Well, it's been almost a year since my last post so there will be lots of catching up to do. I won't get it done tonight, but just want my "adopted son" to know that I'm aware and will get on it this week. So, watch for pics and updates!
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
She's baaaaaaaaack!
Well, it's been almost a year since my last post so there will be lots of catching up to do. I won't get it done tonight, but just want my "adopted son" to know that I'm aware and will get on it this week. So, watch for pics and updates!
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Just a little catch up!
It's been awhile but I'll take just a few minutes to do some updates and then work on another post with some video/pics:
The holidays were somewhat different for us as we got to see a blizzard in Burkburnett over Christmas weekend which trapped us in the house ALONE! Then we were able to travel to Lake Conroe/Houston the following Tuesday to spend time there with family. All of our kids/grands got to come in for the first time in about 4 years (for "Christmas") so we had a great time with all the big & little cousins. My brother, Steve & family weren't able to be there so they were missed.
As it turned out it was even more of a blessing...because on February 10th Mom suffered a major stroke. Rather than go into all the details, I'll just say it was very scarey especially as she lay in ICU not knowing us or anything that was going on. From the very beginning it didn't appear that she had physical paralysis so we were thankful for that. Thankfully they discovered some irregularities with her heart that caused it to stop for up to 6-8 seconds at a time so that became the most concern. On the following Tuesday she had a pacemaker put in and then began the process of dealing with the stroke. She was eventually moved to the Heights Specialty Hospital...in our old "stomping grounds" and the hospital where 5 of us kids were born. Thus began a different journey of OT, PT and Speach Therapy. One side note, when we were elementary school kids we used to walk to school everyday. There was the "Chinaman's" grocery store, a small independent business, located on our way. We would save our lunch money to go into the store almost daily to buy candy and "junk." We discovered it is now a Mexican Restaurant and we frequented it several times during her stay at that hospital. My sons, Jason & Brad, traveled to HOuston with me one Thursday (an 800 mile round trip in one day for me) and they gave me the pleasure of retracing some steps as we walked from the hospital, past my elementary school, to the restaurant. That school doesn't look near as big today!
Ok, back to Mom...she began to recognize people off & on but still had her own "vocabulary" sometimes. She had swelling on the brain which is what was affecting her ability to speak, read, etc. A week ago she was moved to a specialty nursing/rehab center closer to home. She has done remarkably well and is our miracle. Each day she does her therapy even when she doesn't feel like it and is improving. We continue to pray for a complete healing and restoral. We miss her very much and for me (& my brother) it is hard to be so far away!
In her rehab there have been some comical times due to her speech...as she says, "I still don't get my words right sometimes..." But, if she keeps telling her table mates in the dining hall what they are eating, they are going to starve to death! As she was enjoying her lunch Sunday of squash, turkey & gravy and brocolli & rice caserole, her table mate continued to pick at the food. She finally asked mom, "What is this anyway?" To which Mom replied, "well, this is squash, this is somekind of turkey or chicken and this is bablalalelish..." Her friend, looked at her in surprise and said, "Well, I'm not gonna eat THAT! I don't even know what it is!." so, God has provided some comic relief along the way. But the greatest joy to me was that this time (over the weekend) she KNEW me. She called me by name and introduced me correctly for the first time since the stroke.
I miss my two to three times a week, if not daily, phone calls with her. I pray that she will be back to normal soon.
Then, we move into a new phase of grandparenting this weekend: our oldest grandchild, Julia, begins playing soccer. I have to go down and teach her mom how to be a "soccer mom!" HA! For those of you who knew me "when"...don't worry, I've grown up a lot!
Well, I have many pictures to post and will try to do that in the next few days. Stay tuned!
The holidays were somewhat different for us as we got to see a blizzard in Burkburnett over Christmas weekend which trapped us in the house ALONE! Then we were able to travel to Lake Conroe/Houston the following Tuesday to spend time there with family. All of our kids/grands got to come in for the first time in about 4 years (for "Christmas") so we had a great time with all the big & little cousins. My brother, Steve & family weren't able to be there so they were missed.
As it turned out it was even more of a blessing...because on February 10th Mom suffered a major stroke. Rather than go into all the details, I'll just say it was very scarey especially as she lay in ICU not knowing us or anything that was going on. From the very beginning it didn't appear that she had physical paralysis so we were thankful for that. Thankfully they discovered some irregularities with her heart that caused it to stop for up to 6-8 seconds at a time so that became the most concern. On the following Tuesday she had a pacemaker put in and then began the process of dealing with the stroke. She was eventually moved to the Heights Specialty Hospital...in our old "stomping grounds" and the hospital where 5 of us kids were born. Thus began a different journey of OT, PT and Speach Therapy. One side note, when we were elementary school kids we used to walk to school everyday. There was the "Chinaman's" grocery store, a small independent business, located on our way. We would save our lunch money to go into the store almost daily to buy candy and "junk." We discovered it is now a Mexican Restaurant and we frequented it several times during her stay at that hospital. My sons, Jason & Brad, traveled to HOuston with me one Thursday (an 800 mile round trip in one day for me) and they gave me the pleasure of retracing some steps as we walked from the hospital, past my elementary school, to the restaurant. That school doesn't look near as big today!
Ok, back to Mom...she began to recognize people off & on but still had her own "vocabulary" sometimes. She had swelling on the brain which is what was affecting her ability to speak, read, etc. A week ago she was moved to a specialty nursing/rehab center closer to home. She has done remarkably well and is our miracle. Each day she does her therapy even when she doesn't feel like it and is improving. We continue to pray for a complete healing and restoral. We miss her very much and for me (& my brother) it is hard to be so far away!
In her rehab there have been some comical times due to her speech...as she says, "I still don't get my words right sometimes..." But, if she keeps telling her table mates in the dining hall what they are eating, they are going to starve to death! As she was enjoying her lunch Sunday of squash, turkey & gravy and brocolli & rice caserole, her table mate continued to pick at the food. She finally asked mom, "What is this anyway?" To which Mom replied, "well, this is squash, this is somekind of turkey or chicken and this is bablalalelish..." Her friend, looked at her in surprise and said, "Well, I'm not gonna eat THAT! I don't even know what it is!." so, God has provided some comic relief along the way. But the greatest joy to me was that this time (over the weekend) she KNEW me. She called me by name and introduced me correctly for the first time since the stroke.
I miss my two to three times a week, if not daily, phone calls with her. I pray that she will be back to normal soon.
Then, we move into a new phase of grandparenting this weekend: our oldest grandchild, Julia, begins playing soccer. I have to go down and teach her mom how to be a "soccer mom!" HA! For those of you who knew me "when"...don't worry, I've grown up a lot!
Well, I have many pictures to post and will try to do that in the next few days. Stay tuned!
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Soccer...For Real!
First I have to preface this post by saying that we are so blessed with all of our children and proud of their accomplishments. But, this post is dedicated to our youngest son, Brad, in recognition of his soccer career.
At 5:30 a.m. we are awakened not by words, but by a sense of someone standing by the bed. We look up and there is Brad, fully dressed in his soccer uniform. He exclaims, "I'm ready to play..." And, now, 27 years later, he is still ready to play or at least to lead his team to play./>
Little did we know that that early morning would begin a journey to literally hundreds of soccer fields across the country..
Brad was blessed with not only talent, but with coaches who fed his love for soccer. He was even able to play varsity high school soccer with his brother while his sister was the team manager
Then came college at Hardin-Simmons University. !
The first time we set foot on the field as a "recruit" they lost the game and I don't think Brad was really confident of his decision to pursue playing there. But, with the freshman recruits came some awesome soccer players who have become lifelong friends. Those guys played with skill and alot of heart. The first accomplishment was to beat Austin College! Then to win conference championships. The first ring Brad received he gave to me with a note expressing his gratitude for the many Mother's Days I had spent on a soccer field. WOW
Next he went to Tennessee to be assistant coach at Cumberland. It was a growing year for Brad and a part of God's continued plan.
And, according to God's sense of humor, Brad became the coach at Abilene High for 4 years. That despite his repeated "I can't wait to graduate and get out of Abilene" while at HSU. It was also the time he first coached Daniel Green who is now a senior at UMHB. For 8 years Brad has had the privilege of coaching Daniel and making great friendships with his parents.
Next came University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. The rest is history. God has blessed him with such talented young men to coach...especially this year. Through the years at UMHB there have been many young men who have touched his life, have challenged his coaching & mentoring skills and have refined him to be the coach that he is today.
And, then there is Shannon. She is as called to this "soccer world" as is Brad. Many months she is a soccer widow as he recruits, coaches and leads these young men. Yet, she is supportive and encouraging to him even after those heartbreaking losses. She is his greatest supporter, his friend, his confidant and so much more. And, as a mom, I realize every day how blessed he is to have her in his life. We prayed for her long before his first soccer game...and God heard our prayers.
So, now, another chapter is written as Brad's team at UMHB has enjoyed a successful season as the season conference champions and now to have been awarded a bid to the NCAA Division III tournament. We are so proud of this team of young men. Win or lose, they are a team. THAT IS A CHAMPION!
We are proud of you, son, and look forward to many more years on the soccer field. And, soon, you'll be in our shoes...as a parent cheering, encouraging and hurting all at the same time!
At 5:30 a.m. we are awakened not by words, but by a sense of someone standing by the bed. We look up and there is Brad, fully dressed in his soccer uniform. He exclaims, "I'm ready to play..." And, now, 27 years later, he is still ready to play or at least to lead his team to play./>
Little did we know that that early morning would begin a journey to literally hundreds of soccer fields across the country..
Brad was blessed with not only talent, but with coaches who fed his love for soccer. He was even able to play varsity high school soccer with his brother while his sister was the team manager
Then came college at Hardin-Simmons University. !
The first time we set foot on the field as a "recruit" they lost the game and I don't think Brad was really confident of his decision to pursue playing there. But, with the freshman recruits came some awesome soccer players who have become lifelong friends. Those guys played with skill and alot of heart. The first accomplishment was to beat Austin College! Then to win conference championships. The first ring Brad received he gave to me with a note expressing his gratitude for the many Mother's Days I had spent on a soccer field. WOW
Next he went to Tennessee to be assistant coach at Cumberland. It was a growing year for Brad and a part of God's continued plan.
And, according to God's sense of humor, Brad became the coach at Abilene High for 4 years. That despite his repeated "I can't wait to graduate and get out of Abilene" while at HSU. It was also the time he first coached Daniel Green who is now a senior at UMHB. For 8 years Brad has had the privilege of coaching Daniel and making great friendships with his parents.
Next came University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. The rest is history. God has blessed him with such talented young men to coach...especially this year. Through the years at UMHB there have been many young men who have touched his life, have challenged his coaching & mentoring skills and have refined him to be the coach that he is today.
And, then there is Shannon. She is as called to this "soccer world" as is Brad. Many months she is a soccer widow as he recruits, coaches and leads these young men. Yet, she is supportive and encouraging to him even after those heartbreaking losses. She is his greatest supporter, his friend, his confidant and so much more. And, as a mom, I realize every day how blessed he is to have her in his life. We prayed for her long before his first soccer game...and God heard our prayers.
So, now, another chapter is written as Brad's team at UMHB has enjoyed a successful season as the season conference champions and now to have been awarded a bid to the NCAA Division III tournament. We are so proud of this team of young men. Win or lose, they are a team. THAT IS A CHAMPION!
We are proud of you, son, and look forward to many more years on the soccer field. And, soon, you'll be in our shoes...as a parent cheering, encouraging and hurting all at the same time!
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Family
Here are some "new" family pics that were taken when everyone was home at Christmas. Also, some random family pics at recent family reunions, events, etc.
The Bankhead Bunch
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Our precious children...all 6 of 'em
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Jason, Jenn, Julia & Johnathan
LaShay & Steve
Brad, Shannon, Mallory & Morgan
And Julia & Mallory have fun with bubbles at Aunt LaShay & Uncle Steve's house at Easter:
The four grands at our Bed & Breakfast at the Harris Reunion in May
Julia, Johnathan, Mallory & Morgan
Johnathan hits the hay on the farm (even though this was in the Fall, it is one of my favorite pics of our little man!)
Morgan is a rocker!
Mallory & Morgan's Pics from the Enright Family Vacation:
Mallory thinks relaxin' in the hot tub is great after a day on the beach!
Morgan checks out the beach...
WHAT A DIFFERENCE A YEAR MAKES!
B-Mom & Pop with the Grands May 2, 2008
B-Mom, Pop & Grands Christmas 2008
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The Bankhead Bunch
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Our precious children...all 6 of 'em
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Jason, Jenn, Julia & Johnathan
LaShay & Steve
Brad, Shannon, Mallory & Morgan
And Julia & Mallory have fun with bubbles at Aunt LaShay & Uncle Steve's house at Easter:
The four grands at our Bed & Breakfast at the Harris Reunion in May
Julia, Johnathan, Mallory & Morgan
Johnathan hits the hay on the farm (even though this was in the Fall, it is one of my favorite pics of our little man!)
Morgan is a rocker!
Mallory & Morgan's Pics from the Enright Family Vacation:
Mallory thinks relaxin' in the hot tub is great after a day on the beach!
Morgan checks out the beach...
WHAT A DIFFERENCE A YEAR MAKES!
B-Mom & Pop with the Grands May 2, 2008
B-Mom, Pop & Grands Christmas 2008
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Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Picture Update Coming Soon
I need to update the pics of my grandchildren and their moms have graciously provided pics. I will get that done ASAP! Check back for family pics also.
One Year, But Who's Counting?
It has now actually been 1 year and 2 days since I last tasted a carbonated beverage. Have I missed it? No. The only thing I've missed is Sonic ice...so if I get a real craving, I go buy an unsweeetened tea. I've done that twice, but it was a disappointment so I generally get past the craving with a Crystal Lite Peach Tea. Dave Ramsey wouldn't understand that it just tastes better with bottled water! Sorry, Dave!
I'll post some more pics later, but just suffice it to say this has been an awesome year! I have discovered things about myself that I never thought possible. I have enjoyed doing things that I haven't enjoyed in over 30 years. I feel better than I've felt in many years. In other words, the surgery was the best thing I've done for myself.
To my family & friends...thank you for supporting me, praying for me and encouraging me through my journey. It has been amazing.
I have been released by the doctor with the warning that I can't lose anymore weight and if I do or if I gain 6 lbs I have to call him and he's gonna put me in "timeout." Let's see a minute for my age...it might be worth it to have 58 minutes of silence! (You think that's what kids think...that it's worth doing something wrong if all they have to do is sit for a minute for their age? That's another blog)
So, this summer I look forward to spending time with family and friends and not planning my life around food! It is wonderful!
I'll post some more pics later, but just suffice it to say this has been an awesome year! I have discovered things about myself that I never thought possible. I have enjoyed doing things that I haven't enjoyed in over 30 years. I feel better than I've felt in many years. In other words, the surgery was the best thing I've done for myself.
To my family & friends...thank you for supporting me, praying for me and encouraging me through my journey. It has been amazing.
I have been released by the doctor with the warning that I can't lose anymore weight and if I do or if I gain 6 lbs I have to call him and he's gonna put me in "timeout." Let's see a minute for my age...it might be worth it to have 58 minutes of silence! (You think that's what kids think...that it's worth doing something wrong if all they have to do is sit for a minute for their age? That's another blog)
So, this summer I look forward to spending time with family and friends and not planning my life around food! It is wonderful!
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Just Rambling
It's been quiet on my blog front as well as on Facebook cause I've been sooooo busy. With that, I'll try to catch up on some "stuff."
With the economy as it is we found out April 1st that our funding for the Boys & Girls Club was cut by 47% for a minimum of the next 3 years. So, I've been busy preparing print pieces for my board as they begin an Annual Campaign. We play an important role in the lives of the youth of our community and need funding to continue providing our programs. It's been pretty stressful and amazing to learn that even though you may designate your gift to the B&G Club...that doesn't mean that's where your dollars go! An eye opener for many in our community. But, I have a peace that God is in control and He has placed me here for "such a time as this."
On the brighter side, we got to travel to San Antonio to see the Community Bible Church's Easter pageant. LaShay sings on the praise team. The music was awesome and the message even better! We were so blessed! And, we got to stop off in Temple to pick up Mallory, our almost 3 year old granddaughter. Her baby sister, Morgan, wasn't able to go with us because she was sick. Brad had an Alumni weekend so he & Shannon couldn't get away. We LOVED, LOVED, LOVED taking Mallory with us. We met up with Jason, Jenn, Julia and Johnathan in Austin and traveled on to San Antonio. The children had a wonderful time playing together and sharing cousin moments. I got to sit on the floor and water color with the girls, we went on a long walk around the neighborhood, checked out the doggie park, sent to the people park and spent time together with the grand-dogs at LaShay & Steve's. It was a wonderful weekend.
Then I was privileged to take 6 of our Burkburnett High School Key Club members to Dallas for the 60th Annual Texas-Oklahoma District Convention. We had a great time. They even obliged me to make a detour through Prosper on the way home to sing Happy Birthday to Jason (and, of course, see Julia & Johnathan).
And, now, I sit as a housekeeper is cleaning my house! Never got to do that before! It is wonderful...but I had to clean before I would let them come. Just kidding. But it is nice to get all the spring cleaning stuff done like windows, ceiling fans, baseboards, etc. Love it! And, it gave me time to blog!
Finally, just a tribute to my precious family. I'm sure you all get sick of that, but as I deal with parents day-in and day-out, I am reminded of how blessed we are to have three godly children and three godly "children-in-laws." And, now, we take advantage of teachable moments with our grandchildren so that they, too, will be blessings to their parents in their "old age." We pray that they will honor God and their parents...that they will come to know Jesus as their persnal Savior at an early age...that they will know His will for their lives and they will LOVE His Word!
I told you this was Just Rambling...so hope you weren't disappointed! 'til next time...
Oh, and if you haven't already, check out my kids blogs. The links are below on the left: LaShay & Steve, Jenn, and Shannon. AND, see Shannon's new business website. A link is on her blog to "Jelby's". Blessings to all!
With the economy as it is we found out April 1st that our funding for the Boys & Girls Club was cut by 47% for a minimum of the next 3 years. So, I've been busy preparing print pieces for my board as they begin an Annual Campaign. We play an important role in the lives of the youth of our community and need funding to continue providing our programs. It's been pretty stressful and amazing to learn that even though you may designate your gift to the B&G Club...that doesn't mean that's where your dollars go! An eye opener for many in our community. But, I have a peace that God is in control and He has placed me here for "such a time as this."
On the brighter side, we got to travel to San Antonio to see the Community Bible Church's Easter pageant. LaShay sings on the praise team. The music was awesome and the message even better! We were so blessed! And, we got to stop off in Temple to pick up Mallory, our almost 3 year old granddaughter. Her baby sister, Morgan, wasn't able to go with us because she was sick. Brad had an Alumni weekend so he & Shannon couldn't get away. We LOVED, LOVED, LOVED taking Mallory with us. We met up with Jason, Jenn, Julia and Johnathan in Austin and traveled on to San Antonio. The children had a wonderful time playing together and sharing cousin moments. I got to sit on the floor and water color with the girls, we went on a long walk around the neighborhood, checked out the doggie park, sent to the people park and spent time together with the grand-dogs at LaShay & Steve's. It was a wonderful weekend.
Then I was privileged to take 6 of our Burkburnett High School Key Club members to Dallas for the 60th Annual Texas-Oklahoma District Convention. We had a great time. They even obliged me to make a detour through Prosper on the way home to sing Happy Birthday to Jason (and, of course, see Julia & Johnathan).
And, now, I sit as a housekeeper is cleaning my house! Never got to do that before! It is wonderful...but I had to clean before I would let them come. Just kidding. But it is nice to get all the spring cleaning stuff done like windows, ceiling fans, baseboards, etc. Love it! And, it gave me time to blog!
Finally, just a tribute to my precious family. I'm sure you all get sick of that, but as I deal with parents day-in and day-out, I am reminded of how blessed we are to have three godly children and three godly "children-in-laws." And, now, we take advantage of teachable moments with our grandchildren so that they, too, will be blessings to their parents in their "old age." We pray that they will honor God and their parents...that they will come to know Jesus as their persnal Savior at an early age...that they will know His will for their lives and they will LOVE His Word!
I told you this was Just Rambling...so hope you weren't disappointed! 'til next time...
Oh, and if you haven't already, check out my kids blogs. The links are below on the left: LaShay & Steve, Jenn, and Shannon. AND, see Shannon's new business website. A link is on her blog to "Jelby's". Blessings to all!
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