And Then There Were 4.....: 2008

My name is Sheila and I am 45 years old. I married my High school sweetheart at the tender age of 17. We had our first son 9 months later. 14 months after that son number two was born. 22 months later we had our little girl. So there I was, 22 years old, with three wonderful children and the love of my life.I loved being a Mom and I enjoyed it more than I ever thought possible. I would hold them and watch them sleep never wanting to put them down. Clint and I were very young and I'm sure some thought we were crazy, but I wouldn't trade it!As my children grew and we bought our land and built our home I began to miss having a little one. My babies weren't babies anymore. I decided it would be fun to have little ones around and approached my husband, then the kiddos about becoming a foster family. I thought it sounded like a great idea and it would be wonderful for the kids to be involved in helping those that needed us. Everyone agreed, I made some phone calls, and we began our journey.....We went to foster parent training and did our paper work, back ground checks, home visits and then we waited. I was a little surprised that we didn't get a child immediately. Then it happened on March 18, 1998 while I was shopping with my friend Chris I received the phone call that would change my life forever. The social worker wanted to know if we would take a little boy who was 18 months old and his 3 month old baby sister. I was so excited I couldn't wait to get home.Richard and Katy came into our lives that very evening. They were beautiful but they didn't smell so pretty! My daughter Ashley and I gave them baths and fed them. Ashley read Richard a story while I rocked Katy. They stayed with us for 15 months and then the dreaded phone call came. Richard and Katy were going home. I know I am supposed to be happy and that the goal from the very beginning was reunification. I had watched the parents with Richard and Katy and I truly felt in my heart that they were not ready for the responsibility. Katy was so frail when she came to us she was failing to thrive, she spit up all the time, had frequent diarrhea and many ear infections. She was just beginning to blossom. I feared for her safety. There was nothing I could do but pray to God to watch over these children and keep them safe. I was not prepared for how difficult it would be to let go. I loved these children and I didn't know if I would ever see them again. With a broken heart and tears streaming down my face I stood next to Clint as we said our goodbyes. I will never forget the looks on their faces. I felt as if they were asking me why they had to go away.Three weeks had passed since our sweet little babies had gone away. My heart ached and I thought of them constantly. The second week in July I received a phone call from D.H.S asking me if I minded speaking with Katy's doctor. The worker informed me that Katy had been found unconscious in her crib and rushed to the hospital. She had suffered a metabolic crises and because of a lack of oxygen she had brain damage. When she awoke from the coma she was unable to speak, sit up, stand or walk. The doctors needed to speak to someone that knew when Katy had attained each milestone such as walking and how well she talked. They had nothing to compare her current condition with. I asked if we could come to the hospital and be with her. When we saw her tiny little body in that big hospital bed with all the tubes coming out of her I couldn't believe it was the same child. I stayed with her night and day. I took her to the play room and coaxed her into taking tiny little steps with help. I got her to take small bites of food. I bathed her and brushed her tangled hair.The doctors explained that Katy had a rare metabolic disorder called Medium Chain acyl CoA Dehydrogenase. Medium chain acyl CoA dehydrogenase deficiency, or 'MCAD,' is a disorder in which your body is unable to breakdown fats to make energy. Normally, fat is broken down into energy by "enzymes." This energy keeps your body running whenever it runs out of its main source of energy, a sugar called 'glucose.' In MCAD, a very important enzyme for breaking down fat, the medium chain acyl CoA dehydrogenase enzyme (MCAD) is missing or does not work correctly. This means that people with MCAD can't break down fat for energy when they run out of glucose. When people with MCAD fast, they can experience a range of serious life threatening symptoms or even death. Persons with MCAD cannot use this fat to make energy, consequently, the body begins to fail and malfunction once the food the person has eaten runs out. The main treatment is to avoid going without food for very long periods. Children should eat high carbohydrate meals like sugar-containing drinks, cereals, and pastas when they are ill. Children with MCAD should follow a low fat diet. If not detected and treated appropriately, MCAD can result in death. Untreated MCAD can lead to mental retardation and death.Katy was released from the hospital into our care. Richard went to another foster home due to all the therapies and constant care Katy needed at this time. Richard never made it back to us. He was adopted by a family that fell in love with him while we helped Katy with her long journey back. We spent everyday working with Katy encouraging her to walk and talk.On April 27, 2001 when she was 3 1/2 years old Kaitlin Elizabeth Kimble became our daughter. She was officially ours. When the Judge announced her new name and put her in my arms I felt the same joy I felt when my biological children were born. The same feelings overwhelmed me and I knew that God had brought us to Katy and that she was supposed to be with us and never have to say good bye again.Now it is December 2, 2007 and Katy will be 10 years old on the 24th. She is in the third grade. She is truly a gift from God. She brings us so much joy. I will admit though that it isn't always easy. Katy has developmental delays and ADHD do to the metobolic crises. She goes to speech, occupational and physical therapy twice a week. She has a Para professional that helps her because Katy has not learned to read. She needs constant supervision as she does not think things through. She is very revved up and is on medication to help her sleep. I was very much against giving her any medication in the beginning but after being up until 2:00 and 3:00 in the morning trying to get her to sleep and regularly being late for school, I soon realized that this was a good choice for Katy. It slows her down enough to be able to go to sleep and she is able to wake up in the morning feeling rested and ready to go to school.Katy has three older siblings Chris her oldest brother is 27. Randy her brother is 26 and her sister Ashley is 24. She has a niece Brooklynn who is 6 and a nephew Hayden that is 3. She has another nephew Peyton that is 3 1/2. Join me as you peek into my life and all that it entails as a Mom to three grown children and Katy a 10 year old who keeps me on my toes. I'm Nana to three beautiful grandchildren and wife to the love of my life. The journey continues......

Wednesday, December 31, 2008

THE WINDOW THROUGH WHICH WE LOOK.....

A young couple moves into a new neighborhood.
The next morning while they are eating breakfast, the young
woman sees her neighbor hanging the wash outside.
"That laundry is not very clean", she said.
"She doesn't know how to wash correctly.
Perhaps she needs better laundry soap"
Her husband looked on, but remained silent.
Every time her neighbor would hang her wash to dry, the
young woman would make the same comments.
About one month later, the woman was surprised to see a
nice clean wash on the line and said to her husband:
"Look, she has learned how to wash correctly.
I wonder who taught her this?"
The husband said, "I got up early this morning and
cleaned our windows."
And so it is with life. What we see when watching others
depends on the purity of the window through which we look.
Unknown

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Christmas at Memaw and Poppa's

We celebrated Christmas at Mom and Dad's today. We had a great time! The little ones were so excited. We had a great meal with turkey and ham and all the fix en's. We unwrapped gifts and then played Dirty Santa. Clint and Katy and I were the last ones to leave we stayed and enjoyed visiting with Mom and Dad. I always enjoy just sitting down and talking but everyone is always in a hurry. I think we should defiantly make more time for each other this year!

Saturday, December 20, 2008

Nativity

This is the cutest little Nativity. It is a Little People set by Fisher Price. It is very kid friendly. The grandchildren have had so much fun arranging it like they think it should be. They all have their own ideas of how it should look. This picture shows it on top of a Christmas package so it looks a little bright.

Our Christmas Tree

Ashley this is for you. You wanted me to post a picture of my tree so here it is. It really isn't all that great but we had fun decorating it. Katy and I like to turn all the lights off and turn the lights on the tree and just look at it. I love Christmas lights! I am getting excited about everyone being here for Christmas. We are having ours on the 27 th to accommodate everyone. Merry Christmas everyone!

Christmas Program

This post is a little late but we had a very nice Christmas program at school. It was so nice to see all the kiddo's dressed up in their Christmas attire! They all looked so nice and did a great job with their singing. We have an awesome music teacher and she always puts a lot of work into the program. Here are a couple of pics of our little singer!

Friday, December 12, 2008

Oh Christmas Tree

Katy loves to make things. She has so much fun "helping" in the kitchen. When I saw this Christmas tree kit I knew that Katy would love it. She was very excited to begin the project. She made such a mess but had so much fun! She dropped a few cookies and broke them. The little round decorating beads just wouldn't stay put! They rolled off the counter about as fast as she took them out of the package. I gave her a small bowl to put the round decorating beads in thinking they would be easier to handle, but she spilled the entire bowl and pretty little candied beads decorated the kitchen floor. She got tired and decided to sit on the counter beside the Christmas tree. She cleaned the sticky icing and broken cookie crumbs off the counter with her jeans and shirt! She insisted upon doing it all herself and she was very pleased with the outcome.

You did a great job Katy!!

Sleep Study

We took Katy to Children’s Hospital to get a sleep study. She is difficult to wake most mornings and she snores like a train! Her developmental pediatrician referred her to an ENT and he set up the sleep study. We left a little early so we could do some Christmas shopping before we had to be at the Hospital. We arrived at the Sleep Lab at 8:30 and it was 10:30 before they had Katy hooked up and ready for bed. They had an empty room so Clint was able to sleep in there and I stayed in a chair that made into a bed in the room for Katy. The room was small so there wasn't room for both of us to sleep in the same room with Katy. The technician was so good with Katy. He kept her laughing with his funny little jokes and made her feel very comfortable. He brought Clint and I extra blankets and pillows and was very attentive. Katy started snoring almost immediately. I turned on a fan to help buffer the noise! I didn’t sleep too well but it is a little difficult to sleep in a room where you know they are watching and listening to you! We haven’t received the results yet but should have them in a few weeks.
Here are a few pictures of Katy getting hooked up and ready for the sleep study.

Saturday, November 29, 2008

Black Friday

Yes I arose at 3:30 a.m. to be among the first in line to shop the bargains! I quickly dressed in the dark and grabbed my purse and Christmas list as I quitely left the house so I wouldn't wake anyone. I drove the 12 miles into town to pick up my daughter in law and we hurried off in pursuit of the big sales! We were excited to be getting around so early but as we pulled into the parking lot our hearts sank. There was a line from the front of the store to the back of the parking lot! Oh no! It was cold and dark and I didn't want to stand in that line. I convinced Ashley to stay in the warm car and we waited. At a few minutes till 5 we got out of the car and got in a short newly formed line that was forming at the side entrance to the store. They opened all the doors at the same time and I will admit that I felt a little guilty as we were in the store before most of those that stood in that long line. I consoled myself with the fact that they were the ones that chose to stand there and freeze! I grabbed two buggies and Ashley went one direction and I went the other. I grabbed two of all the bargains and she did the same we met in the middle and exchanged bargains. We met up with my Mom and Ashley's sister, called my daughter in Kingfisher to make sure she got what she wanted then headed for the checkout lines. We visited a few other places and were home when we would normally just be getting up. When I took my coat off I noticed that I had my shirt on backwards! I guess thats what I get for dressing in the dark. I had a good time despite the early hour!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Yes, Thanksgiving day has come and gone and I didn’t blog about what I am thankful for. I am very blessed and am so thankful for all that I have been given that I think any day would be appropriate to blog about thankfulness. I am thankful that Jesus died on the cross for my sins! I am thankful for a husband that loves and respects me, who goes above and beyond to make me happy. Not only is he an awesome husband but my best friend. He is a wonderful father and Poppa. I am thankful for 4 healthy children. I am so proud of each of them. We have 3 grandchildren that are the joy of our lives and I thank God for them every day! I am thankful I have a nice home and plenty to eat. I am thankful to live in the land of the free! I am Thankful!!!!

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Did you Vote?

As a Republican, I will admit that Senator McCain was not my first choice for the party's nomination. But I did make sure that I took the time to go vote for him yesterday. Now I have the right to complain! I hope you exercised your right to vote. Our forefathers fought hard to get and maintain our right to govern ourselves.

Saturday, November 1, 2008

Unconditional Love for all Children

When I was young I never really understood the love of my parents. How wise and patient they were. Years went by before I fully understood the depth of their love and concern for me and my siblings. But as I matured and had children I finally understand and can look back and see through older eyes and a wiser heart the unconditional love and devotion. It's these and many other things that make me realize how lucky I am to have such wonderful people in my life. I wish every child could experience the unconditional love that I have had and provide for my own children. My heart is saddened when I think about all the children that have come to us through foster care that have to compete with addictions, time and many other things their parents might be dealing with. Becoming a foster parent requires sacrifices of time and emotion, flexibility and compassion. It is being able to love and care for a child you don’t know. Many children come with baggage but they all need and deserve unconditional love. As I held a child I barely know last night as she cried after waking up in the night I thanked God that I had loving parents and that through God I was and am able to be a loving parent to my own children. Please remember these children especially through the holidays and do whatever you can to make a difference in a child’s life.

Friday, October 31, 2008

Happy Halloween

The school called today because Katy had an outburst. She has a very difficult time controlling her emotions. She had to miss her Halloween party at school. She is getting much better at handling her anger but she still has trouble from time to time. I am so thankful for understanding and helpful teachers! Ashley and Peyton came to go trick or treating with us. We picked up the other Ashley (our daughter in law) and Hayden and Brooklynn. We went to great great grandma's and Memaws and aunt Judy's and a few other special places and called it a night. Katy went to bed as soon as we got home. Hopefully tomorrow she will have a better attitude and be in a much better mood!

Friday, October 24, 2008

My Friday

Ashley and I went to OKC today. She needed to get food for the fall festival. Katy didn't have school today so Ashley, Peyton, Katy and I made a day of it. We went to the mall, Target, Sam's, Lakeshore and Mardells. We spent the most money at Sam's but we bought large quantities and we are stocked up now. DHS called while we were shopping and they are bringing two little girls to our house this evening. They always seem to call when I am least expecting it. As I said in my last post we have been doing a lot of redecorating at our house and everything isn't where it should be. We have a lot of moving furniture and hanging pictures to do so I can get the spare room looking like a bedroom again. The girls played with Katy and did great until it came time for bed and then they got a little homesick. My heart hurt for them it must be hard to be pulled from your family and taken to a strange place. Morning will be here soon and it is the first day of black powder season so Clint will be up early and I have a feeling I will be too!

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Catching up

I can't beleive I have let so much time pass between blogs! I just haven't had the desire to sit down and write anything. We have been very busy at the Kimble house. We have painted the kitchen, dining room, living room and the extra bathroom. We put down tile that looks like wood in the living room and halls. We put up new blinds and curtains in the living room. We still haven't put anything back on the walls. I bought a few new things and I am still deciding where I want everything to go.

Katy is in gymnastics and she is enjoying it. She recently got new glasses. She was determined to get this particular pair. I planned to go with something else but she really wanted this pair! I figured she was the one wearing them so she should have a say. She is very pleased! Thats all for now. Hopefully I will keep up better. I hope everyone has a great day!

Thursday, July 31, 2008

Over Night At Memaw And Poppa's

Katy spent a few days with my parent’s. She had a great time! She loves her Memaw and Poppa. Katy thinks my Mom is wonderful! (and she is) Katy talks non stop so I’m pretty sure Mom is caught up to date on everything! She came home telling us about all the fun she had and showing me all the neat things Memaw had given her.

Thursday, July 24, 2008

Zucchini Anyone?

Thursday, July 17, 2008

Big Fish

The Big boys went fishing later in the evening. Clint, Chris and Randy. They caught some big fish with the little fish we caught earlier that day. I think they had as much fun as the little kids!

Here they are with their catch.

Fishing

Peyton has been with us this past week while his Mommy and Daddy were in Boston with their youth group. He has been a joy! We took Peyton and Katy to the Ole Fishing Hole. Randy, Brooklynn and Hayden joined us a little later. Peyton loved reeling in the fishing pole as soon as we got it in the water! He was having such a good time. I took Peyton and Hayden into town to get cold drinks for everyone and we couldn't resist the spider man fishing poles. The boys loved them! What could be better than fishing with spiderman poles? Katy and Brooklynn found some fishing line with hooks and they would lower the lines into the water and watch the perch eat the bait off their hooks. We had a lot of fun catching bait for the big boys fishing trip later that evening.

Friday, July 4, 2008

Happy Fourth Of July!

Happy Fourth Of July! We celebrated at Memaws! We had grilled hamburgers and hotdogs with all the fixins. Watermelon and Homemade Ice cream and many more yummy dishes.
We enjoyed a beautiful fireworks display. Here are a few pictures.

Monday, June 30, 2008

Another Playground Update

Clint put down the ground cover and the pebbles today. The pile of pebbles doesn't look all that big but it is 12 tons! The truck is huge but you can see how tall the pile is when you look at the man standing behind it. I think the next project will be the fence. It is really coming together. I can not wait to see the finished project. Poppa would be happy! I included a picture of Clint and his Mom. (Poppa's wife) better known as Memaw.

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Happy Birthday Randy!

Today is my sons birthday. Happy 26th Birthday Randy! It is hard to believe that you are all grown up with two beautiful children of your own. Enjoy every second with them because soon they will be all grown up too. I hope you have a wonderful day! We Love you! Here is a picture of his wonderful family.

Peyton

Peyton came home with me Saturday after the garage sale. We had a very busy weekend and sold a lot of goodies. I feels good to have it all behind me. It was a lot of work! I made a litttle over a $1000 to put toward my living room fund. We have been saving toward new flooring and living room furniture. Ashley made $300 which was her goal. They just spent $300 on the air conditioner in their car. Not only did we make some extra cash but we did some major cleaning out of closets and toy boxes and other nooks and crannies! Peyton really wanted to come home with me and I can never tell him no. He has me wrapped around his little finger! One look at those baby blues and he pretty much has anything his little heart desires! We have enjoyed him so much. One day Hayden came over to play too. They love being with each other.

Monday, June 23, 2008

Lets Go Swimming!

I heard the boys (Peyton and Hayden) telling Katy they wanted to go swimming. In a few minutes they came running into the kitchen and said "Nana we want to go swimming" I turned to look at them and this is what I saw!!!! They were wearing Katy's swimmming suit bottoms and she had tied them up with pony tail holders. The boys didn't mind at all! They were just happy to be going swimming.

Monday, June 16, 2008

Sleeping Angels

Brooklynn and Hayden spent the night with us. Don't they look sweet when they are asleep? Oops I see some eyes staring back at me. He looks sweet even when he's awake!

Friday, June 13, 2008

Peyton Gets A Haircut

We took Peyton to get a haircut today! We have a barber in town that cut Clint's hair and Chris and Randy's hair(our Sons) and now he is cutting our grandsons. Peyton looked so cute sitting in the barber chair. It brought back memories of Chris and Randy sitting in the same chair getting their flat tops for the summer.

Peyton and Hayden

The boys had so much fun today! They played in the sand box and then went swimming. We bought Pizza for supper and then they took a warm bath. They have enjoyed each other so much!

Play Ground Update

The playground equipment arrived today! The kids were so excited. They couldn't wait to try it out. Memaw brought a couple more grandkids up to give it a try too. She even tried it out. There is still more work to be done but it won't be long.

Thanks!

Ashley and Chris took us out to eat at Toby Keith's at Bricktown for Fathers Day and Clint's birthday. It was very nice. After we ate we went to Bass Pro Shop and then to the Mall. Peyton came home with us. We have enjoyed having him here. We picked Hayden up today and they have had so much fun palying together! Thanks Ashley and Chris we had a great time!

Monday, June 9, 2008

Saturday

My daughter Ashley and my daughter in law Ashley and I went to garages sales Saturday. We had a lot of fun and we all found some bargains. My favorite buy of the day was this Osterizer blender. Works perfect and only $2.00. Then we headed to Homeland to get in on the specials they were having during their 3 day sale. It is sad that the sale prices now are higher than the regular prices were a few months ago! We picked our first squash today. It was so good!! I love fresh veggies!