A Bet With My Teacher

I finished taking a "big" math test this past Tuesday and I hope that I passed! If I didn't, I will sit down and cry!!

Every time I take a "big" math test, my teacher and I make a bet as to weither or not I will pass. I think the most highest amount was a couple of bucks and the lowest was a $.50 coke. I sure am glad that it is just a tiny bet because I don't think that I could afford anything else!!

Update on Mary Beth Miller

Update on Mary Beth, today has been a much better day. She is more alert today, she is following things with her eyes and started watching some movies on tv. Her doctors are saying today that they do not believe that she has post pump chorea, we will be meeting with them in the morning to discuss this further. We are very encouraged by what we are seeing today. She is trying so hard to talk, but it is very difficult for her. She appears to have control over the bottom of her body today, her arms are still shaking. We know that she can hear us, she was sitting up in the bed tonight with Dr Jefferey and he was showing her things on his phone and she was laughing with him, it was the sweetest sound I have heard in a very long time. I know that we will get our baby back, it is going to take time. It appears that Mary Beth may have had some type of stroke, just not sure at this time. We are hanging on what God can do, we have seen him work in the life of sweet Greer Underwood, another transplant patient that we have grown to love and we know that he can do the same thing for Mary Beth. Please continue to pray for us and for Mary Beth, I know that she does not understand all of this and we can tell that she wants so badly to get back to herself. Thank you, we love you all.

Update on Mary Beth Miller

I would like to give everyone an update on Mary Beth. Our daughter is not the little girl we had before she went into surgery. She can not respond to us, she can not hold things, her hands are very shakey, her legs are moving as if she are trying to ride a bike. We are told that the condition is called Choreoathetosis, or post pump chorea, we are told that this is very rare and that she could recover from this, it could take days, it could take months, or years if ever. We are being told that 25% to 30% of patients that get this do not recover, we have to pray that she is not in this range. We still need to have an MRI done to see if this is what is going on, but all of her semptums are leading to this, we can not have the MRI as long as she has the pacing wires in. I will try my best to update as I can, we are staying with her all day at this point and coming home to sleep. Please pray for our little angel and for Mark, Macon and I, this is very hard

It's late and I am on a mocha high!!

I know that I have done this before but, I want to make it easier so that maybe more readers/followers would want to do it. Please tell me:

1: Your name is ..... (first names would be nice or just your initial)?
2. How you found my blog?
3. What is it that you would like for me to write about?
4. Where are you from?


I love Mocha but, I think that I drank to much of it. One time, I had 3 Mocha's before I found out that it had caffeine in it!!

Update on Will

Amy reports that Will made it through all of his chemo today with not side effects. This was the first day. Thanks again for the prayers.

Thomas will be flying in tomorrow from Alabama; Drew and Lia from North Carolina. Anna and I are looking forward to being with them.

Blessings to you all,
Debbie

Update on Mary Beth Miller

OK, all my prayer warriors! I need you to start praying. We have a possible donor. The transplant team is on the way to look at the heart now. Will know more after they get the measurements. We are trying very hard not to get our hopes up but, this looks good. Please pray that this is the right heart for Mary Beth and that all will go well! I will update as soon as I know something! Love you all!

Update on Will

Friends,

I had a safe trip out here and we have been knocking out a to-do list.

Will is feeling fine. On Friday, instead of a port, he got an inline catheter. The advantage of this is that he can both send and receive whatever his body needs via this. He will not have to have iv's on his arm so will have more freedom of movement. He did not go into the hospital today, but will tomorrow. His first chemo will be on Tuesday. Amy hopes to set up a Caring Bridge site while they are having down time in the hospital. If she does, I will pass along the link.

We went to church this morning with Amy and Will. The praise and worship is not quite what we are used to, but the message was a blessing as always.

On Wednesday, Lia and Drew will fly in from North Carolina and Thomas will fly in from Montgomery. We have been invited to celebrate Thanksgiving with one of Amy’s aunts and her family. Kate will be with some childhood friends.

Again, thank you for your love and your prayers. You are such a blessing to us all.

Debbie

Update on Will

**Update**

My brother is out of surgery. Well, I dont know if you would cal it that since they did not have to put him under but, he is out and doing great. They put the port in today!

Will is having surgery today to insert a port! He will be receiving chemo trough this port! Please pray that it is successful!

Update on Mary Beth Miller

Hello Everyone,

Mary Beth started school sections this week, she will have school 3 days a week, Monday, Tuesday and Thursday for an hour each day, thanks for your help with getting this done Mrs Jane, we love you.

She has been telling me a lot this week that she wants to go home, it just breaks my heart, not sure what to tell her. We saw Dr Kirklin a couple of days ago and he is getting calls for hearts, but he has not gotten the call for the right size heart yet. The good thing is the more calls he gets means that we are getting higher on the national list which is great. We thank God for him everyday, he is such a great doctor and we know that he is not going to except anything but the best heart for Mary Beth.

Mary Beth has had a touch of a cold this week, there has been a lot of that going around in this area. Mark and Macon have also had it, so far I am ok. She has a really bad cough, so we are watching that to make sure it is not fluid build up. She is still doing very well on the meds for her heart function, we are still seeing that she is getting tired when she is out walking on the floor or playing in the playroom.

Please continue to pray for Mary Beth and for us, this gets harder every day. Please pray for the nurses and doctors taking care of her, I really do not know where we would be if it were not for the nurses on W5 north and the nurses from CICU, as well as other sweet friends and nurses all over the hospital that the Lord has put in our lives, most days I would go crazy without them, they truly have become family to us and we just love them so much, such a sweet blessing to our family.

I will do my best to post an update each week. Thank you for your continued prayers and love.

Love,

Stacee

Life's Ups ..... and Downs

My up moment: When my ex-boyfriend told me that he "tried" to love me, it was like a light bulb went off and I thought: I don't need a boyfriend anymore! I don't need the drama!! There is a lot of drama going on and I don't need a boyfriend in the mix!! Heck, I have school that I am trying to get done with and I have volunteering and I have work on the farm!!! Besides, I dont need a guy who "tries" to love me!! Either you love a person, or you don't!! I personally would love to have a person who loves me because he wants to and not because he feels like he hass to! Does that make sense??

My down moment: When I watch romantic movies ..... I start reverting back to the old me. I say: "I wish I had that" or "That is so romantic" and I start crying because I feel left out. I then start crying out to God and asking why!!! Why don't I have a boyfriend? Why aren't there guys lined up at my back door?? When I have a boyfriend why does he "try" to love me!! When is my time coming??

I know that I have said this before but, I just feel like the reason why I dont have a guy is because God is waiting on me to grow up just a little bit more.

My up moment: Its so wonderful that my brothers meds are working! He is going to lead such a healthy life!! Gee, I wonder when I will get to see him again .....

My down moment: WHAT??? His meds stop working?? He needs a bone marrow transplant??? Thank goodness my older sister is a match!! Will I ever get to see him again?? I'm so scared!! I don't want my brother to die!!! Lord, please take care of him!!

If only people really knew that I almost cry over my brother. No one knows how scared I am because I put on a happy face. There are times (like during prayer or during a church hymn) that I cry for him. I just want him better!! He wont admit it but, I'm sure he is suffering!

Philippians 4:6 ~ Be anxious for nothing, but in everything through prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus"

Jeremiah 29:11 ~ "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future."

Lord,
Please continue to help me to not think about what I don't need right now! I know that I don't need one and I know that Your timing is impeccable and I also know that good things will come to those who wait!!! Please continue to help me be patient. Thank you for NEVER giving up on me!!

Lord, please be with my brother as he goes through this trying time in his life! Also, please be with my Dad, Mom, Sister and sister in law. Father, help them through this! Lord, be with me, here on the home front! Be with everyone that I care about, Lord. In your name I pray, A-men!!


Thank you for taking the time to read this! I hope that it is not boring!!

Alabama's Century and Heritage Farm Award Winner

From Left to Right: Ray Marler (Mayer for the City of Headland), Mom (Debbie Kirkland, Dad (Thomas Kirkland) and Glen Zorn (Assistant Agriculture Commissioner)

On behalf of the Commissioner John McMillian (Agriculture commissioner) and the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries, I am here tonight to recognize the Thomas Kirkland Farm as an Alabama Century and Heritage farm.

We are here to honor and give special recognition to the Alabama farm know as Thomas Kirkland Farm. This farm, located outside of Headland, has been owned and operated by the same family for 190 years.

The property was officially purchased by Benjamin and Sarah Kirkland on July 29, 1855. Benjamin came to Alabama in approximately 1821 with his father Moses and other relatives. Benjamin settles in the area which became known as Kirkland's Crossroads.

The great, great grandson of Benjamin and Sarah, Thomas Kirkland and his wife Debbie, own and operate the farm where they grow cotton, peanuts, corn and timber and they also raise cattle. The farm also has its own cemetery where several of the family members are buried.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The small print on the plaque says:

This farm has been owned by the same family for atleast over 100 years and reflects interesting and important historical and agricultural qualities. The farm demonstrates a durability and love of the land that is the heritage of the State of Alabama.

Wow, Daddy looks happy .....

A better picture of the above sign.

Update on Will

Friends,

God is so good! Prayers for better housing were answered today. Lots of pieces had to fall into place as only God can do it for this to happen. A three bedroom-two bath home has been found for them to rent. Amy’s parents will help them move this weekend from their one bedroom, second floor apartment. They have plenty of furniture b/c Amy had a two bedroom apartment before they got married. All her stuff, except for a piece or two has been stored at her parents. Now we can stay at their place rather than spend money on a hotel when we are out there. Over the next six months, these savings could amount to thousands of dollars.

Not only did all the pieces fall into place to make the home available, but according to them, it couldn’t be more perfect for their situation. Built in 1997, it has all appliances (new or relatively new), window blinds, a fenced back yard (for Paxton, the dog) and many features that Will is going to need during his recovery like ground floor access, hardwood floors, his own bathroom, enclosed garage. As a bonus, it has a split floor plan, one bedroom on one end and the others on the other end. The master bedroom even has a sitting area! Will can be as isolated as he needs to be. The vaulted ceilings will hopefully keep Will from feeling so cramped in as he recovers. All this and it’s in a great neighborhood with quick access to the main thoroughfares to the hospital and Amy’s work.

We are always pleased when God provides, but when he provides to this degree, we are reminded of what a great God we serve. His timing is impeccable! He knew of this need and he brought things about in order that it could be accomplished just when the time was right.

I know God doesn’t always answer all our prayers the way we want. We have some friends who are going through some tough times right now and our hearts go out to them. We keep them in our prayers. We know we, too, have a rough road ahead, but we have to trust that God is there in the good times and the bad. That He is working all things for our future good.

Thank you again for all your prayers and know that you are in ours.

Update on Mary Beth Miller

Dear friends,

I am so sorry that I have not posted an update in a while. Everything is about the same. We are still in the hospital waiting on Mary Beth's new heart, this week marks 12 weeks. We have now relocated to Birmingham to be closer to her healthcare here, we really like our new house. Mark has started his job with Merrill Lynch. Macon has started his new school and loves it, which is a blessing I was really worried about him. My Daddy is up here staying with us so that he can take Macon to school and pick him up everyday, he is also coming up to the hospital to relieve me some, he has been a very big help.

Please continue to pray for Mary Beth, we are seeing that she is getting tired now when we are on the floor walking or in the playroom. Please continue to pray that God will supply her the perfect heart soon. I spoke with Dr Kriklin the other day and asked him if he had received any calls, he said that they have gotten calls, but he has not gotten the call for the right size heart yet. We thank God for him everyday, he is such a great doctor and he will not accept anything unless it is the perfect heart for her.

Please continue to pray for the sweet nurses and the staff on W5N, we thank God for them everyday, they really are like family to us and they are so good at what they do, I would go insane most days if it were not for them.

Continue to pray for Mark, Macon and I, even though we have relocated up here we are still apart, it is very hard on all of us and we are looking forward to being back together as a family and also pray that we will be home for the Holidays.

Thanks for your continued prayers and concern for our sweet Mary Beth and our family. I will do my best to update more often!

With all our love,
Mark, Stacee, Macon and Mary Beth

My Essay

I'm writing a essay for school and when I am done, I am wanting to post it on here.

Things are the same but, things continue to look up. We just keep praying and asking for answers! God is so good!!

The prayers are working so, please dont stop!!

With that said, we are still having to do the transplant but, I'm talking about all the little details that are slowly taking shape!!

O Holy Night and 'Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus

Now, you are probably asking yourself 1 of 2 questions (maybe more):

1. Why on earth is Kate practicing Christmas music before Thanksgiving??

2. How does one tie in with the other?

Well, I will proceed to tell you .....

When I had finished practicing "O Holy Night", I was thinking about the words and for some strange reason, " 'Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus " popped in my head. I have no earthly idea why it did but, it did.

Now, I know that most of y'all (if not all) know all the words to it but, this is my blog and I can type it out of I want to!! :D

'Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus

Verse 1
"Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus
and to take Him at His word
just to rest upon His promise
and to know, "Thus saith the Lord"

Verse 2
"Oh, how sweet to trust in Jesus
Just to trust His cleansing blood
and in simple faith to plunge me
'neath the healing cleansing flood"

Verse 3
"Yes, 'tis sweet to trust in Jesus
Just from sin and self to cease
Just from Jesus simply taking
Life and rest, and joy and peace"

Verse 4
"I'm so glad I learned to trust Him
Precious Jesus, Savior, friend
and I know that He is with me
Will be with me to the end" **

****Chorus****
Jesus, Jesus, how I trust him
How I've proved Him o'er and o'er!!
Jesus, Jesus precious Jesus
O for grace to trust him more!!"

The only thing that I can think of that would put this song in my head is the health issues of my brother and how I know it is so sweet to trust in Jesus . I dont like to see him having a hard time. In His word it says that He will never leave us or forsake us. My prayer is that as our family goes through this that our faith in God will grow stronger and our family bond will become stronger. Please continue to pray for my family!!

** = Some Hymnals change the 4th verse to say:

"I'm so glad I learned to trust Thee
Precious Jesus, Savior friend
and I know that Thou art with me
Wilt be with me to the end"

It's a small world after all!!

It is indeed a small world!!

I was talking to my friend Mary today who is off in college, catching her up on the latest news from home. She has been so busy writing a paper (10 pages long :O) that she has lost contact with the outside world.

Anyway, in the course of our conversation, she asked if I knew anyone with the first name Elizabeth B. Well, since I only know 2 people (in the world) with this (unique) last name that starts with a "B", I asked Mary if she had a sister. She said yes. I said is her sisters name Emilie? She said yes and told me that she (Emilie) had just gotten married. I then asked if she (Emilie) married a Matt H. Mary said yes!! I said: *GASP* YES, I know her!! I saw them in Erie, PA last year when I went with a couple of friends of mine to visit with the "H" family!!!

Mary then proceeded to tell me that she is friends with Elizabeth B. She then told me that Elizabeth was looking at her (Mary's) day planner and saw my name and said: I know her!! I've met her!!

*SINGS*

Its a small world after all
Its a small world after all
Its a small world after all
Its a small, small world