Tuesday Tunes

One day last week, I was having a bad day. It was the kind of day where nothing went right all day long. We were headed to Riley, which means I could listen to my beloved K-Love station (90.5). That was a plus, and this song really got to me in a whole new way. She's just so real, so human (she was inspired to write this song after backing into a lawyers car...how much more real does it get?) And she's so right!



Free To Be Me" Lyrics
by Francesca Battistelli | from the album My Paper Heart


At twenty years of age
I'm still looking for a dream
A war is already waged for my destiny
But You've already won the battle
And You've got great plans for me
Though I can't always see, 'cause...

I got a couple dents in my fender
Got a couple rips in my jeans
Try to fit the pieces together
But perfection is my enemy
And on my own I'm so clumsy
But on Your shoulders I can see
I'm free to be me

When I was just a girl
I thought I had it figured out
See my life will turn out right
And I'll make it here somehow
But things don't always come that easy
And sometimes I would doubt, 'cause...

And you're free to be you

Sometimes I believe
That I can do anything
Yet other times I think
I've got nothing good to bring

But You look at my heart and you tell me
That I've got all You seek
And it's easy to believe, even though...

And you're free to be you

Heartbeats for mito video

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

I have seen this video before, but came across it again today. It is pretty powerful! The first little girl is Taryn, and we met their family at the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation (UMDF) Conference last summer. The dad (AJ) was even featured on LA Ink and shared some of their story. Amazing family!

As much as I try to keep this blog seperate from Andrew's caringbridge site (www.caringbridge.org/visit/andrewmaze), there are just times it's not. As much joy and laughter as we have in our lives and home, mito is a big reality check for our family. Right now, we have paperwork to take Isaac to get his initial bloodwork done. This is something we've wondered about and dreaded doing for two years now. We know it must be done, and this is better than a muscle biopsy. But it somehow just makes it seem more real that we are actually doing the testing.

Hope you learn something from this video. For me, it makes me thankful that Andrew is so "stable" right now!! If you have healthy children or grandchildren, count your blessings!

How my pastor changed my life

Pastors are in the life changing business, and my pastor is no exception to this. He has helped me figure out exactly where I am going. It was a simple exchange in the church kitchen last week that forever changed me. It has given me confidence I've never had before to know - without a doubt - where I am going.





And I have a picture...








That's right, folks...my pastor loaned me his tomtom! Betcha never thought that's where this post was going, did ya? Well, it's true. I travel so much taking Andrew to medical appts and he's offered several times to let me borrow it. However, I can about drive to Riley in my sleep now, so I've never taken him up on it. But, we had to go see our specialist in Columbus, OH this past week and I'd never made the trip on my own. I'm not the most confident driver if I don't know exactly where I'm going. Tomtom changed that for me...I was navigating like never before, driving with boldness and no fear of getting lost. It was amazing!

I have now decided that as much time as we spend on the road, it'll be worth it to have this little device. We traveled over 6,000 miles in 2008 for medical trips - not including the trip to see the Dr. in Dallas!! No more hoping my husband can take off work to go with me. And when he is with me, I can drive and he can sleep! We'll both be happy and we'll actually get there faster, too. :)

Overheard

While taking Cameron home Saturday afternoon, he thanked us for taking him to the Globetrotter's game. He said it was the best night of his life. Isaac piped up and said, "I know, mine, too. It was even better than corndogs!?!"

Harlem Globetrotters!

We had the awesome opportunity to go see a Harlem Globetrotter's game last night in Evansville. Court's parents (Mamaw and Papaw Maze) were to go with us, but unfortunately Bob has been in the hospital all week. Instead, they let each of the boys pick a friend to take along. So, we had 4 very excited boys who thought it took us much too long to get to Evansville!

The game was really fun...if you've never been, it's definately worth seeing. We took lots of pics, so I'll share some of them now.

Meeting the team


Look closely, you'll see Sweet Pea hanging from the rim.




Doing the YMCA




Autographs










Tired boys on the way home

The boys (and us) had so much fun that they never once even asked for anything!! The snowcones and cotton candy were passing through the aisles, but they didn't seem to notice because they were so into the game. I thought that was great!

We got home late and basically everyone went right to bed. They've enjoyed having the morning to play with their friends. Thanks Mamaw and Papaw!!

Sleep...wonderful sleep...

You can't appreciate a good night's sleep until you've been deprived of it. Personally, I don't have a problem sleeping. However, there are some people who live with me who apparently do, which in turn causes my sleep problems. :) Most mornings, Isaac makes his way across the hall and into my bed after Court has left at a ridiculously early hour. Some nights, he's up in the middle of the night to have me take him to the bathroom, tell me how much he'd really like to sleep in our room, etc. It seems to work out that he's up on the nights that Andrew actually sleeps. At least he does go back to sleep though!

Then there is my dear husband who usually sets his alarm for about 2 am. Oh don't worry, though, sometimes he hits snooze a few times. And then there's the pesky fire radio...it's the only thing that takes him from sleeping to a quick run downstairs in 3 seconds flat. And especially at night, I often lie awake wondering where he went(he's usually out of the room before the announcement on where they are being called to is made!). And he can literally fall sleep anywhere, which is a whole different story!!

However, Andrew is the real sleep problem in our house. First of all, he constantly wakes up (79 and 81 times in the last two sleep studies!). Since the doctor put him on a natural supplement called melatonin to regulate his circadian sleep rhythm, he falls asleep faster and wakes up much less. However, he's still a sleepwalker and also frequently has illness or pain issues in the night. And there are still times he simply wakes up.

So, each night when my head hits the pillow, I can count on being woken up at some point...and let me tell you...I'm not always nice when I first wake up. Plus, I'm a terrible napper, so when I'm sleep deprived at night, napping isn't always an option for me. And this week has been tough with the time change, it's still dark out when my alarm goes off...and cold, too. Naturally, I want to stay in bed longer!!

But last night, I went to bed at 10 pm and didn't wake up until the alarm went off this morning. Both boys stayed in their own beds all night - or at least as far as I know they did. :) I felt so rested today when I got up. I even remembered my dreams!! It was wonderful and rare, but something I'd certainly like to experience more of. It's really the little things in life for me that make all the difference. And sleep is the main reason I'm looking forward to spring break next week. No matter what wakes me up, at least it won't be an alarm clock!

Tuesday Tunes

I've been listening to this Third Day cd over and over when I drive lately. The song "Tunnel" hit me in a whole new way the other day. It reminded me that no matter how tough this life can be (and it can!), that there's always light at the end of the tunnel. That no matter how tough things get, if we put our trust and faith in God, we have something to look forward to!

Tunnel by Third Day

I won't pretend to know what you're thinking
I can't begin to know what you're going through
I won't deny the pain that you're feeling
But I'm gonna try and give a little hope to you

Just remember what I've told you
There's so much you're living for

There's a light at the end of this tunnel
There's a light at the end of this tunnel
For you, for you
There's a light at the end of this tunnel
Shinin' bright at the end of this tunnel
For you, for you
So keep holdin' on

You've got your disappointments and sorrows
You ought to share the weight of that load with me
Then you will find that the light of tomorrow
Brings a new life for your eyes to see

So remember what I've told you
There's so much you're living for

A little bit of Heaven...

I came across this cabin while trying to find a summer getaway last night. Unfortunately, I can't post the photos on here, but here's the link The cabin itself is quaint and looks like a total escape. Once I read the last paragraph in the description I knew I'd love to book this cabin. However, someone else already had for the very time we were planning on. But, I thought it was worth sharing. Check out the link for pics...doesn't it sound great?


Bedrooms: 1
Bathrooms: 1
Sleeps: 4

Ready for a Pigeon Forge vacation or honeymoon in a quaint, all log Pigeon Forge cabin? Enjoy the porch swing and hot tub as you relax in the Smoky Mountain atmosphere. Or use the grill and enjoy a steak meal without ever leaving the cabin rental. A Little Bit Of Heaven is ideal for any honeymoon or anniversary vacation.

If you’re looking for a some relaxation with your loved one then this is the cabin for you. True to it’s name, A Little Bit of Heaven will truly have you feeling like you’ve found your “slice of heaven”. A Little Bit of Heaven is a one bedroom one bathroom cabin located just 3 miles from the main strip in downtown Pigeon Forge Tennessee.

This Pigeon Forge cabin will sleep 4 people comfortably with a king bed and a queen sleeper. In the bedroom there is a comfortable king size bed to provide you and your loved one with a good night’s rest. Also in the bedroom is a heart shaped Jacuzzi just waiting for you on your arrival.

A Little Bit Of Heaven cabin has a wonderful view of the mountains and woods and also gives you the needed privacy you so desire. The wood burning fireplace invites you to curl up in front of on those cold nights or if you just like the warmth of a fire. A TV and DVD player is available for your use if you want to watch your favorite program or movie. There is an outside hot tub for your relaxation. The hot tub also offers you gorgeous views and helps create a wonderful atmosphere.

This cabin is part of a ministry and all profits of this Pigeon Forge cabin will go to helping those with marital problems, hard times, tragic losses and also goes toward paying off this cabin. You are not just getting a Pigeon Forge vacation, but you are also helping a ministry and possible changing someone's life.

Plinky

I found this site called Plinky that has random blog topics to get the conversation going. Thought I'd give it a try to get things a little more interactive.

Here goes: If you could change one thing about your living situation what would it be?

Select one thing you'd change.


location, location, location
roommate
chandelier
paint job
remodel
Other:

Explain why you'd make this change.

Tuesday Tunes

I don't do this every Tuesday, but there's a song I really like right now and wanted to share. It's called One Pure and Holy Passion. I'm hoping we sing this in church soon.

Thank you for being a friend...

I have been blessed with so many good friends. I'd like to give a few shout outs, if no one minds.

For Lauren, thanks for helping me with the blog update. You helped me find the oomph I was needing. And for helping me when the bird annionted my head yesterday... :)

For my Tuesday morning girls (and a few others) - thank you so much for the prayer quilt! It is so cool.

For all the bloggers...thanks for the entertainment...keep it up!