Reflections of 08"

I have been thinking alot and reflecting on the many things that have occurred in the past year with our family..Here is just a snipit(is that a real word?) of some things:

 At the beginning of the year we were on trip number 5 to NYC  for another surgery with Cade.  It was a very successful surgery, but scary as we watched Cade's eye bleed profusely within 3 hours out of surgery...scary, but the Lord was with us holding our hands and we were able to speak into the lives of another family going through a more difficult time with their child.. God is good!  Cade progressed and his eye seems to be getting stronger.. 

We celebrated Cade's 2nd birthday in March and these are always special days as we thank the Lord for another year.. It was the movie "Cars" theme. He is growing up too fast!

Beach trips are always a blast and something Chris and I look forward to every summer..in fact we are looking forward to our trip in June!! We have been going to the beach with my family since I was in highschool..not going to do the calculations. This past year we were at Myrtle Beach-alot to do, but a very packed beach-not going back-but loved spending time with our family!  

Chris and I also love going to Texas to visit his family. We stay for about two weeks and it is really the only time during the year we are able to visit with his entire family.. I enjoy the trip and now that Cade is getting older, I enjoy it even more! Very hot, but we love it!! We also eat at a place that is Chris' favorite-Bill Miller's-everyday..not kidding..everyday! I know Leah is laughing at that one!

In July, Chris and I purchased our first new home! Thank you Jesus!! It is something that we have wanted to do for some time, but financially it just wasn't possible for us.. The Lord really opened doors for us and provided us with a beautiful home and on top of that, wonderful neighbors who have become some of our greatest friends!

Cade began a new pre-school in August with me! Yeah!! I love having him on campus with me.. so convenient and so comforting knowing he is one building away.. His teachers love him and yes he has had his share of time-outs!  We are still working on that..:(

In November, Chris' football team(Davidson Academy) won another state championship title-the 2nd in three years! Go Bears! He loves his job and the kids absolutely adore him-He is an amazing coach and teacher and hope that Cade one day will be able to play for his daddy!!

We have had an amazing year, and yes, we have had our ups and downs, but the one constant has been our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.. He has done the possible when it looked liked things were impossible. He has been our Provider, our Healer, our Comforter, our Sustainer,and our Hope! He has given us His mercy and grace many times! There were many times that I struggled with the unknown in regards to Cade and his medical condition, but that is when He became more evident to me-He became more strong in the midst of my weaknesses. All in all, Chris and I want everything we do, including Cade and his future-to reflect God's glory!  We are so thankful for another year and for what the Lord has taught us. Our prayers are that we continue to seek His face and trust His promises in this new year, and that we are open and receptive to His call on our lives! 

We love you all and are very thankful for each of you. Thank you for your constant prayers for Cade. We know the Lord is going to use him in a mighty way!!  

Happy New Year!!

Not worthy, but HIS

carlee

Watch out Bon Jovi!

Okay.. I couldn't resist posting this.. One of Cade's favorite gifts--and no, Chris did not get Guitar Hero for Christmas.. Hee-Hee!!!

Merry Christmas..and a Happy New Year!!

What a fun time it was to watch Cade open his presents Thursday morning.. He had a blast, and for the first time he actually enjoyed it.  He kept saying "nother one, nother one" after each present.  I think some of his favorites were the guitar, the workbench with tools, and his bike...at least that is what he tried to tell me were his favorites. We are so thankful that God has given us so many blessings this year and we can't wait to see what He has in store for us in 2009!!

Love you all!

Merry Christmas Eve!!

We hope you all are having a great week with your family.. We have had so much fun with Cade in the past few days. We did get to see Santa, but from a far off.. Cade just waved at him and that was good enough for him.. He is getting excited about opening his presents, but he knows we can't open them until Nana and Papa get here.  Chris and I are so excited about tonight.. We get to attend our church's Christmas Eve service. We have heard so many great things about this service and it will be our first since we started attending Crosspoint.  There are many of you that we wish we could be with during these holidays..know that we love you and will continue to post pictures as I get them.. So thankful for my salvation and thankful for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!!

Merry Christmas!!  We love you all!!  (this was a early present from "GiGi"-he picked it out, and it took us an hour to put together, and a matter of minutes for it to be torn apart..go figure:)

Life's Jigsaw Puzzle

Well, disregard the previous post. About 6 hours ago I was preparing for our trip to New York. When I got home I thought I would call to confirm Cade's appt. with the neurologist in NY-who would be working along with Dr. Fay.   After speaking with the clinical coordinator,  I was told that Dr. Fay would not be there this week and there  was obviously a MISTAKE in the scheduling. After I hung up the phone, the very first thought that came to my mind was that we had been given an answer to our question in regards to the doctor situation. The next thought was what about all the money we had spent in preparation for this trip, and then I broke down. After a calming word from my mom, who is always there for me, I realized that this was confirmation from the Lord that we should remain in Nashville and allow his doctors here to complete the procedure. I then realized that this was no MISTAKE, but the Lord's work at hand in a matter of hours.  We have to look at the big picture, we have to see that He has a bigger plan for us. It is similar to looking at a piece of art. If you hold the picture right up to your face you can only see colors and shapes, but when you look at it at a distance you can see all the quality work and intricate details and see the layout of the work of art..This is what is difficult. We can't always see the portrait, we just see colors and shapes. Hope that makes sense.. it does to me.. 

I have been reading the book "Cast of Characters" by one of my favorite authors, Max Lucado. In the chapter on Joseph, he says," We've been given only one piece of life's jigsaw puzzle. Only God has the cover of the box."  So true that He is the only one that knows what the puzzle will look like in the end. I am so thankful for His providence and thankful that He always answers prayers.

(p.s. I do have to admit I will miss not seeing NYC in Christmas)

so Not Worthy, but HIS,

carlee

Back to New York, but during Christmas!!

We are traveling back to New York this Thursday to meet with Cade's doctors for a re-evaluation. We are praying that the Lord will give Chris and I wisdom as we discuss further treatment for Cade.  We will be making some important decisions in the next few weeks in regards to this visit and who we want to finish up with the remainder of the mass. Please be in prayer for us as we travel and as we embark on, Lord-willing, the last part of this journey. We are asking for the Lord to direct our steps in the decisions to be made..  

On a lighter note, I do have to say that I am quite excited about being in NYC during Christmas. We have never been in the city during the Christmas holidays.. we have only gone before the lights are up or after.. I am so excited to see the tree in Rockefeller Plaza, the ice skating rink,  and to see the city lit up at night. Because this is just a visit with no surgery involved, we should be able to enjoy the city a little more.. This might be our last trip to the city.. who knows?  The picture is  of Rockefeller Plaza..  Will update you all on the visit. Thanks for praying.

carlee

The Quote Says Pretty Much Everything!

This picture and quote catches my attention everytime I visit this particular blog that I have been following lately.. It is someone who has been through extreme pain and has seen the Lord work in and through every circumstance.. I love it, and it hits home for me.. Whatever it takes Lord, bring the rain.. May you be glorified through the difficult times and may we be able to praise you through the storms--Casting Crowns song.

Not Worthy, but HIS

carlee

Thanksgiving/Christmas

We drove to Chattanooga for Thanksgiving this year. I was so excited because I got to see my sister and my nephew. I haven't seen the both of them since last Thanksgiving. Holland, my sisters little boy is about 4 months younger than Cade. So I was excited to see them interact with each other. We decided to also celebrate Christmas since it was the only time we would all be together. It was so much fun to watch the boys play and open their gifts. I do have to say, I think Cade will be like I was when opening Christmas presents.. not one expression to tell if I loved or hated the gift..Each kid got to open their gifts one at a time.. and that was neat to watch.. I love being with family and hate that I don't get so see them that often.. my sister especially.   I am so thankful for my mom, dad, brother and his family, and my sister and her family.  I am truly blessed!    Love you all!!

carlee

Roll Tide!

Yes, I am an Alabama girl and proud of it.. The Crimson Tide ended their season 12-0, with a number one ranking, and on their way to the SEC championship game this Saturday.. Chris can't stand it due to the fact that Texas got the shaft this weekend due to BCS standings... I thought they would have been in the Big 12 championship as well.. He was not a happy camper.. We love our college football and I have thoroughly enjoyed watching Bama play every Saturday..It is just in my blood.. I grew up there so it is a part of me so to speak.  I hope they play well this Saturday..Roll Tide Roll!!

Our Pride and Joy!

It is so amazing to watch as our "big boy" continues to grow up..it is also sad that he is growing up so fast.. He amazes me every day with new words and new ideas. I love picking him up everyday and being able to spend some mommy time with him.  I get him from school and then take him to my room where he plays with the expo markers and eats his snack...  I have to watch him from time to time or the expo eraser will be plastered to his face..  When we get home, he has to have his yogurt..unless we are out-and that is not a good thing!  It has been so much fun playing "beep-beeps", football, etc.  He did have to sit in time-out this week at school for tackling..so we have to make sure that he knows that we only tackle daddy and mommy.. He loves playing football.  He does also enjoy watching his share of cartoons-Blues Clues, Backyardigans, Oswald, and Max and Ruby.  

We have seen Santa a few times already at the mall this past week and Cade, I think has a few things confused.  He refers to Santa as "Chrimas," and then he says lap. So I believe he thinks Santa's name is Christmas.. so cute-I love it!!  Everytime we have asked him what he wants for Christmas he says a "bu-bike"-(blue bike)  We did get him a trike.. but it is red.. We hope he likes it!

We love our sweet boy, our little warrior and know that God has richly blessed us with him. As much as he has gone through and our family has gone through..we would not want it any different.  We are so thankful for what he has brought us and continues to bring us everyday-JOY! Cade is my heart! I love you so much "bubba!"

So Much To Be Thankful For!

I wanted to post some pics of all of Cade's artwork he has done in the past week.  He loves to color and draw and we are so proud of his work and so thankful for him!!

We have so much right now to be thankful for.. I could sit here and write many things that Chris are so grateful for.. our family, our new home, our new friends, Cade's health, etc.. The Lord has blessed us so much in a year and sometimes we forget to stop and just say "thanks."  

Thank you Lord for the times we struggled, because we grew closer to you in that time. Thank you Lord for the goodness you brought, because it reminded us of how good You are. Thank you Lord for the times we doubted, because it made our faith grow stronger. Thank you Lord for the times when we were scared, because You never left us nor forsake us.  Thank you Lord for sending Your only Son to die for us, because through Your sacrifice we learned true forgiveness and everlasting life!  Soli Deo Gloria (To God Alone Be the Glory!)

Not worthy, but HIS

carlee

Another Turn In Our Journey

It is going on almost three years now as we have walked this journey with Cade trying to get this lesion removed from his eye.  Right now it seems as we have hit a road block..so to speak..Because of the complexity of Cade's lesion and its' location it has taken us a little longer than what we had expected.  His doctor here in Nashville has been very honest with us and patient as she is trying to make sure the procedure to be used will work and not do any more damage.. in giving us this information, she is very concerned about doing the procedure herself because of the bleeding and informed us that we should travel to Canada to have the procedure done.  That is not the route we our wanting to take, so we have decided that we will have Dr. Fay-his doctor in NYC-who has operated on Cade twice- finish up with the remainder of his surgeries. (we are still waiting to find out if this procedure will work) 

In saying all this, there is so much that has to be done before we make the trip back to NYC, but not alot of time as this lesion grows. There are some scheduling issues that have to be resolved with Dr. Fay and the neurologist in NYC  before we start scheduling flights and such.. 

There is so much that is not in my control and it has been so difficult for me.  I want to know exactly what will be done, when will it be done, what will be the outcome for Cade, will his eye be blue forever, I could go on and on....I know that the Lord is teaching me that I need to just let go and let Him work, but it is so hard..especially when it is your child. I feel like Job sometimes, even though I have not been through half of what he went through... and after his friends question Job about his sufferings, and then Job questions God.. He responds that all you need to know is to TRUST me. Maybe this is what the Lord is trying to teach me--to start exercising my "trust muscles." (Sarah Young quote)

Cade has another CT scan tomorrow-Nov 10. As he continues to get older these procedures seem to get a little bit more difficult for him..  Pray that he isn't scared and that this procedure will be helpful for all of our doctors in treating Cade. Thank you for all your prayers and  for holding our hands through it all!  We are so grateful!  Time to exercise those muscles--you know, the "trust" ones.

Not worthy, but HIS

What Now?

I am very thankful to have been a witness to history last night, as Barack Obama was elected the 44th president of the United States. This was amazing-historically speaking, that just more than 30 years ago African-Americans were still denied the right to vote in some states, and now we have one in the White House. I was disappointed and sad for McCain and Palin, but came to the realization that the people have spoken and they have made their choice-it was clear early that it was not going to be good night for the Republican party.
So what now? It is now time for us to hit our knees and pray for this man and his administration as they lead our country...pray for safety for his family, pray that he will be surrounded by Godly men and women who will advise him in the direction of our country, and pray for wisdom and guidance. I think it is important to remember that we are Christians first, then Republican or Democrats. We are Christians first, then mothers, wives, friends, etc. We are followers of Christ first, before we follow McCain or Obama. To me that is the most important.. our work on earth should not change--to build God's kingdom--and to be "salt and light." It is much like my pastor said today on his blog.. "it is time to move on.." We will be okay.

Almost Here-Who Will It Be?

We are one day away from knowing who the next president of the United States will be.. I have been anticipating this day for about a year now.  There has been so much talk and rhetoric in the last few days, that I am so ready for this campaign to be over.. I say that I won't know what to talk about after tomorrow, but I am sure there will be plenty to talk about.  I know the Lord is in control of this no matter what happens..and we will all be witnesses to history, whether we will have the first African-American elected or the oldest.. that is pretty cool!  

We have seen and heard so much, we know all about each candidate, their families, their background, their views on all issues-social, moral, economic. We know all about the "Joe's " in this campaign, we know all the slogans-"change you can believe in," "spreading the wealth,"  "he is the only one who has ever fought for you,"  "drill, baby, drill!"  We have seen the thousands come from afar to show their support in every rally, we have watched every debate and know each of their mannerisms. We have seen the media pick each of them apart(really just Palin),  and we have heard every commentators view of each candidate. NOW it is up to you-the voter.  It is in your hands-it is your choice-be thankful for the opportunity to be involved in a democratic process and VOTE!  Your voice is your vote!

"Down....Set....HUT!!!!

Well, after weeks of just looking at the helmet and holding it, Cade finally decided that he wanted to put on the helmet.  He won't wear it, but for about 30 sec..... but it was long enough for me to get a quick picture.  He loves football and points to our stadium and says "football" every day when we drive into school.  He will be a Dallas Cowboys football player for Friday night.. and probably could do a better job at 2 than some of the players they have right now. Just within the last few weeks he has really wanted to just throw the football in the house instead of playing with his cars and trains.  He is a lefty.. so we are on the path of hopefully having some future in the athletic realm..maybe baseball or football. He will have no choice, but to play basketball..as Chris would say.  

We also had a parade last weekend with our neighborhood friends.  Cade and Ace rode in their "beep-beeps"-pushed by the dads, and Caleb walked, while the moms took pictures. Caleb was a baseball player, Cade a football player, and Ace a Bat.. They were all so cute and it was fun to see all the kids dressed up. I do have to be careful.. Cade is at the age where masks scare him now.. so don't know what Friday will look like for us.. Will post again this weekend.

Not worthy, but HIS

carlee

"Enemy Territory"

Okay, so I am posting twice today, because I had to share this story.. (Jennifer I hope you don't mind.) Well, my friend next door and I constantly are on each other about who we are supporting in this upcoming election. We have some very spirited debates every afternoon as our kids play.. and it is so fun.  We both are very competitive and feel very strongly about the candidate we are supporting and we both have signs in our yard to show our support for our candidate!  So I get a text today, that she went into "enemy territory"   to get me a new yard sign-my is barely standing due to the weather...hope this isn't an example of what is to come for my candidate.  Anyway, I know it was a very hard thing for her to do--to contribute to the opposing party, but she did it out of kindness, and I would have done the same for her.... so glad I was not working at the headquarters where she got the sign, because I know those people probably got an ear full from her.. jk!!  Even though we have many differences of opinion on who should be the next president, we both enjoy the fun and don't know what we will talk about after Nov. 4th!  Love ya girl!!

carlee

All the way to State!

I have been out of the blogger world for about a week and thought I should post today.. I have had a very busy week. Our girls vball team at CPA advanced to regionals, sectionals, and now they are on their way to state! I have been in the gym the last two nights supporting the girls I had as Fresh. who are now Seniors. It has been awesome to see how far they have come!  

Cade's cold is much better, but he decided it was mommy's turn to cope with the coughing, sneezing, etc.  We have a long weekend, thank the Lord-so hopefully I will get rest before school starts up again next week!    Have a great weekend! 

carlee

A Do-Nothing Day

Today was one of those days that we just spent at home. This week has been crazy with both of our schedules and today we took some time to just be together and stay at home.  We wiped Cade's nose all day long-he has a bit of a cold- and watched college football and the occasional update on the political process. Cade loves watching football with Chris. We will be watching the Texas-Missouri game tonight, oh and by the way did I mention "ROLL TIDE!" 

I don't know where we got the green football, but it is the only one Cade has. He had been asking for a "boo hemet"-blue helmet for weeks, so  Chris brought a real helmet home from Davidson and he would not have anything to do with it... go figure.  He has a Dallas Cowboys uniform on the way..couldn't have been any other NFL team by Chris' standards... we will see if he will wear that helmet.  Enjoy your week!

carlee

Please Pray-2 things

This past weekend one of the girls that I coached 2 years ago lost her mom tragically. Please pray for this sweet girl and her family. She played in her district volleyball tournament last night and did incredible.  Her words to me this morning were "that her mom was playing in her and through her last night and that she always loved the jump serve!"  Pray for them as they walk through this difficult time in their life.

Chris and I would love your prayers as we discuss and talk through what doctors should treat the remainder of Cade's lesion. There is so much more to this story, but pray that the Lord will give us wisdom and direction in the steps we need to take.  Thank you so much for all of your encouraging words! It means so much!

carlee 

"Best Buddies"

We were so thrilled when we moved into our new home and found out that our neighbors had two boys. I think the first day we moved in,  Cade was outside almost all day playing with Caleb and Ace.  He loves the both of them and sees Caleb and his big brother and Ace as his little brother.  They are so good with Cade even when he tries to take their toys as his own.. which happens quite frequently. Cade always enjoys when Caleb gets his big "beep-beep" out and takes him for a ride! This was one of those days.   Caleb steers and Cade gets to play with the radio.. can you believe this car has a real radio in it? I don't  think my very first real car had a radio. We are so thankful for our sweet friends next door-who have helped us out so much! Thanks Jamie and Jennifer!

Politically Drained!

Okay, so due to the fact that I have to stay on top of the political world and the electoral process, I am in an information overload state right now.  I have been watching interviews, debates, commentaries, etc. for the last week and an half. I do enjoy it, but needed a break today from the campaign trail.  Went to the Republican Headquarters this week to get a yard sign and a couple of shirts for Chris and I-I felt so patriotic as I was leaving and Cade was waving his American flag that some lady gave him.   I know he is probably getting tired of listening to talk radio when he gets in the "beep-beep"(what he calls our car) every morning and afternoon..but it will all be over soon.  Hope everyone has a great weekend! Stay tuned from more on the campaign trail! Happy voting!

Pumpkin Patch

It's that time of the year... time to visit the pumpkin patch. We took Cade this year to Gentry's Farm in Williamson Co.  It was so neat..he got to see goats, pigeons, chickens,etc. He had the best time in the corn trough, the maze, and of course the hayride.  He saw the "moos"- what he calls cows and he loved riding on the tractor.. so much that he pitched a royal fit when our ride was over.  It is so fun to see him enjoy things as he gets older. I could have watched him play in that corn trough all day.    Of course we let him wander through the pumpkin patch to find his pumpkin and it didn't take him that long.. he gets that from me... he knows what he wants and goes for it! We have so much fun doing things together as a family and Saturdays are our days together.  It was the perfect day for pickin' pumpkins!

Election 2008

If any of you know me, you know that I am heavily involved in this upcoming election.. Due to the fact that I teach Government, it is part of my job that I love doing. Talk to anybody who knows me and they will tell you that all I follow all kinds of news stories.. I love them and I love to listen to some commentaries, although some of them do tend to get under my skin from time to time. I have watched every debate so far and seen every interview with each pres. and vice pres. candidate.  I encourage my students to vote for a person and not a party and I have to teach with no bias in the classroom, which can I say is VERY hard!  After watching Biden and Palin last night I was so thankful that they were so respectable of each other although it was not as exciting as the last debate due to the fact that they were throwing punches at each other's bosses and not each other directly. This is going to be a historic election and I have enjoyed every moment of it. I am even hosting a "Political Party" at my house on Tuesday-the night of the 2nd Presidential debate here in good ole' "Nashvegas!"  I know I might be a geek as my husband calls me, but I love it. I know that whatever happens and whoever wins, the Lord is still on the throne and He will be the same that day, the next, and forever!  

I am Carlee Brian and I support this messsage! hee-hee

Fun at Phillips

Well, yesterday after school I decided to take Cade to Phillips Toy Mart. He has had a few rough days at school and thought he would love to see some trains or what he calls "choo-choos." If you don't live in the Nashville area it is like a mini FAO Schwarz. It was our first time to this store and it is amazing. They have toys from floor to ceiling and trains of every kind... which was the main reason for our trip. We spent over an hour there as Cade watched the electric trains and played with the Thomas trains. He was in heaven.  It was so fun to watch him and to see the excitement in his face. He got really excited when we found a football helmet there. He has been asking for a football helmet for about a week.. He loves to watch football!   We both had a blast and mommy got some great ideas for Christmas!

 carlee 

VM-Part II

So we made a trip to the big city and had a blast. Even though we were there under very abnormal circumstances, we made the trip fun. In fact, we would be back 4 more times to the city, so we had some ideas about what we wanted to see. Our first trip happened to be the coldest day in NYC history. We also took Cade to FAO Schwarz-biggest toy store there, the NBA store, the NIKE store, and we got to meet Mickey and Minnie Mouse.  I do have to say riding in a cab, was an event all its own. Some of these trips occurred after the procedures, which again reiterates the fact that Cade is our "warrior!"

After meeting with Dr. Waner our spirits were so encouraged about Cade's lesion. It was the first time we had heard the words that we can fix this.  After 5 trips to NYC,  3 laser procedures, and a surgery with Dr. Fay-a doctor that works with Waner who flies in from Boston every month to do procedures on the eye, and one of the best there is-we are now at the point of how they will treat the remainder of the lesion in the orbit area. He has a really good surgeon here in Nashville and we are praying that they will find what will be the best treatment for the remainder of the VM. He will also need to see a cornea surgeon due to the fact that he has some scarring on the cornea. Above all these upcoming procedures we are praying for God to just do HIS work as He always has and to guide the doctors hands involved in taking care of our "Warrior."   Thank you for all your prayers for Cade and our family. We have received so many blessings through the "thorns."

VM-Part I

Most of you know that when Cade was born he was diagnosed with an hemangioma.  At the time we knew nothing about what that was or where this diagnosis would take us.  At two years of age Cade has been through alot...and overcome many obstacles and that is why he is called our "Little Warrior." Our family verse that is on our blog speaks volumes about the blessings and promises that He has given us through this journey. At times in our life we became complacent with the "roses"-the good things that life brings.. but it is through the "thorns" that we learn the most-to completely trust the Lord and know that He is going to do exceedingly more than we have ever expected. Thanking Him for the roses, but praising Him for the thorns.

 Since I am just beginning in blogger land, I wanted to share the story about our son and his special fingerprint from God.

As mentioned earlier, Cade was diagnosed with an hemangioma from birth.  He was treated several times with steroid injections into the eyelid to reduce the growth. At seven months Cade had his first surgery at Vanderbilt Children's Hospital to reduce the size of the lesion so it would not obstruct his vision.. I could do a post just on the hospital itself-AMAZING!! At this time he was diagnosed with a venous malformation which was way more complicated than an hemangioma. Cade's VM was on his eye, top and bottom eyelid, and orbit area. VM's are more complicated because they tend to grow with the child.  After the procedure, Cade made a quick recovery and we began looking for specialists in this area. My searching led me to a doctor in NYC.. a Dr. Milton Waner with the Vascular Birthmark Institute.. watch Discovery Health Channel sometime and you will see him. He is world-renown and I knew Cade needed to see him.. I contacted him by email and he sent me his cell number! Can you believe that? So rare, but so GOD! We scheduled a time to see him and began making plans to visit the big apple!  Stay tuned more to come!

Trip to the Nashville Zoo

We had a great time with Nana and Papa at the Zoo. He loved walking through the bamboo trails which was not so easy for mommy to walk through-who isn't the size of a toothpick.Cade loved the monkeys and the meerkats. He has always had a love for animals. He is getting so big and starting to repeat things, so we have to be extra careful when using our bowling words in the house.. jk!  Just figuring out this blogging thing.. so hopefully can get this rolling in the near future.