Sunday, December 26, 2010

Praying for My Daddy




Loving God,
you watch over each and every one of your children.
Hear my prayer for my father.
Be his constant companion.
Protect him no matter where he goes,
and bring him safely and quickly home to those who
love him.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen
.



We have been so lucky. God has worked in some truly amazing ways. My Daddy is recovering. It looks as though, he's going to be OK. He's going to make it past all of this. God has given us all a second chance. One that I'm so grateful for!

I will still ask for your prayers. And all of your positive thoughts. It's going to be a long road. That much I know. Life is going to be a bit more complicated. We're going to need a few more patients. But we're grateful. Grateful for a second chance.

My family has been so blessed. With so many people, that love and care about us. With a steady, and constant flow of visitors. Such kind hearted people. And such a talented medical team. We're so grateful. Words can't describe just how much it's meant to us.

And for as tired as we are, we're happy. Beyond ecstatic! Just for a second chance. A few more days to fill with love and memories. Another shot at being a family. Yes, we're so excited!

It looks like my Dad should be released within the next few days. Like I said, he's getting better. It's going to take a while for him to recover. But my Mom and I, are just happy to have him. We're ready for the road to recovery, that lies in front of us. ♫

Saturday, December 25, 2010

Merry Christmas



Merry Christmas! First and foremost, I want to thank my Dear Lord. For giving my Daddy, a second chance. It looks like he is going to recover. That's what the doctor has told us. He's still not out of danger. We're still in the ICU. And it's going to be a very long road. But he should make it. Praise God!

So a little information. My Dad's scans and test all came back looking good. But the doctor is still concerned with a few things. His medication was ridiculously low. So they increased that. His oxygen levels are also really low. So they're monitoring that. He as to have oxygen on 24/7. At least for now. And his sugars are running really high.

But the main concern is pneumonia. Because of his age. And he's had it before. So about twice an hour, they come in to suction him. He does not like it one bit! What can you do? They are really worried about that though.The nurses constantly come to check. Because if the pneumonia fully develops, we're in trouble.

With all that said, he's doing better. Not 100%. Heck, we might be at 20%. But he's doing better. Tonight, he might get his first meal. He's supposed to have a "clear liquid" tray. Of course, he is more concerned with my Mom and I eating. But we have amazing friends and family. All of whom, have been wonderful! We've had more than enough to eat. Thank you guys!

In his usual fashion, my Dad is trying to get out of bed, when we're not paying attention. But for the most part, he's been sleeping. We've had a pretty steady stream of visitors. And we are honestly so blessed. So many people stayed here at the hospital, with us, last night. I think we were up until 2AM!

My Dad is no where near "being himself." He's sleeping a lot. The really deep sleep. Mostly because of all the medications. He's also not really talking. But he is semi aware, of what is going on. He watches us all. And is doing pretty well. And when the doctor told him it was Christmas, he said, "Holy cow! Are you sure? I need to shop." The doctor just laughed! There will be plenty of time to celebrate, when he feeling better.

We've got another amazing nurse today. He's had so much patients with my Dad. Who insisted on sitting in a chair this morning. It took them about 30 minutes to get him in the chair. Then he told the nurse he was tired. So we put him back to bed. And he's been asleep since. So, he really hasn't sat up since Thursday morning.

Like I said, we've had so many visitors. Everyone has been so kind. And we've gotten so many phone calls. We are truly blessed. Like I said, my Dad is making small improvements. We still don't know what's wrong. And honestly, he's not really talking yet. So they can't ask him too many questions.

My Mom is handling this pretty well. Although, she won't leave my Dad's side. But I'm making sure she eats. And sleeps. I've also made sure she is semi-comfortable. Has the necessities and clean clothes. We're just trying to make it. That's all I can say.

I'll keep everyone, as updated, as I can. You can call at anytime. I have all 3 of our cellphones. And you are more than welcomed, to call the hospital room. Or come by! My Dad might not talk to you on the phone, but he enjoys getting the calls. He really lights up when he sees new faces.

Looks like he's waking up. I better get going. I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas. Please keep my family in your prayers. Remember us today, while you are in church. May you have a wonderful day. Merry Christmas! ♫

Friday, December 24, 2010

Friday Fill In #40



It's been a terribly rough week. I don't think I've stopped praying once, in the last 24 hours. Heck, I just realized it's Christmas Eve! Can you tell, I'm not much in a celebrating mood this year. Which I think can be expected. Well, if you know what's going on. I just pray, that our little family has many more days to celebrate, in our future. For now, we stick together, and make it through this hard time. Without anymore postponing, here are my Friday Fill-Ins.

1. These are a few tough days.

2. I don't think we'll have a holiday dinner.

3. What's that I hear, hospital machines beeping away.

4. It's so quiet, quiet.

5. Some of my favorite holiday memories include lots of good times, beautiful music, fun decorations, yummy food, and love with my family and friends.

6. Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to watching my Daddy rest and get better, tomorrow my plans include taking care of my parents and Sunday, I want to see my Daddy stronger and healthier than he is today! ♫

Please Pray



We've had a pretty bad 24 hours. And now, I'm asking you all for your positive thoughts and prayers. My Dad got really sick yesterday. A lot worse than his "normal" for seizures. And by 9PM, I was calling an ambulance.

We spent a couple of hours in the emergency room. And then we were all rushed up to the ICU. I know it's bad. My Dad is in bed #1. But we've had a good team. An incredibly talented doctor last night. And an outstanding nurse here in the ICU.

Right now, they have my Dad pretty medicated. And he is going to spend most of the morning having scans and tests run. He is completely out of it. But at least, his breathing is becoming more easy. Last night, he struggled so much. At one point, I honestly wasn't sure if he was going to make it. And that really scared me.

I don't have anyone's phone numbers. Neither does my Mom. So if any of my family is reading this, send me a text or an e-mail. I'll let you know what is going on. But for now, please pray for my Daddy.

And I truly hope that everyone has a very blessed Christmas. I will try to keep everyone updated, as much as possible. I love you all. ♫

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Modcloth Love

Have you ever heard of Modcloth? It's the online store, that I'm in love with! No lie. I visit it multiple times a day. I think up ways to incorporate their clothes, into our shows. Just so I have a legitimate excuse to buy these gorgeous items!

Here are a few of my absolute favorite items. If only I could find them under the Christmas tree. Oh to dream...



By now, I'm pretty sure, most people know of my Scarf Obsession. This one is just so feminine. I love it!



And a fun hat. Seriously, it just makes me smile! And I can always use a hat, for those long walks to school and back.



But my favorite is this dress. It's just so girly. And yet, grown up. I like the richness of the color. And the fun details.

Isn't it fun to dream? If only I didn't have to pour all of my pennies into school. Maybe I could just buy one of these beauties! ♫

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Dreaming of a Pink Christmas

I've been dreaming of a beautiful pink Christmas. Funny. Because, for most of my life, I've HATED the color pink. But now, it just seems so PERFECT!



An angelic hue. That brings a piece of heaven to earth. Makes you relax and take in the season and all her glory...



With a whimsical wreath. A throw back to a time past. With lovely hues. Fun bobbles. And just the right amount of nostalgia.



Or maybe a wreath with more of a retro feel. With tons of bright colors. A wreath that just screams fun and time to celebrate!



You can't forget the tiny "Shabby Chic" decorations. Full of fun and inspiration. A bit whimsical, a bit girly.



And the perfect pink stockings. Hung by the chimney with care. I'd also like the warm glow of the fire...



Antique bowls filled with all your favorite ornaments. Glittering and catching the light, just perfectly. Adding to the glory of the season.



And a few candles to set the mood. To add a bit of romance, and serenity. Something to soften the heart.



And lots of fun ornaments. Hung from a variety of places. Adding to all of the festivities. A bit of sparkle. And some glam!



Don't forget the perfect little groupings. Tiny little objects. Grouped to become larger than life. To inspire the imagination. And provide a little bit of eye candy.



The perfect pink stars. Glittering so brightly. As if they just know, this is the entire purpose of their existence.



And lots of fun wrappings. Some of the more "expected" nature. Some just to add to the beauty and awe of the gifts.



Don't forget the beautiful gifts. Lots of fun papers and bows. Hiding the most perfect gifts you can imagine!



And tiny pink Christmas trees. Lots and lots of them. To fill just the right spaces around your home...



Elegant large Christmas trees. Simply decorated. But so unexpected. Adding to the wonder of the season. And the fun of the holidays!



Or just a plain pink tree. Simple. Timeless. Feminine. Flirty. Fun. Truly unexpected. But such a fun treat. Making Christmas just a bit more magical.

Yes, I've finally caved. Let a little bit of pink into my heart. And my home. Now if I could just find a few of these treasures. To add some fun into the holidays! ♫

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Holiday Makeup






It's the "Holiday Season." And you know, you're getting invited to all these fun parties. This is definitely the time to pull out all the fun clothes. And some sparkles. And try out some fun makeup and hair looks.

This happens to be one of my current favorites. I really like the bold, red lip. It's something I like to wear often. Not just during the holidays. It adds a little bit of glamour to me "every day life."

How about you? Are you doing anything special for this "Holiday Season?" Do you try out new looks? Or do you wear the same outfit, hair, and makeup every year? I'm just wondering... ♫

Monday, December 20, 2010

He Still Has My Heart



No matter how much I try, he has my heart. My whole heart. Yes, he does. No matter the distance, the time that passes, or the things that happen in our lives. He has my heart in his hands. And honestly, I wouldn't have it any other way. Who knows...one day...he might just be the one. :)

Maybe it's my humbug attitude as of late. Or my unwillingness to go home. The fact that I just don't want to be around other people. Whatever it is, he understands. Even from 1000s of miles away, he gets that. Has just the perfect things to say. Those things that make me feel better about myself.

And it's when I see him, and my heart does that silly little thing, that's when I know. When he tells me I'm beautiful. You know, when I have the flu, a fever, no makeup, my hair is a hot mess, and I've been wearing the same pjs for 2 days. Yes, that's when it counts the most. That and the chicken noodle soup that he's brought over. Because he is convinced that it will make me feel better.

But it goes deeper than that. He's the man I turn to when my world falls apart. The one person who just lets me cry, when I need it. Who comforts me, as I lose yet another important person in my life. My biggest cheerleader, when all I want to do is give up. He is all those things. And so much more.

It's funny how much we've been through. Sharing a stage. Learning from our mistakes. Challenging each other. Celebrating each other's victories. And helping each other to reach our goals. Money, popularity, and all that crap, it's never mattered. What's mattered, is each other.

Sometimes we falter. Sometimes we fall. We've gone months without talking. At some point, I'll admit it, I hated him. But that's in the past. All in the past. Because every time I've needed him, he's been here for me. Whether I've asked him to, or not.

It's nice to know. Especially when I had a crazy person hunting me down. And no one to depend on. I had him. Who else takes off 2 months of work to just make sure I'm OK? Not many people. But that's the difference. This man has respect, love, and knowledge to share. That's what I need. Along with a sense of security. He provides all of that.

Is it funny that we still argue about cakes? Yes. But eventually, I'll bake him a cake. Maybe even for his birthday. Is it strange that I pick up his mail when he's gone...and on tour? Maybe. But I think it's funny, that his neighbors think I live there. That I'm their neighbor too.

Our relationship is complicated. Strange. And, well not common place. But it works for us. The 2 musicians that grew up, more alike than not. The 2 people that probably should just give in to this thing. But you know, we're both pretty hard headed. For now, this works. In a year...maybe it won't.

You just never know where life will take you. Will he be living in FL again? Will I move to NC? Or we just might be a little nuts and say, both careers aren't the right thing for us. I guess only time will tell.

But today, I'm just happy to know he's on my side. He's still the man that calls to chat at 2AM, because he knows I can't sleep. Or the man who shows up at my house, to help out in my latest round of painting. Ya, it's that time of year. My house needs a new coat of paint.

That's the 2 of us. Singing those ubber romantic duets one minute, the next laughing at some ridiculous thing we seen. What really happens under the sombrero? Nothing. The 2 of us trying not to laugh. Ask anyone in the band. The audience can't see. But we all know. It's part of the act. At least 50% of it.

Chemistry? Well you can't deny that. But it's not the beginning and end of us. We're both more complicated. And a whole heck of a lot funnier. What can I say. And to think, after all this time, I've had this hombre right under my nose. And no matter what we try to do, we keep finding our way back to one another... ♫

Saturday, December 18, 2010

Visions of Sugarplums

It's funny. I really do LOVE the holidays. Every single thing about them. Going to church. The beautiful music. The sweet smells. The yummy food. Shopping for gifts. But this year, I just haven't been into it. I don't know why.

Until, I stopped to watch this video. Absolutely beautiful music. And amazing dancing. You really can't ask for much more. I'm a big fan of ballet. And obviously, I LOVE classical music. Just watch this video. I know you'll enjoy it!



Now I'm feeling a little more festive. Not all the way. But I'm getting there. I might just put up a Christmas tree afterall. What can I say? I just think work is draining me right now. I need to remember to stop, and enjoy life a little. Especially, when it's my favorite time of year! ♫

Thursday, December 16, 2010

A Christmas Wedding



I recently watch "A Christmas Wedding" on Lifetime. It has to be the cutest, funniest, and holiday inspired movie I've seen in a long time. Who would have thought? And I'm not a big "wedding" person.

I actually wouldn't mind having this movie in my collection. If only I didn't have to order it online. Maybe I could get it as a Christmas present. :) Wishful thinking there...

What are some of your favorite holiday movies? Classic or new. I'd love to hear about your suggestions. I wish I had more time to watch all the Christmas Movie Marathons. But I'm super glad that I found this fun movie! You should go and watch it too! ♫