My B-day Shoes

For my birthday, I decided to buy some expensive, frivolous shoes. I wanted them to be fun first, and not necessarily functional. And I planned to spend more than I usually do on shoes...it was my birthday, after all. But when I went shopping, I was overwhelmed. It had been so long since I bought shoes just for fun that I didn't even know what I liked. DSW and Off Broadway had so many styles to choose from, but nothing jumped out at me. I left without new shoes.


But while shopping for Reagan at Ross, I decided to check out their shoes...and I found these:


You may not be able to tell from the photos, but they are fabulous--and ridiculous! They have a bit of a platform, about five inch heels, peep-toe, and they lace up the front. They are houndstooth plaid and black patent leather. Yet, here's the funny thing, they're actually rather practical. I've worn them several times already. They can be worn with jeans and dress pants or with dresses and opaque tights. And they're not terribly uncomfortable--not bad at all.


Here's the best part: they were cheap (about 1/3 of what I was planning to pay). Happy birthday to me! :)

When I Grow Up...

Recently at Awana, the kids got Fun Fair points for dressing as what they want to be when they grow up. I felt certain that Reagan would either say a princess or a ballerina, but no. I guess starting kindergarten has had an impression on her, because Reagan chose to dress as a teacher. She comes from a family of teachers (Grandma and both her sisters are teachers, as is Reagan's Aunt Sharon), so it's probably in her blood. In case you can't tell from the photos, she's holding a ruler and her grade book/lesson plans. She also has a very grown-up hairstyle--a low ponytail with a sort of French twist in the back.

Reagan has been playing teacher at home quite a bit too. She loves bossing Presley around. I've learned which kids in Reagan's class must get in trouble a lot, too, because Reagan calls on her imaginary students and has them "take a break" (time out) or put their names on the board. There are a few names that just keep coming up.

More Funny Things She Says

This morning on the ride home from dropping Reagan at school, Presley points out the window and says,"Look! Starbucks! Let's get coffee!" When I didn't go for it, she said, "There McDonalds. Go there." Do I need to remind you that this two-year-old can't read? Yet she knows every logo out there!
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Two nights ago, at the dinner table, Presley was having a slice of American cheese (seriously, the kid would live on cheese if we let her). She put the half-eaten slice of cheese flat in the palm of her hand and said, "Do you want to listen to my iPod?"
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Mama got her hair cut this week! When I came home from the salon, I asked Reagan if she liked it and she did. I asked Presley the same thing, and she said no. Later that evening, as I was getting Presley into her PJs, she said, "Haircut." So I said, "Yes, Mama got a haircut." She then said, "I don't like it. I don't like it. I don't like it," emphasizing the "don't" each time. The next morning, I got a repeat performance: "Haircut. I don't like it."

5 Things I Hate about the Car Rider Lane

1. Having to arrive 30 minutes before school gets out. Seriously, if I don't do this, I end up in the street...and Reagan panics and cries.
2. Parents who leave their cars in the lane unattended. This causes those of us behind you much grief. Do we pull around? Wait for you to return and then move up? Will you return before school dismisses? WHERE ARE YOU!!!
3. People who smoke. If I have to sit for 30 minutes with my windows down (because I can't afford to idle my engine for that long!), why must I breathe in your disgusting habit?
4. Entertaining the two-year-old. I usually bring snacks (which invariably end up all over the car seat) and let Presley watch a DVD while we wait, but she still gets rather restless.
5. The busy-body mom who thinks she's the traffic director. She will literally come to your window and ask you to start up your engine, put it in gear, and pull up exactly 17 inches. I am not even kidding. Hey, I appreciate the fact that there are people in the street--but I'm not willing to risk my bumper to see that they get in the parking lot. Furthermore, if everyone would stay by their cars (unlike you, who are at my window!--see #3) we could all pull up completely at the start, and this wouldn't be an issue.

Still, I just can't put my five-year-old on a bus. And so...I wait...

Ashley Update

I received another email update on my neighbor, Ashley. (If you're not familiar with her story, you can read this post http://valsmomblog.blogspot.com/2008/07/pray-for-ashley.html.) Today's update came from her sister Alli, rather than Judy, her mom. I think this is in part because Judy recently had her own cancer surgery, but mostly because she just isn't emotionally able to put everything into words right now. The situation is dire, to say the least. And yet, as always, Ashley's faith remains strong. They truly are an amazing family. I wish you could all know them personally!

In my last update, I mentioned that they were raising funds to send Ashley to Oasis of Hope in Mexico. The money came through with amazing speed, and Ashley was able to go and receive treatment. Certainly the doctors there were hopeful, but also realistic. Only time will tell if Ashley's body has enough fight left in it--although her spirit certainly does!

Here's sweet Alli's update:

Dearest Friends and Family,

When peace like a river attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well with my soul.
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blessed assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
It is well with my soul.

I love the verses of this song…and I don’t think I could have come up with greater words than these to describe the spiritual condition of our family right now. Mom is usually the one to give these updates, but I (Alli) will do my best. As many of you know, Ashley has taken a physical turn for the worse. I say physical, because her spirit is still fighting this battle! Her tumors have increased in size and number in the past several weeks. he result of these increases is greater pain throughout her body. It’s as if a firing squad has been given random orders to fire merciless shots throughout her body. In addition to pain, she has almost completely lost the strength and feeling in her legs leaving her frustrated, immobile and in need of a great deal of assistance. After spending a week at Vanderbilt Hospital for pain control, Ashley’s doctors felt that it would be more comfortable for her to come home under Hospice care. On Friday they moved her home with a hospital bed, wheelchair, unbelievable amounts of pain medication, and around the clock nursing staff.

This has been a bittersweet transition for all of us. Bitter, because of the implication that exists with a move to Hospice care, and sweet because we are all here together and friends and family can come and go as they please. It will still take a little “getting used to.” Mom is still experiencing considerable pain from her own surgery, but I’m not sure that it can compare to the pain she is feeling in her heart right now. I suppose if God would just lay his hand right on her chest…it would pretty much cover all the right areas! She is having a hard time being physically weak when she wants to be strong. There is one thing she just can’t seem to get off of her mind though…Thank You Notes! I know…crazy huh? Every day I hear, “Alli, there are just so many people that have given so much. I need to thank them. I can’t forget to write!” So I figured I would just take care of that little job for her by writing to you.

This Paragraph is devoted to you “saints” that have been praying and serving our family for so many years… Someone asked me the other day, “Alli, how are YOU doing through all of this?” My answer was, “I think a lot of people must be praying, because I’m doing OK.” I hope you all know that your prayers are not hitting the ceiling! They are flowing straight up and into our home. I know for a fact that we would be falling apart without the spiritual support that we receive from you, our dear brothers and sisters in Christ. God is good! He always provides for us. I am convinced that every time you have whispered a prayer on our behalf, an action has been carried out in our lives. When you asked God to give me strength, I probably made it up the stairs one more time with a plate of food. When you asked God to give Mom rest, her best friend flew in from Illinois. When you prayed that Dad would be less stressed, he got a different job! You see! You are all warriors fighting this great battle right along side of us. Thank you notes just wouldn’t be sufficient. I think crowns would be much more appropriate! We have put in a large order to heaven, and you will all be receiving one when you get there!

God has blessed us with such wonderful support. He has kept us fed, clean, and emotionally stable through the hands of His children. Though our hearts are breaking right now as we find ourselves standing in our very own “Gethsemane” asking God if there is any other way, we can honestly say that it IS “well with our souls.” It is well because God is in control. It is well because He loves us more than we could ever know. It is well because He loves Ashley more than we do. It is well because His plan is perfect. It is well because He WILL BE GLORIFIED!

I love you and I am so blessed to have you in my life. Thank you for your prayers and support during this time. Please continue to pray for Ashley’s physical restoration, and Gods will to prevail!

In Christ Jesus,
Alli

Minimum Wage vs. Living Wage

Maybe once this election is over, I'll stop all these political posts. But right now I have the proverbial "bee in my bonnet," and I can't help myself.

We've all been hit by the tough economy. Gas reached the $4 mark in some areas, milk is hovering around $3.50 here in Nashville, and every time I visit my salon, it seems the price of a haircut has escalated. So, why don't I support Barack Obama's plan to raise minimum wage to $9.50/hr. by 2011?

First, let's look at the current minimum wage: $6.55 since July 2008. A person working 40 hours a week for a full 52 weeks (hopefully getting a week or two of that in paid vacation time), would earn $13, 624 before taxes. I certainly don't disagree that a family of four can't live on that wage! (But I will counter that in 1994, when I moved here, my first full-time job paid only $12,240/year, and within three years I was a homeowner--on my own and without financial support.) Still, Obama's plan would earn that same worker, working the same hours, only $19,760. And, of course, this will be in 2011--no telling what inflation will have done to us by then! My point is, this increase won't do much to help families being supported by one person earning minimum wage.

Minimum wage is just that: the minimum. And, I propose, it is designed for "minimum" employees. It is meant for low-commitment jobs with little or no training, where the expectations are low. And there's nothing wrong with that! If I were still a teenager and wanted some spending money for the weekends, I'd probably seek out a minimum wage job. Or if, say, I was retired and wanted something to keep me busy for a few hours each day without a lot of stress or commitment, that would be a great fit. And, hey, if I liked it, and I did it pretty well, I would expect to be compensated a bit more as I got some experience under my belt. But, still, I'd be in it for the short-term. When it stopped being fun or profitable, I would walk away.

Minimum wage jobs are not intended for the primary bread-winner of the family! It is not meant to provide the so-called "living wage." And if you're next counter-point is about those who can't afford an education, let me stop you right there. There are decent-paying jobs out there, even for the under-educated, if they're willing to work. And I don't necessarily mean tough labor, either. I mean, if they're willing to work on themselves--to smile, be friendly, use good manors, study, etc. For example, who makes more money, the server who grumbles about their station in life, is unwilling to make an extra effort, or the one who smiles and speaks warmly, and does whatever it takes to make his or her guests happy? Duh! If you're working for tips, this is a no-brainer.

Still, outside of restaurant service (which, by the way, IMHO is under-paid, as the federal minimum wage for servers has been stuck at $2.13/hr. since 1991), there are other industries that reward effort. Sales is a great example--and the US average income for a sales rep or manager is around $48,000/year! No degree needed. Food prep is another area where skill and ability can often trump education and experience (who cares, as long as it tastes good, right?). The national salary average for a food prep supervisor is a respectable $35, 964.

Here are some other jobs that don't require degrees (although some require training), but pay rather well:

• Air Traffic Controller ($102,030/year)
• Storage & Distribution Manager ($66,600)
• Sanitation Worker ($32,000-59,000, depending on experience; $65,000 in California)
• Funeral Director ($79,517)
• Police or Detective Supervisor ($64,430)
• Transportation Manager ($66,600)

And, as an aside, although I usually take advantage of free babysitting from family members, when I do pay a babysitter, I pay $10/hour--more than Obama's proposed change for 2011--because I don't want a "minimum" babysitter.

To sum up, if you want to earn a living wage, you need to be more than a minimum employee. Do your homework, make the effort, and seek gainful employment in a field that can provide for your needs. Even then, I know many families have financial struggles (I could go on and on about living within your means, but that's another post entirely). But struggle is the sign that someone is trying . . . trying really hard to get ahead. I can respect struggle. I can even support it.

Reagan's Prayers

Reagan has really taken an interest in saying her own prayers, both at meals and before bed. They can be quite simple or, at times, rather elaborate. But they are most certainly sincere and heartfelt. Here's a sampling:

"Dear Lord, thank you for our food. And thank you for our beautiful smiles . . . and our beautiful voices--our whisper voices and our calling voices and our singing voices . . . "

"Dear Lord, thank you for taking away my fear in the Halloween store . . . "

"Dear Lord, thank you for a great Thursday! And thank you that you are the best God!"

"Thank you that you gave us Jesus, for Him to die on the cross so that we could go to heaven."

As Reagan would say, it "just swells my heart to pieces" to hear those tiny prayers.

How Big Is Presley? Soooo Big!

Presley is now sleeping paci-free! That's right, folks. Presley has given up her paci, and I can't believe how easy it was! I meant to start weaning her from it last weekend, but I kinda forgot until it was already bedtime--and giving up an attachment like that needs a little mental/emotional preparation. So, I decided I'd try it on naps this week and then start doing it at night on the weekend. Of course, as things usually go around here, I put it off until Wednesday.

At around 9:00 a.m. (early, I know), Presley started saying she wanted a nap. Knowing that she has a habit of asking to nap just so she can have a few minutes with her paci (and then "wakes up" about ten minutes later), I told her she could nap, but she couldn't have her paci. She, of course, protested by repeatedly saying, "I want my paci!" I let her lay in my bed with me a few minutes, but she continued with her whining/crying. So, I put her in the crib and told her she could get up anytime she wanted, but she would not get her paci. After lots of crying, I finally convinced her to get up and have lunch and try again later.

After lunch, I started bribing. I told her she'd get a treat if she took a nap without a paci. And when she has been sleeping without her paci for a whole week, I promised to buy her a toy. After that brief discussion, she went down without the paci and without incident. Ten minutes later, "Mama, I wake up from my nap!" Put her back down. Ten minutes later, same thing. But on the third try (fourth, if you're counting the 9:00 attempt), she went down and stayed. . . for at least 45 minutes! (We're calling that a nap.)

Yesterday, she went down for her nap with no tears or complaining without her paci! She slept for two hours! We were so excited that we decided to ask if she wanted to sleep without it last night. At first, she said no, but then I offered her a treat in the morning and reminded her about the toy I had promised her, and she decided she would sleep without it. Again, she went down with no tears, and we didn't hear a peep out of her until morning!!!

But, of course, the first thing she said to me this morning was, "I want toy!" Hey, what can I say? Bribery works!

Why We Should All Vote

I think I'm finally excited about the presidential election! With the loss of Mike Huckabee (who would still win my vote in a second!) way back when, I couldn't really get behind the Republicans. Oh, believe me, I could still vote against the liberal left, but I just wasn't gung ho about it. Now, with the addition of Sarah Palin to the ticket, I'm finally at peace about my vote. (Say what you will about her family values and having a pregnant teen, but I've seen this happen to families that I respected and would never have thought it possible. The fact is, despite our best efforts, sometimes our kids don't follow our lead.)

And speaking of being excited about voting, my mom sent me an email this week about women's suffrage that reminded me how important it is for us to exercise that right. Most of us think of Susan B. Anthony when women's suffrage comes to mind. We probably think of women in those long, buttoned-up dresses and big hats giving speaches. But women's suffrage wasn't just about a few civic-minded women carrying signs, and it wasn't as civilized as most history lessons would have us believe. Women were wrongfully imprisoned in filthy cells; they were beaten, even tortured, and nearly starved. It's hard to believe that our right to vote is less than 100 years old, but in 1920 the state of Tennessee actually cast the tie-breaking vote in this historic decision.

So if you're looking at the candidates this year, and you're having a hard time committing to one or the other, take a closer look. Do the research and make the effort. Somebody paid a high price for you to have that right. (Cue the music, "And I'm proud to be an American . . .")

A Hannah Montana Kind of Day

So Reagan came home from school yesterday and told me that Oliver from "Hannah Montana" had been at her school. Of course, not believing her, I said, "Oh, you mean he was on TV or something? You watched something with him in it?" But she said, "No. For real! It was him! He was there!" Well, she did have some flyers with his picture on it (he's the spokesperson for the "Clean Hands are Cool Hands" initiative), so I thought it was possible...but I still kinda doubted it.

So, today I was at the school for a room parent meeting, and all the moms were talking about it. Sure enough, he had been there. In fact, it even made it on the news last night (but, of course, I missed it).

Then, on top of seeing an actual star in person, Reagan got a call from THE Hannah Montana last night to remind her that she had dance class! (This was a special "back to school" promotion by Wal-mart, where you could sign up for a phone call online.) We have saved the message and played and played and played it! Reagan was so excited. It says, "Hey, sweet niblets! This is Hannah Montana calling to remind you that you have dance. What would you do if you didn't have me to remind you? Have a great time..." etc. You get the point. Reagan thinks it's really funny that she calls her "sweet niblets."

All in all, it was a very Hannah Montana-filled day of fun!

The Funny Things She Says...

Presley is changing every day--learning new words and putting complete sentences together. Just yesterday, she was standing behind Reagan as big sis played a computer game. Apparently, the seating arrangement was not to her liking, because Presley said, "I can't see bery (very) well. Moob (move) a li'l bit."

Other favorite sayings:

• "Dat cool, Mama?" ("Is that cool, Mama?" This usually comes after some gymnastic stunt.)
• "I got it!"
• "I go wishoo." ("I'll go with you.")
• "I know." (This actually means "I don't know." Very confusing, but we figured it out.)
• "Help me, Mama!"
• "I go kin'garen wif Reagan." (Do I need to explain this? She wants to go everywhere Reagan does--including kindergarten.)
• "Dayee may me mad." ("Daddy made me mad." So she came running to Mama.)

Why I Wish Ronnie Were Still President

"America was founded by people who believed that God was their rock of safety. I recognize we must be cautious in claiming that God is on our side, but I think it's all right to keep asking if we're on His side." --Ronald Reagan

Kindergarten...the First Week

We're coming to the close of the first week of kindergarten for Reagan, so I thought it would be appropriate to share a few thoughts. First, I must say that I was apprehensive about Reagan's teacher who was (and still basically is) a stranger to me. My first impression of her was not great. She was quiet...seemed a bit frazzled at the parent meeting and, quite honestly, I thought she might be a control freak too. But the more interaction I have with her, the more I believe that I was wrong. I think Reagan will have a great year, and both Mrs. Willhite and her intern, Mrs. Mills (who is very energetic and fun!) will have positive influences on Reagan.

On Reagan's first day, Scott and I (and Presley) walked Reagan to her class, got her settled (I cried), and then stayed for a reception with the principal. Pickup was at 10:30, so we arrived back at school at 10:15. By then the car rider lane was backed up and Reagan couldn't find our car, so she cried. :( (Keep in mind that the kids are always under adult supervision--the teachers walk with them until they find their car. Nonethelesss, I now get there 30 minutes before the end of school). Tuesday was better--another half day for kindergarten. I walked her in again, and I arrived at pickup in time to be on the front side of the school (Presley watched a movie and ate lunch while we waited). Wednesday was again chaotic. I walked her to her class that morning, but pickup was complicated by a full day of class for the whole school which meant an especially crowded car rider lane. (Again, Presley watched a movie and snacked; I crocheted.)

Then there was Thursday. Reagan insisted that she wanted to be dropped off at the door--no more walking in with Mama. What? Already? Are you sure? Yes! So, against my will, I arrived just before 7:45 (when the doors open), pulled up as close to the entrance as permitted, and let Reagan hop out of the car alone--alone!!! But, fortunately, there are lots of staff members on hand to open doors, hold hands, and usher kids safely into the building. I tried to watch as I was pulling out of the drive, but I wasn't able to see if she walked into the building...I just had to trust that she did. (Then I cried on the ride home.)

A friend of mine who also has a kindergartener explained it best: Up until now, there has always been a hand-off. You go to church, hand your child over to a loving nursery worker, and get your card that identifies you as her parent. Or, you go to preschool, sign your kid in for the day, then hand her over to the teacher who will nurture and watch over her. In big kid school, you just let them out at the door and hope they all get to where they're supposed to. (And sometimes they don't!!! Just ask my mom about her school losing a kindergartener for a while this week! Don't worry, the story ends well.) So, forgive me if I feel a bit apprehensive about letting her take on these big kid duties. We've both been through a lot of growing up this week!

Today is Friday, and once again I let Reagan out at the door and watched her walk toward the entrance. The good news is that in just a few minutes I'll be going back to the school to help out in the lunchroom--so I can see with my own eyes that she did, in fact, arrive safely. Then I'll do my 30 minutes in the car rider lane this afternoon. I didn't realize that kindergarten was going to take over my life...but it kinda has. I thought I would actually have more time and freedom to accomplish things, but the opposite has really happened. Not only am I a prisoner of the car rider lane, but Presley now requires so much of my attention because she misses Reagan! But it will get better on all accounts, I'm sure. And whether or not we're ready for it, this is what growing up is...for both of us. All of us.

Reagan's First Day of Kindergarten

Bright and early this morning (7:15 a.m.) we all (Daddy, Mama, Reagan, Presley) piled in the car and took Reagan to her first day of kindergarten. The area surrounding the school was so crowded that we had to park on a neighborhood street across the road! Hundreds of students and their parents were milling about, checking out classrooms, catching up with old friends, and filling out more paperwork. (I seriously think I've filled out about a ream of paper's worth just for Reagan.)

When we got to her room, Mrs. Willhite was there with her camera to take a photo of the whole family. (We took a few pictures too.) We dropped off Reagan's classroom supplies in the bins, and then Reagan found her cubby and put away her backpack. Each child had a container of Play-doh at their desk, so their morning got off to a fun start. We stayed for a couple of minutes and then said our good-byes. Reagan smiled and said, "Bye! I'm going to have a great day!"

The rest of us went to the Media Center for a reception with the principal, then we had to see the school nurse about Reagan's Epi-pen. Finally, after 8:30, we were on our way home.

It seemed like the day went very well for Reagan. She told us about reading time and named a few of her new friends. But the day came to a sad end. As we were waiting in the endless car rider line, I could barely see the kindergarteners being marched outside by the teachers. We were so far away that Reagan couldn't see us. (We arrived 15 minutes early, and we barely made it into the parking lot. Within about a minute of our arrival, traffic was in the street and through the intersection!) I had warned Reagan that she might have to wait, that there might be other cars in front of me, but apparently that information didn't sink in. By the time she was led to our car, she was in tears.

Even though pick-up didn't go so well (and, really, it was just a crazy mess out there), I do feel a bit better about sending her to kindergarten, now that she has her first half day under her belt. I know she's going to have a great year--after all, she's smart and funny and totally loveable!

Love Is...

Remembe those "Love Is" cartoons from the 70s? You know, they had that naked man and woman (only, for some reason, nobody seemed to care that they were naked) who always looked starry-eyed and shared sentiments like, "Love is... teaching the baby to say 'Daddy' first" or "Love is... giving him the last cookie."

I vaguely remember buying a book of those cartoons when I was a kid (at a book fair, I think, because I doubt if my parents would have approved the purchase if they had been with me). I recently found the book (got a new bookshelf--you find a lot of things when you re-arrange your books), and Reagan has been asking me to read it to her. This got me thinking about my own "Love Is" list for my kids. It goes something like this:

Love Is...

...letting your daughter pour you another cup of invisible tea, even though you've had approximately 658 cups already.

...trading her your seven-layer burrito for her plain taco--even though that's what she ordered--because she likes yours better.

...taking the morning off work so that you can both take her to her first day of kindergarten. (That one is Daddy, actually.)

...letting her help you cook, even though it takes twice as long and requires more clean-up.

...reading Little Mommy one more time before bed.

...loading the "Story Time with Belle" CD-rom on your computer, even though the last kid game you loaded caused your computer to crash six times.

The list could go on and on. The things we do to show love to our kids is endless. Sometimes it's also at the other end of the spectrum: sending her to time out so that she learns to be respectful...making her drink her milk so she'll have strong bones...even sending a little defenseless five-year-old into a big, scary school so that she can become more independent and gain knowledge. (That one is happening within the week, by the way.)

Sometimes I ask Reagan if she knows how much I love her. Surprisingly, sometimes she says "no." (I'm afraid she's a bit of an emotional manipulator--she knows that kind of stuff will get a reaction from me.) But I know that when she grows up, she may look back and see things she wishes I would have done differently (who can do it perfectly?), but she will know, without any doubt, that she was and is loved by her family.

Can I Have Five Minutes to Myself, Please?

So, I had just settled in for my five-minute shower (yes, five minutes--if I'm lucky) when the door flew open with reckless abandon as Presley stood--with absolutely no concern for my privacy, I might add--holding a pencil. Here's how it went:

Me: Presley, close the door.

(no response)

Me: Presley, why are you holding a pencil?

(no response)

Me: Presley, put the pencil on the sink and close the door.

Eventually, after much more discussion along the same lines, Presley leaves with the pencil in hand. Within a minute, Reagan bursts through the door.

Reagan: (in her sing-song, tattle-tale voice) Presley just wrote on the wall!

Seriously, can I just get five minutes to wash myself? My personal hygiene is at stake here. To make an already long story a bit shorter, I'll just say that Presley got to scrub the wall in the bonus room (glad we chose the semi-gloss paint that washes well!), and it was actually a pretty normal morning. In fact, if I get to take my shower alone, I consider that an unusual morning.

Oh, the joys of parenting.

Pray for Ashley

Many of you know our former neighbor, Ashley Holmertz, who discovered she had bone cancer when she was a vibrant 17-year-old varsity soccer player. Ashley has had her ups and downs, miracles and setbacks, but throughout this journey, Ashley and her family--especially her mother Judy--have never wavered in their faith. Now Ashley's fight has reached a critical point, and unless the Lord intervenes (which He has done before), Ashley will go home to be with Him.

I've attached a portion of her mother's email update below so that you will know how to pray. Here's a link that tells a brief version of Ashley's story. It's from the website of the foundation she and her family established to help others who are facing cancer: http://ashleyshand.org/story.html

July 30, 2008
Dear Friends and Family,

I write to you with heavy heart because of our news last week. As I watch Ashley walk today, my heart fills with sadness and memories. Her walk is so different than when she ran down fields of green to place the ball into the net or assist a teammate. Her nickname was “The Force!” Rightly named because of her intense determination to make it to the goal no matter what or whom she plowed down in the process.

Today, Ashley is running a race for her life. The PET-CT reports last week show very advanced tumors (new ones) in her body in the sacrum area. We were shocked that so much had changed in only 7 weeks. Vanderbilt doctors and Hospice have given a limited time for Ashley to be with us. BUT the final WORD comes from our heavenly Father – God Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, healer of our souls and body. God gently reminds me that she was His daughter first. And He loves her even more than I do. He has a plan…

Right now, Ashley wants to fight. So to honor her wishes, we turn to the Oasis of Hope Cancer Hospital in Tijuana, Baja California. (Her doctors at MD Anderson and Vanderbilt have run out of options.) We have visited Oasis of Hope twice, so we know and trust its oncologists. They feel they have some new treatments to offer. They do not promise a cure, but feel that their plan coupled with Ashley’s hope can go a long way, especially when the Lord is in it. I agree. However, our insurance will not cover the approximately $30,000 for the 24 days of treatment. We ask that you pray diligently for God to provide the money for Ashley to go. Allison, her sister, will be traveling with her so that I can have surgery for my breast cancer which is scheduled August 14th.

Any donations may be mailed to:
Judson Baptist Church
4900 Franklin Road
Nashville, TN 37220
(Make checks payable to Judson Baptist and memo for Ashley Fund.)
If Ashley is unable to go due to health or available funds, donations will go toward hospice care and to create a special memory with family.

Please continue to pray for God’s healing miracle in Ashley’s life. I hold closely the verse in Hebrews 10:35, “Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward.” God is a rewarder of those who believe and do not doubt.

As always, thanking God for you,
Judy

Ladies Who Lunch

Doesn't Presley just look like one of those "ladies of leisure" who spend their afternoons playing tennis and lunching with friends. Love that she has her shades on and her cell phone at the ready!

Reagan's Neverland Party

Here are a few pics from Reagan's 5th birthday party. The theme was Neverland, and all guests were sprinkled with pixie dust upon arrival. We made a craft, opened gifts from family, and ate cake and drank punch.

Reagan requested no gifts from her friends, since she got plenty from her family members. Instead, if guests wished to contribute, we had a donation jar for the Haiti Starfish program our church sponsors, which provides school lunches for children in Haiti. With what we've collected so far, we can feed two kids for the entire year!

Here are a few pics from the party:

Wendy & Tink

The cake, made by Mama, had beads to make it sparkle!

All the kiddos in their costumes

Opening her gifts

5th Birthday in Neverland

Reagan had a Neverland party on Saturday. She, of course, was Tinkerbell (along with most of her other little girl friends) and Presley was Wendy. We also had a Lost Boy and Peter Pan present, along with miscellaneous fairies. Here are a few pics:

Mama made the cake, and added a few beads for sparkle

Tink

All the kids in costume

The girls at the craft table

Reagan with her two true loves, Curry (Lost Boy) and Tyler (Peter Pan)