom. I went to Wal-Mart while he visited his mom. I love my mother-in-law, but don't want the piggy flu that she has. (She is home and feeling much better by the way). We got home about 8:30 last night and barely got sat down and I received a call from my cousin letting me know that my Aunt Lora had passed away. Knew it was coming, but still very sad. Got into bed, just went to sleep, phone started ringing. It was DFS with children who needed a placement. We declined, I just can't handle a placement right now with all that is going on.
So needless to say, on the scales this Monday, +2 lbs. I'm thankful it wasn't more than that. You see I am an emotional eater. And when I eat out, I don't always make healthy choices. I cried for quite a while on Sunday night. Just so disappointed in myself. Number 10,999th failure. The whole weekend I would say, well, I better eat this now, because Monday it's back to healthy foods. Or, it won't matter that I've eaten half this large pizza, Monday I'll get back on track. I'm so frustrated with myself. I truly am addicted to food. Last night I really had planned to go to Wendy's (even though I had already made and ate lasagna for supper) and then hide the evidence from Boyd. How sad and pathetic is that. AHHHHHHHHHHHHH!! It makes me so stinking mad!! But I did NOT go to Wendy's. I resisted, barely.
Even after the week I have had I am happy to report that God is still on the Throne!! He has been with me and my family every step of the way. In my devotions I read last night there was a quote that said...
"God's promises are a lot like stars. The darker the night, the brighter they shine." LOVE THAT!!!
Expecting great things this week.
Love to All,
Me
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Happy Easter!! He is Risen!
We had a great time at Easter! We actually got to head down to dad and mom's sooner than we had planned. After a trip to the beauty shop on Thursday night (which was slightly traumatizing), we picked up Jessica and Ryan and headed to OK. We didn't get to leave until 8:30 and got to Poteau about 12:30 a.m. We were very thankful for the Lord's protection on they way down there. I always dread traveling at night and being responsible for someone else children, but He was there with us every step of the way!!
We woke up Friday morning and we just stayed at dad and moms and waited for everyone else to come in. Dad came up with some games for the kids to play. This one below was fun. It was a gun that he brought from Peru. You blew into the end of it and a little sharp stick came out and so we all took turns popping balloons. Even yours truly got in on the action and I'm proud to report I didn't hurt anyone and I actually popped a balloon.
On Saturday we got all the eggs prepared to hide. We hid 2.5 dozen of hard boiled eggs and 60 dozen filled plastic eggs. We only had 8 kids hunting eggs so they each got to hunt almost 100 eggs a piece. CRAZY!!! We always hide that many though. And it is so much fun.
Here we are waiting for the kids to arrive. We always make them go to the park and play while we hide eggs. It takes a while to hide that many.
And here are the kids coming in.
Trinity had to climb up on a ladder to find one of her eggs!
And here's Papa helping McKenna with all her eggs. She didn't have time to get a new carton!
Saturday night we were all sitting in mom and dad's living room. Talking and having a great time. We were playing games that Grandma Murray had taught my mom and aunts. They were so much fun. We didn't need video games, board games, card games, etc. We didn't have to be entertained by t.v. We had a great time just being together and playing "old" games. Then we sent the kids outside to play flash light tag and run some of their sugar high off. The "adults" stayed inside and my aunt went to the keyboard and started playing every hymn she could think of. We laughed, cried, reminisced, and cried some more. It was such a great moment. I couldn't help but think of my Grandma Murray in heaven. I know she would've been so proud to have her kids, grandkids, and great grandkids singing about the TRUE reason behind Easter. Don't get me wrong, she loved the Easter egg hunt just as much as the kids, but she made sure we always knew the true meaning of Easter.
Sunday morning I got up early, and Ron, Mom and I were the only ones up. We were teasing mom about her useless potato peeler. She said it was a great peeler and that she loved it. Ron told her it was worthless and that it wouldn't cut anything. So mom said that she could peel her potato with her peeler faster than Ron could with his peeler he liked. So the race was on.
And the winner was RON!! ha!! Mom about died!!!!!! She couldn't believe that Ron beat her and her precious peeler!! Priceless!!
We had a wonderful Easter Service. Jessica, McKenna, Ryan, Zach, Trinity, Sabrina, and Hunter got up at the beginning of the service and sang "He Knows My Name". It was so sweet and KK was so proud of them. They sound great together. Then our whole family that was there (22 of us) got up and sang "Ten Thousand Angels" and the presence of the Lord was very overwhelming. There were more tears. Then Dad, Mom, Ron and I sang "Carried Away". Dad had said that this church was kind of low key and they didn't get very excited. Well, apparently they wanted to make my dad a liar because they were clapping and waving their hands and smiling. Mom said you could have knocked her over with a feather, she was so shocked. My dad then preached a wonderful messages about choices. He said that the biggest choice he had made that day was what way to part his hair this morning. Um.. yeah, my dad doesn't have any hair. He's so silly. But then he talked about making the choice to accept Christ as Personal Savior. And talked about
GRACE! G-God's R-Riches A-At C-Christ's E-Expense. It was a wonderful service.
We got home and took some pictures. Here's Ron's Family.
And here is Jessica and Ryan
And Boyd and I
And then 3 out of 4 of us kids. Rob had to go back Saturday night.
Then we all got ready to head home. Here is Trinity, Uncle Darrel (holding Mr. Quacker) and Papa.
And our ride home was a little noisier than coming down. Boyd bought 2 ducks, and 10 chicks. This is Sunshine the duck.
I hope you all had a very blessed Easter. Thank you God for sending your Son to die on the cross for me. During the times I feel alone and I am not sure that You are there, help me to remember that I am on Your mind, even when You were on the cross, I was on Your mind.
One last thing, I've been noticing a sign at a church that I drive by every day on my way to work. I noticed last week that it said, Funeral for Jesus April 4th. Then Sunday I noticed that in BIG red letter it said, CANCELED, HE'S ALIVE!!! AMEN!!!
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
And there go the twenties...
Well, I am officially out of my twenties. I turned 30 years old today! WOW!! My friend Nathan told me that his 30th birthday really bothered him. But these are just numbers and besides that, no matter how old I get, my husband will still be 20 years older than me! ha!!! LOVE IT!!
So I'm really just embracing today. When I was younger I always figured that I would be married right out of high school and begin my family. Boy did God have other plans. I ended up not getting married until I was 27 and we are still waiting patiently, ok, no so patiently to start our family. I know God has a plan and that HIS timing is perfect not mine.
The past 30 years have been awesome. God has blessed me with such a wonderful family. I'm so thankful to be so close to my parents, my brother's and their wives, and my nieces and nephews. I have a wonderful extended family: aunts, uncles, and cousins. I have awesome friends who are great and always there when I need them. I now have a wonderful In-Love-Family since marrying Boyd.
And last, but certainly not least. I have an INCREDIBLE husband. God truly did answer my prayer when He brought Boyd into my life. He is so very sweet and so loving. He always makes me feel special. He was up at 3:00 this morning telling me Happy Birthday and up at 5:00 this morning fixing my birthday card. And now he has called 3 times so far just to say Happy Birthday. He's the best. But my favorite part about him is that he loves Christ with all his heart.
I AM BLESSED!!!
Also, to go along with the twenties, I'm happy to say I have now lost 22 lbs. wootwoot!! I've been doing this lifestyle change for 5 weeks now and it has been hard, but it feels so good.
LOVE,
ME
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Heart Sick!
I remember dreading my Senior year of high school, because we had another new Science Teacher. YUCK! I didn't like science and I sure didn't like the previous teachers we had. And to top it all off, our science teacher was living in a camper on my Aunt's place. Oh great! Well my very first day, I got the call that I had a tumor and would need it removed and would be out of school until the middle of October. WHAT!! During that time off from school my science teacher was GREAT! He helped me with my homework. Sent messages to me encouraging me. He was actually pretty cool and made science so much fun. Even though he and I didn't agree on evolution vs. creation, we had great debates and finally agreed to disagree. He even ended up being our Senior sponsor. He helped us raise a lot of money so we could really enjoy our Senior trip. While I was deciding what school I wanted to attend, SBU in Bolivar was really are my mind. Mossman, my science teacher, was from Bolivar and his wife and kids lived there. So he really encouraged me to consider it, especially since they would be close by and would help me when I needed them. "It never hurts to have family close by", he said. So school ended, went on a Senior trip and had a blast. Came home, got ready to head off for college. Saw a lot of Mr. Mossman and his family while in Bolivar. Ate a lot of meals at their house. Babysat their kids. Played on a softball team with them. Just enjoyed my time with them.
Eventually Colin and his wife divorced and both remarried, but I still stayed in contact with them and the kids. I kept updated on him and the kids by email. And now the past several months I have enjoyed keeping up with him through Facebook.
This morning I got to work and pulled up facebook and my pastor that I had when I was in Bolivar left me a note saying that a Mr. Mossman had shot himself and that he thought I might know him. I thought to myself, no, it can't be him. I looked it up in the Bolivar paper and sure enough, it was him. He and his new wife were getting divorced and he kidnapped her at gun point on Tuesday morning and made her get into her car and they drove to Bolivar where she then tried to escape and he shot at her. She did get away and he continued on toward Stockton where police found him dead in her vehicle. He talked to some of his friends on his phone but he would not tell them where he was. This still feels like a nightmare. What kind of war was he fighting inside his head?
I was looking at his kids' facebook and noticed that he had taken pictures with them on Monday night and his facebook on Monday night stated that he loved his kids. Did he know what was going to take place the next day? Anyway, my heart is just breaking right now for his kids. I can't imagine what must be going through their heads. If you think about it, and are reading this, would you please say a prayer for Shelby and Gage. Here is the last picture that they have with their dad.
Love and prayers to Shelby and Gage!
Thursday, March 4, 2010
No, No, Your Eyes Are Not Deceiving You...
You thought I was gone forever right? Nope, just too stinkin' impatient to wait on pictures to download. And I'm really not interesting enough to blog without pictures! ha!!
Anyway, a lot has happened since I blogged last time, but that's all in the past now, and I can't remember much of it anyway.
A friend of mine has been struggling to lose weight and so I though this would be a great time to be accountability partners with eachother. So we started back on February 15. I'm watching my calorie intake and working out 5 times a week. I have done the whole "diet" thing more times than I care to admit, but this time (I've also heard myself say that) I'm changing my whole lifestyle. It really has been easier this time around than the times before. Don't get me wrong, there are times when I am in tears because I'm so hungry and have considered eating Boyd (kidding, he's too skinny anyway). But I HAVE to do this. I don't have a choice now.
I'M MISERABLE!
I'm afraid to go on amusement park rides because I'm afraid they will ask me to get off because I'm too big;
I'm afraid to see some old "friends" I haven't seen in a while because I'm afraid what they might think;
I'm afraid that if I don't get a grasp on my addiction to food that I will continue to be on a downward spiral to the grave. (don't get me wrong, I long for Heaven, but I would rather go in the rapture, not because of something I could've prevented);
I'm afraid that my nieces and nephews will pattern after me and I want to be a better example to them.
Do you see the pattern? I'M AFRAID. My name is Kayla Combs and I have a food addiction and I'm afraid. Who wants to live their life like that. NOT me!
So, I'm going to use this blog as sort of an accountability for myself. It's embarrassing that I've posted this picture of myself, but I'm not hiding the fact that I'm fat, so guess it shouldn't bother me. So here it is...
This is me and my dad in January in Oklahoma. My dad has always tried to encourage me to lose weight. He sees how miserable my mom is and he does not want me to be going down the same path. My mom had always told me since I was little, "please sis, you can wear my shoes, but please don't ever get big like me and wear my clothes". But guess what, we wear the same size. Way to obey your mom, Kayla! Anyway, their support means the world to me. When I've tried "diets" before, I've gone to visit my parents and my dad has mapped out a place for me to walk and usually walks with me. And when I call my mom on Mondays (my weigh in day), she always ask how I did and tells me she's proud of me.
I'm doing this for myself first and foremost. I need to do it. But I also want my husband to see a different me. A happier me who feels beautiful. Even though he tells me, I haven't felt beautiful in a long time. I want to do this for my parents. My mom especially because she has just recently been told that because of some of her health issues, she is going to have to stay on a medication and she's not going to be able to lose any weight. She will have to fight hard to not gain weight. So, just because it's too late for her does not mean it's too late for me.
And I cannot accomplish any of this without the help of my friends and family, but most important, without the help of my Lord and Savior. In order to stay on the straight and narrow path to a new life style, I need to keep the path between my Savior and I clear of debris that might get in my way!
Ok, I've written a book now. I have so far lost 10 lbs. I will try to keep this blog updated often and keep track of my weight loss. I'm excited about this journey.
And I will try to put up some pic blogs once in a while too. When I have like 2 years to wait on them to upload!
LOVE ALWAYS!!!
Philippians 4:13 (King James Version)
13I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Monday, November 16, 2009
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...
The first weekend of deer season is always a busy time of the year for me. Ever since I can remember, I have watched my nieces and nephews for my brothers so they could hunt all weekend. And I always decorate for Christmas that weekend. So Friday afternoon I started out by picking up Caleb. He got in the car with our foster son. They started chit chatting away. Then they got into it. And Caleb finally said, "KK, he is arguing with me". Wonder where he has heard that word! ha!!! And then got home and Bub, McKenna, and Trinity came over. We had a great time. We played some games on Friday night.
Saturday we got up and had biscuits and gravy. Mmmm good! Then we went outside to enjoy the beautiful weather. We worked outside ALL day Saturday decorating and cleaning up the outside a little. In the afternoon while Bub and McKenna were working outside, I brought out a blanket and Caleb and Trinity took a nap outside. It was all I could do not to go over there and lay down with them.
All our hard work paid off though. We even tossed big plastic candy canes into the trees. Not sure how we will get them out, but it was fun putting them up there.
Saturday we got up and had biscuits and gravy. Mmmm good! Then we went outside to enjoy the beautiful weather. We worked outside ALL day Saturday decorating and cleaning up the outside a little. In the afternoon while Bub and McKenna were working outside, I brought out a blanket and Caleb and Trinity took a nap outside. It was all I could do not to go over there and lay down with them.
All our hard work paid off though. We even tossed big plastic candy canes into the trees. Not sure how we will get them out, but it was fun putting them up there.
This little cedar tree McKenna decorated with all kinds of things. It looks so much better in person.
McKenna also helped me with this. She put the garland up. I need to figure out a way to have it lit up at night. It's so cute. Now if we can just keep the kitty's and dogs out of it.
And this is the big well house. Bub got up on the roof of it and helped me hang the ice cycle lights. He and McKenna got up there and put the cross in place and then put lights on it as well. I think it turned out really well.
We ended our weekend with going to church Sunday morning where Trinity and I sang "He Knows My Name". Then we came home and ate Fried chicken, mashed taters, gravy, corn, greenbeans, etc. Then we started putting up the tree. McKenna does a great job of "fluffing" the limbs, and Bub "fluffs" the top of the tree. My lights didn't work though, so we took a trip to Forsyth and I bought 3 boxes of lights. Got home, ran out of lights. So we still didn't get the tree done. We went to Hercules church last night. Trinity sang "Walking on the Heaven Road" and McKenna, Bub, and Trin sang "He Knows My Name". They blessed my heart!!!
I had such a great weekend with them all. It is such a healing time for me. For just a weekend, I get to feel like a mom. I love it. It does my heart good. I always tease my brother Ron that he is stingy with his kids and that he always wants them to himself. But I am SO thankful that he is that way and his kids will be thankful one day too.
So thankful for a wonderful weekend. I will treasure these memories that we made this weekend. I hope the kids will too!!
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
New Do!
So last night I went to get my hair done. I was sick to death of it and have had the same color, cut, etc for a while now. I wanted a change. So my friend from way back, Suzanne, just opened her salon up just a month or so ago, so I called her and made the appointment. I told her she could do whatever she wanted to do with my hair. People thought I was crazy, but you need to look at her website (http://www.studiotrendz.com) and you'll see why I had total confidence in her. Thank you SO much Suzanne! I love my hair!
So here is the before picture. We forgot until she already had foil on my head. I can't believe I'm posting this before shot for all the world to see, but oh well!!!
This is the after shot. I don't like this one as well as the next shot. But I wanted you to see the cut/length of my hair. You should have seen all the hair on the floor. Crazy!!!!
This is the picture I like because you can really see all the cool colors. I had a such a great time. I was there over 3 hours, but we had a lot to catch up on. I hadn't seen her since 1996 so lots of things had happened since then.
So here is the before picture. We forgot until she already had foil on my head. I can't believe I'm posting this before shot for all the world to see, but oh well!!!
This is the after shot. I don't like this one as well as the next shot. But I wanted you to see the cut/length of my hair. You should have seen all the hair on the floor. Crazy!!!!
This is the picture I like because you can really see all the cool colors. I had a such a great time. I was there over 3 hours, but we had a lot to catch up on. I hadn't seen her since 1996 so lots of things had happened since then.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Movin' On Up...
When dad and mom came up at the end of August they had planned to maybe pour the foundation of their new addition. They never dreamed they would leave this Friday and have it built and dried in. WOW!!! My brothers and dad know how to get 'er done. Anyway, we had such a good time getting together and working (ok, so the women mainly kept the men fed and "watered"). Tearing down the old porch was kind of bitter sweet. That's where my Grandma slept the last 18 years of her life was on that porch, so that was hard. The picture above is a before picture. This was before Labor Day.
And this picture was taken this past Sunday September 27th. Looking good huh. This is probably the way it will look until they come back sometime in the spring.
This is so exciting to see work being done, knowing that they will move home eventually (sorry Tishomingo people). This past time is the longest they have been here at one time since they moved away in 2002. We have so enjoyed having them here and it is going to be SO hard to see them leave. Especially for the grandkids. They have been so use to having Papa and Granny around and going to all their school and ballgame activities. They won't be back until Thanksgiving now. But that's not too far off.
Well I guess that's it for now. If you want to see more of the house pictures, I have them on my facebook page. It doesn't take as long to download them on there.
Have a blessed day!!!
This is so exciting to see work being done, knowing that they will move home eventually (sorry Tishomingo people). This past time is the longest they have been here at one time since they moved away in 2002. We have so enjoyed having them here and it is going to be SO hard to see them leave. Especially for the grandkids. They have been so use to having Papa and Granny around and going to all their school and ballgame activities. They won't be back until Thanksgiving now. But that's not too far off.
Well I guess that's it for now. If you want to see more of the house pictures, I have them on my facebook page. It doesn't take as long to download them on there.
Have a blessed day!!!
Friday, September 11, 2009
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TAMMY!!!!
Today is one of my best friend's birthday! Woohoo!! We have known each other for a very long time. We first met when we were both singing with the New Life Ambassadors. I thought she was a snob (love you Tam), but turns out she's not and we became fast friends. We had a blast singing together and I was so sad when she became a Senior and wouldn't be in the group anymore. But little did I know that's when our friendship would really blossom.
We have been through a LOT of ups and downs, but our friendship stays the same. We don't get together as much as I would like either, but when we do get together, it seems like we've been together everyday. We are able to pick up where we left off.
Tammy, thank you for being such a great friend. Someone I can talk to about anything and I know you will listen. Thanks for all the many prayers you have prayed for me. I am so blessed to have you in my life. You are a treasure!!!
I LOVE YOU TAMMY!!!!
We have been through a LOT of ups and downs, but our friendship stays the same. We don't get together as much as I would like either, but when we do get together, it seems like we've been together everyday. We are able to pick up where we left off.
Tammy, thank you for being such a great friend. Someone I can talk to about anything and I know you will listen. Thanks for all the many prayers you have prayed for me. I am so blessed to have you in my life. You are a treasure!!!
I LOVE YOU TAMMY!!!!
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
My girl Bailey Jo
This is my new puppy Bailey Jo Combs. Isn't she a cutie. I got her on Friday from my cousin Gina. Bailey's daddy is a border collie and her mom is part Great Pryenese and Commodore. I am in TROUBLE. I had a Pryenese before and she got to be about 80 lbs or so, but with Commodore added to it, OH NO! My brother had a Commodore and he was huge. When he hiked his leg he peed all over my cousins car window. I'm kind of excited to see how big she gets.I got her because I want a "big" dog to take on walks with me. We have beagles but they are too busy trying to find a rabbit trail and don't care about walking. Besides, there has been a bear around our area and I feel that when Bailey gets big, she would be more able to scare the bear away then the tiny beagles! ha! She has a pink camo collar and of course I had to get her a pink leash to match.
Yesterday I went out to feed our calves their bottles and I heard a little meow. I went into the field and tried to follow the sound. I found him. A tiny kitten that got left behind. He was so tiny and so cute. I took him up to his mom and she took him in and nursed him. Hopefully he will be feeling better soon!
Well, that's all the news I have for now at "Boyd and KK have a farm, E..I..E..I..O" ha!
Monday, August 17, 2009
The Valley
I love the mountain tops. But with the mountain tops, come the valley's in between. That's where I am at right now. Being raised in church my whole life, and being a preacher's kid, sometimes people think I have it all together. That couldn't be further from the truth. I struggle just like everyone else, sometimes daily. Especially here lately. There are some days, I'm completely at peace about not being able to have our own children, then there are days, like the past week, I'm completely upset about it and mad. I look at pregnant women or people who have children and am totally envious and jealous of them. I want their life, but more importantly I want what God wants for my life.
We took our foster care classes but everytime we get close to actually signing our license, they come up with another piece of paperwork that's missing. AHHHH!! Sometimes life is just so unfair. I think Boyd and I would be great parents and I just don't understand why it is so hard to make that happen. If Boyd was closer to my age, then I would say we have more time, but he will be turning 50 next year. I know the Lord's timing is perfect, and people keep telling me that, but when I'm in the valley, it goes in one ear and out the other. It just plain makes me mad.
I haven't been singing specials at church lately, because my heart and mind aren't where they need to be. I've been going to church and sitting though the messages, but wasn't really hearing what was being said.
Well, yesterday was different! I went to church and my friend Mel got up to sing a special and she sang "my" song...
I choose by Ivan Parker
Master, may I be so honest
Could I admit the way I feel?
I’m hurting, it seems that you’ve forsaken
I wonder, is Your love for me still real?
Though my friends think that I am happy
Unaffected by this trail
They can’t see the pain I’m hiding
Just under my smile
Master, I can’t live this way anymore
So today I make my choice
Chorus
I choose to believe that You are faithful
And my heart is in Your hands
And this mystery that I face today
Is part of a greater plan
I choose not to be discouraged
When the sun will not break through
I have the choice of trusting you
So Lord this is what I choose
I know this road will not be easy
I know I’ll have my weaker days
And Satan will tell me I don’t mean it
When I say, “I’ll trust God all the way”
But that doesn’t really matter
I refuse to hear him out
With my faith I’ll find the power
That will overcome all doubt
Lord, I’ve never felt so strong
As when I’m resting in your arms
Chorus
I choose to believe
That this mystery that I face today
Is part of a greater plan
I choose not to be discouraged
When the sun will not break through
I have the choice of trusting you
So, Lord this is what I choose
That was it. I began sobbing, not crying. You know the sound you make when you try to hold it in and then you have to let it lose. I went down to the altar in the middle of her song. I couldn't even say the words, I was crying so hard, but the Lord knew what I was thinking and knew my heart. I went back and sat down and then Pastor Jeff's sermon was SO for me. I walked away feeling so much better. I'm not saying I won't be in the valley again, but I DO KNOW that the Lord will be waiting on me with open arms and tell me everything will be alright. In HIS time.
So, I'm trusting the Lord and am leaning on my friend Tammy's favorite verse...
Jeremiah 29:11 (New International Version)
11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
I CHOOSE TO BELIEVE!!!
We took our foster care classes but everytime we get close to actually signing our license, they come up with another piece of paperwork that's missing. AHHHH!! Sometimes life is just so unfair. I think Boyd and I would be great parents and I just don't understand why it is so hard to make that happen. If Boyd was closer to my age, then I would say we have more time, but he will be turning 50 next year. I know the Lord's timing is perfect, and people keep telling me that, but when I'm in the valley, it goes in one ear and out the other. It just plain makes me mad.
I haven't been singing specials at church lately, because my heart and mind aren't where they need to be. I've been going to church and sitting though the messages, but wasn't really hearing what was being said.
Well, yesterday was different! I went to church and my friend Mel got up to sing a special and she sang "my" song...
I choose by Ivan Parker
Master, may I be so honest
Could I admit the way I feel?
I’m hurting, it seems that you’ve forsaken
I wonder, is Your love for me still real?
Though my friends think that I am happy
Unaffected by this trail
They can’t see the pain I’m hiding
Just under my smile
Master, I can’t live this way anymore
So today I make my choice
Chorus
I choose to believe that You are faithful
And my heart is in Your hands
And this mystery that I face today
Is part of a greater plan
I choose not to be discouraged
When the sun will not break through
I have the choice of trusting you
So Lord this is what I choose
I know this road will not be easy
I know I’ll have my weaker days
And Satan will tell me I don’t mean it
When I say, “I’ll trust God all the way”
But that doesn’t really matter
I refuse to hear him out
With my faith I’ll find the power
That will overcome all doubt
Lord, I’ve never felt so strong
As when I’m resting in your arms
Chorus
I choose to believe
That this mystery that I face today
Is part of a greater plan
I choose not to be discouraged
When the sun will not break through
I have the choice of trusting you
So, Lord this is what I choose
That was it. I began sobbing, not crying. You know the sound you make when you try to hold it in and then you have to let it lose. I went down to the altar in the middle of her song. I couldn't even say the words, I was crying so hard, but the Lord knew what I was thinking and knew my heart. I went back and sat down and then Pastor Jeff's sermon was SO for me. I walked away feeling so much better. I'm not saying I won't be in the valley again, but I DO KNOW that the Lord will be waiting on me with open arms and tell me everything will be alright. In HIS time.
So, I'm trusting the Lord and am leaning on my friend Tammy's favorite verse...
Jeremiah 29:11 (New International Version)
11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
I CHOOSE TO BELIEVE!!!
Friday, July 24, 2009
Calf Business
I wanted to introduce you to the little guy that is taking up all my free time. His name is Hercules. We bought him from a sweet lady who was trying to bottle feed him because his momma died while giving birth to him. His name is Hercules and he is SO much fun.
He is part Charolais Bull and is so cute. We have just recently started letting him out of his pin to play. He just runs and bucks and really cuts a shine. I'm a little concerned that when he gets older, he may be better suited to be a bull in a rodeo. We'll have to see.
I've had a lot of fun with him. We did buy another bottle calf at the Ava Sale Barn while I was on vacation. She was a Holstein Heifer and we named her, "Ava". But she died on Monday due to many different sicknesses. We would get her better from one and she would get something else. It was sad. But we still have Hercules and he's going to be extra spoiled now.
Hopefully next Spring we can buy some more. I've had a LOT of fun with them. We have a lot of calves in our other field, but we can't get close enough to them to play because "Big Bertha" mommas don't seem to want us messing with their calf.
We are sure enjoying him!!
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Mother's Day
I had one of the best Mother's Day and one of the hardest Mother's Day. I'll start with the best. This was the first time in 7 years I was able to go to church with my mom. After church we all met up and ate together. Mom had all 4 of her kids with her and most of the grandkids and great grandkids. We had a great time. After we ate we went to dad and mom's and fished at the pond. I think everyone had such a great time.
Thanks mom for all you have done for me and all you continue to do for me. Thanks for being my mom and my best friend. I love you!
Thanks mom for all you have done for me and all you continue to do for me. Thanks for being my mom and my best friend. I love you!
On the way to the farm to fish. Boyd, Me, Jessica andRyan
Kevin, Me, Jessica
Caleb on the phone with Uncle Boyd
My 3 brothers, Ron, Rob, and Kevin and nephews Ryan and Caleb
Dad in his lovely hat and my great nephew Trey
Trinity and Sheila sitting in the truck out of the rain.
Fishing on the pond bank.
5-7 years ago we put some goldfish in the pond and now they have grown huge. Bubby caught one.
Papa Kevin and Bryce with their big catch.
Ok, with the not so good Mother's Day. This year has been the hardest one for yet. Don't get me wrong, I'm VERY thankful I still have my mother because I know that a lot of people don't. But I want to be a mother so bad myself that it was hard to be in the service and have all the mother's recognized while I sat there with tears in my eyes, wanting so badly for my own children. I was visiting my brother's church and the gentleman did such a good job. He even brought up those who can't have children of their own and I completely lost it then. Then of course as we were walking out, there were people standing at the back to hand out "mother's day" bookmarks and books. I panicked. I looked for another way out the door, but couldn't find one. So I headed out the door and the little girl, bless her heart, she didn't know what I was feeling, started to hand me a book and I said no thank you, I'm not a mother. Well apparently my niece was close by, who told her mom what had happened and she came outside and gave me a hug and a book and told me that I would be a mom one day and that I was a mom to her kids. So more tears came. I just had a pity party that day, but got over it after a little while.
I am so blessed in many ways. I have such a loving husband, wonderful parents and extended family and great friends. One day, I will get my miracle. It may not be our own child, but maybe by adoption. I'll be thankful either way.
Please remember to pray for all those people who can't have their own kids or who have lost their children. Can't imagine what they are going through at this time.
I am so blessed in many ways. I have such a loving husband, wonderful parents and extended family and great friends. One day, I will get my miracle. It may not be our own child, but maybe by adoption. I'll be thankful either way.
Please remember to pray for all those people who can't have their own kids or who have lost their children. Can't imagine what they are going through at this time.
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