Update on Thomas

Well, I know it's been awile..........don't all my posts start like this? However, I am giving an update on my father-in-law, Thomas. For those of you who don't know, he fell from a 20 ft. ledge (cliff) in Caprock Canyons on January 3rd, 2009. Since then he has suffered from pulmonary imbolisms, stroke, multiple surgeries, colostomy, c-def infection, ongoing wounds, coma, etc. I guess I should say, "he has survived............." Because that really is what he has done. For someone who has gone thru so much, which in itself is life-threatening, Thomas has survived them all. This leads our family to believe that Thomas is due for a FULL-BLOW MIRACLE! You know the kind in the Bible. You know like when dead men get up and walk!

Recently, my mother-in-law has decided to put him in a Skilled Nursing Home. Thomas' medicare is running low (imagine that) and he can't come home and be cared for the best. We found a Skilled Nursing home which is supposed to give him rehab while caring for him. But here is what our family needs: PRAYER--PRAYER--PRAYER!!

WE WANT THOMAS TO BE HEALED!!! WE WANT ALL THOSE PRAYER WARRIORS OUT THERE TO GET ON THEIR ARMOUR AND KNEEL DOWN, HOLD HANDS AND PRAY! WE WANT A MIRACLE!! We are done waiting for "what is going to happen." We want and need action!!

"...Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." Mark 11:24

"...If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." Matthew 21:22.

"...Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them. " Matthew 18:19-20

I could go on and on about prayer and scripture but then I would take up the whole blog. So you know what I want...........

Please friends and family, pray for a miracle for THOMAS LESTER. We need and want him back! We know that God has different kind of miracles but this is the one we are asking for. If His miracle is for Thomas to go be with Him in heaven, we understand but we want action!!

Thank you for your prayer, support, love and understanding.

Looking for a miracle on earth to boggle the minds of all doctors,
Amy

I'm back!

Well I'm back and it's only been 3 months. Yes, I know that is a long time for all you serious bloggers, but for me it's just 3 months of soccer games, piano recitals and church camps.

Why am I back you ask? Well in the last 3 weeks, I have been at a writing institute my school district requires of all teachers. This writing institute has caused me to learn how to write again. To tap into old memories long forgotten. To hone my skills, to get rid of "be verbs, to correct my grammar and to love to write again

I've written about my son's love for his Spiderman Costume. I've written about my daughter's delicate fart noises. I've written about the decision to have kids and to buy a minivan. I have written about Thomas' fall. I have written and written and written (proud dad moment).

This class reminded me that I am a writer. Maybe not by trade, but within me lies the heart of a writer (another proud dad moment). I can remember at an early age that I always thought I was going to write children's books. I never have written children's books but the idea seems much more like a reality than ever before.

This blog is not going to be about "be verbs" or grammar or honing my skills, but I hope you enjoy it just the same. Hopefully it won't be 3 months before you see me again.

ENJOY!!

Californ-I-A

Well we took another trip and this time it was with Kipp, Kim, Kyler and Krystin and we all went to California. Kurt and Kipp had the privilege to shop for their Campus Collections store in Anaheim this year (a college market trip), so we met them there a few days later and went to DisneyLand "The Happiest Place on Earth!" Or so they say..... Anyway, we stayed so close (about 3 blocks) that Kim and I decided to take the shuttle! Then the boys made us feel guilty and we had to walk back. At 8:30 at night, after losing 2 hours in the time change and walking 4 kids thru Disney ALL day, they were wishing we had taken the shuttle! Oh well, we survived and woke up the next day to do Disney's California Adventures. First thing we did was head over to the "Tower of Terror!" It was a thrilling, old ride that pretends you are in a Alford Hitchcock movie falling several floors in an elevator! My mom would LOVE it! HaHa. Anyway, after that, we had a fun-filled day of rides and food and more rides.

That evening my good friend Allison who moved to Calli 5 years ago picked us up to stay at her house for a few days. Allison was definitely the "Hostess with the Mostest" and she had her house all ready for 8 new people to come and stay. Even her dog Sherman was accommodating. At night, when it was time for bed, he would scoot over and let Kurt and I have some room. HeeHee. Of course we didn't mind since we love doggies.

We decided to take a drive down the road to Ventura Beach the next day and let our children experience the ocean. The drive there was Beautiful with Orange Groves and Strawberry fields filling our sights the whole way. Once we got to the beach, we decided it was a little to chilly to get in. The kids had other plans. Literally, ice-cold water; and they played in it for 4 hours. Man, to be a kid again and not care about cold water--CRAZY!!

So the next day we did the whole tourist-y thing and walked Hollywood, drove down Rodeo drive, went thru Hollywood Hills, drove down to Malibu, saw Joan Rivers and gave her a shout out and then ate lunch on the Malibu beach overlooking the ocean. It was rather "marvelous-dahhling!"

So, all in all, it was a wonderful trip but not quite long enough. Next time we are staying longer and bringing more laundry!!

Never talk to strangers---but make sure to read their comments!!

I just want to thank all the bloggers who have commented on my post about my father-in-law! Your words and prayers have meant a lot to me and my family and it is nice to know he is being prayed for coast to coast! This is a hard time for everyone who knows him and especially for my kids who don't understand it all. They are just waiting for the day for Granddad to come home. Which we are really praying for. So once again, thank you all for your concern, prayers, thoughts and love!!

Amy

The FLU rhymes with Poo!!

Well I received an unexpected vacation today and yesterday because my son came down with the FLU! Yes the real, honest-to-goodness, FLU. And no, he didn't have a flu shot and yes I still believe you can get the flu regardless, so don't give me any lectures. Anyway, I think the flu shot is a way for "Big Government" to inject us with invisible dye to control our minds and actions (hahaha). So anyway, I am at home with my sick child and am getting A LOT of laundry done. I also am NOT catching up on my shows because for some reason (even though there is a t.v. in every room) my sick child can only feel better on the couch with full, freedom of the remote on the only T.V. with the DVR box with all my shows recorded. Sound familiar, anyone? So, yes, the Flu is in full force and yes, I am taking extra vitamin C and no, no one else in our family got the Flu Shot, either. Dear Lord, please keep us immune!!

Great Man Falls Hard!!

Well for some of you who don't know, My father-in-law fell off a cliff 1 month and 3 days ago! A 20ft. cliff!! He survived but it left his body in a state of paralysis/shock/lung damage/broken hands and wrists/cut knee/ bruised spinal cord/ neck surgery and a great spirit!! This has been a "hell of a time" (in his words) and he still has a good outlook. We are trying to be optimistic but it is hard and we love him so much, we don't want to see him go; if you know what I mean. My children witnessed it and (bless them so) they went searching for help in a canyon they knew nothing about! My mother-in-law is trying to be strong, but really, how strong can you be! She needs lots of prayers, as we all do! This has been a trying time for our entire family and we need prayers and people joining hands together in Jesus' name! Thanks to all of you who have already been diligently praying and for those of you who are going to start! We have felt calmness in a time of chaos and we know it is those prayers that are holding us all together!! Thank you to all!!

Finally Back!!

Man, it seems so long ago that I actually had a chance to sit down and post a blog. Although it was just one month ago, so much happens in the Lester life. As some of you may know, we took a trip to San Antonio with our friends the Ruiz' and their kids. After two days at Sea World, a trip thru the Alamo and several walks down the River Walk, we had to come home. Dumb jobs!! We love San Antonio and Sea World and seems we always go back about every two years. Kurt and Jeremy had a lot of fun waking up early and finding the best Mexican diner to have breakfast in while Missy and I enjoyed sleeping in and waiting for them to come back with the destination. The boys and Darby had a lot of fun running between the "adjoining" rooms and swimming in the hotel pool, even when it was sprinkling. For breakfast one day, we took the trolley to the Market Center and ate at Mi Tiera. Kurt (I mean, we) love Mexican food and Kurt even got he nerve to eat authentic Menudo. Jeremy grew up on it and told him this was "the place" to eat Menudo, so Jeremy gobbled up a huge bowl and Kurt managed to eat about a half a bowl then a GI-Normous plate of enchiladas, and everything else you can imagine. (I bet my dad's mouth is watering as he reads this.) Anyway, we had lots of fun and the best laugh for Missy and I was when we took Jake and Alek thru the "Scare Zone" at Sea World unbeknownst to them. When all the people were dressed up as zombies, ghosts, vampires, and bloody wolves, Jake took off running like a track star in the Olympics about to win the GOLD. The look on his face was priceless and I couldn't stop laughing for about 10 minutes. He truly does NOT like scary costumes or anything that looks nasty and gross. Well enjoy the pics, while I help Darby make a bat cave...................

Unexpected Gift--The best kind!!

Friday I had a "blessing from above!" Yes, that means from God. Here's the story. Someone had backed into the minivan months ago, just enough to hit the bumper off on the right side but not enough to let the whole thing fall off. Not even a dent, just hanging off.

So anyway, I've been driving around like that for quite awhile and if you know me, I didn't think I looked very good like that!!! Any-who.....we finally got the estimate of $850.00 and with our deductible we got a check for $650.00. O.k, that's not the blessing part.

Well, I told Kurt I'd try to get a second opinion from a body shop from someone around where I work (the less expensive part of town.) On my drive home, I stopped at ACME Body Shop (you know the one that produces the firecrackers and bombs for The Roadrunner and Coyote.) Anyway, walked in, asked for a estimate, gave the man my keys, he took it to the back (where they fix and estimate.) Sat down in the waiting room, called a friend on the phone while waiting. Waited for longer than I would have expected for an estimate and then the man came back in about 30 min. later.

Now listen closely, here is the blessing part. HE HANDED ME MY KEYS AND SAID THEY WERE DONE. I stood up expecting a piece of paper of the estimate. BUT HE MEANT "DONE!" THEY FIXED IT WITH.....CATCH THIS.......NO CHARGE!! YES, I SAID "NO CHARGE!!" He said it just needed a few clips put back on underneath to hold the bumper back on. I was amazed!! I said, "Are you sure, will I need any extra body work, done?" "No, it's on as good as it gets, just keep us in mind when you have a big wreck." I shook his hand, thank him over and over and got in my car and drove off dumb-founded. Then I got my senses back, Called Kurt and told him "he had the best wife, ever!" and told him the story.

It is 2008, and I got my car fixed for free with what should have been $850.00. I think the insurance adjuster and the "other" body shop, might have been jipping me somewhere, ya think? Anyway, once again, Texas really is better than any other state!! And if you need real body work, take your car to ACME BODY SHOP, 3RD AND ONG, AMARILLO, TEXAS. THEY'LL TREAT YA RIGHT!!

Our Life

Come watch Texas Tech With Us

Last week we all (except Aunt Kim) went to the Texas Tech game VS. Southern Methodist University. Needless to say, the Red Raiders, spanked them 43-7. We had lots of fun and even ran into our friends the Blankenships. It was a good thing our seats were on the very top row because Kyler and Jake ran every around us off with their rowdy-ness and screaming "SM-Poo!!" and "S-PeeYOU!!" We all had great fun and Kurt finally has someone to scream at football games with. Darby on the other hand, loved watching the cheerleaders, dance squad and the band. We plan on doing this more often!!

Kids really do say the DARN-DEST thing!

Well I started back to school last week and had a GREAT first week, PRAISE THE LORD, HALLELUJAH!! Last year was "tough" to say the least!! Anyway, on the first day of school all the little kindergartens filed in one by one, with their moms, dads, aunts, uncle, grandmoms & granddads following behind and getting all of their supplies out. They were so proud to have such beautiful supplies. One little boy came in without any supplies but was very eager to help out. While another teacher was going to the office to get him his own supplies I asked him if he could use his muscles to help me open the markers. Of course he was happy to. After a few packages were opened, he stopped and looked at me and said, "After this one, you owe me 10 bucks!" Needless to say, he is not shy and is very helpful to me!!

Another anecdote from the first week. To those that don't know, I teach at a low-income school. After hearing two or three of the boys singing: "Shout, Shout, Shout to the Devil" (by Motley Crue) I stopped them and said "there is no singing about the Devil in my class!" Soon after I heard, "Shout, Shout, Shout to God!! (Yeah!!!!)

Kindergarten really is a fun way to make a living..................

Most Important Thing....

I have just left a friends blog. I have just left a blog that makes me sad and happy at the same time. My friend and co-worker, Kerri, lost her husband about a month ago and is left with four children to raise on her own. She is 32. I am sad for her for obvious reasons, but I am happy for her that she got to be married to her "soul mate." So this leads me to what is "most important?" Well, of course for me is my salvation, my husband, my children and my extended family!! How often do we act like these are the things that are most important? Not enough, I imagine. Well here's my dare: If you're reading this, try to "act on" what you feel is most important daily. Our jobs aren't (but we act like it....) our hobbies aren't (but we act like it........) our addictions aren't (but we act like it.....) our petty things aren't (but we act like it.....) Read Kerri's blog and remember what is most important to you....and then ACT LIKE IT!!

This is America, you can say whatever you want!

This afternoon as I was tending to my writers cramp from filling our school registration forms, I heard one of the sweetest things I have heard in a while. Another mother was busily doing the same as I and tending to her toddler (without much luck) and I overheard her 1st grade son ask:
"Mommy why can't I talk about Jesus here?" Before his mother could answer, I did the "awwwwwww, you're so sweet, of course you can talk about Jesus, you talk about Jesus all you want." He seemed o.k. with my answer even though I was a stranger and went on playing with his paper. His mother looked at me and we started the conversation about private Christian pre-school and what-not. I then explained to her that I was a teacher in the Texas Public School system and gave her my secret to witnessing (without witnessing) to the children. Every morning during the mandated "minute of silence," I tell the children this is a time for them to be still, quiet and be thinking. I say: "Now, I'm going to pray, because I pray to Jesus and this is what I do, you can do what you want, but I'm going to pray." Within a few months, I've got kindergartens all bowing their heads, folding their hands and praying. HeeHee I've instilled some faith in them and I didn't FORCE it! The mother was rather pleased. Hey I can't help it if little kids love to copy their teachers...........I didn't make 'em that way, God did!!

It's starting again

Well tomorrow is School registration for both my children's school and the school I teach at. Of course, I've been hit up to work registration, of course, I said no! Anyway, just the idea that I only have 7 days of summer left gives me a stomach ache but secretly, I think I'll be ready to get back to the classroom. Ssshh, don't tell anyone! Anyway, I have been destined to have a good smooth year because my last two years I've had "difficult" children (and that's putting it lightly.) So, by default, it's my year to have all the kids who can write their names (first and last), know all their ABC's and their multiple sounds, can count to at least 50, has already been working with their parents on reading and can TIE THEIR SHOES!!!!! Yeah right, keep dreaming, huh? Oh well, I'll be happy with the fact that they can recognize their name. Oh well, they'll be able to all that in 9 short months, right? :) Well, good luck all at your registration and happy school year!

Puppies are 2 1/2 weeks old

Well the puppies are 2 1/2 weeks old and getting stronger, fatter, bigger, louder and more mobile. They are so fun to watch. Polly is less impressed with them as they mob attack her for her boobies. But she endures and feeds them anyway, she is a good mommy. Anyway, they are starting to walk on all fours, however, they do more falling than anything else. Kurt is going to build them a bigger pen so they can move around more and learn to use the bathroom in one spot, instead of everywhere! Enjoy.........

Camper Jake

ALEK & JAKE ON THE BUS
ALEK, JAKE, CHASE & JACKSON
READY TO GO
GROUP PRAYER!!
O.K. MOM, NO MORE PICS!!

Well yesterday, Jake went off to Church camp. He got to go with his best friend Alek Ruiz. Our church goes to El Porvenir Christian Camp in New Mexico. Last year was his first year to go, so he was very ready when camp week came this time around. I guess that's a good sign that camp was a positive experience or I guess it could mean he was ready to be away from us. I choose to believe camp is awesome. :) Anyway, I'm not very sad mainly because Church Camp holds a fond place in my heart. I went several years in a row with my church when I was younger and I only have good memories. (Is that where I had my first kiss? hmmm...) Lots of good praise and worship, swimming, late night visits when we were supposed to be sleeping, s'mores on a campfire and lots of mosquito bites. O.k. that last one is not a fond memory, but you get my drift. Anyway, he won't be home until Friday, so I'm sure I'll be counting down the days. Enjoy the pics...............

Hickeys

Now normally I wouldn't write about hickeys but in this case, I think you'll understand. Yesterday, I was holding one of the puppies up close to my neck. It was so sweet, sniffin' around and licking my collar bone. Before I knew it, it started to hurt a little and I couldn't get him off. I had to have my husband get him off because he was trying to nurse and was sucking so hard. Needless to say, I am the proud owner of a hickey on my chest (and it's not from my husband!) Typical Males!!

Having Babies

Well, although, I have 2 beautiful kids of my own, I am now the proud owner of 6 new Boxer puppies. Our dog Polly had babies 2 weeks ago and they are starting to open their eyes. They are so stinkin' cute. Of course, our human kids thought the whole birth process was pretty nasty and I have to admit, it was. But MIRACULOUS at the same time. Anyone that believes in the Big Bang Theory needs to watch the birth of puppies and the mother instinctively know what to do. Only God can create that!! Anyway, they are still learning and sometimes get each other privates confused for a mothers teat, but we love 'em anyway. It's gonna be hard to see them go......