Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Two down!

Well......my house is Q-U-I-E-T.

Today was the first day of school for both of the girls! It snuck up on me like you would not believe. Last Friday night I was laying in bed and I went, "Oh my word! School starts in five days!" I really thought I had at least another week!

Kris looked at me like, "What else is new? You're not ready are you?"

Uh...no! We had NO school supplies, NO clothes, NO shoes and no Haircuts! So what a whirlwind the past few days have been. Add into that our bible study that's winding up, a girly getting ready for a big surgery, Soccer Practice, Getting the GEMS crafts ready for this year and a husband that has been working his tooshie off lately...it's all led up to complete exhaustion today!

Whew!

Well, Here are my two sweet girly's getting ready:







It was a bittersweet morning. I've enjoyed having the girls with me this summer but to be quite honest all the fighting was really starting to get under my skin! And they were getting sick of each other too, I think. But I'll miss their silly skits, never ending fashion shows and just talking to them too. AND them entertaining the Kennyboo. =)

I held my sweet Hope's hand so tight as we walked in. I can't believe she's in kindergarten! I was emotional, of course. I think with everything going on in her little life right now it made it even harder to let her go...although it's only for the day!

The girl's school does a staggered kindergarten system. So she only gets to go today and then she'll be out for her surgery all next week. We have her pre-op appointment tomorrow afternoon. I think it will be good for her to get to see the hospital and meet the doctors that are going to be taking care of her.

She's cried almost every night this past week. I have too. Her behavior has changed and I can tell she's very stressed out. We are trying to be strong for her and making this an exciting time, rather than a scary time. Unfortunately for Hope, she has a gift of seeing right through people!

(I've got Kennedy making me laugh as she's telling me that her horses say, "Move dat bus!". She's still in Extreme Home makeover mode! Bless her heart. She's so confused. And lost without her big sis Hope.)

As I prepare this awesome lesson for my bible study ladies tonight, it's very hard to not allow this noise and clutter fill my mind. But God's got bigger things to do. And there is no other time than this, tonight, today, now. God's speaking in big ways. And he knows just how to grab my heart and get my attentions and prove He's enough.

I hope to have access to a computer on Monday so I can update all of you on how her surgery goes and what the doctor says about her kidney. We have to be there at 5:30 am and the surgery will most likely start around 8am. Kris will take Taylor to school, pass off Kennedy to a dear friend and then come to be with us. My mom will be there also.

I covet all of your prayers and hopes for her. Thank you for being such an amazing group of readers. I'm not sure how much time there will be for blogging the rest of this week.

Will you leave my Hopie a comment of prayer or just a nice thought, for her? I'd love to be able to print these off and take them with us on Monday. She's the middle child....so all you middle children know what that's like. She loves attention and I want to shower her with it the next few days.

Thank you for your love and support for her and this time we are going through. (tears) Ugh...I'm SO emotional today!!! =) Enough. Ok, love you all.

28 comments:

Melissa said...

Hope,

God and his angels will be with you during your surgery!! I am praying and I know a lot of other people are as well.

You are a beautiful young lady and have a full and fun year of school ahead of you this year!

Hugs,
Melissa

On Purpose said...

Dear Sweet and precious Hope,

May you know and even feel that your great big God up in Heaven is holding you in His great Big arms. He loves you so much. Hope I know you have never met us, but the boys (Tyler and Tanner) and I will be praying for you. We love you!

Nichole

Speaking Thru Me Ministries said...

The girls will be praying for you tongiht in prayer time!! love, Leigh

Isabel said...

Hey Hope girl!!

God has His hand on you right now! Can you feel it? Can you feel the warmth of your mom's hand? I want you to know that I have my prayers and hugs wrapped around you, right now.

Last year my little Isabel went through a surgery and I know how scary it can be for everyone. But God is so awesome -- He gives us all talents and jobs. He made your doctors just for you today...He gave them the skills to not only make everything better but to be there in His place to love you. How cool is that?!?!

We will continue to pray for you and can't wait to hear how things go. You and your mom need to hug each other and say, "That is from Wendy and Isabel."

Many hugs and prayers!!
Love,
Wendy

Isabel said...

Okay, mommy, the other comment was for your sweet little angel. This one is for you. I am sending you all sorts of strength and prayers this week...I remember how my heart trembled last year as we approached Isabel's surgery. Just know that God is in every step of this process and it will all lead to share His glory through that blonde little sweetie!!

We'll be waiting to hear all the updates. Let me know if there is ANYTHING we can do to help.

Much love,
Wendy

Monica said...

Dear Precious Hope,

I am sooo glad I got to be your teacher on Sunday morning! You are so sweet & soooo beautiful. I just love you to pieces!

As the countless stars above
Just know Hope that you are loved
Angels hear & God so near
Watching over you-His precious little girl.

You will be better before you know it! I love you! I will be praying for you girly!

Ms. Monica

Kay Martin said...

First of all your mom has let us see your picture: you are so pretty. God has a way of making everything turn out so very well. He has angels that see to it that sweet little girls like you have fun surprises even at hospitals.

You will be getting some nice gifts and even people like me miles away think of you every day with prayers that you will know how much you are loved.

Be sure to get your mom to type a letter back to all of us how well everything goes. You will do so well...I just know it.

We all love you and know Jesus even loves you more.

xxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Those are kisses and hugs.

My Army Brats and Me said...

Happy first day! Great cut for Taylor. Wishing on your star Hope. Love to all:)

Marilyn in Mississippi said...

Hope.....what a very beautiful and meaningful name your mommy and daddy gave to you! Not only is it one of my favorite names, but one of my favorite words also!

Did you know that 'Hope' means "A feeling that what is wanted, will happen"? Our Great God is the giver of Hope. We can pray to Him for the things that we need and want. He is loving us so much all the time. I am praying that your surgery next week will be an easy time for you and that God will help the surgeons to do just exactly what your body needs so that you can be well very, very soon!

May God bless you Hope!

Mrs. Marilyn in Mississippi

Lisa N Alexander said...

Prayers for you and the family sweetie.

I've got a week and a few days before our kids go back.

I'm looking forward to a quiet house. Lord, Sponge Bob has been blaring all summer!

Faith said...

What a day! The girls look adorable! I seriously cannot believe how big they are, especially Taylor...she looks so grown up!

Hope, I am praying for you! I pray that God would give you courage as you put your trust in Him. He loves you and will take care of you. I know that you will feel much better soon! Love you, Faith

Hope today was a wonderful first day of school!

Anonymous said...

Hi Hope...it's me...mimi. I saw the picture of you and big sis Taylor. You looked so brave..not afraid of finally getting to go to kindergarten. You know we have a mighty big God. He has everything under control you know. He has already been preparing the surgeon, and all of the people who are going to take care of you including your mom, dad and sisters. We are going to have fun on Sat. Mimi and Papa love you!

Kelly said...

My first visit from "On Purpose's" blog. I know exactly what you mean about being ready for the kids to go back with the arguing. Mine don't go back until after Labor day. sigh!

I was sorry to read about the surgery on Monday. God bless you guys as you get through this!

Kim said...

Hope,
First of all, I cannot believe how much you all have grown. (and now that you are in Kindergarten, it just means you are one step closer to hopefully being in my first grade class soon.) I just want you to know that when I was your age, I went through the same surgery. God protected me then, and He will be with you too! I am praying for you!

Love,
Mrs. Staples

MiMi said...

Your girls are absolutely precious! They look so "growny" and I know that you must be so proud of them.

Hope, I am praying for you that God will wrap His arms around you and remove any fears that you may have. I am praying for your doctors, that God will guide their hearts and their hands. I know that you are going to be such a special blessing to everyone that meets you on Monday and you are going to feel so much better soon! Tell your mommy to make sure that she writes and lets us all know how well you are doing.
God loves you very much and He will be right there with you on Monday!

amy alley said...

Hope,
I am praying for you and know that God is going to protect you and take care of you. He loves you so much!! Everyone in the Children's Ministry loves you and is praying for you, too!

Love, Miss Amy

Dena said...

Hope,
God has such special plans for you! Remember that you are never, ever alone - He is always with you and will NEVER leave you!

Praying for you!
Dena

Tisha said...

Hope - Hey sweet girl! I wanted you to know that Chloe, Grace and I will be praying for you on Monday. I pray that you will feel the love of Jesus and all your friends. Jesus will be right there with you!

Love ya,
Chloe, Grace & Me

Anonymous said...

Knock. Knock.

Who there?

Hope.

Hope Who?

Hope your feeling better soon!

Hi Hope. I think your going to get a lot of candy and maybe presents, cards and flowers. When I went to the hospital I was real scared, but the nurse told me they have a special fairy that sprinkles magic gold dust everywhere. She said the gold dust is full of love, and that love was going to be all around me. I kind of did not believe the nurse but it made me feel better, and I was not so scared anymore. And you know what? I saw the gold dust! So be looking, you might see it.

Love
Auntie

Anonymous said...

Hope,

Summer and Emily will be praying for you. I know you will be fine. We love you.

Summer, Emily, Sara, and Dave Dye

Anonymous said...

Hope,

We are sooo excited that you are on our soccer team this year. We look forward to an awesome season. We have and will continue to keep you in our prayers.

Also, you looked very pretty for your first day of school.

love,
Chloe and her mommy

Amy L Brooke said...

Dear Hope,

I want you to know that I am praying for you today. I have been for the last couple of weeks. I'm praying that God will give you something to smile about everyday.

I loved your school pictures. You are very pretty!

Mulchy Mama said...

Dear Hope,
I am praying for you right this very minute. I just love you dearly and know that God is watching over you, because you are truly a PRECIOUS girl to Him! I'll call to check on you tomorrow. I love you bunches!
Amy Eller

JenB said...

Prayed for Hope tonight! And for you and Kris!

Anonymous said...

Randomreader* Your daughters are adorable! I do hope the surgery goes well.

Lysa TerKeurst said...

Dearest Hope,

I am praying for you right now. I pray that God's angels surround you and give you comfort.

And I pray God keeps whispering His words of love in your heart.

Did you know my daughter's name is Hope as well? What a beautiful name full of such rich meaning.

Isabel said...

Just wanted to send our love and prayers to you all. We've been praying for and thinking about you all day.

Much love!

Jamie said...

Dear Hope,

I am praying for you! You are an absolutely adorable girl!

Jamie