UPDATE on Benji

I spoke with Lowella last night, and Benji has been admitted into Cleveland Clinic until perhaps Monday. They staff did a CT Scan that revealed that the abscess HAD returned to about half of it's original size, and a new one was beginning. They were able to lance the new small abscess, and the doctors have pumped Benji FULL of antibiotics to help with the inflammation of the abscess. They did not send Benji home with the proper medications to begin with, so all this could have possibly been avoided, but we will just trust that this is all part of God's plan for Benji. This way the new abscess was removed, anyway. Who knows what that could have prevented. Benji's excruciating pain has been relieved, but has been replaced with extreme nausea from the overload of antibiotics. But, overall, all are pleased that the pain is relieved and the situation is being taken care of. The nauseousness can be worked with easier, at least.

Even though I am sure she is still wishing she could be there and such, you could hear some peace in Lowella's voice. That lets me know prayers ARE getting through. Please continue to pray for Benji's well being, nauseousness, and healing path with hands from Earthly doctors as well as the Great Physician. Lowella thanks you all for your prayers and words of encouragement.

Photo Hunt 198 : Spotted

Welcome to Photo Hunt, brought to us by tnchick.
This week's theme is "Spotted" and I kinda pushed the line on the theme, but it works as a way to sneak Dylan in with a few pictures I have been meaning to post. So... without further ado, "Spotted."

Dylan "spotted" the NEW SPIRALLY LIGHT BULBS BEFORE he noticed the TWO BRAND NEW WINE COLORED RECLINERS. Seriously. He is obsessed with light bulbs, and heaven forbid one blows that he notices and we change it without him here. He will go on and on about it FOREVER. lol ( He's just a little weird like his Nee Nee in that way! ) Notice how he is pointing up towards the ceiling fan?

Finally checking out the new recliners.

Rocking his BOY "doll doll" Bobby. He is a great dad in training.

So the old recliner? It spent the night on the porch ( cause we are all redneck like that ) until Dad can burn it, so the kitties didn't waste a "good night's sleep" in the dog house with Dutchess when they had the chance to sleep on real furniture.

Happy Saturday!

Okay, Okay... I just HAD to go find one of Dylan in his Halloween costume that I am pretty sure didn't make it on the blog for some reason. His Dalmatian costume was my first thought at the theme "Spotted" but I have already posted so many pictures of him in the suit. But, here is one more! "Spotted: Part II"

UPDATE on Benji and Sarah

Benny has taken Benji back to Cleveland this morning. They fear his abscess is returning, which would not be a good thing at all. They just removed one. Benji is having a very hard time with his appetite and getting the nutrition he needs. He has absolutely no appetite at all, and can only force himself to eat a small amount without becoming sick.

Lowella and Sarah had to stay home this time, as Sarah has been ill and vomiting some. Of course, in an emergency, Lowella will do what is necessary, but for now home is where she is, with their sick little girl while Benny is with their sick big boy. It is traumatic on them all. Please keep these sweet children and their parents in your prayers. Separation at this time is very difficult for a mother and a father from their children.

I had planned to stay a night with Lowella and Sarah if in fact Benny & Benji had to go to Cleveland, but we are expecting some major bad weather in our area tonight and tomorrow and now I am not going to be able to do that in part due to the weather. With a heavy, wet snow coming in, gas and electric could go off, etc, and Lowella will have her uncles to help them at her grandmothers house, but they do not need an extra person in the way. Please pray the weather will be as light as possible because no electricity, etc, just makes everything worse.

Lowella had the night shift last night, and has been trying to rest some today, when I spoke with her briefly, but had not been able to sleep. Please pray that God will grant her the peace she needs to at least rest her body to keep herself as strong as possible, and for Sarah's recovery of this virus and a healing prevention from Chron's as well.

Letters of Intent

Welcome to Letters of Intent, brought to us by none other than Julie. Head on over for other great letters.

Dear Impatient, Simple, Independent, Impatient Nee Nee Lisa,

I am so proud of you for going to Best Buy (with Kim and Allison) and getting you a lap top "all on your own" (with a list from Cruz, that is) and for making some tweaks and adjustments that made it right for me. That was great. You will need this laptop for a long time to come, as Internet classes will eventually be in you future at some point, plus you can use it as a TV when you get your apartment and are saving up to buy the TV you want. (I have the money to buy the TV I want NOW, but I am trying to be a big girl and SAVE up and buy it. Sigh. The trouble with being single, no kids or dependants, and just a few bills to pay. NOT. {which the bills will go up when the apartment becomes a reality, but I will definitely learn to manage, which is the point.} Thank you God for all your blessings! Moving along.)

NEXT TIME JUST WAIT 30 FREAKIN' MINUTES FOR YOUR SISTER TO HELP YOU, AND MAYBE YOU WONT CHANGE YOUR BRAND SPANKING NEW LAP TOP'S IP ADDRESS!!!! (Who even knew that was possible? Especially at the 'doings' of an Nintendo DSi?)

Seriously, all was well in your wi-fi world for about 20 minutes, maybe 30, and as soon as you ran into a little trouble fixin' up your DSi to wi-fi, you JUST couldn't wait when your sister offered to help as soon as Dylan went to bed. See what happens when you get impatient and just start trying to fix it by trial and error? ERROR. BIG TIME.

The computer is not "tore up" but I can't get Internet (so what's the point, right? lol) since it wont work with the router until I get the IP thingy fixed.

Rednecks + Technology = TROUBLE
Except I didn't expect it to be because of ME!

Sincerely,

Impatient, Simple, Independent, Impatient Nee Nee Lisa

Tell Me Thursday Friday PLUS Favorite Foto Friday

Welcome to Tell Me Thursday! (yesIknowIamlate) A chance to explain those funky Wordless Wednesday photos.

Here is this week's Wordless Wednesday picture:


What was I doing typing something about Edward Cullen over and over, you ask? Why, trying to find a font,style and size to have an "I Drive Like Edward Cullen ...Twilight..." sticker put on my......................................









NEW CAR!!!!


Yes, ladies and Mr. Daddy, I am the proud owner of a new used 2002 Mercury Cougar. Here is the back right view:


Here is the back left view:


And since this was my attempt at the front view:


Here is one just like it (minus the palm trees) that I found on google images, sun roof and all:


Oh, to have had this car when I was 18. I probably wouldn't be alive and breathing to tell you anything about it! It goes up to 150 mph (no I haven't had it that fast) and when asked "How fast can it go from 0 to 60?" I simply answer, "Fast." ;)

Brenda (Lee), one of my BFF's who used to cruise with me regularly, {We have WAY too many "Brenda's" around here: Brenda (jane), Brenda (gail), I have an aunt Brenda, a cousin Brenda, etc. LOL} and I would have rocked the plaza at P-ville for sure. Oh, lordy. They shouldn't even sell these things to anyone under 25. (I say that since I am 29, you know! lol)

The car is in EXCELLENT used condition, low mileage, one owner, GREAT PRICE, blah blah blah. I am pleased as punch. I wasn't looking for this much of a "sports car" but this is what God dropped in my lap, so I say "Bring it on!" and try not to have a mid life crises a wee bit early. (Which may prove to be hard since I have already had several guys ask to drive, look at the motor, etc, EVERY WHERE I go to get windshield wipers, stickers made, etc. Ahhh..... of such is life! LOL

Of course, one dumb charming 20 year old little fella burst my bubble when he said, "A 'Cougar' driving a Cougar......'cept you're ALMOST too young to be a 'Cougar' though."

"ALMOST?" Thanks a lot, and NO you cannot drive.

(Cougar: Rich, hot older woman who loves to date younger guys.)

Thanks. Thanks for also not mentioning too poor, not hot enough, blah blah blah.

{I just Wikipedia'd "Cougar" and found out due to MY AGE I technically am a "Puma", a "Cougar in training." Next time I shall be prepared with said info. :) }

On a side note that has nothing to do with "Cougars" or "Pumas" at all (ahem) this is the picture I am having made into a birthday card / mini poster for MY friend (not Rachel's friend) Sonya's daughter Lillian. (Sorry, Rach. Can't get over the "Sonya" thing!) Do you think she will like it?

Shoot, I like it! LOL ....calming down my "Puma" energy..... just breathe in... breathe out.... THERE.

Happy Thursday Friday and come back shortly for my Letter of Intent by Julie.

UPDATE on Benji and Sarah

I just spoke with Lowella, and Benji is not doing so great today. They will be deciding later, with the doctors and Benny, etc, if Benji will be heading back to Cleveland tonight, or perhaps tomorrow. Sarah has a cold, so Lowella and Sarah will have to stay behind, which will be terribly hard on Lowella, and Sarah as well. Lowella asks for wisdom over the decisions and for relief for Benji that he won't even have to go back, cause we all know there ain't no place like home. Of course they will take him or whatever is decided is best, but all would love to be able to stay safe at home. Remember Sarah that her cold will behave itself and not turn into anything more serious. Thanks for the prayers.

Thank You Very Much

It's Thursday, and that means it's time for Thank You Very Much. Brought to us by none other than Kmama. Join along in the free therapy.

For all the folks who chimed in with the "Duh" response to my computer issues with "Go to Best Buy," Thank You Very Much (for real.) They were actually SMART there and had me all hooked up in like 10 minutes. Now that's what I call service.

To little redneck me who TOTALLY messed up her IP address on her laptop while trying to hook her DSi up to wireless Internet, Thank You Very Much. WHY OH WHY did it have to be me?????????????? I had about 20 minutes of pure, lovely Wi Fi until I royally messed it up somehow because the Nintendo idiots put "YES" where "NO" should have went and I clicked "YES" to change my IP address on my laptop before I knew what had happened. Now I have to go to the "Fix the stupid people's mistakes store" tomorrow. GRRRR.

To my nephew who tried his best three times to kiss me 'Night Night' but was interrupted by his bad little cough, Thank You Very Much. Nee Nee appreciated the effort for you to give me some Dylan love, even if all you gave me was some germs. I can handle Dylan germs. (Yes, I name all types of germs: outside germs, inside germs, pillow germs, air germs, couch germs, bed germs, sick germs, shoe germs, etc.)

To Baby Cakes "other" side of the family, THANK YOU VERY MUCH for not running the air purifier (like you did for your OTHER GRAND KIDS ALL THE TIME) while he was there so of course he has yellow snot now. It WAS medically recorded AGAIN, Thank You Very Much.

To "MS" Don't mess with me. Or us. Or Dylan. Period. I will send you flying to next Friday. Redneck style. Seriously. (This concerns Baby Cakes, so don't even get me started. How hard is it NOT to smoke around your supposed LOVED ONE? HUH? That's what I thought, Thank You Very Much.)

To Alvin, and not the chipmunk ;), Thank You Very Much for agreeing to take our "case."

To the lady who reached me the pair of socks I was too short to reach today at the Dollar Discount, Thank You Very Much. It's nice to know everyone isn't mean and stuff.

To a certain relative on my father's side, ( to be as vague as can be ) Thank You Very Much for putting my dad through you-know-what these last few years. Your Mother would be SOOOO proud. NOT. Can you really imagine what she would feel if she saw her home and holler now? She would cry like a baby. Grow up and do the right thing, because it's gonna fall apart like Babylon, baby. All her Christian work WILL NOT be in vain. (No my dad has no idea I am writing this, would tell me to mind my own business, but my Daddy IS my business, so... there.)

To Kmama for giving us this lovely chance to take out some stress (and seriously thank people, which I usually end up doing even though I think that isn't the point LOL), THANK YOU VERY MUCH!

UPDATE on Benji

My mother talked to Lowella last night, and Benji is still home but in a lot of pain. He is requiring 24/7 care and attending too, and is in quite some pain with too much movement such as coughing, standing, etc. He is technically doing better, but he just has a long road ahead of him. The vomiting has eased and "so far so good" with the colostomy bag. Please say a prayer for God's hand on Benji and please to ease his pain. Also remember the rest of his family, for their health as well and to lift their spirits during this time. Thanks so much for all the prayers and emails. I will update again soon.

Wordless Wednesday

Welcome to Wordless Wednesday!


This SURELY has your interest, right? Come back tomorrow for Tell Me Thursday for the details!!!!

True Story Tuesday

Welcome to True Story Tuesday! Brought to you by Rachel and Mr. Daddy at Once Upon A Miracle. A chance to tell your stories too embarrassing to tell in public, but still let the whole world have a chance to laugh at you.

"Would you like that for here or to go?"

This just happened last night. To me. At Chili's. You know Chili's.

Long story short, Kim, Allison, Aleshia & I ended up at Chili's kinda late in the evening. (late for us "old folks" but early for the "kids") Here we are, in order: Kim, Me, Allison & Aleshia. (Okay, I know my editing skillz aren't as good as Julie's, but I honestly didn't want to spend all night on just this one little picture. Ahem. That is what I will say.)

WELL, we ordered our pop (yes we say pop instead of soda) and water. It took FOREVER to get it. We ordered our appetizer. It took FOREVER to get it. Allison discovered something "floating" in her Sprite, and things got interesting.

Allison: WHAT ON EARTH IS THAT FLOATING IN MY POP!

ALESHIA: I DON'T KNOW, BUT IT LOOKS GROSS!

Allison: WHAT IF I HAVE ECOLI NOW? OR FOOD POISONING? OR FUNGAL BACTERIA?......

Us adults stepping in: "Calm down, Allison, we will get you a new Sprite and it will be okay."

Okay, I admit I was FREAKING out too, and trying to sneak and inspect my pop cause I didn't want Ecoli either, ya know.

The waitress FINALLY took care of the problem, and all was well with our soul pop. We even got a promise of a dessert for free. So, our moods was lifted. UNTIL the waitress said, "It was just probably lint or something, anyway."

Good, free dessert feeling LONG GONE.

Me: "LINT?!?!?! How on Earth would LINT get in our POP?"

Kim: "Calm down, you guys. It's all over. Just drink our new drinks and wait on our food."

Now, with all this happening, the girls totally squealing and freaking out (but not me, of course, ahem) you would think that might would have bumped up our order status just slightly. NOPE. We still waited FOREVER on our actual food, and of course everything was not exactly right, blah blah blah. (I have never had such a bad experience at this Chili's before. Don't know WHAT the deal was.)

Like I said, we finally get our food. We laugh. Talk. Snort pop out our noses just a little. Just have a great time in spite of the "lint" experience. We are there almost an hour and a half. Part waiting, part us. Other than our original "refills" after the lint and our entrees was brought, we never saw our waitress again. We really didn't care, because we weren't drinking a lot of lint pop anyway, so we were just chilling and having a blast.

We discuss the amount of tip we should leave our lack luster waitress, and shamefully I admit it wasn't the greatest tip in the world. (Hey, even the "free dessert" was late and all melted, messy and runny.) But at least we tipped her, ya know? But of course, here comes the clincher.

We had all headed out to go to the car. I am bringing up the rear, and realize I have left my coat on the back of my chair. I go back to our table, which looks like this, of course:

As I grab my coat and am trying to hurry and get back out to the car to let the girls back in, I just swing my coat over said table and turn to rush out the door, letting my coat just fly behind me.

I knock over every. single. plate. we have piled up on our table.

Every single one of them.

Straight to the floor.

(I actually don't think any of them broke, believe it or not.)

So what does this lovely, Christian, helpful, kind, caring, wouldn't-want-to-leave-a-mess-like-that-behind gal do? Take to my Kentucky roots ("the land of pretty horses and fast women") and take off like a race horse. I'm pretty sure I made Man O War proud with my trot.

Next time, I think we'll just do this, what do you think?

So head on over to Rachel's and see what else everyone else has told on themselves this week! Happy Tuesday!

Photo Hunt: Balanced

Like I need one more thing to forget to do weekly, but here I introduce to you: Photo Hunter from tnchick.com. Every week there is a theme and you post your pictures on Saturday. Since I am SO prepaerd *cough cough*, I searched my pics on file and found one from October that I don't think made it to the blog.

This week's theme: BALANCED

Happy First Year in Heaven, Skyler

It is hard to believe it has been one year already, but today makes one year that Skyler made her wonderful entrance into God's sweet presence. We, especially her Mommy & Daddy and family, would have rather had her here, but God saw fit otherwise. I cannot imagine what her family is feeling on this day, so please say a little prayer for them.

Oh, Sweet Bug. It still doesn't feel like it is real. I'm sure the pain is oh so real for you Momma and all. I miss you, Bug, and wish with all my heart I could just give you one more hug and smell your sweet hair. I love you.

Excerpt from my "Not Me Monday" immediately after Skyler's death:

"And, on a real note, the last two days, I did not see child after child, friend after friend, cousin after cousin, aunt after uncle, sister after brothers, Mother and Father after Grandparents, cry, mourn, sob, weep, lean on each other exhausted from life. Or rather, from death. I did not go to Sweet Angle Skyler's funeral because her sweet little life just can't be over, can it? No, it is really just beginning, Praise God! We thought she was something here, imagine how she is now! I bet the angels are smiling at her like we all did. I am going to try to put the song on here they played during the final viewing today. It is "She's a Butterfly" by Martina McBride, and, oh, it couldn't be more fitting for Skyler. Skyler was only supposed to live about one year, but she did not prove doctors wrong and live eleven wonderful years! She did not learn to walk, run, talk, write, read, everything they said she would never do. She did not touch every person she ever met. Yeah, she really did. She really did."

Original Link to Skyler's Entire, Original Post, not the Not Me Monday:

Skyler Jade

Letters of Intent

Dear Walmart,

I HATE IT when you change the names of your items ONLINE but keep them the same in the store. You see, I am technologically challenged, and I had my computer genius friend pick me out a lap top. BUT, the link he sent me is "OUT OF STOCK" online and you "DON'T HAVE RESALE DATE" in mind, so I am stuck with do I buy the one in the store that is BASICALLY the same as the one I WANT to get, or is there any difference at all?

Confused, readers? So am I.

Apparently they changed "Antium" to "Thirum" (Or something equally as stupid) in the 16 line name of the computer I was going to get, so now I don't know if it means the same thing or not, and the stupid sales people are just that: stupid. PLUS, my computer genius friend has started back to college, and I hate to ask for the thirtieth time, "Can you help me with my computer?"

I ask them "What is the difference in 'Antium' and 'Thirum' {not the real words, but close enough} and does it matter as far as performance goes?" NO ONE KNOWS. NADA.

I have asked about 20 little computer geeks hiding from real work back in the electronic department, and have gotten 20 different answers. Yeah. Thanks for that. "May I Help YOU?" is pointless on the back of their ugly blue smocks.

So, in closing, Walmart, WHY DOES EVERYTHING NEED A NEW NAME EVERY YEAR? HUH? Walmart 'ain't' Macy's, so don't try to keep up, 'kay? Thanks.

Sincerely,
Stupid computer person who is tired of waiting for my online link to be IN STOCK again

I Will Be Running Late Today BUT....

I know it's Friday (and I missed Thank You Very Much yesterday, True Story Tuesday, Not Me Monday... sheesh, I am an awful blogger!) BUT I have some GREAT stuff lined up... I just need to get it in here and at least get it scheduled! I am typing this as I am getting yelled at by my mom to go get ready for the eye doctor, lol, but I SHALL post THIS EVENING and more regularly from now on. I promise. Just don't hunt me down if I don't, cause I got a BIG knife I carry now! Happy Friday!

UPDATE on Benji

Benji is now home, but is still running a low grade fever. Yesterday, the home health nurse said his surgery sight looked okay, but they are to keep a check on it and his temperature. He is in a lot of pain and still has some vomiting. Thanks to everyone for praying, and for continuing to keep the family in your prayers! I am still coughing, so I will wait before I go visit him (unless he is going to go back to the hospital or an emergency) because I just don't want to risk making him more sick. I just want to thank God for having His hand on Benji during this time, and for keeping problems we cannot even imagine away from the situation. We never know what God is protecting us from, and I thank Him for that.

Tell Me Thursday

Welcome to Tell Me Thursday! A chance to explain your Wordless Wednesday pictures and keep them wordless!

Here is my Wordless Wednesday picture:


Yes, Julie, we have had these FOREVER, too. Ever since I can remember, putting the orange lights in the window has been our "trademark" of Christmas decorating in the neighborhood. We hadn't had them out in a couple of years, and this year Grammy got them out and a certain little boy was AMAZED by them!


They are the first thing he turns on in the morning.



And he really likes them to still be on in when he goes to bed, but sometimes he WILL give in and let us turn them off! It is January 21, and I don't know when we will get to put up our Christmas candles! Oh well!

Wordless Wednesday

Welcome to Wordless Wednesday.


Come back tomorrow for the story behind the candles with Tell Me Thursday!

P.S. I hope to have a few posts over the next few days, so just bear with me!
Happy Wednesday!

UPDATE on Benji

Well, in OUR eyes, not as good news over the weekend as we would have hoped for Benji, but God knows best. Benji started severely vomiting and was not released from the hospital this weekend, and I do not know if they have a date in mind, but I assumed from the prayer request today called in by Benny that it shall be a play by play decision. At the end of service today, everyone in church went up front and held prayer for Benji, joining hands, touching shoulders, somehow, to unite together in Christ for God's hand on Benji, the family and his situation. We have prayed for Benji before, but today was just amazing. There was a peace among us that was unexplainable. As crude as this is going to sound, after prayer, and dismissal, Benji wasn't really discussed much further among the members as we departed. It was like we had such a peace that it wasn't even a burden on our minds, not like we "forgot" but was released with faith or something. It was awesome. As I was going down the road, I kept singing "Healing Hand of God" by Jeremy Camp over and over as Benji's anthem, of sorts. I can't hear it and not think of Benji. I will post more as I know it. The family is so thankful for all the prayers and support.

UPDATE on Benji

Benji is doing very well after his surgery, Praise God, and may even get released after this weekend, with instructions for care from his family. The family is tickled pink over this, and cannot wait to have Benji back home and care for him there. Please keep the staff in your prayers over the decision of when is the right time to release Benji. No one wants him out too soon, but everyone knows once you are released, there ain't no place like home! Thanks for all the prayers. He will still need many more, and has more surgeries and procedures in the near future, but he has made it through one more struggle. I will let you know more when I do. Thanks again for the prayers.

Letters of Intent

It's Friday, so you know what that means! Letters of Intent brought to you by Julie over at Foursons. Love it. Join in. Have fun. Julie and Rachel are up to some new bloggy business, and it sounds good. "Battle of the Blogs" and it has my interest! Stay tuned to find out, I guess!

On to business.

Dear Job Corp of P***, Ky:

PLEASE do not accept all the dead beat low lives from all wakes of life, all around the US of A that are "super-citified" (to be nice) and scare the crap out of us "country folk" by raiding Wal Mart 100 strong at a time. What is wrong with accepting people from Kentucky? Or people that don't have gang tattoo's on their face? Ya know?

I do not mean to be politically incorrect here, but when you take some one from Mousie, Ky and put them up against someone from Miami, FL, or Brooklyn, NY, Ms. Mousie don't stand a chance! (And, NO, I do not live in a town called "Mousie" but it isn't too far away. My 'town' is actually named worse than that! lol)

While I was innocently shopping in the computer aisle at Wally World, four boys run past me at speeds only a radar gun could detect. They pushed my cart into a display of DSi case holders that went flying to the four corners of the Earth to create a scene so they could steal something in another department, ( I just wanted to add here a personal thank you very much (Sorry I missed that yesterday, Kmama) for scaring me to death at the thoughts of you grabbing my purse or running off with me as a hostage or something.) and left me standing there looking like some kind of idiot who just knocked over a huge display. (Not that that never happens occasionally anyway, but I don't need any help, ya know?)

Thankfully, all the Wal Mart employees are aware of the the games your students? trainees? members? are up too and they ALL come out in FULL FORCE to stop the shoplifting and scaring to death of customers VERY quickly. They have to announce, "Anyone who is visibly a Wal Mart employee, make yourself seen and walk the aisles of the store until further notice." I mean, COME ON!?!? Have you ever heard of such a thing? Me either.

So could you all please do something with all your yahoos (or at least their supervisors) because they give ALL the Corp members a bad name, and I am positive they are not all like that. We just got stuck with them because we are Kentucky and we are lucky like that. (Actually, there were several members within that same group that are quite "normal" and well behaved, but the "others" ruined it for every one else. It was like a play date gone terribly wrong.)

So please make your "kids" behave at Wal Mart because they are scary and I don't like them.

Thanks Very Much,

Redneck Gal who doesn't want to be afraid to shop at Wal Mart on Mon, Wed & Fri between 7 & 8 pm.

Tell Me Thursday

Welcome to Tell Me Thursday!

Here is my Wordless Wednesday picture.


And here is the bitter sweet poem it inspired Sissy Sharon to write about Dylan and his Great-grand parents, Everette and Connie Maynard. (And yes, Brenda (jane) it is sad, but good too!)

A little boy stands alone, and knocks upon a door.
An empty sound is all we hear, his boots creak on the floor.
If only he could know the love that once lived in this place,
What these folks would have given to see his smiling face.
It brings back a memory that lives only in my mind,
I'll let the story tell itself and I think that you will find.
That though it did not happen, we know it could be true.
So sit right back and shed a tear, as this memory comes to you.

A little boy ran by her side, she smiled and touched his hair.
He stood out in the garden and looked up at the pair.

"Hello!" he called out, as he waved, to see them drawing nigh.

The little boy ran to the man, his arms raised to the sky.
He pulled the child into his arms, the love he felt was strong.
She moved toward the fresh tilled soil, on her lips a favorite song.

"Don't let him get too dirty. Supper's on the table, it's near to five."

"A little dirt won't hurt the boy. It will make him feel alive."

The little little boy played all day long,
The couple enjoyed him so.
He played and ran as they watched
The sun set oh so slow.

That day was one of the best, it never seemed to end.
Their laughter filled voices still whisper in the wind.
The gate that closes slowly remembers this bright day,
The door where upon which he knocks smiles, I hear it say.
"Welcome home, Little Prince. Please come and Play inside.
Many secret memories await for you to find."

He sits alone on the walk, the dog sits by his side.
He looks up to the mountain, one day he'll say with pride.
"I love this dear old home and the people from which I came.
Though we never got to meet, they loved me just the same."

Update on Benji

We heard from Benny (via Brenda Gail) that he made it out of his surgery fine. They removed some of his intestines, which was the plan. It was diseased, not terribly, but still diseased. It was seriously inflamed. He is doing as well as can be expected. Lowella, his mother, desires everyone's prayers to help keep Benji's panic attacks at bay. This has been a very stressful time for him, obviously, and he has suffered some anxiety. We pray that all that will be removed and no longer another stresser to his already weak, sick body. Thanks again, so much.

Update on Benji

At noon today, Benji will be having his surgery, so prayer warriors, go to work! I will check in later tonight, as I will be gone all day to an appointment. Thanks

Wordless Wednesday

Come back tomorrow for Tell Me Thursday for the bitter-sweet story behind this picture.

Update on Benji

As of late Tuesday night, Benji is in the hospital and awaiting his surgery tomorrow. I do not have many details today, because we have not been in direct contact with the family and I do not want to print something on word of mouth here-say. They have a rather large immediate family who are very close knit, and we know they have been on the phone around the clock, so we are waiting until tomorrow evening to call them personally. We have left word with our "go between" Brenda (Gail) to send them all the love and prayers we have received from the blog and from emails I have received from other places I put the prayer request. They are more than thankful, I am sure. Please keep them all in your prayers, as I know you are doing. Thank you so much.

True Story Tuesday

Welcome to True Story Tuesday! Brought to us by Rachel at Once Upon A Miracle. A chance to tell the whole world just how crazy you are!

Due to Benji and all that is going on, I am going to use an oldie from when I first started TST'ing. Here is the original link, but I shall COPY and PASTE for your ease. (Your welcome.)

This is Benji. And his girlfriend Kendra. She is not really in this story, but I wanted to show off their lovely selves in their prom getup. Quite beauties, aren't they?

He will kill me for this one, but here is Benj at about 2 or 3, all decked out for a wedding. He tends to go for the white tuxedo's, huh? This is one of my first memories I have of Benji. I had to go out to Lowella's - his mom- car and get some gel spray for his hair. This is at Sherri's wedding, Cullen's mom. Benj was the ring bearer. Sherri, Lowella and myself are who Cullen wants to be the Golden Sisters, by the way.

I have known both of these kiddos since they were born. I used to work for Benji's family, and we were very close, like a brother and sister with a bigger than normal age gap. He has such a hilarious sense of humor. He was always trying to pull one on people, so he sometimes left me wondering if he was telling the truth about something every now and then. He even pulled the best gag EVER on his dad, who is next to impossible to trick. (I would have said impossible, but I know Benji got him once.)

Benny, the dad, was on a "goat" kick for a while. He had one for the hillside, no biggie, but decided to breed and sell some baby goats. Like he didn't have enough to do. Ahem. Anyway. One night we were all at church, and refreshments had been served after it was over. Some of the kids were downstairs goofing off in the sanctuary, and apparently this night included prank calls to their parents.

Benji called and left the following message for his dad, in his best even-more-hillbilly-than-normal voice:

"Um, hello. This is (Insert silly hillbilly name here) from Marr'bone. I was callin' cause I heard ya had some goats fer sale. Call me here at (seemingly fake phone number) and we can talk about it. Um, thanks, now. Bye."

Tee hee. Giggle giggle. Snorty snort. ALL going on in the background. (I was actually there to witness this event so I thought for sure Benny would NEVER fall for it. My goodness, DRUMS and PIANO were playing in the background.)

Well, when we got home, we all began changing clothes, etc. Benny went into the living room and checked the answering machine first thing, which he NEVER did normally. We all kinda paused in the hallway as we heard Benji's message playing on machine. Benj, his mother, and myself were all trying to contain our giggles as we listened to it. We were waiting for an immediate "BENJI!!" after the message finished playing. Silence. Then, beep-beep-beep doot-doot-doot-doot. Benny was actually dialing these people. At first I thought he was just pretending to play along.

Benny's lovely conversation with God only knows who:

"Yes, this is Benny D*****. I was returning your call concerning the goats for sale. I have 2 that are ready to go now, and any time the other 3 will............... Benny D from Bull Creek. With the goats for sale. You called and left a message..... Yes, you did, I just listened to it and it left this number. Is this the (silly hillbilly name) residence? Oh, I see......" His tone was becoming more aggravated all throughout the phone conversation. Like he was thinking, "These crazy people wasting my time....."

Our snorts from the hallway were beginning to float through to living room, and the phone conversation took a certain shift in direction.

"Um, I think I know what is going on. Sorry to bother you so late. Thanks. Bye. (Longest pause on the face of this Earth.) BENJIIIIIIIIIIII!!!"

We all come stumbling in from the hallway like kids caught listening at the door of a conversation they shouldn't have been listening to. We were kinda afraid Benny would be furious, and never see the humor, because he has a unique personality, to say it nicely! LOL He stood there with a gruff, angry look on his face, for what seemed like eternity. "Well, Bub, I gotta hand it to you. You got me..." a SMALL smile crept up his face, which was huge considering Benny. "But if you EVER try that again....."

We all started talking at once about how we never thought he would fall for it, blah blah blah, etc. He just waved his hand off at us, and went on through the hallway to the bedroom. We laughed for at least a good 10 minutes. Just one of those moments. Ah... good times. That one still gets a good chuckle and all you have to say is "Remember that time you left that message for your dad...." and we lose it!

Check out everyone else's True Story Tuesday at Once Upon A Miracle or feel free to join in!

UPDATE and Prayer Request for Benji

Update: I just heard from Lowella's sister that they have been stuck in traffic due to weather, and are just now about to get to the hospital. They were hoping to be there by six, but it didn't get to happen. Praying for the night shift and all involved!

Benji is at Cleveland Clinic RIGHT NOW in an emergency situation. He is very ill, his immune system practically non existent, and he desperately needs a colostomy performed so his intestines can heal. We haven't talked to them this evening, and I will update with news as soon as I have it. They were afraid he may also be developing pneumonia, which would complicate things. Please pray for God's hand and guidance over this entire situation. Thanks.

Praying for Benny, Lowella, Benji & Sarah

(Scroll to the end paragraph that is completely in bold if you just want the prayer request.)

I would love to introduce to you a very special family:

Benny, Lowella ,Benji & Sarah.

They are truly a walking testimony of God's grace, healing and power. Although, right now, I wish they had a smaller story to tell. But God has a reason for everything, and it shall all bring glory to HIS name, so we shall not question, even when strongly tempted. Their story is as long and wondrous as it is painful. This will be the main page, with links to individual stories and continual updates as I feel led to do so. Clicking on the side bar button to the left with the family picture shall always bring you to THIS PAGE, where you can find the links for updates, etc, at the end of the post. I have been wanting to share their story for a while, and God finally said yes (and so did Lowella) so I shall begin.

Benny and Lowella were high school sweethearts who married a couple of years out of high school. Lowella became a teacher, and Benny was an electrician and worked in the coal mines with Lowella's family. They had their first child, Benji, and all was wondrous. Here is Benji. (He will kill me for calling him "Brave Benjamin" but to me, that is what he is, so don't be ashamed, Bub!)


Lowella was diagnosed with Chron's disease shortly after Benji's birth, and has suffered many years from it's awful affects on the human body. She has had numerous surgeries, taken many treatments, and still suffers. But she praises God through it all. Benny came to know the Lord as well, and they were even more blessed than before. They had another child, Sarah, and the Lord brought them through many trials leading up to that point. Sarah was truly a miracle.


Benji immediately took on the role of big brother, and he did a wonderful job. He loved and cared for Sarah so much. He was such a help to his mother and father at this time as well.


This is when I joined their story (not their life, they had known me since my birth) and helped tend to Sarah briefly when she was born and later again when she was a little older. She is the reason I am a "Nee Nee" (See the Sarah's Story later, of course, for details on that!)

Years passed on and the children grew older, as it seems to happen to everyone.


Benji began suffering from fissures, and the doctors thought all was under control. No mention of Chron's at all. When Benji went in one day for a colonoscopy for further looking into his health issues, he came out with the news: he also had Chron's. The family was beyond shocked. The doctors began treating Benji immediately for his disease, leading up to the present time.

He was on immune suppressing drugs, and all the regimen for Chron's care, and he still became weak with disease. He lost several pounds over time, and his body weakened even more. Benji's body was filled with infection, and he was hospitalized at length, had surgery and was released with drainage tubes and knowing he had many further surgeries to follow.

This Wednesday, January 13, 2010, Benji will go back to Cleavland Clinic for removal of some of his infected intestines, and to be honest, I am not sure what else will be going on that day. I know Benji is in pain right now, and he and his family strongly desires your prayers. Please pray for God's hand and guidance to be on all doctors and staff involved, for the family's continued strength, and for Lowella & Sarah's health to hold up through all this as well. Sarah is doing okay right now, but has impending tests later to determine her own status with Chron's disease. I can only imagine that this must be just about as much as a parent could bare, suffering from this for your life to find out your son and possibly your daughter has the same disease.

But they have a hope. A hope in Jesus. A hope that can surpass ALL OTHER HOPE. We beg that God not only completely spares Sarah from this disease, but heals and restores Benji and Lowella as well. Perhaps through some of this Lowella may find something that helps her, if not direct healing, although I know she would have rather suffered to her grave than to have any of this happen to her babies, but we all pray for Lowella's healing as well. I do not believe this had to happen for Lowella to receive God's healing, let me be clear on that, but God can use misery for Glory any day of the week! People have no idea what Lowella goes through, except her family and the few who have been there and saw her suffering. She shines such a light for the lord, as does her entire family.

My plea tonight is that Sarah be spared, Benji and Lowella be healed, and Benny be given the strength and courage he needs to continue on his journey in life as their Earthly rock, and God get more glory than one can ever imagine through this entire ordeal. Won't you please join me in this prayer? Please spread the word in any prayer group or community you can. The family would surely appreciate it, and thank you in advance for your prayers.

Please feel free to copy and paste the link (found below) to this page (and the following paragraph concerning updates, if you feel led) to post in emails, communities, blog posts, etc. Spread the word so they can receive prayer and God can receive glory!

Here is the link to copy and paste:

http://ourlifewithdylan.blogspot.com/2010/01/urgent-prayers-desired.html

Updates can be found by going to the above link (or scrolling down if you are already on this page) then scrolling down to the bottom of the post and clicking where it says "UPDATES" and you will be taken to all posts concerning their health as I share it.

Check these out if you are interested in a slightly more personal side to the story. I have left some personal details out for respect for the family, but I think you will enjoy the stories none the less.

Benny & Lowella's Story

Benji's Story

Sarah's Story

UPDATES