Look Who's Nine

When I made the move to Virginia and then took an almost month-long trip out west, I thought I would blog a lot about those adventures, but so far I haven't.  But this week is different.  We've been celebrating Ella's ninth birthday.  Those of you who have followed my blog for a long time have been along the journey of this lovely little girl.  

 As she celebrates this year, we are celebrating that new drugs are appearing on the scene that are making a real difference in the lives of those with cystic fibrosis.  Recently a drug was approved that is targeted at Ella's mutation.  While right now, it is only available for those twelve and over, trials are being done in children younger.  We are so thankful that Ella has been very healthy and pray that this continues to be the case.

 The highlight of her day on Sunday was a trip to Build-a-Bear with several of her friends.  When they were done, all returned to Ella's house for a cookout and playing in the yard.  In just a few days, she and her friends will be starting fourth grade.  Can you believe it?  Happy birthday, Ella.

Now I Am Four!

When I woke up this morning, my room was filled with balloons!  What fun I've had playing with them.  I went to the store with my mommy and told everyone that now I am four.  My grammy has come to help celebrate, and tonight my aunt Sarah is leaving to drive up to see me and celebrate this weekend.

Where have the years gone? A lot of you have been seeing photos of Ella ever since she was born. Here are a few of the photos from this past year.

Why Doesn't He Talk to Me?

 This past week my son was being interviewed on one of the TV stations in the area.  Ella was still at Ginny's.  Her mom had arrived to pick her up, and they sat down to watch David's interview.  Ginny told me that Ella couldn't understand why he would not answer her when she talked to him.

We have finally caught up with technology (just a bit) and have begun talking back and forth via the computer and web cam.  The first time Ella saw me, she said, "Grammy, can I come to your house?" She'd get right up to the screen, looking like she wanted to give me kisses.  After I explained this to Ginny, she understood why Ella was having a hard time not knowing why her daddy wouldn't talk to her when he was on TV.

I mentioned a while ago having trouble with my back.  I've started having therapy and so it is easing some.  Hopefully it will be all better.  My shingles still let me know that they are around.

If you haven't visited Melange recently, be sure to stop by.  She's blogging more again, and each post is better than the last one.

Have a good weekend, everyone.

Where to Begin?

I eagerly anticipated the arrival of Ella the Bella and her parents at the beginning of February. They arrived just two days before our annual Sweet Adelines show. A few days before their arrival, I began having all kinds of pain in my midsection, so I decided a trip to the doctor was in order.

After checking me over, she thought that I probably had shingles. A kidney stone was an option. Because the lab tech wasn't in that day, the urine sample couldn't be checked for an infection. So I went home with the assurance I could call any time during the weekend since she was on call. On Saturday, I had a rehearsal for Sweet Adelines in the morning, a Pampered Chef lunch at my house at noon, and then something else in the afternoon. I don't even remember what it was.

On Sunday I was still hurting, so I called her back. She suggested my going to an urgent care facility where they could do a scan and whatever was needed. There was no kidney stone, and a chest x-ray looked fine, so the dear doctor there said in his soft Cuban accent, "My dear, I believe you probably have shingles." I got a shot for the pain, antiviral drugs, a prescription for nausea and one for pain and went home. I broke out with a rash on Monday. I believe the antiviral drugs kept them from being so severe, but it has not been fun.

As you will notice, I'm not in any of these photos. The day after the Sweet Adelines show, we went to Disney World. The kids had a great time. I stayed in bed most of the day on Monday. I had told David and Sabrina that I wanted to take Ella and the family to a character breakfast, so on Tuesday we had breakfast at Chef Mickey's in the Contemporary Resort. The breakfast was yummy, and we really did enjoy seeing the characters up close and personal. I think I enjoyed it as much as Ella did.

The week went by much too quickly. The rash has subsided on my body; the pain is not as bad, but it is there. I'm finding that being quiet is better than lots of activity.

Just a couple of weeks before I came down with shingles, the nurse at our retired educators' meeting gave a brief report. Her point was to make sure that our immunizations were up-to-date, and then she mentioned the shot for shingles. I don't know where I've been because I thought that I usually stayed current on what I should be doing, but this one passed me by somehow. At the appropriate time, I will be getting it. I would not like to go through this again!

Breathe Easy, Lauren

When Ella was born three years ago, our family was so thrilled to have this new life join us, and what a joy she has been and continues to be. The joy was overshadowed by grieving in the days to come when we found out that she had cystic fibrosis. When you are hit in the face with something like this, you begin to look for information and hope.

I don't remember how I met Lauren. I know it was a God thing. Lauren was born 29 years ago with CF. She grew up, graduated from college as an environmental scientist, married her dear husband, Brad. I must have found her through cysticfibrosis.com, a website that is an educational site, as well as a support group for the CF family. We e-mailed back and forth after Ella was born and became friends via the internet. She wrote in one of her e-mails that she felt like we were family.

In the past three years of knowing her, she had been in and out of the hospital, battling this horrible disease. Recently she had been listed for a double lung transplant, but she had become too ill and she died this week.

Lauren loved life. She was such an encouragement to the CF world. I have read of so many who felt the same way about her that I did. Many have written that she was one of the first people who wrote and encouraged them as they began their journey with CF. She was a prolific author, writing many articles related to CF.

Her journey with CF has ended. Today she is with her Savior, breathing new air. The words of the song "Finally Home" keep going through my mind today. "Just think of stepping on shore and finding it heaven, of touching a hand, and finding it God's, of breathing new air, and finding it celestial, of waking up in Glory and finding it home.


To meet Lauren, visit here.

The Object of My Affection

When I came downstairs this morning, Ella was jumping all over the living room. "Grammy, this is my jumper, so I can jump." And jump she did. This three -year-old is a bundle of energy. I told her mother the other day that when I was teaching first grade, the children bounded out of the room with the same energy with which they entered in the morning. If we could only bottle it!

"Hi, Grammy."

After lunch I was sitting on the love seat, and I snapped several shots of her coming toward me, backing up, and starting the game all over again. Of all the shots I got, even though this one is a little out of focus, it's a great photo of her.

When her mother asked her what she wanted to be for Hallowe'en, she responded, "An elephant!" Mom had expected her to say a princess or something like that, but no, an elephant. So I said to her, "So, you're going to be Ella the elephant."

"No," she said, "I'm Ella the Bella." Indeed, she is.

Tomorrow's the Day

Ella's third birthday is tomorrow. When the mail came today, there was a package for her. When she saw it, I told her it was for her birthday tomorrow. She smacked her forehead and said, "I can't be-weeve it!"

Isn't she lovely!

I've just returned from spending three weeks in Virginia with Ella and her family. When I was there in April for Easter, there were some tulips and daffodils, and the dogwood was just beginning to bud along with the other trees and shrubs. Four weeks later when I returned, everything was in full leaf and flower. We grow so accustomed in Florida to having flowers all year around that I don't appreciate the newness of spring when I see it, although I must say that it is so refreshing to see the earth awake after the barren winter.

Some of you have commented on my photography. Most of the photos that you see of Ella were taken by either David or Sabrina, and I've just "borrowed" them. The photos above were taken at Easter. It is so neat to see how much Ella has grown and developed each time I visit. I cherish each visit with her. I continue to be amazed and amused by her vocabulary and some of her antics.

This past week when I was there David was away at a conference, and so I requested that Ella go to her sitter's for part of that week since I was rising early to do her treatments with her and get her ready for the day. On Thursday when I went to pick her up at Ginny's, she was happy to see me and said to Ginny and Phil, "Here comes my best friend, Grammy!"

I arrived home on Sunday after a very smooth trip down I-95. Traffic was not heavy, and there were no backups or accidents. I made it all the way to mile marker 3 in Georgia around 6 Saturday night and then came on home Sunday morning. It's always good to be home, even though I love my time in Virginia.

Today I was at my church, volunteering in the office, answering the phone while the staff had its weekly meeting. One of my "jobs" is to do a mailing to some of the seniors in the church. The pastor writes a weekly letter to them and includes a fun sheet with a word search and other interesting facts. As I was putting the address stickers on the envelopes and thinking about some of the people that I know, I thought how much they must look forward to receiving this letter each week. Personal mail is almost a thing of the past, isn't it. I remember someone complaining about all the junk mail they received, and the elderly person commented that junk mail was the only mail they received.

One of the ladies who receives this letter is now 101. I have known her since I was a young girl. Her husband has been gone for many years. One of her daughters who looked after her here got cancer and died a few years ago. Now she is living with a granddaughter in the Tampa area. She was at our church not too long ago, and I had the opportunity to speak with her. Her mind is still sharp, and she's in pretty good health, and she has a loving home to be in.

Another lady who receives this letter is 96 or 97. Her husband was the first pastor of the church I belong to now. Breathing difficulties make it hard for her to get out, but she has this connection with her church family.

It's a little thing, but I'm glad that I have a little part in brightening these folks' day.

I hope that something happens to you today to brighten your day.

A Fun Sunday

We drove over to Orlando on Saturday afternoon and had dinner at the Rainfor*st Cafe at the Marketplace in the Disn*y Village. I had called earlier in the week and made reservations, so we got there right at 5:30 and were seated right away. The restaurant is like a rain forest, filled with all kinds of animals...not all rain forest animals however. There were elephants there, along with monkeys, gorillas, birds and butterflies. We were told that every 12 minutes the animals come to life. This was a little bit frightening for Ella, but she soon got used to it. Our food was yummy, and then we walked around a while before going to the hotel.

The next morning we arrived at the Magic Kingdom before it opened, so we were outside for a few minutes. Since my DIL's birthday was on Sunday, she got in free. She wore a pin that said "Happy Birthday!" and everywhere we went the cast members (that's what all the employees are called) wished her a happy birthday. Since we had been there many times, (my children and I) we went the opposite way of most of the people and got to some of the popular rides before everyone else did.

The day started out so pleasant, and it really remained that way the whole day. It was nice and sunny, yet not too hot. A couple of times I needed to cool off, so I found a cool spot in the shade and recouped my strength. Ella fell asleep around 1, so I watched Ella while the others went through the Haunt*d Mansion. We figured that might be a little bit scary for her. Before she fell asleep, though, she and her daddy rode the D*mbo ride. She liked that one.

The last ride that we all went on was Pooh*s ride. We were all able to ride together in the car, and we took a pleasant trip through the hundred acre woods. Ella is so familiar with the video of Pooh that she recognized everything there.

Sarah and I came home Sunday afternoon. I could hardly walk. I'm either going to have to get myself in good shape or break down and use a wheelchair or an electric cart! Having MG doesn't help either.

Our day was very pleasant. It wasn't super crowded, which was nice. On the way over, I asked one of the men if Disn*y was the largest employer in the county. He said that 62,000 employees, it is the largest employer in the country. It's all make-believe, but it is indeed a magic kingdom. For the most part, everyone goes out of their way to be helpful. I can think on only one time in all the times that we have gone that one of the cast members was not at his best.

I'm eager to see them tomorrow as they return and see what they have to say about the rest of their stay.

Today in Virginia

One of the things I enjoy about being in Virginia now is that it is October. The mornings are crisp and cool, and the days have been just wonderful. Being outside is one of Ella's favorite things to do is to be outside. My son and his wife have a nice neighborhood with a couple three doors down who have a little girl just a couple of weeks younger than Ella.

At lunch we enjoyed our lunch with Ella's daddy. He works close by so he gets home for lunch. I mentioned that on my way to Virginia I stopped by Mount Olive, North Carolina. Sarah graduated from Mount Olive College, Mount Olive also happens to be the home of Mount Olive Pickles. The company supports the college, and so every year in November at Homecoming, the college has a Pickle Classic, a tournament of basketball games between nearby colleges.

During this weekend there is also a walk for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. That makes me happy to know that the life of a former student with CF made an impact on those at the school and they honor her in this way.

Mount Olive College is proud of the fact that their baseball team was the NCAA Division II baseball champs this year. That was a wonderful accomplishment for them.

The college is a Baptist school, which is supported also by the Free Will Baptists in North Carolina. On Monday night I went to a dinner with my friend, who heads up alumni activities for the school. The churches in the different counties raise money for the school, and at these dinners, they bring their gifts. At each table was a jar of pickles, given by the pickle company. Since our jar was opened, I brought them along to Virginia, and Ella and I have finished them rather quickly.

By the way, if you ever pass through Mount Olive, you can visit Mount Olive Pickles at the corner of Cucumber and Vine.

A Day at the Park

Ella went to visit her grandparents in Ohio a couple of weekends ago. Her two little cousins were there, as well. My daughter-in-law (I'm assuming) took these photos. She has such a great eye and captures great shots. In fact, she has been asked to shoot some birthday parties.
It is so neat to watch this little girl and her love for life. She is quite the adventurer. From early on, David had her flying through the air as he twirled her around. She still likes to go for a "plane ride."
The monochrome shot of her further down was such a serious shot, I thought I'd let you see her beautiful smile. Just six days until I see her again.
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Steve Goodier shared this story on his website the other day. You've probably read it before, but it is a good one.

"Two little children, a boy and a girl, walked hand-in-hand to their neighbor's house. Standing on her tiptoes, the little girl was just able to reach the doorbell. A woman greeted them and asked what they wanted.

"We're playing house," the little girl answered. "This is my hus­band and I am his wife. May we come in?" Thoroughly enchanted by the scene con­fronting her, the lady said, "By all means, do come in."

Once inside, she offered the children lem­on­ade and cookies, which they graciously ac­cepted. When a second tall glass of lemonade was offered, the little girl refused by saying: "No, thank you. We have to go now. My husband just wet his pants."

I don't want to forget what it is like to be a child. To believe the world is full of magic, wonder and awe. I want to remember to take time for play and, just as important, to feed my imagination. The older I grow, the more it seems that ordinary events are now all too common­place and the extraordi­nary cannot hold my attention for long.

I never want to be too old to be "awe-struck!"! Today, I want to rekindle that touch of won­der. It's part of being fully alive!"

The touch of wonder...fully alive!

For your reading and viewing pleasure

Here are a few photos of Ella, taken while she was here in Florida with "Gammy." I still have a smile on my face when I think about her visit. This week I've been reading a lot of blogs and have read some wonderful posts. Go here to read a heart-warming story that dates back to World War II and the Berlin airlift. You will smile and perhaps have a tear or two as you read this story.

Over at Kenju's place, today she posted a newspaper article about a long distance relationship that lasted for many years, spanning the ocean. Again, your heart will be warmed as you read the post. Click on the photo and you will be able to read it with ease.

Finally, since Ella's diagnosis with CF, I have read many blogs by CFer's. Many go through very hard times, but there is such a strength of spirit and love of life that keeps them going. This morning in my mailbox was this link. Lo had a double lung transplant a couple of years ago that went south. A year ago she had a second one, and in her journal this morning she writes of her journey. It is truly amazing to read of her journey and triumph through difficult times.

Please, please, read all three. You'll be glad you did.

Haven't I Grown?

My mommy and daddy took me to the zoo in Washington D.C.
I saw another little girl who looks just like me.

Hello, Grammy

Hello, Grammy,
This is Ella calling. I'm coming to see you next week. My mommy and daddy are coming too. We're getting on an airplane next Wednesday and flying down to Tampa. My daddy found these tickets long before the prices started to go up so that's good. My mommy hopes the weather will be good.

I'm looking forward to playing in the pool and going to the beach. And, Grammy, I know you are going to want to show me off to all your friends. That's all for now. I'll see you next week.

Bye, Ella
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The weather maps show rain every day, but you can't believe what you see. Yes, we are having rain, but it often comes later in the day, so there will be plenty of time for the beach and swimming in the pool. And yes, it is hot, but not as hot as other places have been seeing these days.

We'll have a good time, and yes, there will be pictures to post.

Project Blue - Take 5

Can you tell I'm getting ready for Ella's arrival? Her parents are bringing her to see me in less than two weeks.

While shopping for some necessities for her, I got a little carried away and found these W*nder Pets. When I was with her this winter, we watched their program on N*ckelodeon. I tried in vain to find some of them when I went shopping then.

But hooray, the other day I found these. When I taught first grade, I kept up with what was all the rage with kids, but having been away from the classroom for nine years, I've been out of the loop. Well, I'm getting back in. And it's FUN! Happy Friday, everyone.