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My mom left to go back to her home at the beach this morning. She has been staying with us for 2 weeks so she could help out with little baby Merissa. (Read previous post if you haven't met Merissa).
I started missing my "mommy" the minute she pulled out of my driveway. But, my dad was missing her, too. Hence the trip back home!
Merissa's Mom, Andrea had to have more surgery this morning. This is the third one in two weeks. She has fluid and infection in her brain and the doctors had to insert a tube to drain the fluid. Please keep her in your prayers.
For most of the day after my mom left I found myself barely able to hold my eyes open. I did have to work in my salon today, but only had two customers this afternoon, so I plopped down on the couch for the rest of the time.
Austin is a little under the weather today due to some allergy issues, so he was quite willing to just lie down beside me on the sofa. What bliss it was to snooze away together under a big soft blanket!
I can hardly remember when he was as small as Merissa. No matter how grown up he gets, he will always be my little baby. I feel the same way about Chase, now 18, but can't tell him that or I will get that notorious eye-roll thingy most teenagers are famous for.
Hopefully, I will wake up tomorrow with a big burst of energy. I want to drive to my cousin's house for a visit. I really need a "Merissa Fix". I didn't see her all day today. I feel kinda deprived.
I'm off to grab still more of that much-needed slumber, this time in my comfy bed next to my comfy husband.
Praise God for all the willing snuggle buddies I have been blessed with!
Stay tuned for more "Not-So-Normal Stories Form The LaPradd Abode".
Love and Blessings,
Starr
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Monday, July 21, 2008
"Normal" Didn't Last Long
OK....I know I have been missing in action. Here is the deal:
On July 10, My cousin and his fiance had a beautiful baby girl!!! Her name is Merissa. The mom and dad are Tim and Andrea. Merissa is one of the most beautiful baby girls I have EVER seen. If you don't believe me, just gaze upon this vision of loveliness:
Not me silly, the baby!!!
Anyway, everything was wonderful and we were all on cloud nine Thursday all day long. My cousin, Tim, is in his 40's and this is his first baby!! You can understand why we all had chill bumps from the excitement of this little blessing!
By the way, there are six of us cousins (three boys and three girls). My mom had only one brother. We are all more like siblings than cousins. We are a very close-knit family.
Friday morning, Andrea (Baby Merissa's mom) had some very serious complications develop. Long story short, we almost lost her three times and now she is in another hospital where she is getting intensive care, on a ventilator, and fighting for her life.
Things have improved a little and Andrea is now alert enough to nod her head and squeeze a hand. She has not seen Merissa since the day she was born.
We are all taking care of the sweet little baby girl and trying to help Timmy in any way we can.
Merissa has no shortage of baby sitters. In fact, we have trouble giving her to the next person when our turn is up!
Here is a picture of my baby (6 year old Austin) holding her:
Here is my mom holding Merissa:
PLEASE, I beg of you to pray for Andrea, Timmy and Merissa. The precious little girl needs her mommy and her daddy needs some rest from running back and forth to the hospital. Andrea deserves the blessed feeling of cuddling her newborn bundle of joy and spending time bonding with her new family.
Miranda and Brian are Andrea's two older children and they miss their mom as well. Here they are holding their new baby sister:
Love and blessings,
Starr
On July 10, My cousin and his fiance had a beautiful baby girl!!! Her name is Merissa. The mom and dad are Tim and Andrea. Merissa is one of the most beautiful baby girls I have EVER seen. If you don't believe me, just gaze upon this vision of loveliness:
Not me silly, the baby!!!
Anyway, everything was wonderful and we were all on cloud nine Thursday all day long. My cousin, Tim, is in his 40's and this is his first baby!! You can understand why we all had chill bumps from the excitement of this little blessing!
By the way, there are six of us cousins (three boys and three girls). My mom had only one brother. We are all more like siblings than cousins. We are a very close-knit family.
Friday morning, Andrea (Baby Merissa's mom) had some very serious complications develop. Long story short, we almost lost her three times and now she is in another hospital where she is getting intensive care, on a ventilator, and fighting for her life.
Things have improved a little and Andrea is now alert enough to nod her head and squeeze a hand. She has not seen Merissa since the day she was born.
We are all taking care of the sweet little baby girl and trying to help Timmy in any way we can.
Merissa has no shortage of baby sitters. In fact, we have trouble giving her to the next person when our turn is up!
Here is a picture of my baby (6 year old Austin) holding her:
Here she is with her aunt Tricia:
Here is my mom holding Merissa:
PLEASE, I beg of you to pray for Andrea, Timmy and Merissa. The precious little girl needs her mommy and her daddy needs some rest from running back and forth to the hospital. Andrea deserves the blessed feeling of cuddling her newborn bundle of joy and spending time bonding with her new family.Miranda and Brian are Andrea's two older children and they miss their mom as well. Here they are holding their new baby sister:
Just get on your knees for this family and pray for the gift of healing and health. I will keep you posted as time allows, I promise!
I told ya, "Normal" really doesn't exist around my house, didn't I?
I am off to the hospital to visit Andrea. Then, over to Timmy's house to hold baby Merissa. I am going to give her a kiss from her mom and enjoy the feeling of cuddling her little self all I can.Love and blessings,
Starr
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Back To Normal
Please realize, I use the term "normal" rather loosely. Not sure if we really know "normal" around my house. But, everything is pretty much the same as it once was now that my little man is back from his two week stay at the coast with my parents. (Three,actually, if you count the week we spent there with them)
At this very moment he is playing a ferociously loud video game, the washer and dryer are going full speed ahead, the dishwasher is running upstairs in the kitchen and I am trying to get caught up on a pile of emails and household tasks.
Gone are the relaxing days of peace and quiet. Gone is the relished time spent reading and writing for hours and hours. Gone are the leisurely walks around the neighborhood and the uninterrupted phone conversations with friends. Gone are the romantic nights alone with hubby.
Guess what? I wouldn't have it any other way! (Well, I really do miss that last thing mentioned above!) I'm just so glad to have Austin back home with us!
My eighteen year old, Chase will be leaving this weekend to go on a mission trip. He'll be gone for a week. So, we will be back to "sub-normal" for a short while.
That's how it is for most of us, don't ya think? Normal doesn't even exist.
Family does.
Chaos does.
Adventure does.
Life does.
And life is ever-changing.
So, on that note, I will go check the clothes in the dryer, unload the dishwasher, and get off this computer to go remove the game controller from the grip of my little man so we can do some catching up.
Hopefully tomorrow I will be posting some photos of our trip to the beach and our Fourth of July fun!
Love and Blessings,
Starr
At this very moment he is playing a ferociously loud video game, the washer and dryer are going full speed ahead, the dishwasher is running upstairs in the kitchen and I am trying to get caught up on a pile of emails and household tasks.
Gone are the relaxing days of peace and quiet. Gone is the relished time spent reading and writing for hours and hours. Gone are the leisurely walks around the neighborhood and the uninterrupted phone conversations with friends. Gone are the romantic nights alone with hubby.
Guess what? I wouldn't have it any other way! (Well, I really do miss that last thing mentioned above!) I'm just so glad to have Austin back home with us!
My eighteen year old, Chase will be leaving this weekend to go on a mission trip. He'll be gone for a week. So, we will be back to "sub-normal" for a short while.
That's how it is for most of us, don't ya think? Normal doesn't even exist.
Family does.
Chaos does.
Adventure does.
Life does.
And life is ever-changing.
So, on that note, I will go check the clothes in the dryer, unload the dishwasher, and get off this computer to go remove the game controller from the grip of my little man so we can do some catching up.
Hopefully tomorrow I will be posting some photos of our trip to the beach and our Fourth of July fun!
Love and Blessings,
Starr
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Visit From An Old Friend
It's been two weeks since my six year old left to spend some time with my parents at the beach. The house has been so quiet. My eighteen year old son and my husband are both gone to work all day every day. I can't even remember the last time I had so much time alone. I sure miss my little guy, but I have become reacquainted with myself.
It's like meeting up with an old friend I haven't seen in years. I've missed her! I had forgotten how much I enjoyed spending time with her. She loves the Lord so much and we have had some enlightening conversations with and about Him. Together, we have discovered a fresh perspective on life.
She is quite humorous, too. I think her witty personality had gotten buried under a pile of junk since I'd last seen her, but it has emerged from the rubble and her joy is now shining through!
That long lost friend of mine is fun to be with. She likes to do all the things I enjoy, but haven't gotten around to in a while.
She likes to read...alot.
She likes to take long, quiet walks and talk to Jesus.
She likes to sit on the deck every morning, read her Bible, and eat a cup of strawberry yogurt.
She likes to play with her cat and her two dogs. (They have missed her, too.)
She likes to take an afternoon nap.
She adores her husband and lavishes him with attention.
She likes to light candles and watch television in the dark.
She likes to hang out with her girlfriends and giggle.
She likes to walk through the house singing at the top of her lungs.
She likes to dance when no one is looking.
She likes to visit the coffee shop and leisurely savor a grande decaf white chocolate caramel with whipped cream.
She likes to garden.
She likes to do "girly stuff" like polish her toenails and try on all the clothes in her closet.
She can even laugh at herself. (She is blond, you know, so she gets plenty of opportunities for that!)
She is just a big old kid at heart.
Now that our friendship has blossomed once again, I pray that we will never grow apart as we did before. I believe I will have a fuller, happier existence if I stay in touch with her this time.
My dear husband and I will be heading to the coast this week to reclaim our little beach bum. I cannot wait to grab his little self and squeeze real tight!
Oh yeah, and I'm taking my old friend with me. I think he will like her.
Thought for the day: I have to live with myself, so I want to be fit for myself to know.
Anonymous
Love and Blessings,
Starr
It's like meeting up with an old friend I haven't seen in years. I've missed her! I had forgotten how much I enjoyed spending time with her. She loves the Lord so much and we have had some enlightening conversations with and about Him. Together, we have discovered a fresh perspective on life.
She is quite humorous, too. I think her witty personality had gotten buried under a pile of junk since I'd last seen her, but it has emerged from the rubble and her joy is now shining through!
That long lost friend of mine is fun to be with. She likes to do all the things I enjoy, but haven't gotten around to in a while.
She likes to read...alot.
She likes to take long, quiet walks and talk to Jesus.
She likes to sit on the deck every morning, read her Bible, and eat a cup of strawberry yogurt.
She likes to play with her cat and her two dogs. (They have missed her, too.)
She likes to take an afternoon nap.
She adores her husband and lavishes him with attention.
She likes to light candles and watch television in the dark.
She likes to hang out with her girlfriends and giggle.
She likes to walk through the house singing at the top of her lungs.
She likes to dance when no one is looking.
She likes to visit the coffee shop and leisurely savor a grande decaf white chocolate caramel with whipped cream.
She likes to garden.
She likes to do "girly stuff" like polish her toenails and try on all the clothes in her closet.
She can even laugh at herself. (She is blond, you know, so she gets plenty of opportunities for that!)
She is just a big old kid at heart.
Now that our friendship has blossomed once again, I pray that we will never grow apart as we did before. I believe I will have a fuller, happier existence if I stay in touch with her this time.
My dear husband and I will be heading to the coast this week to reclaim our little beach bum. I cannot wait to grab his little self and squeeze real tight!
Oh yeah, and I'm taking my old friend with me. I think he will like her.
Thought for the day: I have to live with myself, so I want to be fit for myself to know.
Anonymous
Love and Blessings,
Starr
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Make Your Requests Known To The Father
This is my prayer for today. It is from Psalm 143 in the Amplified Bible. The ending is from my heart.
Dear Lord,
I remember the days of old; I meditate on all Your doings; I ponder the work of Your hands (v5).
I spread forth my hands to You; my soul thirsts after you like a thirsty land (for water) (v6).
Cause me to hear Your loving-kindness in the morning for on You do I lean and in You do I trust. Cause me to know the way wherein I should walk, for I lift up my inner self to You (v 8).
Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God; let Your good spirit lead me into a level country and into the land of uprightness (v10).
Thank You, Father, for all You have done, all You are doing, and all You have for my future. May I please You as I set about my day today and every day hereafter. Thank You for Your provision, Your protection, Your guidance, and Your grace.
In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Love and Blessings,
Starr
Dear Lord,
I remember the days of old; I meditate on all Your doings; I ponder the work of Your hands (v5).
I spread forth my hands to You; my soul thirsts after you like a thirsty land (for water) (v6).
Cause me to hear Your loving-kindness in the morning for on You do I lean and in You do I trust. Cause me to know the way wherein I should walk, for I lift up my inner self to You (v 8).
Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God; let Your good spirit lead me into a level country and into the land of uprightness (v10).
Thank You, Father, for all You have done, all You are doing, and all You have for my future. May I please You as I set about my day today and every day hereafter. Thank You for Your provision, Your protection, Your guidance, and Your grace.
In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Love and Blessings,
Starr
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Fully Equipped
There are times in life when I find myself just plain stumped. What am I supposed to be doing? Is this all there is? I desire so much more for my life. I thought it would be different. I ache to step out and make my statement to the world, but fear grips my mind and my tongue stops short of saying anything. I stay frozen in time and just keep on keeping on; never moving forward. How does a woman overcome moments like those?
My best friend and I were having a phone conversation this morning about how we really want God to use us. Neither of us feel that we are in our true place in life. There is a strong feeling that there must be more. We are missing something. That may sound like a strange sensation for two sold-out Christian women to have, but I think it is actually common among many women today. We find ourselves early on making decisions about education, career, marriage, family, home life, and pretty soon we have lost ourselves in the mix. How can we get back on track?
I have been searching for the anecdote and I think I have found it. Think back to when you were younger. Before life kicked in full force. Back before you had kids, jobs, housework. What did you want to do then? It's not too late! I am stretching my faith and pursuing my passions for the first time in many years. In September I'll be turning 44, so better late than never! Hopefully, I've got at least 45 more years left. I am not going to let them slip by without trying my best to fulfill God's plan for me.
God places a purpose into the heart of every human being He creates. If you haven't found it, try searching your soul. What excited you when you were younger? What fueled your flame? The answer to those questions is probably a pretty good indication of what you should be fearlessly pursuing. Maybe you don't feel equipped. Neither do I, but I am studying God's word and following the directions He gives me.
2 Timothy 3 Verses 16-17 in the AMP says, "Every scripture is God breathed (given by His inspiration) and profitable for instruction, for reproof and conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in obedience, [and] for training in righteousness (in holy living, in conformity to God's will in thought, purpose and action), So that the man of God may be complete and proficient, well-fitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work."
He has equipped me! I am able! When I find my passion, I discover my voice. I will no longer be fearful about speaking what God has ordained me to share. Praise Him for His provision. I will trust in The One Who has given me all I need to serve Him.
Father, Thank You for loving us and for having a divine plan for each of our lives. May we seek You with all our hearts and keep our minds focused on You as we serve. Make our purpose evident and obtainable. Give us strength. Give us joy in the journey. Use us, Lord for Your glory. In Jesus' name, Amen and Amen!
Blessings,
Starr
My best friend and I were having a phone conversation this morning about how we really want God to use us. Neither of us feel that we are in our true place in life. There is a strong feeling that there must be more. We are missing something. That may sound like a strange sensation for two sold-out Christian women to have, but I think it is actually common among many women today. We find ourselves early on making decisions about education, career, marriage, family, home life, and pretty soon we have lost ourselves in the mix. How can we get back on track?
I have been searching for the anecdote and I think I have found it. Think back to when you were younger. Before life kicked in full force. Back before you had kids, jobs, housework. What did you want to do then? It's not too late! I am stretching my faith and pursuing my passions for the first time in many years. In September I'll be turning 44, so better late than never! Hopefully, I've got at least 45 more years left. I am not going to let them slip by without trying my best to fulfill God's plan for me.
God places a purpose into the heart of every human being He creates. If you haven't found it, try searching your soul. What excited you when you were younger? What fueled your flame? The answer to those questions is probably a pretty good indication of what you should be fearlessly pursuing. Maybe you don't feel equipped. Neither do I, but I am studying God's word and following the directions He gives me.
2 Timothy 3 Verses 16-17 in the AMP says, "Every scripture is God breathed (given by His inspiration) and profitable for instruction, for reproof and conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in obedience, [and] for training in righteousness (in holy living, in conformity to God's will in thought, purpose and action), So that the man of God may be complete and proficient, well-fitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work."
He has equipped me! I am able! When I find my passion, I discover my voice. I will no longer be fearful about speaking what God has ordained me to share. Praise Him for His provision. I will trust in The One Who has given me all I need to serve Him.
Father, Thank You for loving us and for having a divine plan for each of our lives. May we seek You with all our hearts and keep our minds focused on You as we serve. Make our purpose evident and obtainable. Give us strength. Give us joy in the journey. Use us, Lord for Your glory. In Jesus' name, Amen and Amen!
Blessings,
Starr
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Date Day
Today I had a date with my husband. A whole entire day just to be with him. It was awesome. "How, oh how does one get to spend an uninterrupted day like that?" I can hear you asking enviously. Well....
Our little one (6 years old) is spending some time at the coast. My parents live down there and wanted to take him for a couple weeks. It was hard to let him go, but I have to say the quiet time has been heavenly. I sure do miss him though. Especially at night. I am used to getting my Austin hugs and kisses and we always lie in my bed together before daddy comes in to sleep. That is when we have some of our most precious conversations. I am in dire need of a hug from my kid, ya'll! He is having a blast at his grandparents, though. I'll just have to suffer for a few more days.
Back to my date with hubby. We woke up this morning and were excited about having the whole day to ourselves with absolutely no responsibility whatsoever. We hurriedly got ready to set out for our adventure. Out the door and into the car, our anticipation mounted just thinking about what fun we would have! Then it dawned on us...
What exactly does a couple do with no kids in tow? We had actually forgotten. Our oldest is 18 so it has been quite a while since we found ourselves in this situation. We did not have to go to a playground, a dollar store, McDonalds, or Walmart. What else is there?
After a few minutes we decided to ride to the local flea market. We got a biscuit for breakfast. Rode to the mall. Got some coffee. We even got to walk leisurely through the stores without saying things like:
"Don't touch that."
"You cannot buy that today. Do NOT ask me again."
"Stay with me and hold my hand."
"I am Not going to carry you. If I am not too tired to walk, you can walk too."
"Just try to hold it until I can find a bathroom."
Although, I think my hubby said that last sentence to me right after I had that cup of coffee. But, I digress.
All in all, we had a great day. We had some great conversation. We enjoyed each other's company immensely. I am so thankful to God for my dear husband of almost 24 years. He is truly my best and most cherished friend in this world. It is refreshing to know we can still enjoy just being together, doing absolutely nothing.
I think I will get off this computer and go spend some more time with him right now!! This date isn't over quite yet......
Blessings,
Starr
Our little one (6 years old) is spending some time at the coast. My parents live down there and wanted to take him for a couple weeks. It was hard to let him go, but I have to say the quiet time has been heavenly. I sure do miss him though. Especially at night. I am used to getting my Austin hugs and kisses and we always lie in my bed together before daddy comes in to sleep. That is when we have some of our most precious conversations. I am in dire need of a hug from my kid, ya'll! He is having a blast at his grandparents, though. I'll just have to suffer for a few more days.
Back to my date with hubby. We woke up this morning and were excited about having the whole day to ourselves with absolutely no responsibility whatsoever. We hurriedly got ready to set out for our adventure. Out the door and into the car, our anticipation mounted just thinking about what fun we would have! Then it dawned on us...
What exactly does a couple do with no kids in tow? We had actually forgotten. Our oldest is 18 so it has been quite a while since we found ourselves in this situation. We did not have to go to a playground, a dollar store, McDonalds, or Walmart. What else is there?
After a few minutes we decided to ride to the local flea market. We got a biscuit for breakfast. Rode to the mall. Got some coffee. We even got to walk leisurely through the stores without saying things like:
"Don't touch that."
"You cannot buy that today. Do NOT ask me again."
"Stay with me and hold my hand."
"I am Not going to carry you. If I am not too tired to walk, you can walk too."
"Just try to hold it until I can find a bathroom."
Although, I think my hubby said that last sentence to me right after I had that cup of coffee. But, I digress.
All in all, we had a great day. We had some great conversation. We enjoyed each other's company immensely. I am so thankful to God for my dear husband of almost 24 years. He is truly my best and most cherished friend in this world. It is refreshing to know we can still enjoy just being together, doing absolutely nothing.
I think I will get off this computer and go spend some more time with him right now!! This date isn't over quite yet......
Blessings,
Starr
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