so far...

Family Fun at Corpus

Since my last post, we had a family trip to Corpus, a blue moon, lots of Millie time, summer Bible study and a fun last HURRAH before I go back to work Wednesday! Yes, Wednesday! 

Corpus 
I loved being at the beach, listening to the waves, and teaching Jenna and Ben how to "jump" the waves like my sisters and I did when we were younger. Lots of sandcastles were built, holes were dug and a fun time was had on the beach! In the house, we took turns on meals. I have to say I got off pretty easy. I didn't cook breakfast once and I only had to make dinner once, which Andrew graciously ended up doing on the grill. It was a real blessing to be treated so well. Thanks guys! 

 


My favorite part of the trip was watching the sea turtle release at the National Seashore. It was beautiful and so special to be a part of it. I am not a morning person, but I was so excited to be there at 6:45 a.m. I'll never forget whispering in Ben's ear - "It's time to get up for the turtles" and then seeing his blond curls POP UP in bed. "Ok, let's go!" Jenna was more like me, she stayed in her pjs and was unimpressed until the main event. I think we all enjoyed it and it was a special event to share as a family. 

 


Another fun adventure was family pictures. Amber is gifted in photography and she brought her tripod and told us how to color coordinate beforehand and boy did the pictures turn out great?! Keeping Jenna, Ben and Uncle Andrew involved was a challenge, but we did and it turned out to be a blast!

 


Blue Moon, Millie, and Bible study
Lance was kind enough to keep Millie and Jett while we were at the beach, but Millie was glad to be home and I was glad to have her back! We've been on walks to explore a new park, sat outside to watch the blue moon and had lots of snuggle time. Too bad she won't be able to go to work with me. :-( Another blessing this summer has been Bible study. A friend invited me and I honestly was out of the loop. It has been such a blessing to have sisters pray for me and over me as I battle through my health issues and emotions. I am so grateful for them and each Wednesday night we meet. 

 

HURRAH
Today, I met Scarlett and the kids for one last summer HURRAH! We bowled, played skee ball and LASER TAG! It was great fun and lots of special prices. With our tickets, we all went home with a bracelet! Jenna got a bouncy ball and Ben got a dinosaur. It was lots of fun. To top off the day we enjoyed a yummy lunch at Rudy's bbq and then went our separate ways. I'm so thankful that we got to have one last day of fun and that I convinced Scarlett to play laser tag and then she DOMINATED! ;-)

 

Love,
Brandee

Camp Aunt B

Love this girl!

This month I had the pleasure of hosting Camp Aunt B with Jenna and Ben. They each got their own special day to spend with me and I have to say I think I was just as excited as they were! I tried to pick something unique to their interests and something they would remember. I think it was successful and I hope Camp Aunt B is an annual event. 

Jenna 

Fishie!

Jenna is ALL girl - sparkles, glitter, crafts, and fun. Our day we started off by going to Michael's and looking for a fun craft to make. Jenna quickly decided on something and then we walked around - we found the clearance aisle and everything was an extra 50% off! BINGO! I pulled baskets down for her to look through - stickers everywhere. We both love stickers. I mean, really, who doesn't? And for 25 cents too! She kept saying, "Aunt B, this is too much, we have enough." But I told her the price and said to keep checking with me. We didn't buy every pack but close to it. So with her original craft choice, the clearance items and some things for myself our grand total was $31! We hit the jackpot. We were getting hungry by then so I let Jenna pick our lunch spot - and of course - Chick fil A it was. We had a tasty lunch and then stopped at Memorial Bakery for cupcakes, but then once Jenna saw butterfly cookies she couldn't resist! She even made sure to get a flip flop cookie for Ben. Once we had our tummies full and our supplies we went home and crafted...so fun! We listened to Frozen, sang and used the hot glue gun. Jenna has such a kind heart and made sure to make something special for everyone in her family - Mom, Dad, Ben and then one thing for everyone to share. Then we hit the pool - Jenna has gained a great confidence in swimming this year and I loved having time with just her in the swimming pool! She has become a fish! 

Butterfly Cookies!

Craft concentration

Ben

The fire truck!

 

Ben is all boy! He loves trucks, animals, dirt, and trains! I contacted the local fire station about a tour and they said to come by anytime, so Ben and I went to the store and got some Gatorade. Ben picked blue - his favorite color! Last week at VBS the theme was all about superheroes so I told Ben he was going to meet real live superheroes! He got confused and said, "At church?" So we drove over to the fire station and Ben shouted, "Oh no, that car is in trouble!" I thought, "Oh no, I missed my turn!" The firemen were outside training - we parked across the street and walked into the fire station to meet Mr. Justin. Ben, who is rarely shy, hid behind my legs until we walked out to the truck. His eyes lit up - the boy had a permanent smile on his face. I did not even have to ask him to smile for the camera. It was precious and I am so glad I got to be a part of that moment! Mr. Justin was great and showed Ben all the hoses, axes, secret compartments and even the ambulance! He let Ben sit inside the truck, on the front and turned the lights on for him to see. Mr. Justin even gave us a coloring book with stickers. It was amazing. Then we made our way to Hermann Park to ride the train, see interesting art work, drink our own Gatorade (green for Ben) and eat at Chick-fil-A! It was a great day full of fun! 

Aunt B and Ben

Checking out the ambulance
 

Permanent Smile!

Crazy Sculpture from the train! 

We finished off Ben's day by enjoying a sno-cone with Jenna and Scarlett in Old Katy and Ohana Ice. YUMMY! 

SNO-CONES!!!

gratitude

Do you ever wake up in the middle of the night and think of a great sentence or idea and think to yourself, "I'll remember that in the morning"? Well, I did that last night and when I woke up today it was gone. I don't know if it means I am enjoying writing more or if I'm more forgetful. :) Either way I'm okay! So no fancy sentences today, just gratitude. 

I have been writing a lot about being grateful and I was reminded once again yesterday that I have major reasons to be thankful!

• When I was in the hospital, there was a big rainstorm and almost all of my neighbors' cars flooded, so much so that a couple had to get new cars! My car was here but God protected it and even though a car three spots over was totaled out with flooding, my car was just find and dry as a bone inside after the storm. So thankful for this!
• I saw a new hematologist yesterday at Memorial Hermann. He is wicked smart and board certified in three different specialties. I found out my previous hematologist (the one assigned by the hospital) does not have certification or specialization in hematology. He is certified in oncology, which has a lot to do with blood, but it is not the same. So I am switching doctors effective immediately. 
• Which leads me to my general doctor - Dr. Kim Dunn...she is amazing. I have been so blessed by her throughout my blood clot ordeal and even before that she took great care of me as I had the flu and a cold. She is a smart cookie and has recommended many great doctors and suggestions during this time. 
• Also, my friends. I am very blessed to have a great support. Yesterday Marianne went as my "2nd ear" and I am so glad she did because she remembered questions that I forgot and I was able to have someone to talk to and process the information with after my appointment. She is a true friend!
• Millie. She brings me such joy just by being here. I love her cuddles, her personality and presence.
• Amber's pictures. Amber is a great photographer - see previous post. She is traveling right now and keeps sending me pictures. I love it and I feel like I get a glimpse of somewhere else I can't be right now. It is encouraging. 
• Neighbors. I have a sweet neighbor Therese who also has a Boston Terrier. His name is Pogo - when Millie & Pogo play there is fun! Therese has also checked on me and brought me delicious pizza and lasagna during this time of recovery. :) And she helped me find out what was living under my patio last night - POSSUMS! I am so glad I did not discover them by myself! EWW!

I could keep going on and on - really I am so thankful for the love, support and prayers that people have offered and how God continues to intervene and save my life, save my car and save me. Thanks for reading and Happy Tuesday!

Love,

Brandee

P.S. Enjoy a video of Millie slurping a puppy latte!

sunday prayers

God never ceases to amaze me with his creativity...

Today has been a rough day for me. I woke up feeling well, but then my self-pity got the best of me. I wanted to stay in bed and feel sorry for myself, but thankfully Millie is home so I had to get up and get moving. I know so many people are praying for me and I thank you! Here are some specific prayer requests.

Millie Moo!

1. I received most of my medical bills. I am trying not to freak out. My sister is reassuring me. Friends at church prayed for me. I would love your prayers because it is a big number! Good news is that I asked and I can make payments a little at a time with the hospital and ER. That is a blessing!

2. I am getting a 2nd opinion from a hematologist tomorrow. My Coumadin levels have been off the past few weeks, which is normal, but my general doctor suggested this hematologist, so I am going. I have met all my deductibles - see #1 - so now I am pretty much covered for most things!

3. It is very possible I will have to have another surgery related to my endometriosis in the near future. It is emotional and yet I have peace at the same time. 

4. I have started clenching my teeth at night - stress, I know. I am going to make a homemade mouth guard to help alleviate this!

I have had some visual reminders of how much God loves me and takes care of me. I appreciate your love, prayers, dinners, texts, visits, cards, and any thoughts you have for me. It means so much. Enjoy the pics~they bring me smiles. xoxo Brandee

Amber left a sweet card with goodies for me! 

I love hearts & Millie drooled a perfect heart after one of our naps! 

So proud of Jenna for going down the slide without floaties!

Love, 

Brandee

Thank You.

Dear Friends,

Thank you for your prayers, thoughts, words and donations. Unfortunately I can't find out who donated days, so if you did, thank you! I'm only two short and this is a huge answer to prayer for me! At the good advice of HR and a fellow teacher, I will take disability from now on. I don't want to be caught in a situation like that again. One of friends and co-workers came over this week to hang out and bring dinner- I was telling her all that you guys had done for me and she said, "Wow, they have really taken care of you!" I smiled and said, "Yes!" You guys are the main reason I stay in SBISD. I have a great support system at school but you guys reached out and loved on me more than they did and I just smiled and thought, this is why I'm here! Really, like Jo always says we are a family! I know I'm getting mushy but it's been so evident to me. I've had so much love, prayers, care and true friendship poured over me and it has sustained me. Thank you for helping me during a difficult time and thank you from the bottom of my heart for donating days. 

I am healing well- my doctors say I'm making progress. My biggest joy is that I have soreness instead of knife-stabbing pain!  I have had so much support so THANK YOU ALL! Happy Summer!

Love, Brandee  

Faithful

God is so faithful. I thought I would be getting close to ZERO dollars for my 6/15 paycheck because of no sick days and hospital time, but I'm still getting a paycheck! I don't know all the reasons why or the ins and outs of donating days but I'm so grateful to anyone in SBISD who has donated a sick day to me. Thank you so much. God used you to provide for me and I am at peace.

Elephants

Elephants have offered me comfort the past several years. The Houston Zoo has an amazing exhibit and even babies! Before I got a membership, I would go on the FREE first Tuesday of the month visits and just watch the elephants. Why, you might ask? I've been going to counseling and working through some hard stuff since 2000. It wasn't until around 2009 that I discovered how much PEACE and HOPE the elephants brought to me. They are such beautiful creatures and their personalities are palpable. The most memorable event was at Zoo Lights with my sister Amber - we were walking by the elephants and they had Christmas music playing softly through the zoo. We looked over and one of the elephant mom as was swaying to the beat of the music. I will never forget that feeling as we watched in amazement. God let us see that and we were both greatly encouraged. I am convinced that it's not just church, Bible study or talking to other Christians that brings us closer to God. It's Him. His creativity. His love for us and things we enjoy. And I'm so thankful that God speaks to me through elephants. You couldn't ask for a cuter comforter! Wrinkly skin and all!! So enjoy this video of a baby elephant enjoying the ocean in sweet abandon and hopefully it will comfort you as much as it does me.

Peace

This has been a challenging bit of the year for me. On Tuesday, May 13 I went to the ER by my house thinking I might have a blood clot.

It all started the night before. Jes had come over and we were crafting - getting ready for Book Fair- my FAVORITE time of year. I got ready for bed and started feeling pain in my thigh. I hadn't exercised much so I knew it wasn't from that, but I'm on my feet a lot so I rubbed oils on it, took Advil and went to bed. I woke up at 4:30 the next morning with the worst Charlie Horse ever, at least that's what I thought till I stood up and couldn't walk. Eek! I soaked in a warm bath and kept thinking something about this was not normal. To keep my mind off the pain I read Kiera Cass's new book, The Heir. So thanks Mom for letting me borrow it- forgot to tell you that part!!

Then God brought to mind a friend at work who had a blood clot about a year ago. I texted her around 6:00 and she told me to get straight to the ER. I am convinced God saved my life because after running tests they found a DVT (deep vein thrombosis) in my left leg and PE (pulmonary embolism) in my lungs. I had very little breathing reserve left. The doctor later talked to me and said, "I'm so glad you're ok. You could have died." I did not realize the seriousness of it.

Thankfully from the moment I stepped in the ER to the 2nd time I was released from the hospital I felt peace. Peace like no other. I know it's from friends, family and loved ones praying for me so THANK YOU. It's a peace like I've never experienced before and today is the 1st day I felt stress since May 13th. That is a miracle. So thank you for praying and please continue to pray PEACE over my mind, body, and specifically finances. God will provide and He saved my life. One little paycheck is nothing to him!!!

Love you all!
Brandee

2015 so far...

It's hard to believe that we are in mid-April of 2015! Looking back over my blog, I barely posted, I mean really I only wrote five posts. A lot has happened since then. 

1. I have a new dog now - Millie. She is an adorable and snuggly Boston Terrier! 

2.  I got to see Sarah McLachlan in concert at Jones Hall with the Jeans! Amazing show and beautiful set. 

3.  I celebrated Endometriosis Awareness Month by hosting a last minute but FUN walk in Houston at my school track! Also changed all my social media pictures yellow for awareness. 

4.  I've had play dates with my sweet niece and some of them included Millie. :) This one was at the dog park and Millie kept good watch over J.   

5. I've had play dates with my nephew who loves to take selfies. He gets so focused on taking the picture that he forgets to smile. ;-)

6. We've met as a family for PIZZA fun because Aunt B had coupons and it turns out we couldn't use any of the coupons! We had a great time anyway!

7. My sweet sis Amber made an Endo Photo Challenge via Instagram and it meant so much to me! 

8. I got to take students to SHS to hear Matt de la Pena - it was amazing and the 8th grade girls are in love. See the tall and handsome guy in the middle? That's him!

9. Millie is a snuggler. I love this time of day with her. It is usually after dinner and before bed - I'm either reading a book and watching TV on the couch and she is at my feet. Melt my heart. 

10. And this post would not be complete without the reminder of how BLESSED I am to work as a librarian in SBISD! I am so thankful for my job and thankful for the time at SFA!