Mommy of the little Roachs

Birthdays, Pancakes and School Supplies

2012-01-19T10:31:00.007-06:00

January is flying by. Little bit turned 7. She celebrated with a few friends and family at Sip and Strokes. It was a sweet birthday.

We are 53 days away from Belize. My heart might explode because I am so excited. We had a pancake breakfast and raised over 2,000 dollars for our team. Lots of people came out and showed the love.

And yes, Maddog and Husband are starting to look alike.

Our mission team is getting really good at serving food. We are helping out on Wednesday nights and serving dinner before church. Plates are 5 dollars and families don't exceed 20 dollars. The proceeds go to support our mission trip. The idea is that different teams will serve and each month or so different mission teams will be able to raise some support and tell others about their mission! I love the idea. If you would like to RSVP for dinner click here and come eat! Tomorrow night is Taco Night!

There are so many cool things going on with our trip as we prepare to go. The biggest question I am asked lately is "what do we need?" I am so glad you asked! We are packing a pallet of goods to ship to Belize so we don't have to pack it all in our suitcase. This is really a huge blessing to even be able to ship. There are lots of items you can help send to the children of Belize.

Here is a portion of an email from one of the teachers:

stickers- for 100%, good behavior, perfect attendance, etc & personal that i can use)* pencils-(the decorative kind that children can get as a reward)* other little gifts that i can give for the well behaved children, etc* library books for infant2 (grade 2) level* and whatever personal or school stuff you think i can use hope this is not too much. and i asked the teachers if they had any specific prayer request and the most needed is for our school and the children. thank you and God bless. Love, Miss Lucy

We will be packing these items on February 6th. We will also be shipping chewable vitamins. NOT GUMMY vitamins. If you would like to contribute in any way I will be happy to arrange a way to pick up the items.

I want to say thank you in advance. Already we have watched our friends and family love and support this mission trip. God has used each one of you and we are so humbled to be such a small part of His master plan.

Pancakes for Belize

2012-01-10T10:23:00.004-06:00

We are 67 days away from our trip to Belize. Notice my cute little countdown clock that sweet Laura will love. We are going with a team of 19 different people. Some of these people might be my favorite people on the planet and some I am just having the opportunity to get to know. This Saturday we are having a pancake breakfast to help raise money for the team. If you love pancakes and sausage come enjoy all you can eat for a 5 dollar donation at the Applebee’s in Pelham. I have tickets available or you can make a donation at the door.

When: Saturday, January 14, 2012
Where: Pelham Location — HWY 119
Cost: $5.00 Donation Per Ticket
Time: 8:00-10:00am

When is that last time you went out for breakfast? When is the last time you ate syrup for a good cause? The added bonus of coming is that I will serve you. Now some of you might not know but I was a waitress in college and I have hidden skills. Don't miss showing the love and enjoying some pancakes.

Happy New Year

2012-01-01T15:04:00.010-06:00

We went on a walk around the farm today to walk off all the lunch we ate.

Some of us went on a run.
Husband who prefers to not to communicate as much as me is apparently at home with the bovine community. They connect on a different level.

I love a new year. A fresh start. A reflection. A new beginning. But the past is always there. A road that got you where you are today. It doesn't matter if the road is ugly, wide, narrow or long. It was meant to be. And forgiveness makes the future bigger.

This is my great grandfather's 1949 tractor. Legend has it he called her "Allie Cat" with great affection. To me it is a reminder of the past and a story of the future.

“Looking back you realize that a very special person passed briefly through your life- and it was you. It is not too late to find that person again.” Robert Brault

I am pretty sure that girl I am looking for is somewhere on this farm. Somewhere in between the little girl that ran to the creek barefoot and the momma who calls for her children to come in and do homework.

So I have some New Year's resolutions up my sleeve. But if I share them they might not come true. So I will take some advice from Lulu. I am going to do what I love more.

I am going to learn how to take soak up the blessings before me.

I am going to try something new and let the wind blow in my face.

I pray you all have a wonderful and blessed 2012.

Where are you going again?

2011-12-30T15:54:00.003-06:00

Belize is located in the southern portion of the Yucatán Peninsula in Central America and borders Mexico and Guatemala, facing the Caribbean Sea to the east.

We will be working at a school about 16 miles from Dangriga.

Belize is the only English speaking country in Central America. Creole is also often spoken by locals, as well as Spanish in the western part of the country near Guatemala.

Religions common in the country are Catholics and Christianity. Some other practices common are Jehovah's Witnesses, Hindu, and Voodooism.

Fifty-eight percent of the population is under the age of nineteen.

The Constitution offers freedom of religion. This allows denominations to partner with the government in running the educational system, denominations also provide many social and family welfare services.
Light of the Valley school where we will be working was built and is maintained to Belizean government standards by the Baptist Association of Belize.

This school currently has around 300 students. Grades K-8. Some classes have 42 students.

Some facts that are not so easily found, starvation is real. I got to meet the missionaries we will be working with for lunch today. She spoke about starvation not hunger but starvation like it was normal as we sat at a restaurant where we could order from 50 different items. She talked about children being abused and her going to talk to parents. She talked about poverty. I don't think my head and heart have grasped the depths of what we will see. However, the truth is that the same God that loves me loves the children of Belize. And so we go. We go to love and share the gospel. My friend that went last year gave us a book of pictures with all the children's faces. I can't tell you how excited I am to love up on these beautiful children.

Please help support our team and mark your calendars for January 14th at 9 am at the Applebee's in Pelham. For 5 dollars you can eat all the pancakes and sausage you want!

It's The Most Wonderful Time

2011-12-30T08:00:00.011-06:00

I am usually the momma behind the camera. I would call this Christmas an epic fail in the picture department. I forgot my memory card for Disney World and settled for husband's work camera which proved to be pitiful. The pitiful Disney picture post will come later. The kids got up at 4:30 am and daddy let them. Thanks to apple we had a techno connected holiday.

I am not complaining. I get text like this all the time. My daughter can face time her grandparents whenever she wants.

And after dealing with loss this year, family is so much sweeter to me.

I even gave my sister a facial with cranberry sauce Christmas Day night. She looked so refreshed with cranberry sauce up her nose and on her face. Too bad she didn't know I was going to do it.

Blessed that my children spent time with two great grandmothers this season.

This picture makes my heart explode.

The Auburn gifts are always still favorites.

Sister is always trying out new fashion.

Pink BB guns for 6 year old little girls.

Her other request to Aunt Pam, "I want a guy who can cock my BB gun."

I am sure you can buy one at Wal-Mart but Mommy Roach tries to stay away from Wal-Mart during the holidays.

Thankful that the men folk tested out the safety of the BB guns by setting up target practice. The kids seem to be enjoying their presents.

This picture is part Christmas over load and part Butler County but you can thank my brother-in-law later for the material.

So thankful for the gift of Jesus and thankful for a family who believes.

We would not have reached our goal for our mission trip without the support of our family.

By the way 80 days until BELIZE!

Disney or Something Like it

2011-12-14T13:55:00.004-06:00

I have rescheduled this trip too many times. I wrote about it here. I rescheduled for a December trip thinking the kids would be out of school and I would love to see Disney at Christmas. Needless to say, I had no idea I would be in a boot ... again. I mean we have been to Disney a few years ago. We had a great time and the kids still talk about that trip. This trip was to be part relaxation and part Disney. You see Disney will wear out the triathletes of the world. It is not for weary parents needing a break from work. We were hoping we could have a nice balance on this trip. That is still my plan. In fact I have done very little planning in regards to the trip. I hope I remember to pack. Right now I am barely wrapping up Christmas shopping.

I am excited to see my kids enjoy the parks. I am excited to not have anything on the calendar of events. I don't want anyone to wake me up or tell me what I have to do what day. I may be in a boot but I will be there with my happy vacation face on wearing my happy camper clothes.I sent husband an email the other day telling him I would cry when I drop Lulu off at the vet. He quickly replied, "I love that you cry about a dog that eats our couch."

I hope you all have a Merry Christmas and spend some time celebrating not just the birth of a Savior but the salvation that came through Him.

The Broken Road

2011-12-13T09:05:00.007-06:00

The first - this is how the story started. Broken ankle.

The second - this is the second surgery. Hardware removal.

The third - this is the third surgery. Bone fusion.

These are the numbers.

Yesterday, I stepped of a curb during a fire drill at school and I felt my ankle roll - both ways. I landed on top of it. I am in a boot for 4 to 6 weeks. Pretty sure my toe is broken. God is good- the bone fusion held and did not break or come apart from the screws. There is some soft tissue damage just from rolling the ankle. I am okay. I have friends and family in worst conditions. My friend's child is fighting cancer again. I have friends that have lost their parents this year. There are 147 million orphans in the world. There are over 925 million people hungry in the world.
I am heartbroken to be in a boot and experience pain again. I am heartbroken for my husband and my kids that they have to deal with a broken momma again. But we are all on a broken road at some point. Having to be mended. Needing a new direction. Needing rest. Needing healing. Needing love. And with all the different broken roads we travel there is only road that gives you healing, love, direction, rest, mending. Jesus said, "I am the way and the truth and the light. No one comes to the Father except through me." John 14:6

Tiny Twirler

2011-12-11T15:49:00.002-06:00

Twirl - To rotate or revolve briskly; swing in a circle; spin

Daughter has really been twirling her way through life since she entered the world almost 7 years ago. She is fire and ice. She is drama and fun. She loves candy, ice cream and popcorn. She is always moving, always talking, always thinking and if still - she is asleep. She is a good reader and a good daughter. She fights like a boy, throws like a boy, and is always in need of a bath. She is still tiny. She is a tiny twirler in my life.

My Boy

2011-12-06T14:47:00.005-06:00

You are my favorite son.

When I was pregnant with you, everyone said, "boys love their momma!"

It is true.

More true is how much I love you.

Favorite Boy quote: "A boy is the only thing God can use to make a man."

My personal quote: "You smell like a boy and you look like one too."

I pray his wife likes me.

If not she can sleep in the barn and he can sleep in his room.

I am slightly kidding.

Fired

2011-12-03T19:29:00.002-06:00

Have you ever been fired?

I have been fired.

I was 16.

It was my first job.

My daddy got me the job because he worked on the library committee with the city library.

It was suppose to be job I could work at after school and during Christmas holidays.

If you know me at all you know I am kinda loud.

I like to talk to people.

I will talk to people I don't know.

I need communication.

Even at 16 I knew it would be a stretch to work in a library.

I mean I love to read books.

I enjoyed reading.

I just thought I would learn to whisper.

Most of my friends were worried I didn't know a lot about some guy named Dewey.

I started work anyway.

I learned real fast that Dewey was into numbers.

I am not into numbers.

The librarians were serious.

All the time.

I mean like joking not really kosher in the library.

Putting a Romance book in Non-Fiction which I called Not False was Not Funny.

My official title was PAGE.

Not like turn the page but PAGE as in file the books.

That was my job.

That was my only job.

I told my friends to visit me.

I was bored out of my mind.
The librarians called me into their office week one and said, "you are really sweet but you must not talk to the patrons."

I seriously thought they were talking about old people.

I made an effort to only talk to non-white headed people.

This continued for another 3 weeks.

I was called into the office for round 2 of counseling, "you may not tell people where books are, you may only instruct them to the Librarian. You may not talk to the patrons."

I just couldn't help myself.

I could not be silent.

Week 3.

I was called back into the office and told it just wasn't a good fit.

I was so happy.

I mean I like old people.

And come to find out, I like patrons too.

Some Happy

2011-12-02T14:21:00.006-06:00

Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

Through tears there is always laughter in our family.

It is how we work.

I think it is how most of us work.

Sometimes we laugh so we won't cry.

Sometimes we laugh because we know our families so well.

For some of use we need a card, a joke or a hug.

For some of us it is a diet mt. dew, flowers on a table and apple cider in the crock pot.

Planning for our mission trip husband and I talked about how we wanted this Christmas to look different. I mean these pictures tell us how stressed our Christmas can be.

So this Christmas we hope there is more of a focus on what is real rather than what is not real. My dear friend, Jenny Funderburke, a kid minister and momma of two created an online Family Advent calendar that provides a great way to sit your family down and focus on the season. You can find it here. I am super excited about it because even though we will be traveling some during the holidays this will be easy to access away from home.

I have always decorated if not before than right after Thanksgiving. December 1st rarely made its way into my home without a Christmas tree to welcome it. I am happy to report that a pumpkin is on my door and ghost on my dining room table. I have joked about it for two weeks but could not bring myself to stress out about decorating with an already full plate. So we have decided to embrace the ghost and think it will top our tree as the ghost of Christmas past...I am completely kidding. I plan on something more festive for all involved.

I wish I could share all the happy stories we have been experiencing while preparing for our mission trip. If you look over to the right side of my blog you might notice God has used lots of people to support our trip. There are lots of stories of family, friends and even people we don't know who have given selflessly so that others might know Him. It makes you humbled.

It makes you cry.

It makes you laugh.

Brother In Law

2011-11-30T19:06:00.003-06:00

Brother-in-laws

My sister let me go on all her dates.

All her dates.

I can't remember any boy she ever dated that I did not meet and even tag along on their date.

I had my favorites.

This boy just happened to be the one.

I mean he cheers for the wrong team but the heart keeps no record of wrongs.

His mother went to be with Jesus this week.

And since we have all cried enough for the day I will just like to say...

I learned through grief that in-law is family.

That when your family hurts you stop and you hurt beside them.

Please pray for this family in the days to come.

Thankful

2011-11-23T12:36:00.000-06:00

I think sometimes God gave us Thanksgiving so we could get focused before Christmas. I mean eating turkey in November is not in the Bible but thankful hearts and praise are all throughout. Psalms 136:1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. His love endures forever.

I could list the million things I am thankful for today. I could list friendships that I treasure. I could tell you about my family who I love and depend on so much. I could tell you about how my kids are my true blessing from God. I could write an entire blog about the blessings that surround me. I could tell you I am thankful for being able to get our passport today.

I could tell you I am not thankful that it cost more to leave this country than it does to feed my family for a month!

I choose to tell you that I am also thankful for heartache, for pain, lost friendships, broken ankles, divorce, embarrassment, death, tears, harsh words and for lessons learned. Those stories tell you not who I am but who He is through me. 2 Cor. 12: 9 But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.

I am a sinner. I am in deep need of a Savior.
Thankful for it all this Thanksgiving. Praying that you all look around your table this Thanksgiving and give thanks for His love endures forever.

Dog Days

2011-11-21T12:15:00.002-06:00

The yard sale was big success on so many levels. We were able to raise some funds for our trip and love on some people right here in our own community. It is very humbling to watch people rummage through your belongings that you have discarded or to watch a child pick up a broken toy and beam with excitement. I mean really that is how Jesus sees us - broken and discarded and then He picks us up with excitement and shows us to His Father and says "look who I bought for you."
After the yard sale I came down with the dreaded stomach virus. I felt like dog. Not this dog. Lulu could never feel that bad because she is a Lab. And Labs are happy 100 % of the time. She is a lab in a 16 pound body. She is not real sure how to jump yet. She still can't go downstairs but has mastered going up them. She recently figured out how to climb on the ottoman to then get to the couch. I am pretty sure when she weighs 100 lbs. she will still think she weighs 16 lbs. She loves water. She likes to drink it, play in it and spill it. At her recent check up the vet tried to give me the serious new puppy talk. "Mam, she will be a large dog. She will need a firm master and you should always reward positive behavior. Distract her with appropriate chew toys. Never allow co-sleeping. Promote good dental hygiene. Never feed food from the table. Poopy Scoop the yard weekly so she has a fresh area. Practice leash walks and socialization daily....etc" Right about that time I looked over at Lulu and I believe I heard her say, "I am a dog. You are my mommy. Let's go home before she sticks something else up my nose and hinney."

Pretty Sure

2011-11-15T18:22:00.005-06:00

Pretty sure these babies will go first.

Pretty sure I am way too excited about having a yard sale.

Pretty sure my kids are way too excited about using the potty on the airplane.

Pretty sure my husband should come home from traveling cause I am not a good single parent.

Pretty sure Lulu pees more than any other dog on the planet.

Pretty sure momma kitty is packing on some extra weight for winter.

Pretty sure I still have pumpkin decorations out in my house.

Pretty sure I watch Good Luck Charlie way too much.

Pretty sure Yard Sale is this Saturday at 7:00 am

Things I am keeping

2011-11-13T19:09:00.005-06:00

Lulu met the horses today. I think they were fast friends. Lulu was really hoping they would play chase. We encouraged through the fence sniffing and no inside the fence activity.

The kids are growing so fast. It seems like it was just yesterday when paci's and diaper bags were everywhere. I was a nap time enforcer. The clapper for first steps and there is not an Elmo video I have not seen. Today they tell me what they are wearing, what they want for supper and then they fix it.

They have and make memories without me all the time.

So for today, I am keeping some things as their mommy. As their mommy, I will not correct these sayings.

Son, "I keep bless you-ing" (sneezing)

Daughter, "Pretznels" (pretzels) and Plublix (Publix)

Nope for today, those sayings stay uncorrected.

For today we made some memories with just me and them.

For today we laid in the grass and giggled about nothing.

For today we went to Plublix, ate pretznels, son kept bless you-ing and all was right with the world.

Stamps Helps Missions

2011-11-12T16:05:00.003-06:00

Stamps our "ranch romeo" invited us to use his other home. I spent some time asking the postal workers if they could start feeding Stamps a little more. We have lots of furry things at our house and we could use some help. I was told the post office is having hard times and that they have told Stamps to work for food. I am not really sure there is a Stamps solution and since Momma Kitty still sits beside him in the yard as they watch the sun go down. I am guessing he is ours to feed.

The United States is thankful for my service and I am sure they will send me a resolution to commend my hospitality.I mean this cute little boy sang at the Veteran's Day program and this little girl agreed to wear red for just one day! Anyway, letters are coming to a mailbox near you.

Let's Get It Started

2011-11-11T14:28:00.005-06:00

Starting the process.

I like to jump into things head first. My husband likes to take his time. So together we usually find a middle ground. We missed the first deadline for the mission trip because we were praying and waiting. I guess we thought some big billboard would say, GO TO BELIZE. The billboard didn't happen but saying yes did. After saying yes the world started spinning and it has been exciting.

Today we all got our passport photos. I must say to see your little ones faces so excited about going on a trip to share Jesus is something that has brought me the greatest joy. We also signed, sealed and stuffed our mission letters. I am excited to see who God uses to partner with us on this trip. Just by sharing where we are going and who we will minister to, I have been able to have some great conversations with people at work and in the community.

We are getting ready for our first fundraiser which will be the all familiar yard sale. Makes me thankful to go through each room and collect boxes of things to sale. The children in Belize that we will meet barely have walls and a roof on their home. They own very little in material wealth. The gospel in their community is the only hope.

Our second fundraiser, we are auctioning off 4 Auburn vs Samford football tickets. Lower level in the south end zone. Highest bid wins.

Keep the emails coming. I love to hear from you. mommyroachof2@gmail.com

Family Mission Trip

2011-11-07T11:48:00.002-06:00

What if we could go on a family mission trip? What if our kids got involved in “missions” at an early age and what would the impact be for their lives as believers? What if we are obedient as a family to God’s call for each of us to go? Matthew 28:19-20. These are the questions Joey and I began to ask ourselves over the last year. Our home group read through Radical. A book that would transform how we thought about missions. We were wanting to "GO" last year but when I experienced 2 more ankle surgeries we learned we would have to wait for God's timing.

Like most parents, we wondered how we could go on a mission trip and how would we leave our children behind. We knew we wanted our kids to go with us. As parents we try to talk to our kids about how blessed their life is and even find ways for them to serve others. However, as parents we have spoiled them beyond measure and as parents we want to let them experience different realities more than we want them to get the next new video game. Our prayer was for a family mission trip. Husband and I have never been on a mission trip and knew it was something we wanted to experience together. Then the opportunity came to go with our faith family on a family mission trip to Belize. This will actually be the second time a group from our church will take families on a mission trip.

Our faith family partners with Light of the Valley school in Belize. Our family met David Rhodes the missionary we will be partnering with almost 2 years ago. He taught my children how to eat a banana upside down or right side up but they thought he was super fun. On this trip we hope to have VBS in the mornings with the kids at our partner school. VBS is dear to my heart here at our local church and I am excited to share that with the kids of Belize. We hope to provide some training for the teachers of the school. Most have a high school education and don’t get much training as far as teaching methods and classroom management. In the afternoons, our kids will spend time in the classrooms with the Belize students and the adults will work on projects at the school. One afternoon we will deliver rice and beans in a nearby village.

We are so excited about this opportunity for each of us to be used by our Heavenly Father. Most importantly, we need your support through prayer. We firmly believe that through prayer and faithfulness, all things are possible - Matthew 21:22. As you can imagine, a trip like this requires financial support from a number of people. We will be having fundraising opportunities to help with the financial cost. We look forward to seeing not only what God has in store for us but what He will teach us through this process.

If you'd like more information about our trip, or how to make a tax deductible donation, please send us an email mommyroachof2@gmail.com and please follow our journey on our blog.

LSU and Spooky Sliders

2011-11-03T14:16:00.000-05:00

Since all I can hear about is LSU this week, here is my LSU recap. The boyfriend and I enjoyed a weekend away without kids in tow to LSU. And though the outcome of the game was less than desirable we had a great time. I got to meet the boyfriend's big boss, enjoy the biggest and fanciest tailgate of my life. Ate gumbo, gator and stuff that would make you scream "Geaux Tigers!" The overall fan base in Baton Rouge is a little scary. I would not say that most were hospitable. They love their purple and gold and EVERY single fan wears it from head to toe. I am use to the Plains where everyone says hey no matter what team you cheer for, where a handshake and a "good game" are often heard, where southern hospitality is the norm and dressing up like pimps is for Halloween not ballgames.

Speaking of Halloween we went low key this year. I cooked up some Spooky PW sliders before we left out the door and can I tell you, I thought I had died and gone to heaven. They were yummy. Don't skip a step. We went and visited family, home group leaders and close friends. My children only knocked on a few doors of people we did not know. Daughter rocked her costume and son is starting to be ~~too cool~~ or too big for costumes. Sad.

My Lunch Break

2011-10-31T14:30:00.001-05:00

On husband's lunch break he loves on Lulu the dog. On my lunch break I love on our two kids and help mark their shirts for Track Attack!! I love my job. I love working with kids. I love the funny things they tell me. I love things they teach me. I love to hear them laugh. I love it when they give me a bear hug. I love it when they say "I saw you at the grocery store!" I love that they think I live at the school.
But I love it for these moments. For the moments I get to hug my own kids at school. For moments when they are still little enough to want to hug me at school. For moments when I hear "mommy" in the hallway and know it is mine.

Lunch Break Emails

2011-10-27T14:21:00.001-05:00

Husband comes home for lunch now. We spoiled him this summer and would have his lunch ready for him. Now he has someone to spoil. He sends me pictures on his lunch break. He will send an email that says, "hurry home, she (not him) is lonely." "She is a digger."
"Your flip flops are toast."

Newest Little Roach: Lulu

2011-10-24T20:40:00.000-05:00

I have another post about my recent trip to Baton Rouge but I needed to put out some happy first. You see if truth be known it probably was one of my most favoite weekends minus some hiccups. Me and my boyfriend. No kids. No kitchen. Hotel. Auburn footbal. New puppy. Those are all makings of perfection. We ended our weekend away at Arby's where all good puppies come from in the town of Grande Bay, AL. It was pretty much love at first site. I pleaded for the name. Lulu. (Winner J- Mo) If you have known me for a long time you know Lulu was my name growing up. Having a sister with also an M name made life difficult. One of us needed a nickname and since sister had her name painted on her glasses, I got the name LULU.

Lulu had a hard time getting comfortable on the long drive home. I mean can anyone with a tail do this? She is talented.

We made the 3 hour drive to Greenville and surprised two other little Roachs with the.best.present.ever.!

Even Tbone, sick with strep, gave a thumbs up to his new little friend. When I think about the trips to the creek the kids and her will take or the dips in the pool...my heart sings.

Then it was another couple of hours home to meet the brother dog. They did the smelling of the rear dance. Yoda is not really sure why Lulu cares so much about being friends. Yoda is a loner. And all the puppy hype is a bit overrated to him.

However, Lulu has started to make her mark. Just like with any new baby in the family we have big plans for her.

And just like a new baby, sleep is a process. But one thing is for sure...my heart she already has.

"Happiness is a warm puppy"- Charles M. Schulz

The legend of Stamps

2011-10-15T06:25:00.000-05:00

I received word two weeks ago that Stamps aka Romeo of Roach Ranch was dead on the side of the road. I went to investigate after school but the crime scene had been cleaned up. I told Momma Kitty and her babies. We had visitation and tuna casseroles with milk. Momma Kitty was sad and even she disappeared a day in what I thought was a search and rescue operation. However, husband came inside the other night to inform me STAMPS is ALIVE.

I saw Stamps yesterday taking a nap by the pool. He has a swagger in his walk and I think he is nursing an injury. Mommy Kitty was licking his paws and seemed thankful her boyfriend had returned from the grave. If a cat has nine lives, I am pretty sure Stamps is on number 6. I am also pretty sure he and roaches will be the only thing that survives a nuclear bomb.

This will not make you cry, well maybe.

2011-10-11T18:13:00.001-05:00

This baby will be picked up next weekend. Her current momma sends me pictures like this... It makes me want to drive right now and go get her.

Oh my, she is so sleepy. She needs me to rock her and give her a bottle. Oh wait, different baby. Fur included.

I think she smells the bacon we cooked for supper tonight.

Oh my goodness. I.AM.IN.LOVE.

She still needs a name.

If you pick the name I will send you a basket of sweet potatoes.

Keep ' Em There Highlights

2011-10-10T19:09:00.000-05:00

I am still trying to find words to describe this event to people who ask me. It started as a conversation in a room with just a few people. God grew it into a few hundred people event. I think this is the moment I looked up to see the clouds clear and the sky opened with bright sunshine. People were just flowing down the back yard and I began to cry. God doesn't have to use us for His purpose but He does. Last night He used not just me but He used hundreds of people for His glory.
In second grade, I had bad hair. My mother took me to get 2 perms so I could be like Annie and my best friend Katie. I had fried hair. My hair grew after recess so I would wear a toboggan. My sweet teacher convinced me to take off the toboggan and loved me with my big hair. That sweet teacher is the mother of one of the missionaries we are trying to Keep in Africa. Having her sitting on my lawn as we celebrated her baby in Africa was another tearful moment.

The music was the best I have heard in a long time. I seriously could have listened to them all night. These group of guys made a song just for the event and are allowing all that came to the event download it for FREE. For those that don't know husband is a blues lover. He and his buddies were in blues band in college and I am pretty sure this is partly why husband was so happy last night. Well that and Kevin said yes to sharing in driving the tractor.

There were hayrides that sometimes did not seem so safe but God provided and to my knowledge we did not lose any children in sink holes, off trampolines or under trailers.

These were my parking attendants. They fit hundreds of cars in the "front yard." Thanks Boys!For the few good baptist that followed the rules and parked across the street or at the bank you will get a free ice cream cone from Dairy Queen. I am so kidding but that would have been nice. To my home group peeps (plus Kev and Frankie) you are like my family. I read this quote: " The purpose of fun is to live it." You make me live it.

1 Corinthians 4: There are different kinds of gifts but the same spirit distributes them.

I watched so many people use their gifts and talents to make this event happen. I know I will forget someone but I still want to try to give shout outs! To the food peeps: if you served,cooked brought or donated the 500 hot dogs, 300 chips, 300 brownies, drinks, and ice you are all awesome! Silent Auction people who donated, worked and organized you were awesome. (The necklaces are still taking orders!) Timbali crafts people if you went to pick up or sold them we appreciate you. Light and generator boy we could not have had power or lights without you. If you brought a table, used a weed eater, dropped off buns, stuck checks in my refrigerator all week, prayed, planned, rented an outhouse, painted a sign, spread the word, brought a friend, showed up, gave money you were used and you are loved.

I look so rough in this picture, I think it was my bedtime but I can't tell you enough how blessed we all were to score Bruce. He is the most humble and talented person I have met. He brought an energy to this event and gave himself completely. I just have to figure out how I can get him back in my back yard...except this time I am going to be barefoot. But that is another story.

And then there is this Alabama boy and his wife. He called us in a room. He shared his heart about his friends. He shared his heart about Africa. He called us to action. And I forgave him for his crimson and white, and Keep 'Em There was born. $5900 at the end of the night. We all said, "no way" and then we said, "of course"...God is that big.

It is simple. The Clyburns and McAdams are doing what God calls us all to do.

Take care of the poor and the orphans.

We are not done. Our friends need monthly sponsors. 10 dollars, 20 dollars, 100 dollars, make a commitment. Let God stretch you.

Mark and Allison

Steve and Amy

Click on their link and then click Sponsor Me on the left side!

Peace.

Afternoon In Pictures

2011-10-05T19:41:00.000-05:00

Boots. Not a big deal to most. Very big deal for a post broke ankle to be able to slide into a boot.
Picture of the Day: Momma Kitty and Eden have a love hate relationship. Mostly hate.

Getting ready for Keep 'Em There this weekend! Expecting God to do big things!

Every kid should have a daddy who builds steps in trees.

Especially in this tree. Can you love a tree?

Eden got a playmate. She has been in timeout for being "barn sour." She was so lonely.

Swirly girl is here to play. They are so beautiful. I love to watch them run but I love more when they lay on their back and kick their feet in the air.

Kisses.

She is

2011-10-01T08:46:00.000-05:00

Daughter and I got to sit in my dad's seats at the last Auburn home game. We let son take a friend and the boys sat down below. She thought that these seats rocked. You could "get what ever you wanted to eat and they had good soap in the bathrooms." But if you asked her the best part of her day...she got to eat peanuts! Since her brother is allergic, cracking open a peanut provided the most entertainment. She is getting ~~bigger~~ longer by the minute. She loves school. She is growing into a little girl. She got her ears peirced. She is taking baton. She can still play tackle football with the boys and throws the baseball as hard as most boys her age. She has lots of words. She dances through life. She is busy. She is complex. She is drama.

She is exactly who God made her to be.

I love Her, I mean Him.

2011-09-27T14:45:00.000-05:00

My spouse loves me. He knew me for almost five years before he made me legal. He knew I was raised on a farm. He knew I had every animal I ever wanted. If sister and I asked for an animal, we got it. Don't get me wrong, my parents said No more then they said Yes about a lot of things. We could not stay out as late as our friends and no one should call us past 8 oclock. We didn't date boys who wore hats inside our house. But animals...we had them. Dogs, cats, cows, bunnies, birds, fish, etc. I loved them all.

My husband will tell you that I email him regularly with a picture or link of an animal I want weekly. Sometimes daily. They range from dogs to pigs to goats to ponies. My favorite is that he doesn't say no but he finds a clever way to remind me who he is currently on his feeding or vet bill. He also will reply back with a "so cute" or "he looks like a bad dog." He loves me. Instead of 45 babies he lets me eventually get something with fur. Since we lost our Macee we have longed for another Big Dog. We have seriously looked into adoption but for where we live we knew we needed to train a young dog to stay by our house. I am happy to report this angel will be apart of the Roach family in a few weeks. She is a perfect yellow lab.

She needs a name.

I love her.

I mean I love him for saying yes.

And for saying yes to me all those years ago.

Critters and Taters

2011-09-21T17:43:00.000-05:00

It is Sweet Potato time at the farm. Which means you should put on your cutest boots and ride in the back of trucks. Your mother should take her camera and go play with other farm animals during the hard work. Eden wanted an apple slice and some sugars.

But daughter and Paw Paw seemed to be doing a fine job without me.

There are rows of taters.

Daughter turns out to be a natural picker and kicker of dirt. She really knows how to turn up the taters.

She also had lots of words for Paw Paw that I am sure he did not hear.

Her dirty hands prove her work ethic.

On the other hand son has some tendencies to get distracted by critters like a freshly killed rat snake.

Or Eden who needed some more ear scratching.

Or Momma Kitty who needed her neck rubbed.

Did someone say rat snake? Momma Kitty was on the look out. She is our pest control girl.

And son had some Tractor Driving 101 to attend. State law requires 9 year old boys should learn proper techniques in front end loaders and plowing.

At the end of the day it is all about the taters and little bit about the critters.

Keep 'Em There

2011-09-12T18:58:00.000-05:00

October 9, 2011

5pm-7pm

Come help two local family missionaries stay in Swaziland, Africa.

Musical Guest: Bruce Andrews, Matt Willis and Dave Gowens

$20 per family for admission

Includes:

Hot Dog Supper

Hay Ride

Live Music from local blues artist: Bruce Andrews and Friends

There will be Timbali crafts for sale, a silent auction and sponsorship information available.

All proceeds go directly to

Mark and Allison Clyburn

Steve and Amy McAdams

Bring your lawn chair or blanket for a fun family night at our home!

For more information or questions please leave a comment with your email address and I will get back to you as soon as I can!

A Baby Is Born

2011-09-08T18:22:00.000-05:00

These beauties are hiding a new baby. A baby boy as a matter of fact. Yes, you with the yellow earing! These girls really know how to dress up a black outfit. I think the yellow brings out their eyes.

Oh there he is! My sweet, new, baby boy! Your momma is so smart to hide you behind weeds from the crazy lady with the camera.

The whole herd seemed rather enthusiatic about their photo shoot. No need to crowd girls, Momma Roach brought no treats.

Oh I could just eat you. What happened to your earing? I understand. Yellow is not my color either. Maybe we can get you an orange one!

I was sidetracked. Excuse me. No need to stick your tongue out. You-baby boy are the reason I am standing in ants.

Okay, you don't like orange. How about blue?

Sticking your tongue out will make your mouth dry. I am so thankful you have your own momma. I don't need anyone else that needs their lunch packed for school.

Oh baby boy. Your coat is so silky and new. I could show you. I used to show cows. I think you would be Grand Champion. We could go to the State Fair and eat funnel cakes!

Oh, dear! You earing got ripped out and now your ear is split. Don't worry about it. All the girls in Africa are doing it.

Now there is a show cow. She is even standing show ring ready. Front two feet together and one back leg a tad forward. She might have won best in show but she is a little crusty and needs a bath.

Back to you my sweet baby boy. Speaking of sweet. All my show cows had names. Lollipop. Gumdrop. I think your name will be ....Gummi Bear. Yes my little Gummi Boy Bear.

Go and grow Gummi Bear. I have big plans for you.

Just kidding

2011-08-31T20:44:00.000-05:00

James 4:13-17

We like to say at our house when we make a mistake..."Winning!" Well we need to change the Keep Um There date to October 9th! Now I can't tell you why yet but it is oh so exciting!

And I heard that our proper English friends are changing it to Keep Em There!

But you see...it doesn't matter. God knows when it will happen. He knows what we call it doesn't matter. He will get His glory.

Just plan on being here.

Come swing.

And take a hay ride and see the silo.

She keeps all my secrets.

Ask her.

She won't tell.

More info coming.

Probably more changing.

But I can give you a hint.

Put on your dancing shoes!

Keep Um There

2011-08-30T20:12:00.000-05:00

SAVE THE DATE

October 16th

Keep Um There
Help Keep the Clyburns and McAdams in Africa
Join us at The Roach Ranch
Bonfire, Hayrides and Family Fun

More information to come!

When I Grow Up

2011-08-28T15:08:00.000-05:00

I had an older sister. She had friends. They taught me things about tight rolling blue jeans, eye liner and boys. They pretended to like me and let me listen as they pranked called people at 2 a.m. Everyone should have sibling friends to learn from. Well one of sister's friend grew up to teach me the greatest lesson. Obedience. Her name is Allison Clyburn. She grew up to be a teacher, wife, mommy and now missionary. She along with her family and the McAdams' family went on a Mission Trip to Swaziland Africa and were changed forever. God called them to move to Swaziland as full time missionaries. They answered the call and moved to Swaziland over a year ago.

Their day to day life I sometimes try to imagine. I can't wrap my head around what they see on a day to day basis. They see poverty. They see starvation. They see the orphans. They see the dying. And at the end of the day they serve them all in His name.

I mean when I was little I tried to be like my sister and friends. I would wear their clothes even when they were too big. I would fix my hair just like theirs. And today I would want nothing more to grow up like Allison. Her family has made Africa a whole lot more "REAL" to my family. The pictures. The stories. They break my heart. And yet they serve in a place that most would like to pretend doesn't exist. Their work is not complete. They need our help to continue their mission. I will be posting more information on how you can become involved and even find out about an exciting event at Roach Ranch in their honor. I ask today you first Pray. Pray for their financial support and for God to provide. Second GIVE. Give monthly. Give what you can. No amount is to small. God will use it all for His glory. For more info leave me a message and I will send you the information.

The Clyburns from Warren Baptist Church on Vimeo.

My World

2011-08-25T20:56:00.000-05:00

"My World" is getting a whole lot smaller.

Africa is getting a whole lot closer.

There is a story that is becoming a whole lot clearer.

Nobody can do everything but everyone can do something.-Author unknown

More to come.

You are needed.

School Is Back

2011-08-22T19:33:00.000-05:00

I am slowly getting back into the routine of school and I have really been diving back into work. I can now check dunking booth of my bucket list.

Sweet Summer

2011-08-04T08:19:00.000-05:00

The final days of summer are slipping through our fingers. This is always bitter sweet to me. Our lazy days of pool, playing and no agenda are coming to an end. I have enjoyed this summer so much partly because I could be an active participant this year. I am blessed to have two working feet this summer. The kids were so excited when I could physical jump in the pool.

I have enjoyed my new and old friends this summer. "Friends always show their love. What are brothers for if not to share troubles? " Proverbs 17:17

We enjoyed each other this summer. One thing about living on the farm is that is forces the kids to be friends. Either they play with each other or they play alone. There are always moments of killing each other but I watched them really grow to enjoy each other. We enjoyed some new experiences at the lake this summer. My kids got to know all their cousins this summer. We got to experience a long family vacation. The joys of the kids getting older meant we were able to enjoy the beach all day. It is still hard to believe they are 6 and almost 9.

My prayer for them this year is they make new friends easily.

I pray they are kind and generous.

I pray they grow as students and desire to learn.

I pray they can come talk to me even when it is hard.

I pray they grow with their love for the Lord and He becomes bigger to them.

I pray for their teachers who will love on them for forty hours a week.

I pray they write in color.

I pray they color outside the line.

I pray they dance when they feel like it.

I pray they sing out loud.

I pray the play in the rain.

I pray they mix the play dough colors.

I pray when they are not picked, when someone hurts their feelings, when they get boo boos they find the smile in their heart.

But I pray whatever the year holds I hope they ride the wave of life together.

The Cellar

2011-07-13T21:08:00.000-05:00

I heart my old house. The door knobs own me. I mean seriously the door knobs own me. But this door knob leads to the spookiest part of this old house. This cellar haunted me as a small child when I grew up here. Tonight husband had to do some home repair on a condensate drain which required a trip into the spooky old cellar. There are no steps here anymore. They have rotted away.

He put on his big boy boots and got his plumber face on and had to take the other entrance into the cellar.

Luckily, Kevin G. was at our house to provide moral support and duct tape. Notice the cat food we had laid out cause we have had missing kittens since Momma Kitty can't nurse so we were putting food in all their usual spots. (*kittens found alive and well)

This is husband getting his plumber crack on and moving into the spookiest, darkest place on the planet. Billy the Exterminator would have loved his guts. Although listening to him squeal when he encountered spiders and hissing kittens was hysterical. I am thankful to report he emerged unharmed.

Vet Success

2011-07-07T13:06:00.000-05:00

9:42 a.m. Momma Kitty was captured by son and placed in the pet taxi without incident. Being a fantastic mother, I allowed son the opportunity to do the capture himself. One day he will thank me for that but in all honesty, she likes him the most. Momma Kitty then began to make a noise we had never heard. A type of cat distress call.

9:45 am Momma Roach began to get nervous.

9:55 a.m. Mommy Roach broke the law and drove above said speed limit fearing her life and her children's life were hanging in the balance.

10:15 a.m. After quickly ~~ditching~~ Momma Kitty at the door we got a room to wait on the vet to see Yoda. Yoda was so nervous. We could hear Momma Kitty in our room with the door closed.

10:20 We slowly began to lose control in the small stinky room. I personally began to think why did I shower and shave to come here?

10:21 Son began to sneeze. I encouraged hand washing. Then the vet came in and gave Yoda two shots and the injectable up his nose. We wished Momma Kitty good luck and took Yoda to Pet Smart for new tennis balls!

Don't gamble with your pet's health. An appropriate picture for a Vet's room.

The real story will be this weekend after Momma Kitty comes home and has to be pinned up for 7 days away from kittens that will want to nurse.

Momma Kitty Danger

2011-07-06T21:14:00.000-05:00

Momma Kitty is exhausted. She is still nursing. For those that don't know we kept two of the 6 kittens. I am a SUCKER. The black one is named Ortiz after son's favorite MLB player. Daughter named the stripped one Buttercup after Butter who is no longer with us. Momma Kitty is rarely ever called Peanut. She is always called Momma Kitty. She and I are about to have the uncomfortable talk about how when the kittens ask for it they are too old to nurse. But you know cats could careless what you say, so I am taking Momma Kitty in for her big girl surgery. In the morning, I must capture Momma Kitty and then put her in a carrier. My plan is to place the carrier in the back of the car. For some reason I also thought it would be a good idea to get Yoda's rabies shot tomorrow. So he will be with us also. Oh and I have two kids. The vet is a good 20 minute drive. Oh and son is allergic to cats. If anyone comes out of their cage our life will be in danger.

I tell you all this because if this happens we are in trouble.
http://youtu.be/7VD7fQWtZgo

ALL Stars

2011-06-21T19:30:00.000-05:00

The Roach house was excited about All Stars this year. We canceled a vacation and let both kids play. Daughter played for the 6U team and I got to coach her. She plays third base and she told me, "I own third base. Someone should put my name on it!" Confidence, she lacks none. I was so proud of her because she played double headers in the 100 degree heat ( and even pouring rain) and never asked to sit out an inning, never whined and played with all her heart.

Son whom I call Tbone on the baseball field had a blast. He played first during All Stars and he also had a big first. He hit his first out of the park homerun!!! This child can tell you how many homeruns he has had since Tball. He can tell you how many outs he made during what game. It is true that I am a loud baseball momma. I love to watch him play but I don't watch him bat. I put my head down. When I heard him hit this ball I looked at the third base coach who was making the signal for a homerun. I looked up to see the ball clear the fence and I yelled like a coyote yelping at the moon. When he touched home plate he pointed at me and smiled. Promise, I cried.

I don't think baseball or softball will matter when they are 30. I don't think Tbone will be able to recite his stats of youth ball when he is 40. I pray that what they will remember is me as their cheerleader. There is something about cheering for your child that you can't put into words. It is like cheering for your heart running around bases. I know when they are grown I won't remember how many gloves, bats and cleats I bought. I won't remember trying to get the dirt stains out of white baseball pants. I just hope we all remember the laughs, the fun and the chance.

Mississippi State Friends

2011-06-06T11:29:00.000-05:00

I have Mississippi friends. They always turn out to be Mississippi State friends. I do have a couple Ole Miss fans on my friend list but these State friends are a rare breed. They have the cow bells and they bleed maroon and white.

I appreciate sport fans. If you are a Roach Reader you know I bleed orange and blue. However, truth be told we all bleed the same because of the blood shed for us. Meet my friends Amber and Dustin Polk. Amber and I met at church several years ago and were a part of small bible study together. My husband was in a men's discipleship class with Dustin. This is precious couple with a heart for Christ. They are in the process of adopting not one but two brothers from Russia. To help with the cost of adoption they have developed two websites. One is their blog where you can read all about their adventures and the other is way to raise money. Since moving across the state line they have been faced with a decision to choose Auburn or Alabama. The fans that raise the most money will get 6 new fans! Please go to http://www.ironbowladoption.com/ and cast your vote and money. I will be so happy to see this family in orange in blue but more importantly to have two new baby boys at their house.

End of Aubie

2011-06-05T19:23:00.000-05:00

The school year is over and I am thankful to have survived the last nine weeks of school in a cast. I had a purple and pink cast, a black cast and then my famous Aubie cast. To celebrate school being out and the beginning of summer, my Aubie cast got around on it's last days on my leg. First stop of summer, Zac Brown Band. Meet my friend Misty. She hooked us up with tickets and pushed my wheelchair self literally all over the place. Seriously. My sister who was also with us stated she would have left me. It was 400 degrees and all up hill. Kelly gave Misty a break in pushing but Misty even said a War Eagle one time in desperation to get me through the mass crowd. It was hysterical. I am thankful for friends who have taken me places when it was more work on them. It has not been easy being my friend.

We caused a riot. Never take a Auburn or Alabama symbol to concert. We literally were stopped all night with" War Eagle!" "Roll Tide!" "Can I take your picture?" Luckily once again the firemen came to my rescue and took over the wheelchair pushing. They took us to our VIP deck seating and checked on me through the night. I think they thought something else was wrong with me cause they spoke to me very s.l.o.w.

This is my sister and I on the party deck. ZBB did not disappoint. It was a fabulous concert and one I will never forget! Say a little prayer for her tomorrow she is having surgery. My poor mother. Someone send Peggy Sue flowers.

The next morning we headed off to Lake Martin. Aubie was not as much fun at the lake. I was dying to get in the water but settled for a boat ride and sitting on a porch with family.

My kids and husband enjoyed water toys and when I go back I will be the one in the water.

I only had one week to be stuck at home with Aubie. God decided to turn up the heat and I became very resourceful. I could not stand not being in the water any longer. So I have been in my pool for a week wearing my cast cover I use for showering in the pool. It is heaven and such a blessing after last summer.

Even daughter has been relaxing. Brothers make good escorts.

Bless you if you are still reading.

Tomorrow I will get Aubie off and start the hard part. I will learn to walk again. I will put weight on newly fused bones. I am ready. I am ready to drive. I am ready to swim. I am ready to sleep. I am ready to stretch my foot. I am ready to shave my leg. I am ready.

Day Off

2011-05-23T14:19:00.000-05:00

I had to take the day off to stay home with a sick son. After a quick trip to the Doctor we found he has Strep Throat! Which I should have known Saturday after tears during a baseball game. I was at the pool checking on the water level and I hear a scuffle. These friends were fighting at the watering hole. They have managed to break their flow valve, dump over their watering can and were eating at the hose pipe until I went down there. Son was able to turn off the water and I gave them the "that is not nice" speech. They immediately were shameful and turned their heads in embarrassment. They are currently in time out waiting until their watering hole is fixed again.

A Year

2011-05-22T09:01:00.000-05:00

May 22, 2010 I was busy. I was getting my childhood house ready to move into by washing with Clorox the outside of the house. Husband and kids were getting the pool ready. It is so like God that on this weekend a year later the pool is almost full of water and will finally open. I wrote in my blog here last year. People that don't see me often have often stopped me wondering if I have lived in a cast for a year. I laugh because it seems that way to me too.

I have been a part of a Saturday morning bible study this spring. Yesterday, we were discussing sheep. In the bible the word sheep is mentioned 204 times per google. God ofter refers to us Christians as His sheep. Sheep are not really smart animals. I learned lots of stuff of sheep yesterday. Sheep need shepherds to protect them, lead them, give them rest, keep the sheep together and know the sheep. Sheep will sometimes wander. Shepherds will often break the leg of a wandering sheep. Then the shepherd will splint the sheep's leg and carry it in a sling close to his chest. The sheep will then heal while being connected to the shepherd up to eight weeks. The sheep will learn his shepherd's voice and will have to depend on the shepherd for food and water to live. Talk about being hit between the eyes.

While I don't know why things happen, I know that God uses EVERYTHING to bring Him glory. I can tell you I know my shepherd's voice. I hear Him speak to me in my trail. He has given me the food and water I needed to survive this past year. He carried me when I could not walk. He gave me a smile when I didn't have one. He gave me Godly counsel. He gave me a home group. He gave me a family. He gave me friends that were his hands and feet. He gave me transportation. He gave me happiness. He gave me peace. I believe He had me in His sling like the wandering sheep. My prayer is that I will know His voice more than I did a year ago. I pray that I will be obedient to Him. I pray that others may know Him as their personal shepherd and I will be able to be used by Him.

For all of you that read this blog or who have been a part of this year long journey, I thank you.

*Sheep picture courtesy of this website.

Day 5 Pool Makeover

2011-05-21T20:09:00.000-05:00

Pool liner and Diving Board!

Today is really the first or second day I have wanted to rip this cast off.

16 more days and I am jumping in the pool.

It is all coming together and we are thankful for God's blessings.

City Boy and Ketchup

2011-05-19T20:58:00.000-05:00

Is it summer yet? The garden is planted thanks to Daddy Mikey Fresh.

Old farm joke and I apologize: A family of tomatoes was walking down the street. The baby tomato was falling behind. The daddy tomato walks over to the baby. He steps on it and tuns it into red paste and says, "Ketchup!"

City boy, husband, just had to plant these tires. Not the big garden. These old tractor tires make BLT's for a WHOLE summer!
These tractor tires are home to my tomato plants. Lately I have developed a new life saying, "I love you more than ketchup." I do love ketchup. I ate ketchup sandwhiches my whole life for afternoon snack after school. You can't love ketchup more than me. I am going to make ketchup this summer. I am going to love people more than ketchup. And when I am tired of people. . . I will eat ketchup sandwhiches.

Look at him work. I just cheered and watched.

Corn is sprouting in the garden.
Who wants to pick and grill?

And this picture makes me want to marry him all over again. A baseball cap backwards makes me think my momma will come home and I will be in trouble for having my boyfriend over. Look at those tomato plants. I apologize for all the readers I just offended.

Ketchup sandwhiches to all my Roach Readers.

Gone Viral

2011-05-18T14:41:00.000-05:00

What can help me with the last 21 days of cast life? An Aubie!

The artist is my family member. She and I celebrated the National Championship together in Auburn this year and even shared a cigar from her daddy's stash. Dian McCray is my famous cousin who has painted more important objects and more important people and places. However, yesterday she drove up to my house in her smart car armed with her tools. She completed this in less then two hours on her knees while I laid on my couch. We talked, laughed, had pizza and I was left amazed. It is really remarkable. This will be a cast I save! The saying is true, save the best for last! (But part 2 is after leaving my house her grandson ruptured his achilles and she is probably painting another orange cast tonight.)

After coming home for worktoday I found out that I have gone viral on fb and I feel FAMOUS! Look where I have been spotted! The War Eagle Reader

One Mission

2011-05-13T16:45:00.000-05:00

The weekend of the One Mission Celebration at our church we took the kids on a prayer walk. It was raining so we ended up in the car. The kids were in the back with their scavenger hunt paper and very excited about marking things off their list. We took them to a community we had delivered meals to at Christmas. The first street we drive on son yells "stop the car there is a lady to pray with!" We being the great role models tell him no, it is raining and she looks busy. We drive past her only to realize the street is a dead end. So we turn around and as we drive by this woman for the second time, our son rolls down the window and says hello causing his daddy to slam on the brakes. Most of this conversation is on the video but what is not on the video is part 2.
On mother's day they played this video at church. I cried like a good momma would and beamed at the memory of my 8 year son showing me to live out a mission. Then I received an email from our pastor telling that after the last church service a woman came down front to ask about our son. She then explained to our pastor she is the lady in the video. She has been coming to our church ever since an 8 year old boy hung his head out of car window. She is a member of our church family and even more important a member of the body of Christ. When we shared part 2 of the story with son he relied, "I know. She said she would come to church at 11."
He had faith in what she said.
He had faith that had no fear.
He was obedient.
He was sharing Jesus the only way he knew how.

Matthew 18:10 See that you do not look down on one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my father in heaven.

Numbers

2011-05-12T13:04:00.000-05:00

Husband is a numbers boy.

He first became my boyfriend in college so he could tutor me in math.

I was trying to pass Pre-Cal and he was in Cal VI.

He appreciates when I add.

So this post is for my boyfriend.

My initial injury took place on May 22, 2010.
53 days in a cast
72 days in a boot
32 days in an ankle brace
March 11, 2011- hardware removal
19 days in an ankle brace
April 6, 2011-bone fusion
It will be 51 days on May 22, 2011

Total Days =227
This means in a year I had 138 normal two shoe days.

Psalm 39:4 Remind me that my days are numbered.

Luke 12:7 Even the very number of hairs on your head are numbered.

So here is to 21 more days in a cast.

Day 4 Pool Makover

2011-05-07T19:07:00.000-05:00

Day 4 started with an early morning run to pick up a ton and half of rock. Then of course since it is Saturday and we are breathing there was a baseball game. By the time husband and his buddy got started it was 87 degrees. The objective of the day was laying rock, painting the coping around the pool and colorizing the steps. I am happy to report all projects were accomplished and I did not help a bit. The boys had some spectators.

And these special friends bring more poop to the farm.

It is EVERYWHERE.

Ask husband cause it was on both of his shoes.

Tip #1 Ask your perfectionist friend to help paint.

This man taped, sanded, wiped, sprayed and it looks so much better.

Tip #2 Paint while the old liner is still in the pool.
Look at the white edge!!
Just like new.

Tip #3 You can not shovel rocks this big.
Husband is about as broke down as me.
My fire pit area is coming together.
The rock is red but it is so dusty right now you can't tell.

Picture of the Day goes to son.
Daughter was helping husband sweep and fell into the pool.
This is the aftermath and screaming that continued for far too long.
This is also a hot shot of husband's belly.

Next will be to install the new liner and diving board.
However, since it is mother's day, pool furniture is starting to make it's way poolside.
Reserve your spot now!

Meanwhile, who can take Yoda to the groomer?
Bless his bones he needs a haircut and someone can you open the door and let him in!

History

2011-05-05T05:51:00.000-05:00

I have said it before this house is THE house that built me. I don't know hard work. I don't know real trouble. I don't know what is like to not have a home. I don't know what it is like to have everything taken from you in a tornado. These pictures are somewhere around 1938. I am so thankful to have THIS house.

This oak tree is now so large it would take 4 people to wrap our arms around it.

The original house was built in the early 1900's and burned. The house was rebuilt in 1931 and most of the house still has original features. Sometime I will have to post pics of the door knobs that own me or the scary cellar under the house. My 2nd cousin found these pictures and shared them with me. Something about these pictures makes me cry and smile. I moved into this house when I was 6 years old ...with a broken leg. Yes, same leg. The house likes me broken. My parents added on to the back of the house when we moved. They added another bathroom, another den and a master bedroom. Yet much of the house still looks the same. There is a history here in this house.

If this land could talk it would tell stories. Stories of Kent Dairy Farms. Stories of bottling Raw Milk. Stories of droughts and depression. Stories of the farm crisis in the 1980's which led to closing down of Kent Dairy Farms. There are more stories of the family that worked this land. The children who ran barefoot and hid in the haystacks. There were life lessons learned on tractor rides. There are animal stories. There are stories that became legend. Canning vegetables and making jelly were weekend events in my home.

It is my family history.

It is my history.

It is now my children's history.

I look at these pictures and my healing continues.

I drag myself to work because I have a history behind me.

The house is symbolic of my relationship with Christ.

He is writing my history.

A history only He planned.

When I am broken, I go to him.

He restores me like I restore this house.

When I get lost in this world I turn back to Him.

I am home until He calls me to His forever home.

Neighbors

2011-05-04T19:47:00.001-05:00

Our family has moved around a bit. We have called three different neighborhoods home before moving back here to my real home. We have had all kinds of neighbors. Wonderful neighbors. Weird neighbors. Run inside your house cause they are outside neighbors. Neighbors that won't speak neighbors. Best friend neighbors. Praying neighbors. This past Sunday we got 18 new neighbors. They are helping with the bush hogging. They are great neighbors but son and daughter haven't figured out the smell yet. I open the back door and I see this picture. I yell for the kids to come in and all 18 look at me. Husband is enjoying his own personal cow sound. He likes to talk cow and wait for their reply. He is learning the farm life and don't tell anyone that he likes it!

You see the garden? She is coming along and soon I will post her condition and contents. Meanwhile, my neighbors and I have alot of introductions and rules to go over. I just want them to be clear on some rules. #1 When I come out to my pool this summer, they may not moo when I take off my coverup. #2 Keep the manure on the back pasture. I am not sure closing my eyes on a float and dreaming of the ocean will have the same effect if I smell poo. #3 What happens at Roach Ranch stays at Roach Ranch!

Yes, I am talking to you missy! I think this one has an attitude!

Softball Girl

2011-04-30T21:02:00.000-05:00

She picks up her helmet and picks up her bat,

And walks to the plate, "Gotta hit and that's that!"

The crowd starts to cheer, the game is on the line,

Last inning, two outs and the scores 9 to 9.

Dad yells "Go get it!" and mom is clenching her hands,
Coach says, "Hit the ball" but alone there she stands.
Heroes are made on seconds just as this,
But she is just a little girl, what if she should miss?

Years after the game is ended and she is little no more,
Will she remember this day, the outcome, the score?
One day she'll have forgotten if she was out, hit or run.
She will only look back on her friends and the fun.

So cheer this girl on, alone with her fate,
Help her remember with fondness the stand at the plate.
Spend your time wisely and help her in her quest,
To be a hitter with confidence, always her best.
And when the game's is over, she can stand tall,
For you have helped her prepare to give it her all.

Author:Unknown

Sick Day

2011-04-29T11:37:00.000-05:00

No she is not sick. Son is sick. Throw up sick. I am on sick duty this afternoon. Husband had it this morning. Daughter is just about crazy. She is loving softball and having two kids playing ball is torture. I miss getting to be at all of son's games but I am glad that we have a huge support group of peeps who cheer on my kids when I can't be there!

My dishwasher!!I was without a dishwasher for 10 months. Torture in some countries. I had to use...gasp my hands! The weekend after my surgery husband bought and installed this beauty. I fell in love with him all over again. What does it say about me that appliances really make me happy? Funny story #1:We don't really understand the appliance. It is some high duty thing that has to have rinse aide. We can't seem to get the combo right. If you know what we are doing wrong please let me know. We have spots. And no my engineer - installing - husband threw away the instructions. Why would we need instructions when he installed it himself? Funny Story #2: For two days we both kept opening the dishwasher looking to see if the dishes were clean or dirty. Husband says,"gosh these are still dirty!" I said, "maybe we should start it." Hysterical. We are so excited to have someone else wash our dishes we just forgot we had to be the ones to actually press start!

I got a new cast. I had my stitches and staples out. I was in a mood that day and went black. It goes with everything and well I was tired of looking like something out of a Dr. Seuss book. I thought no one would really notice but 950 kids at school noticed.

Mrs. Roach did you break your foot again?

Mrs. Roach did black get number 2 votes?

Mrs. Roach where is the other cast?

Mrs. Roach can I have your old cast?

Mrs. Roach can you do my color next?

The good news the ankle guy said my xray looked perfect! Praise God he is healing my bones!

I feel like all I have talked about is Peanut and her babies. Well there is dog that lives here and he rules the house. I found this picture on my cellphone the other day and I have no idea who took it. This is where Yoda stayed when I could barely get out of the recliner. He slept with me. He rarely even brought me his tennis ball. All he did was love and support. By the way, is it just me or do I look angry in my sleep? I must have A. been in pain or B. mad that someone was disturbing me. Anyway Yoda is still number 1 and has yet to even see a kitten.

Day 3 Pool Makeover

2011-04-28T21:42:00.001-05:00

I can be found on the lower right of this picture. Welcome to the show. 5 children, sister, brother-in-law, husband, mother and grandmother all in our safe place. Last night was a nightmare for Alabama. We are blessed to be safe and have our family all in a small room. Okay maybe not the later and maybe sister should be on Hoarders. Maybe if she would actually have the yard sale she is saving all the stuff for she would not need an intervention. The upstairs of her house could be in a magazine. The basement is like her party in the rear...kinda like a mullet.

I am sorry I digress.

We all about lost our minds last night but after watching the news today I am heartbroken for our state. Pray even when you don't know what to pray for...pray.

Today was a LONG day and I can't believe I am even still up but I need to let you know the pool makeover continues. I came in from work to find concrete poured. After today's news and a long night at the ballpark...I am glad to focus on my concrete. Where should my chair go? In the middle? On the side? My pool guy said I was too late to put my hand print in the concrete. I was so disappointed. I at least wanted little roach hands in the concrete. My pool friend thinks I am insane. I just love him anyway.

Bits of Peanut

2011-04-27T13:27:00.000-05:00

If you are allergic to cats or don't like them please don't read this post. I know I said I am not a cat person. But...Peanut is a good momma and she has cute babies. Pray for her because we have caught Stamps twice trying to get on the front porch. Seriously, this baby daddy is ridiculous. He thinks she wants to nurse 6 babies and still be his girlfriend. I mean Stamps will stop at nothing. I want to introduce the Roach Readers to all 6 bits of Peanut. Please understand we don't know the sex of the kittens yet. I am not real sure when we will be able to tell but if I call them he or she it is simply due to personality or my guess.
This baby is the one daughter has called hers since day one. She looks dramatically different from the rest and is much larger. Probably due to either the extra attention from daughter or the fact daughter is constantly making sure she gets in to nurse.

Hello! Look at that face. She will be ours forever.

She is not nice and we have not named her. She pushes and bits her siblings. She requires lots of personal space and does not like to be on bottom of feedings.

She is starting to sit up on her own. Bless her little face.

This is the next to smallest and is a cuddle bug.

We call this one Booger.

This is twin A.

This is twin B.

And they are the reason Stamps can not deny paternity.

Introducing the smallest of the liter is Ratatouille. His whiskers are longer than his body. I love him for his size. He just looks like he needs a human momma. Every time I pick him up, he just relaxes. God loves the itty bitties.

Ratatouille is just so little. So little all he can do is scoot on his white little feet.

Peanut is exhausted. Nursing 6 kittens is a full time job and now they are mobile. Oh I remember when my babies started crawling. Poor Peanut! Now she has to baby proof. This is Booger trying to crawl out, head first. As a mother of two I admire Peanut.

Getting one to latch on was bad enough. She is so laid back and she has not once asked to call the lactation nurse. She drinks plenty of water in between nursing and does not stress about how much each baby is taking in at one time.

Happy Easter

2011-04-24T20:18:00.000-05:00

I love Easter! This is the annual front porch picture at Sister's house. Sister and I did awesome in the kid department. These kids love each other and are not only close in living proximity but best buds. They can fight like siblings and laugh like best friends. And the one in the middle rules them all. I pray that each one may come to know they are loved more by our creator than by Sister and I. I pray they love Him more than they ever love me. I pray they grow to do more things in His name and I pray their life glorifies their Heavenly Father. However, I pray they stop growing so fast. Shut the front door! Look at these sweet babies two years ago! Oh and Sister, your plant is on the wrong side of the porch this year.

The Pool Makeover Take 1

2011-04-23T19:14:00.000-05:00

We were opening this pool May 22, 2010 when I fell and broke my ankle. The pool never opened. It has been on the want list since that day. Well on Good Friday the transformation began.

The Before

The fence and pool were in bad shape. This pool has seen it's better day.

But she is getting a complete makeover!

Because this man loves the Roaches! He does not love liner pools but he is in our home group. He will be so mad I am talking about him but his sweet family is dear to me. They have prayed over me and listened to me whine about my pool. He and his family own a local pool company and you can not find better people! Earl's Pool and Spa
Pick them first!

They even let husband work with them for the past two days.

I would wheel to the back door and take their picture when they weren't looking.

I love it when husband is doing manual labor and sweaty.

You see my home group pool friend and I had been making a deal to make me a firepit next to the pool. Husband and I were at odds on the design. But once they cleared out this space I gave them orders that it would be the PERFECT place for my "firepit"! I mean all summer nights should end with a fire and dip in the pool.

So they used the bobcat and picked up my great grandmother's old millstone.

She used to grind her own mill on this stone. We use is for a fire pit.

People pay lots of money for these things now a days. I can't wait

to see what ours will look like after we get through with the design.

It just screams weenie roast.

Once Daddy of Earl's Pool showed up the pace picked up.

They brought lots of fun equipment. I wish I had been closer for better pictures.

This dump truck was massive and Daddy of Earl's Pool will work circles around you.

I wish you could see husband has on working gloves.

This is my favorite picture of the day.

Dump truck going to our sinkhole being chased by the bobcat.

Husband following for moral support and to insure we did not lose any of our beloved friends in the sinkhole. I heard there were some scary moments back there...

After two days of destruction we are now ready for more concrete to be poured. Stone to be laid. Pebbles to be poured. Diving board to install. A new fence. Oh yay!

I have started on my pool furniture and floats. Once this cast is off I will be floating somewhere in the middle until August. Come by and visit.

The new liner is called Capri.

It just sounds dreamy.

I think water therapy will be my favorite way to recover. Such a great way to spend our Easter weekend redoing the pool.

I hope all my Roach Readers have a wonderful Easter celebrating a Risen savior. I will never understand His love for me or the price that was paid on the cross.

Medical Equipment Gone Rancid

2011-04-20T18:58:00.000-05:00

I was so excited when my friend let me borrow her nice wheelchair. It is lightweight and easy to wheel and easy for even my child to push me. However, it is not practical to pack a wheelchair for work everyday and pack it up to come home. My mother being my main transportation home is not big enough to load the wheelchair in her car every afternoon! So "someone special" found a wheelchair I could leave at school. It is not as special as the one from my friend but I was excited that I would have one for work and one for home. Husband packed it in my car last night so we would be ready to go this morning. Upon opening the car doors a smell hit my 8 year old son. He reported that something had died in our car. I am happy to report no one died but I could not confirm someone had not died in that wheelchair during it's previous life. It was too late to change the wheelchair out so off to work I went in my rank wheelchair. I was greeted at the door with 2 teachers who immediately smelt me. They literally ran to their rooms and got cans of Lysol and Odor Eating combinations to kill the smell. I am sure no children enjoyed breakfast this morning with my wheelchair close by. One teacher friend even had the courtesy to take the wheelchair outside to air out for an hour. Nothing seemed to work. It just smelt like the geriatric ward with old bandaids. I was afraid people would think I was not taking showers with my cast and it was me that stunk! That stinky wheelchair provided a great deal of laughter today. The laugh of the day came towards the end of the day when a child walked into my room and said, "Mrs. Roach has my grandmother come in here today?" I replied, "I don't know baby. Who is your grandmother?" He then replied, "Oh, you don't know her but it smells like her in here!" Seriously. I sprayed the noxious chair, said a silent prayer and closed my classroom door. Roach Readers, please pray for a sweet fragrant wheelchair to greet me in the morning.

Toliet and the Devil

2011-04-19T21:14:00.000-05:00

I am back at work. Yes I am tired but my arms are going to be ripped after rolling up and down the halls at school in my wheelchiar. I can move fast until 10 am. Then I am tired. I get up way before five am to even be able to get ready before I wake the little Roaches. I am the luckiest girl alive to work where 900 kids want a hug or a smile or need to tell you a story. My first day back was rough. And my mother will hate I am telling you this story. I will also get in trouble for using the word hate. Peggy Sue does not like hate or toliet stories. Mother, forgive me. On my first day back I manage to wheel into the bathroom along with 10 other little girls for a much needed potty break. But my wheelchair won't go into the stall. In the meantime while I am trying to make this work, 10 little girls want to tell me; "Mrs. Roach I like your cast." "Mrs. Roach I voted for lime green." "Mrs. Roach what happened to your foot?" "Mrs. Roach can I push you?" I wanted to cry and say," Mrs. Roach just wants to potty!" I end up going all the way back to my room and get my crutches only to be met by 10 new little girls with 45 new comments. Needless to say not only am I not taking pain medication at work, I am not drinking liquids anymore either.
Carpool is going great except getting Car Rider 53 into the car is an event. Wheelchair, crutches, handicap mother, two small Roaches are a load. We have to have our own special loading line.
Pray for the carpool.
One more thing Roach Readers, I told you God was using this as a spiritual marker in my life. I am seeing that more clearly in ways that I can't wait to share with you sometime. God is showing me lately to pay attention to my prayer life. I pray for my kids, my husband, job, *goodness the ankle!*, and day to day activities but it becomes a routine of prayers. Until recently the devil showed up in a relationship of mine. I was devastated. And then God spoke to me and said when have you prayed my protection over that relationship lately? He is teaching me our communication needs improvement. My prayer life is changing. HE gets bigger and bigger to me each day. The more I spend time with Him the more I realize who He is! I pray He gets Bigger for you too! And as my friend Frankie would say, Peace and Blessings. Peace and Blessings.

Back to ball and work

2011-04-17T15:29:00.000-05:00

I have a love/hate relationship with ball season. I love cheering for my kids. I love watching them enjoy something they both love to do. I love to see Tbone make a play and shake off a mistake. I love to see him proud of himself or display good sportsmanship to another team. He plays with his whole heart. But that is him, he loves big. He was the one who went into his closet and called me late at night while I was in the hospital. I hate what some parents turn ball into and the chaos they bring to the sport. I have seriously seen parents lose their religion over a tball game. Am I competitive? Absolutely. You can hear me before you ever see me at the ballpark. Do I want my kids to experience winning and losing? Absolutely. Is it torture for me to watch a close ballgame? Absolutely. I just don't want my kids to ever think their performance on the field has any weight on eternity or my love for them. I love that both my kids are currently outside pitching to each other and playing ball in our huge yard because that is what they love to do all year long.

By the way, this shortstop softball player had a mouthful of sunflower seeds during her game the other night. She was spitting them out like a major league player spits his chew. Never once missing a ball hit to her during her midgame snack. And the infamous slide made it's comeback during her last game. Getting to watch all these games is challenging at best. I am thankful for our people who help us with transportation and cheering sections.

And one last plea to my Roach Readers, I go back to work tomorrow. It will be like middle school all over again. My daddy will take me to work and my mother will pick me up. I am car rider #53. Pray for minimal pain during the work day and strength for the long days ahead. Much love.

Stamps the Chicken

2011-04-15T10:37:00.001-05:00

Feeling like myself today.

I slept last night and appreciate all you Roach Readers and your prayers. Part of my healing time is spent on my front porch because no steps are involved.

I love my rock front porch. It is layered with quilts made by both our grandmothers and great grandmothers. Peanut must think it is awesome too

considering it is was her birthing suite and now nursery.

Daughter enjoys my great grandmother's old rockers and spends plenty of time rocking little kittens in between their nursing. We have told her she does not need to help Peanut be a mother but she is sure we are wrong. I am pretty sure this is a good indication why she is the baby and not the middle child. If I ever had another child, I don't think she would ever let me be the mother. I can use my walker and sit out on this rock porch and watch the cars go by. Occasionally friends blow their horn and people at the bank wave.

I think about these rocks and how they have stood here since the early 1900's. A definition of a rock is a firm foundation or support. God has shown me He is my support in my time of need. I love that Peanut found these rocks in her time of need to get her babies a safe secure area to be born.

This is the only kitten that has stripes like Peanut.

Daughter calls it hers.

I know I am in trouble.

Seriously, my sweet friend calls cats spineless creatures because of the way they rub up against you. I can't call this kitten anything but adorable. Stamps might not claim this one but he has to claim all five of the other kittens. I think Stamps is a chicken. I can never get a picture of him for his wanted poster I am planning on plastering at the post office. I mean I have children falling in love with his children and how does Stamps plan on supporting the Kitty Chow?

After leaving the ballpark the other night we did what all good parents do at 8 o'clock at night, drive through Zaxby's for dinner. Well who do we see in the drive through...STAMPS. Not only does he eat at my house and the post office but he eats Chicken at Zaxby's. Warning he is coming to neighborhood near you. Stamps, you big ole Chicken!

Why 4 in the morning?

2011-04-14T04:54:00.000-05:00

"We must embrace pain and burn it as fuel for our journey." - Kenji Miyazawa

Pain is too much tonight or this morning. No doubt this ankle is recovering. The right side is where the ankle guy put in the bone from my knee. It feels like fire this morning. I would like to point my toes. When I get a cramp in my foot I can't stand up and put pressure on it, so I sit and endure. Husband says I am like sleeping with a tiger. I am currently in my recliner praying for relief at 4 in the morning. But thankful I can hear my children sleeping. Thankful I have a dog that sits as close to me as he can to offer his support. This is just a dot on my journey. Eternity is my reward.

Matthew 11:28 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."

Sometimes You Dig Deep

2011-04-13T07:48:00.000-05:00

This is a blast from a past. A story of two old friends. This picture does not tell our story. Our journey is long. You see your first friend in life teaches you how to be a friend for the rest of your life. You remember her when you hear your daughter giggle in her room with her friend. You remember her when you tell of your Christian walk and when Christ saved you.

Sometimes you have to remember who you are and where you came from. Sometimes you have to remember old friends. This is my friend KT. I don't have a single childhood memory without her in it. We were saved at Camp Spain during Vespers one night the summer after fourth grade. We went on every softball tournament our daddies played in from here to Nashville. We took family vacations to the beach. Our mothers would say we became friends while we were in our mother's stomach. KT posted this photo on fb to remind me I could get through this current challenge. You see together we were as strong as Wonder Woman.

Sometimes you just channel your inner Wonder Woman and you take a deep breathe.

You close your eyes.

You pray.

And then the Physician's Assistant moves your ankle to 90 degrees.

Cast goes on and you are done.

Sometimes it just takes the Wonder Woman you were born to be.

P.S. The cast colors were chosen by my students at school. They got to vote on my cast color by voting on my school blog. Everyone will see me coming a mile away!

Ready for the Storm

2011-04-12T07:03:00.001-05:00

Last night we had some bad weather and I put on facebook I was going to my safe location in my wheelchair. My cousin, Dian McCray, drew this picture of me! It provided a much needed laugh after a couple of rough days. It has been painful since coming home from the hospital. Trying to take the right medication and still being able to function and be a mother, wife, friend, etc can be a delicate balance. But I find myself painting on a smile and getting ready for the storm on a daily basis. There are moments when the smile fades and tears come but God always provides. I have family that will come in an instant. Friends that drop by with encouragement, Starbucks, milkshakes, flowers and food. Today will be a stormy day. You might remember this post. One of the most painful experiences last summer was getting my foot to 90 degrees. Today I will have to go through the same thing. A cast and 90 degrees. I am scared and anxious but I know God will get me through this and so much more. I know that Jesus will calm the storm I face today. Mark 4:35-40

Brighter news from Roach Ranch: How cute are these babies? Seriously I am not a cat person but look at that little white face on Peanuts leg. The sad news is Butter has been missing since last Tuesday. The good news is the kids have these babies to keep them entertained. Daughter is the nurse maid. She rotates them constantly so each kitten gets ample time of nursing. Son just gets upset when Peanut carries them in the mouth. Their eyes are not open yet and most look just like the Post Office Dead Beat Dad, Stamps. Last night husband went outside and said Stamps was looking lost wondering around outside. I told him to go tell Stamps his girlfriends are gone and he can speak to them when he forks over the child support.

Outcomes

2011-04-07T19:01:00.000-05:00

Last picture of free feet for a while. God is good. Surgery went great. Ankle guy had given a small percentage that the fusion would be successful. However, ankle guy gave a more favorable outcome after this surgery. He felt I had a 90 % chance to regain full mobility of the foot. The foot will still be stiff and running is history. But I will walk pain free. Most of my pain is in the knee where he took a bone to fuse to the leg bones. I am excited to be home and start the road to recovery. No weight bearing, no walking, no driving for at a minimum of 8 weeks. We came home today to a very new outcome of 6 baby kittens. Mother is Peanut. Butter is missing.I can't make this stuff up. This is the best picture we could get without making momma mad. I love she decided to have them on my front porch. They are all black. Confirming the baby daddy is Stamps from the Post office. I will be getting DNA swabs soon. And I am not sure which is worst for Husband; me or the kittens.

Countdown is up

2011-04-05T20:40:00.000-05:00

It has come. Surgery is in the MORNING!! My quote this week has I am ready for it to be behind me then in front of me. Tonight I am filled with all kinds of emotions. Especially since my softball team lost their first game tonight. I am in a bible study on Saturday mornings learning about the names of God. Something spoke to me this past week and I am carrying it with me. I am a planned child. God is working in me to conform me in the image of Christ. And He is sovereign. Tonight I will rest in the fact the God will only let my pain and suffering go so far and when it is too much, He will stick out His hand and He will say, "Enough." Romans 8:28 and Deuteronomy 32:29 believing in the truth... I am so blessed. I have friends that call and text and email. I have an old high school friend that came by my house tonight at 8:30 to give me a hug, prayers and hilarious goodies. Jamie I am speechless! I have a sister who just tells me she is coming to the hospital tomorrow when I thought she was not coming. I have inlaws keeping my kids. I have a husband that prays. I have a mother that has cried more than me. I have a home group that is my prayer life line. I have a girl in MS, a girl in Oxford AL that are on their knees. I have a daddy that called to say make sure they check me for Hoof and Mouth disease. I have two grandmothers, 90 and 87, who will pray for me and wait by their phones. I have an eight year old boy that is hysterical tonight wanting mommy just to stay home and not go. My heart is broken, scared but not without hope because I am not alone. Even in hard times I have a God who sees me. I will cry to God Most High, to God who accomplishes all things for me. Psalm 57:2

A Happy, A Sad and A Lawsuit

2011-04-04T16:21:00.000-05:00

My most talented cousin, Dian McCray, painted me for a recent art exhibit. She is a REAL artist. She is a lover of art and Auburn. She has taught art for more than 25 years and she taught me in kindergarten. I think I am way cuter in her painting than in real life. She also painted my kiddos and I will show you those later. But kuddos to her and her work!

What do I need 2 days before surgery? Strep. Yep. Poor MG. Her brother and his broke nose...I thought I would break down. We instead had a nice lunch and ice cream. We then went to have my pre-op bloodwork and instructions for surgery. The nurse said "please don't shave, they will shave you." My son looked at her and said, "well it will be a jungle by then." Oh, I love him. Daughter got to get a big girl shot in hopes to knock out the strep faster.

I am thinking of bringing a lawsuit against the Post Office. They have a cat. We call him Stamps. He is black with white feet and he frequents our back barn and the post office. He does not want us to pet him or acknowledge him. However, one day daughter ran inside to tell us, "Stamps is hugging Butter." Stamps must have hugged both cats....

They are large.

Here Peanut is kissing Butter telling her she knows the pregnancy is hard but it will be over soon. I am taking request for kittens. One friend has requested two already. Marsh and Mellow. Husband will be thrilled to birth kittens while I am laid up in a cast. Remember...we are not cat people. We are just anti-mouse people.

Bucket List

2011-04-03T21:38:00.000-05:00

I love a list. I make list and then add to it just to be able to mark off something. I had a list for this weekend. I even asked my closest facebook friends to tell me what would be on their list if they knew they would not walk for 3 months. They gave me all kinds of suggestions from beach walks to just crying. Well this is what made my list: 1. Easter clothes for the whole family - This is a whole blog entry by itself. It involved the metropolis of Calera and lots of tears. I had a mild panic attack Friday night when I realized I would not get to go shopping by myself for awhile. Who would buy the kids Easter outfits? Husband kissed my head and told me to go. I drove down Hwy 31 ending up in Calera on my cell phone crying to my friend. She assured me no Easter clothes were in Calera. She talked me out of a panic attack and I turned the car around. I ended up at a store with mascara down my shirt where I purchased the WHOLE family Easter outfits. 2. Pedicure on one foot- I begged for a pedicure. Since I am still healing from the previous surgery they were reluctant. However, I agreed to hold the foot for them and they scrubbed it and painted my toes. I will miss that treat. 3. Walking in the grass barefoot - I am just a farm girl at heart. I walked all over this farm...barefoot. 4. Eyebrows waxed - It will be me and the tweezers for awhile. 5. Flip flops- I wore flip flops all weekend. Because I could. And yes it hurt. But I had a fresh pedicure. It deserved flip flops. 6.Organized the kids closets- I won't be able to get in their closets for a couple of months. I got their closets organized so Husband will be able to dress them with out much confusion. 7. Cleaned - I will even miss the control over floors and toilets and bathtubs. My sweet mother helped me wash the sheets on all four beds. Some of the things on my list are for pleasure and some are for preparation.

These were for my heart -

*Hot baths and Stand up showers.

I close my eyes and thank God for each one of these pleasures.

*Holding hands with daughter when we walked back from feeding the horses. I love holding her hand when I walk and she skips.

*Climbing on the tractor and riding in Husband's lap while he cut the grass. I love being his wife.

*Watching my son play baseball and cheering for him even when he took a ball to the nose. Then listening to him later tell me, "thanks for always supporting me Mommy." I love being his mom.

*Riding with the windows down and radio up by MYSELF. Husband will laugh when he reads this...this was seriously something I missed the most last summer. I love riding with windows down and singing at the top of my lungs.

Two more days.

Pray For This Man

2011-04-01T17:11:00.000-05:00

I have made this man loose his hair.

I hit his car last night.

He will be my caretaker for the next 2 months. We will celebrate 10 year of marriage this summer.

We will probably celebrate at home with spaghetti for supper.

Yoda the dog thinks he hung the moon.

The kids adore him.

He can pitch better than me.

He is brillant.

He will have to treat me like a 90 year old for the next few weeks.

God love him.

Easter is Coming!

2011-03-28T20:03:00.001-05:00

Do you recognize anyone? I am the cute girl in the bonnet. Sister is looking special with

her bowl cut. Easter 1979 Gross. I know. You should see the other side. I will be cut in the same location for the third time on April 20th. I will have the bone fusion. PRAISE GOD the fibula will not have to be broken. Come to find out my fibulas are turned cause God made me that way. Not the date I wanted but God will work that out also. His timing is perfect. Isn't it funny how we think we have so much control over our plan?. We book vacations. We plan things. I love some planning but God has shown me over the last year that He will rewrite my plans so we are together. But don't tell sister about April 20th. She and I have done Easter. We got Easter in our marriages. We would do our spouses for Thanksgiving. But Easter was for Sisters. This Easter I won't be there and I will save a ton of money on Easter clothes. Sister will most sad because it will throw off her table decorations.

Easter 2010

I must say she is the only person who ever calls me and lets me cry without trying to stop it and she is one of the rare ones who knows when I am faking that I am "fine."

I love that at a time when I will be in so much pain, I will also be celebrating the fact that Jesus rose from the grave and went to sit on the right hand of God. It is finished. He has overcome and the battle has been won. My battle has been fought. He goes before me.

Thank you for your prayers! God is answering!

Friends, rollers and Jesus

2011-03-27T12:49:00.001-05:00

I have some of the best friends in the whole world. I have Godly friends. Friends that give me Godly counsel even when it is not what I want to hear. Friends that pray for me. Friends that have had great pain over the past year and walk daily in the truth and love that only He can give. If you are reading this and you do not have Jesus get Him first. If you are reading this and you do not have Godly counsel around you, find it fast. Get a small group. I HEART my small group. It is vital to your maturation and life. Jaclyn has been on my blog before. She married my friend from childhood. She has a heart that is pure and precious. She is just as beautiful on the inside as the outside. She lost her daddy this past year yet her spiritual walk has never been stronger. I can't tell you how much I draw on her strength. She is my prayer warrior. Always sending text or emails or phone calls right when I need them. One of her spiritual gifts is giving. She would give you her heart if you needed it. I am never surprised when I have a box at my back door. I know it is her. She and I had several similar childhood experiences. We were raised by good ole southern mommas. They taught us to stand up straight, don't chew gum, use good manners and when the going gets tough...ROLL YOUR HAIR and dress up. Boy breaks up with you - ROLL YOUR HAIR. You had a fight with your girlfriend- ROLL YOUR HAIR. Going to church - ROLL YOUR HAIR. We laugh about it but we both still have that mindset. Every interview I have ever been on, I roll my hair. So when I got a package last week in the mail from her I was so happy that it was pink sponge rollers and a pack of pantyhose. I decided immediately that my daughter must fall victim to the tradition and learn when life gets hard - ROLL YOUR HAIR.

She loved it and was so beautiful the next day. I am so thankful though that no matter what I do to the outside of me or what face I put on that day God only cares about my heart. I am beautiful to Him no matter if I rolled my hair. I go to the doctor tomorrow to get the results of my CT scan. I am expecting to get my surgery date. My prayers this week have changed so much from worries and concerns to wanting God to make my heart desire what He wants to be done through this surgery. I know tomorrow I will probably cry. I know I will wear my waterproof mascara. I know my friends will pray. And I know I will probably ROLL MY HAIR.

The Rock

2011-03-21T19:51:00.000-05:00

Please don't read if you are sick of my ankle. I don't blame you. I am sick of my ankle. When I was a little girl I had a picture my mother crosstiched that said "God is not finish with me yet." And God is not finished with my ankle or it's story. It is definitely a spiritual marker in my life. I will look back on this time and know that He was all over it and ALL IN.

Today was my follow up with Ankle Guy.

1. Stitches are not ready to come out.

2. Xray today showed the fibia has turned since surgery this past Friday.

3. Tibia and fibia are still apart requiring a bone fusion.

4. Bone fusion will require a bone from my knee.

5. A catscan will have to happen this week to see about the fibia's movement.

6. If the fibia has turned it will have to be broken AGAIN.

7. Bone fusion - 3 month recovery.

If you want specifics to lift up in prayer:

1. Pray that the fibia will not have to be broken again.

2. Pray that the catscan gives a clear indication of the need for the bone fusion.

My scripture reading this morning was Deuteronomy 32:31 For their rock is not like our Rock...

In a moment of tears and frustration tonight I told my husband I wanted my life back. It's not my life. It is His. I would love to take the pain and anger and blame someone but this is my Plan A. You see my accident was not accident. It was my plan. He is my rock. My pain is for His purpose.

Peanut and Butter

2011-03-19T10:11:00.000-05:00

There was a family that lived in a farm house.

And they did not know so did a mouse.

Until late one night the mouse ran around and played in their den.

They screamed and yelled for big guns and men.

Instead the next day mommy cried and begged for cats.

That will fix the problem and get rid of the rats!

Son would sneeze and scratch if we let the new friends inside.

So we gave them their instructions of where they could go, under the house and outside.

We would call the sisters Peanut and Butter and pray for their hunting skills.

Husband is so happy our pet list is longer along with our vet bills.

Secrets and Horses

2011-03-17T09:39:00.000-05:00

I can not keep secrets. I want to give the kids their presents right when I buy them. I don't like surprises. I am awful at Christmas. It is awful for me. Thankfully I have a husband who does not buy gifts and a mother that lets me pick out my gifts. Husband, he can do secrets and apparently so can my mother and sister. Yesterday I spent a long time praying and talking over having the impeding surgery earlier than this summer. Just wondering what that would mean....off work a week, what would it mean for softball coaching, kids, me, and the list goes on.
I bring up the idea to husband and he looks at the ground and says, "yea the doctor said a month." HUH? The ankle guy told husband and mother surgery would probably need to happen in a month. Mother, husband and sister decided they would let HIM tell me that Monday at my appointment.
So for days I have worried about my summer. Seems I need to be thinking about April instead.

Can any one of you by worrying add one single hour to your life? Matthew 6:27

So today I am going outside. I am going to soak up some SUN. I will brush a horse or two. Enjoy the life I have been given and face the news Monday at 3:00.

My heart

2011-03-15T20:37:00.000-05:00

I use to say follow your heart.

My heart is big.

My heart is tender.

My heart trust easily.

My heart is selfish.

My heart is deceptive. Jeremiah 17:9

The word heart is used in the NLT bible 350 plus times.

God wants me to guard my heart. Proverbs 4:23

God wants me to love and write that love on my heart. Proverbs 3:3

Despite the future being laid before me of cast and laying around. My heart is set to love. My heart is longing to go despite being told I have to sit still. My heart will not be satisfied here on my couch. I long to tell others of my heart problems. I look at mission trip pictures and I long to go. My heart is selfish for the world to know. I want to hold these babies on my wall. Send me. Let me.

Sorrow and Hope

2011-03-14T12:43:00.000-05:00

You keep track of all my sorrows;
You have collected all my tears in your bottle.
You have recorded each one in your book.
Psalm 56:8

Let me first say I am thankful for a God who collects my tears. At times when words can not console and nothing seems to make the pain stop, knowing I have a God who keeps track of all my sorrows provides a peace that surpasses all understaning.

I went in today because my ankle needed to be re-wrapped to 90 degrees. I have been able to put weight on the ankle and walk around yesterday and today. I was on a high from that accomplishment. I met with the P.A. who assisted in my surgery only to be given the "reality" of my situation.
The facts:
1. Bone fusion will have to happen in the immediate future due to arthritis and how the bones are growing farther apart.
2. I will permantly walk with a limp
3. I will permatly loose left to right mobility of the ankle
4. Next surgery will have a mandatory 3-4 day hospital stay
5. 8 weeks of a hard cast
6. 4-6 weeks in a boot
7. Physical therapy

If I could have run out of that office I would have...but I can't run. I can't walk fast. I have been chosen to carry this battle. I have been chosen. This summer husband and I will celebrate 10 years of marriage. We have a trip planned with kids in June. In July we had hoped to celebrate with a trip and recently decided we would spend that trip on a Mission trip. We had made plans to get our passports and start asking God where He wanted to send us. God chose to overwrite our plans for His plans. I know many people that read these words may not be saved. I know many people that read these words may question why a God who loves me choose pain for me.

Romans 8:28
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose.

I believe Romans 8:28. I believe something that is hard and painful can be turned into good for His glory. I believe through my tears and pain, God will use my suffering. My reward as a Christ follower is eternity. So today, I feel like I can't breath. Fear of the pain and trail that lay before me almost take me over but I still have hope...my hope is in the Lord.

Revelations 21:4
He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.

Coming Up For Air

2011-03-13T09:47:00.000-05:00

Can you tell I started a full time job?

Life has been coming at us at 100 mph. We have seen God move in some pretty remarkable ways this year. We have faced pain and heartache. We have struggled. We have had blessings beyond measure. We have loved and we have laughed.

May 22, 2010 I fall breaking my ankle so bad it is hanging off my leg. I remember looking up at the clouds and saying, "Really?" Really. It has been a long and painful 10 months. I have come to live through chronic pain. At times I thought I was losing my mind or I was crazy. In December of this past year, a CAT scan confirmed I had chipped bone in the ankle joint. The screws were so tight in the tibia that it was splintering the bone. I prayed God would open the door for a new doctor to take on my case. After several "No's" and closed doors, I got a phone call from a doctor (We will call him Ankle Guy) stating he would take on my case.

Ankle Guy could not believe I walked around on a daily basis without tears. Not only did he see the chipped bone but there was severe cartlidge damage, scar tissue, and the tibia and fibia were not put back together. The tibia and the fibia are the two bones that are connected at the base of your leg. My two bones are separate. Ankle Guy sated I needed immediate hard ware removal and scope to clean up the ankle. Ankle guy felt I would need a bone fusion down the road in a few years to fix the tibia and fibia but he would know more after he operated.

I had surgery this past Friday. Ankle guy removed all the hardware which my crazy husband was allowed to keep. Ankle guy was able to remove the chipped bone and feels like I will feel some what better with this surgery. Ankle guy also discovered that arthritis has already set in the ankle. The tibia and fibia are farther aprat then they were in February. I will need a bone fusion this summer. I felt like someone kicked me in the stomach.

Bone fusion means hospital stay, hard cast for 4-6 weeks, boot, recovery....
I see a repeat of last summer.
Yesterday, I laid in bed and let the enemy tell me how bad it will be. I cried until I had no more tears. I had friends come and pray over me. I had friends call and pray with me. I listened to the enemy as he told me about no showers, no driving, no swimming with my kids, and pain...more pain. I wallowed in self doubt. I listened to lies.

Today, I pull myself out of my bed. I use a walker to make it to the kitchen. I get my own ice pack out of the refrigerator. I kiss my son good morning and he helps me fix breakfast. I put my foot on the ground a try a little weight. The pain comes. I think about the pain of my sin on Jesus. I walk another step.

I have a God who loves me. John 3:16
A risen Savior who has overcome the world. John 16:33
I feel like I am coming up for air. 2 Cor. 4:8-9

Get Fired Up

2010-10-23T06:31:00.000-05:00

I love that I completly to back to a child when I realize Bo Jackson is running through the tunnel. And I love husband looks excited and daughter acts like I am taking her picture. But can I get a throw your hands up?

This was at the Arkansas game. I have a whole "nother" post about LS who and number one in the BCS. Loving all the games this year. Loving time spent with my family. Lots of love later...but today can I get a Hands UP?

Highlight Pictures

2010-10-21T16:29:00.000-05:00

Football is over. I was surprised son and I cried at the last game. I have never seen him work that hard for something. It was a fun, hard ride. What will we ever do with our time?

Customize your own scrapbook design

Possum #1

2010-10-10T15:09:00.000-05:00

I am thinking Billy the Exterminator might have met his match. By the way, Billy, owns us. Daddy Roach and I love to watch him and hysterically laugh. If you have not seen the show you are missing out. Billy seems ill prepared to catch his animals kinda like we are around the farm. With this farm came two cats. Son is allergic to cats but we agreed cats on the farm are a necessity. It has taken us months to get one cat to even like us and the other cat will now occasionally come out of the barn and watch us. We have been noticing Manassas was eating a lot. Well then we discovered a very large raccoon and another large possum were eating from her dish as she sits perched on my car. So we decide we will set a trap. The first night of the trap we were all excited. We heard it go off and ran outside only to discover we caught Manassas. Now 4 days later we still have not seen her. She is obviously mad at us. But later that night we caught the raccoon...he being the large beast that he is busted out of the metal cage. However, I think Manassas will be back tonight because look who we caught...

If you wondering, possums, really play possum. This means they move their lips back and show their teeth making a hissing sound. They will also lay down and pretend they are dead by producing a foul smelling odor. Our possum did just that. Thankfully we have a Paw Paw who shows up early every morning to take care of the chickens we also have inherited. He said Possum #1 is living the high life at a swamp behind his house. Stay tuned for Mr. Raccoon.

Sweet Tater Fries

2010-10-05T21:12:00.000-05:00

What is a Momma Roach to do with sweet taters when they are coming out your ears? Cook'em. I remember when my kids were little the pediatrician asked me did my kids love the orange vegetables because their noses were turning orange! Well my kids are still carrot and sweet tater lovers and we will all have orange noses when these taters wear off.

These sweet nuggets are sweet tater fries and yum yum. These are better then french fries and this recipe will make your mouth water.

1/2 tsp of ground cumin

1/2 tsp of salt

1/4 tsp of red pepper flakes

1 tbsp. of olive oil

2 large sweet taters

Peel and slice sweet taters and place in a bowl. Combine spice, oil and taters until taters are coated evenly.

On a baking sheet bake taters until ends are crispy and taters are done.

400 degrees for 30-45 min.

ENJOY

Happy Fall ya'll!

PS We like our tater fries on the side of a nice steak.

Sweet Taters

2010-09-29T19:43:00.000-05:00

Autumn is sorta here. I know we never get a "real fall" or a "real spring" in Alabama but it is kinda cool outside. I seriously love that I sat outside with a blanket on me at Tbone's game the other night. I love that autumn means sweet taters. To pick this many sweet taters, you need a few helping hands.

You need a farm dog. You know, 7lbs of fur and furry, who is so excited he must ride in the truck or be run over by the tractor.

To dig up sweet taters this big, you need muscles and fingernails that will never be the same. Manicures are for the city folks and have no need around these parts. Although I am pretty sure I never dreamed of taking my little girl to school with skank nails.

Nails that have had grubb slime. There is a hot debate if this is a red grubb or a witch's finger. Since October is but days away, I will let the witch's finger theory fly.

You need boots that don't fit to pick the most sweet taters. You also need your brande new Auburn underarmor shirt on to wipe mud. That reminds me, I need a new stain fighter at my house.

You need lots of enthusiasm. Running helps shake the ground.

You also need husband to come home in his work clothes and immediately start helping. He is trying to fit into farm life but he does look cute in his collared shirt underneath the shadow of the silo.

You need lots of plastic buckets. Good for tossing tater.

Rows of taters. Can you smell the dirt?

You also need more help on day 2 of sweet taters. Glad we have nephews down the gravel road. Tbone is missing from the cute barefoot photo. He was covered in ants. Ants are also a part of sweet taters. Hence the need for big boots...that Tbone thought he could leave off for one day.

And you can't get that many sweet taters without Mommy Roach driving the diesel. Hat is optional.

Country Song or It Ain't

2010-09-28T20:37:00.000-05:00

My life should be a country song.
Seriously.
Between my kids, last name, life on the farm, day to day catastrophes, I should have my own country song.
But I don't.
So you get my brain dump today to sum up.

I love my job. I love going to work with my kids. I love it.
I miss my friends.
I feel like I talk to some of them almost never right now.
Best thing about having a full time job. Cell phone bill cut in half. Can you feel Husband smiling?

We had a family photo shoot at the farm...go here http://www.jencowsar.com/index2.php#/home/ and check out her amazing work.

This was our first day of school photo shoot. Kindergarten and Second Grade. Both kids are loving school and loving their teachers. They both still are adjusting to waking up at 6am...but I figure that is a battle I will fight for the next oh...12 years.

Son turned eight. I still haven't swallowed eight yet. He had the best party to date. Camping at home with five boys and a sister.

This child is learning each year that Auburn is in your heart. He believes and I love it!

It is true, that if you want to know what is important to you...look where you spend the most time and money. No matter how tired I am on Friday's...I drive to Auburn on Saturday. Nothing is better for the soul then old friends and 36830.

I miss running.

My ankle.

Well, I do not talk about it anymore. I am officially over it. Over the way it has changed my life. Over the fact now they are going to do surgery AGAIN. Over the fact it swells like this after a day of walking. Over the fact that it is STILL painful. Over it. But thanks for asking.

Tiger Walk back in my life and in my Saturday's. Life is Good. Hey, rumor has it a quarterback in town!

On Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and sometimes Saturday and sometimes Sunday...we are playing football. #48 that is. Otherwise known as Tbone. He has been known to put on a good show. And he is not near as exhausted as I am from football.

I really think each year we get busier and busier but the basic day to day life is the same. I keep busy doing all my normal things like folding clothes, cooking meals, keeping kids from killing each other and trying not to forget at the end of the day I am still a just a MOMMA ROACH ....kinda like a country song or it ain't.

Too Fast

2010-08-04T20:36:00.000-05:00

I am finding little time lately for blogging. So to catch you up on Roach life...say hello to the terminator. I have had him for about 4 weeks. Along with the terminator came rehab. Well that is just a barrel of fun. At first I could move my toes and inch. Today I can move my ankle 25 degrees more in one direction and 15 degrees more in another direction. I go back to the doctor tomorrow and hopefully will go to full weight bearing without crutches!!!

And I said goodbye to Pinkie. This is the only thing that has not been too fast in my life. This has been long enough! However, taking a bath, shaving my legs, taking a shower, swimming...heaven. I pray I never take those things for granted again. That pink cast was about the death of me.

We have been putting up tons of vegetables and loving every minute of it. My favorite still is purple hull peas. YUMMY. On any given morning I can find a basket on my back door. The kids are so excited about picking the vegetables and are big helpers in shelling.

Husband and I enjoyed a weekend away with our home group peeps to the mountains. This was breakfast...fire and french toast. Yummy. I boiled husband in a hot tub. Not even kidding.

We finally got to take this kids on a vacation. After probably the worst summer ever with a broken momma and a move they got to enjoy being on vacation.

I finally got to put 10 toes in sand and water. And I worked on that awful tan line. And just like that our vacation was over. Too fast.

Football season is here. If you are a follower of this blog you know my heart bleeds orange and blue. But this season I will be bleeding red and black for this little Warrior. First of all he can not be this big. The other day he sneezed and said, "Mommy I keep bless youing!" And instead of correcting him, I thought I am keeping that saying. That is the only thing he still says that reminds me of him as my toddler. It's too fast. I want to put a brick on his head and read him Goodnight Moon.

I will do something next Monday that my family has never known me to do. . . I will go to work full time. I have not worked full time since son was growing in my belly over eight years ago. I am thrilled and blessed to be going to work at my children's school. I have had very little time to be sad about daughter starting Kindergarten because I will get to be with her. We will all go to school together and leave together.

I have learned so much about myself this summer and about my friends, about my family, and about my faith. So glad I serve a God who is not surprised about my worries, my pain, my needs, and my faults. I am thankful for the eight years I have spent in our home, raising my children and serving my husband. I would not trade those years or the sacrifices. I was there for every "first" moment. Those are precious memories I will not forget and even the days when I thought one of us would not survive! I would not survived without my mommy friends. They are the only ones you can call at 6:30 am and have your morning cup of caffeine with and laugh about which kid had you up all night. They are the ones you cry with, ship your kids off to and the ones that know we are all trying to figure out this mommy thing as we go.

One thing I know now is 8 years...too fast.

But I am ready for the next chapter and can't wait to see what God has in store for us.

We are home!

2010-07-07T07:42:00.000-05:00

In between boxes and picture hanging...the farm provides time for swinging. There is a lot less television time here and not a lot of Wii, a little less play station, little time for blogging or facebooking...But there is always time for swinging. There is a breeze up here on this hill and trees a hundred years old that provide just the right shade.

There is more time for running to the creek barefoot. Which is really not nice since I still have pinkie and I can't run after her.

There are waterfalls to explore into the infamous Buck Creek. And rocks to be thrown. Because no creek is complete without out thrown rocks from little hands.

And there are tours to be given to all of your friends. Tours are made complete in bathing suites and shirts are optional on the farm unless you are the MOMMY.

There is a Silo that stands guard as if hold the past and look over the future. And if I listen long enough, I hear a whisper, "welcome home Marsha."

Cow Trophies

2010-06-29T19:27:00.000-05:00

Everyone has a past.

Mine includes cows and trophies.

When your friends find your trophies...your past is out in the open and in this case on the mantel for display.

If I was interviewed about the cow trophies this would be the interview.

Q. What do you do to get a cow trophy?

A. You show your cow at fairs in a circle with lots of other people.

Q. What do you wear?

A. White pants, white button up shirt and white shoes...because that is obviously safe around cow manure.

Q. What do you mean "show" the cow?

A. You lead them around a ring and stop them when the judge tells you to. They have to stand in a certain way. Feet in a certain position and head up. Kinda like a dog show with cows.

Q. Were you nervous?

A. Yes and most of the time the cows were full grown and I was all of 8.

Q. Was it a heated competition?

A. Yes. Especially the State Fair. Someone would have to spend the night with our cows at the State Fair grounds because people might try to do something to our cows. Like feed them something to make them sick. Tough competition.

Q. What was your biggest Cow Trophy Accomplishment?

A. Grand Champion at the State Fair with Gumdrop, sweetest cow I have ever known.

Seriously. Cow Trophies.

It's My Birthday!!

2010-06-27T16:04:00.000-05:00

What a fabulous weekend. I am too tired to think but I don't want to forget these moments. After finding out pinkie has to stay on until July 8th, I was in need of friend time and a getaway. So MS friends came down or over I guess. All the kids had a blast and these is the last time these 6 will be together in this kitchen. They all have grown up here in this kitchen. First it was Karen and Allen's house and then ours... we are currently making the plea for Summer and Brian to buy it and keep it in the family. Nothing says we have missed our dear friends other then welcoming them to our home and asking them to move furniture. These three boys moved our WHOLE downstairs Friday night while the girls got to play catch up. Well, Summer and I did...Karen pulled weeds.

Summer and Sarah Burns...my heart already misses these two faces. You know you have a friend for life when you pick up right where you leave off. That is how I feel about Summer and Jaclyn.

Karen and Tracy had planned a trip to Ross Bridge while I was in the hospital. I had never been and was pumped. There were 9 of us. The pool was amazing and I only wanted to slap people that could go under and go down the slide. I did my first step dip and cooled off rather well.

Karen, Pinkie, Me, Bre, Kerri and Tracy.

Jacyln and Jen.

Summer, Sister and Karen.

All nine of us in our little cabana. Yes, by the time we left everyone knew pinkie and knew it was my birthday!

And nothing says Happy Birthday other then Edgar's Strawberry Cake with NO FORKS!

So many funny stories and lots of laughter. My favorite picture is KP driving me in the wheelchair. She is the fastest wheelchair driver. Summer is a hotel guru. Tracy is full of air. Karen finally relaxed with no children around and did not clean up the room. Jaclyn is still the most beautiful person on the inside and out. Bre got entertainer of the year with her mug shot magazine. And sister and Jen...well they get the music award. Thankful to have had time away because this week is moving week. So the next update will probably be from the Roach Ranch. Stay tuned.

Birthday Weekend

2010-06-25T12:42:00.000-05:00

Karen and me and Jaclyn!!!

Me and Tracy and Kerri, my running Nazi's and hood buddies!

My Mississippi girl, Summer!

My sister and her bf Jen.

Me and Bre!!

All of these girls are taking me to Ross Bridge for my birthday. I am sure we will be a sight. Wheelchair, bath stool and crutches. Some of these girls have never met, some are my oldest friends and some are my newest friends and two have moved away. I am blessed to have each one of them in my life. Look for us on the news...Friends take handicap friend on a birthday trip.

Back Yard

2010-06-20T20:58:00.000-05:00

Since we are still in the process of moving into the Kent farmhouse and my dad is still in the process of moving out...you can't get inside photos for awhile. Husband snapped these photos today on Father's Day of part of the new back yard.

The pool is still not open until...I fell the day we were opening the pool.

The cows said MOOOVE in already.

And I am just saying the garden says yum to me.

Feeling Guilty

2010-06-19T06:32:00.000-05:00

I have made jokes before that I should have been Catholic. I even have told my Catholic friends that I think weekly confessional time would be great because I am always feeling guilty about something. This blog has lately been all about me and Pinkie and I feel guilty for not writing about the kids. So to prove I am still being a Mommy Roach . . . here are some pics of the Little Roach's.

When they have not been pimped out to friends and Nana they have been very busy. Son had baseball camp one week which he loved. Then they both had a week of VBS. This past week they both went to basketball camp at the High School with mother! Yes, daughter went and her Carter went with her. She even got the Free Throw Award one day. Son got several awards also but they were worn out and tired by Friday. Daughter also has had ear infections for 2 weeks...good times. By the way, when she is ill...everyone is ill. Both are really good swimmers and love to stay under the water! Here is daughter with the other MG and Laura. Laura is my summer helper. She is going to help me one day a week not to loose my sanity. 13 year olds are the best helpers. She is still young enough to have fun and can provide semi-adult communication with me!

Pinkie Proof

2010-06-18T21:37:00.000-05:00

Me in the pool. Sad but this was heaven. My friend, Elise, is holding Pinkie on the concrete, wrapped in my VBS shirt! And I got chlorine in my hair for the first time all summer. This is the closet my body has been to being "submerged" in water. It is the simple things!! And I am so happy about this moment, that I don't even care that I am posting a picture of my self in a bathing suite!

Pinkie #2 Update

2010-06-17T18:33:00.000-05:00

Pinkie has been out of the house several times. VBS, lunch with Bre, pool with Tracy, out to eat with mother and grandmother...but no stores. Not even Publix. So husband took me to Target. He went in first to survey for scooters. I could not walk on crutches all over the store and we did not have the wheelchair. So for your amusement and husband's...( Please notice Oprah, I am driving and texting) We laughed until we cried throughout the store.

Over the past week Pinkie has been less painful and I was able to come off the pain meds during the day. Nausea has about killed me so they tried switching the pain pills but nothing seem to work. Bone pain is intense and some of the nausea could be because of bone pain. Sleep however is not my friend. I am sleeping less and less. My big toe is still "asleep".

Today was the day we went to get Pinkie #2 and my foot to 90 degrees. I was put in another hard cast and could be in it for 2 to 3 more weeks before I will get a boot and go to rehab. Here is the good news. We got to 90 degrees. The leg looks like a leg and I could see some ankle bones. The swelling was down and the incsions look good.

The bad news...the hair on my leg is D-scusting!! The stand in the above photo is what I put my foot on and then move my knee to get my leg to a 90 degree angle. The nurse left husband and I alone to try to get the foot moving. As hard as I tried...it moved maybe 1/2 inch. The nurse finally was able to get a layer of casting on and then had me put my foot on a stool and move my knee to 90 degrees. She says"your good!" and husband says "no, she needs to come forward a little more!" I could have spit on him. Reason why not to take an engineer to an orthopedic appointment. So Lord willing my foot is now casted at 90 degrees but with that joy comes pain.

I feel like I am back to square one with pain levels today. I can't stand movement on the leg and the pain is radiating to my hip. All you prayer warriors out there please pray that the pain will ease and sleep will come!!

My News Article

2010-06-15T09:16:00.000-05:00

Alabaster Reporter It’s a homecoming for Alabaster woman

Pinkie was interviewed about our upcoming move!!

Pinkie Passing Out Thanks

2010-06-15T08:46:00.000-05:00

There are not enough thank you notes for all the things people have done and given to us...so I thought I would share.
From moment one of the incident my brother in law kept my kids and dog so my sister could be by my side. This meant he had 5 kids. He also gave me a peep talk one day that changed my outlook on things. He reminded me who I was.

There were my hospital warriors: my mother, sister, husband, my dad, Karen, Shirley, Tracy, Joseph, Todd, Patti and Sammy Davis, Mary Lee, Sue and Jimmy Dennis, Uncle Don and Kathy, Bre, Amy, Kevin, Micah, and my babies. Some of these people did things for me in the hospital that I never thought any of my friends or family would have to do. I woke to people praying over me at 5:30 am in the hospital on most mornings. I have never felt so loved and blessed.

Shirley and I think Bre set up a meal website immediately. All good southern churches rally and send food to the needy! We are on week 4 of having meals delivered. My husband could not be more thrilled that food is ready when he gets in from work just like always!!

With each meal came a visit right when I needed it! I had friends of old and new walk through my front door with a smile and a hug. Most of you sat with me and let me cry and talk.

Jacyln drove over an hour to come bring me books and a hug.

John Perry (a man in our home group) brought his daughter , Nicole, and her husband, Renan, to plant flowers in my front yard to help get our house ready to put on the market. Then entertained my kids while they worked in the heat.

Karly, Shirley, Aunt Joy and Dana sent me a books to read and pass the time. Sister says I need to cross-stich like when we were little...I have not gotten that desperate.

Karen, Bre, April,Cyndi, Jessica, my mother and my sister have provided hours of babysitting. HOURS. I feel like I am pimping out my children all summer. But this is by far my greatest need and greatest blessing. From moment one I worried about my children. When my husband came around the corner of the house and saw me laying there with my ankle I said, "don't let my kids see me." Like any mother, your kids are your first thought. I worried their summer would be ruined with a broken mommy but these people have loved them and cared for them and for that I am utterly thankful.

Then there is Frankie...who woke up early to take son to baseball camp for a week. She did not have a child going but she did that for me. She took me to vote and took me and my kids to VBS for a week. It might not seem like a big deal but it required her loading a heavy wheelchair sometimes up and down my split foyer house. She did not even serve in morning VBS but drove us because she cared. But more on her later...ceremony to follow!!

Even this week Tracy, Misty, mother and sister are transporting the kids to basketball camp for me.

My home group plus Stuart showed up Saturday morning with boxes and trucks. They packed and moved 4 truck loads. What a blessing! I sat on the couch and let go of control and have never felt so free in all my life. God is working on me. But more on that later.

There have been a hundred phone calls, prayers, cards, emails, facebook messages and even more visits that have gotten me through each day. The Lord is my strength but you all are my blessing. LOVE YOU ALL

Pinkie

2010-06-05T19:19:00.000-05:00

I have decided that my cast needed a name, Pinkie. Pinkie weighs about 30 pounds and is a good reason for me not to have to step on the scales this summer. I have decided that Pinkie and I have a love/hate relationship. At night when I want to roll over and that requires picking her up and moving her pillow for support and adjusting the covers because she snags everything...I hate her. But I love when I get to nap because she has worn me out. So instead of whining away all summer I have decided to get Pinkie out of the house and update you on her activities. Today Pinkie got a pedicure...LINKIN PARK AFTER DARK...is back on my toes. Yes, they gave me a discount for 1/2 pedicure. Score one for Pinkie! I really feel like because I had pink toes when I fell is another reason why I should never get another color on my toes.

Husband promised the kids a trip to the pool if they let him get his yard work and housework done. Yes he is doing it all...more on that later. So the kids were so excited for us to go the pool for the first time as a family this summer. I was not going to let Pinkie keep me home alone and I broke in the crutches for a long walk. Well, Pinkie can reach 400 degrees in about 25 minutes in the sun. I sat poolside with a new book for about an hour and then I retreated to the shade. Pinkie and I took a hour nap right there at the neighborhood pool. My body is just not up to much yet and the pain pills make for good sleeping.

The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

2010-06-03T15:01:00.000-05:00

These pictures need a warning. So here is your warning. It looks nasty and the fact my foot is bigger then my lower leg should let you know the swelling is still intense. We went to the doctor today to remove stitches and staples. It felt like ant bites. The actually "putting on the cast" was torture. Trying to bend my ankle almost made me pass out. This is the outer side of the leg. This is where the plate is and the most tender spot on the leg. It makes me cringe to think of the plate and 5 screws that how hold this bone together.

This is the inner ankle and this is where pins and wires are holding this bone onto my ankle. I am amazed that God made me and has given doctors the tools put me back together again.

The kids were dying for an orange and blue cast but they only offered pink, purple and red. Since I am not a red girl...pink was the winner. The doctor and nurse could not get my foot to a 90 degree angle so I go back in two weeks to try again and recast. The good news in the foot seems less tender in this position and in a hard cast. Keep up the prayers...hoping to walk soon.

List

2010-05-28T08:52:00.000-05:00

I have a list of wants.
I have a list of what I can't do anymore.
I have a calendar in my head marking off the days until I walk again. Until I don't have to ask for help. Until I don't have to ask for something to drink. Until I can start my own shower. Until I can pick up my crying child. Until I can wash clothes. Until I can cook.

But I wait and try to block out those list and come up with new list. Can you laugh at my Type A personality and my list? I need new list. List of what God is teaching me. I never saw myself as impatient. But as I wait for a drink or help to move my leg...I see my heart and how before the accident I rushed through life. Rushed to serve. Rushed to get through my daily list of must do's. Skipping over the important things. The faces I clean dirt off might just needed a kiss too. I don't deserve to ask God why...and I believe His plan is best. I believe He finally has me still. So I am learning how to be still and find happiness in this moment. I am learning how to be a mommy in this condition. I am learning how to be a wife in this condition. I am learning how to be a friend in this condition. I need your prayers...