Luke's birthday and update on Landry

Today was Luke's 6th birthday. Because of the schools 24 hour on antibiotics rule of staying home when you have strep, Luke got to spend the day at home. He thought this was awesome because he got to play with his new birthday toys. Let's just say this boy is feeling great and played hard today. The other 2L's couldn't wait to sing Happy Birthday to him.

Luke's one request on his birthday cake was to have a plug and a couple of fans on his cake. Don't ask! ha. Let me just say I heard the snicker on the other side of the phone as I placed my order for this. Anything for the birthday boy! Happy birthday sweet boy. I hope all of your birthday wishes come true! We love you~Mom and Dad

*Landry Update*
As you can see from the smiles on our faces today was a good day (knock on wood!) Landry has had two doses of Biaxin. So far so good! With this little stinker though you have to be careful.......he reacted on the 7th day of antibiotics last time. (this is a 10 day twice a day course) Each time we give him a dose we have a ritual.....we say a prayer and thank the Lord for answering it. God is good my friends! He is on our side and this child will be fine on this medicine. God says Where two or more people are joined together in prayer he is right there with them........and I know I have 2 or more out there praying with me. Thank you:) Love you dearly~Rob

Happy 6th Birthday to Lukey!

Luke, I couldn't let this moment go by without wishing my beautiful blue eyed baby boy a great big Happy birthday! I am sorry you are sick on your birthday. Mom and dad are trying to get you and brother well so we can celebrate this weekend with an Amtrak train ride. I hope you feel better soon! We LOVE you so very much. Happy 6th Birthday Lukey! There isn't a day that goes by that I don't thank God for my Lukey boy!

My sweet snuggle bug

Sister couldn't wait to show you off to her friends.

Love you always and forever!

~Mom, Dad, Lauren, and Lanny

Update on Landry

He reacted to the antibiotic. Hives developed on his face, neck, and arms after one dose. That is even with a dose of benadryl before the medicine. A quick call to the doc and we are to stop all meds or it will get worse like last time. We are going to let his body rest tonight and in the morning try another kind (which he reacted to last time but worth a try). Also, contacting our Pediatric Immunologist/Allergist in Austin. Thanks for the prayers. He is doing fine...sleeping. God is in control!

"That day" is here......

(Landry on antibiotics)

"That day" referring to the day we would have to try an antibiotic on Landry again is here. It seems Luke and Landry both have strep throat. How nice of brothers to share..not! Seriously, please pray with me for Landry as we try one more time an antibiotic that hopefully will not hurt him like last time. In the doctor's office this morning I couldn't help but let tears fall as I heard that dreaded positive for Landry come out of the nurses mouth. Thank goodness I had Casey with me to help me keep it together. I desperately DO NOT want to go through another scare with him. I knew this day was coming and I have told myself over and over how God saw us through last time and he will do the same if He needs to again. Now "that day" is here and I feel scared.....but focused on God. Faith, what good is it if you don't use it right? So here it goes. Join me in prayer. Thank you~Rob

A fun Christmas idea for Grandparents

I know it is sometimes hard to figure out the perfect gift for grandparents. It is for us anyway. When Lauren was 2 my sister in law and I came up with the idea to make a fun calendar for my parents. Lauren and Kyndall dressed up according to a theme for that month. It was hilarious! Lauren was baby Jesus and Kyndall was Mary for the December shot. (I will have to scan that in to show you) My mom still holds onto that calendar. It was such a hit that we try to do one every couple of years with all the grandkids now. The calendars are so cheap! (Kodak $20) Just sharing a Christmas idea with you!

Here are the 3L's for 2005

April December

November

3L's playing together

I think one of the things that melts my heart is to see all three kids playing together in harmony. Lord knows we have our fights, "you're not my friend", and "they won't play with me" here at the Reed house. This weekend maybe the stars were lined up right or maybe they just might have actually heard us saying "Please get along." Whatever it was it was peace and harmony with the 3L's. It is funny at times because Casey says that we should have had a fourth child so it would be 2 against 2 always. Well, I am not so sure if that theory is true. ha!



Who doesn't love playing with play-do? (Mom loves it even better outside)

The 3L's decided to paint together......awww......harmony!

They even had their very own slumber party in Luke's room. A special treat was getting to use Dad's work projector for movies.

My sweet peaceful 3L's..........

Wait! What is that I hear at 3 am in the morning? No...Oh no! World war 3 in Luke's room. Fighting, "You're not my friend", and "They won't share with me"........awww.......back to normal. I love it even when the 3L's argue. Thank you Lord for these kids.

I have been MIA!

Life at the Reed house has been pretty steady. Kids under the weather, school events, and I worked some extra shifts this past week. I guess I needed to take a blogging break. Look out cause I am back now!

I cannot get over how fast this year is going. Can you? I had been feeling a little overwhelmed lately. You see everyone in this family has a birthday coming up ( Casey-Nov. 7, Luke-Nov. 20, Landry-Dec. 12, Me-Dec. 14, and Lauren-Jan. 5.), all of the holiday events (Thanksgiving and Christmas), being a room mom to Lauren/ Luke's class and their holiday party planning , etc. I literally had to take a mommy time out yesterday. I locked myself in the bathroom and in a hot bubble bath (I do my best thinking there. ha!) I made up my mind that I wasn't going to live in stress. I need a plan on how to make this rest of the year run smooth. I want to enjoy these precious birthdays, quality family time, first time as a room mom to Lauren and Luke, and above all to be in the true spirit of Christmas. My favorite time of year because of the birth of our Lord and Savior. God helped me come up with a plan.

My precious husband was sweet enough to watch the kids while I did my Christmas/Birthday shopping and made arrangements for events ahead. I got a lot done......and you know what the best part of my day was? It was my alone time with God in the car. I forget to "Be still and know that I am God" like the bible says. It was one of those moments or lessons I had forgotten. I realize now how small my worries were and that casting all my cares to Him was all I needed to do. Thank you Lord:) So, 3L's when you read this someday remember that even mom had her days of life being too hectic and that I found my answer in Him......I bet if you always do this He will answer you too. Love you kiddos~Mom

All played out!

Landry was back at Miss Heather's school today after being sick. Casey said that when he dropped him off today he never looked back to say bye. He was ready to play with his buddies! Tonight at dinner I guess it caught up with him. With the weather getting colder doesn't a hot bubble bath and comfy pjs sound the best? I think Lanny and I will be hitting the sack early tonight! Lovin you Lanny Boy~Mommy

Luke's Kindergarten Open House

I cannot believe I have two children at Spring Valley! It feels like yesterday Luke was going with me to pick up kindergartner Lauren from school. Now he is one. This is all happening too fast! My sweet boy was so excited about showing us his school work.

Luke is not a fan of coloring. He never was. Matter of fact when he started kindergarten this year he came home with a picture of a house. He only colored the door knob and turned it in. ha! As time goes on he is starting to enjoy it better. We have learned to appreciate all of the coloring papers he does because it true effort! He loves everything but coloring. That is fine with us:)

Landry can't wait to be a big kid like Luke someday.

We giggled at this.

My sweet Kindergartner!

He had to show me his favorite thing to do at school....the computer. He wanted his picture taken by each one but I had to explain that mommies camera is about to go out (notice the poor quality pictures....hint, hint Honey Bday coming up! haha)

This is Ms. Terrill. She is a student teacher. Luke just loves her.

Mrs. Fortenberry (Luke's teacher). She is so sweet to him and it was so nice to hear all of the nice things she said about my boy.......of course I already knew how wonderful he is! (jk)

(funny story)
At S.V. it is a big deal to NOT get a color change for bad behavior. Luke has been coming home so upset lately because he does not have his name up at all by the color changing wheel. At open house he showed us where all of these kids names are but not his. NOW it makes sense what he is saying! Mrs. Fortenberry said to him "Luke you will probably never need your name by that wheel so I didn't make you one." We had to explain this was a good thing. Poor kid thought he was being left out! Oh my, funny Luke. Sweet Lukey mom and dad are SOOOOOO very proud of you. You are a shining star to us! We love you Lukester! Keep up the good work.

Open House at Spring Valley for Lauren

Lauren had her fourth grade open house this past week. We all went as a family to see what she has been doing at school and talk with her teachers. When we got there Lauren showed us the essay they did in writing titled "If I were President." Let me just say....I would vote for her. Not only is she darn cute but she had some pretty good ideas. ha! For example, that the there was no Taks test and that the teachers could teach whatever they wanted. You go Girl! Of course we had to stop and take a picture by first place pumpkin Henny Penny.

Hallie and Lauren, the best of friends! I think I have a picture of these two girls from every year since Kindergarten.

Mrs. Humphrey (Lauren's reading teacher)

Mrs. Lockett (Lauren's writing teacher)

Mrs. Mateleska (Lauren's math teacher)

Mrs. Ashenfeltcher (Lauren's science/social studies teacher)

Mr. Casey (Lauren's daddy aka tutor at times. ha!)

It has to be one of the best feelings as a parent to see your child happy and surrounded by teachers who love her and encourage her. Lauren is having a great fourth grade year so far. I can't believe my little girl is this big. I ask her all the time what does she want to be when she grows up. She often says a veterinarian but the other day she said "I think I want to be a nurse like you." Aww.....I can see it now second generation Nurse Reed stat! You are doing an awesome job Lauren. Daddy and I are so VERY proud of you!

We Love you Lauren!Stay tuned for Luke's Kindergarten Open house.