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ehbeagle

May 2008

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ROMANTIC GET-A-WAY & MOTHER'S DAY

May 12, 2008 06:13pm (EST)

Well, our get-a-way was great, all that it promised to be. The hotel room was GREAT! There was a chilled bottle of champaign waiting for us, a dozen roses and rose pedals around the massive tub, candles, and bath supplies. The bed was HUGE and there was a working fireplace. We had a room on the beach so all we had to do was walk out on the balcony to see the ocean. The weather was cool, but not cold so we were able to sleep with the window open all night and hear the waves. It was SUBLIME! We had dinner at our favorite restaurant and when they found out we were celebrating our 19th weeding anniversary they gave us dessert. It was PERFECT, just what we needed.

We came home the next day and met my mom and the kids at the ball field for Hannah's softball game. They won their second game. They were so excited. We spent the rest of the day just doing stuff around the house.

Mother's Day was really nice. We got up, had breakfast, and the kids gave me their gifts. I got a lot of paper flowers (the best), a song that Hannah wrote for me (my favorite gift) and a weed eater/edger for the yard. After I opened the gifts and cards, we got dressed and went to church. After church we went to my in-laws for cookout. It was a really great day.

Updates...

Tomorrow Tucker is going to be evaluated by early intervention to see if he qualifies for services. Everyone, including my husband, thinks I am crazy. Tucker is starting to mimic words, but I just want to be sure. So, we will know more tomorrow.

Sam is doing well. The boys cracks me up. A friend of mine recently gave me a bunch of clothes and shoes for him. he was so excited about the shoes

I swear, that boy has a shoe fetish. he had one pair on (2 sized too big) and carried 2 pair around with him all night. He kept saying, "My shoes Mommy!" He was so cute.

Hannah is doing well. She is getting ready to take the state test for 3rd grade. She is a little nervous, but I am sure she will be just fine.

We have decided that we are not going to take a vacation this year because I will be working, so we decided to buy a swimming pool

Hannah is really excited about it. To be honest, so am I.

Well, that all for now. God bless,

Elizabeth

Posted by ehbeagle | Comments: (4) | Permalink

ROMANTIC GETAWAY

May 09, 2008 08:33am (EST)

My husband and I will be celebrating our 19th wedding anniversary this weekend. Our ann. is not for a few more weeks, but it is really hard to book a room at the beach on Memorial Day Weekend

So, we have the honeymoon suite at the beach

The room include the following: king size bed, fireplace, huge jacuzzi tub, private bal. facing the ocean front, refrig. and microwave, champaign, roses, and a gift basket. We have reservations at one of our favorite restaurants. It should be good, a time for us to reconnect. It is so hard to find time together with the 3 kids. We REALLY need this. Have a great weekend and God bless,

Elizabeth

Posted by ehbeagle | Comments: (5) | Permalink

BEING A MOMMIE

May 06, 2008 07:48pm (EST)

My fist mother's day was spent in agony after having lost my first child just a few months before. I just wanted to sleep through it all. Then Hannah was born, beautiful and healthy. I finally felt like a "real" Mommie. That mother's day was bittersweet. I was so happy, yet I longed for the child I had lost. I never spoke much about the loss, not even to my husband. Sure, my friends and family knew that it was difficult for me, but they did not pressure me. I was left alone to grieve. Never once did any of them say I should just "get over it already" and for that I will be forever grateful. So, when I finally celebrated Mother's Day no one mentioned my other child. Isn't it strange how society wants to keep those things (loss of a child) secret and hidden? I have always wanted to include my 2 precious angel babies in my life, but until I found Share I was not able to. It made too many people uncomfortable. Just recently I wrote a story about my children, all five of them. Never before had I written it down. It was very therapeutic. Not only have I told the story of my children, but I have shared it with others. I am finally able to stand up and say, "I am a Mommie to 5 children, not just 3!" I know that it makes some people uncomfortable, but I don't care. My angel babies deserve to be recognized and remembered. So on Sunday, I will remember all my children.

Being a mother is not what I thought it would be. I thought I would be a "natural" at it. Boy was I wrong! I have made plenty of mistakes. All in all, I would say that being a mother has taught me a great deal about life. Instead of my being the teacher, they have taught me so much. Primarily they have taught me:

what real love is. Real love is when you would give your life for theirs.

A great deal about faith and trust. I have come to trust in my faith in God as never before.

Humbleness. I have found that a child-like humility is important.

Patience. I never had much before I had children, and still don't have much, but now I recognize the importance of patience.

To stop and smell the roses. Life is too short. I have to enjoy the time I have with them now. Who cares about the pile of laundry that has to be folded, or the dishes that need washing?

To accept the good with the bad. I have learned that with great love comes great loss.

The power of a smile. After a long day at work, a smile from my babies makes it all worth it.

About what's most important in life - love and faith

I wish everyone a wonderful Mother's Day. For those of you who will be spending this day with empty arms, I wish you comfort and peace. God bless,

;Elizabeth

Posted by ehbeagle | Comments: (4) | Permalink

MARCH FOR BABIES 2008

Apr 29, 2008 08:38am (EST)

I am tired

but it is a good tired! Our March was this past Sunday. All in all it was great! We had a total of 45 marches on "Tucker's Miracle" who marched on Sunday, and better yet, we surpassed our goal of $5,000 and we are still collecting money

I am so proud of my team. These kids worked so hard; it has truly been a rewarding experience in many ways. The kids were so excited; they are already making plans for next year

The weather could have been better. It was cool and rainy, but the rain held out until after we were done

The festivities were fun, and I truly believe that everyone had a great time.

I met up with Sharlene and got to see Taylor. What a truly beautiful young lady she is. Hopefully I will get to see them tonight as well. We are planned to meet another dear Share friend and family for dinner.

Although I am tired, I am looking forward to next year. We are already thinking about how we can do things differently. Although I am very pleased about the money we raised, I am most pleased about the attitudes of my students. It is so nice to see so many teens who CARE. Also, I am happy to be given so many opportunities to spread awareness.

Just as a side note, I just learned that we have a student here who gave birth 2 months early. I know how hard this is going to be for her, but I can't imagine going through the NICU experience as a teenager. Please keep her in your prayers. God bless,

Elizabeth

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Posted by ehbeagle | Comments: (4) | Permalink

HE'S NOT...

Apr 26, 2008 03:49pm (EST)

Autistic

Tucker had his evaluation this week. It was very interesting to watch the three docs watch Tucker. I kinda knew what they were going to do, but I wasn't sure. First, one doc came in with a box of toys. Tucker REALLY like that box

While she interacted with Tucker trying to get him to mimic her, the other two docs watched. Finally, they stripped him and checked his reflexes and tone. I am happy to report that he is not autistic. In fact, the doc. were surprised by just how social he is. They do believe he has a speech delay and are recommending speech therapy. They believe that with a few months of therapy Tucker will catch up and be talking up a breeze

I am so relieved that there is nothing seriously wrong with him.

On to other updates...Hannah was selected "Citizen of the Month" and brought home all "A"s on her report card

I am so proud of her, I could just bust! She does not get as much of my attention now that she has 2 little brothers so last Thurs. she came to work with me for National Bring Your Child to Work day. We had a great time hanging out together. It was just what we needed. She is growing up so fast that it scares me. In just a few short years she will be a teenager

I am NOT ready for that! I know I can't prevent it, but I just wish I could lock her in her room and make her stay my little girl forever. She had her first softball game of the year today. She did really well, but her team is not that great. Many on the team have never played. They lost their game today. I tried to explain to Hannah that it's not all about winning or loosing, but I don't know if I helped or not. She was really bummed about the whole thing.

Sam has hit the terrible twos with a vengeance

I want to know who took my sweet little boy? Please bring him back. Hannah never went through anything like this. SHe never threw real fits. Sam will throw himself on the floor and roll around when he does not get his way. I must admit that I am finding it difficult. I just hope he gets over this phase soon. Please tell me it is just a phase

Now for my March update. Our March is tomorrow. I am so proud of our team. Our goal was $5,000. We have almost met it. WE have raised $4,920! I think that we will reach our goal because some of my walkers still have money to turn in. I have 34 registered walkers on my team. I don't know if all of them will be there tomorrow (especially since it is supposed to rain

), but I can't wait. Although it has been a great experience, I must admit that I am ready for March season to be over. I am EXHAUSTED! I have so much work to do not only for my main job, but for the other 3 side jobs I am working on. And my house is a mess. I hope that next week I can get back to a simi normal schedule.

On another note, I have been a member of Share for a year now. On April 23rd of last year, I started my blog. I can't believe a year has passed. I cannot begin to explain just what SHare means to me. I found Share by accident, or maybe it wasn't an accident; maybe it was meant to be. All I know is that all of you have been an incredible source of comfort to me over the last year. I want to thank all of you for you friendship. I NEVER thought I would find real, true friends on the Internet, but I have. Thanks so much and God bless,

Elizabeth

PS I have attached a few pics.

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Posted by ehbeagle | Comments: (6) | Permalink

MARCH FOR BABIES UPDATE

Apr 14, 2008 07:11pm (EST)

Things have been really busy around here. We have been doing a LOT of fund raising, and it has really paid off. Last week we had a homeroom competition at my school. We encourage every faculty member and student to bring in at least a dime (our own march of dimes, lol). We raised $348! On Friday we had Blue Jeans for Baby day and raised $556. Sat. we set up a booth at Kroger. We only raised $90, but we were only there for a few hours. Sunday night we hosted a BBq dinner. We raised another $400. So far I have met and exceeded my personal goal by $1,700! Alas, our team still has not met its goal, but we are not done yet. We are still selling raffle tickets and I am going to have a yard sale this weekend. On top of all the fund raising, I had a team sign made. It looks GREAT! I will post pics soon. I can't believe that our walk is less than 2 weeks away! I also picked up 1,000 fliers that I had printed and we have been passing them out EVERYWHERE! I can't wait until the walk, March. It will be so great to see the whole team together, wearing our t-shirts, paying forward "Tucker's Miracle." God bless,

Elizabeth

Posted by ehbeagle | Comments: (3) | Permalink

BABIES 4-EVER

Apr 03, 2008 05:11pm (EST)

I had to stop myself today. I caught myself thinking, "I can't wait for the day when I don't have Hot Wheels cars all over the floor." As soon as I thought it, I felt so bad. I know that when the kids grow up and move away I will long for those Hot Wheels cars all over my floor. My children are growing up so fast. Tucker is beginning to loose his infant look. He looks like a toddler. Sam no longer looks like a toddler, but a little boy. Hannah looks like a teenager at age 9. There are some days when I wish they were grown and more self dependant, but on most days I want them to stay my babies. Why do they have to grow up? Why can't they just stay our little babies forever? I have a feeling that when the time comes I am going to have a terrible case of empty nest syndrome. Thanks for letting me cry on your shoulder once again. God bless,

Elizabeth

Posted by ehbeagle | Comments: (3) | Permalink

MARCH FOR BABIES

Apr 01, 2008 04:36pm (EST)

I was getting a little disappointed and stressed when I realized that the March is less than a month away and we have only reached 1/4 of our goal:-( On the other hand, I am happy that we have raised over $1,000. This is almost $400 more than I raised last year. Still I feel that I/we should be doing more. So, I kicked myself in the rear, so to speak, and got on the phone.

I managed to get 2 local printers to make 1,000 fliers for me, 500 in black and white and 500 in color! I was so stoked when they said yes. I have two booths planned, one at Wal-Mart and one at Kroger. I also have a dinner planned and a yard sale. I wanted to have the fliers to pass out at these events, and now I have them

This fund raising effort is more about more than just raising money, its also about raising awareness.

I also have 2 raffles going and was able to get Chick-fil-A to donate a gift certificate. Additionally, I have 2 events coming up next week at my school. We are going to have a homeroom competition, a march of dimes, if you will

We are asking every student, faculty member and staff member to bring in at least a dimes. Also, we are going to have a Jeans for Baby day. These events should help us reach our goal.

Even with all of the above, I still feel like there is more I can do. I am constantly seeking new ideas, so if you have any suggestions, lay them on me

The best part about all of this is that my students, not only the ones I teach, are joining in. They really seem to be taking this to heart. I even had a club from another local school who is going to join us. This is especially refreshing when a lot of what I see daily does not show a compassionate side in the teens I teach.

I am so indebted to the March of Dimes and all the research that they have conducted. I know that one day soon we will be rewarded for our efforts. We WILL see an end to prematurity and birth defects. We just have to hang in there. Thanks for your support. God bless,

Elizabeth

Posted by ehbeagle | Comments: (4) | Permalink

FLIGHT DELAYS AND EASTER

Mar 24, 2008 04:33pm (EST)

I am FINALLY home. I was in IL for 4 days last week. Not a great place to spend your spring break,lol. I was there on business and was supposed to come home Friday night, but due to snow in Detroit, my flight was cancelled. Ok, no problem. I would just come home a "little" late. What I did not know then is that a confirmed flight does not mean anything!

I showed up at the airport the next morning only to be told that the flight was over booked and that I might not get on it! What! I have to get home. Tomorrow is Easter. I haven't bought anything yet. This was completely unacceptable. I got on the phone with the airline. They told me how sorry they were and that it was the airports decision who got on the flight. But WHY would you over book it? Long story short, they ASSURED me that there would be NO problems in Detroit.

Well, I managed to get on the plane. Thank God. When I got to Detroit I immdediatley went to check it, and guess what? No seat. This flight was also over booked! I could not believe it! I had to wait until the plane started to board and by the grace of God, a couple came up to the counter and asked for a later flight. I just made it on the plane. I was really getting into a panic. How would the Easter bunny make his annual visit? Well, it all worked out and I learned a very, valuable lesson - a confirmed flight does not mean squat!

Easter was great! All three of the kids made out. In the past, we have made the decision that the Easter bunny would not bring a bunch of candy; the grandparents always take care of that,lol. So the Easter bunny bring fruit, granola bars, toys, and just a few pieces of chocolate.

Sam was really excited this year. I really wanted to decorate eggs with him, but due to my delayed flight, we were not able to do it

But he had a great Easter. Tucker did not really know what was going on, but he loves his granola bars! Hannah has always loved Easter and loves her fruit!

I have attached a few pics. I hope that everyone had a great Easter. God bless

Elizabeth

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Posted by ehbeagle | Comments: (7) | Permalink

IS SPRING HERE YET?

Mar 20, 2008 06:02am (EST)

The first day of Spring is supposed to be today, but it sure does not feel like it. I am in Il on business and it is freezing. They are actually calling for snow! When I left VA Beach yesterday it was 68. I wanna go home, lol.

I can't believe that Easter is in just a few days. I LOVE Easter. I have always liked Easter, not just for the candy, but also for the new clothes, lol. Over the years as I have matured as a Christian, I have grown to love Easter for other reasons. Easter represents so much more to me now. Over the years as I have suffered loss and pain, my faith wavered. I always took my faith for granted. I was raised in church, never once questioned the reality of God. As an adult I didn't so much question the existence of God, but couldn't understand why he would not save my babies. I have always believed that everything happens for a reason and that if I place my life in His hands everything would be OK. I clung to this beliefs even as I began to doubt it. My faith proved to be my saving grace. It got me through the darkest days in my life.

This Easter I will go to church, just like any other Sunday, with my children. I will proudly tell them of the God I serve, the one who gave His son for me. I will teach my children that love is real, and I will teach them that faith is one of the greatest gifts God has given man.

I hope you and your family enjoy Easter, and if you are on spring break, I wish you nice, warm weather. God bless,

Elizabeth

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Posted by ehbeagle | Comments: (4) | Permalink

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