school....

Monday and Tuesday Bryan went to school for half days. Today he is attending the whole day. He has a follow-up doctors appt. today at 3:50. Please pray that all his bloodwork is normal and that he begins to regain some strength. He has been really tired. I am hoping that with each passing day he will become stronger and stronger. Thanks again for all of your prayers. I love you all. RW

we are home....

Wanted to let you all know that we are home. After a really good night of sleep and no pain meds, a good breakfast, and a good lunch they let Bryan come home. He is sleeping now and is tired and weak. Continue to pray for his strength to return and that we get the stomach issues under control. We need all bloodwork numbers to return to normal. We will follow up with his Dr next week. Thanks for all of your love and support, please continue to lift him up until his recovery is complete.

RW

FRIDAY night at OLOL...

Well we are settling in for another night at THE LAKE. We are waiting for Bryan to have less pain, eat more and have some more strength. Talked with a hemotologist today regarding irregularities in Bryan's bloodwork. She is convinced that the bloodwork indicates viral activity that has made is counts go low. The good news is that the numbers are on the increase. This virus has taken its toll on Bryan's body and he is worn out.

Will update tomorrow praying for a restful night.

RW

10/30 update...

We had a good night. Bryan went 7 hours without morphine. Great accomplishment since he was struggling to go 3 hours without morphine all day yesterday. Doctor is wanting Bryan to be mobile and try to eat little bits. He ate a couple of bites of eggs and one bite of toast. Pray for his appetite to return to normal. I will keep you all updated thanks so much for your prayers and concern. I love you all. RW

update...

It has been an on and off day as far as pain management goes. It seems now that he is resting and has been since 6pm. Of course, his spirits are up he is truly his father's son, I am seeing that more now than ever. What a trooper he has been through this.

Thanks to all for your prayers and i will keep you updated.

Robin

Bryan update.....

I have been dealing with Bryan being sick since Saturday. Saturday he started with fever, Sunday the fever reached 104.8, called ambulance they came and said to treat fever and see doctor on Monday. Saw dr. who said flu test was negative and that this was probably some sort of virus and has to run its course. Tuesday he woke up with 104. fever and stomach pain so we came to OLOL ER. They checked him out and said probably viral gastritis sent us home. No fever Tues. night but Bryan was not able to sleep at all because of being so uncomfortable. Stomach pain got really bad Wed. morning so I took him to the ER again. Basically, I said, "We are not leaving this time until I have some answers. At least tell me what it is NOT." They gave him morphine for the severe abdominal pain. After CT scan, and xrays they ruled out appendisitis and intestinal blockage. He was in a lot pain. They decided to admit him to hospital to control pain. Dr. decided to get pediatric gastro dr on board. Gastro dr. decided to do scope on Bryan.

The scope found stress related gastritis with several ulcers around the sphincter at the bottom of his stomach. The fever they believe, was related to a virus that caused the high temp.

More later,
Robin

20 years.....

Yesterday was my 20th wedding anniversary. It was a day of sweet reflection and memories. Good memories of times we shared throughout our lives together. Make a distinct effort to make memories with the ones you love. If you allow the busyness of life to consume you then there are few special memories to hang on to. Even in the midst of the mundane you can make memories.

Lauren is in the throws of school and Bryan is absolutely loving being in the band and meeting new friends. He has a Homecoming date and is making the adjustments to his new school. Please keep us all in prayer. I have started a jewelry business and it is going well. I have enjoyed success and am enjoying being with people and showing them this great jewelry. I have been substitute teaching this whole week. WOW I forgot what it was like to be in the classroom day in and day out. I do love the kids but oh how they can push your buttons.

I love each of you,
Robin

here i is....

Well I haven't written in a while. I have been busy with trying to finish out the summer. I am going to be substitute teaching at Hosanna and Central and starting Premier Design Jewelry. I am having fun with that and can't wait to get in full swing with it.

Bryan starts school on the 17th and Lauren on the 24th. The book is coming along and I am excited about what God has in store. Please continue to keep us in prayer as our lives venture into new territory. Take care my precious friends and know that your prayers make a difference for me and all the people you lift before the Father.

RW

Bryan...

Well Bryan had his first band practice today for freshmen. Robert and Vivian were there too because they are part of the leadership corps. It was so cool when I picked them up, Bryan said, "I found a group I fit in with." He was really able to be himself and he said he had the girls laughing. He really likes the band director and it seems that all is going well. Next week he has band camp all day, all week. I know there will be an adjustment time but I really think this is going to be a good move for him.

Lauren is going to visit Natalie, my niece, in Alabama. This will be her first road trip without me. She is going with her good friend Callie. I know they are going to have the best time. Please be praying for safe travel for them. School will be starting for her too shortly.

I am going to substitute teach at HCA and Central and I have started selling Premier Jewelry. I am excited about it because it will allow me time with Bryan and Lauren, time to work ou the book and still bring in some money. YEHA!!!

God bless and take care,
RW

colorado....rocky mountain high....

What an awesome vacation we have had. Beautiful scenery, relaxation, and time with family. It doesn't get any better than that. We have had a great time and if you have never been to the Rocky Mountains, I challenge you to try to get a trip in at some point, it will be well worth it.

Bryan has band camp in a couple of weeks. He is excited and so are his cousins, because Robert and Vivian are in the CHS band. Bryan will play percussion of some type. This will certainly make for a busy football season coming up in the fall. I am considering substituting at Central and Hosanna and maybe some outside tutoring. Pray for the Lord to lead me in this area. Love you all more later.

RW

George's birthday...

Yesterday would have been George's 45th birthday. We got some sunflowers and went to the cemetary and met his mom and dad and Mike and Eva. It was good to see them. Thank the Lord for the rain lately, things in the yard are growing crazy.

I have had a friend offer to help me edit the book. He is a friend from high school that didn't know George or our situation so I am excited to see what suggestions he will make. Thanks Tommy.

Lauren and I are about to start P90X diet and workout program. We will keep you updated.
Take care everyone.

Robin

geaux tigers...

The LSU Tigers are roasting some razorback today in Omaha. Man do we need some rain or what. I think it has been almost three weeks without rainfall. Everything in the yard is struggling. We are truly having a great summer. Lauren and I are starting a diet and workout program on Monday, she is in two weddings coming up and needs to hold her weight in check. I want to lose some and get in better shape.

Just finished deheading, peeling and deveining 15 lbs. of shrimp. Can't wait to eat 'em.

getting in order....

Bryan has officially been enrolled at Central High. He began weightlifting today so that he will be conditioned for sports. I believe this will be a good move for Bryan. Kinda shake him out of his comfort zone. I really think he enjoyed today.

My cousin and her son are coming in tomorrow from New York to visit some colleges, can't wait to see them it has been a couple of years.

I am totally going through my house and organizing. What an undertaking but it is so necessary. I am trying to take it in small bites but oh how things get worse before they get better. The beginning of summer has been good hope to get a few trips in before school starts. We'll see.

RW

done...

Well Bryan is done with school, Lauren is done with school, and I am done with work. It is summer time. Bryan is leaving tomorrow for a retreat with the youth and he is excited. I have driving school on Saturday for a ticket I got in Feb. at least I can do this and it will not go on my record.

I have realized over the last couple of weeks if you are not on your toes the devil will be quick to try to trip you up. Maybe, not him personally since he can only be at one place at a time and I am sure he has bigger fish to fry than me but he has his little minions on assignment just waiting to try to catch us unaware. Last Wednesday night Pastor Terry preached an incredible sermon on grace.

Lauren is working fulltime and is loving her little kids. She is gifted to love on those two year olds.

Thanks for praying for us.
RW

howdy....

Well today I cut about 4 acres of grass. I'm glad I did because it is raining now and it would not have gotten done for another week. I have one more week of work with my friend, Scott. He is hiring someone and I will be helping to train them next week. Please be praying because I am not sure of my course of action after that. I am trusting that God will make clear a path before me.

I am seriously considering putting Bryan in Central High next year. My niece and nephew attend there and it will offer Bryan many different opportunities both academically, and with sports and other extracurricular activities. Please be praying for me to have the mind of Christ in this area. It is a very serious decision and I want to be sensitive to God's leading.

Lately, I have had some difficult emotional times. Not sure why people say time heals all wounds, because in some ways things have gotten worse and more sensitive. Lauren and I have talked about the difficulties of realizing that we have forgotten certain things about George. Sometimes I need to remember what his voice sounds like so I call his old cell phone, which Bryan is using now, just to hear the voicemail because we have left George's voice on the message. Sometimes, I catch myself staring at his picture so I can hold on to what he looked like. I miss him very much. When I pick blueberries, or walk in the yard to check out the fig trees I can't help but miss him. That is what he loved doing the most was being in the yard taking care of things. Thanks for letting me get all of that off my chest. I love you all and thanks again for checking in on us.
RW

sorry...

I am so sorry to all of you who faithfully check this blog just to keep up with me and the kids. Between work, starting dance class, church, keeping up with the kids and trying to keep up with the house work(haha). I have not made time to write. The Lord is so very faithful, He has been walking me through some difficult places of trying to make some decisions. Employment, school for Bryan, publisher for the book---I am trying to stay open to hear from the Lord. God has been so faithful to show me things along this journey. I am considering it a journey of discovery as God has shifted my thinking on death, has shown me depths of love I have yet explore and has held me when I thought I would fall apart. Our Father comforts in so many ways. He uses you, He uses Himself in quiet moments of reflection to assure me that all is well with my soul.

Thanks for your continued prayers
RW

happy Easter......

The kids and I went to River Ridge today to visit with Granny and Paw-Paw. Aunt Eva and Natalie are in from Alabama. We had a great time visiting with everyone. The day today was absolutely beautiful.

I pray you all have a blessed Easter.

Robin

all is well....

All is well with me and mine. We have all been quite busy. Lauren has 3 tests this week then Spring Break so she is excited and working hard this coming week for some much deserved rest. Bryan is doing track and has been busy with a project for the Social Studies Fair at school. That is behind him and he is also preparing for Easter Break. Unfortunately, Bryan and Lauren's weeks do not coordinate so we won't have the opportunity to take a trip.

I have been helping Scott out again and the Print and Copy Center because he had an employee quit and that left him in a bind. So things have been busy. And to make things busier I started taking a ballet class on Tues. nights. It is right down the road from where I work so it is not out of the way. I have been enjoying that so much. I love the discipline of dance especially ballet and oh it is a great work out. more later RW

time, time, time.....

Where is '09 going? As I watch the month of March tick away, I am wondering if time could possibly pass any faster. I feel as though it is flying pass me so quickly. I have been noticing the change of scenery around me. The leaves are budding, the azaleas are blooming and spring has basically sprung. Before you know it, it will be time to open the pool and summer will be on its heels. As time flys so do many missed opportunities. We need to be mindful of what is going on around us in the midst of our busyness and us trying to keep our heads above water. There are chances to affect eternity all around us we just need to recognize them and then to desire to take advantage of the opportunities. Another reason why dying to self is so very necessary.

Once self is out of the way, there are things we see differently and opportunities we won't let pass us by. Ask the Lord to continue to show you your life in light of eternity and why you were actually put on the planet at this time and in the place you are in. None of it is by mistake or just some random act of providence it is purposed by our Heavenly Father to accomplish a very specific plan and affect the Kingdom of God and bring forth His glory on the earth. WOW you are a vital part of God's plan. How awesome that He wants to use us. Let's purpose in our hearts to cooperate. What ya say????? RW

cruising.....

On Saturday I returned from a 5 night Mexican cruise. Lana and I left from New Orleans aboard the Carnival Fantasy and had the times of our lives. It was absolutely relaxing and beautiful. The food was incredible and the boat was incredible.

On Sunday night I was able to share at church on the thought: "Shut up and die". In learning the truth about how God views death we will then be able to more easily die to self in order to live in the love of God. Self and the love of God can not coexist, it is impossible. But in pulling back the ugly mask of death and realizing how God views the death of His saints helps us to embrace without fear the concept of death. I will putting more of these thoughts down because I feel as though the Lord would have me write this out.

I am helping out my friend Scott again at work he had an employee quit on him and he is short a person at work. I had quit but now I am there helping him out. Bryan has been home sick the last two days from school but I think he is better now. We are going out tonight as a family and see a movie and hang out. LATER.....RW