We Are SO Home!

We left space #43 at 11:08 yesterday morning.

We were the first ones to occupy that spot!

I'm certain it did not remain empty long!

Louis Dean locked the camper, hitched it to the truck and pulled out for HOME!

It is now back on our driveway where it will remain for awhile!

We plan to unload, unpack, clean it up and even host a tea party for some special children in our lives!

Our next family camping trip will be later this year when we take it down to Louis Dean's son's place in the country. It is SO beautiful down there (close to Waco) and he has a lot of acreage including lakes and ponds. He also has ducks, chickens, goats, a cow and all manner of interesting things!

That trip is something we have talked about for a long time and we are looking forward to it!

Now that the camper is fixed up we certainly intend to use it!

This was us sitting on our very own driveway last night with our evening glass of wine!

Can you tell Louis Dean is happy to be here!

"Happy Easter! Welcome Home. I've missed you."

signed

The HOUSE

We could not have been away from home as long as we were had it not been for the best neighbor in the whole world! Thank you, Stephanie! We would oftentimes come home for a visit and there would be food in the fridge or something cooked for our supper. Stephanie is PRICELESS!!

We have certainly enjoyed today. Both French doors were flung open this morning and there was a symphony of bird song filling the air!

Louis Dean filled the feeders last night. Tomorrow we will be buying HUGE sacks of bird seed for the season!  Another beautiful sound was listening to the happy chatter of voices from next door.

Stephanie hosted Easter Dinner for her large family. So many people - cars lined up in front of the house. Everyone was spilling over into their back yard and as we sat in our gazebo hearing them talk - well, it just made us smile. No big dinner hosting for us this year. No traditional Easter bread. We even listened to Easter services at our church online. Still, this was a blessed Easter day!

Our return home went as smooth as silk.

I followed Louis Dean keeping that Wilderness trailer right in front of me!

See that Suburban pulling the U Haul?

That was Amber and Mike as they were hauling it up the Interstate overtaking us and passing us by all the time honking, waving out the window and smiling!

They are now in an apartment just SIX minutes away from my house!

There must be magic in the numbers!

Our camper was SIX minutes away from THEIR house for 7 months!

I ran over with a few things (like slices of our fresh baked ham!) and did a little baby holding!

I climbed into the Quatro Corral and here they come! Four little quads climbing straight for Grandma's lap!

It hasn't been our typical Easter Sunday but it HAS been a Blessed Easter Sunday!

We Are Ready to ROLL!!

Out time here is drawing to a close! 

Yesterday was my last day down here with the quads. 

Three pretty little girls!

Their place was a beehive of activity! 

Amber is amazing - she keeps her cool with the phone ringing, text pinging, people coming in and out - 

all the while handling a thousand tasks (it seems) all at one time.

She SO reminds Louis Dean and me of  Leigh Anne Tuohy in the Blind Side.

Amber can multitask! 

It is a big job for US to get the camper ready to leave.

Imagine what all THEY have to do!!

With so much going on I loaded the quads up and we took a walk before I left!

FOUR happy little babies - and Harrison WAS happy even if he did have his 'man' expression on!

Louis Dean and I had one last dinner at Casa Maria toasting ourselves on Mission Accomplished!

From there we decided to do our errands before coming back to the park. We stopped at Sam's for a few things and filled my car up with gas while we were there. When we got back to the camper Louis Dean decided he would go ahead and fill up with diesel so we would NOT have to stop for fuel before we get home.

On our trip DOWN here we came dangerously close to that empty mark!

Photo taken today - NOT at the time of the following incident.

He had already loaded the small freezer in the truck and was keeping it running by way of an orange extension cord plugged into the outlet on the side of the camper.

Well, he FORGOT about that and pulled out of here in a big hurry!

That orange cord pulled loose and I started yelling for him to WAIT! WAIT!

He was dragging the red dog leash that was wrapped around the trailer hitch along with that extension cord - with ME running along behind! Let me tell you - I am so THANKFUL I had unhooked Lucy and put her in the kennel before he left!!! 

Talk about looking like the Beverly Hillbillies!!!

Once we recovered from that little escapade we ended up having a relaxing time sitting by the lakeside fire pit with our evening glass of wine.

The Westlake RV Resort Lakeside Fireplace

Today Louis Dean prepared the camper for travel.

We had some trouble getting the slide OUT room to slide IN when we left home last August.

This delayed us in bringing the camper down by 10 days!

We did NOT want to take any chances in the morning so we have it partially IN already!

Just wanted to be SURE it would go!

While HE was doing this I was packing up inside.

All the pictures and loose things had to be taken down and things stowed away.

We all know Louis Dean is a heart patient AND a diabetic.

Imagine my surprise to find evidence of his transgressions in the matter of his diet!

Like a typical man - he thought it was easier to HIDE this than to simply take it to the trash!

He ate a good, fairly healthy lunch today but we did NOT have dessert!

I offered him fresh fruit instead!

After our work was done we took one final soak in the hot tub and one final dip in the pool before showering and finishing up our departure preparations.

We are packed up and ready to roll out of the RV Park first thing in the morning!

Grandma's Tea!

I drink a LOT of tea! Most mornings I make a pitcher and it is gone by the end of the day.

When my children were little they ALL drank my tea!

Then they grew up and had children of their own and THEY drank my tea!

The quads are continuing in the same tradition - they LOVE Grandma's tea!

Both Kailey and Logan can now drink from a straw while I give Harrison and Trystan 'straw sips.'

My favorites are herbal and flavored teas - I love them all!

This morning I was looking through Amber's tea collection for my concoction of the day!

I decided to go with Raspberry.

Do you see what I see written on the box?

'supports the Female System?'

It was really good!

Kailey was wound up tighter than a drum so when we were all in the Quatro Corral this afternoon I asked if she wanted some of Grandma's tea. Now these babies - at least the GIRLS! - know the word 'tea.'

I assured Kailey it was a good tea because it supports the 'Female System!' Whatever THAT is!!

One sip and she settled right down!

That's Kailey just 'chilling' with Grandma!

Amber said she had never seen her that calm!

She usually goes ninety miles a minute! Always in motion!!

Now I realize the babies were just thirsty but it gave us all a good laugh this afternoon.

I made sure Harrison had a sip or two as well.

Logan knows how to smack her little lips!

Mmmmm - GOOD tea!!!

Kailey is great at feeding herself!

She's a good smacker TOO!

Harrison is still the biggest weighing in at 17 1/2 lbs!

Trystan is next in line. She is shorter but solid!

 She was the last one to come home from the NICU and she was SO tiny!!

She sleeps well and has a hearty appetite!

I took the girls for a walk this afternoon before I came home.

They loved being out in the fresh air!

When I took them back home Harrison was awake so he got a ride in the SINGLE stroller! 

Pushing ONE baby was a piece of cake!

Pushing THREE was an aerobic workout!

It was after 5:00 when I got home today and I was wondering what I could rustle up for dinner.

Louis Dean met me at the car and told me he had been to the grocery store, prepared dinner and it was all ready to eat just as soon as I changed into my comfy clothes. 

Changing into comfy clothes is just about THE best moment of my whole day!

Summer and I laughed when we talked on the phone this evening and I told her I would probably burn this outfit I wear nearly every evening. It is a linen blend Chico shift dress - orange with earth toned leaves and berries on it. It was a long dress but I cut it off and hemmed it. I kept tripping on it as I came in and out of the camper. I also wear a Coldwater Creek cardigan of the same burnt orange color -

given to me by my friend, Brenda, and now nearly threadbare I have worn it so much!

This is my evening 'uniform' since I must stay 'dressed' as we spend part of every evening outside and we are right across from the rec building. Lots of people driving and walking by.

Louis Dean was sitting out there with a glass of wine waiting for me to change.

It is spring weather here and the camper door is open.

He waited a bit then called out, "Would you like to JOIN me with a glass of wine?"

I heard a lady from across the way answer, "Well, I'm a little busy right now! Perhaps later!!!"

We laughed and laughed!

LD and I were sitting out there with our wine when 

she finished her laundry and she said,

"THIS is what I am going back to our place and do now!"

Louis Dean assured her he was NOT flirting but said we had an extra glass anytime she wanted to join us!

(He obviously forgot we are LEAVING Saturday!)

Dinner was delicious! 

Chicken fried steak, gravy, mashed potatoes and candied carrots and home made rolls. The rolls were from the freezer.

Being outside part of every day has its drawbacks.

Allergies are hitting us hard.

Louis Dean is already in bed and I am headed that way.

Maybe I'll read a chapter or two in my current book.

Tomorrow is my last day in Quadville!

At least the Quadville HERE!

Amber and Mike have QUADS and WILL travel!

Looking forward to the NEW location!!

Telling Other People's Story

This is my fourth March to blog journal. It is my 27th year of keeping a personal country diary.

My friends and family have been very supportive and encouraging. 

I have tried to tell my own story and not infringe on the privacy of others.

I know I was pretty public about all that went on in my daughter's quad pregnancy.

I KNOW with all my heart the prayers and encouragement of many of YOU made all the difference in the world both to her and these four babies.

Mainly I share MY life in my journal and how others have touched, shaped, connected and are involved in MY life. 

Since others prayed so very faithfully for me and mine, I realize what a responsibility and privilege it is to pray for the concerns of others - both people I know and some I do not. Praying for friends, family and strangers is an honor and a priceless gift.

My mother (on the left) is a great prayer warrior! That's Aunt Alice in the middle. Mother is the last of her siblings still alive. Aunt Alice is in her 90's and was married to Mother's only brother.

They all called each other 'brother' and 'sister' - but there were two sisters! 

They always seemed to know which sister they were referring to.

My cousin, Joyce, is on the right - she's Aunt Alice's daughter.

Joyce's granddaughter, Dana, had a baby the day before my Amber gave birth to the quads.

Dana's baby has had some difficulties after birth. So has Dana. 

The following is a message from my sister, Deanie:

"I took Mother to see Aunt Alice yesterday in Weatherford. It is a smaller place than where Aunt Irene (Mother's older sister) was but there was a 2 year wait for that facility. Aunt Alice didn't know we were coming, I had called Paula and let her know we were going. Paula is not in good health and I wasn't able to talk to her so I left her a message. Mother and I sat in the waiting room and watched for AA to come out of the dining room. I didn't want to go in there. After about 30 minutes AA and Joyce walked through the front door. AA walks well but she didn't know who I was, so her memory comes and goes. So the brunt of things are on Joyce. We REALLY need to pray for Joyce's grand daughter Dana, she had a baby the day before Amber had the Quads. Dana is almost 30 years old (she is Pam's daughter) and the doctors found a large mass in her liver which turned out to be cancer. The next step is to find out where it originated so she will have a colonoscopy soon. Joyce said please tell everyone to pray!"

That would make the baby Aunt Alice's great GREAT granddaughter!

Mother was showing her pictures of the quads at last year's family reunion.

My cousin, Paula, on the left and Mother on the right.

Mother continues to be healthy as a horse and younger members of the family struggle with all sorts of medical issues!

So Dana, Joyce, Paula, Aunt Alice and baby comes under 'Family' on my Prayer List.

Under 'Friends' I have Gary.....

Gary is on the left and my brother in law is on the right.

They have been friends forever!

Taken from Gary's Facebook status:

My brother in law's good friend.......he's in our prayers!!

Gary Odom

Is life good or what? Yesterday I found out cancer has reoccuried in my body. This is a great time to show how good God really is. I don't know how but someway Jesus will shine in this dark time. Already family and friends have comforted me, blessings from God. Please don't feel sorry for me, but stand in faith we me, this way I can do something for Jesus that means something, thank you all, Gary.

Gary had throat cancer a while back and had been cancer free for 18 months.

Gary has such a good attitude! God is not finished with him yet!

I find that Facebook oftentimes acts like the old fashioned Prayer Chains.

Remember them?

That's how Cayden came to be under the category 'Strangers' on my prayer list.

Cayden Thomas Wells July 2, 2012

Description

For those who dont know Cayden was born with Down Syndrome. He has Av cannel defect, heart disease, congestive heart failure, congenital hyprothyroidism,abnormal liver, fluid on lungs, reflux, floppy airways, hearing loss and much much.....
He has had have oxygen since day was born. Due to his pulminary hyrotinsion. We was told hed have heart surgery when was 6 months old. But has to go in early so on October 31 went in at 6 for HEart Surguery. Was told would be a 6 hour but turned in to 9 hours. Due to had problems getting to sleep. Since than hes been going down hill every since. Hes now on complete bypass. Was told without machines wouldnt live. He has lung disease, both his lungs are callapsed, he has pneumonia, fluid all over, hes purple from fluid, dialysis machine to try help everything pull off fluid. and put more oxygen in his blood on ventilator, lots of other things. has bacteria, an rhyno virus, burns from probe, has 4 differnt drain tube, pace maker wires, on 20 differnt meds. I will try an update evryday. any prayers would be appreciated greatly. Cayden has a big sister Named Heaven who is 18months so were very busy. Mom is a stay home mom and dad is on fml without pay. So need prayer to get better quickly!! So dad can still provide for family and sister wont be so lost.

I found the information above on the Facebook page 'Prayers For Cayden.'

I had noticed a friend of mine had taken an interest, 'Liked' the Facebook page and was leaving encouraging and comforting comments as well as holding this family up in prayer.

I followed in her footsteps.

As we read the status each morning we were all waiting for Cayden to die. The doctors said he would.

God had other plans. Cayden refused to die! Day after day.....

Today's status from the Prayers for Cayden Facebook page:

Well since we couldn't get his thyroid level checked. Allan an self upper his dose Sunday. An yesturday was more awake but nothing I mean nothing like today. This boy has been wide awake since 6am an is still going. With no cat nap either. So upper ing dose was smart move. Plus starting next week going to try wean off all these drugs! Just to really c if he needs this much. Cause Allan or self doesn't think he does. But do think when he has a spell but that's what prns are for. It's time to start goin down on them a for him to b awake an being a baby! An when or if he can't handle the drug weaning well now he'll show us by needing more prns. So goals for cayden! Not diein! Weaning drugs. Trying to eat by mouth to get rid of tube. Working on strength an head control. An we can do all this since he's awake more. I truly believe the thyroid level was low cause when it's low it makes u sleep. Plus all these drugs he dont need but when has spell. So mom has big goals! Wish us luck an prayers for these to happen. Now don't get me wrong Allan still says when he has a spell he might not come out of it. But I'm tired of thinking lik that cause he's proved time an time again he comes out. So moms going start having him be on track of normal life! If it happens it happens but in reality it can happen to anyone at anytime an they don't stop their lives so why should he?

 Last night  I sent Cayden's mom a private message and asked permission to share their story.

Her response:

Prayers for Cayden

I don't mind at all thank u be could use as many prayers.

This little Prayer Bear was a gift from my son and daughter in law.

He holds my prayer list.

So now that I have shared other people's stories - here's the journal entry for MY day!

Amber had doctor appointments today so Granddad was only too happy to do some baby holding!

As I folded clothes Logan was playing right beside me.

She is such an adorable little thing!

It is so much fun watching her explore!

She and Kailey took a nice nap together while Harrison dozed in the swing.

Trystan had a doctor appointment so it was Care Taking of Trips today!

We got back to our camper home earlier than usual this afternoon - right at 4:00!

Which was a good thing since today was rent due day.

After paying for a month at a time for 7 months - we are now paying by the DAY!

Louis Dean paid us up til noon on Saturday!

He has probably left Quadville South for the last time today.

I will be over there Wednesday and Thursday.

Friday we pack up our camper, haul in the plants and debris (canopy and flapping shower curtains!), crank in the pull out section and go to bed early!

We'll be up at first light on Saturday morning hauling ourselves back home.

Quadville will be relocating as well!!

That takes the sadness out of leaving!

Good Times in The Quatro Corral!!!

I donned my apron and jumped right in to the Quatro Corral!

The apron has denim pockets to hold my cell phone and my camera.

Actually it was early afternoon before we were playing in there.

The babies have a good schedule that provides variety and seems to work like a charm.

Mondays are bath days and I give them in the morning.

The babies have now outgrown the baby bath tubs!

I draw just enough water and bathe them in the tub like 'real' people!

Harrison loves to stand at this activity table their Aunt Summer gave them.

All the babies do!

Logan gal is ready to ride in the Quatro Corral!

She SHOULD be on a toy horse but I guess a turtle will have to do!

Kailey is busy all day long! Busy BEING Kailey!

She's the smallest of the four but is four times more active!

All the toys you can imagine - and their favorite thing is the face wipe package!

The babies love my tea and I shared it with them - like a mini Tea Party!

"WHOA, GrandMA!!!! Did you put LEMON in that tea??"

Today has been all about the babies day!

Louis Dean was in the camper alone today.

I should have taken pictures - I was SO surprised!

He had dinner ready - chili dogs and all the trimmings!

He had smoothed the covers on the couch - which is the VERY FIRST thing I do when I come in!

He had even MADE THE BED!!!

Wow!

Across Four Marches!

It's been a slow easy Sunday here. Louis Dean and I continued  in  'Rest' mode and have done little but watch old movies on TV. Neither of us had seen 'A Few Good Men' before! Louis Dean had not seen 'The Fugitive' - the one with Tommy Lee Jones and Harrison Ford. Then I can't count the number of NCIS episodes we've watched. There was a Mark Harman marathon on this weekend!

 I've been looking back at the Marches of the last few years.

This is from March 24, 2010.

Exactly four years ago!

Looks like pretty 'springy' weather!

However, just 3 days before we had an unexpected spring snow!

March weather is always unpredictable!

This from March 24, 2011.

March 2011 was when we adopted our little Maggie.

Her name was Magenta - but we think Maggie fits her better!

March 2012 found us just starting the camper rehab!

This place was a real mess!

At this point we were simply clearing it all out!

That whole end window wall plus a good bit of the floor had to be redone.

Repairing and getting this camper ready to live in was THE hardest chore!

March 24, 2012  Amber was just 2 weeks away from what proved to be a 57 day hospital stay.

But we DID manage to turn the RV into a cozy, comfy camper home!

It has made all the difference in the world and has enabled us to spend MONTHS down here helping Amber and Mike with the quadruplets!

The little things like lace and candles and pretty boxes have made it seem more like home.

We have come a long way!

Hard to believe our job here is nearly over!