June fun

June was a very, very hot month. Kylie could not be out in the heat, but that did not stop the fun. We enjoyed family time with the grandparents, celebrated Father's Day, still playing softball, and had friends over  to play. Brock went to a preschool camp. Celebrated friends and family birthdays! My kids love going to birthday parties and just don't understand why adults don't have them.  Had some lake fun and began swimming lessons with Aunt Teresa.

Kylie turned 3 months and the fun is just beginning.  Brock and Keira have had to learn to play together this summer at home, since we just cant be on the go with a little one as much. Some days are good, some are bad. They love each other, but they like to fuss quite a bit. We survived! 

June 11

Every year I decorate the door of the birthday kid when they go to bed, so they wake up with decorations. This year, big sis wanted to help.......she will probably insist on doing her own door for her day.

Brock turned 5 on June 11!!!  He wanted a water party, and Mamaw graciously allowed us to have it at her house. The kids got a new swingset and waterslide and they were put to good use at his party. He had a blast and was so excited his friends and family came. He loves his friends so much!  Brock chose Donkey Kong as a theme and he wanted cupcakes, both kids don't like cake anymore,and then he wanted one large cupcake for him. Of course, it was never touched!  The food was great, the cupcakes delish, but the fellowship of sweet family and friends, even better! 

T-ball / Softball 2012

We had our first experience with 2 kids in sports. First yr for both in this sport. Brock absolutely loves baseball and by the end of the season he was not happy that they don't play by the real rules. His league was 4&5 yr olds and everyone bats, everyone runs the bases to home and no one gets out. Well, he wanted it to be "real".  His Papaw Ronnie was a great baseball player and it looks like he has inherited the love of the game.  He says no to basketball, but wants to play football.  We shall see.  

Keira played fast-pitch softball. At first, I wasn't sure she liked it and then she kept improving and loved it. She was in the 8 and under league!  Her team played in a tournament and she was asked to play in another tournament with a different team. I guess we might as well prepare ourselves for just about every evening and weekend filled with practices and games. Daddy practiced with the kids often and they really enjoyed that time with him. They would even ask to practice.  Kylie made some of the games, but when it got so hot, we didn't take her. The grandparents all took turns keeping her or I would try and stay home, but mostly they insisted I go. Love them! 

1st Photo Shoot of my 3

In early April we had pictures made of all 3 together and some of Kylie alone.  Tyson took them and did a great job. We may be biased, since he is family - nope, he does a great job!! 

May 2012

                                                        Baby Dedication at church

Keira's zoo field trip

Awana award night

Going to Brock's preschool program

I know some of my posts may be out of order - blame it on having half a brain currently.  May was an event filled month.  Kids had tball and softball going on. Keira was still in dance and had to prepare for dance recital. Which she claims that she is finished with dance next fall. I think she is just bored in ballet, and honestly, I would be too. On Mother's Day, we dedicated Kylie to the Lord and signed a pledge saying we will raise her up in the way of the Lord.  Such a special day to me, all 3x we have gotten to do this. The kids had their awana award night. Brock finished up Cubbies and Keira is in Sparks. So proud of them. Keira went trhu 2 books and kept asking for a 3rd one. That is alot of memory verses to say!  

The hubby and I got to go on Keira's zoo field trip. She was thrilled! Usually it is just me that goes, but having daddy go is icing on the cake to the kids. I think they sometimes get enough of me, so to speak, and it just makes it extra special when daddy attends.  Keira also had her end of the year events at school and we all got to attend Brock's preschool program. We have decided not to send him to Kindergarten this fall and give him another year.  Lets just say that he doesn't care fro academics. Not that he can't do it, but he just could care less. I really have to stay on top of him about this. Keira was so easy and loved it! She just took off so early with academics, but Brock is all boy, and could care less. He sees no reason to learn the alphabet, write, or read. He even tells us he will just figure things out...........oh, my!  Watch him turn out to be a 4.0 

Colic - 3 months of crying

By looking at the pictures, one would never guess that this sweet, tiny bundle of love could cry for hrs, would they? Well, truth is......she can and did.  This was our first experience with colic and it wasn't that bad, but bad enough.  It is a terrible feeling as a parent when you cannot console your child. It always began in the late afternoon/early evening and lasted hrs.  Then, to top it off she began having stomach issues. It was painful for her and painful to watch as nothing was helping. I tried gas drops, gripe water, all kinds of positions, bicycle her legs, etc. Nothing helped!  Finally, at her 2 month check-up, the dr determined she had reflux. Well, this is new to us, also. First 2 did not have this either. Kylie does not spit-up and never crossed my mind that reflux could be an issue. I was told they don't have to spit-up to have reflux, which explained alot of her pain.  So, we began zantac and within a few days, a new baby emerged, well, colic was still around, but hey, you just learn to live with it.  Amazingly, Keira and Brock did well and just went with it. Her crying never woke them at night and din't bother them. I guess it helps that we have sound machines going in each kids room.  A must in my parenting book. I started Kylie with one as soon as we came home from hospital.  After hearing others tell their colic stories, I realized ours wasn't as bad. I think me being older and more patience and knowing what to expect with a newborn, it just didn't bother me.
To top colic off, true to form for Leffew babies, she hates the car. Screams as soon as she is put in the carseat. The entire ride is non-stop screaming.  Obviously, I didn't leave the house with her unless it was necessary. Believe it or not, the other 2 kids accepted it and just dealt with it. Love them!  A few car rides I thought the hubby might open the door and jump, but he survived.

Once she went to bed for the night, it was easy. She got up every 2-3 hrs to eat and then before long was sleeping longer stretches.  Then, she started sleeping 8-10 hrs. I will take the screaming during the day, rather then night.  Another Leffew baby trait - she fights naps!  But, crying doens't bother me and I actually began to lay her down and let her cry some.  Most times she went to sleep within 5 minutes. Sometimes, I had to get her and settle her down. But, I won't complain about sleeping, she has done great. By #3 it just doesn't phase you to let them cry or put their self to sleep.  She has slept in her bassinet beside the bed and takes naps in her crib. I refuse to sleep with her, as I made that huge mistake with #1 and still pay for it as I am still in the bed with her. Yes, hubby gets a king bed all to himself.

Also, at her 2 month visit, I compared her stats with the other 2 and she was 3 pounds lighter and almost 3 inches shorter! I could hardly believe it.  Ha.  Brock and Keira weighed exactly the same and were the same length. Maybe she is going to be petite...................

Did the colic end?   Thank you, Lord!  YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  After 3 months old, she became a different baby. Happy, smiling girl.  She is pretty easy now and we have our routines down as family of 5. Also, the car rides are wonderful now as crying has ceased and she even goes to sleep.  When can I have baby number 4?  HA HA

Siblings

Funny how Brock cried when we found out another girl was on the way, b/c once she arrived, he couldn't get enough. Kissing her, wanting to hold her, talking sweetly to her.  He is the best big brother! 

Keira, however, had a difficult time adjusting.  Jealously was the big factor. 

She didn't like all the attention the baby was receiving from grandparents and everyone else. She gave me quite the battle. Especially since we had 2 weeks left of tax season and the hubby was never home. Thankfully, we had 2 grandmothers who alternated spending the nights with us as I recovered physically and helped get the kids to school and activities. Don't know what I would have done without them. They are the best! 

Keira did eventually warm up and loves, loves Kylie. She tries to be little mommy to her. 

Newborn pictures of Kylie

March 27, 2012

It has been over 3 months since I last posted anything, wow, time has flown!  I guess you could say that I have been busy.  On the morning of March 27th, we welcomed our 3rd blessing from God - Kylie Shields.  We now feel our family is complete.  Keira, Kylie, and myself all share the day of 27 as birthdays, just different months. Made it easy for this momma to remember. My due date was April 3 and my doctor said, "how about March 27th?"  and I didn't hesitate.  My last post I reported how she was weighing in at over 6 lbs at 36 weeks, and we thought she would be our biggest baby.  Boy, was we wrong.  In our last ultrasound before birth, her weight gain slowed alot.  She came in at a whopping 7 lbs and 9 ounces! HA - my smallest one.  She is perfect! 

The days leading up to having her I was a nervous wreck. My first 2 c-sections were terrible and I was afraid of the upcoming surgery. My platelet levels were dropping and I was concerned.  I had a new dr this time and love, love her!  I also had a cyst that wouldn't go away, they usually develop in pregnancy and go away, well, it kept getting bigger, she may or may not have to remove my ovary. 

March 27th arrives!  Off to the hospital bright and early the hubby and I go. So familiar was the drive, the excitement of greeting our baby, how we had done this 7 yrs earlier with Keira and 5 yrs ago with Brock.  Now, we get the joy of seeing our 2nd daughter, our little surprise.  Time came to prepare for surgery and my anxiety level was high.  I have anxiety over anything medical, even just getting a physical. I always apologize to the staff for being almost in a complete sweat.  My blood pressure always rises, etc. So, naturally, as I was preparing to get cut on, I was worried. I had told my 2 nurses how bad my previous experiences were and we talked about it. The dr decided to do a spinal tap, I had epidurals  before, and man, oh man, was my surgery just the best. I didn't feel a thing! Thank you, Lord!  My platelet levels stayed high enough that it was not a concern and she did end up having to remove my ovary and tube as the cyst had wrapped around them. No problems! Thank you, Lord for watching over us. 

Kylie came out and was beautiful - black hair and it was curly looking, but that didn't last long. Brandon instantly called her, "Betty", after his grandmother b/c she favored her so much. We had family and friends come by all day and evening to see her - too bad I was pretty much out of it, that I can barely recall who all came or what was said. After surgery, I found out they gave me a little something extra, just in case. My dr had told the hubby that she would knock me out if I felt anything.  Again, love her!!  Keira and Brock came and got to meet their new sister. So sweet!

We stayed 2 nights and came to home to begin our new journey as a family of 5!

March 2, 2012

Time is getting close for Kylie to arrive.  We are less than 4 weeks away.  I went to the dr yesterday and got good news regarding my platelet levels, they have stopped dropping.  She will still keep checking them, but they had rapidly dropped each time I went.  So, if they get a certain number, we have to have a plan for surgery.  We did an ultrasound and Kylie looks great, estimating her weight at 6 lbs 9 ounces and I am 35 weeks.  The tech said she is measuring like she is 36 weeks, which made me panic, thinking she may come early.  I was shocked at her weight already and she may be our biggest baby yet.  But, the dr said they would not take her early based on weight.   I was having some anxiety over this and the upcoming c-section.  This helped that, seeing and hearing all the good news.  We are going every week now and get another ultrasound in 2 weeks. It is such an amazing thing to witness, your baby on that screen and the miracle of life.  Kylie was pulling her foot with her hand and was curled up, and it was just precious seeing her.  

Brandon is in full swing with tax season, working 7 days a week.  Our basement is just about finished, so that will be great. As I type, my dad is working on it.  If it hadn't been for him, we wouldn't be near completion.  It will be nice to have all that done before Kylie comes, not saying that everyone will be rotated around to their new rooms, but it will all work out.  

Today would have been my Papaw Duncan's 90th birthday.  He went home to be with Jesus on June 27, 2011.  I had such big ideas for his 90th party and such.  But, hey, I know he would tell me this is his best birthday ever, to be with Jesus.  He wouldn't come back for anything and I know one day I will see him again. So, Happy 90th in Heaven with our Savior!!  

Time to build

The hubby decided to build with the kids one night, since they have been asking to help finish the downstairs as him and my dad have been working.  So, daddy took the time to build birdhouses and a tic-tac-toe and checkers game with them. Simple things, but yet, so much fun!  All 3 enjoyed the time together and my kids love doing things with daddy. 

Feb. 3, 2012

I cannot believe it is February already.  Where did January go?  Tax season is upon us, which means hubby will be working more and more.  Tomorrow begins the working on saturdays.   As soon as he comes in from work, he goes downstairs and begins work on our additions.  My dad and hubby have done an outstanding job of adding a bathroom, bedroom, closet, and office space.   My uncle came and helped and done the electrical work and my brother has been able to chip in when he can.  He will be laying the tile tomorrow.  Thankful for each one of them and that they give up time from their busy lives to help us.  It appears it will be done before Kylie makes her arrival, does that mean we will have all rotated rooms and painted, etc.  by then, I don't know.   But, it will all work out.

I went yesterday for my 31 week visit......what?  31 weeks!!!  Yes, I can hardly believe it.  The doctor has scheduled a c-section for March 27.  Keira, Kylie, and I will all share the day of 27, just different months.  I like that.  I know I could go into labor, etc before then, but, I am hoping not.  I am still yucky at times, even have my head in the toilet some, who would have thought?  I did not do this with my other 2.  Every pregnancy is different.  My sweet little Brock was rubbing my back and asking if I was ok one day as I was sick.  How sweet is he?   My children do not mind to watch me be sick - on the other hand,  I am like go on and let me do this alone, ha ha.  I am really feeling fatigue now and by evening, my body aches.  But, all worth it.  I have finally begun looking at things for Kylie's room and am enjoying doing that online, instead of out shopping.  Just not up to shopping long periods of time.  The kids are getting excited about her arrival and Keira has it all planned out about who she will stay with and who Brock will stay with.  Thankful for grandparents who are willing to help out..............we are blessed.

Keira has 4 games left in basketball and she had a big scoring game last week.  She scored the teams first 10 points and ended up with 12 points total.  She shows no expression while playing,  I have been told she reminds people of me playing, no emotion, haha.  The other girls are smiling, and you can tell they are having a good time, not my girl.  She does love it though!  What can I say?  We are just serious about our sports.  She seems to improve each week and her team has only been beat one time.  Our team has taken criticism, but it was a blind draft and we just got the luck of the draw this time.  Many people think Keira is 7 and have questioned her age and some of the others  But, Keira will not be 7 until the end of July, she is just tall and people assume she is older.  Come on, look at her dad and people in our family, not many short folks.  She is enjoying winning, just like momma, but we have talked to her about losing and not getting a "big head" and that next yr she could end up on a team that may not win a game.
She wants to try softball this spring and not sure what she will think of it, but I am all for letting them try new things.  We have said no to a travel team, not at this age.  I think it is more for the parents anyway than the kids, all these tournaments and state tournaments at these young ages, please.  If and when our kids decide they really love a sport and want to play on travel teams, aau, etc.  we will let them, but until then, not happening.  Keira is still loving school and doing very well.   She loves her teacher and excels in many areas, must have got it from her daddy :)   She is beginning to get ready for spring dance recital and as always, looking forward to seeing her perform.

Brock, well, he is just Brock.  My sweet little boy.  He is going to play baseball this spring and is already talking about flag football in the fall.  He is so into video games, loves Mario and his nintendo ds.  He would sit all day long and play!   He doesn't want to go to preschool and lets me know every tuesday and thursday morning, but as soon as we arrive, he is fine.  He says he is bored......haha.    He has figured out that if I home school him, he doesn't have to leave the house.  He loves being home, dislikes shopping, and complains if we have to go out.  Typical male.   Brock loves spending time with his daddy and building things, he loves spending time with his grandparents.  He is just so loving and sweet.  He talks about Kylie often and says he wont get to sleep at night when she is here.  He and his daddy think they can do whatever they want, since they will be the men of the house, and that just tickles Brock.  He likes to remind Keira of this.

So, life goes on and each day is a gift.  We are moving forward and time is flying by.  We are excited about how our lives will change, for the better, in 7 weeks.  We become a family of 5!  Wow - still doesn't seem real to me, but it is.  God is good- all the time!

Happy New Year

Christmas came, Christmas went!  Happy New Year!!     We began our Christmas family gatherings on the Thursday before Christmas and lasted till Monday evening.  It all seems like a whirlwind, we stay on the go so much.  But, we love all our family and enjoy time spent together.   We stayed busy even after Christmas and did some fun things with the kids and then the kids got to spend one on one time with grandparents.  They so enjoy that, and already look forward to their "special" day again.  We had some snow/ice on Jan. 2, so the kids go out of school the following day.  They were excited!   I am having a hard time convincing my kids that warm weather is gone, as is evident in the above pics, they insist on summer clothing.   I tend to be cold, but they are hot like their daddy.  We have decided to add a bathroom and a bedroom downstairs, so this process has begun. The hubby wants to have this finished by the time our little blessing, Kylie Shields arrives.  My cpa hubby is stepping out of his comfort zone, with help from his uncle and my dad, to do this project.  They began this past weekend, and so proud of him.  He is actually enjoying this - so, I may have some other projects for him to do.  I know one thing already..... ha ha.   We have discussed selling our house and looking for another, but, we love our location and love our home, so we choose to stay put.  Plus, just can't find anything we just love in our town, so much for sell, but nothing we just love or the location is not for us.  The kids did not want to sell and move, so they are happy!   To look back at how our grandparents raised their kids, one set had 3, ones set had 4, one set had 10, one set had 12 - and to hear how they raised them in small houses, well, we can't say we need, we need, we need, when in reality your home is what you make it.  Plus, who wants a bigger house to clean, not me!
Keira is playing basketball and loves it.  Not real aggressive and she may never be, and that is ok.  She is scoring and playing good defense.  I love watching her.  I don't know if she will stick with sports or dance, only time will tell.  Her team, the Queen Bees, is doing well, 4-0, and they are a great bunch of players.  Great coaches too!  We are so pleased with all the coaches are teaching them.  Brock is asking to play baseball, so guess we will see how that goes.
As for me, I have not begun "nesting" yet with this baby girl.  Don't know, but I just cannot wrap my head around that she will be here in 12 wees or less.  I feel like we have all this time to get ready.  We have done nothing to prepare. No bottles, no diapers, no clothes, not even a crib yet.  We do have a bassinet, so she is good for sleeping, haha.   I am feeling more tired this go around, not sure if it is being a little older, it has been almost 5 yrs since Brock.  Maybe it is because I am so out of shape.......hmmmmmm.  I feel like I have forgotten everything about a newborn and panic may start setting in soon.  Plus, the hubby is starting tax season, so he will not be around at first.  He will get to make the birth  and then back to work.  So, I guess the  grandparents can fight over who gets to keep the kids and who gets to spend their time with me at the hospital.  I will have a c-section, so I get a 3 night vacation..........did I just say "vacation"      I guess I need to get motivated and get things on order..................ready or not - Kylie is coming!

Papaw went Home

Papaw Ronnie, my hubby's father, went home to be with the Lord Jesus Christ on Thursday afternoon, Dec. 1st.   We got to see him slip into eternity and it was so peaceful and he did not suffer.  Prayers answered.  He was surrounded by the ones who were meant to be at the house at this appointed time.   A time that our hearts were breaking as he left us, but also a time of rejoicing that he is with Jesus.  Sounds funny to be able to be sad and rejoice at the same time, doesn't it?  But, if you have been washed by the blood of the Lamb, Jesus, then no other greater joy to know that a loved one is finally home, for this world is just our temporary home.  Papaw is no longer sick, no more suffering with cancer, no more being tired and weak, as Revelation 21:4 says, and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away.   How wonderful!!   Christians know that death is a new beginning, nothing but unspeakable joy and peace for the departed, for they are in the presence of the Lord! Psalm 116:15 says, Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.  We have this hope that one day we will be in the place too, either by death or by Jesus second coming, which the way things are looking in this world, it may not be longer.  Are you ready for His return?  What if it happens today, tonight, tomorrow?  Are you ready?  Do you have a realtionship with the Lord?  People can say they are religious, they attend church, etc., but that doesn't save your lost soul.  Have you admitted your a sinner, confessed your sins, repented and accepted that Jesus died for you - I know you are as worthless as me and as undeserving as I am, for I am nothing, no good, nothing!  Especially not worthy for God to send His Son to die on the cross and His blood covers my sins, as far as the east is to the west, and I did nothing to derserve it.  I deserve hell.  But, He loved me enough to do this and it is a free gift of grace and mercy.  I pray if you are reading this, that you know the Lord, and if you don't, I pray that you will come to know Him.  Time is short! 
Our family life has changed tremendously in this past week, especially for my mother-in-love.  The love of her life, her best friend for 39 yrs, but I have to tell you that she is doing ok, by the grace of God, she is going on.  She would not want me bragging on her and I have heard her say, only thru the Lord is she able to go on.  Does this mean it is easy for her?  No way!!  She misses him more than anything, her day to day life has changed, everything has changed.   But, she has been such a strong witness of her faith in the Lord during this time.   The Bible says we are to grieve, but not like we don't have any hope.  She is and I believe, will continue to do that.   I will stop here, for I know she wouldn't want me to keep on about her and how she has been the best model of a Proverbs 31 woman for me.  This past week it has been the little things in life that I have noticed that just seem so odd.  For example, we ate at Buddy's Bar B Q one evening, sat at our usual tables, but Papaw's chair was empty.  He wasn't there to bring the trays of food to us, he wasn't there to make us smile.  Walking into their house, has been so different, not seeing him in his chair, not hearing his stories, his humor, etc.   Our daily happenings, just so different now.  However, even though he is greatly missed, we wouldn't have him come back or prolonged his sickness.  It was all God's plan and we trust in that.  1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 says Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in Him........and it continues on.   We have slowly gotten back into our normal routines and even though we miss papaw, we still have our memories.  People ask how the kids are doing and they are fine.  Keira doesn't want to talk about it, but Brock has openly talked how he misses papaw and about not getting to go hunting with him again.  They will be fine. I made them big picture books of just them and papaw, so they can always see the good times they had with him. 
This year has been a tough one, as we have had 2 babies go to heaven, my grandfather had an accident and went home to be with Jesus, and then having Papaw go home a week ago and just watching so many extended family members dealing with difficult situations, strained relationships, and so on.  But, good can come from sorrow. It can lead to spiritual growth and a closer walk with the Lord.  Death is coming to us all and no one can escape it.  Tragedy is intended for our welfare, as difficult as that is and to see, we will be able to one day see the big picture.  We only play a small part in the scheme of things.  Romans 8 :28-29 says And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of Hi Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brothers. 
We have tried hard to make sure when we talk with our kids about death , heaven, that the main focus of heaven is Jesus.  Getting to be with Him!  So often, you hear people in times of a loved ones passing, that they get to see so and so, etc.  Yes, that is true, but oo often, some people get caught up in that and not the fact that, hey, they are with Jesus, cause He is the One who died for me, not anyone else, but Him!!  How wonderful!!!  People have mentioned reading certain books about so called experiences of going to heaven and coming back, I guess near-death experiences.  I am skeptical about this, not saying they didn't have some kind of experience, but if they don't mention in their book or interviews promoting the book, about seeing Jesus, then a red flag goes up for me.  I mean, if you don't see Jesus, then I can't be sure that really happened, isn't the reason we want to go to heaven?  I know our human flesh wants that comfort of seeing our loved ones, but we must rely and trust what the Bible says.   I can't imagine anyone going to heaven and wanting to come back here to this sinful world, and the Bible does tell us we can't see Jesus in our flesh and bones, we get a glorified body once we enter eternity.  I don't know about you, but I want to make sure I verify things with Scripture, not hear-say.  We have always been honest with our kids and we don't shield them from life and all that comes along with life.  I sure don't want the village raising my babies and I firmly believe in telling them God's Word, not other people's opinions, but what God says.  In conversations with them, we tell them beccause the Bible tells us this or that, not that mom and dad think this, etc.  I want my kids to understand that this life is temporary and nothing in it lasts , only Jesus matters and that death is not a bad thing, if you are saved. 
Phillipians 3:20  Our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.

A special man in our family

I just want to share with you about a special man in our lives, my hubby's father, my father-in-love, grandfather to my babies, a special man to each one of us.  He was diagnosed with kidney cancer 5 1/2 yrs ago.  We have watched him fight this battle and now it may be coming to an end.  This has been so hard on our family to watch and we are not ready to let go...........however, we trust in God and trust His plan  and know His will is being done.  Somehow this journey has and will bring glory to God.  Ronnie is 62 yrs young and I want another 20 yrs or more with him, for my mother in love , for my hubby, and especially for my babies.  Sometimes, I am mad that my kids are going to miss out on knowing him as they grow-up, that my hubby is losing not only his father, but his best friend, that his wife is losing the love of her life, but then I must give thanks and praise to the Lord that we have had this time together as a family, that my hubby has had the godly influence of his father for 34 yrs, for a marriage going on 40 yrs that is strong and full of love and how their faith has carried them thru many things in their life together and how that same faith will carry them during the most difficult storm in their lives. 

Ronnie is quite the man, one of the best a person will ever come across.  The baby of 10 children, his father passed away when he was just 14 months old.  Ronnie's mother, whom I knew briefly, but have heard so much about, was an exceptional lady.  A single mother who raised all 10 kids, worked hard, and loved her family. What a woman!  For him not to have a father, he turned out to be an exceptional man and father. Most men who grow up without a father don't turn out so well.  But, with his mother's raising and by God's grace and his relationship with Jesus, he has turned out as one of the best.............no doubt in my mind that I will ever meet another person like him.  Ronnie was a great baseball player and got the nickname, "rabbit", because of his speed.  He is still called that by men who have known him from their playing and school days.  I am proud to say he served our country in Vietnam and he loves this country.  I can't even imagine what all he endured in that war, we have heard some stories, but I am sure not all of it.  I am proud of his service and sacrifice.  Short version here - Ronnie and Sherry met, fell in love, married, and had Brandon.  They are prime examples of what a marriage should be!  Besides my grandparents, who were married 62 yrs, this couple has been an example of what a marriage truly should be.  When my hubby and I married, I never expected that our best friends would be my in-loves.  You just don't imagine that as you think about getting married or hearing the horror stories about in-laws from other people.  Low and behold, they are our best friends, they are just like parents to me, they have treated me as their own flesh and blood since the beginning.  We have spent majority of our time with them and wouldn't change it at all.  They have always gone above and beyond for us. 

My father in love is the most unselfish man you will come across, he has always put others first.  I cannot count the times he has done the things we all wanted to go do.  Even over the past yrs with cancer, he has went to things for the kids, sat thru dance recitals, watched the Nutcracker (you know how hard this is for most men), went to amusement parks, went to Dixie Stampede - several times, vacations - with 2 small kids and evem let them ride on the long trips in their car........and I could list more and more.  This man is a giver, I have seen him give his time or money to help anyone in need, regardless of the situation or how much it cost him, he has a giving heart.  Never expecting anything in return, he just does.  Sometimes, he did things without anyone knowing, just because that is the way he is and it was never for his own benefit or to bring himself glory, just because he wanted to show someone Jesus.  Ronnie is a hard worker, can fix anything, he reminds me of the energizer bunny, always doing, always working.  He would help anyone out, he would work at the church, and get the job done in half the time it might take someone else.  The times I have run over a curb and busted a tire or my battery died, or anything else that I have broken, who did I turn to.....yes, my father-in-love, and here he would come to get me out of a jam.  He never complained about it or got mad, just came and rescued me from my mishap.  He truly has a servants heart!!

Ronnie is an avid hunter and loves being in the woods. We have heard countless hunting stories and the love for the sport has already been passed down to 4yr old Brock.  Last yr, he took Brock out in his hunting thing he built, don't know what to call it.  Brock still talks about that and asks all the time when papaw is going to take him hunting again.  They watch hunting shows together and of course, my son, has 100 questions that papaw answers and explains to him.  Brock also shares Papaw love of Nascar and they happily talk about the races and their drivers.  They like different drivers, so they joke often about that.  Brock is for sure papaw's boy and we think he is a lot like him.  If he grows up to be like Ronnie, what a blessing that will be.  Papaw loves his grandbabies and would do anything for them.  I like the fact that he loves them enough to discipline them.  He doesn't let them get away with behavior that is unacceptable.  That is true love. He has been such a wonderful, Christian influence in their early yrs and I hope they get his servants heart.

So much I could write about, but the most important thing that stands out to me is Ronnie's heart and  his relationship with Jesus.  Our family has watched this man in this fight with cancer and not once complain, even when he was doing the worst treatments that made him so sick, he never complained. He has never questioned why this happened to him, never been mad at God about it, just keeps on keeping on.  What a testimony this is, especially to us , me included, who want and do complain about so many things in this life that are unimportant.  He would even tell you, he is just a sinner saved by grace, nothing on his own, nothing he has done, only saved by the blood of Jesus.  Every day we are with him, and I cannot explain it better to you, but there is a peace about him, even as tired and weak as he is right now, I feel calm and peaceful around him.  He still has his humor and still thinking about putting his family first.  As heartbreaking as this is to watch, I know that one day he will suffer no longer, that his journey on this earth will be over, but he will remain in our hearts always.  He is my hero, in more ways then one..................

update on the past month

We have been busy, busy the past month.  From school, to cheer, to flag football, and then add Nutcracker rehearsals into all this, life is hopping.  Brandon is finishing up another deadline on Oct. 17th, so it will be nice to have him back until tax season begins.  Baby Leffew is doing good, my sickness is easing up as I am 15 weeks along now.  We heard the heartbeat at my last appointment and it was 167!  We go back in a couple weeks for another check-up.  This past saturday was the last day of football and cheer, the kids are going to miss that.  They enjoyed it so much!  Keira signed up for basketball, so that starts in a few weeks.  Brock wants to play, but we are going to hold off on that for another yr.  He is already talking soccer and tball in the spring.  We participated in the Alzheimer's Walk yesterday afternoon and had a great time.  I still miss my mamaw after 2 yrs, but know she is better off than us being with Jesus and having a new body! 
The kids are excited about the baby and have fun coming up with names.  Brock has silly names and Keira has picked out Kylie and Braden and just knows that we will use those, even after telling her no on one of the names.  She will be little momma to this one.  I don't want to find out the gender and just wait till birth, but my hubby insists we find out and said he could know and not tell me.  Well, then he couldn't tell anyone else, and I don't think he can do that.  So, we will see what happens in another month......