Journal History

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Friday, December 21, 2007 2:56 PM CST

Hey Yall!! Where yall been?? Busy shopping, partying, eating?? Yep, us too!! So, since that is my excuse for not updating too often, I will forgive you for not signing the guestbook - I totally understand that it's that time of year when time is scarce!!

Anyway - we are doing great! Christmas is just a few days away and I am ready to get it over with. We will celebrate together at home - me and my children - all four of them! And then will have Christmas Dinner with my parents and my sister (Cissy) and her family. My other sister recently got MARRIED and will be on her honeymoon during Christmas. We will miss her and her new husband at dinner but know they are with us in thoughts - well second thought, maybe they wont be with us in thought - it is their honeymoon afterall. Go SISTA!!

Lacie is doing just great. She's been busy shopping and crafting and baking and well, just busy! We will go out to the mall tomorrow morning and FINISH up our shopping. Then, hopefully can just relax until its back to work next Wednesday. Lacie has plans to make cookies with Ms. Geneva this weekend - they make the BEST oatmeal cookies in the world. I look forward to Lacie & Ms. Geneva's oatmeal cookies every Christmas - it's tradition now!! Love em!!!

I wish you all the happiest of holiday seasons and best wishes for the new year!

Love & Peace.
The Westons

Wednesday, December 12, 2007 11:59 AM CST

Hello Friends! Life is Good!

Lacie saw Dr. Moran yesterday who confirmed the knot on Lacie's arm is a harmless lypoma. It was nice to see Dr. Moran - one of Lacie's all-time favorite doctors! We spoke to him about another local little girl who was recently diagnosed with a benign and inoperable brain tumor. Although it is benign, like Lacie's, it is causing her serious problems. Her name is Connor and she is beautiful. I just would like to ask you all to keep Connor and her family in your prayers. I must say - that I feel so lucky to have gone THRU the fire and come out this other side.

Life has been busy for us. It seems as we have something to do every day of the week and on the weekends - we have a billion things to do! I'm looking forward to the new year and things slowing down a bit.

Speaking of busy - I must run! I hope all is well with YOU!

Peace & Happy Holidays,
Tammy & Family

Monday, December 3, 2007 3:12 PM CST

Lacie continues to do really well. She has an appointment to see our local oncologist next week, the 11th to have the knot on her arm looked at. We are confident that it is nothing and will confirm that with a visit to Dr. Moran. I’ll let you all know what he says!

We had a busy weekend. Up early Saturday morning for the city’s Christmas Parade. Stacie was in the parade with her cheerleading group. Me, Kacie and Lacie watched from the sidelines with my sister, Cissy, Mike and nephew, Trace. We ran into a lot of friends that we hadn’t seen in a while and that was really nice. The weather was beautiful! We hadn’t been to a Christmas parade in many years!

After that, we went home and got ready for Trace’s birthday party. My sweet little nephew turned 6 years old – time flies. His brother, Cole, turned 15 the day before. Cole was away at a wrestling tournament and came home late Saturday night a Champion!! He won 1st place in his weight division out of 25 high schools competing. He aspires to be a UFC Fighter one day!! We will go watch him wrestle this Thursday at a local match against the “cross-town rival”. Should be lots of fun.

After that, we rushed home to get ready for more PARTYING! We dropped Stacie off at a birthday party and me, Gary, Kacie and Lacie went to our company party – oyster roast, and low country boil. It was great fun. Lacie really enjoyed herself – she’s so social and loves to talk to everybody!! Kacie is more shy – less outgoing and just doesn’t “meet” people as well as Lacie does. With that said, it’s probably not surprising that she doesn’t have a boyfriend and hasn’t for a while. Well, one of the guys I’ve worked with for the past 15 years has 3 sons – 2 of them work here at the same company as me & Kacie and they are adorable – but married. The middle son doesn’t work for us (and isn’t married) so his dad/brothers brought him to the party to try and set him up with Kacie! He was a cutie too, but Kacie is SO shy and would hardly talk to him.

After THAT party, we picked up Stacie, dropped all the girls off at home and me & Gary went to another Christmas Party at a friends house – we’ve known these people since we were kids and their party is a yearly tradition – the last few years it’s happened on the same night as the company party. So, we try to make them both! Ugh! We got home around 2am and were exhausted.

Sunday was more relaxed. Huddle House for breakfast, did a little grocery shopping and then just hung around home doing laundry/dishes, the usual. Lacie went for an afternoon motorcycle ride with Uncle Mike for about an hour and that’s about it.

Did I mention we have puppies? They are six weeks old now and ready for new homes! We started with 9 and have found homes for 4 of them - so we have 5 left. Any takers?????? If not, people beware – I might just give them away as Christmas gifts! Haha!

Until next time,
Be safe – Happy Holidays!

Tammy (mom), Lacie, Kacie, Ben & Stacie

Thursday, November 29, 2007 8:36 AM CST

Based on her physical evaluation, Lacie's general physician thinks Lacie has a "lipoma". A lipoma is a common, benign mass (tumor) composed of fatty tissue. Lipomas are soft to the touch, usually moveable, and are generally painless. And all these are true with this spot on Lacie's arm. It's not painful, it is soft and moveable. There does not appear to be anymore anywhere else on her body.

I'm not gonna go any further right now because as you all know, there's always that "in rare cases....." statement.

I have a call in to Lacie's oncology group at UF-Shands in Gainesville - we will probably have her local oncologist take a look rather than making a trip to UF just now. I just feel the need to follow up with a specialist.

I will update as we know more.

Thanks for checking in.

Love & Peace,
Tammy & family

Wednesday, November 28, 2007 10:44 AM CST

Hello Friends,
Lacie has a doctor appointment today. She has a "knot" or "swelling" in the crease of her arm - inside of the elbow. She says it doesnt hurt but does scare her. And I hate to hear her say that. She may be 19 years old but she is still my baby and I hate to hear her say that she is scared. I'm scared and it sucks. It's probably nothing - I pray is nothing - it HAS to be NOTHING. Her appt is at 2:15 today and we'd appreciate all the good wishes and prayers we can get throughout the day.

Other than THAT - Lacie is feeling great. She's started her Christmas shopping and is looking forward to doing MORE - so much more! It's a fun time of year for her! And the other kids. Speaking of, the other kids are all doing great too.

I'm going to keep this one short. I will update tomorrow and let you know how Lacie's appointment goes!

Love & Peace,
Tammy, Lacie, Kacie, Ben & Stacie

Wednesday, November 14, 2007 10:07 AM CST

Hello All! Hope you had a terrific weekend.

Lacie & I spent the day in Jacksonville on Saturday - she rode in the Seven Bridges Run (again) with Uncle Mike and she had a wonderful time. Still, she wants to grow up to be a Biker Babe/Chick! She's a hoot! Aunt Cissy, Trace & Hannah went too - we all just hung out while Lacie & Mike were on the 2-hour ride - then we hung out with about a million bikers at the end of the run! It was fun & I'll put more pics in the album!!

Stacie went last year but didnt go this time - she had "choreography" all day long with her cheerleading squad. She was worn out when it was over! Not sure if I mentioned - she's on a cheerleading squad. We enrolled her in dance at the start of the school year, but MAN! Dancing has changed ALOT since Kacie & Lacie were young! Stacie already has "excellent rhythm" if you know what I mean, and the dancing, well it just seems a tad bit hoochie to me. So, we discussed gymnastics and visited a local "gym". Found out they had a competition cheer squad and that really got Stacie's attention. So for the past few weeks - she's been going to cheer/gym twice a week - getting ready for their first competion in January. Bring it on!!!!

Ben is still working. Another place called him on Sat and now he's trying to decide to stay where he's at or take this "other" job. We will see what happens.

Kacie is doing great too! She's a lot of help getting Ben to work, Stacie to cheer, Lacie to flower shop, etc. I dont know what I'd do without her. One of the guys we work with has a Honda Civic for sale and she is eyeing that. It's nice and WAAAY cooler than her little blue Hyundai. We'll see what happens there too!

I am fine too! Work is busy one day and boring the next - that'll work! Gary & I have managed to have atleast ONE date a week and are hopeful to have some issues worked out around the first of the year. We miss each other alot. On the other hand - I really appreciate his patience as I workout issues with/for Ben first. It's all gonna be okay - and we'll see what happens there too!

I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Both of my sisters are having Thanksgiving Dinner with their "significant other's" family - so it'll just be me and my kids at my parents house this year. The kids are excited about having Nanny & Papa all to themselves on Thanksgiving Day! Me too!

Until next time!
Love/Peace.,
tammy & family

Tuesday, November 6, 2007 9:40 AM CST

Yay!! I feel great!! I have finally replaced my OLD worn out mattress/box spring with new big thick comfy ones and – I feel great!! For the past 2 nites, I have slept SO good – it’s been a loooooooooooong time since I’ve been so “rested”.

Another Yay! I think maybe the time change and that ONE EXTRA HOUR might be contributing to my feeling good. It’s just a matter of time before the “early dark” gets old though. And cold – I’m so not ready for that! But we will manage.

Another Yay! Ben got a job. BIG YAY! Today will be his 4th day and he seems to actually like it. Hopefully, he wont get that first paycheck and bail! Ha! Let’s hope not.

The FAIR starts here today. Not sure if that’s a Yay or not, but we’ll give it one Yay for Stacie! Looks like she’s the only kid I’ll be taking this year. Looks like me & Gary (yay!) will be taking her one night this week. It’ll be fun!

Lacie is doing well. Nothing to report. Same old thing and that is GOOD! So, yay!!

I better get back to work here! Lotsa love!!!

Tammy

Thursday, November 1, 2007 11:49 AM CDT

I must start off (as usual) apologizing for the lack of updates. Please know that the lack updates means that our lives are simply totally boring - all is good - nothing to report!

Stacie and I went out for a bit last night trick-r-treating. She was some kind of witch/vampire thing and I was a girl scout Lacie & Kacie stayed home in hopes of passing out some candy - but nobody came - as usual. Life in the woods! We werent out late and had fun with our friends Penny & Emily!

Lacie is doing great. No word from Warm Springs still. She's been going to the flower shop 3 days a week still and hanging out with her buddy Mia some, and hanging out around the house with Ben some - since he's been there.

Our bulldog Cleo had puppies last week - she had 11, but 2 didnt make it right off the bat. So we have 9 puppies - bull mixed with black lab. I would tell you how cute they are, but they are not cute, they are annoying as hell. Want one???????????????????

It's so hard to believe that it is November already. We will have our company's annual Christmas party in ONE MONTH! The year has flown by!!

I hope you are all well! Thanks for checking in on Lacie and us!!

Love,
Tammy & Family

Monday, October 15, 2007 11:42 AM CDT

Well, another pretty uneventful weekend! And a little slow today at work too - so I'll do a update!

Lacie is great. She had a "girls nite out" with her friends Mia, Rachel & Ms. Geneva on Saturday nite. They planned to go to church Sunday morning but apparantly stayed up too late watching movies and overslept! She had a great time! She always does hanging out with her girlfriends!

We still haven't heard anymore from Warm Springs. It is looking like its NOT going to be in October when she goes since the month is UNBELIEVABLE half way over already! So, we will plan on Jan-Feb of 2008.

Home - we're still adjusting. No headway with Ben so far - I've taken him a few times to look for a job and he "says" he's been looking while out with his "friends" but he is unemployed. And, his attitude sucks so its no wonder he's not been hired. I don't know what to do. He acts like someone is going to just tap him on the shoulder and "HAND HIM A JOB" or more specifically, A PAYCHECK? Seriously, Im close to my wits end. ARRRGGGHHHH!

Kacie is great. She's working hard and is never home - the usual. Stacie too is great - she is making terrific grades, working hard and constantly saying "Mom, I have a question"....... OMG! I've heard it a million trillion zillion kafillion times in the last few days. Followed by:
Can I take band? or Can I have a puppy? or Can we go to Dollar General? or Can we go out to eat? or Did you know that cats have different color eyes? or Have you seen my bra? (Yep) or Will you tell ben to get out of my room. "MOM, I HAVE A QUESTION..... BLAH BLAH BLAH". She really talks a lot!

Things continue to chug along.

All is good,
Tammy

Tuesday, October 9, 2007 3:19 PM CDT

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!

No, not Lacie - Me!!!

I started a long BIRTHDAY UPDATE but dang! Never got to finish and well, started getting a little deep and depressing. Talkin about this journal and how I can go back for the last 5 years and see what was going on this time last year, etc. etc. ANYWAY!

I couldn't get the words right.

So, all I will say is - LACIE HAS COME A LONG WAY! I HAVE COME A LONG WAY! OUR FAMILY HAS MADE IT THRU SOME TOUGH TIMES AND THE LAST 5 YEARS OF IT ARE "DOCUMENTED"! So, I started gettin a bit teary eyed - reading my posts from the past! And, to hell with that. Life is amazing - and getting better every "birth" day!

Oh, and HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!

Tuesday, October 2, 2007 2:14 PM CDT

We are chugging along. Life is good!

It is October now. We haven't heard anything from Warm Springs other than "it'll be october or after the first of the year" - so we are just waiting to hear. As the days go by, we are expecting that Lacie will not go to Warm Springs until after the first of the year. That's cool.

There's not a whole lot to report - the girls are doing good. Lacie just waiting on Warm Springs, Kacie working and middle school is keeping Stacie pretty busy. Work has been very busy for me lately - I am so glad of that!!

Bout the only news happening here (and I kinda touched on "changes" last update) is that Gary (my boyfriend) has moved out and Ben (my son) has moved in. A long story - not an ugly one thankfully - we are just doing "what we have to do" and I'll leave it at that. I have to say that I miss having Gary around A LOT! On the other hand - you cannot imagine the weight lifted off my shoulders just having ben home - safe at home. My son and I have some straightening out to do and hopefully, GREAT THINGS will come out of these "changes". My two guys - Ben & Gary - I love them both dearly and it does break my heart that I can't seem to have them BOTH close to me. I don't get it at all - men?

Leave us a message - I'm not sure if anybody ever even reads this page anymore.

Til next time,
T

Tuesday, September 25, 2007 10:49 AM CDT

Hello! I know this is another past-due update - life is keeping us busy - and stressing the )*(&@^$* out too - but it is good!!

Lacie is doing great. Warm Springs has told us that IF they have an opening in October, Lacie will go then. If not in October, she will not be admitted until January 2008. They don't like to start someone in the program during Nov/Dec because of the long holiday breaks. So, that is where we stand. It'll be October or after the first of the year. Lacie continues to go to the flower shop a few days a week and has been going to church with her friends almost every Sunday - she really enjoys that. I need to get my lazy butt up on Sundays and go with her.

The rest of us are doing good. We're going thru some changes/adjustments at home that haven't been real easy on ME but I am struggling thru and hoping to find an opportunity to IMPROVE situations for myself and for my kids. Please include us in your prayers as we "adjust".

That's it for now YALL! Thanks for checking in!!

Love & Peace,
Tammy & Family

Wednesday, September 12, 2007 10:14 AM CDT

Hello!! Miss me? I figured I'd do a quick update while I have a minute.

We are all doing great here - just so busy!! I'm going down the list for a quick, easy update.

Lacie had the AWT evaluation last Friday - the last evaluation that Warm Springs has requested. We got the "official" letter that she was approved for the Warm Springs program - but no admission date yet due to dorm room availability. We haven't gotten a copy of the report yet but it was done to evaluate Lacie's mobility and to determine what assistive devices she might need at Warm Springs. I'll let you know when we hear more.

Kacie - same ole, same ole.
Ben - same ole, same ole.
Stacie - turned 12 years old last week. We've been painting her bedroom, etc. It's moving along but I'm having a difficult time getting motivated to JUST FINISH IT. We're having a little B-day party for her this weekend.
Gary - same ole, same ole.
Me - busy as hell at work, same ole.

Hopefully one day I'll have the time and initiative to do a "GOOD" update. Until then - life is good!!

Love to all,
Tammy

Thursday, August 30, 2007 5:42 PM CDT

Hello Friends!
Mom AND Lacie here - at the office a little late today! Stacie had some homework that needed a computer, so here we are - since we have no computer at home - but hopefully, that will change soon (Are you listening SANTA?). Anyway, life has been keeping us really busy these days. I miss the lazy days of summer!

So, what's new?? We finally received the call from Roosevelt Warm Springs today to discuss the evaluations that Lacie had earlier in August. She is officially a candidate for enrollment now but we will still have to wait a couple months before she actually goes. Now, they have requested an AWT evaluation before she gets an admission date. That is some kind of assistive technology eval that will determine what kind of "assistive technology" she needs. Hopefully we can get that performed within the next couple of weeks and take it from there.

Lacie continues to do really well. She was a bit frustrated because she was hoping that she'd get an admission date today NOT a request for MORE EVALUATIONS. I guess that all part of it - waiting and not knowing what the next step is until done with the previous step. She is still going to the flower shop 3-4 days a week. She is so ready for a change - an exciting change - and to quote her "ready to get the hell away from here and to Warm Springs". Things are pretty boring around here for her.

The other kids are doing good, well all of us are doing good. It has been so very hot lately - I am looking forward to some cooler weather and hopefully it will come soon. Stacie's birthday is next week - she will be 12 years old, my baby will be 12 years old. "The biggest brat you'll ever meet", another quote from Lacie who is sitting right here beside me chiming in! "And she talks alot too".

I am SO ready to go home. It's almost 7pm and we haven't had supper yet - hum, should we go thru a drive thru or should I cook when we get home? That is the question.

Well, it looks like I'm going to have to go do some typing for Stacie or we will never get home tonight!

Check back soon! Love,love,love.

Tammy & Lacie

Wednesday, August 15, 2007 8:36 AM CDT

Just a quick update to let you know that we posted a few new pictures so check 'em out.

Saturday was Ben's 18th Birthday - we went out to eat and then bowling for a while. It was fun! I cannot believe that Ben is 18 years old! Wow! I love you BEN BEN!!

Busy today at work - another update to come soon!

Check out the pics.

Tuesday, August 7, 2007 9:11 AM CDT

Hello Friends,
Once again, I must apologize for the lack of updates! We are all doing fine - just really busy it seems.

Lacie and I are leaving early tomorrow morning to go to Roosevelt Warm Springs for her Neuro-Psych Interview and Evaluations. She and I both are feeling a bit nervous as the reality of her being away from home begins to set it. She isn't real excited about this trip because she knows that the evaluations will be long and boring, but its something we have to do. Last week, her new motorized wheelchair was delivered. Its not very big but it is VERY heavy. Right now, I dont have any means to transport it so she is confined to just using it at home, but I am working on that. Hopefully, we’ll have a lift installed on my Jeep and be able to take her new chair out to the mall, etc. so she can have more opportunity learn how to “drive” it better. First, I have to get new tires on my Jeep because I don’t think the old bald ones I’m driving around on now will support the added weight of her new chair.

Delivery of that new wheelchair kinda sent me spinning a little bit. Getting a new wheelchair has become “routine” like getting new tires on the Jeep. It brings a lot of emotions to the surface. I see her everyday in her chair and sometimes I just keep chugging along. Other times – it stops me dead in my tracks – my daughter is in a wheelchair. My daughter’s third wheelchair was just delivered! My daughter who I’ve so desperately wanted to see stand on her own, walk, run, dance; my daughter who was so able to do ALL those things until she was 12 years old is now getting her 3rd wheelchair. It’s probably not very Christian-like but I have to admit that I feel a tad bit angry at the world some days and I ask “why her?” Of course, I remind myself over and over again of all the blessings in my life and I am very thankful for everything thing good in my life and I’m thankful that “it” isn’t worse. But still, I’m just sayin that some times things are hard to deal with – hard to understand. Life’s surely not fair but it is definitely GOOD!!

Ben and his girlfriend are traveling with us. I am looking forward to spending some time with them even if it is just DRIVING for hours. It will be nice just to have that time to talk and be together because I miss my little boy. We definitely don’t spend enough time together. His birthday is coming up soon, on August 18th my “little boy” will be 18 years old. Oh my!

Stacie wanted to go with us but will be staying with Nanny & Papa instead. She’s going to a new school this year and they’re having “Rule the School” Day orientation for new students and she really didn’t want to miss that. She is excited about middle school, the first day is next week, August 15th.

Kacie Faye is doing good too. Nothing “new” going on with her. Her class(s) start back around the first of September. She struggled with math last semester so it looks like she will only take 1 or 2 classes (instead of 4). She wants to continue working as much as possible and it’s hard to work and go to college full time.

I will update next week about our trip! Thanks for checking in!

Love & Peace,
Tammy


PS - Check out some new pics!

Monday, July 23, 2007 2:57 PM CDT

Hello friends - and thanks for continuing to come here and check on us. We are all doing great - enjoying the summer weather!

Lacie is great. She and Kacie went to Jacksonville this past weekend while Stacie was off camping with Girl Scouts so it was nice and quiet at our house! Much needed nice and quiet for me! I was able to get out of the house with my man and go boating ALL DAY on Saturday. We had so much fun. It was nice to have a day just for US! I am looking forward to doing it again real soon!

Lacie is still scheduled to go to Roosevelt Warm Springs on August 8-9 for evaluations. She is excited about it! We have ordered an electric wheel chair so she will be able to get around the campus there.

There's really not a whole lot to write about. Work is keeping me extremely busy. It's hard to update while I'm here and we still don't have a working computer at home. I really need to get one so that I can do updates when I have TIME TO THINK!!

With that said - I have got "stuff" to do here before I can go home for the day. Just wanted to say HEY! We love all of YALL! And Life is GOOD!

Until next time,
Tammy

Friday, July 13, 2007 10:35 AM CDT

OMG! I haven’t updated since July 3rd? Where are the days going???

We are all doing good here – chugging along! Work has been very busy for me lately – that’s my excuse for not updating more often. But seriously, work has been demanding! Which is a good thing – most of the time!

Lacie continues to do great! She is “working” half-days at the floral shop during the summer. We are scheduled to go to Roosevelt Warm Springs Institute on August 8th for a few days for Lacie to be interviewed, evaluated, tested, etc, and then will wait to hear more from them. Hopefully, it won’t take long for the call to come in that tells us that Lacie has been accepted into the Vocational Rehabilitation Program there. I get a little queasy thinking about Lacie being so far from home – sort of, on her own. It’s not getting any easier the closer we get to that. I keep telling myself that going to RWS is the best thing – Lacie will truly benefit from the experience. It is a big step towards her independence.

The other kids are doing great. Kacie is working hard and gearing up for her 2nd year at community college. Stacie is great – she is very excited about going to middle school next year. We have been approved for her to attend a magnet school for Visual and Performing Arts – it is out of our zone so I will have to take & pick up, but that’s okay. Stacie will do very well – she’s a natural born “performer”!! Ben is good but still needs some prayers for guidance – we both do for that matter. I want to help him get it together SO BADLY – but experience has taught me that you can’t help someone who isn’t willing to help themselves. I just don’t know – but I do know that we need prayers that somehow, someway, we will make a fine young man out of him yet. A work in progress – a tough job!!

I will update again soon! Thanks for checking in on Lacie and our family!!

Stay COOL!
Tammy

Tuesday, July 3, 2007 12:00 AM CDT

A very quick update today - busy, busy, busy!!!

I hope you all have a happy Independence Day tomorrow!

We have no definite plans but just might end up on the beach watching fireworks tomorrow night. Or we could end up in my sister's backyard eating and drinking! We usually have a cookout/party at our house since the very next day, July 5th is KACIE & LACIE'S BIRTHDAY!! But this year we are doing it differently by just going out to dinner (me, Gary, and the girls - including Stacie) and then to a movie, or bowling, or whatever K&L decide.

I cannot believe that my girls will be 19 years old. It is simply unbelievable. I will update more very soon!

Until next time,
Love, Peace & Happy 4th of July!!

Tammy

Wednesday, June 27, 2007 1:57 PM CDT

YOU'D NEVER KNOW.

Just looking at the photo above, one would never know that Lacie cannot walk on her own. That she uses a wheelchair. That she has a brain tumor. That she is disabled. Looking at this picture - you'd never know.

It almost hurts. Because I know.

But then - look at that face. Look at that smile. Look at those sparkling eyes. Look at those friends. Look at that happy, beautiful young woman who has so many friends JUST LIKE YOU that care so much for her.

THAT takes the hurt away.

Thank YOU!! For helping to take the hurt away.

Wednesday, June 27, 2007 1:57 PM CDT

YOU'D NEVER KNOW.

Just looking at the photo above, one would never know that Lacie cannot walk on her own. That she uses a wheelchair. That she has a brain tumor. That she is disabled. Looking at this picture - you'd never know.

It almost hurts. Because I know.

But then - look at that face. Look at that smile. Look at those sparkling eyes. Look at those friends. Look at that happy, beautiful young woman who has so many friends JUST LIKE YOU that care so much for her.

THAT takes the hurt away.

Thank YOU!! For helping to take the hurt away.

Thursday, June 21, 2007 1:42 PM CDT

It's time for my weekly update! First, as always, I must apologize for being an "update slacker". It seems like I never have the TIME to update like I used to. I'm sorry because I hate for you to come here to check on us and find the same old update you read a week ago - or longer. Anyway - we are all doing good here. Let's go down the list!

Lacie is doing great. She is leaving tonight to go spend the weekend in Jacksonville with our good friends the PAPPYS! Lacie is looking forward to seeing everyone (Aunt Lisa, Timmy, August, Mema Pappy, etc.). It's been a while since she's seen them all and well, she loves them like family.

Warm Springs contacted me this week about Lacie's admission process. Her disability is classified as an "Acquired Brain Injury" so she is going to have to have Diagnostic Interviews and Neuro-Psyche Testing/Evaluations performed before they can continue with the admissions process. We will have to travel to Warm Springs and spend the night as these tests/evaluations require two days to complete! Whew! So, the earliest they can schedule us is in August. They will call us a week later to discuss the results and then take it from there. That is where we are for now.

Kacie is doing good too! Still working at our jobsite at "the paper mill". Her life is about as boring as mine I guess. Her classes at the community college dont start back until late August, and she is enjoying the summer and the beach. Not a whole lot going on with her. Oh - except that she and Lacie will be celebrating their 19TH BIRTHDAY in just TWO WEEKS! What happened to my babies? When did they grow up?? Man.

Stacie is so full of energy. She has been loads of help around the house since school is out. She has a list of daily chores that she made up and is doing really well at sticking to her CHORE PLAN. I like it that she is flexible - it was pretty easy to talk her into doing dishes last night even though it wasn't her night for dishes! I am taking her to a martial arts studio this evening to check on lessons for her. She really needs some activity to get involved in and that's what she has chosen. Of course it could change at any time - dance, gymnastics, piano lessons - I wish I were rich and she could do all that but
for now, she just gets to pick ONE.

My son, Benjamin, unfortunately is doing 60 days in the county ______ (sorry, I cant bring myself to say it). His probation was revoked. Yall may remember he got into a little trouble last year (stupid boy misdemeanor stuff) and was put on probabion. Well, he never went to his probation appointments, never got a job or enrolled in GED school and never paid his fines or probation fees except for the 1st payment that I paid for him. So, they revoked his probation and gave him 60 days. GOOD SIDE: he's already done 10, so it going by fast (for me anyway, haha), he's getting 3 meals a day, he's not bugging me for money, rides, food, phone, and the list goes on. But the best part is that when he is release, he will be OFF probation and literally, FREE of all that. And hopefully, he'll come out of this a little smarter and realizing that if you don't live up to your responsibilies, you will pay the price. Hate it.

Gary (and his garden) are doing good. We've picked some tomatoes, a bell pepper and a cucumber. Soon, we will have squash, zuchinni, watermelon, canteloupe, and ofcourse, more tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers. I think thats about all he has growing out there.

I am fine. Work has been extremely busy lately. We've been having lots of MEETINGS lately and that's something new for the company - I've been here 15 years and we've always had our once a month meeting - now it seems like we're having 1 or 2 meeting every week for some reason or another. We're growing and there's some new faces around now - it's interesting. It's changing. Hopefully, good changing!

Is that all? I know there's more exciting stuff going on in our lives, but, huh, maybe not.

Until next time,
Love & Peace,
Tammy

Wednesday, June 13, 2007 2:18 PM CDT

Finally - I'm doing an update, huh?? A short one though - so sorry.

We are doing just fine here. I took a fews vacation days off work and no computer at home - that's why I haven't updated sooner.

Lacie is great. Still haven't heard about her referrel to Warm Springs but expecting than in the next few weeks. She's been shopping, bowling, shopping and shopping since she's all done with high school. She and her sister Kacie both got tatoo's last week. Lacie a cute little flower on her right foot and Kacie got a princess crown thing with her name in it on her ankle. I had NO PART in this!! Lacie has talked about getting a tatoo for a very LOOOOOONG time. Well, now she's 18 and has some money and "can do whatever she wants" - so, she got a tatoo. I'll post pictures soon.

And Kacie - not much new going on with her - except the tatoo.

Stacie - is at camp all week so the house is quieter than normal. I miss her! She comes home on Friday.

Ben - nothing new to report. Well, there is, but it's too depressing so we won't go there. Ben is okay, but still acting like a dumb boy.

Gary - his garden is really growing! We should have some yummy fresh veggies soon.

Me - I am good. Work has been very busy which makes the days go by so fast. Which doesnt leave much time to update.

I hope you all are enjoying your summer! I'll update again soon as possible!

Love, Love, Love.................
Tammy

Thursday, May 31, 2007 2:40 PM CDT

I am sorry for not updating sooner - I did, however, put some new pics up the other day from Graduation! I am pressed for TIME right now, but wanted to let you all know that Graduation was awesome! Lacie received a standing ovation from her classmates and everyone attending the ceremony! It was very emotional and made everyone aware of just how far Lacie has come and all of the obstacles that she has overcome. We all were so very proud of Lacie!

For now, I must go!! Work has been very, very demanding this week - but hey, I got a raise, so that makes it easier to handle.

I promise to give you all more details as soon as I possibly can - hopefully tomorrow.

In the mean time - thanks to all who have left Lacie messages in the guestbook and to those who have sent her cards and gifts in recognition of her graduation - that is from me!! Lacie is working on Thank You cards, so you should be getting a personal card from Lacie herself - SOON!

Until next time, PEACE & GOD BLESS YOU ALL!!

Thursday, May 24, 2007 12:01 AM CDT

Well – tomorrow is Lacie’s big day!! Graduation! She has had fun this week – Senior Week – learning the school’s alma mater and practicing the National Anthem!! They have practiced at school all week and tomorrow they will practice at the actual auditorium where graduation will be held tomorrow night. I’m taking the day off work so that I can go with her – make sure things are easily accessible for her and her wheelchair. She will use her wheelchair during the procession into the Hall, and will have special seating close to the stage area. When it’s time for her to go across the stage to receive her diploma, she doesn’t want to do it in her chair – so, she will walk with an escort. Her escort will be Mr. “D” – who lost his son, and Lacie’s good friend, AJ to cancer last year. Both Lacie & AJ “should’ve” graduated in 2006 – they WOULD’VE graduated in 2006 if they’d not gotten sick. But they both did, and now, they both should be graduating tomorrow night – together. But they are not. Mr. D is already involved in the Graduation Ceremonies and would be there anyway – I think it’s just awesome that he will walk with Lacie, and represent AJ in a way also. I know it will be a moment of mixed emotions for him.

Tonight is Stacie’s 5th Grade Graduation – I know, right? As bad as I’d like to just go home after work (or maybe even go by the grocery store since we have NO food at home), we will be at the ole’ Elementary School one more time!!

I will certainly take lots of pictures at graduation (both of them) – and probably at graduation rehearsal too – so I’ll have some to share with you all on Monday!

Until then,
Love,
Tammy & family.

Thursday, May 17, 2007 1:50 PM CDT

Is there a dang picture at the top of this webpage???????

I've been trying to put a PROM picture up there but for some reason, it's not working - if it is working, well, I can't see a picture. Can YOU?????

Well, I WAS able to put some pics in the photo section - so go there to see how absolutely gorgeous Lacie was for PROM!! And she had a great time TOO! I don't have many details because, well, she IS a teenager afterall. But I do know that she had fun!

I can't remember if I mentioned that she got a baby bearded dragon last week - she named him Virgil. There is a picture of Virgil posted also!!

Tomorrow is Lacie's last day of high school - forever. Wow! Next week is Senior Week - they will be busy rehearsing for Graduation all week - plus a Senior Breakfast one day, Lunch another. They have different Senior activities planned throughout the week - with the Big Graduation Ceremony on Friday Night! I cannot begin to tell you how proud I am of Lacie - she really has "come a long way"!

The rest of us are doing great - quick update:

Kacie - taking the summer semester off from college and continuing to work. She had a flat tire the other day and her brakes are "sqeeking" a bit, so she's been a bit stressed on "all that stuff that comes along with being grownup". But she is beautiful and is doing great. All the guys that she works with have kinda adopted her!!

Stacie - performed with the 5th grade students in a musical on Tuesday nite. She was narrator for part of the performance and did AWESOME! She also was an Elvis Fan - in her poodle skirt and pointy-rimmed glasses who fainted (not really) when "Elvis" came on stage! This was a great performance by the whole 5th Grade - we all were impressed!

Ben - no news to report about Ben. He is fine, but still being a lazy BUM!!

Gary - is keeping busy with "his" garden. It is growing really nicely. There's a fence up now to keep rabbits/deer out. He has tomatoes, peppers, squash, cantaloupe, watermelon - and probably some other things. I can't remember what all's back there.

Me - nothing really to report. I got ATE UP by redbugs while hanging out with Gary by the garden, so I have sworn off the backyard. Itching like crazy!! Wow - isn't my life exciting! All I can think of to write about is red-bugs!

With that - I will say 'LATER'!

TAMMY & FAMILY

Wednesday, May 9, 2007 12:20 AM CDT

PROM UPDATE COMING SOON!! (5-14-07)


The 5th graders at Stacie's school had an essay contest - Why My Mom Deserves a Diamond Necklace. Stacie's essay was chosen as the winner and I have a beautiful new diamond necklace for Mothers Day!!

Why My Mom Deserves A Simply Beautiful Diamond Necklace

By Stacie Weston


Beautiful, kind, generous, those words describe my mother Tammy Weston. She is very caring and supportive with me and my sisters. That’s why my mom deserves a diamond necklace.

My mom deserves a diamond necklace because she is beautiful on the inside and out. Her personality is great! She is very nice and kind to my friends and to all others. My mom is very funny and can make me laugh at my saddest moments.

My mom does what is best for me. She cares for my sisters and I just the same, which means she doesn’t play favorites. My mom is hard working. Well, she has to be hard working because she’s a divorced mother of four. And even if she didn’t have us kids she’d still be a hard worker.

My mom is a strong person. Her daughter, Lacie was diagnosed with a brain tumor. And my mom’s brother went missing about five years ago and we still can’t find him.

Well, that’s why my mom, Tammy Weston, the woman who gave me life, deserves a diamond necklace.

The End.


I had written a long (and kinda depressing) update to go along with this but lost it in cyberspace - probably a good thing because, well, who want's "kinda depressing" anyway? I think it got lost for a reason, huh? After all, today is diamond necklace day!

I'm flattered at what Stacie wrote. It does make me feel good that my baby thinks I'm beautiful, kind, generous, strong, fair, hardworking, etc. etc. because I don't always feel like I am those things at all.

MOTHERS DAY is kind of tough for me. Lacie's diagnosis and surgery were just days before Mother's Day in 2001 so this time of year, a lot of those events seem to flood my memory. But we'll get into that another time! Today is diamond necklace day!!!

Love & Peace,
Tammy

Wednesday, May 2, 2007 12:25 AM CDT

Wow! It is May already!! Lacie's Graduation ceremony is in 3 weeks and 2 days! I am so very proud of her and excited for her! Her Senior Prom is in 1 week and 4 days! Another big, exciting event. Her date is Steven - the same friend she went to Homecoming with. He & Lacie had a great time then and I'm sure prom will be the same. We dropped off her prom dress to be hemmed on Monday and will pick it up next week. It is a beautiful light green - a great color for Lacie. You will surely see pics of it from Prom Night! We also picked up the cutest little white sundress for Graduation Night. Ofcourse, she'll be in the traditional white cap & gown, but she'll be really cute underneath all that!! She has been busy stuffing envelopes and we hope to mail out Graduation Announcement soon - please email me with your address if you'd like to receive one! Might be worth some money one day when Lacie becomes a superstar!! No, Really.

A few other significant dates are also coming up soon. I hate to say "significant" or "important" - part of me wants to not even acknowledge these "dates" but nonetheless - they were life-changing dates that simply put, can't be ignored. May 8th will mark 6 years since Lacie's diagnosis day. May 11th - 6 years since surgery to remove a tumor the size of an avocado from her brain. Six years. The first 3 years were BAD - SCARY - there were times when, well - I won't even go there. We have been so blessed, the last 3 years have been somewhat uneventful - moving on, trying to help Lacie have as normal of a teenage life as possible. We've had some challenges and we've gotten frustrated occasionally, but for the most part - we've had 3 awesome years in comparison. Lacie has come so very far and now, as she graduates high school - we are just thrilled for her and the possibilities that lie ahead for her!

Thank you all so much for checking in! Go ahead and start leaving those GRADUATION CONGRATULATIONS in the guestbook for Lacie!! WooHoo!!

Tammy (a really proud and grateful mama)

Monday, April 23, 2007 1:05 PM CDT

Hello – remember me?? I’m Tammy, Lacie’s mom. I used to update this page on a regular basis but life has consumed me lately and well, time has been scarce. But, with a few things behind us now, I hope to get you all caught up on what’s been going on.

Relay for Life was awesome!! It was cool and very windy as we set up Friday afternoon – got rather cold around dusk but we stayed moving around and it felt good. Come dark – well it was pretty chilly – Stacie had a friend with her who got a bit sick at her stomach (yuck!), so we called it a night and headed home a little past 1:00 am. The event was HUGE once again. The company I work for was a sponsor this year so that brought some of my co-workers out for the first time and they were surprised at what a HUGE event this is. They had no idea.

Lacie had a great time!! She was escorted around the track for the Survivor’s Lap by two very handsome young men – her good friends Ernie and Steven. Thanks guys for that. Of course, having a very handsome young man attached to each arm was rather distracting for her. She flirted and before we knew it, all of the other survivors way ahead of us!! I followed them around with Lacie’s wheelchair – incase she got tired. Half way, I got lonely back there so I came around and walked beside Ernie. Another 1/3 of the way, I realized that I wasn’t needed, so I darted on back to our site. I didn’t get any pictures of the survivors lap dang it. But I know that SOMEBODY did and I hope I can get copies of some of them. The survivors lap is always very emotional. It was much easier for me to be a part of the lap – walking behind my daughter – hearing her talk and laugh - and flirt with her escorts. I quietly walked behind her pushing an empty wheelchair and just watched her. Occasionally, I would look up at all the supporters lining the track – clapping for the survivors, many yelling “go Lacie! Yay Lacie!” with tears rolling down their faces. I was so proud of Lacie and all I could do was smile. It felt odd – it felt great.

Once again, Lacie participated in the reading of the Survivor’s Poem right before the laps started. She did this last year with the same group of survivors – including Lacie’s old DARE officer from elementary school and she did a great job.

Gary Lee’s Market donated some delicious sausage for our team to sell. While I was picking up the sausage Friday afternoon, I lucked up and talked one of Lacie’s old friends into be our Miss(ter) Relay contestant, so Daniel showed up and thrilled Lacie in his very, short dress and makeup!! He didn’t win but did raise about $75 for our team!! A big, big thanks goes out to Daniel – for dressing up like a woman just for Lacie! And another big, big thanks to Gary Lee for once again, donating his delicious sausage for our team’s sausage dog sale!!

Well, I better get back to work but I will update again this week – I still have so much to catch you up on!! (Warm Springs, Prom, Graduation, Gainesville, and more!) And it’s ALL GOOD!

Love yall,
Tammy, Lacie & family.

PS – Check out some new pictures!

Wednesday, April 18, 2007 11:45 AM CDT

I feel like I haven't done a "good" update in quite a while. Shame on me, because I have so much to say! It seems like we have so much going on and I just can't find time to get it out. For instance: Relay for Life is this weekend, coming up is Lacie's highschool PROM and GRADUATION, Roosevelt Warm Springs is surely on my mind. School will be out soon for summer and Stacie will be in middle school next year. I'm not going to go on and on today - one thing at a time, right? So, since RELAY FOR LIFE is on Friday........

Once again, LACIE’S TEAM will participate. This is our third year!! Relay for Life raises money to fight cancer and to raise awareness of cancer in the community. It honors cancer survivors, and remembers those who have lost their lives to cancer.

We have been fortunate – Lacie is a survivor. Next month, she will graduate from high school. May 2007 will also mark SIX years since Lacie’s original diagnosis. She has been off all treatment for almost 3 years now and is doing great. Six years ago, she was having an MRI weekly (if not daily). Now she will have an MRI only once a year!

Our team’s theme is “Friends for Life” and we are counting on friends like you to help in the fight against cancer. So, how can you help?

· Make a donation of any amount! Cash or check donations please emal me. You can also donate to our team online at http://www.acsevents.org/glynnrelay/laciesteamcapt

· Purchase a LUMINARY for $5.00 in honor of a cancer survivor or in memory of a loved one who battled cancer. Gold luminaries are $25.00. Again, email me for more info.

· MOST IMPORTANTLY! Join us at Relay For Life if you can –for lots of food, fun, fellowship, celebration and remembrance. Friday, April 20th at 7pm until Saturday, April 21st at 10am. Lacie will read a verse of the Survivor's Poem right before the luminaries are lit (8:45pm ish)!

We hope to see lots of old friends and make lots of new friends at RELAY FOR LIFE 2007!

Love,
Tammy

Tuesday, April 17, 2007 1:55 PM CDT

QUICK UPDATE (AGAIN) - OUR TRIP YESTERDAY TO GAINESVILLE WENT GREAT - LACIE'S MRI IS UNCHANGED AND DR. SMITH IS VERY PLEASED WITH HOW LACIE IS DOING. SINCE LACIE HAS REMAINED "STABLE" FOR SO LONG, WE ONLY HAVE TO GO TO GAINESVILLE ONCE A YEAR NOW! THAT'S GREAT NEWS!! DR. SMITH SAID THAT THE CHANCES OF LACIE HAVING A REOCCURANCE IS UNLIKELY SINCE SHE HAS BEEN OFF TREATMENT FOR NEARLY THREE YEARS NOW! SPEAKING OF "YEARS", NEXT MONTH WILL MARK SIX YEARS SINCE LACIE WAS DIAGNOSED. WOW!

WE GOT STARTED ON THE PAPER WORK FOR WARM SPRINGS AND I'LL KEEP YOU POSTED ON THAT AS WE PROGRESS.

WE ARE ALL DOING GOOD - WORK IS BUSY! WE ARE PARTICIPATING IN RELAY FOR LIFE THIS WEEKEND - THE THIRD YEAR THAT WE'VE HAD "Lacie's Team" OUT THERE. RELAY IS SUCH AN AWESOME EVENT & I INVITE ALL OF YOU TO COME SEE US FRIDAY NIGHT!

UNTIL NEXT TIME,
LOVE,
TAMMY

Wednesday, April 11, 2007 2:52 PM CDT

Hey Friends! Just a quick update to say that I am too busy to do an update!!

I have missed the last two days of work due to our trip to visit and tour the Vocational Rehabilitation Division at Roosevelt Warm Springs Institute for Rehabilitation. WOW! The trip was good - very informative. Lacie and I both agree that going there for the 6-9 month program would be a great opportunity for Lacie. So - we start getting all our paperwork together, submit it to them and wait to be accepted. The process could take up to 3 months - but I'm in no hurry!

I will update again really soon (hopefully tomorrow)and tell you more about our visit. In the meantime, feel free to go to the website (www.rooseveltrehab.org)- click on the Vocational Rehabilitation section.

We are all doing well - no real complaints, but I do have a few of prayer requests.

1. Lacie's next MRI & clinic visits are Monday, April 16th in Gainesville, Florida - praying for excellent results!

2. Ben

3. Me - I probably worry TOO much.

Promise that I'll update with some more info SOON!

Love & Peace,
tammy

Tuesday, April 3, 2007 9:15 AM CDT

Hello All! As you can see by the photo above - Lacie (aka Biker Babe) had fun on Saturday. She rode in a Poker Run for Relay for Life with my friend & co-worker Glenn. They didn't win anything in the Run but had a great time. They met us at the Harley Davidson Shop after the run and Glenn gave Kacie a ride too! It was fun fun and a great big thanks to Glenn for riding Lacie on his awesome Harley! The first ride of many to come for Glenn & Lacie.

Not much going on around here. Kids are out of school all week. We are leaving on Monday the 9th to visit Warm Springs and are excited about that. We'll get to have dinner with my beautiful niece Crystal who is a senior at a nearby college - we don't get to see her often enough so we are really excited about dinner with her.

Sorry for such a short update - there are new pictures posted in the album too so check 'em out.

Til next time,
Love & Peace,
Tammy & family

Thursday, March 29, 2007 7:51 AM CDT

Today's the day! The SCIENCE GRADUATION TEST and Lacie is probably settling in her desk and getting her pencils out right now - getting ready to tackle this test. Whew! She has struggled with this "Science" portion of the test so we'd appreciate your sending some luck/prayers her way today! Since August, she has been taking TWO biology classes which I'm sure that will be to her advantage this time! Healthwise - Lacie continues to do great. Today is her day at the dentist to get a cleaning and one filling. She has started searching the internet for the perfect prom dress, looking forward to visiting Warm Springs Institute next month and is getting excited about graduation in May. It's all happening too fast if you want my opinion.

My day at the dentist was OUCH! I had one tooth filled and the very back one (that broke) was extracted. I was in *the chair* for 3-1/2 hours and afterwards - well, it was very painful.

All is well here. I have missed the last 2 days of work because of my tooth, so this will have to be cut short so I can get some work done. I have got to get our home computer fixed.

Love & Peace,
Tammy

Monday, March 26, 2007 9:58 AM CDT

All is good here! Our weekend was good. The girls (Kacie, Lacie, Stacie) went to a movie Friday night so Gary & I had a quiet house for a bit. Saturday night was our night out so we went to dinner out Outback - finally using a gift certificate that we had since Xmas. It was delicious and nice to get out of the house! Sunday - work around the house while the girls took off to the mall.

Next week is Spring Break for Lacie and Stacie. We have NO plans - I have to work so it will surely be a boring break for them. The following week we are going to visit Warm Springs and are excited about that.

About Gary's foot - you would be surprised at how well super-glue works on deep, nasty cuts. And that's all I'm going to say about that.

My very back tooth broke in half yesterday and the sharp inside of it is slicing and dicing up the side of my tongue. So tomorrow morning I will be going to the dentist and I am dreading it. I am not a "dentist kinda gal" and could go my entire life without stepping foot in the dentist office - but man, this hurts and my tongue is swollen and I'm talking funny b/c I have to try and keep my tongue to the right side of my mouth. Anyway - dentist tomorrow. I'm hatin.

Lacie takes her final graduation test this week on Wednesday. Let's all wish her luck - she HAS to pass in order to graduate in May. She can do it!!!!!

Well, thanks for checking in! Leave us a message.

Til next time,
Tammy

Friday, March 23, 2007 10:28 AM CDT

Hello Friends,
Sorry for the lack of updates lately. No news is good news! Work has been busy lately and well, the computer at home died many months ago and I’m just too lazy un-hook everything and get it repaired. But I will, one day. That, or I’ll just buy a new one. Ha!

We are all doing fine – lets go down the list:

Lacie – she is getting ready to take her last Graduation Test next week. SCIENCE! She has had a tutor for the past few weeks that is working with her and she’s feeling pretty confident about passing. School is out today for teacher work days but Lacie is in the library with her tutor and some other students – getting some extra help. She will have a week off for Spring Break the first week of April and we have no idea what she will do. She’ll probably spend some time at the flower shop, some time with Nanny & Papa, and hopefully, find some fun things to do also. She did some horseback riding yesterday and her butt has been numb ever since. Just thought I’d share that with ya. She is excited about visiting Warm Springs in a few weeks and graduation in just a few months. This year sure has flown by. Next year I will have only ONE child in school – it seems like just yesterday I had three in school and one in diapers. Now, look.

Kacie – not much going on with her. She’s ready to get this semester over with at school and is planning to take just one class over the summer. Work has been keeping her busy too – thank goodness – I was about to go NUTS listening to her complain about how boring her job is. I tried to explain that she should be thankful for being so over-paid for doing practically zilch. Now, she is working for her money – but not too hard.

Ben is a bum. He needs to get a job because he is bugging the crap out of me for a dollar here and 20 dollars there. I don’t give in every time but its hard not to because the boy is PERSISTANT if nothing else. I really need to (1) be firmer when I say no and stick to it, or (2) avoid his phone calls, or (3) move out of the country and not tell anyone where I am.

Stacie is good. She went to Wild Adventures yesterday with her Girl Scout troop and rode all the roller coasters a billion times each. She’s a big girl now. She had tons of fun with her little girly friends. I went with them last year and boy – they bout drove me nutty. I have since developed an allergy to “nuts” so I couldn’t go this year – life or death, you know.

Gary dropped a freaking grinder on his foot yesterday at work and damn near cut his foot off. Ok, I may be exaggerating a tad, but OMG – his foot is ughhhhhhhhhhhhhh. He usually wears boots to work, but for some reason, lately his boots have been making his feet stink really bad (haha) – warmer weather, whatever, so he wore tennis shoes yesterday. Well, his left shoe looks like someone hacked it with a axe. OUCHY OUCH OUCH – when he got home and took off the shoe and very, very bloody sock. Gosh, I’m grossing myself out!! Sorry. His boss *made* him go to the clinic for stiches, but after sitting in the waiting room for an hour – my tough/strong/hardheaded man decided his foot would be okay without stiches and he was tired of waiting – watching some really sick lady blow her nose every 2 minutes and then look at her snotty tissue. He’d had enough so he left the clinic, came home and glued his foot back together with “God only knows what”. The man is – there’s not even a word for it. And yes, got up this morning and went to work because he can’t let the others think he’s wimpy. Man please – YOUR FOOT IS HALFWAY CUT OFF!!! (just a little exaggeration) I should’ve took a picture for yall.

OK – the update is getting long – I always say that then realize that I have done the ME paragraph.

ME – fine. I did go on a little sailing adventure with my boss, his son, and my co-worker Pam and her 6-year old twin daughters on Wednesday – a spur of the moment “let’s go sailing” thing that happens occasionally here at work. It was a beautiful day. Boss got a little tipsy and well, Pam won’t be taking her little girls out on the sailboat again any time soon. They learned a few new words and well, I’ll stop there. THEN we got into some shallow water – got stuck in the sand for over a freaking hour. I was secretly sending Gary text messages to “please go get your boat and come rescue me”. To no avail – his advice was to “swim for it” – or “walk for it” is more appropriate since we were in like 3 ft. of water and only a short distance from the dock. I think I’ll pass on the next sail boat ride – just stressed me the hell out. Before we got "Stuck" I was actually enjoying the ride - it brought back memories of my little girls - watching Pams twins sing for us and just be silly. I must admit that I teared up once or twice - thinking about Kacie and Lacie when they were little and it hurts my heart to think of how both their young lives were changed the day that Lacie was diagnosed with a brain tumor. I wished for those days again - those days before when I so naively thought "Nothing will ever happen to us". I've certainly changed, now I worry about my kids way too much because I know first hand that "things can happen to anybody and things do". That sucks.


I gotta stop now and get back to work. Have a great weekend!!!! I’ll be back soooooooooon.

Love, love, love,
Tammy/MOM & family.

Friday, March 16, 2007 2:18 PM CDT

Hope you all have a terrific weekend. We have lots to keep us busy: piles of laundry, piles of dirty dishes, floors that deserately need sweeping AND mopping. So much to do and as usual, very little will get done - I'm just lazy like that. But - SOME of it will get done so that's a positive there, huh?

See ya next week!!!

Tammy & Lacie
and the rest.

Wednesday, March 14, 2007 12:31 AM CDT

Just a quick update.

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE CONTINUE TO REMEMBER CHRISTOPHER BARRIOS & FAMILY IN YOUR CONSTANT PRAYERS. THIS IS THE 6-YR OLD BOY WHO DISAPPEARED ON THURSDAY - STILL NO SIGN OF HIM BUT THEY HAVE ARRESTED SUSPECTS.

Everything is lined up for Lacie to visit/tour Roosevelt Rehab Institute on April 9-10. She is excited about finding out more and especially to have the chance to visit and check the place out for herself. It does not seem real to me - that she *may* be leaving in just a few months. What in the world will I do with myself without Lacie here to keep me straight?

The following week (Mon, April 16) we will travel down to Gainesville, Florida for Lacie's six-month MRI and checkup. Please remember us in your prayers as the weeks/days leading up to MRI seem to stress us out a little. We have absolutely no reason to expect anything but great results as Lacie is really doing great lately.

April will be a busy, busy month for us. Relay for Life is on April 20-21 - always a fun event and we are hopeful that we'll see a lot of friends there.

We are thinking about going the the Young Adult Deaf/Blind workshop again this year. It is the last weekend of April and is is Macon. Last year we attended in Atlanta and had a great time. Also, very informative!!

Haven't mentioned Ben is a while - because nothing has changed with Ben. He's doing okay but still no job. He has commented a few times lately that he "needs" to get one. So, I'll take that as a positive sign.

Kacie is good. She's hardly ever home. School, work, friends. That is her life. I keep hoping that she will find some time for me one of these days. She's looking forward to getting this semeter over with and taking a break from school for the summer.

Stacie too is good. She's looking forward to a "girl scout getaway" later this month. She was SO much help at the Relay yard sale we had last weekend. She really likes to be "in charge".

This change of seasons has gotten Gary outside working on the ole boat - getting ready for FISHING! That man is happiest on the water so lets hope he gets that boat in tip top shape and ready to go SOON!

Me, is there time for me??? All is well with me. I am glad to see Spring and am loving this warm weather. I haven't adjusted to the time change yet and seem to get so so sleepy about 3pm everyday. I really hope to snap out of that soon. In the meantime, I'm just chuggin along - trying to keep up with "all of the above" - and loving every minute of it.

Til next time,
Peace,
Tammy, etc. etc. etc.

Monday, March 12, 2007 10:17 AM CDT

Hello Friends & Family,
Well, it’s the start of another week. Monday again! The time change has left me feeling a little sleep-deprived but I’m sure I’ll get used to it and LOVE IT! I am excited about having more daylight hours when we get home in the evenings. I am looking forward to cleaning up the old grill and spending more time outside cooking! My kitchen seems to stay a lot cleaner in the Spring and Summer months!

We got up early Saturday morning, loaded the Jeep full of STUFF and headed off to the college campus for our Relay for Life yardsale. The weather was beautiful!! We had a lot of wonderful donations from people that I work with and people from Lacie’s school and friends and family. We were out there for about 5 hours and raised $200 for Lacie’s Team! So, the day started off good. On the way home, my cellphone rang and a man said “Are you the lady missing the dog? He is running around right now at the edge of the woods and my yard.” OMG!!! These people live like *3* houses down from us so I headed there right away and sure enough, 5 of 6 kids were running after him. One of them caught the little rascal and so, we have our doggie back. I think he was just lost in the woods because he was a bit skinny and very, very excited to see me and Lacie. Kacie and Stacie got home shortly after us and we surprised them! They immediately suckered me out of my debit card and went to the pet store to get Manchu (and Cleo) ID tags. And ofcourse, Manchu got some treats and a couple of new t-shirts. Yep – t-shirts. Whatever.

I have to tell you though – something else really cool happened shortly afterwards. The day after Manchu disappeared, I was picking Lacie up from the flower shop and found out Tabatha’s dog, Spanky had been missing also – since Valentines Day! They live about 7 or 8 miles from us – across the big 4-lane highway!! So, the very same day that we find Manchu, a strange dog appeard in our yard that looked familiar. I wasn’t sure but thought it might be Spanky, so I told Lacie to call Tabatha. Turns out – it WAS Spanky!! What are the odds of us finding Manchu and Spanky!!! Lacie is convinced that she has special powers because she had been hoping and praying that both dogs would be found and well, whatta ya know! We are so happy to have Manchu home. THANKS SO MUCH to our neighbors down the street who found him for us. I had 8 or 10 people from the neighborhood call just to say that they were looking. Tabatha and her family were also just tickled to have their Spanky back! What a great day for dogs. For animals in general – that evening, Gary and I were on our way home, following behind a pickup truck when two cats darted out from the bushes. The first one just barely cleared the trucks tires. The second cat, cleared the first set of tires, stopped under the moving truck, turned around and darted back and MADE IT! Gary & I were cringing in our seats and SO relieved that both the kitties were unharmed. Amazingly! Now, that was a close call.

Before I go, please pray for little Christopher Barrios – a 6 year old local boy who has been missing since Thursday night. I cannot imagine the pain and grief that his family must be going through. Please pray for his safe return home soon.

Til next time,
Tammy

Tuesday, February 27, 2007 9:39 AM CST

Hello and HELP!!! Our doggie, Manchu is missing! Kacie, Lacie and Stacie are all just so upset! He escaped the yard yesterday and followed another dog down the street and hasn't been seen since. We've searched and searched. I printed some flyers this morning and will distribute them all over the neighborhood today. We are truly heartbroken and missing our baby, Manchu. Please pray for his safe return. Again, the girls are devastated.

Yesterday was "one of those days". Not only did our doggie get lost, but apparently Lacie has developed an allergy to ibuprofen. I have given her Motrin for years and all of the sudden - NO MORE MOTRIN! She had a little headache yesterday and when she got to the flower shop, she took an Advil for relief. Well, an hour later, the ladies at the shop were freakin out because Lacie's face was SWELLING! Her eyes, lips, neck - it was pretty bad! So, she and I spent the afternoon in the doctors office getting steriods, benedryl and waiting for the swelling to go down before we could leave. Bless her heart, she was SO embarrassed going thru the medical plaza and in the waiting room. She kept her head down - trying to hide her big, swollen face from everybody! Most of the swelling was gone when we left the doctor but that Benedryl started kicking in and she was falling asleep on the ride home. She is better this morning. Her bottom lip still is a tiny bit swollen but other than that she feels fine and went to school today. So, we are strictly TYLENOL users from now on.

What else? We are having a HUGE yard sale this Saturday at the college campus in Brunswick to benefit RELAY FOR LIFE! We've gotten lots of great donations for the sale and are hopeful to really raise some bucks for the American Cancer Society. I hope all you local folks will come out to the college on Saturday and support us - and the other Relay teams that are participating in the yard sale!

Speaking of Relay - it is on April 20-21 this year and we'd love to see you all out there too! A really great event you don't want to miss.

Well, I must go and get some work done here. Hopefully, I will update again really soon to say that Manchu is home safe and sound. Gosh I hope he comes home!!!

Thanks for checking in!! Leave us a message so we'll know you were here.

PS - Message to my BFF (she knows who she is): WE MISS YOU - WHERE IS THE LOVE???????

Friday, February 23, 2007 9:41 AM CST

Hey!! Figured I’d do a quick update before the weekend – tell you about all of our exciting plans for the weekend. Woo Hoo! Na, not really – you all should know by now that our weekends are pretty boring and uneventful – usually. Well, this weekend looks like more of the same.

Today *was* supposed to be meeting day for us – Lacie, school, Dept of Labor, etc. – to do the “life after high school” thingie. But, it has been cancelled/postponed for now. Which kinda sucks but kinda don’t suck because I’ve already asked for this afternoon off of work – which, I still plan to take this afternoon off work and just go home and be a total bum for a few hours. Start the weekend off with a bang, huh? Whatever.

This evening, we are having a Girl Scout Cookie booth at the mall. Stacie has to be there from 6pm to 8pm. Not sure what we’ll do but it’s unlikely that we’ll hang out at the cookie booth. I’m such a bad mama – but I will tell you this – I would be a terrible, horrible girl scout leader. Those 4th & 5th grade girls are moody and well, just *changing*. They surely aren’t as cute and adorable and sweet as I’m sure they all used to be. Girls. Attitude. Whew!

We had so much fun bowling a few weeks ago that we might try to do that again – maybe even get Ben AND Kacie to go with us this time. Bowling is fun!!

Tomorrow, February 24th is my mom and dads anniversary – 45 YEARS! We are bad daughters – no celebration or big to-do, just cards and flowers, you know! But, my parents like it that way – maybe throw in a few scratch-off lottery tickets and they are happy!! Serious, I think it is awesome and amazing – 45 years!!! I only made it to 10 before totally driving my husband to smoking crack, robbing jiffy stores and leaving me & four kids to spend the next 10 to 20 years........stop it Tammy, going a bit overboard there. Sorry. Seriously – I like to think that I was a good wife. Maybe not, maybe I was just ignorant. I digress. Back to 45 YEARS OF MARRIAGE - I love my parents dearly and am so proud of them for sticking it out because I know it wasn’t always peaches and cream (I was there.) But they were the absolute best parents a bunch of crazy wild girls could dream of. So, HAPPY ANNIVERSARY MOM & DAD – WE LOVE YOU BOTH SO, SO VERY MUCH!!!

Well, I must get some work done seeing as how I’m only gonna be here ½ day today. Cool.

I hope you all have a terrific weekend. We are expecting really nice warm weather so maybe I’ll get energetic and clean out my nasty-nasty-terribly dirty car – inside and out. But, probably not. I’m a lazy bum.

Have a great weekend!

Love, Peace,
Tammy & family.

Oh, PS - about the AB=LOUNGER. Well, it's about 1/2 way assembled. Talk about a pain in the butt to put together. We will get it done this weekend though and soon, will have ABS of steel - just watch us!!

Thursday, February 15, 2007 1:11 PM CST

Happy *Day-After* Valentines Day!

What’s UP??? Not a whole lot with us really.

Lacie is doing well. She had me drive her around the neighborhood delivering Valentines last night! The high school she attends sold carnations & delivered them to other kids in the school – there is no telling how much money she spent sending flowers to cute boys – she’ll never tell. She did make a lovely arrangement for me at the flower shop. Dang, I should’ve taken a picture of it for all yall to see. She brings me flowers all the time! I love this girl!!

Her DOL evaluation thing last week was ………… boring. Those are her words. Gosh, she was there about 4 ½ hours! We haven’t gotten any “results” if that’s what you call it, but have a meeting next week to talk about “life after high school”. Oh my.

Her grandpa got her an Ab-Lounger for V-Day. She’s wanted one for a while and I am hopeful that it will help strengthen her mid-section. I’m hoping that a stronger middle will help her with her balance. Or, lack of balance, I should say. Tonight we will take it out of the box and hopefully get is assembled and start using it. Yes, I plan on using it too – having kids was NOT good for my tummy. Funny thought – maybe I’ll take before/after pictures! HA! Any of you have an ab-lounger?? If so, how’d it work for you? I’d like to know – comment me in the guestbook.

Kacie is doing fine. Bored as hell with her job and boy, I’m SO tired of hearing it. I finally got into MEAN MAMA mode and told her this morning!! “Do whatever you want to do, I’m tired of you’re constant complaining! Read a book, play solitaire, nobody cares if you just play as long as you're there, get another damn job if you’re SO freaking bored”. Yep – that’s mean mama mode. I try not to talk to Kacie in that mode b/c she is tender hearted (yes, still, even at 18 y/o) and for a minute there, I thought she was going to cry. So, I went back into COOLEST MAMA IN THE WORLD mode, gave her a hug and chocolate. Life is good again – until that brat starts her complaining again. (Yep – even at 18 y/o, she’s still a brat). Kacie’s a good kid with a boring job and it’s driving her batty. Since she has connections where she works at (me), she’s really overpaid for being so dang bored. (Gosh, I hope nobody at work reads this! If you do, please find something to keep Kacie busy. Please don’t fire her. Or me.) Thanks. Still, I love this girl!

Stacie is good too! She is really growing SO much! She is almost as tall as me, which isn’t saying much since I’m barely 5-feet. Still, she’s the “last one” – my baby. It’s sad to think that she is growing up so fast. She was in the PTA program this week – doing sign language with her gifted classmates. She did great and was so pretty! I should’ve taken a picture. Dang! I love this girl too!

Ben is good. Still no job but did manage to land himself some “community service”. Dumb boy. He has been staying out of trouble as far as I know, but he’s GOT to get off his ass and get a job. Sorry for the *a* word. That “mode” kicked in for a moment. I know in my heart of hearts that he will be just fine – once he gets through this lazy, teenager, bum phase of his life. I won’t give up on my boy because…………………I love this boy!!

This is getting long but I have to mention that LACIE’S TEAM for the 2007 Relay for Life is up and running!! We are so excited about it! This is our third year having a team in honor of our own SuperStar, Lacie and well, it’s just a really FUN event. We’re having a yard sale in March and are accepting donations – stuff to sell – so clean out your shed, closet, garage, etc. and get all your old stuff to me – help us raise some bucks to support the American Cancer Society. They’ve really done a lot for us over the years. HELP US OUT! And I’ll keep you posted about other stuff LACIE’S TEAM will be doing!

Love & Peace,
From the coolest mom in the world – just ask my kids.

Wednesday, February 7, 2007 9:12 AM CST

Today is Lacie’s vocational evaluation at the Department of Labor. She’s a bit nervous – thinking of it as more of a test than an “interview”. I am sure she will do just fine and the DOL will no doubt find that Lacie is “employable” and would surely benefit from vocational training/rehabilitation at Warm Springs next Fall. After this “evaluation”, we will have a meeting later in February with the DOL, with her teachers, counselors, transition specialists, etc. to develop a more solid plan for her after she graduates from high school in May. I am excited for Lacie!! Still, find it hard to believe that she is pretty much an adult now. My “baby” always though!

Tomorrow afternoon is the first Captain’s Meeting for this years’ Relay for Life. We have entered LACIE’S TEAM once again – for the third year – and we are gearing up to raise some funds for the American Cancer Society! The first year we had a team was a total blast – except at around 9:30pm the storm from hell blew thru. We got soaked, our tent, food, everything got soaked and around 11pm, they cancelled the rest of the event and sent everyone home. We left most of our stuff there, packed under a funeral-type tent (no sides) getting soaked and had to return the next morning and clean it all up. However, we raised close to $4000 that year and well, would’ve been more if our chicken wings hadn’t got rained on. Ha! Last year, we were not as organized and most of our team members from the previous year weren’t interested in getting as involved. Our tent site wasn’t in the best of locations, but we managed to stay the whole night and raised about $1500. THIS YEAR – well, we still aren’t very organized, but we have until April 21st to get it together. We are looking for some motivated team members – as of now, it’s pretty much me and my sister, Cissy – and our kids, who are loads of help when you TELL them, not real motivated fund raisers though. So, locals, get in touch with me – join Lacie’s Team – Friends for Life – and help us raise money to fight/abolish cancer – because CANCER SUCKS. Oh, and we have Gary – not officially a “team member” and not real motivated, but there for us to help set up and well, like the kids, whatever we tell him to do. Yea.

Not much else to write about – I think we are all over our terrible sickness – other than the occasional cough and regular nose blowing. Probably related to allergies more than the “sickness” that we had last week.

Stacie made a “C” on her progress report – so not like her. She hasn’t been very motivated lately – not sure why – I guess this gloomy cold weather, maybe. We talked and agreed that she needs to be more focused on school and homework and last night, as she worked on an essay, she seemed to be more into it and excited about doing better and bringing her grade up. She wants to join a gymnastic/cheerleading squad so is on her best behavior while I “think about it”.

Kacie is doing well too – I guess. Bless her heart, I know she is feeling a bit overwhelmed lately with such a busy, busy schedule. She is either at work or at college. Her job is boring so that makes for very long days. She keeps threatening to find another job but right now, she is making dang good dollars for being bored. She needs a GameBoy or something. Ha!

Ben is okay. Still no job but has filled out a *few* applications or so he says. He seems happy or maybe it’s carefree. I don’t know bout that boy, but I do know that I love him and am continuously praying that he will get it together – that he will turn things around before he finds himself in trouble. Pray for him with me, please.

Gary works all the time. What else can I say. I am trying not to take it personally and he assures me that I shouldn’t. He’d much rather be *home* but feels like he needs to take advantage of this opportunity to make some extra bucks.

Me, same old stuff. Work, cook, clean, laundry, taxi kids around, oh yea, and I have to mention, spending all my free time lately at Verizon – trying to fix cell phones, replace cell phones – we’re having cell phone crisis after crisis in our little family calling plan circle thingie. ARGHHHHHH!

Until next time, Tammy & Family
PS – Check out new pictures

Monday, February 5, 2007 9:51 AM CST

Hello – and good morning!

I was SO freaking sick last week – I didn’t work Wed., Thurs or Friday. Congested, headache, sinus shutdown, severe sore throat – it was bad. I was feeling better on Friday but took the day off for a bit more recovery time.

Our friend Ricky (Eric) Poston passed away last week. Saturday morning we attended the funeral. Ricky was diagnosed with Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) in November 2005, an aggressive and hard to treat type of brain tumor. It is strange how I never knew anyone with a brain tumor before Lacie was diagnosed – then, within the next few years – seems like I was hearing of a new tumor diagnosis monthly – if not more frequent. We have been so very fortunate – Lacie’s tumor was not aggressive like many others were – like Ricky’s. Needless to say – it is very, very difficult for me and for Lacie – hearing the news that yet another friend has passed away. Another friend with a brain tumor. It is times like this I just need to drop to my knees and thank the Lord for Lacie – for his loving mercy and blessing. THANK YOU LORD.

As a young girl, I rode the school bus with Ricky and his brother and sister. We were friends from elementary thru high school, and then as things tend to happen, years go by without seeing our childhood friends. Later in life, when I found my self a single mother of four kids, I began looking for a cheaper place for us to live. I found a little trailer out in the country – it was owned by Ricky’s father. We lived in this trailer for 5 or 6 years. My neighbor on one side was Ricky and his family – on the other side was Randy, Ricky’s older brother and his family. For quite some time, our children played together on a daily basis. I had two terrific neighbors! I cannot count the times when Ricky was there to help me out of a jam – whether it be helping me break into the house because I’d locked the keys inside, helping me when my car wouldn’t start or a tire was flat, fixing things around the house, cutting my grass – just to name a few. When Lacie was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2001, my neighbors only got nicer. These brothers and their friends organized a fund raiser and raised several thousand dollars to help with our expenses. Ricky and his wife, Holly, invited my other kids over to swim, play, hang out – whatever and believe me, during our crisis with Lacie, Ben and Stacie spent many hours at Ricky’s house – they were always welcome and it meant a great deal to me knowing that my kids were right next door, with great people, while I tended to Lacie’s needs or just simply got some much needed rest and quiet. During that difficult time in my life, I could not have asked for better neighbors.

Please pray for the Poston family – Ricky was a wonderful, loving man and will be greatly missed by lots of people.

After the funeral, me & the girls had lunch at Jinrights (the “old” family spot). We hadn’t been there for a while. None of the Weston’s were working so, unfortunately, we didn’t get to see any of the family. We surely miss Nana Weston - it just doesn't seem right that she's not there anymore. The kids would always trot right through the kitchen to get to Nana's office for hugs everytime we went there - which was more frequently then than now. Just isn't the same anymore. We miss Nana. But lunch was delicious - as always! I spent the rest of the day on Sat just being a bum. Laying in bed watching movies.

On Sunday - me, Lacie, Stacie and Ben went to Savannah to meet a group of kids/families from Camp Sunshine for some bowling. I have pictures but forgot to bring the camera today. I’ll post them tomorrow for sure! We had a BLAST – LOTS OF FUN!! Of course, I spanked them at bowling. Gary was impressed that I bowled a 115 – until I told him that we left the bumpers up the whole time! Hehe! Kacie didn’t want to go but I am so glad that Ben went – we enjoyed spending some time with him. He is doing okay. Still doesn’t have a job, but does have a place to stay, a “home” of sorts. I have agreed to help him out by paying his rent for the first month – with the understanding that he IS looking for a job and hopefully will have one really soon.

Me & Gary went over to a friends house on Sunday evening to watch the SuperBowl – GO COLTS! Whoo Hoo!

So, my weekend was a little less boring than usual. Thank goodness I was feeling better and able to enjoy it some. My house is a disaster though – I’ve got a billion dishes to do tonight. I pray for a home with a dishwasher one day!!! Maybe, just maybe, I can get one (or some) of my lazy daughter(s) to help! Fat chance.

I hope you all are doing great! Leave us a message!!!

Love,
Tammy (mama)

Tuesday, January 30, 2007 9:24 AM CST

Hey Yall!
Just a quick update. Lacie spent the entire weekend in bed or laid up on the couch. She’s had a nasty cold – sore throat, stuffiness, cough, headache. She got lots of rest over the weekend and is feeling much better. She still has a lingering cough but it is breaking up and sounding much better. Of course, now, I have the bug. Started yesterday with a sore throat and today – sore throat, stuffy head and just feeling yuck all over. Hopefully, I will be able to trudge right thru!

Gary & I got out of the house for a bit Saturday night to attend the Miss Glynn Academy Pageant. Both of his daughters were contestants and were so pretty! Kadie was 2nd runner up for the Junior class!! I have posted a couple pics of them in the album!

I hope you all are doing great!

Please pray for our friend Ricky Poston as he is not doing well at this time.

Monday, January 22, 2007 1:18 PM CST

Hello Friends,
I hope you all are doing well. We are fine and had a really nice weekend.

Saturday was “SHOPPING SPREE” – talk about fun!! Girls day out – me, my 3 beautiful daughters and my most beautiful mother! A big thanks goes out to my work-a-holic boyfriend whose generosity (and long, long workdays) made it all possible! He’s so good to me/us.

Anyway – my daughters didn’t get much clothes for Christmas, and what they did get, well, they’ve already out-grown? Can that be??? Yes, my baby Stacie will not stop growing for a minute! Kacie – ate way too much chocolate while working here in the office and put on TEN pounds (at least) – but she was too skinny to start with! And Lacie, well, she’s not “putting it on” like the other two, but hey, if they get new clothes then she does too – it’s only fair!!!

Anyway – as you can probably tell by my excitement, we don’t get out much! Hehe! Not for shopping spree’s anyway – so it was really, really nice to be able to do that!

On to more important stuff. Lacie was baptized on Sunday!!! Whoo Hoo!! I know that seemed to come out of nowhere, huh? She has wanted to get baptized for a long time. She had accepted Jesus as her Saviour not long before she got sick back in 2000/2001 so this has really been a long time coming! I wish I had a picture to post – the church did take one so I’ll try to get it posted here as soon as I get it!!

Kacie Faye started her “new” job today. She is working at our jobsite office at the paper mill – needless to say – the paper mill has strict safety guidelines so she had to wear a hardhat and safety glasses to get on the property – oh yea, and a fanny pack with an emergency respirator (just in case). She left this morning looking like BOB the Builder, except she’s a girl. It was funny! I have GOT to get a picture of that! This “new” job of hers was originally why we were going shopping – she had to have some pants that aren’t painted-on tight – working out there around all those men!! Oh yea, and work boots!!!! TOO FUNNY! I think she’s really going to like working out there. I have found in my years (and years) of employment that it is easier (for me) to work around a bunch of men rather than a bunch of women – just is.

Speaking of work – I better do some!! I will update again really soon!

Love, Peace,
Tammy

Friday, January 19, 2007 9:32 AM CST

I hate it when people forward bogus warnings, and I have even done it myself a couple times...but this one is real, and it's important.

So please send this warning to everyone on your e-mail list.

If someone comes to your front door saying they are checking for ticks due to the warming weather and asks you to take your clothes off and dance around with your arms up, DO NOT DO IT!!

IT IS A SCAM!! They only want to see you naked.

I wish I'd gotten this yesterday. I feel so stupid!!!

He He He!!!
Have a great weekend!

Tuesday, January 16, 2007 1:54 PM CST

I don’t feel like updating. I can’t think of anything interesting to say. We are all doing fine and hope that You are too!

Hopefully, I’ll get inspired soon!

Love & Thanks for checking in.
Tammy

Tuesday, January 9, 2007 1:44 PM CST

My 5-year old nephew, Trace, spent the weekend with his dad and came home with a brand new hair cut - and I do mean haircut! See the picture above of he and Lacie!

I picked him up yesterday afternoon and brought him to our house to play with Stacie for a while. When Gary got home and saw him, Gary said "Dang boy, what happened to your head?"

Trace pointed to the bruise in the middle of his forehead and said "Where, here?"

Gary "No, I'm talking about all over".

Trace responded, "Oh, my dad".

I just thought that was funny!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

His "dad" happened to his head.

By the way, Lacie loves his new look!!

Check out a few more new pics in the album.

Love & Peace,
Tammy

Thursday, January 4, 2007 10:47 AM CST

“God, There is no better time to come to You with a renewed spirit and a resolve to be Your disciple on earth. I am excited about the possibilities the new year brings and ask Your blessings for a victorious, abundant life! In Jesus' Name – Amen.”

HAPPY NEW YEAR! I have been meaning to update "all year" but simply can't figure out what to write about. Yeah, I know, my updates are getting really boring, huh? Maybe 2007 will be a YEAR OF INSPIRATION and I’ll come up with all kinds of funny, interesting, important topics to write about. Woo Hoo!!!

New Years Eve - We hung around the house - barely making it to midnight to watch the ball drop and in BED at 12:05 - seriously!!

Lacie is great. Back in school today where she's only taking two classes this semester. She's probably at the floral shop already. She is excited about her short class schedule and all the big events coming up for her in 2007. Our meeting with the VocRehab lady last week was very informative. At this time, we've agreed that they are not going to "fund" her working at the flower shop due to the fact that we want those "funds" for Lacie to be utilized elsewhere. We have discussed the possibility of sending Lacie to Roosevelt Warm Springs Institute for Rehabilitation – a place that is about 4-5 hours from home where they “EMPOWER INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITY TO ACHIEVE PERSONAL INDEPENDENCE”. The DOL says that it may be hard to “justify” sending Lacie IF she is already “GAINFULLY” employed. If Lacie goes to college, then the “education” there might jeopardize her getting into Roosevelt also because of the knowledge/skills that she might learn. I believe that Lacie is totally capable of “working” but I really, really want her to have those independent living skills. We have talked about Roosevelt in the past and my position was for Lacie to go there “later” – like when she’s more mature, older. BUT – the fact is that if Lacie desires to go to Roosevelt (and she does) she needs to do that FIRST to ensure she's not denied later as Roosevelt is 100 percent paid for by the DOL-VocRehab. We will have several meetings these next few months to discuss all this further. Lacie will have a vocational assessment first where it will be decided IF she would benefit from Roosevelt – I’m pretty certain that it will be determined that she WILL benefit. Then, around spring time, we would go there for a couple of days for a tour of the place and to just learn more about the programs there. So, on the down side, Lacie will probably be going to Warm Springs before *I* really wanted her to. On the PLUS side – Lacie really wants to go, she wants to be more independent of me, it will do her SO much good and I know it would be a big confidence booster for her to be “own her own” and doing things for herself. AND, my niece, Crystal will be starting her senior year at LaGrange College the same time Lacie would be going to Roosevelt – I would be hours away from Lacie, but Crystal would be like 15 minutes. That makes me feel somewhat better – knowing that someone (family) would be close by for Lacie. We have a lot to think about and decisions to make in 2007! It’s kinda scary, but very exciting. My beautiful daughter, who has been through SO much over the past 6 years – is growing up and becoming an adult – in spite of it all! I am certain that 2007 will be a year that Lacie will bring me much joy and pride. Oh, and my other kids too!

Kacie will start classes again next week – 2007 she will finish her first year of college.
Stacie will be done with elementary school – 2007 she will become a middle schooler. (Oh no!)
Ben will turn 18 years old in 2007 – something will happen with him and I am hopeful and praying that it will be a good year for my son.
Me – well, I just have good feelings about this year. Good things will happen, memories will be made, new experiences and adventures. I am optimistic, excited and grateful for the opportunities that await us all in 2007!

Happy New Year & God Bless!
Tammy

Wednesday, December 27, 2006 10:30 AM CST

Okay – let me take a minute from my busy, busy schedule and do an update before you guys start fussing.

We had a terrific Christmas!! We still have a mess to clean up, but will get to it. I have been a mother for over 18 years – I should know to ALWAYS take a vacation day on December 26th for cleanup day - but I didn’t this year. It’ll be there until Saturday (my “regular” cleanup day) or until some one else cleans it up (fat chance of that happening). Anyway…………….

I uploaded some new pictures (check out the photos) – courtesy of Miss Lacie Weston and her new digital camera. Only problem – there are no pics of Lacie and this is “supposed” to be Lacie’s page. I’m sure it’s just a matter of time before she starts snapping pics of herself = hehe! I always think that is so funny – when people stretch out their arm to take their own pic. Gary has really long arms and is good at the “Self Pics” – my arms are short and always show up in the pic.

Lacie loves her new camera, new clothes, a few pieces of jewelry, a biker helmet, perfume, and lots of other miscellaneous “junk”. So, from now on, Lacie is in charge of updating the pictures here. She is feeling great and looking forward to her last semester of high school! She has all the required credits except for SCIENCE! So, once again, she will take two biology classes – the cool thing is that they both study basically the same things. She will take those two classes and that is ALL! She will be able to put in more hours at the flower shop. We have an appointment on Thursday with Vocational Rehab to get all the paperwork necessary to get Lacie services from them. Actually, the DOL-VocRehab is who will “Sponsor” Lacie next semester – meaning: they will pay her for working at the Flower Shop as part of her vocational training. Cool, huh? She has just been “working for experience” but soon, she will be working for a paycheck! She stayed busy over Christmas – baking cookies with Ms. Geneva and Josh down the street has turned into a yearly tradition for Lacie and boy do I love those oatmeal cookies that they make! She hung out with her friends from the ranch some and they all went out to a movie on Christmas night. She’s spent a few days with her grandparents, some time shopping with Kacie, and of course, giving the ladies “hell” at the flower shop every chance she gets! She is happy! Her next medical appointments in Gainesville aren’t until April! WooHoo!!!

The other kids are doing good too. Stacie got a motorized scooter and just loves it! She is mad because I won’t let her take it to Nanny’s house during the day, but I know Stacie – she will have that thing out on the road and all over the neighborhood and well, I’m just not comfortable with that. She needs to ride in out in OUR yard and get more experience on the thing before I drop her off at Nanny’s with it. Nanny isn’t as “over-protective” and well, that’s just me.

Ben spent the night with us on Christmas Eve and the night before. He’s been sick with a cold and a terrible cough – the price you pay for living the crazy life! It was really nice to have him at home, but he was ready to get outta there as soon as the grandparents gave him that Christmas Cash. He is still just living day to day – doing nothing productive. He talks about moving to Columbus – but hopefully, that’s all just talk. Pray for Ben –he needs some focus in his life.

Well, this is getting rather long so I’m going to sign off and go get some LUNCH! I hope that you all had a very Merry Christmas. Be safe over the New Years holiday! We love each and everyone of you!

Cheers!
Tammy, Lacie, Kacie, Stacie, Gary, Ben.
(Dang – is that all of us)??

PS – sign the guestbook!!!

Tuesday, December 26, 2006 2:57 PM CST

Just a real quick update to say HELLO! We had a fantastic Christmas! I'll be glad if I ever get the mess cleaned up though! I'm back at work today and pretty dang busy for the day after Christmas. No time for a lengthy update but I will be back tomorrow for Christmas details - and hopefully some new pictures!

Love & Peace,
Tammy & family

Tuesday, December 19, 2006 8:39 AM CST

Hey - if there are any cute boys out there reading my page, leave me a message! OK - anybody, but especially any cute boys. I'm out of school and need some socialization!

Leave me a message!

Love,
Lacie

Friday, December 15, 2006 2:49 PM CST

HELP ME! I think I am addicted to internet shopping!!

OK - Just kidding, but, don't you LOVE IT! I am almost done with my Xmas shopping - and have only been to the mall once. WOOHOO!! Just sitting back waiting for the packages to come.

All is good here! Thank goodness it's Friday. I really don't have much to say, just wanted to SURPRISE Ms. Kim with another update. hehe!

I'll be back on Monday with the exciting details of our exciting weekend! Yep.

Later,
Tammy

Wednesday, December 13, 2006 12:36 AM CST

I know! I know! Way past due for an update. So sorry – but I do have a LIFE ya know! OK – I don’t have a life – I need to get one – maybe Santa will deliver????? HaHa!

Ok, on to the update.

We had a really nice weekend! We did the family get-together on Saturday in Waycross at the neatest little place – Obediah’s Okefenok. It’s the preserved homestead of Obediah Barber – one of the first settlers in the Okefenokee Swamp. We visited the little “village” or homestead I guess – it was neat going thru some of the old houses and barns and blacksmith “barns”. Plus, there was a loooooooooooong boardwalk thru an animal exhibit – that was nice. Sorry, no pictures. I’m a bum – forgot to even take a camera. It was great seeing my family from my daddy’s side – the picture above is of my daddy (Papa as he’s known to my kids), Lacie and my Dad’s only living brother, my Uncle Charles. My dad came from a family of 7 kids – it’s sad that there are only two left. It was obvious – the people “missing” in our family – those who have gone before us, those who simply couldn’t make it, and those (my dear brother, David) who we simply haven’t heard from in quite a number of years. I miss my brother. I pray often that he will just show up, just come home, just call, just SOMETHING – what a Xmas present that would be for my daddy.

After eating SO much, we decided to walk it off at the big Mall of Waycross – or Small of Waycross is more like it! Gary had a full belly and decided to wait in the car, so me & the girls decided, well, we’ll just go in ONE store. Of course, after we got away from the car and out of Gary’s hearing, we figured we’d walk thru the mall and Gary would never know. HA! About half way thru, he called my cell phone – suddenly, he remembered that he needed something from Sears. Big mistake Gary – getting out of the car! We found him in BELKS – I saw him from a distance, talking to a lady at what looked like the Jewelry Counter. WooHoo!!! Well, after “watching” from a distance, I finally walked over there. Well, he’d ran into some folks he knows from Brunswick and wasn’t looking at the jewelry after all. SO – for that – we made him walk the rest of the mall with us – of course; he sat on a bench outside of whatever store we were in!! Except the health food store – could hardly get him out of there. Health nut! Yeah, Right. Me & the girls spent quite a few dollars – just on us! Hehe! Gotta love it! Now, I’ve got to start getting around to all those other people on my list.

Sunday morning – I was a lazy bum again. But by noon, I was busy re-arranging furniture, sweeping, mopping – making room for our Christmas Tree! That is, in between watching the Jaguars SPANK the heck out of the COLTS! Go JAGS!! Woo Hoo!! HURRAAAYYYY!

Anyway, back to whatever I was talking about. Oh yes, we got a tree – no thanks to me. Stacie sweet talked Gary into taking her to Home Depot for a tree – well, just the words “Home Depot” was sweet enough for Gary to agree – so off they went – came home with a beautiful tree, some new ornaments, and even picked up a few gifts. I couldn’t believe that. Gary NEVER does ANY shopping until CHRISTMAS EVE. I’m very proud of him for “starting early”.

Other than getting ready for Christmas – nothing much else going on. Lacie is doing great – feeling great – except for an ingrown toenail – OUCH!! Kacie is great too – all finished with her first semester of college – haven’t seen the grades yet but sure they’re pretty good! Stacie, great too! She scored at an 8th grade level on her CRCT tests at school – and she’s only in 5th grade! She’s my little brain child – and I am very, very proud of her. Ben – thinks he’s great but I beg to differ. He’s not been in any trouble lately. Life is just a fun ROAD TRIP to Ben. Whatever! He is without a job, without any money, without a care – but he has his buddies and is having fun and is free - life is good, huh? I’ll say it again – whatever.

Ok – now a little message to that “someone” – she knows who she is! You said it yourself “the lovely and kind Tammy” – “kind” being the key word here! I will never 86 you from this place! Heck, you’re about the only one who leaves us a message – what would I do without you! (That’s a hint to all of yall out there stalking who never sign the guest book – SIGN IT DAMN IT) Oops, didn’t mean to curse. Anyway – (1) I hope you’ve had a chance to do a low country boil, (2) I hope you’re happy that I’ve finally done another update, (3) Lacie would love some pins from MN – and no, she doesn’t have any already. Is that all????? Can I go now??????

Hehehe!! Seriously, I’ve gotta go now!

Love and Peace,
Tammy & family

“Imagine all the people living life in peace. You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one. I hope someday you'll join us, and the world will be as one.”
-John Lennon

Monday, December 4, 2006 9:44 AM CST

It is Monday again. The weekends sure do fly by fast don’t they? And with the busy holiday season here, the weekend just goes by even faster.

Saturday night was the annual Christmas Party for the company that me & Kacie work for. We had a terrific time – yummy oysters, low country boil and Corona’s, yum! Me, Gary, Kacie and Lacie attended. Our friend and co-worker, Parker surprised Lacie with a gift from him and his motorcycle buddies – a leather biker chick vest! She loved it and I will post pictures soon as I get them from Parkers wife. She is an “Official Biker in Training” now. Not only that, but she is featured in the December issue of Full Throttle Magazine – Florida Edition – page 116! Our friend Marc, that we met at the 7 Bridges Run last month, is a writer for the mag and he wrote a nice article about the run and about meeting Lacie. It was a very nice article and some cute pictures too. I will scan it and post it here so you all can see it. I’m not sure if you can see it on the website or not but anyway – Lacie was thrilled to get the biker vest and to be in the magazine. I’ll say it again – we have met some really cool people during our “journey” and it just keeps on getting better.

The vest gift reminded me of Lacie’s pin collections that I haven’t mentioned here in quite some time. She started collecting Lapel Bins (Hat pins) when we went to Texas in August of 2002. She was very gung-ho about the collection for a while – some of you may remember that she pinned them all on her Friendship Bear and took him to her doctor’s appointments with her – it was like taking all her friends who had given her a pin with her. Well, the collection grew and grew – we finally had to take them off of the bear and put them in some other containers. Lacie got them all out yesterday – counted about 425 I think – and picked our 4 or 5 special ones to wear on her new vest. So, if any of you would like to add to her collection – please feel free to do so. She’d love to receive some more – especially motorcycle related ones! BTW – the collection has expanded to include button pins, homemade pins – any kind of pins! Our address is at the bottom of the page if you’d like to send her a pin or two!

Sunday we ventured out to the mall for a little Christmas shopping for a couple of hours. Lacie and Stacie picked up a few things but I wasn’t really in the mood for shopping. It’ll hit me soon though I’m sure.

We still don’t have a tree up and the girls bug me everyday – when, when, when? My response, as soon as yall clean up the living room. That usually ends the Christmas Tree conversation right there. Lazy bum kids. Soon.

Until next time, Peace, Love and Stay Safe,

Tammy & family.

Tuesday, November 28, 2006 9:27 AM CST

Thurs 11/30 = Urgent Prayer Request: A young boy in Stacie's 5th grade class had a terrible accident yesterday and is on life support this morning. Please pray for Marcus, his family and his young classmates and friends.

ALSO - Happy 14th Birthday today to my nephew, Cole!!!

AND - Happy 5th Birthday tomorrow to my other nephew (and Cole's brother) Trace James


We had a LOVELY Thanksgiving! It was hard to get up and out on Monday morning after 4 days off work - 5 for the kiddies, but we managed and we are doing it! We had dinner with my sister & her family and my parents of course. My older sister couldn't be there, but we had her lovely daughter Crystal home from college with us! Gary traveled to Statesboro to spend the day with his mom and daughters and he brought me back a red velvet cake! The evening of Thanksgiving, I had the munchies and wished that I had brought home some pecan pie. Gary chimed in, "I did have a red velvet cake, but I forgot to get it". Later, I went outside to get something out of the car, and right there in the backseat was red velvet cake! Someone (THANK YOU VERY MUCH) had put the cake in the backseat = Gary apparently didn't know. So, it all worked out! HEHE! And I did make it back over to my sis's house the next day - just in time to get the last piece of pecan pie. No wonder my jeans don't fit, huh?

Lacie is doing great. She and Kacie started their Christmas shopping on Friday. No, they didn't do the crazy 5am thing! They ventured out to the stores about 9am and said that it was still a mad house out there. I stayed home and cleaned out my shed! Way more FUN than shopping. Seriously, I will get my shopping started soon.

This weekend is our company Christmas Party! We always have a great time - great FOOD! Lacie attended with me last year - she was actually working here a little bit last year. This year - Kacie is working here! Regardless, they both will go to the party with me & Gary! We (I) like to get there early so I can feast on the first batch of roasted oysters before the crowd gets there. Yep, I love me some oysters! The girls & Gary will have to munch on hotwings and celery sticks I guess - until the low country boil is ready! (GOSH-do I talk about food alot or what?) My dad told me the other day that I am either hungry or eating. What?!?! Ever?!?!

We were very happy that Ben joined us for Thanksgiving - I love that boy/man/thingie so much and every little bit of time I spend with him is precious to me. Ben continues to float through the days/weeks without any desire to get a job or do anything with his life - he's all about having fun and well, that's not necessarily a good thing. Regardless, he is my one and only son and I love him and I know he reads these pages from time to time and I wanted to tell him - I LOVE YOU BEN & YOU ARE CONSTANTLY IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS!

Well - I better get to work here. Thanks for checking in! We love you all!

PEACE,
Tammy & family

Tuesday, November 21, 2006 9:01 AM CST

Hey Everyone!
Lacie – yep, she’s a Wannabe Biker Chick – and a darn cute one too! She had so much fun on Saturday at the Seven Bridges Run in Jacksonville. She took a 2-hour motorcycle ride around the city – along with a gazillion other bikers! Seriously, I have no idea how many bikes were in the run but it was a LOT!

Thanks so much to DreamsComeTrue – for inviting us once again and for a delicious lunch. You guys have to try the Seven Bridges Restaurant when you’re in Jacksonville. We liked it! And extra, extra thanks to our new friends Marc & Kim, David & Robin - you guys made this day so special for Lacie! She absolutely loves meeting new friends – especially ones she can “act a fool” with! And more thanks to our old friend, Parker (ok, he’s not that old – we’ve just known him for a few years) and his wife, Sandy – who also rode along. Lacie rode with Ms. Kim – who had the perfect bike – or trike. Lacie was very comfortable – and that third wheel made me (mom) feel a lot better too!

It is always fun meeting new, interesting people and we certainly did that on Saturday. Marc is a writer for a big magazine (details later) and is writing a story about the Run and about his “Lacie Experience”. My unforgettable daughter – I love her so much!

Check out the photo section for a few more photos from the day. I have GOT to find more time to be more creative and figure out how to get more pics on the main page. Hopefully, Santa will bring me a new computer for Xmas and I can do more updates, etc. from home.

Me, Lacie and Stacie went to Regency Mall for a bit after the run. Picked up a few things – should’ve been things for Xmas, but hey, who can hold on to a new pair of jeans for a month without wearing them – especially when none of *her* other jeans fit anymore? Truth be told – all four of us gals are outgrowing our clothes. Stacie – skipped right past sizes 8 & 10 and needs 12’s all of the sudden. Kacie Faye has gained about 8 pounds (sorry, Kacie) since she started working here – probably has something to do with the never-ending bowl of Hershey mini-candy bars on her desk. And Lacie’s growing to. I guess I’m the only one who’s staying slim & trim these days – NOT! We are all small framed so 5–10 (okay, maybe 15) pounds make a difference. Oh, and thank goodness the holidays are here. Did I mention that my mouth is already watering for some good old turkey, cornbread dressing and pumpkin pie? HeHe!

I hope all of you have a wonderful Thanksgiving – full of love, family, friends and gratitude!

Happy Holiday!
Tammy

Thursday, November 16, 2006 9:55 AM CST

MONDAY-NOV 20TH - WORKING ON AN UPDATE. CHECK ON THE NEW PICTURES IN THE PHOTOS SECTION! LACIE HAD A BLAST RIDING IN THE SEVEN BRIDGES RUN ON SATURDAY! THANKS SO MUCH TO THOSE WHO MADE IT POSSIBLE!

AND REALLY, UPDATE COMING REAL SOON!

LOVE,
TAMMY

Monday, November 6, 2006 10:05 AM CST

Hello friends & family. It is Monday again.

We have spent the weekend preparing for our good friend, Donnie’s funeral. Donnie and Gary have been good friends for years and years. Gary has no brothers but has a few very, very close and long-time friends that are like his brothers. Donnie was one of these “brothers”. Donnie was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s disease about 18 months ago and passed away yesterday. Donnie’s health declined over the last few months. Last week he was admitted to the hospital due to some chest congestion – within 24 hours, he was on life support and his family and friends were gathering at his side. Donnie had two final wishes (that I know about) – (1) he did not want to be kept on life support – he was taken off life support on Saturday after family from Ohio arrived in Georgia. His other wish – he wanted to be laid to rest in a handmade coffin – handmade by his best friend, my Gary. Needless to say, Gary has stayed up long, long hours over the weekend working on his “brother’s” coffin. Not an easy task and unfortunately, I am not much help with that kind of stuff. It rained last night – we brought the coffin inside and worked on the interior for a bit. Gary was tired, frustrated, and swearing that he will never ever build one of “these things” again. As of this morning, the nail gun (stapler, whatever is is) had been thrown to the floor several times. Amazingly, it still works. After a frustrating temper tantrum (yes, he’s 40 and still throws an occasional tantrum), Gary loaded it all up in his truck and said “I’m going to my mama’s house”. The viewing is today at 5pm in Bulloch County – about 2 hours away from us. Gary’s mom is in Bulloch, so he will finish it up there and deliver it to the funeral home by 3pm. Hopefully, the 2 hour ride to Bulloch County will give him some time to unwind, relax, reflect, hopefully, he’ll be in a better frame of mind to finish up his “project”.

Donnie was only 42 years old. Please pray for his wife Michelle as the journey ahead is not an easy one. They have been married for probably 20 years (maybe more). Donnie was her life.

The girls and I will leave this afternoon to attend the visitation. We will drive home after wards so they can go to school tomorrow. After I drop them at school, I will travel back to Bulloch County for the funeral service tomorrow morning. So please pray for our safe travel forth and back and forth, etc.

Other than ALL that, we are fine and all is well here. Thank you for checking in – sign the guestbook (yes, even you Kim D. – you’re always welcome here).

Love, Peace, Gratitude,
Tammy

Wednesday, November 1, 2006 10:06 AM CST

I cannot believe that it is November 1st already! I must admit, I’ve been thinking a lot about turkey, dressing, pumpkin pie – getting myself good & hungry for Thanksgiving! And definitely looking forward to the special time with our family – the holiday season is here, huh?

Ok – on to the important stuff – Homecoming Dance! Lacie had a terrific time. Steven was such a gentleman and his goal for the night was to make sure Lacie had a wonderful time at her Senior Homecoming Dance – and she did! They danced and laughed and well, as you can see by the picture above, she really enjoyed the evening.

A couple funny stories (per Lacie): Steven asked Lacie if she would mind if he asked his younger sister to dance – ofcourse, Lacie didn’t mind but a few minutes later, Steven returned and said “My sister turned me down”. Imagine that!!! Little sister not wanting to dance with big brother?!?

Later, a balloon popped and scared Steven! Lacie thought that was funny!!!

You all will have to email Lacie or call her to get more details! Teenagers!

On Sunday, Lacie went on a Dolphin Tour with a group from the “ranch”. It was a beautiful day for boating. Lacie was a bit tired after her late night on Saturday – she slept most of the day (after breakfast) until about 2pm when the ranch folks showed up to get her. The dolphin tour was “kinda boring” to quote Lacie but I’m sure being just plain tired didn’t make it any better. Not a lot of details about this either – she’s getting secretive I guess.

Last night, Lacie & I drove around the neighborhood – following Stacie and my niece, Hannah as they trick-or-treated. We didn’t stay out long – just long enough to get a little candy! Not a whole lot of kids out last night. Halloween sure isn’t what it used to be when I was a kid – times have changed!

Well, short -n- sweet but work is calling. UGH! I hope you all are doing well – please leave a message in the guestbook so we’ll know you were here!

Love, Peace,
Tammy

Thursday, October 26, 2006 8:57 AM CDT

I'll do an update later today. Just wanted to upload the pictures from Lacie's homecoming date on Saturday. She had a wonderful time - more later.

Check out the photo album for more!

Love,
Tammy

Monday, October 16, 2006 1:52 PM CDT

Time for an update huh? Things are going well here – other than the fact that Monday’s hate me – but we won’t get into all that! I hate Mondays too, so there!>!>

We had a nice quiet weekend. Lacie spent the day Saturday with her friend Terry (from the rodeo’s). He picked her and Stacie up and took them just out. They were going to the Brunswick Rockin’ Stewbilee, and did for a few minutes, but it was about over when they got there so they ventured to the mall, Walmart, just hanging out – getting out of the house. I used that time to do laundry, dishes, clean house – same thing I always do.

Yesterday we went back to the mall in search of a homecoming dress for Lacie. The homecoming football game is Friday, October 27th and the dance is on Saturday the 28th. Yes, she has a date (Steven, a new “Cute Boy”) and she is very excited about the dance. I haven’t actually met Steven yet but have heard lots of nice things about him. His father is a teacher/coach at Lacie’s high school. Steven has graduated and is a student at CGCC – he’s in one of Kacie’s classes. Anyway – we found a very pretty green dress for Lacie and as we were paying for it, found a cream colored dress that was pretty too and on sale. Us girls couldn’t make up our minds so we bought both of them. After getting home and trying them on, I think Lacie has decided on the green one. She will be beautiful.

Lacie’s sisters are doing well. Kacie is busy and happy and chugging along. Stacie is crabby and bossy – but aren’t all 11 year old girls?!?! She’s a princess most of the time!

Sorry for the quick and somewhat “boring” update – all is well - okay mostly “all” is well. Ben continues to make poor decisions and get himself in trouble over the silliest things. My son – please pray, pray, pray for him – and for me because I am seriously at my wits end and just don’t know what to do for him. If I “bail him out” of the trouble he gets into, he just goes out and does something else stupid – he doesn’t worry because he *knows/thinks* that I will run to his rescue. Unfortunately for Ben – this time I can’t “AFFORD” to run to his rescue so he will have to suffer the consequences of his actions and hopefully will learn a lesson. Again, please pray for Ben.

Thanks for checking in. I really, really hope to have a upbeat, funny, inspiring update next time. Today – it’s just not in me.

Love to you all – please sign the guestbook!!!

Peace,
Tammy

Tuesday, October 10, 2006 9:25 AM CDT

Hello Friends & Family,

No “official” report on the MRI but Lacie’s oncologist looked at it and see’s no changes from her last MRI’s! WooHoo! We are waiting for the radiologist’s report, but Dr. Smith is very smart and we are confident that the radiologist will confirm what she has already told us! Lacie had some additional blood work done at the request of her endocrinologist, apparently last tests showed some low hormone levels they are rechecking now that she is off all meds to see if it is still low. Hopefully, they all are normal and no treatment will be necessary. We will hear in a few days. So, the Gainesville trip went well!! It was a long day though!!

OK – on to other important news. Lacie went to the Georgia National Fair on Saturday for the FFA Floral Design competition. Her arrangement scored a Red Ribbon (2nd place)! We are all so very proud of Lacie!! Her “Mardi Gras” themed arrangement will be on display at the fair – along with her ribbon! We will certainly share pictures as soon as we get Lacie’s little camera developed!! She is so talented and I am excited for her – she is going to have her own business one day!!

Stacie had a good time at the Girl Scout PowWow! I got out of going – another mother volunteered to drive and since I had to have Lacie up and ready the next morning at 5am, I stayed home so Lacie could get to bed early. Please include Stacie in your prayers as she is acting a bit “big for her britches” lately if you know what I mean. She is being bossy to her friends at school – a “mean girl” stage I guess. Hopefully, a fast-passing phase – she isn’t real pleasant to be around these days and it makes me sad.

Gary & I and our buddy, Mark & his son went to the Jaguars game on Sunday! We had so much fun! It’s amazing – we got there rather early and kind of just sat there and watched the stadium fill up before our eyes! The Jags won over the NY Jets (41-0)! We had awesome tickets (thanks to my great boss) in the Crown Royal Touchdown Club – great, great fun! I will post pics of this soon also!

Kacie is doing well – not much “exciting” going on with her. Busy with school and work and just being Kacie! She & Lacie went shopping while we were at the game and bought me a nice pair of gold hoop earrings for my birthday! They are gooooood daughters!

Ben – same old Ben. I see him every few days – when he needs money or a ride. Please remember him in your prayers also – he is very, very precious to me and it breaks my heart watching him do absolutely NOTHING with his life.

Until next time – I hope life is good to you all!

Love & Peace,
Tammy

Wednesday, October 4, 2006 12:51 AM CDT

I miss the lazy days of summer!! Things are picking up around here – seems like we are getting busier and busier. So much going on. I cannot believe that Christmas will be here in what? 90 days?!?! Wow!

Well, as the weekend approaches, yep, I’m feeling that little stress bug growing!

To start our weekend, on Friday night, Stacie and I are going to a Cherokee Indian Pow Wow with the Girl Scouts. This should be very interesting and fun! We will drive about an hour south of here – starts at 5pm over at 10pm – getting us home around 11pm – that, after school/work all day should make for a very long day!

Lacie will get up early Saturday morning (5am) and head to Perry, Georgia – about 3-4 hours away (ugh!) for the floral design competition. This is big event – at the Georgia National Fair! WooHoo!! She has been practicing her design and it is beautiful, creative, elegant and simple! We will surely have pictures posted on here as soon as possible!! She will be traveling with her “boss” Tabatha from the flower shop. I will be turning her loose – taking a road trip without me – afterall, she is 18 years old. I would like to go, but that’s a long ride, I would have to take Stacie with me and truthfully, I am simply feeling too stressed out for a long road trip – there and back in one day.

So, while Lacie is gone, Stacie and I MIGHT go to CoastFest. Again, with the Girl Scouts. They will have a face painting booth there. Or we might stay home and do laundry – which is unbelievably ridiculously overwhelming! The dryer broke last Saturday – got another one Sunday afternoon – put me way behind on my laundry. I’ve been trying to catch it up during the week, but haven’t made much progress. Spending too much time cooking supper, dishes, homework, etc. Oh well – Saturday is and always be my laundry day. However, this weekend it might end up being Sunday.

On Monday we will be on the roads again. Traveling to Gainesville for Lacie’s 6 month MRI, blood work, and appointments with her endocrinologist and oncologist. It will be a long day but a good day I am sure! Lacie is doing great and feeling great and we are praying to leave Gainesville with more stable MRI scans! Monday is also my birthday and stable scans are all I want! Please remember Lacie in your prayers – we certainly would appreciate that!

Luckily, the kids are out of school on Monday and Tuesday so Lacie won’t miss any school and Stacie can go with us. She is always good company!

Thanks to all of you for checking in!

Love & Peace,
Tammy

QUICK ADD 10/6 (FRI) - MY BOSS GAVE ME TICKETS TO THE JAX JAGUARS VS. NY JETS GAME ON SUNDAY - FOR MY B-DAY, SO I'M ADDING TO MY ALREADY BUSY CALENDAR - LOOK FOR US ON TV!!! GO JAGS!!!

Thursday, September 28, 2006 2:38 PM CDT

Hello friends and family,
I have been meaning to update but these past couple of days have been really busy and exhausting! We attended the visitation for Lacie’s friend, AJ on Tuesday night. The Donohue family is so amazing and throughout their journey, so many lives have been touched. This was evident at the funeral home – they stopped letting people in (fire marshall regulations), so as 5 or 10 would come out, they would let 5 or 10 more enter. The line came out of the lobby, down the looooooooong sidewalk and into the parking lot. What an amazing show of love and support. Then the funeral mass on Wednesday (yesterday) was an awesome tribute to AJ’s life. He was amazing and will be missed dearly by his family and friends. But as another caringbridge mother once said “Don’t focus on our pain, but on AJ’s pain ending – Don’t focus on our loss, but focus on Heaven’s gain”. Very well said.

Lacie is doing well. The funeral was a bit upsetting, but also a bit uplifting. The D-family show Lacie so much love and welcome – like she’s part of the family. She truly loves them back too! She made a beautiful flower arrangement for the funeral and the family placed it right up front – on a pedestal with a lovely photo of Lacie and AJ stuck amidst the flowers. It was really pretty! She is going to Perry, Georgia for another floral design competition on October 7th. This one will be better than the last – this one she brings her own materials ($25 limit) and creates her own masterpiece. The last competition in Hazlehurst, she sat down at a table, they gave every contestant the same materials and told them what to make (ie: handheld bridal bouquet). She couldn’t practice – not knowing what she’d be working with OR what she’d be making. This next competition – I think she’s going to blow the doors off the other contestants!

The MRI appointment is slowly but surely creeping up on us. I have that “knot” in my neck again and am starting to feel the symptoms of PMS (pre-MRI syndrome). Yes, the stress is sneaking up on me. Have I ever told you guys that I hate MRI’s? I hate cancer. I hate the fact that my beautiful girl’s “normal” life was interrupted by a stupid tumor. BUT – I am thankful for the life that we do have and we are so very, very blest.

Well, another update soon – gotta go for now!

Love to all,
Tammy & Family

Monday, September 25, 2006 8:47 AM CDT

Hello friends. Just a quick update today.

Lacie had an upsetting weekend - her friend (and fellow cancer warrior) AJ Donohue passed away on Saturday after a mighty brave fight. He was only 18 years old, quite an inspiration to everyone he met and a really good friend to Lacie. It was very hard to tell Lacie about AJ's passing - not only does it sadden her that one of her friends is gone but it scares her too. As a mother, you want to protect your children - you don't want them to be scared and if they are, you have to assure them that there's nothing to be scared of. That is hard to do - knowing that there is tumor still inside of Lacie and knowing that I have no control over what that tumor might do - it is a very frightening thought. She spent half the day crying her eyes out and the other half holding an ice pack on her eye because it swelled up like she'd been hit - from crying/rubbing I guess. The swelling is down today. Please pray for peace for Lacie and all of AJ's family and many friends. He does have a website at www.carepages.com - his page name is ajdonohue912 - if you'd like to visit the site.

Also, yesterday was also Nana Weston's birthday. It has been a little over a month since Nana passed away so unexpectedly and we do miss her.

On a lighter note, Lacie and I traveled to Hazlehurst, Georgia last Thursday for her very first floral design competion. We had a lot of fun and Lacie placed 7th out of 13 - which was very good considering Lacie's physical handicap and the contest was 30-minute time limit to make an arrangement. I am very proud of her! She is planning to go to another competion in Perry, GA next month and is practicing, practicing, practicing.

I never updated about our trip to Wild Adventures (did I?). It was fun but very, very hot. The heat wore us out and we came on home late Saturday night.

MRI and doctor appts are in two weeks - it's not too early to beging praying for excellent results! We certainly thank you all for your prayers as they are answered. Lacie is proof of that. We all started praying so hard for her over five years ago and thankfully, we still have her here with us and she is happy.

I will update again real soon. Check out the new pictures - I finally posted the one of Lacie on the Big Brama Bull

Friday, September 15, 2006 2:12 PM CDT

YeeeHAW!!! It's Friday!! Ready for the weekend?????????

We will travel down south tomorrow to Wild Adventures - a day of water parks, roller coasters, really fattening food and maybe even a concert. Woo Hoo! Thanks to Camp Sunshine (Atlanta) for providing tickets for us all - Family Day at Wild Adventures! We are excited and Lacie is looking forward to seeing some of her friends from summer camp again!

Well, no exciting news to report. Lacie has taken the Graduation Tests but it'll will be a while (possibly weeks) before we get the results. She's getting smarter every day - pretty soon she will know everything there is to know! haha! She is feeling great - no complaints anyway. Hopefully she'll have a blast this weekend and not overdo it. Sometimes those theme park rides jerk you around and well, since Lacie doesn't have very good upper body control - she's gotten pretty beat up by some of those rides. So, we'll just have to be careful about what she rides - Gary & Stacie will be our guinny (SP?) pigs! Lacie is quite the daredevil & I hate telling her "NO", especially now that she is 18 YEARS OLD & ALL - that's life.

The rest of the family is fine. Kacie is busy busy with work and school - she had her very first flat tire yesterday and has been stressed over that and getting new tires, etc. It's all part of growing up - flat tires, overdue bills, broken washing machines, mean bosses, etc. Boy - am I a ray of sunshine today, or what??

I hope you all have a terrific weekend! We will take lots of pictures of our weekend & hopefully have some to post next week. AND I haven't forgotten about the pic of Lacie on that HUGE BRAMA BULL! I will get it posted soon for all to see!
Thanks for checking on us!

Love, Peace,
Tammy & family

Monday, September 11, 2006 12:01 AM CDT

Whew! What a weekend!!! We had a birthday party for Stacie on Saturday afternoon and five of her little friends spent the night with us! They were up ALL NIGHT LONG! Last I checked (at 5am) they were going strong – ofcourse, I was SO TIRED! I finally told them to quiet down some so I could get a little bit of sleep and they did. So, when I woke up around 7:30am – two of them were asleep on the couch – Stacie and another girl! The other four were in & out, playing with the puppies and just “going strong” still!! Of course, they woke the 2 sleeping beauties up by 8am! Lucky for me, they were all gone by 10am except for one that stayed until about 2pm. When she left, Stacie hit the couch again and slept until this morning. She wouldn’t even get up for supper last night – she missed one of her favorites – porkchops, rice, tomatoes, and some leftover tater salad. She woke up this morning – well rested but very, very hungry! She had a great time at the party and it was lots of fun having a houseful of 10 & 11 year old girls. They are at such a fun, exciting, silly, adventurous age. It was great!

Kacie & Lacie stayed for just a few hours of the party and then had to get “outta there”! Kacie just went out with some friends and spent the night out. Lacie went to a rodeo in Waycross with her friends from Cowboys & Roses Renegade Ranch. This is her 2nd time going to a rodeo and she had a blast! She sat atop a huge bull and had her picture taken. I will definitely post it for all of you to see really soon! I mean a HUGE BULL! Good thing I wasn’t with her – I never would have let her get on that thing!! OK – I wouldn’t have liked it much but as she constantly reminds me – she is 18 and can do whatever she wants to do. Ouch!

Other than the big party – we had a nice weekend! Friday was prepare for the party and Sunday was cleanup after the party.

I mentioned puppies earlier – not sure if I told you guys that our lovely dog Cleo – actually, she’s Gary’s dog – but she’s ours too since she lives at our house – she had six little pups last week. Cleo is a beautiful white English/Pit mix. The father – well, we think it’s a golden retriever or a black lab – hard to tell from the puppies. We have 2 black pups with little white markings, two brindle colored pups, and two light brown with white markings – they are SO CUTE! Check out the photo album for some pictures of them – and please, let me know if you want a puppy in about six weeks! They are FREE to a good home – heck, they’re just FREE!

We will head out to Valdosta this Saturday. The annual Camp Sunshine day at Wild Adventures – hopefully, the weather will be nice, all the roller coasters will be operating and we will have a terrific time like we always do. We might spend the night and make it a two day adventure. Stacie is excited as Nick Lachey (Jessica Simpson’s ex) is performing there Saturday night.

Then the following week will be Gary’s 40th birthday and we are planning something special for him! For those of you who don’t know Gary – he’s my special someone! We met 9 years ago and well, he has just been one very important and special person to me and the kids! A great man who deserves a great 40th birthday!!! I love you man!

Lacie is taking Graduation Tests this week. She has passed them all except Science and Social Studies – four down, two to go! Wish her luck as she really needs to get these tests behind her – it amazes me that she will graduate high school this year! Wow!

Her friend AJ needs our prayers and his battle with bone cancer is in a critical stage. He is trying to raise funds for Wolfsons Childrens Hospital in Jacksonville so if anyone would like more info or would like to donate to his heroic cause, please go to his website at www.carepages.com – his page name is ajdonohue912. A great, great kid with a great family – going thru a very difficult time. Please pray for them.

Thanks so much for checking in. I am glad to report that all is well with us. Lacie’s next appointments are on my birthday – October 9th and as it approaches, I find myself a little more worrisome that normal and I absolutely hate the feeling. Many of you can relate – it’s called PMS or Pre-MRI syndrome. As good as things are going and as well as Lacie seems to be, there’s the fear of knowing that things can change in an instant. Please pray for good results for Lacie!

We love you all – please leave Lacie a message in the guestbook – she LOVES to hear from YOU!

Peace,
Tammy & family

Thursday, September 7, 2006 8:52 AM CDT

UPDATE-FRIDAY/SEPT 8TH - GO TO (www.news4jax.com) to see interview on Lacie's friend, AJ Donohue, who has bone cancer and is raising funds for Wolfsons Childrens Hospital! Click on the "GIVING BACK" box. Awesome!!


Happy Birthday To Stacie!!
The “big” 11 today!! (9/7/06)

Hello friends & family! Well, today is my baby’s birthday. Stacie is eleven years old today! She got all dressed up this morning, grabbed her big bag of birthday cupcakes and headed off to school! She was so very pretty this morning and excited! The picture above was taken back around March – it is one of my favorite photos of my oldest child (Lacie) and my youngest (Stacie)! I love this pic!

My stupid Jeep wouldn’t start this morning. Talk about stress – first thing! Well, I had a bit of warning, it wouldn’t start last night! The starter? Maybe battery? Who knows, I left the piece of *#$ at home and rode into work with Kacie. She has class this afternoon so I might have to walk home (20 miles) – haha!

Lacie had a tummy ache this morning. She went to school for about an hour and then called, crying, wanting me to come get her. Well, I have no car and am pretty bummed about that, so “our” boss said that Kacie could go get her since it was pretty quiet this morning in the front office. So – Kacie (my assistant manager – jk) picked up Lacie from school and took her to Nanny’s house.

So, what else? If anything can go wrong, it probably will today. We’re having a birthday party for Stacie on Saturday – just a small one. Even smaller now that my stupid Jeep is broke. I really really need to buy a lottery ticket – maybe, just maybe???!!?!?

Otherwise, things are great here. No drama, no crazy stuff, just good old regular boring stuff. Hopefully, next update will be more exciting!

Thanks for checking in on us - Please leave a message so we’ll know you were here!

Love, Peace,
Tammy, Lacie, Kacie, Stacie, & Ben (where ever he is)

Thursday, August 24, 2006 9:09 AM CDT

Hello everyone! I figured it was time for another update. First of all, thank you to everyone who left a message of comfort in the guestbook after Lacie's grandmother passed away last week. And thank you to those who visited us at the funeral home, to those who sent a card or flowers, to those who simply thought of us and prayed for us and the entire Weston family. When someone dies suddenly, it definitely shakes everything up. We are getting back to our normal routine now - work, school, laundry. The kids father was able to get a pass and attend his mother's funeral - so the kids got to spend some time with their daddy. I have posted some pictures in the "album" so be sure to check them out.

Here's the lastest:
Lacie is doing just great. School is going good for her - she is enjoying the science lab classes and has a cute lab partner that brightens up the day first thing! We all know how boy crazy she is. She is going to the flower shop every afternoon and loving it. She is planning on entering a floral design contest soon - we will get the details next week. She surely loves working with the flowers. She made a beautiful cross with flowers that was placed in her grandmothers casket and she also made something for the pallbearers to were on their coats.

Kacie is just great also! She has started classes at the college and is very excited about it. She is doing great work her at A&G and well, I am just so very proud of her.

Stacie is also GREAT! She is loving school and especially excited about it. She is in the gifted class once again and they are doing lots of fun stuff - being 5th graders and all. Her birthday is coming up in a couple of weeks - she will be 11 on Sept. 7th.

Ben - oh Ben. He did get a job at McDonalds - worked 2 days, called in sick one day, worked 2 more days and then used his grandmothers passing to just not go back. He got his first (and probably only) paycheck this week and hit the streets. Hasn't been home in a few days. I am at a loss - I know that I can't help Ben unless he puts some effort into it also and he simply isn't doing that. Tough Love is surely sounds easier than it is but I think we are getting close to the time to "cut the cord". Pray for us & this situation.

Me - I'm good (not great, but good). I'm tired after the funeral and a few restless nights, my sinuses are really giving me a fit - I am frustrated with Ben. Feeling a bit overwhelmed lately.

Our little dog is doing good - FuManchu. He is potty training well and is so much more mellow that our previous dog.

Well, remember to check out the new pictures that I posted.

Love & Peace,
Until next time,
Tammy

Friday, August 18, 2006 1:33 PM CDT

Hello Friends & Family,
The photo on the homepage was taken at Relay for Life in April 2006. My lovely daughter, Lacie and her Nana Weston.

We lost our Nana Weston yesterday. She was involved in a terrible auto accident. This update isn't an easy one to write. I met my ex-husband in 1982 - I was 17 years old and we fell in love. We got married in 1985 and in 1988 began our family with the birth of Lacie and Kacie. Ben followed soon after in 1989. Our last daughter Stacie was born in 1995. My life with Chad wasn't an easy one as he had an addictive personality. Nana Weston was always there for me. She was a very strong and wise woman and truly was like a mother to me during my early adult years. I learned a lot from her - she faced a lot of hardships and was so resilient. I admired her more than she ever could know.

In 1996, shortly after Stacie was born, Chad's addictive behaviors landed him in jail facing some very serious charges. He was convicted, sent to prison and we were divorced. He is still prison to this day, nine years later. I have raised my children the best I could - without a father and I must admit, I would never have been able to do it without such a strong willed role model as Nana Weston. In bad times, I could always depend on Nana - whether I needed help paying the bills or just advice on raising kids - I could talk to her about anything and always left feeling better - feeling helped. Now, I am not a person that likes to ask anyone for help, but I always knew that she would help me in any way - all I had to to was ask. I always knew that.

As time passed, we saw less and less of Nana & Papa - always on birthdays and Christmas but not often enough. Our busy schedules and so many other things just got in the way. Nana, I am so sorry that we didn't spend more time with you. I am so sorry that I didn't make the extra effort to make sure my children got to spend time with you on a regular basis. I hope that you know how much we love you and how much we will miss you.

The kids are doing okay. Kacie is very tender-hearted and has been pretty upset. Of all my kids, she looks most like Nana and even shares the same middle name, Faye. Lacie took it a little better but naturally had a few breakdowns. She is making something special for Nana at the floral shop today and wants to make purple boutonnieres for the six grandsons who are serving as pall bearers - purple was Nana's favorite color. Stacie took it well. Ben sucked it up - as men do and seemed emotionless even though he was probably closer to Nana than any of my kids. While Ben was living with his friends, he often stopped in to see Nana at her restaurant (Jinrights). She always made sure he had something to eat. I worried about Ben but she promised me that he'd never go hungry - he could come eat there anytime. That made me feel better - knowing that Ben wouldn't go hungry while he was out there on his own.

After we all got home, checked the mail and found a Birthday Card in the mailbox - to Ben from Nana & Papa. I think that took Ben back - he went outside for a few minutes by himself. Today is his 17th birthday.

So, we have had a difficult day. Funeral will be Monday morning and I am hopeful that Chad will be able to get a pass and be here to say goodbye to his mother.

I will update again next week. Thanks for checking in on us!

Love & Peace,
Tammy, Kacie, Lacie, Ben & Stacie.

Thursday, August 10, 2006 11:33 AM CDT

Hello friends & family,
Well, school has officially started. Yesterday was the first day for Lacie (a high school senior this year) and for Stacie (an elementary school senior this year). They both had a good first day and are getting the school year off to a good start.

Notice the photo above – our new pet. Yes, I am a glutton for punishment. You’d think after “Precious”, that I would never, ever allow the kids to have another dog. But, here we are with another dog and I have to say – isn’t he just the most adorable puppy you’ve ever seen?!?!?!? The people we got him from called him Pete, but we will change his name. Not sure what his “new” name will be yet – any suggestions from cyber space??

Things are going well. Lacie is doing great. Her days are full now since school started. She goes to Brunswick High for two science classes, then is bused to Glynn Academy for Economics and another class (yet to be determined), then lunch, then bused again to her job at the flower shop. I pick her up when I get off work and we usually get home around 6pm. Long days for both of us. She does enjoy working at the shop though and I am so glad that she is able to continue and I’m especially glad that the school is providing her transportation to the shop! Woo Hoo!

Lacie’s next doctor appointments are on October 9th. That’s also MY birthday. So, I will be spending MY birthday at the clinic in Gainesville. She will have an MRI that day and will see her Endocrinologist and her Oncologist afterwards. We can all go ahead and start praying that everything is stable – OR GONE!

Kacie is doing good too. She is the new receptionist at the office where I work and she is doing a great job. She registers for classes at the college on Monday and begins classes on Wednesday. She is excited about COLLEGE!

Stacie is good. I can’t believe that she is in 5th grade already. I am not real excited about her being in middle school next year. She is surely growing up too fast. She is beautiful and smart and I’m really proud of my baby girl. I am really proud of all my girls.

Ben, well. He’s been kicked out of the house where he’s been “living” for the past few months. I don’t know why – he says that he don’t know why. Just that he was told that he couldn’t live there anymore. So, he spent a few days with a friend and then showed up at my house late last night. No where to go. I was glad to see him and glad that he came home. I am hopeful that he will stay at home and try to get a job, enroll in a GED program or something. I am taking a day off tomorrow so that I can take him to apply for some jobs. We might check in to Job Corps. He has got to do something though.

That is about it – nothing much is happening, just the usual stuff. We haven’t gotten too many messages in the guestbook but I shouldn’t say anything because my updates have been few and far between. Anyway – I hope that you will sign in so we’ll know you were here.

Love, Peace,
Tammy

Thursday, August 3, 2006 1:06 PM CDT

Hello friends,
Again, I apologize for the length of time in between updates. Things are fine – nothing exciting has been happening & I hated to do “another boring update”. So, what’s going on with us you ask?

Lacie is great! She goes back to school on August 9th! She will be a SENIOR! WhooHoo! She is excited and already talking about senior pictures, prom, graduation, etc. She will have to take two science classes this semester and economics – then she will leave school early and go to her “job” at the flower shop. She has made some beautiful arrangements & I will update the photo album to show you all some of the things she’s made. Her next doctor appointments are in October so we still have a couple of months.

Kacie is great also! She is very excited and a bit nervous about starting college in a couple of weeks! Her classes will start on August 16th. She did accept a job with A&G (same place I work) and she likes it a lot. I’ve said it many times before – I work for a great company! Kacie already knows almost everyone here so she is fitting it and doing a great job so far. I am really proud of her!! She’s such a wonderful daughter!

Stacie is good. Summertime boredom is getting to her so she is really looking forward to starting school. She will be in fifth grade – her last year in elementary. It is unbelievable to think that she will be my only kid in school next year after Lacie graduates! Wow!

I had lunch with Ben yesterday and he is doing good too. Still no job but maybe that’ll change soon. He lives in the downtown area so there are lots of businesses close by that he could walk to. I am hopefully that he will do that soon. His excuse now is that it is *too hot* to walk anywhere. But, he seems to be doing okay and doesn’t ask me for much.

My boss took me, Stacie and Lacie out on his sailboat last Friday for a few hours. That was fun! Stacie went for a swim in the river – made me nervous – but she LOVED it. We saw lots of dolphins and on up the river, we saw a gator on the bank. I didn’t let Stacie get back in the water after that! Whoa!

We are pretty much finished with “back to school” shopping. I still have to get Stacie a new bookbag. Might have to get Lacie one too but she may be able to use hers from last year. She has a special one that fits the back of her wheelchair. Stacie wears hers out every year – or she draws all over it with marker. Anyway – she needs a new one!

I got my new glasses and am slowly but surely getting used to them. When I first put them on, it felt like everything got lifted a foot off the ground. Weird, I know. It’s still hard to walk wearing them but getting better and I’M SEEING BETTER!

Well, as I said, it’s been pretty uneventful lately. Hopefully next update will be SO EXCITING you’ll think you’re at the wrong site. Haha!

Love, Peace, AND SIGN THE GUESTBOOK,

Tammy

PS - please remember our friends in your prayers. Lacie's buddy AJ is declining. Doctors say there's nothing else they can do and he has little time left. This is especially heartbreaking for Lacie.

Also, our old neighbor, Mr. Ricky, could use your prayers or visit his website & leave him an encouraging word at www.caringbridge.org/visit/ericposton

Wednesday, July 26, 2006 1:16 PM CDT

I really, really need to do an update but time is scarce these days!

We are all doing great! Nothing big to report!

Promise to be back real soon with an update on everyone!

Love, Peace,
Tammy

Friday, July 14, 2006 1:06 PM CDT

Hello friends,

Time for another update. Not much to report and that is a good thing.

We had a little party for the girls last weekend to celebrate their birthday. It was fun – nice to hang out with our family and some friends and cook, eat, socialize. Still it just floors me to think that my “little babies” are 18 years old!

We did go to Bingo last week but didn’t win anything. My mother (Lacie & Kacie’s Nanny) was the only one to win. Still, it was a lot of fun. We played over 100 games of bingo in a single evening. Amazing!! We will go back one day – hopefully we will have better luck next time.

Lacie is doing great. She is working at the flower shop 3 days a week now and just loves it. She is learning so much and is making some really beautiful arrangements. She gets to bring one or two of her arrangements home with her each week so we have fresh flowers at home and also have “shared the love” by giving some of Lacie’s arrangements to our friends and family members. Everyone has been impressed with Lacie’s talent!!

She never did get that tattoo (thank goodness)! She went to the tattoo shop and picked out what she wanted, made the appointment to come back in a few days but cancelled the appointment – second thoughts. So, she hasn’t totally given up on the idea, but for now, is thinking about it a little more!

Kacie Faye has been on the job search and thankfully, has gotten a few calls recently. She has an interview today at a trendy clothing store in the mall – that would be a fun job since she loves clothes and this store gives an employee discount. She has two other interviews next week – one at a childcare center and another at the Chamber of Commerce Convention & Visitors Bureau. So, things are starting to happen!! I hope she finds something that she just loves and that will be workable when she starts classes in the Fall. Speaking of classes in the Fall, we turned in her immunization records and high school transcripts this week. She didn’t need a booster shot after all and was happy about that! Now she will meet with her counselor, pick classes and then she’ll be all set. I am so excited for Kacie Faye – she will be a college student soon!!!

Stacie is doing good too. She is leaving on Monday to go to camp for a week. Anybody who knows my youngest daughter knows what a “jabber jaws” she is, so we are looking forward to a quietness around the house next week. It’ll be weird. Seriously, that girl talks more than anybody I know and she’s only 10 years old. SOOOOOO much to say!!

Ben is good. He has moved out of our house and in with a group of friends. He calls me every other day or so and seems to be doing well over there. Kacie & I stopped by his house and took him to lunch with us a couple of days ago. It was nice to spend a little bit of time with him. I really hate it that Ben is so unhappy at home with us. I guess it just being the only boy in a house full of girls and believe me – it’s always about the girls (drama queens). So, I can sort of understand how Ben feels. Anyway, we love Ben so very much and just continue to pray for him. When we do see him, we have such pleasant visits. So, we don’t see him as much, but it is great to be able to visit him, to spend time with him and actually enjoy it – us and him.

I am finally going to get my eyes checked tomorrow. My vision has certainly declined a lot since I turned 40 and I’ve been putting off an exam. Well, tomorrow is the day and I’m sure I’ll be sporting eye glasses soon. Fun! Damn, I’m getting old.

Well – thanks for checking in on us. Please leave a message in the guestbook so we’ll know you were here!

Love/Peace,
Tammy (mom)

Wednesday, July 5, 2006 8:19 AM CDT

HAPPY 18TH BIRTHDAY - LACIE & KACIE!!

Wow! Today, Wednesday, July 5th, 2006 is Lacie’s and Kacie’s 18th birthday! It is so amazing to me that my baby girls are 18. It seems like yesterday I brought them home from the hospital and sat up all night watching them and listening to them - afraid I wouldn't hear them cry or something. They both slept so soundly that first night that I had to keep putting my hand on their little backs to feel them breathe. We've come so far in 18 years, individually and as a family. Everyday I am reminded of the struggles that this tumor has forced into Lacie’s life – and Kacie’s too. When I gave birth to them, they were so perfect, healthy and whole – really, PERFECT! This is not the life I imagined for my children and at times it breaks my heart that they were given such heavy crosses to bear at such a young age. Yet, Lacie continues to amaze me everyday with her strength of spirit and determination. Kacie amazes me with her compassion and gentleness. No matter what they are forced to deal with, they both fight through it and keep a smile on their face. I am so proud to be Kacie’s and Lacie’s mother.

We had a nice 4th of July. Lacie, Stacie and I went to the beach on Jekyll Island - we were invited by Lacie's friend, AJ, to a little cookout/gathering. We decided to stay and watch the fireworks - which were awesome. It took an hour to get off the island though - usually takes 10 minutes. But - the traffic was well worth it. It meant a lot to Lacie to spend the evening with AJ. I have mentioned him a few times on this site - he is an amazing teenager. He was diagnosed with cancer several years ago, went into remission but his cancer has returned with a vengeance. There's not anymore treatment options for him and his doctors say he has little time left. I was honored that they invited us to their gathering - AJ wanted his friends there and well, Lacie was honored too. Needless to say, dealing with this has been SO difficult for Lacie. She cares so much for AJ. He was one of the first and few of Lacie's school mates that made a point to be a friend for her. After she met AJ, she rarely ate lunch alone. He was there for her as she got back into the routine of "school". She felt lonely a lot at school, but AJ made a difference and it meant so very much to Lacie that he spend his lunch break with her. Please include AJ and his family in your prayers.

Love & Peace,
Tammy

Tuesday, June 27, 2006 9:12 AM CDT

Hello everyone!

Well, things are getting back to normal. Lacie is home from camp and she had a great time! She brought back lots of pictures of cute boys – you know Lacie!! I will try to post some later. She said that she had lots of fun but was a little homesick. Anyway – she is home and is doing great.

She is back at work today – at the floral shop. She really enjoys “working” and Ms. Tabatha & Ms. Susie are so much fun to hang out with. I will put a link below to their website – check it out! And, if you ever need any flowers – they do an awesome job!

Nothing much has been happening around here. Other than, we’ve been “homeless” for the past few days. Problems at our house with the water pump – need a new one and the well company is apparently having a hard time finding the right kind of pump for our well – that or they just don’t want us to have any water. We’ve been staying at Gary’s house – he’s been great having us all over there and, well, we all just LOVE Gary anyway – but we miss home. Hopefully something will happen today and we’ll have water again. Keeping my fingers crossed.

Would like to ask you to include a few of our friends in your prayers:

Lacie’s friend, A.J. (pictured in photo album) has been having some issues with his cancer that has returned. Please keep him in your prayers. He’s such a terrific kid and it breaks my heart that he and his family are dealing with some serious problems now. AJ has been battling cancer (not sure what kind) for a few years now. He could sure use our prayers.

Also, one of my co-workers’ wife needs your prayers (Brenda). She too is battling cancer and is going through a tough time.

And our friend Ricky too!!(www.caringbridge.org/visit.ericposton)

Thank you for checking in on us – sorry there’s not any wonderful and exciting news to report. Maybe next time – so check back soon!

Peace,
Tammy

Thursday, June 15, 2006 10:42 AM CDT

Quick Update - Monday, June 19th
Lacie made it to Camp Sunshine yesterday. She will return on Saturday the 24th. I miss her already but am sure that she is having the BEST TIME!

Me & Stacie did Wild Adventures this weekend with the Girl Scout troop - THAT was interesting! We had a great time but glad to get home last night.

Kacie is great. She is starting her new job tomorrow - she will be working at A&G - same place that I work. She is excited and looking forward to having an INCOME again.

Ben is just being Ben.

Life is good and all is well. Hope that the same goes for YOU!

LEAVE A MESSAGE - WE LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU!


THURS, JUNE 15:
OK – time for a real update huh? I will try my best. Lately, I have been feeling so “rushed” like there’s just so much to do, to get ready for, to plan; so much to clean up and so much laundry to do – just so much going on. Really though – it’s just the regular stuff that seems to be overwhelming – ok, plus a few extra things going on but my point… there’s not enough hours in the day lately.

Well, our plans for the weekend have changed. I totally forgot that I had signed Lacie up for camp in Atlanta – well, I didn’t forget, just didn’t write the dates down on my calendar and just realized that CAMP is this weekend and next week. So – cancel Lacie’s plans to go to Jacksonville this weekend. She has to be in Savannah at 9am on Sunday morning to catch the bus to Camp Sunshine in Atlanta. This will be her 4th year going – she usually flies but this time is taking the bus with some other campers from around here. She is SO excited and looking forward to having lots of fun and seeing some friends from the past few years. I am still going to Valdosta with Stacie’s Girl Scout troop so I will have to say my goodbyes to Lacie on Saturday morning before I leave. I won’t be home until Sunday evening so I won’t get to see her before she leaves for camp. Someone else will have to drive her to Savannah to catch the bus and then she’ll be gone until Saturday, June 24th. I am looking forward to the opportunity to just simply RELAX for a week!!

As I mentioned, Stacie has the Girl Scout thing going on this weekend and then next week, she will go to a Girl Scout day camp on Blythe Island. It’s just a day thing but will give her something to do and somewhere to go besides just being bored at the grandparents house all day long. My cousin from the family reunion last weekend so kindly gave Stacie a gerbil – woo hoo! We will be picking up the gerbil this afternoon. Stacie has his home all fixed up nice and has been anxiously awaiting the day when she actually GETS the little rat – I mean gerbil. Whatever!

Kacie is on a job search. She had enough of the day care scene and I am so glad of that. I spoke with my boss this morning and he offered to hire her here – just doing miscellaneous stuff around the office – OR he said he’d put her out on a construction site unloading trucks and equipment, etc. Of course, he was just joking about that BUT hey, it might not be a bad idea – putting her out on a construction site. Not only does she need a job but she also needs a boyfriend. She hasn’t shown much interest in “boys” and well, she’s almost 18 years old – she needs a boyfriend! She is shy and really doesn’t get out and do much – she has just a couple of good friends that she hangs out with and that’s about it. Hopefully, she will meet lots of new people when she starts college in the Fall and get out and be more social. She’s a home-body but does get that honestly.

Ben is good – except for the no job, no school, no ambition – same ole, same ole. But regardless, I love that boy and will continue to pray for his safety and that he will wise up one of these day – SOON!!

Last but not least, me. I am doing good. Not real excited about going to Wild Adventures this weekend, but hey, gotta do what I gotta do. I’d much rather stay home, take Lacie to Savannah myself, do laundry and dishes, etc. and basically be a BUM. I’m sure it’ll be lots of fun though. Did I mention we are camping in tents Saturday night???

Well, I think I’ll go find something for lunch! I hope you all have a great weekend and oh yea, LEAVE US A MESSAGE IN THE GUEST BOOK!!

Peace,
Tammy
Lacie, Kacie, Stacie & Ben

Tuesday, June 13, 2006 3:02 PM CDT

Hello Friends & Family,
I did a long update earlier but lost the whole thing somewhere in cyber space - so, here I am again - with very little time so this will be short.

Lacie is doing great. She is working at the Florist shop 2-3 days per week and absolutely loves it. Great people there and she will get lots of great experience! She is tickled to have this opportunity! She actually made some flower arrangements last week and I was so impressed! She did a fantastic job! She is planning on going to Jacksonville this Friday to spend the weekend with our good friends, the Pappy family!

Stacie & I are going to Wild Adventures this weekend with the Girl Scouts! That should be lots of fun.

Kacie FINALLY quit the daycare job. So, she has been out all day filling out job applications. Hopefully, she can find something fun to do for the rest of the summer before she starts at Coastal Ga. Community College in August.

Ben is pretty much the same. Still no job - still doing nothing. Please pray for him.

Ok - that sums it up in a nutshell. Another update will come soon!

Love & Peace,
Tammy

Thursday, June 1, 2006 1:27 PM CDT

Hello All! Time for another update, huh?

To start – graduation was awesome! I am so very proud of Kacie and so excited for her! She has gone back to work part time at the daycare center but we are looking for something less stressful. She will start at Coastal Community College here in town in August! Wow!!

Lacie is doing really well. We went swimming at a friends house on Memorial Day (picture above) and she did so great in the pool. I wish I had the money and the energy to get a pool and keep it going at home. The pool is such great therapy for her. Hopefully, we can get in lots of pool time during the summer. We have talked about aqua-therapy once a week but seriously, it is almost unthinkable – adding anything else into our hectic schedule.

I am trying to get in more hours at work now that the kids are out of school. I have been working about 35 hrs per week but shooting for 40. Those extra five hours really make a difference in my paycheck – especially now that I have gotten a raise! Whoo Hoo!!

Oh yea, Lacie has a job interview next week!! Our friends at the ranch (visit their site, a link is below) got us in touch with a local floral shop that have expressed an interest in having Lacie do an “internship” at their store. So, on Monday, Lacie will go on a job interview. Should be fun and interesting.

Stacie is good – bored already and school has only been out barely a week. She has a week of camp later in June and some outings with Girl Scouts but all that hasn’t kicked in yet so she is spending her days at Nanny’s house. Every morning she wants to come to work with me so maybe tomorrow I will be able to bring her in and put her to work!!

Ben – well, please pray for Ben. He won’t go to school, won’t get a job, and thinks it a-okay to just run the streets with his lazy buddies. He’s been in a little trouble, nothing “too” serious – stupid teenage boy stuff. Long story short – I worry about my son and would really appreciate your prayers for Ben and for my relationship with Ben. I love him so much but he makes it really hard to “like” him.

I am good – work is going great. I have been quite busy for a nice change. Nothing is worse than sitting at a desk all day with nothing to do so I am enjoying the busy, fast paced work days!

Let’s see – other than that, really nothing much going on. Our boring life!!

Check out the new pictures in the photo album & it would be great to find a message from YOU in the guestbook.

Love & Peace,
Tammy

Thursday, May 25, 2006 9:40 AM CDT

Tomorrow – Friday, May 26th will be Kacie Faye’s high school graduation. It is amazing to me that my baby girl will be all done with high school and in just a matter of weeks, she and Lacie will be 18 years old. It seems like yesterday when I brought them home from the hospital. We have come so far in 18 years. Kacie has always been such an amazing sister, daughter and friend. I am forever proud to be Kacie’s mother and am so excited as she begins this new journey in life!

PS - Check soon for pictures of Kacie and her Graduation Present!! Finally, we have gotten her a CAR!!!

Tuesday, May 16, 2006 8:42 AM CDT

Time for an update! Not a whole lot going on around here but figured we needed another story on this site!

Lacie got all dressed up this morning and went off to school to do her senior project presentation. Technically, she is still a junior. She only went to school part time in 9th & 10th grades so she didn’t take some math & science classes but she did take English. So, she is a Junior but is taking Senior English and that is when they do their Senior Projects. It’s a good thing – Lacie & Kacie have been in the same English class this semester so they’ve been a great help to each other. Lacie will have this behind her – no English classes next year as she has completed all four years of it! Woo Hoo! Anyway, today is the day that she is judged on her project and presentation. She is definitely not shy so I am sure that she will do a great job. Kacie presented her project last week and did great also! On Thursday, the school is having a reception to display all of the senior projects. I am looking forward to that – I am so proud of my baby girls!

This weekend will be busy. It’s my niece’s birthday – Hannah will be 12 so we will spend some time with her. On Saturday night, it is Hannah’s dance recital. That will be fun. We weren’t able to go to last year’s recital. On Sunday, we will attend the Baccalaureate Service at the school and a reception after that. (I need some new outfits for all these events). I am excited as we begin to celebrate Kacie Faye’s graduation! WOW!

I want to send out a big Thank You to Lacie’s therapist, Ernie and his co-workers. They surprised me yesterday with a Mother’s Day gift bag. I was really surprised that they had thought of me. They wrote on the card that I was the #1 MOM! It was really nice of them. We are so lucky to have such terrific people in our lives. Love, Love, Love to all of yall!

Lacie did excellent at therapy yesterday. She gets in the parallel bars and actually walked the length of the bars a few times without holding on to anything!!! Her steps are still somewhat un-coordinated but she is really showing some improvement. I know that the special interest and encouragement that her therapist and new friends from the Ranch have shown her is a major inspiring factor in Lacie working so hard lately! We will be getting her new walker soon – hopefully – and are really excited about the benefits it will have for her. That girl is going to be walking all over the place one day – unassisted – absolutely!!

Well, I better get some work done around here. I hope you all are having a wonderful day!

Love & Peace,
Tammy & kids

Tuesday, May 9, 2006 9:57 AM CDT

Whew! Thank goodness PROM is behind us! Dresses, shoes, earrings, dues, makeup, nails, hair – and I am broke but my lovely daughters had a good time! Yes, we spent all day long Saturday shopping for those last minute things, doing nails, fixing hair, changing earrings and necklaces a thousand times (each) – what a busy day. I have loaded some pictures in the Album but beware – they aren’t that great – I have no photographic skills! (Kim, I need you!!!!!)

The girls did have a good time though. Kacie thinks that they had the same band that I had at my prom 2 years ago. (Oops, did I just make a typographical error?) The band members had Mohawks and played “Hey Mickey You’re So Fine” over and over!! Yep, that sounds like the same band from 1982’s prom!!! They were a bit disappointed that the music was “lame”. Kacie and Lacie had pictures taken together – I’m looking forward to getting those back in hopes that they are much better than the ones I took!

I’ve been feeling a little “ugh” lately. This time of year is always hard for me – well, not always but for the last 5 years anyway. I lay in bed last night remembering five years ago. On May 8th, 2001, Lacie had her very first MRI. I was so worried – I don’t think I slept a wink the next couple of nights. On May 10th, we were given the news that my precious and perfect daughter had a brain tumor. We were rushed to Gainesville, Florida where she had surgery the next day – May 11th. It was on the Friday before Mother’s Day 2001. Lacie was “out of it” that next day but on Sunday – she smiled at me and tried so very hard to say “Happy Mothers Day”. I remember just being so very thankful that my daughter was alive – different, but alive and that was good enough for me.

The Mother’s Days since then have brought a wide range of emotions. This journey hasn’t been an easy one and it still isn’t. We have seen a lot of trials – ours as well as those of the many friends we have met along this journey. I have been scared. Scared of losing Lacie, scared of the damage that chemo and radiation have done to her. I have been mad. Mad that Lacie and my other children have been robbed. Mad at myself for worrying way too much and realizing that I need to get real. I realize that I have not been in a good place – I had to get real with God and admit to Him and to myself that I really haven’t trusted Him with Lacie. It so easy to let earthly things and situations discourage us and drag us down. Last night, as I lay in bed crying and remembering five years ago – it hit me. GOD is in control. I know this – I’ve known this. But we as humans tend to “forget” that sometimes. I guess I had become a hostage of fear. No more!

“I never look forward to the trial. I don’t long for struggles because I am unsure of what they will bring. But the one thing I do know, what I see as a fiery furnace might just be the thing God uses to set me free. None of us long to be uncertain, uncomfortable or uninformed about our future, but we should be able to trust God to deliver us from whatever holds us hostage. We were not meant to be bound; Christ came so that we might be set free.” (Luke 4:18)

I have my moments but for the most part, I can look back over the last five years and see the “good”. I still cry from time to time over the perfection that we lost five years ago. Yes, I do want Lacie back the way I gave birth to her, whole and unharmed, but I have to trust that the God who created my daughter will care for her better than anybody else would be capable. I know that He loves her more than I can fathom (and that alone is unfathomable). I don’t need to worry about every little thing because I trust that God will deliver us from our trials – and even if He doesn’t, I will trust that those trials will be used for His glory.

So, Diagnosis Day – it brings with it overwhelming emotions. I am so very thankful that here we are – five years later. Lacie is happier than she has been in a long time. She has a busy social life and some very special people who have come in to her life. She is beautiful. She is determined and optimistic. She is excited about her future, about graduating from high school next year and has a very long list of things she is going to do! (Hate to say that the list includes getting a tattoo). She is amazing and I am just so proud and lucky to be her mother – that goes for my other kids too. They are all amazing in very different ways, but each of them have taught me so much about love, about commitment, about patience and compassion, about being happy, having faith in God and in one another. They have taught me about LIFE. I am so blessed.

With all that said, on Thursday, May 11, 2006 – the five year anniversary (or "crapiversary" as I've heard it called) of Lacie’s surgery, we will not be depressed about the day or think about what might have been. We will have a little celebration in honor of where Lacie is today instead of where we were five short/long years ago. We will celebrate the endless opportunities and possibilities that lie ahead for Lacie and for all of us.

Well, I think I have rambled enough. I didn’t mean for this to get so long. Before I go, I do want to wish all of you a very HAPPY MOTHERS DAY! God bless each of you!

Tuesday, May 2, 2006 9:02 AM CDT

Whew! It's so nice to be home! I'll start with the really important stuff - Lacie's MRI yesterday came back stable! Woo Hoo and Yipee!!! Her doctor was very pleased with the progress Lacie is making and with Lacie's "attitude". Lacie was in one of those really goofy/happy moods yesterday - our companions for the trip had some influence on that. Lacie's friend Kayla went with us and so did Mrs. Janet, Lacie's "other mother". Janet owns Diamonds & Roses - the ranch were Lacie has hippotherapy. Anyway - it's surprising that we didn't get kicked out of the hospital - a loud, crazy, hilarious bunch we were! It was a really fun trip. We go back in six months for another MRI, oncology clinic visit and another appt with endocrinology - to check hormones again now that Lacie is off all treatments. It was a good day.

Now, Friday night - I spent the night at the Museum of Science and History with a bunch of Girl Scouts. Whew! I was a bit disappointed in that there wasn't a whole lot of interesting stuff there - kinda boring actually, but the girls had fun just being silly together - so that was a good night too! It was really nice to get home Saturday morning though.

Not a whole lot else going on. The Prom is this Saturday and Kacie and Lacie are getting really excited. Neither are going with dates but with a group of girls instead. I'm sure that it will be fun!

Graduation is coming up soon for Kacie Faye - only three more weeks! Wow - I still can't believe it!

Well, I'll be back soon!!! Gotta run................

Love & Peace,
Tammy

Wednesday, April 26, 2006 8:11 AM CDT

I’m back! Sorry for the delay in updating. This will be quick – I’m at work with lots to do, but I did want to do a quick update to let you know that we are fine.

Relay for Life was last weekend. It was awesome. Our team didn’t raise as much money as we had hoped but we still had so much fun and we saw so many friends! We made lots of new friends too! Lacie is so awesome and her friends (Kayla, Ernie, Jacob, Mason, Steven, Mr John) are so awesome too! Lacie was on her feet pretty much the whole night. Ernie and Kayla stayed by her side and she was all over the place Friday night. Jacob, Mason & John dressed up for the Miss Relay contest – check out the pictures in the photo album – it was so funny. We did stay the WHOLE NIGHT!! We had a tent, but the whole idea was to stay up all night, so we didn’t sleep in it! Ben and a few of his buddies took advantage of the tent and got some sleep. Stacie put 6 chairs together and made a bed – she’s so “thrifty”! Mason went out to the parking lot & slept in his car and Kayla “fell” into the front seat of my Jeep to sleep – it was probably at least 3am though when they did that. Me, Lacie and Jacob cat-napped in chairs outside – under the loud speakers and mega-lights!! Needless to say, I got home about noon on Saturday – I took a shower and slept the whole day away. The kids were a little more energetic than that and were good to go after a little nap in their comfy beds. Kacie Faye didn’t spend the night – she’s not one of those “all-nighter” kinda people but Lacie is!!!

Only a few more days and we will have another MRI behind us. We will get up Monday morning and hit the road around 5am. We have to be in Gainesville for Lacie’s 7:30 appointment. Her doctor appointment is at 9:30 so hopefully we will be home again before dark! Please, please say some extra prayers that this MRI brings good stable news. Lacie is doing great but still, MRI’s just stress the @*#&$^@& out of me. You know what I mean?

Friday night, Stacie & I will be spending the night at the Museum of Science & History in Jacksonville with a bunch of Girl Scouts. This should be interesting. I think the only museum I’ve ever been in is Ripley’s – so I’m excited about going to a “real” museum – looking forward to seeing some dinosaur bones. Yes, we are taking our sleeping bags and sleeping on the museum floors – thank goodness, we have to be out of there by 7am I think, so we can wake up and get on the road back home.

Well – please check out the pictures from Relay for Life – I wish I could post more that three but hey. One day I am going to make the time to figure out how to put more pictures on this “main page”. I know it’s do-able.

And we’d love to see some messages in the Guest Book – where are you guys?????

Love, Peace,
Tammy (mom to Lacie, Kacie, Ben & Stacie)

Tuesday, April 18, 2006 10:46 AM CDT

Time for another update, huh? We are all doing fine. We’ve been really busy lately getting ready for RELAY FOR LIFE. It’s this weekend so I am inviting you all (once again) to come out to the Fairgrounds and support Lacie’s Team in the fight against cancer.

I have to admit that we have not been as motivated as last year and the world’s worst procrastinator (or best, however you look at it), ME, has put things off until this last week so I have a LOT to do to get ready for Relay. So, it’s time to get things done! We can do it though!!!

Lacie is doing great! She is on a field trip today at Valdosta State College. We had to get up extra early (5:30 – yuck!) and have Lacie at school to catch the bus by 6:30. It’s 11:30 now and I’m ready for a nap. I am sure that Lacie slept on the 2-hour ride there! Lucky her!!!

Not much has been going on – other than preparing for Relay. The kids are excited – we always have such a fun time at Relay. Lacie’s friend Jacob (her first date, Military Ball) will be our MISS RELAY contestant. That should be really funny! Jacob is 6-ft. tall, military haircut, very manly – he should look just darling all dressed up as a girl! I will definitely have some pictures of THAT!!! We are so grateful that he has agreed to participate in the Miss Relay Pageant – what a wonderful friend to do this for Lacie! Not many “men” are willing to put on a dress and parade around in front of so many people. Trust me – we asked quite a few guys and got turned down! It’s all in fun and well, just thinking of Jacob in a dress makes me laugh!!! Can’t wait!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

If you’d like to donate to our team, please send me an email or call me – it’s not too late!!

Good news, Lacie’s friend AJ (the other date) is home from the hospital after surgery last week and is doing good! We were so happy to hear that things went well. We are praying that he is in remission or will be in remission soon. I’m certain his family would appreciate the prayers of all of you as well.

I visited our friend Ricky Poston last week. He was in the hospital for a few days. He could certainly use some prayers also. And if you’d like to visit his webpage, please do and leave an encouraging message in his guestbook. These are some GREAT PEOPLE! (www.caringbridge.org/visit/ericposton)

Well, I guess that’s about all for this update. I’LL BE BACK!!!

Love,
Tammy & Lacie
(OK, Kacie, Stacie & Ben, too)

Monday, April 10, 2006 10:13 AM CDT

RELAY FOR LIFE April 21st and 22nd!
Starting at 7:00PM
If you have time on either day, please, go out to the Brunswick Exchange Club Fairgrounds and show your support for Lacie!
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QUICK UPDATE 4/12/06 - HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO NANNY LAIRSEY (Lacie's Grandmother & Tammy's Mother)!!!!
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ALSO, PLEASE SEND UP PRAYERS FOR LACIE'S FRIEND, A.J. WHO IS HAVING MAJOR SURGERY TODAY!!
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I just noticed that the last update was dated March 24th. I know that I’ve updated since then – matter of fact, the kids went back to school on April 3rd (after Spring Break), so my update was around then – I guess the date just didn’t change for whatever reason.

Anyway – here I am for another update. Things are going really well lately. Lacie has been so busy – since starting the Hippotherapy – she has made new friends and her social calendar seems to be FULL these days! I am so happy for her – happy that she’s made these new friends who are more than happy to spend some time with her - makes her feel “normal” – in her words. It is just great and amazing to see her so busy and happy!!

Our Relay for Life is coming up fast!! It’s April 21st and 22nd and we hope that many of you will come out to see us. Our theme is “Friends for Life” and we’ll have a huge board up and want to get all our FRIENDS – new and old – to put their handprint and/or signature on our board. We will have paint and plastic gloves so nobody will leave with painted hands! We are excited about Relay. Lacie was asked to be a part of the ceremony. This year, before the lighting of the luminaries, several survivors will get up on the stage and read a poem. Lacie will be one of those reading!!! Awesome! I love to see my children on stage!!!!!!!!! There’s still time to donate to our team – call me or email me – OR just come to Relay!!! If you’ve never been to one of these events – you really need to check it out!! It’s really a lot of FUN!

The other kids are doing well. Stacie has been busy with Girl Scouts all weekend. Saturday they went horseback riding and Sunday went on a tour of our “new” airport. She has earned quite a few Scout patches over the past month or so. She is really growing and needs some new summer clothes soon. I think Stacie was in a SIZE 7 for about 3 years – now she is growing and needs a Size 10!! I just wish she would stay little. Once they start that growth spurt – well, next thing you know, they are graduating from high school.

Speaking of, Kacie Faye will be receiving her graduation announcements this week! I cannot believe that I will be watching her graduate in just a few short weeks – SIX to be exact. I am SO very proud of Kacie Faye. She is absolutely the best daughter in the whole wide world. I could not have asked for a more giving, understanding, patient and beautiful daughter. I talk about what a trooper Lacie has been these past five years since her diagnosis and I just have to say, Kacie Faye is just as much a hero in my eyes as Lacie has been. I have seen it all first hand, but still find it very hard to imagine what Kacie has been through, watching her twin sister and best friend (Lacie) go through such an ordeal. I love you Kacie Faye Weston with all my heart and soul and I am so very proud to be your mother. You are and always will be my Tator Faye – my beautiful girl!

Ben is a bum – STILL. But he’s not giving me much trouble. I just really wish he would get a job. It floors me that he has grown up to be so lazy. Please pray for Ben – you know what they say about idle hands and I do worry about him and how the decisions he is making now might affect the rest of his life. He just doesn’t get it.

Well, this got a little longer than I intended. I just know that I’m forgetting something – guess it’ll wait until next time.
Until then, love and peace to all,
Tammy

Friday, March 24, 2006 2:31 PM CST

Hello friends & family,
I figured it's about time for an update. Things are going well here. The kids are back in school after a week off - Spring Break. It wasn't easy for them to get back into the groove of things Monday morning, especially with the time change, but we are doing it!

Lacie has been busy lately. She's made some new friends through her hippotherapy sessions and they are keeping her busy - going bowling, to the movies, dinner. The "ranch" had a fundraiser last Saturday so she hung out with them at the mall all day. She really, really loves the Carswell family who own the ranch. I am so grateful to them - they have truly made Lacie feel like a normal teenager (Lacie's own words) for the first time in a long time.

Ok - back up to the bowling. Lacie scored a 13! Is that even possible? Her friend/phy therapist only scored a 40-something. I think next time they need to leave the bumpers up for the whole gang! Maybe I will go next time and give them some pointers. haha!

Relay for Life is coming up in two weeks. We haven't done any fundraising but WILL have our team there and do fundraising at Relay. We are selling hot wings and sausage dogs. Our theme is FRIENDS FOR LIFE. We will have a "FRIENDS" WALL OF FAME and are excited about lots and lots of new friends as well as seeing lots of old friends at the event. Please come see us and put your print on our FRIENDS WALL!

So, until next time...................

Love & Peace,
Tammy

Wednesday, March 22, 2006 9:58 AM CST

3/24 Update - Today's topic: ANGER! I am so angry at cancer/brain tumors. It is so unfair what our children go through. I was so happy for Lacie and her date last night - BUT it really pisses me off that the beautiful children/teenagers have been affected by cancer. Please pray for our children.

Peace.


I have been meaning to update. Yesterday’s topic “was” fear. It sucks. Sometimes it overwhelms me. Let me just say it – I am so afraid of those remnants of brain tumor. It is so unfair – how most of us get a headache and it’s no big deal – take a Motrin. Lacie gets a headache and fear rears it’s ugly, ugly head. I know she gets scared – I get scared. We had one of those days on Monday. Lacie’s physical therapist had her try something she’s never tried – walking with forearm crutches. It was so hard for her. She got so frustrated and upset. When we got home, she was just exhausted. She just wanted to soak in the tub – it had been a bad day. She was so stressed out about taking Graduation Tests all day at school. She went on to tell me that her stomach started hurting after therapy and that she’d had a headache all day. She told me that headaches scare her. Fear – I hate it. My daughter should not be scared. This isn’t fair – this isn’t right. It is five years later and I still just cannot believe that all this has happened to her. It is happening to her. She is scared – that makes me mad – I should be able to protect her from everything. SHE SHOULD NOT BE SCARED, DAMN IT!!

I gave her Motrin, helped her in the tub and we had supper. All that did make her feel better – but fear had already just consumed me. While she was quiet in the tub – I cried, I prayed then I sucked it all up and helped her out of the tub. Before she went to bed, we snuggled and we prayed for a better day on Tuesday. God delivers! He hears our prayers – amongst the millions. I am so thankful and grateful – fear has left the building.

So – Tuesday wasn’t what I would call an extra-ordinary day – pretty regular in fact. My wonderful, wonderful “friend” Gary stopped by my office for a little surprise visit. He is so funny and always makes me laugh – he had the other girls in the office smiling too! I’m not sure if the girls where smiling because he is so funny or because he is so handsome. Anyway – I am so lucky to have him in my life.

Lacie got called to the office at school – she got there to find her friend AJ there waiting for her. He is on the homebound school program while he undergoes chemo treatments. I don’t know much about his situation, but I think he is finishing up treatments. He was visiting the school and wanted to see Lacie while he was there. He asked her to call him later – wanted to talk to her about something. Well, long story short – Lacie has another date. Is she hot or what???? Lacie & AJ are going to the American Cancer Society’s SURVIVOR’S DINNER tomorrow night. I thought that was so sweet!! I am happy that Lacie has someone her own age who totally understands - being a young adult (teenager) with cancer, chemo, fear (yes, I said it again) and all that goes along with.

Last night as I was tucking Lacie in for bed, I reminded her about our prayer the night before – our prayer for a better day. I reminded her that our God listens and loves us more than she or I can imagine. He doesn’t want us to be afraid – He is in control and with that said – we really have nothing to be scared of.

As I gave her a good night kiss, I closed my eyes and prayed for an even better day today for my precious Lacie. I am excited to see her after school today and hear all about it!!!


Thank you so much for thinking of us – for checking in on us. Your thoughts and prayers are so important!! Please leave a message so we’ll know you were here.

Also, please go to Journal History and read my update of March 17th about our Relay for Life team. Also, link at the bottom of this page to LACIE’S TEAM webpage where you can make an on-line donation to help in the fight against cancer.

Love, Peace, No Fear,

Tammy

Friday, March 17, 2006 10:55 AM CST

Friends and Family,

It has become a yearly event for me to participate in the American Cancer Society's signature event, Relay for Life. Relay for Life raises money to fight cancer and to raise awareness of cancer in the community. It honors cancer survivors, and remembers those who have lost their lives to cancer. Relay for Life represents the hope that those lost to cancer will never be forgotten, that those who face cancer will be supported and that one day cancer will be eliminated.

I have attended several Relay events but became involved just last year, when a group of family members and friends decided to form Lacie’s Team. Our first year, we raised over $3,000 in the fight against cancer.

The Relay starts off with a Survivor's Walk, where cancer survivors walk the initial lap. This is an awesome display of courage and determination. I remember when Lacie walked her first Survivor’s Lap back in 2003. The picture above was taken at that time! She parked her wheelchair and with the support of friends on each side of her, she walked the entire lap! What an emotional moment for me, as her mother, and what a triumphant moment for Lacie, my hero.

I have been fortunate – my daughter is a survivor. The unfortunate part is that cancer has had an impact on my life; an impact on my daughter’s life, her siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. The list goes on and on. Not many of us can say that cancer hasn’t touched our life.

So, how can you help?
• Walk/run at the event to raise money. Join our team! You'll be asked to collect $100 from donors before the event and provide $10 as your commitment fee.
• You can help by making a tax-deductible contribution to our team. (Checks payable to the American Cancer Society)
• Donate on-line – see the LINK at the bottom of this page to Lacie’s Team webpage!
• You can help by donating an item or items for our on-site raffle.
• You can help by purchasing a luminaria for $5 to honor someone fighting cancer or in remembrance of someone who has lost their battle with cancer.
• You can help by coming and checking out the event! Once you see Relay For Life, you’ll know why it means so much!

If you would like to donate, please call me or email me, or if you would like more information, please contact me. I'd be happy to get any information you'd like.

Thank you for supporting the fight against cancer!

LACIE’S TEAM

Tammy Weston, Captain

Friday, March 10, 2006 11:21 AM CST

Woo Hoo! It's Friday at last!!!!! Just thought I'd do a quick update to tell you all to HAVE A TERRIFIC WEEKEND!

Tomorrow is the Girl Scout's International Festival at the fairgrounds. We are new to all this - I have no earthly idea what this is about. All I know is that our troop is representing Venezuela. Anyway - it starts at 10am tomorrow - I am looking forward to going - mainly because I have been in a huge slump lately and well, I tend to hide out in my bedroom too much during these slumps. So - tomorrow I will get out of the house and do something I have never done before - go to the Girls Scouts International Festival! Woo Hoo - again!

I also want to MAKE time to go visit our friends Ricky & Holli - I mentioned them in my last journal entry. Anyway - I am hopeful that they will have some free time and we can go see them Saturday evening. Also, please remember them both in your prayers.

What else? That's really about it. I really need to get busy doing some spring cleaning. I took down the Xmas tree (weeks ago) but the boxes of ornaments and decorations are still sitting in my bedroom floor. It would probably take me about 5 minutes to move it all to the shed but it has yet to be moved. If nothing else, I WILL move those boxes this weekend.

Well, while you are here - please take a minute or two to sign the guesbook. Lacie loves getting your messages.

Peace!
Tammy

Tuesday, March 7, 2006 11:47 AM CST

Hello! Just a quick update.

Kacie & I have been sharing a car. She & Lacie drop me off at work in the mornings and they go to school. Yesterday, Kacie picked up Stacie and they came to pick me & Lacie up from work. I was busy, so they loaded Lacie up in the jeep and were waiting for me outside. So, I finished up my work and headed out the door. As I walked out of the building, I see a mini-van parked directly behind my jeep. A man & woman were standing there talking to my kids. At first, I thought Kacie had backed in to someone – thank goodness that was not the case!!!!!

Ricky & Holli Poston were driving by and saw the girls out in the parking lot, so they pulled in for a quick visit. What a wonderful surprise it was to see them!! I grew up with Ricky, rented a home from his family for 5 years and was his next door neighbor. You may recall one of my earlier updates (11-16-05) about Ricky – he was diagnosed with Glioblastoma Multiforme last year. They have been on a rocky road since October and I asked you all to remember them in your prayers – please continue to pray for our friends. It was so good to see them and give them both a big hug – they are awesome. The girls were so happy to see them. Naturally, Lacie gets a bit emotional – she hates to see anyone going through something like this. She knows all to well the fear that goes along with this kind of illness. She cried happy tears though – it was great for her to see Ricky and give him a hug. She has so much love in her heart – especially for those who are struggling with any kind of tumor or cancer. We are planning on going to visit them soon and are looking forward to spending some time with our awesome friends. You can visit Ricky’s site at www.caringbridge.org/visit/ericposton. And leave an encouraging message in their guestbook – they need all the prayers and encouragement we can send their way.

Also – as if that wasn’t emotional enough for one afternoon – we get home, check the mail and Lacie’s appointment letter is in the mailbox. Her next MRI and doctors appointment is on May 1st. Please join me in praying for stable results. These MRI’s always make me nervous – this is the first MRI since Lacie stopped ALL medications in January. Have I ever told you that I hate MRI’s? Talk about stressful.

Well, that’s it for this update. I will update again soon. Thank you for checking in on us, how about signing the guestbook so we’ll know you were here!

Love & Peace,
Tammy, Lacie, Kacie, Ben & Stacie

Friday, March 3, 2006 9:26 AM CST

Okay – details about Lacie’s hot date last Saturday night!! What you’ve all been waiting for, huh?????

Well, as you know, Lacie started hippo-therapy a few weeks ago. Jacob (the hot date) – is the son of the folks who run the Diamonds & Roses Renegade Ranch where Lacie goes to ride. Anyway – Lacie has gone to school with Jacob for years but never really knew him well. So, at therapy, Jacob led the horse that Lacie was riding and well, they got to talking and became fast friends. Jacob is a really nice young man.

We were on our way to Atlanta to that teenager retreat when Jacob’s mom called me to ask if Lacie was allowed to date and if it would be okay for Jacob to ask her to the ROTC Military Ball. Jacob called Lacie later that evening and officially asked her to be his date!

So, we spent that following week getting ready for Lacie’s first date – a formal event at that! On Saturday, she got her hair cut, we painted her nails and put makeup on and got her all dolled up. Right when we were about to put on the dress, Lacie’s friend, Jennifer showed up with two dresses that she had. So, at pretty much the last minute, Lacie changed her mind and wore a different dress than the one she had planned to wear. But it was a great choice and Lacie was absolute beautiful – as you can see by the pictures in the guestbook. For some strange reason, I couldn’t get a picture to load on the main page here.

We went to Jacob’s house that afternoon. His family has a friend who is a professional photographer and she took pictures for us! We haven’t gotten those professional photos back yet but I am hoping that we’ll get them today when Lacie goes for hippo therapy.

Anyway – off they went in the Limo. Lacie had a great time and made it home about 10:45. They probably would’ve stayed out later but the limo was only rented until 11pm. I was glad of that – I wanted my baby girl home!!!!

I haven't gotten much more out of her but I'm sure there are some chosen few out there that Lacie would share the "details" of her date with. So - if you think you are one of those chosen few, give her a call on her cell phone and she'll fill you in. Email me if you don't have her number & I will hook you up.

Check out the pictures in the guestbook – I apologize for the size of two of them. I really need to take a computer class.

Love – Peace - Have a Great Weekend.

Tammy!

Monday, February 27, 2006 2:25 PM CST

SEE THE PHOTO ALBUM FOR PICTURES FROM LACIE'S "HOT" DATE ON SATURDAY!

I have been trying all day to upload a new photo here on the home page, but "things" are not cooperating. However, I was able to put some in the photo album - I apologize for the size of the pictures, but check them out - they are absolutely beautiful.

Lacie had a great time on the date - I will update with more details tomorrow. Right now, we are off to pick up that brand new hearing aide! Yeah!!!

Love to all,
Tammy

Wednesday, February 22, 2006 10:43 AM CST

Hey Yall! Time for another update, huh? Some exciting things are happening around here………

Lacie, Stacie and I went to Atlanta this past weekend to a teen retreat with the Georgia Deaf/Blind program. It was very, very informative – I attended a workshop on how Lacie’s SSI/Disability benefits will change once she turns 18 – which is just a few short months away. Anyway, I got a lot of information – stuff I really needed to know! Lacie spent the weekend in sessions with the other teenagers. It was a terrific experience for her to be around deaf/blind students – all different levels of deafness/blindness. As most of you know, Lacie has some mild vision impairments and she is totally deaf in one ear as a result of radiation to her brain and has some hearing loss in the other ear – hence, the hearing aide. Anyway – she made some new friends and from what I hear, she really opened up and shared a lot of feelings and expressed some rather profound thoughts/ideas with the other kids there. I have posted a few pictures of the weekend so check them out.

We arrived in Atlanta Friday afternoon and checked in our room – which was pretty nice. Since the retreat didn’t officially start until Saturday morning, we went out for dinner (pizza) with Ms. Elisa – Lacie’s former occupational therapist – who lives in the Atlanta area now. Elisa is so cool and a good friend to Lacie – and our family. It was so great to see her and spend some time with her – even though she & Lacie were cutting up in the restaurant – playing with their pizza, etc. Elisa – out of respect, I won’t post the picture of you licking the pizza – but check your email! It was lots of fun! Thank you Elisa for meeting up with us and for dinner – we’re looking forward to seeing you again soon!

EXCITING NEWS!!!!! Lacie has a date this weekend!!! In my Jan. 24th update, I told you about Jacob and his family – they have the ranch where Lacie is doing her hippo-therapy. Well………………………. Jacob called her and asked her if she would go to the Military Ball with him this Saturday! She is SO excited. We are going this afternoon to find her a dress and I’m sure that all day Saturday will be spent getting her hair done and nails done, etc. Her date has rented a limo to take them to dinner and to the dance! Is that just SO COOL, or what??!!??!?!?!?!? Lacie is really excited!! Her first date, a formal dance, a limo!! I am excited for her!!! I will be sure to take lots of pictures so check back next week for an update on LACIE’S FIRST DATE!!!!!!

Stacie had a great time at the retreat. She amazed me with the sign language that she has learned and used it a lot communicating with the deaf people there. Stacie is so smart – she was so helpful to the teenagers and the counselors. She enjoyed going around the dining room after each meal asking anyone and everyone if she could bring them anything – particularly ice cream – you know how kids love those soft-serve machines! There were quite a few folks that took her up on that offer so she was busy playing ice cream waitress for everyone! She made some new friends too!!!

We stopped at an outlets mall on the way home for about two hours – I love those places!!! I desperately needed some new clothes and found some great sales at the Liz Claiborne store! I have put on a few pounds in the last few months. But – I’ve got some new clothes now!!! It feels so good to have pants on that aren’t cutting me in half. Now I just have to watch myself because these clothes have to last me a while – no more $$ in the budget for bigger clothes!!! Lacie and Stacie got a few new things also - we even brought Kacie back a little surprise!

Kacie is doing great. I think she's a tad jealous that Lacie has a date this weekend. Anybody out there know anyone we can set her up with?????

Ben is doing better but please continue to pray for him to stay safe and out of trouble.

Well, I’ve got tons of work to do here before I can get off work to go dress shopping so I better get busy!

I will update again soon!!! Please leave a message so we’ll know you were here! Oh, and feel free to leave any dating advice for Lacie that you might have! Hehe!

Peace,
Tammy

Tuesday, February 14, 2006 11:22 AM CST

Happy Valentines Day! Just a quick update! Things are well here.

Lacie had a good time at Hippo=Therapy last week! She rode for about an hour - a big beautiful black horse named Rocky. She was pretty sore that evening and the next day but got over it pretty quickly. Next time, she says that she wants a skinnier horse! Ha! She will go every Friday!

Except for this Friday - we are leaving for Atlanta to go to the teen retreat with the Georgia Sensory Assistance program. We are excited about taking a road trip!!

Kacie and Stacie are doing good. Girl Scouts is keeping Stacie busy - she likes it alot. Kacie is staying busy with school and work. She is doing really well.

Ben isn't doing so well - won't get into details - teenage boy stuff. Please pray for my Ben. I love him so much and worry terribly about him. His dad made some really bad decisions and has spent the last 10 years behind bars because of it. I pray with all my heart that Ben straightens up before he ends up in a situation he can't get out of. I really would appreciate your praying for him. A good kid making bad decisions. PRAY PRAY PRAY.

Well - that's it for this update. I hope you are are happy and healthy. Look for an update around Tuesday about our trip!

Love/Peace,
Tammy

Friday, February 10, 2006 11:38 AM CST

Hey - it's me again! Feeling better this update - Thankfully!! (I forgot to add PMS to my list of "little things" that were bothering me last week)

Anyway - life is good here.

Lacie has her very first Hippo-Therapy today. Her "cute" therapist is meeting her at the ranch for some Hippo-Therapy. I still think that is the funniest word. Needless to say - it gets on my kids nerves because I say it too much! hehe! Anyway - it is a beautiful day here - perfect for some horseback riding - oops, I mean Hippo Therapy. Ok - I will stop.

We finally got $$ approved for Lacie to get her hearing aide replaced! FINALLY! Remember, our EX-dog chewed up her last hearing aid & her insurance wouldn't pay to replace it because they had just replaced one that Lacie broke just months before. Well, we got Lacie enrolled in Childrens Medical Services and they will pick up the cost for the new hearing aid. Thank goodness for CMS!!! Lacie goes on Tuesday to have the cast of her ear made and hopefully it should only take a couple of weeks before she has her new device. Yeah!!

Stacie performed last night with her Girl Scout troop in the Grow Your Own Teacher Talent Extravaganza. Each school in our county enters an "act" for this yearly event. Lots of singing and dancing. I have to say that our girls were the very best act of all! No judging - just fun!!

Looks as if Lacie, Stacie and I will be heading to Atlanta next weekend for the teen retreat. Me & Stacie will hang out together while Lacie attends sessions with the many other teenages from all over Georgia. It will be nice to have some 1 on 1 time with Stacie. Kacie doesn't want to go. She is contemplating going back to work at McDonalds on the weekends and so, she will probably be making $$$ while we are out of town.

Ben is doing okay. Same ole Ben! I love him to pieces but he sure does know how to get himself in hot water with me. He is suspended from school for a few days - skipping classes again. It's a rather LONG story - won't get into it now. JUST please remember Ben in your prayers. He needs lots of angels to look out for him these days. ALSO - he needs a PT job - anybody know of something???

Not much else going on around here. We have no plans for the weekend - well, except for Stacie. Girl Scouts are keeping her busy!

Lotsa love to you all - thanks for checking in and please leave us a message so we'll know you were here.

Peace,
Tammy & family

Thursday, February 2, 2006 1:48 PM CST

"Dear God, May all the tears I cry, and all the tears I have not cried but hold within, pour forth into Your hands. Please take each painful thought and unhealed wound, and send angels here to me. I long for peace. Amen."
- Marianne Williamson, "Illuminated Prayers"



Somewhere, I found the above prayer and well, it just seemed fitting to put it here today. Lately, I have just been down in the dumps – nothing in particular, just overwhelmed by the “little things” – tired, stressed, old, fat, busy, worried, broke, etc. Anyway, I am praying that whatever I may face (today and in the future) will not overwhelm me but will show me the gift that God gives in adversity--to become more like Jesus and to be used to be a blessing to somebody else.

This month marks two years since Lacie completed chemotherapy. Wow. Time flies when you’re having fun – really! Chemo sucked! (Excuse the language, but it did.) Every day I pray that Lacie will never, ever have to have chemo again; that she will never be bald again; that she will never, ever have to miss a special event or occasion because of low blood counts; that she will never swell up twice her normal size due to steroids. Yes, I have a lot of bad “chemo” memories. On the brighter side – we do have some good “chemo” memories also - The many, many members of our community who stepped up to the plate to make one young girl feel really special. There were numerous “strangers” who showed up at the hospital bearing gifts; kids from school raising money to help with our expenses; “friends” who toilet papered Lacie’s hospital room while she was in x-ray; gifts of food; gifts of prayer, and many, many more blessings. I am just so thankful that part of Lacie’s treatment is over – we did it!!! As of January ’06, Lacie was taken off of all medications. She is doing great – looking awesomely beautiful and is just her happy self. Please join me in prayer that Lacie will remain “stable”. Wow, 2 years off treatment. Sometimes it seems like it was just yesterday that she was diagnosed – it has been almost 5 years. I look at her every day and Thank God that she is still here with us - blessing us. Even when I get mad at her (come on, she's a teenager) I still have to step back and remember what this child has been thru. She is a trooper, a hero.

Also, through this journey there are 3 other “unsung” heroes – the siblings. Bless their hearts; Short of taking the pills, pokes and pukes themselves, nobody gets the shaft in a situation like this like the siblings. They have to live through all the emotions, uncertainties, moods, changes in routines, and reduced time with their parent(s), while the “cancer” kid gets all the attention. They never asked for it, and there’s nothing that they can do about it. All of the crap, and few of the perks.

Life hasn’t been very fair to Kacie, Stacie, Ben (or Lacie for that matter) these past few years, and sometimes I fear that they may stumble. So, please remember them in your prayers – especially Kacie and Ben as they both are getting so close to “adulthood”. They too, are my heroes and I am so proud of each of them. And again, the same is true for them, when they make me mad, I have to step back and remember what they have been thru. It hasn’t been easy for our family but I am so proud of the fact that we are still a family. We definitely have our differences and our issues, but we are together and we love each other and well, I’m just really proud of my kids. In spite of the crappy hand they’ve been dealt, they are winners.

OK – on a lighter note - Lacie and I are excited about an upcoming ROAD TRIP! We will be heading to Norcross, Georgia (way up above Atlanta) on February 17th – returning on the 19th. Lacie was invited to a teen retreat – the Georgia Sensory Assistance Program. I am excited that she will be able to attend as the topic is social skills/relationships and I think it will be good for her. I am hopeful that Kacie will go with us but that is yet to be determined. A great opportunity for Lacie to meet some new people and hopefully to learn a thing or two.

Well, it's about time for Lacie to get here from school and we will immediately get in the car and head to physical therapy. Speaking of, Lacie is doing a fantastic job at therapy and tickled to pieces to have such a terrific therapist - she's taking him flowers today!?!?!?! What's up with that, huh????

Well, until next time:
LOVE, PEACE AND JOY TO YOU!!!!!

TAMMY

Tuesday, January 24, 2006 10:14 AM CST

GOOD MORNING YALL!! I have GOT to get some new photos loaded on this page! Soon, I promise. Until then = let me update you on what’s going on with us (and answer a few questions from the guestbook).

Let’s start with the “Superstar” of this page – LACIE! She is back in therapy and really likes her new physical therapist – he’s “HOT” and that’s in Lacie’s words! My opinion – he is a very nice young man and he’s cute too! His name is Ernie (remember him, Elisa?) Lacie worked real hard with him yesterday. He has suggested getting some “hippotherapy” for Lacie so we are planning on starting “hippotherapy” soon – it’ll be a Saturday thing and Ernie will accompany Lacie to her “hippotherapy” sessions. Sorry for the over-usage of “hippotherapy” – I just think that’s a funny word. NO – Lacie is not going to have therapy with a hippopotamus – but wouldn’t that be funny/weird. It’s horses actually. Lacie is pretty nervous around horses, but I think she will do well with Ernie there and the place is less than a mile from our house so it’ll be really convenient. It’s a ranch that provides hippotherapy for disabled children (physical, mental, whatever) and is owned by the family of a young man that has gone to school with my kids for quite some time. I’ve never had the pleasure of meeting this boy or his family personally, BUT do remember Jacob from the “early days”. When Lacie was first diagnosed, I got a letter in the mail from his mom – along with a check for about $100 I think. Anyway, Jacob had saved money from his allowance and from cutting grass, gave it to his mom and asked her to send it to “a classmate that was ill”. What a big heart – what a nice thing to do. I have never forgotten his unselfish act of kindness and now, for Lacie to have this opportunity to have some “hippotherapy” at this same family’s ranch – well, it just goes to show that this world is made up of some awesome people and we are so lucky to have many of them right here in our community. Thanks so much to this family – what a blessing they are!!

We haven’t heard anything on the Service Dog – other than Lacie is on the waiting list and it could take anywhere from 1 – 3 years for her to actually get a dog. I would LOVE for Lacie to have one today, but in order to get a dog “fast”, you have to have lots and lots of money. Yall would not believe how much those dogs cost! WOW!

We attended the Relay for Life KickOff party last week – that was lots of fun! We received a really nice plague for being an ALL STAR TEAM (Lacie’s Team) I have got to take a picture of Lacie with this plaque for this page. I will do that soon!!!

Stacie is selling Girl Scout cookies like crazy! She is SO into it! Her troop was in the Girl Scout Talent Extravaganza on Saturday and they really rocked the house! They did a dance to “Survivor” by Destiny’s Child and it was awesome! Stacie is a great dancer – not shy a bit about “shakin that thang”! She was definitely the star of the show!

Also, I have to tell you, that STACIE won 2nd place in her school’s spelling bee! She was the last 4th grader standing – which made me very proud – but the fact that she beat all the 5th graders (except one) was REALLY something to be proud of. She came home from school on Friday with a huge Spelling Bee trophy! I have to take a picture of that too!!!!! She is such a smartie!!!!! The winner will move on to the county-wide competition, but if for any reason, he can’t make it, then Stacie will step up to the plate and represent her school!

What else? Nothing much going on with Kacie Faye. She visited the community college yesterday and got an application for enrollment, etc. We will be filling out financial aid applications also this week. I am really glad that she has decided to go to the local college next year. Her plan is to get a teaching degree. She wants to be a middle-school teacher. I am very proud that she has a plan – a teacher – that’s a very honorable job in my opinion. I know that I couldn’t do it. So, hat’s off to all you teachers out there – and future teachers – you are SPECIAL!!!!!

Not much going on with Ben either. Same old lazy bum son of mine, but I love, love, love him too! He has such a big heart and is really a smart and good kid – but is SO LAZY. I think he plans on growing up to be a homeless bum – did I really just say that? I know it sounds mean – but seriously, the boy just has no ambition or motivation. He just wants to have fun. Care free!

News with me – NONE! My life is boring! I work, do laundry and dishes and that's about it. Na, that's not all - I run around town like crazy getting these kids here and there and every now and then, make time to go out to dinner (or somewhere) with that very special man in my life - not as much as I'd like, but it is working. I am very lucky to have such a great man in my life. He puts up with me and "my crazy life" and that says A LOT!!!

Well – gotta go! Will update again real soon with some NEW PICTURES! Really!

Love & Peace,
Tammy

Tuesday, January 17, 2006 10:10 AM CST

Hey Yall! Work is slow today so I thought I'd come here and do a little update. Not much is going on with us lately - that is a good thing.

I am only working a half day today. I have a conference with Stacie's teacher at noon. No real issues just the standard conference. I always get a good report on Stacie so conferences with her teachers are a breeze. Stacie always does so well in school. Her only issue is that she talks too much - hey, she gets it honestly though.

After that, I am taking Lacie for a physical therapy evaluation. It has been a while since she's been in therapy so we are looking forward to getting her back in to it. We will set some goals for her and hopefully, she will gain some skills to help her become more independent. It is unlikely that Lacie will ever regain her ability to balance herself so we won't work so hard on walking. Like I said, I want her to learn more skills to help her become less reliant on me. My hope is that one day she will be just as independent as her sisters and brother - in spite of the fact that she is in a wheelchair. She is 17 years old and I want her to have a life of her own - without "mom" always there. We are hopeful that Lacie will get some smart, skilled and encouraging therapists to work with her.

The kick-off party for 2006 Relay for Life is this week. We are excited about beginning to work on our fundraisers and team activities for this year. As you may recall, last year was the first year that we joined with a team - LACIE'S TEAM. If my memory serves me correct, we raised over $3000 and would've done better than that if it hadn't of stormed on the night of Relay and they shut it down around 10pm. Anyway - the Relay isn't until April but it is time to start planning! So, if any of you want to join a KICKIN' TEAM, get in touch with me.

I have been in a "blah" mood the past few days. An old high school friend was killed in a motorcycle accident over the weekend which got me down early in the week. We just never know when our time will come. It is SO IMPORTANT to live in the moment - to appreciate every single second we have here with our loved ones. So - give 'em a hug and tell them just how special they are to you. At any given time, we are all but a moment or a phone call away from tragedy. Now that may sound depressing, but actually it's not. If you live your life like every moment is your last, then just think of what a wonderful life you can live! The things around you appear less as “things” and more as “gifts”, and we appreciate it all that much more. Take the time to appreciate the many, many blessings that we are surrounded with TODAY!

Love & Peace,
Tammy

Wednesday, January 11, 2006 3:33 PM CST

OK – I am making time for details!!! First of all, I am so thankful to be BUSY at work again! It has been slow but lately things are picking up – the work days are going by much faster. On the down side, I don’t have much time to update this page! Our computer at home is DEAD so work is the only time I have access to the internet. Anyway, details……………

Dr. Smith’s office called this morning with the MRI results. It is STABLE!! YIPEE! HOORAY! YEAH! AND THANK YOU GOD!!! We are always so happy to get a stable report. I just know that one day, we are going to get a “Hey there’s no tumor here” Report! Whoo Hoo!!

Dr. Smith said that it is time for us to take Lacie off of the Tamoxifen. Long-term use can put Lacie at a higher risk of developing other cancers and she has been taking a pretty high dose of it for almost 3 years now. Also, the longer you use it, it tends to lose effectiveness. SO – that kinda has me stressed. Lacie’s tumor has been stable for 2 ½ years – she’s taken the Tamoxifen for 3 years. She started taking it at the same time she started the 2nd type of chemotherapy in Feb. 2003. In a way, Tamoxifen has felt like my security blanket. There is some tumor there and she is taking a medication that seems to be helping. But, as with most cancer treatments, your body can only handle a certain amount of these drugs. And, our time is up with the Tamoxifen. So, she will stop. The only medication she will be on will be Septra – an antibiotic, but only for a month and then she can stop that also. It will be strange – her not having any medicines to take. She has been on SOME kind of medication since May 2001 – almost 5 years. Wow!

We met our friend Jenny while at the clinic. She was our crazy family pal when we went to the family retreat in October (that’s where the picture above was taken). It was so great to see her! I will post some pictures as soon as I can. We had lunch at the Texas Roadhouse –yummy. Jenny & I totally won the peanut shell fight against Lacie and Timmy!!!!! It was lots of fun! All in all, we had a good trip to Gainesville! It was great to see Jenny and it was nice to have Timmy (Lacie’s very good friend from Jacksonville) along for the ride too!

Ok – on to more family news. My stupid car wouldn’t start this morning. Looks like I need a starter. Luckily for me – the company I work for has a “fleet” and our very own company mechanic – I love Ricky (our company mechanic). He came and got it started for me this morning so I could get the kids to school and get to work, and he is going to replace the starter for me (hopefully tomorrow). I absolutely HATE taking my car to a repair shop – I always feel like I get ripped off. So, Ricky is a life saver and I am so, so thankful that he’s willing to help me out. Believe me, this IS NOT the first time that he’s been my HERO!

Lacie is doing great. She will start going to physical and occupational therapy again next week. She is looking forward to that. She did the therapy thing A LOT for four years (plus) – then we took a break from it all. It will be good for her to get some more exercise, learn some new skills and just meet some new people. I am looking forward to her getting back in to it and moving around more! She’s turning into a BUM! Na, just kidding!

Stacie called me a little bit ago – she will be in the school’s spelling bee and is so excited about that! We were watching a spelling bee on tv not very long ago – it was so funny. “Can you use it in a sentence.” “Is there any other pronunciation?” “What is the definition?” “What is the origin of the word?” Man, these kids were stalling!!! We laughed – “JUST SPELL THE WORD!!!”. Seriously, they were some really hard words – I couldn’t spell them. But, hey, that was TV! This is real life and Stacie is just tickled to pieces that she won for her class and goes on to the school-wide competition.

Also – more Stacie news. She joined Girl Scouts recently. Last Friday, we went to a COOKIE RALLY! That was a trip! I couldn’t believe the number of girl scouts in our county! A LOT!! Stacie is very, very excited about Girl Scouts and especially about selling cookies! Anybody want some???????

Kacie is doing good. She is still hanging in there at her daycare job. New owners took over last week – that is a good thing. I went to high school with the new owner and she is a very good person. I am looking forward to some changes there and a happier Kacie Faye, and I have let the new owner know that. So many times I have told Kacie to quit the job, but she likes the $$. Anyway – hoping that it gets better. We are still planning on Kacie changing jobs as soon as the new Paint & Body Shop is constructed and open for business. That should take another month or so. She did really good on her report card last semester – I cannot believe that this is her LAST semester! My “baby” will graduate from high school in just a few short months.

She (Kacie)had a “traumatic” experience the other day – she went to pick Ben up after she got off work and backed over a really LARGE concrete curb. She called me crying – the car was stuck on this curb and some “on lookers” told her that if she tried to drive it, the axle would break and the back tires would just fall off. She was so upset and pitiful on the phone! Of course, I totally over reacted, thinking that she has broken our only vehicle and my “response” to her crying probably made matters worse – I’m sorry about that Kacie Faye. Yall can pray for me – I am in need of patience!!!!! Her hero (no, not Ricky – Gary was the hero this time) came to her rescue – he got the car off the curb without doing any damage and she was on her way!!! Anyway, it wasn’t funny then but it’s kind of funny now.

Not much news on Ben – he has a “secret” life. Haha! Not really! He seems to be doing good. He is back in school and hopefully is doing the work that is required of him. I love Ben so much and hope that he will SOON start taking things a little more seriously. He is SO smart, but puts very little effort into ANYTHING! Pray for him!!!

Well, this has turned in to a LONG update! And the bad thing about it is that I KNOW I am forgetting something?!?!?!?!? Oh well!

I hope that whoever is reading this will leave a message in the guestbook – we love hearing from YOU!!!!! Thanks for checking in.

Love, love, love,
Tammy & family

Thursday, December 29, 2005 2:03 PM CST

ANOTHER QUICKIE - WED., 1/11/06 - THE MRI RESULTS ARE STABLE! YIPEE! HOORAY! YEAH! I'LL UPDATE WITH MORE DETAILS OF THE DR. VISIT & WHOLE TRIP LATER - RIGHT NOW, I AM SOOOOOO BUSY!

THANKS FOR CHECKING IN - CHECK BACK FOR A COMPLETE UPDATE REALLY SOON! PROMISE! LOVE, TAMMY

THANKS SO MUCH FOR YOUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS!

Hey Yall! Hope all is well. Sorry for not updating sooner - just been real busy! We had a terrific Christmas - the kids were happy with all the STUFF they received. All of the teenagers have cell phones now - they are happy - if ONLY I can keep them within their minute limits! Teenagers LOVE to talk don't they! It's crazy! Other than "cellies", they got some little things - socks, underwear, cheap jewelry, perfume - but mostly they got $$$$ and can spend it on what they like. Stacie got lots of toys - she said that she doesn't like to get money - would rather have the presents - surprises! So, everyone was happy.

Lacie and I will be going to Gainesville soon - January 9th. It's had to believe that its already been six months since her last MRI and it is time again. Please pray with us that this MRI will remain stable. Lacie is feeling well except for a little stuffy sinus thing - a headache now and then and the occasional eye twitching really drives her crazy - but other than that, she is great and happy. Her appetite hasn't been real good but I'm thinking that related to the little cold that she has. She has a little headache today - probably due to the fact that she hasn't ate anything. So - just to get her to eat, I told her that we'll have whatever she wants for supper tonight - she wants STEAK! So, I guess I'll go take out a loan so we can have steak for supper. Na, just kidding - I think I can swing a few steaks for the gang tonight.

We are hoping to meet up with our friend, Jenny when we go to Gainesville next week. Jenny was our "family pal" when we went to the family weekend retreat at Boggy Creek in October. She is a student at University of Florida - studying to be a pediatrician. Go Girl! Anyway - we are looking forward to having lunch (or something) with her.
Lacie's grandpa usually goes with us on our trips to Gainesville, but he has jury duty this time so we might have to let Kacie Faye miss school and be our travel mate. We will see!

Well - that's it for this update. As you can see, not much going on with us. Life is good!!!

Before I go - a few folks to add to your prayer list:
My sister, Rhonda is having some health issues and tests done.
Mine & Gary's friend, Donnie is having some serious health issues also - pray for him.
Our friend, Ricky - will begin some more intensive chemo after the first of the year.
Ben - is enrolling back in school next semester, please pray that he can get his act together and be successful.

Love to you all,
and until next time,
...................................Peace & Happy New Year!

Tammy & family

Wednesday, December 21, 2005 9:10 AM CST

Hello to everyone! I did not realize that it has been so long since I updated. Proof that we have a boring life - my kids are right!! Seriously - there is not much going on around here - other than preparing for Xmas - which I don't even want to talk about! Let's do this & and get it over with - I haven't been much in the "shopping spirit" and that's all I'm going to say about that.

The kids are all doing great. They are glad to have a break from school although it won't be long before they are bored out of their minds. Next semester starts on January 5th - Kacie and Lacie will be working on their Senior Projects next semester. It is still so unbelievable that they will be 18 years old this summer. Where has the time gone - they should still be in middle school. My babies.

Ben is being "Ben". No, he hasn't found a job and hasn't looked too awfully hard. He will go back to school in January - that's the plan for now anyway. It could change any minute though.

Stacie is doing good too. She is had a overnight party with her girl scout troup last weekend - they stayed in a vacant attic apartment in a HUGE historic home down town. She really enjoyed that and is looking forward to some of the upcoming events that the scouts have going on. We will let you all know when she has COOKIES for sale!!!

Lacie's next appointment in Gainesville is coming up on January 9th. Yes, it is MRI time again and even though she is doing great - MRI's always cause us some STRESS. So, I ask you all to pray for us - pray that the MRI remains stable - better yet, the tumor has totally disappeared - what a great, late Xmas present that would be!!!!

Well, until next time - BE SAFE and have a very happy holiday!!!

Peace,
Tammy & family

Wednesday, December 7, 2005 11:20 AM CST

UPDATE - DECEMBER 8TH!
HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY DAD - LACIE'S PAPA LAIRSEY!!!!!

Hey Yall! Hope you are all doing well - we are here! Lacie and I went to Savannah on Monday and yes, we did get lost! I do not like Savannah - I guess because I haven't been there much and well, I always get lost and frustrated. As Lacie and I began heading North on I-95, I thought about the last time that Lacie and I had made that trip together - just the two of us. It was in May of 2001. We had been to Savannah the week before - our first appointment with the neurologist. My dad had rode with us that first trip but the second trip was just me and Lacie - we were going back for the MRI results. My baby's life changed that day. I fought back the tears as those memories flooded my thoughts. I didn't want Lacie to know what I was thinking - I tried that "my eyes are watery because of the sun or because I yawned (a fake yawn ofcourse)". I turned the radio station until I found Shania Twain's "Whose Bed Have Your Boots Been Under" - so we sang along and laughed and hopefully, Lacie never knew that I was "remembering". OK - enough of that.

The appointment in Savannah was at the Eye Clinic. Her exam was stable - no changes in her vision since last year so we are cleared for another year. They dilated her pupils so when it got time for the ride home, she was pretty miserable because she couldn't keep her eye's open - the sun was too bright. Of course, I tried to give her a pair of the "shades" from the doctor but she refused to wear those ugly black glasses. She rode for about 30 minutes with her eyes closed and then she fell asleep. She slept the whole way home. When we got in the car she said that she felt like Chik-Filet, so I woke her up when we got back to Brunswick and were in the Chik-Filet drive-thru!

Kacie is still working at the dreaded daycare center. My friend and his new Paint Shop is moving very slowly in getting that business going but hopefully he will still hire Kacie in his office. I know that the metal building is ordered and should be arriving soon. Then it will have to be erected and well, all that other stuff, electricity, plumbing, furnishing - it could take a while. In the mean time, Kacie is looking for something else. She had an interview at a gym last week but that didn't work out.

Stacie has joined the Girl Scouts and will go to her first meeting this Friday. She is very excited about it and I'm excited for her. She's very outgoing and this will be a great thing for her to involve herself in.

Ben is looking for a job also. School - well, I am so so so tired of fighting with him about school. He has gotten so far behind this semester and simply given up. There is no way that he can bring his grades up to passing before the end of the semester. I guess I have given up also - last week I withdrew him from school for the rest of this semester. I have given him 2 weeks to find a job. If he doesn't find a job - I "guess" I will try to get the juvenile probabion officer involved and see if I have him placed on on probation. I'm not sure if they will get involved - he isn't breaking the law - he's not doing ANYTHING! And I do mean "ANYTHING". Any advice? My teenage son doesn't care about ANYTHING! (ok, except music, video games and girls) I really don't know what to do - something or nothing.
HELP!!!

Well, thank you all so much for checking in on us and remembering us in your prayers. Also - thanks for remembering our friend Ricky (see journal entry of Nov. 16) in your prayers - it means alot to us and to his family to know that so many people out there are praying for us.

Before I go - please leave a message in the guesbook so we'll know that you were here! The guestbook entries are few and far between these days - we sure do miss hearing from YOU!!!

Love & Peace,
Tammy

Monday, November 28, 2005 1:59 PM CST

I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving - we did!! Naturally, we all ate way too much and we are SO glad to see the leftovers finally gone! Lacie's favorite was the pound cake - I think she ate about 6 pieces and that was after dinner!! She LOVES pound cake!!

Lacie is doing good. She seemed a bit upset last night - she had a twitch in her right eye and caused her some concern. It was bothering her - and worrying her. She asked when her next doctor appointment was so I know what she was thinking. But she seemed to be better after I told her that it happens to me too from time to time - Gary and Kacie also told her that they get that annoying twitch too. Kacie said that her toes twitch - that got a laugh from Lacie and hopefully she understands that twitching is normal and nothing to be concerned about. I hate it when she worries - I worry enough for both of us!

We do have an appointment on Monday, Dec 6th in Savannah with her eye doctor. We go to Gainesville for MRI and oncology appt on January 9th.

We got the application finished and mailed out last week for a service dog for Lacie. We are SO hopeful that she will get a dog and not have to wait for a long time. She needs a good, loyal friend (that's housebroken)hehe!

Well - nothing much to report! So - I better get back to work!

Love,
Tammy

Wednesday, November 23, 2005 12:45 AM CST

Just a quick update to say HAPPY THANKSGIVING to all of you!

We are doing fine - nothing really to report - LIFE IS GOOD AND WE HAVE SO MUCH TO BE THANKFUL FOR!

Please remember to keep our friend Ricky in your prayers (see journal history) as well as all the other people out there who are struggling with illness and hardships.

Giving thanks for all of you,

Tammy

Wednesday, November 16, 2005 10:14 AM CST

Our friend, Ricky Poston (aka Mr. Ricky), has recently been diagnosed with Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM), which is an aggressive and hard to treat type of brain tumor. Ricky is only 39 years old and father of 3 small children, 1 older daughter and grandfather of two. Please keep Ricky and his family in your thoughts and prayers as they are facing the battle of their lives.

As a young girl, I rode the school bus with Ricky and his brother and sister. We were friends from elementary thru high school, and then as things tend to happen, years go by without seeing our childhood friends. Later in life, when I found my self a single mother of four kids, I began looking for a cheaper place for us to live. I found a little trailer out in the country – it was owned by Ricky’s father. We lived in this trailer for 5 or 6 years. My neighbor on one side was Ricky and his family – on the other side was Randy, Ricky’s older brother and his family. For quite some time, our children played together on a daily basis. I had two terrific neighbors! I cannot count the times when Ricky was there to help me out of a jam – whether it be helping me break into the house because I’d locked the keys inside, helping me when my car wouldn’t start or a tire was flat, fixing things around the house, cutting my grass – just to name a few. When Lacie was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2001, my neighbors only got nicer. These brothers and their friends organized a fund raiser and raised several thousand dollars to help with our expenses. Ricky and his wife, Holly, invited my other kids over to swim, play, hang out – whatever and believe me, during our crisis with Lacie, Ben and Stacie spent many hours at Ricky’s house – they were always welcome and it meant a great deal to me knowing that my kids were right next door, with great people, while I tended to Lacie’s needs or just simply got some much needed rest and quiet. During that difficult time in my life, I could not have asked for better neighbors. Again, as life happened, we eventually moved and only saw the Postons from time to time – usually at the elementary school functions where Ricky & Holly were both very active parents – always volunteering to chaperone dances, festivals, you name it and they were there. I think they both served as PTA President at one time or another.

My youngest daughter, Stacie, had mentioned to me a couple of weeks ago that she had seen Mr. Ricky at school and he was in a wheelchair. I wondered what had happened but never imagined that he was facing such a monster until last night. I was helping Stacie with homework and cleaning out the dreaded book bag. Stacie told me that there was a newsletter in her folder and there was something in the newsletter about Mr. Ricky. Her words, “He has glioblio or something like that”. Well, I am not an expert but I do know a lot about brain tumors and when Stacie said that, my heart broke. Even though Stacie didn’t say it correctly – I just knew and I cried. Today, I cannot seem to get this off of my mind. I am having a very sad day. You would think after my ordeal with Lacie that I could call Holly and I would know just what to say to her, but I don’t. I have put my hand on the phone numerous times today but not dialed the number – I just sit and look at the phone and wonder what do I say when she picks up the phone. How can I help these people who were there for me and so helpful during my very difficult time?? I am sure that before this day is through that I will make that call and hopefully the words that come out of my mouth will be comforting to their family.

For now, I come here – hoping that I can count on you all to storm heaven with prayers for Ricky and his lovely family – his wife, children, brother, sister, nieces, nephews and mother and father. They are a very close family and I know that they all are in pain and worry over Ricky’s illness. PLEASE ADD RICKY AND HIS FAMILY TO YOUR PRAYER LISTS AT CHURCH!!! I know that the most powerful thing we can do is PRAY, PRAY, PRAY for we have a gracious and merciful Lord – I know this!!!!!!!!!!

Also, for you locals – a charity golf tournament is scheduled for December 10th. The fee is $80 per person and includes a catered lunch and cart. They also need businesses to sponsor holes – the cost for this is $150. Following the tournament, they will have a raffle with lots of great items. If you’d like more information, please email me or leave a message in the guestbook and I will get back with you with phone number of the ladies who are organizing all of this. Also, if you just like to make a donation, a fund is established (Eric Poston Benefit Fund) and I can get info on this too if you’d like. I know that Eric and his family appreciate any and all support from the community.

On a lighter note – things are going well with us. Lacie is starting to experience pain in her knee area again. I think this must be weather related because she hadn’t complained about any leg pain in quite a while. It seems to bother her during the cooler months. We had an appointment earlier this week with Children’s Medical Services. We’ve never used this program before but were referred to them by the Hearing Aid place in hopes that they can help replace Lacie’s broken aid. Her insurance replaced the first one that she broke, but they won’t replace it again (remember our ex-dog tried to eat it and totally demolished it). Needless to say, I cannot afford the $1500 to replace it so hopefully CMS will be able to help. In addition, they have scheduled Lacie an appointment with an orthopedic doctor so that should be helpful in determining what to do about this leg pain. We will also talk to him about getting Lacie back into some physical therapy and about getting her a gait trainer – which is like a walker but provides much more stability. It’s a very expensive piece of equipment also – try $3000. Ouch!!

Kacie Faye is doing great. Today she is ordering her Graduation Announcements!!! It still floors me to think that my little girl is graduating from high school in just few short months! Time has flown by and they are almost grown. Sad.

Ben is “same old Ben”. Please pray for him as he is still struggling in school. He loves the social life and is always wanting to go, go, go. It is SO hard trying to raise this boy – teenager. He thinks he knows everything and thinks that he should be able to do whatever he wants and go wherever and whenever he wants. It’s HARD and that’s all I will say about that.

Stacie is great – sweet and smart as always!!

Well – I didn’t plan on such a long update – thanks for checking in on us and remember to keep the Poston’s in your prayers.

One more thing – there is a guestbook here that no one ever signs anymore. It means a lot to us when you check in – please leave a message so we’ll know you were here!

Love, Peace and Prayers,

Tammy & the KIDS!!!

Thursday, November 10, 2005 10:08 AM CST

Hello friends & family,

I haven’t updated in a week, so figured I would while it’s quiet here at the office. Not much going on here.

We have started the application process for Lacie to get a companion/service dog. Needless to say, she is very excited! Lacie needs some reference letters from friends, etc. – anyone outside of her family – so if anyone would like to provide that for her, it would be really, really appreciated. We’d like to get some references from those who knew her before diagnosis – do yall remember how outgoing she was – always on the phone, a cheerleader, dancer, a friend to all – I miss “that” Lacie. It is sad that since her diagnosis, most of those friends have disappeared – so much of her life has changed – the dreams I had for her, the dreams she had for herself have all changed. Lacie feels “different” and lonely a lot of the time. She feels like the kids at school don’t have much to do with her (1) because she’s in a wheelchair & they simply don’t know what to say to her and (2) because she doesn’t have much independence – there’s always an adult lurking around and you know, teenagers don’t like hanging out with us “adults”. Anyway – she hopes that a companion dog will help her to be more independent – I agree and am hopeful that this will work out and she will have “her” dog/friend one day. The process is long – it could take several months to a year or two – we will see, but at least the ball is rolling. Again, if YOU would like to do a reference letter – please email me and let me know – we would like to get these all together and sent out real soon!!

The other kids are doing well. Kacie doesn’t like her job at the daycare center. I don’t either. I hate to talk about the place, but they seem very unorganized and under-staffed. I do not like the way they operate or the amount responsibility that is placed on Kacie there. SO - We are looking for a more suitable job for Kacie – if any of you have and ideas or leads – that would be so so so appreciated too. The job that we talked about with my friend who is opening up the auto/paint shop won’t happen until January or February – they are building a new shop so that’s taking some time. Anyway, I don’t think Kacie can hold out at the daycare until then, so she is looking. With Christmas fast approaching, I hope that she can find something soon.

Stacie and Ben are doing well. I think I told you all that Stacie got a hamster for her birthday back in September. We should change her name to Houdini – she is definitely an escape artist and it is very annoying to me. I have woken up too may nights (4am-ish) to the sounds of “something moving around”. I have found that crazy hamster in the kitchen trash can, in the oven, in my boots, behind the stove, in Lacie’s bed – I dread to think of where she will escape to next. I think we need a more escape-proof cage for her – this one is definitely not working. You should see the duct tape, twist ties, bungy cords, etc that we have on that cage and still she escapes. Beat’s me!!

The kids are out of school tomorrow for Veterans Day but I will be working. Bummer. Maybe it will be slow and I can take the afternoon off –we will see. On Saturday, we are going to a little cookout that the American Cancer Society is having at the horse stables. It’s just a couple of hours Saturday morning – should be fun. And then Saturday afternoon, Gary & I will attend his cousin’s wedding. That’s about it for our weekend plans, but with the holidays coming so soon, I’m sure that we will have lots and lots to do on the weekends soon! I can’t believe it is this time of year already – we are looking forward to all the special time with our family and friends during the holidays!!

Well, I better get back to work! Please leave a message in the guestbook – we haven’t heard from many of you in a while!

Lotsa love,
Tammy & family

Tuesday, November 1, 2005 9:50 AM CST

Hello friends & family,
Just a quick update to let you all know that we are doing fine. Kacie is feeling much better - she is getting over her sinus infection.

It's Stacie's turn to be sick today. TOO MUCH CANDY!! Lacie & I took the night off last night. Kacie took the little kids out for trick or treating - Stacie and cousins, Trace & Hannah. I do believe that Stacie ate most of her candy before she got home. She didn't want any supper - and just before bed time, well, she got sick and was still feeling yucky this morning. So - she took the day off from school and is getting nursed (spoiled) back to health by Nanny & Papa.

Lacie is doing great. Not much has been going on with her lately. She is on a DOG kick again. She doesn't want just any dog, she wants a specially trained companion dog. I am trying to explain to her that it is very hard to TRAIN a dog when you have school all day and mom has work all day. When we had our other dog, Precious (not) - the poor dog was left at home all day long by her self. She was so NOT TRAINED that we nick named her our Freak Circus Dog. She'd go crazy when we got home and I think she got stuck on CRAZY. After 8 longs months, it was just too much for me to handle and so we found her another home. It would be terrific for Lacie to have a "trained" companion dog but right now, I'm not feeling much like I could handle another mouth to feed, another mess-maker to clean up after. If anybody out there knows a "retired" police dog, or a trained companion dog that needs a new owner - let me know. Like I said, we simply don't have time now to train and get to know another dog but would consider an older dog that is already trained and well behaved.

Ben is doing good too. He no longer has a girlfriend and it doesn't seem to bother him much. TEENAGE BOYS! Do they care about anything, I mean seriously.

Our football team won the city championship last Friday night. We were there and it was great! A lot of the players are seniors this year - boys that Kacie and Lacie have gone to school with all their lives. It's is kinda wild - seems like they were all first graders just yesterday and now - SENIORS!

Well - that's it for this update. I hope you are all happy and healthy. Please leave a message so we'll know you were here.

Lotsa Love,
Tammy & family

Friday, October 28, 2005 8:37 AM CDT

Yeah - thank goodness it's FRIDAY!!! Not that we have big plans for the weekend but it's been a slow and boring week at work - the days have been loooooooonnnnggggg.

I had to take Kacie Faye to the doctor on Monday - sore throat, cough, throwing up, etc. She had a bad sinus infection. Our doctor put her on some strong antibiotics which are tough on her tummy but for the most part, she is feeling much better now.

Lacie is doing great. Not a whole lot going on with her lately - that's a good thing! We will be going to the last football game of the high school season tonight & she is looking forward to that. This is the city championship - our two local high schools, Glynn Academy & Brunswick High are battling it out. Both teams have done good this year and which ever one wins tonight will go on to the State Championships so needless to say - it will be a great game!
GO GLYNN ACADEMY RED TERRORS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Stacie's school is having their Fall Festival today - and in addition to that, today is TACKY DAY! I should've taken a picture of her this morning - she was SO TACKY and mis-matched - but still absolutely beautiful. That's my baby girl!

Ben - well, same ole Ben. He's behaving at home and school, but his grades are awful. No motivation - I wonder if he will ever get out of 9th grade. I have meeting set up next week to have him tested (again) for enrollment in the PLC (Performance Learning Center). I've probably already explained this program, but it's for students who aren't disciplinary problems but simply cannot function in the normal school setting. At PLC, all classes are done on the computer and students work at their own pace. So - depending on how much effort Ben applies, he can finish a class before schedule or after. It's hard to say whether he will do good at PLC, but we have to try something. Our only other alternatives would be to leave him in regular school where he is not advancing at all or take him out of school and send him to the Adult Educ Center to get a GED - I really don't want to do that.

Last but not least, ME! I'm doing okay. Work is boring but hey - it's a paycheck. We went to Gary's a couple of nights this week to just hang out and watch some movies with him and we cooked out with Cissy one afternoon - so I have not gotten much done around the house. I will be spending this weekend doing laundry, dishes, moping, dusting, etc. etc. etc. It is never-ending.

Before I go - CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR TOTALLY 80'S FRIEND, JENNY - our family pal at Camp Boggy Creek. She was accepted to UF College of Medicine this week - she's going to be a doctor. We had so much fun with her at our family retreat weekend earlier this month! We are oh so proud of Jenny! YOU GO GIRL!!

Well - I hope that you all have a wonderful weekend. If you're not doing anything - come over and help me clean the house!!! hahahaha!

Be safe and have a happy Halloween!

Until next time,
Love & Peace,
Tammy & family

Wednesday, October 19, 2005 12:53 AM CDT

HELP - I am having one of the most boring days EVER!!! Work has been really slow - I don't like it a bit!! The day just drags by and me, I get sleepy. SO - I decided to update again just to have something to do! So - what to update about???????

Lacie is doing really well. No complaints! For the past month, she has been riding the bus here to my office after school and hanging out with me until I get off work. My boss decided yesterday to put her on the payroll - so she will be helping out around here. I will have to FIND things for her to do because as I stated earlier - it's really slow around here. The accounting dept has lots of stuff that she can alphabetize and file - so that'll keep her busy for a day or two. Then, hopefully things will start to pick up around here. Atleast she will making a little money and we all know how much she likes $$$$$$.

We will be going to a seminar on Thursday night for disabled students - TRANSITION FROM HIGH SCHOOL TO COLLEGE. Lacie is a Junior this year but we decided to go to this as I'm sure they will have a lot of information that I need to know. It's never to early to start planning for the future.

Kacie is doing good too. Her "new" job at the daycare center is getting "old". Bless her heart - I think she is catching every little bug that goes around that place. She came into my room Monday night complaining of a sore throat. Tuesday night, still a sore throat and she threw up a couple of times - YUCK! Today she's feeling better. She loves working with kids but this particular place is not the "ideal" job for her. A good friend of mine is opening up a new busines - auto body shop and will be needing a secretary. I spoke with him today about hiring Kacie and he thought it was a great idea. He is having a new building erected and that'll take a month or two - so, we are hopeful that around the end of this year, Kacie can move on up into an office job. She will graduate in May and is planning on going to Coastal Ga. Community COllege here in Brunswick. I'm sure my friend will work with her so that she can work and go to school next year.

Ben is doing good. School is still a struggle and I'm almost ready to just send him to Adult Ed and let him try to get a GED. He started off doing better in school but then "Mono" caused him to miss over a week of school and he simply hasn't put forth much effort to catch up - therefore, his grades are not good. I'm not sure what is the "right" thing to do for Ben. I have talked with him about PLC (Performance Learning Center) where students take all computer classes and work at their own pace - but MOTIVATION is the key to being successful there and well.....he's not real motivated. What to do? What to do? Any advice would be appreciated. On the UP side - Ben is "in love". Funny thing - he is a lot easier to get along with now that he has a girlfriend. I don't know her very well, but I do like her. She seems like a really sweet girl.

Stacie is doing great. She made all A's on her report card and is enjoying the fourth grade. She is learning a lot and is so eager every day to tell me what she is studying. I am so proud of her and lucky that she was placed in the Gifted Program since 3rd grade. It is challenging and fun for her. The first 2-3 weeks of school I was getting notes sent home quite often about her being too talkative - she definitely is a JABBER JAWS. That has stopped - Stacie does not like bringing home "bad" notes so she is exhibiting some self control now. She is really a good girl and likes to please her Mommie. I am lucky.

As for me - nothing much to report. Work is slow now, but 2 weeks ago I was so busy I couldn't get it all done. I think it will start to pick up again soon. I've been a bit stressed out lately - finances. I'm sure most of you can relate. Every year about this time I find myself in a financial bind - I guess those birthdays every month of the summer (Kacie & Lacie in July, Ben in August, Stacie in September) put a hurting on my purse and it's has caught up with me again. So - I am pretty much broke but coming out of it slowly but surely. FYI - I had to cut back on expenses so we no longer have a home phone. I do have a cell phone though so - if you need the #, it is shown below with our address.

SO - thanks for checking in - I'm so glad that you did. Come back again real soon & leave a message in the guestbook so we'll know you were here.

Love & Peace,
Tammy

Monday, October 17, 2005 1:38 PM CDT

Hello friends & family,

Work is very slow today so I thought I'd do a quick update - even thought not much has been going on with us lately.

We had a rather boring weekend. Lacie and Kacie did go to the Homecoming Dance but reported that it was rather boring also - bummer! I think our family is in a rut of sorts. Nothing exciting is happening and if any thing does come up - the finances aren't there to actually "do anything". So - we do the work/school thing - and that's about it.

We've had a few cool mornings lately. It feels nice but reminds me that I need to go the backyard and check the propane tank. I'm sure it is getting close to being on empty = so I put off going out there. I'll be sorry when it really does get cold and we run out of gas. OK - I'll go check it this afternoon. We've got to stay warm, right?????

Sorry if this update isn't an "upbeat" one. I've already erased half of what I "had" written because I was whining and it sounded pathetic - really!

With that said - just want you all to know that we are alive and well. In spite of everything, LIFE IS GOOD!!!

PS - It would be nice if you'd leave a message in the guestbook.

Love & Peace,
Tammy & kids

Tuesday, October 11, 2005 9:03 AM CDT

Hey Yall! Finally - time for an update!

First of all - I have to find a new place to have our film developed. I've always used Eckerds, but here lately, they just aren't getting it right. First of all - I did not get a Photo CD. Second, the one hour service took 2 days. Third, didn't even get double prints. I will be so glad when the new CVS opens - they'll definitely get my photo processing business. Folks have recommeded Walmart - but I stay out of there because I can't just go in there for one thing & always come out having spent way too much money. We are poor so - Walmart is off limits. OK - just thought I'd vent about that. I'm better now.

About our weekend at Boggy Creek! Wow! This was Lacie last "Boggy Creek" event as their camp only goes to age 16. They snuck us in for Family Weekend (even though Lacie is 17 now) because they had one open spot and we had never been to family weekend before. It was so much fun.

Our family pals, Jenny & Robin were awesome and the kids really enjoyed spending time with them. Ben & Robin did some fishing and paddle boating while the girls and I did lots of wood working and crafty stuff. Stacie did go boating for a bit. So, while it was just me, Kacie and Lacie, we made matching T-shirts for the Saturday night DISCO DANCE! We were so cool and so 1980's! Talk about bringing back memories!! It was fun listening to the songs from the 80's - when I was the age of Kacie and Lacie. Now I'm old!!

We did some fishing - Stacie caught a turtle - that was pretty stressing - we felt so bad for the poor thing. He did break the line and swim off but I guess the hook stayed with him. Kacie tried and tried to catch a fish without any luck. She wanted to catch one and take pictures of her & her fish - to put it in her words, "I'm going to catch a fish so get your camera ready to take about 4 poses of me & my fish - like Gary does when he catches a fish". hehe! Anyway, she got frustrated and gave up - put her pole away and went back to woodshop where she MADE a wooden fish!! I thought that was funny!

Above, I mentioned "old" - well, this past Sunday we celebrated my 41st birthday. Yep - I'm old. All I wanted for my birthday was a bottle of hair dye - no, not purple or pink - just a good ole chocolately brown. I'm pathetic, huh? And gray haired because I didn't get my dye yet!

Well, this weekend is another busy one. Friday night is Glynn Academy's Homecoming Game - we will be there and hopefully the weather will be nice and dry! Saturday night the kids are going to the Homecoming Dance. Not sure what Stacie & I will be doing, but one possibility is that we will go downtown to the Brunswick Stewbilee festival. The B-52's will be in concert there - remember "Love Shack". Now, that was one of the better 1980's classic songs. And, then on Sunday - we will head to Jacksonville to be special guests at the 6th annual Seven Bridges Ride. This is a fundraiser for Dreams Come True - the organization that sponsored our week long trip to Disney/Orlando back in 2002. It's a LOT of motorcycles - they ride over all 7 of the big bridges in Jacksonville. We attended the Ride back in 2002 - that was where Lacie & I got to meet Tim McGraw - he was the "grand marshall" of the motorcycle parade. Not sure who will be there this year but I'm sure it will be loads and loads of fun.

Well - this update seems to have gotten rather lengthy. So - I will say so long for now! We appreciate your coming to Lacie's site to check on Lacie & the family - we are all doing wonderfully! Please leave a message in the guestbook so we'll know that you were here!

Until next time................ love & peace, Tammy & kids.

Monday, October 3, 2005 10:29 AM CDT

Quick update - very busy at work today!

The kids and I had a great weekend. We went to Camp Boggy Creek (around Deland, Florida) for family weekend! SO MUCH FUN! I can't wait to share the pictures with you - that will happen soon. Today - I am very busy so the full story will have to wait - maybe this afternoon, but it might be tomorrow - so check back!!!!!

Before I go - THANKS SO MUCH TO OUR FAMILY PALS - Miss Jenny and Miss Robin - both students at UF Shands in Gainesville. They volunteered their time to spend the weekend with US and showed the Weston kids a great time!

CHECK BACK SOON FOR UPDATE & PICTURES OF OUR "Back to the 1980's" weekend retreat!

Love,
Tammy

Thursday, September 29, 2005 10:44 AM CDT

Time for another update, huh? I am doing good to find time to update once a week – work has been extremely busy and our internet service at home doesn’t work half the time. When it is working – the kids are fighting over who’s going to use the computer so I stay out of it and do my updates from work.

Speaking of work – most of you know that I work for an awesome company. I started here in 1992 and these folks that I work with stood by me and offered such support during Lacie’s diagnosis and treatment. I am so lucky to be back here – full time – with my second family. A&G has been so so good to me over the years. Anyway – A&G is an industrial/commercial construction company. We do a lot of heavy duty construction work – a lot of it is pretty dangerous stuff. BUT – our company has gone 2 years without any lost time accidents. That is a major accomplishment for a heavy construction firm. I was elected to put together a safety celebration/luncheon for all our employees and families. This celebration happened last weekend and was an terrific event. The photo of Lacie and Stacie above was taken at this company event. I also posted more – so click on View Photos above to see them. We had a great time – good food and great fun. A bunch of construction workers – some of the greatest people you’d ever want to meet! I love them all. One of the guys here took Lacie on her very first motorcycle ride – yep, she’s a biker chick now. We took pictures of her sitting on the back of that big, black Harley Davidson but haven’t gotten them developed yet – I will post them soon. He took Kacie for a ride too – it’s only fair! Ofcourse, Stacie put in to ride too, but she’s a bit small and I’m a bit protective – so she’ll have to wait until she’s a little older to go off on a Harley! That motor cycle ride meant so much to Lacie – she was absolutely thrilled! It was really cool.

Not much else going on around here. Just wanted to do a quick update and post a few new pictures for your enjoyment.

I’ll update again soon!

PS _ Leave a message!!!!!!!

Love, Peace,
Tammy & kids.

Wednesday, September 21, 2005 9:41 AM CDT

Hey Yall! Just a quick update to let you all know that we had a great time at Wild Adventures! Yes, Lacie got me on a couple of those scary rides - but we stayed off the upside down & jerky rides - don't like them! We rode some rides, went to the water park - the lazy river was so nice since the day was extremely HOT! The most exciting part was watching the "Big Cat Show". A man in a cage with 5 big tigers - one of which wasn't in a good mood! Anyway - the grouchy tiger lashed out at it's trainer - ripping his shirt open and putting about a 3-4 inch gash in his chest!!! Not a serious wound, but still kinda traumatic for us onlookers. The trainer continued with the show - grouchy tiger and all. Talk about crazy people - who in their right mind would get in a cage with five 600# tigers??? Trained or not?!?!?! That's just crazy! Anyway - we'll get some pictures posted soon!

The "mapping" session last week turned out to be a lot of fun!! We had quite a group - Lacie's sisters and brother, aunts, grandma, teachers. It was very interesting - we all brainstormed - describing Lacie. I was surprised at some of the ideas generated. We talked about Lacie's future - things she's good at, things she likes, professions we thought she'd do good at. One teacher suggested that Lacie become a comedian. OK - she's funny?? Well, she does have her moments! And she does have some stories to tell - not all of them funny stories but hey - we could put our own little spin on them and make them hilarious. Good Idea!!! Lots of other ideas were talked about but the comedian is one that stuck with me!! With a little training from her "very funny mom" (yeah right), she could be famous! HAHA!!

I have been so so busy lately at work. I go home each day with a terrible knot in my shoulder. Today is no different. Busy Busy Busy! I really need a vacation but that's unlikely any time soon. So - if the updates don't happen regularly - please be patient. It's a crazy, crazy life of mine here.

With that said - I've got to get back to work!!!

Please leave a message in the guestbook so we'll know that you were here!

Love & Peace,
Tammy

PS - Kacie, Lacie, Stacie and Ben are all doing fine!!!!!

Wednesday, September 14, 2005 8:55 AM CDT

Hello Friends - Sorry for the delay in updating. We are all doing well here. Getting ready for a "wild" weekend in Valdosta at Wild Adventures! Thanks to our friends at Camp Sunshine - it's reunion weekend! Lacie is looking forward to seeing some of her friends from camp - but even more looking forward to riding on the scary rides and rollercoasters! She's a lot braver than I am - I like to watch. OK - that's not true - I don't even like to watch. I would just as well stay away from those crazy rides and keep my "babies" away from them too - but you know how kids are. They aren't afraid of anything. Me, well, I am afraid of lots of stuff!! It's part of my "MOMMY" job.

Lacie is doing well. She has been taking graduation tests all this week and that's no fun. She has to take 5 of these in order to graduate - she's passed one already (last year) and is working on the other four. Although Lacie won't graduate until next year, she is taking these exams early (most Juniors do). If they pass, they will be done. If they don't pass, they will have other opportunities to take the test again later this year and next year. We have a meeting on Thursday to begin "mapping" out Lacie's future after high school. I am a little nervous about this meeting - it's sometimes hard for me to talk about Lacie's past/future - on the other hand, I am excited and hopeful that we will come out of this meeting with a greater knowledge of what options and help are out there and how we can make this transition from high school to "the real world" easier for Lacie. It should be very interesting and helpful - I will tell you all about it later.

Ben is feeling better but still having some ups and downs. Good one day, not so good the next. BUT the swelling in his neck is gone and it is easier for him to eat now. The fatigue and achy body are his main complaints now.

Stacie's birthday was great. She got a pet Hamster (among other things) - her name is Katrina. She picked that name because she's heard so much on the news lately about "Katrina". My heart goes out to all of those people who lost so much down in the gulf coast. We are so very lucky that we here in the Golden Isles haven't experienced such. Thank you GOD!

Kacie is doing well also - her new job is getting better. She is feeling more comfortable. We still haven't gotten her car road ready - looking for some used parts and not having much luck - but hopefully we'll have her on the road soon. For now, she and I are sharing my Jeep. It's working out okay but we both will be so glad when that little Nissan is going.

Well - that's it for now. Please leave a message in the guesbook so we'll know you were here. And if you haven't seen Kacie's graduation pictures - check them out in the Photos section.

Love & Peace,
Until Next Time,
Tammy

Friday, September 2, 2005 10:36 AM CDT

Hello All! Well another weekend is here - another month actually. I cannot believe it is September already - Stacie will be 10 years old in just a few days - she has been dubbed a "double digit midget"! I thought that was funny!! We will have a PARTY for her next weekend!! Stacie has been getting in trouble at school and on the bus for talking too much! She is definitely a little jabber jaws - it's amazing - she talks so much sometimes I don't see how she breathes. I have to set up a conference with her teacher about this. Fun Fun!!

Had to take Ben to the doctor yesterday - swollen lymph nodes in the neck, sore throat, achy, etc. Well, the strep throat test came back negative. Dr. G thinks he has mono - we are waiting for blood work result to confirm. He started running a fever last night. Doctor says it will get worse before it gets better. Fun Fun! I know that Ben is really sick when he comes to mommy's bed. I snuggled him for a while last night - he was feverish and having chills - wrapped himself up in my covers and got a back scratch. It's been a while since Ben & I have had "snuggle" time. It was kinda cool to get close to him without him getting that teenage boy attitude - not wanting Mom hugging, kissing, etc. It took me back to years ago when he was my little boy - my sweet little boy. Now - he is 16, almost 6 feet tall - I miss my little boy but I love this "big boy" more that words could ever describe. One of my greatest desires is to see him grow up into a responsible, caring young man. Greatest fear: that he will be like his father. Sorry - that probably sounds mean but those of you who know the whole story will understand.

We do not have a dog anymore - I couldn't take it anymore. The dog chewed up Lacie's hearing aid last week. I talked with the kids and they agree - they too are tired of Precious getting into EVERYTHING!!! So, we found her a good home with one of my Mom's bingo friends. What a relief!! Lacie agreed to give Precious away if I would let her have a guinea pig or hamster - OK by me. Now she has changed her mind - she doesn't want a pet (unless it's a trained companion dog). She wants to get her belly button pierced. She's a negotiator - I am "thinking about it" using my delay tactics in hopes that she'll come up with something I'm more comfortable with. Fat Chance. That girl has wanted her belly button pierced for quite some time now but I've always used the excuse that she's too young. She's not falling for that one anymore.

Kacie has started her new job at a local daycare center. She has been in the class with 3-4 years old and says that they are a bunch of BAD kids. Ofcourse they are, they're 3 & 4 years old! In spite of the bad kids, she does like this a lot more than McDonalds.

Well - I better get busy (i'm at work)! I will update again really soon.

PLEASE leave a message in the guestbook so we will know you were here. Your messages mean so much to us.

Love & Peace,
Tammy

Friday, August 26, 2005 8:20 AM CDT

Yeah! It's Friday again! Just thought I'd do a quick update - we have no plans for the weekend. Tonight is Glynn Academy's first football game. We may go but it depends on what the weather does. We are expecting rain most of the weekend and into next week so this might be an indoor weekend. Maybe we'll be surprised and have some sunny weather - we have Gary on stand-by just in case it is nice on Saturday afternoon - we would love to go boating!! I guess we'll wait and see.

Lacie is feeling better about school. She has made a new friend - a new student who is really nice and happens to be deaf also. I can't remember her name, but she & Lacie have been "doing lunch" together. Lacie enjoys her company and the opportunity to practice her sign language. It is getting easier for Lacie! Thanks to you all who have been praying for Lacie.

Kacie is doing good. She is excited about getting a new job. She applied at a daycare center this week and goes on Monday for a final interview. It is looking pretty promising that she'll get the job - yeah! If so, she will work Mon-Fri, 1pm to 6pm - WEEKENDS OFF!!! I don't have to tell you how great that would be! So - keep Kacie in your prayers as she changes jobs (hopefully).

Ben is doing well so far. He is behaving himself at school and being pretty good at home. He gave me a "time" over the summer - running the streets pretty much - leaving home without permission - that kind of stuff. He was getting pretty out of hand so I made some hard decisions - particularly reporting him as "ungovernable" to the juvenile authorities. Well, it got his attention - he was placed on probation for 3 months. It was a difficult move for me to do that, but like I said, he was getting out of control. Things are much better now. Finally - I do have some of his attention, I have some "control" and the consequences for his actions are known to him. I hope and pray that Ben can make some progress in school this year and just get his life on track.

Stacie is great. Fourth grade is a lot of work. She comes home tired in the afternoons and would rather take a nap than do homework - that's a problem. If she takes a nap, she does not wake up refreshed - she wakes up really, really grouchy! Not good when there's MATH to be done. She is so smart, but when tired, she gets frustrated. She's my little grouchy butt girl! I think she gets it from her grandpa! (Love ya dad)

Well, that's it for this update. I hope you all have a nice and safe weekend! Will update again soon!

Love,
Tammy

Friday, August 19, 2005 2:02 PM CDT

Hi! Just a quick update before the weekend - which started a little early for Kacie, Lacie and Ben. School was cancelled today at their high school because of fire. Apparently, during the horrible storm we had last night, lightening struck one of the buildings at their school. For those of you who aren't familiar with Glynn Academy - it is the second oldest school in Georgia - established in 1788! Wow! The school has grown quite a bit since then - it now spans two city blocks, 14 buildings - most of them historic. It's actually a beautiful campus - not like most high schools, more like a college campus. Anyway - the school board decided it best to keep everyone off campus today so the weekend started early for Glynn Academy students. The plan is that school will resume on Monday - minus one building. Pictures in today's newspaper show pretty extensive damage - I doubt the building will be salvagable. Life goes on.

We went out to dinner at Jinrights to celebrate Ben's birthday last night. The storm met us there so we stayed a little longer than usual waiting for the rain to let up. We usually don't have dessert, but hit the pies pretty hard last night because we simply couldn't leave in the rain! It was YUMMY!!! (Thanks Nana)

We are going to a cookout on Saturday at our friend, DeeAnna's house. Some swimming and eating - sounds good, huh? Other than that we have no big weekend plans.

If you missed the update from Gainesville - the MRI results were good - stable, no changes since her last MRI's. You can click on PAST JOURNAL ENTRIES for details.

AND - CHECK OUT KACIE'S PHOTO'S (Click on View Photos)!!! Beautiful!!!!!

Well - gotta go! Hope you all have a great weekend!! Leave a message so we'll know you were here!

We love ALL of YALL!

Tammy & family

Wednesday, August 17, 2005 8:55 AM CDT

QUICKIE - AUGUST 18TH, 2005
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO BEN!!
SWEET (yeah right) SIXTEEN TODAY!!!

Hello friends & family,

Report on our trip to Gainesville on Monday - STABLE, NO CHANGES! THANK YOU GOD!!! We will continue with the same medications that Lacie is taking now (no chemo) and go back in 6 months

Well - we have the first week of school behind us. Whew!!! I suppose it's going well. Kacie and Lacie do not have the same lunch period this semester and Lacie is pretty bummed out about that. She was a little upset the other day because (to put it in her own words) "doesn't have any friends" to eat lunch with. It breaks my heart. Before Lacie's diagnosis, she was SO outgoing. Our phone was constantly ringing - call for Lacie. Over the past few years, Lacie's "friends" have all seemed to disappear.

A friend of mine talked about the awful, often unmerciful side effects from cancer treatment and the one non-medical side effect that is universally underappreciated - the social impact that it has on family and friendships. Some friends rise to the occasion, and some just vanish. God bless the people that rise to the occasion, because it is people like them that carry us. But don’t think that the ones that vanish are heartless, they are uncomfortable and just don’t know what to do. It’s not a matter of not caring, it’s a matter of not understanding.

Still, my heart breaks for Lacie - every teenager needs to feel like they have a friend. I am sad for all those "normal" things that she is missing out on. I wonder and worry what her future will be like. Please pray for her and that some compassionate "friends" will come (or come back) into her life. SHE NEEDS YALL!!!!

On a lighter note - CHECK OUT THE PHOTO ALBUM - dedicated to Kacie Faye!! She had Senior Portraits taken and I've posted some for you all to see. As you can imagine, I am so very, very proud of Kacie - and excited for her too as she experiences all the thrills of being a SENIOR!!

Tomorrow is Ben's 16th birthday!! WOW! My children are growing up so fast. Ben is doing okay. Nothing motivates him and I am worried. We have had some issues with Ben over the summer - he has settled down some but..... well, I just don't understand teenage boys - they are kinda scary and (what's the word?)???

Stacie is doing great in 4th grade! Lot's of homework compared to her earlier years but she is SO smart! We finally finished her bedroom - it is the greenest green I have ever seen! She loves it!!! Stacie and I have shared a room for quite some time now because well - we have a large family and not a large house. I have been so used to coming home - us both going into "our" room - she doing homework (or playing Barbies) and me just kicking back. Now, she goes to her own room and I miss her!!! Yes, she is just right down the hall, but it's just weird! What I don't miss are the 26 Barbie dolls who sat on my dresser watching me all the time! Hahahaha! No really.

Well - that's the short version. We have been so busy and seem to have so much going on lately. Thanks for checking in - please leave a message in the guestbook so we'll know you were here - and don't forget to check out Kacie's pictures!!!!!

Love & Peace
Tammy

Friday, August 5, 2005 8:49 AM CDT

Yeah! It's finally Friday! We have no plans for the weekend - just maybe sleep late on Saturday! I love Saturdays!

The kids go back to school next week - on Wednesday! The girls are looking forward to it - summer break has gotten boring!! Ben - well, who knows. School is not something that excites him - seeing his little girl friends at school - maybe that excites him. Speaking of Ben - he is still acting up and on the verge of becoming a "deliquent" so remember him in your prayers. I worry so much about him - even though his dad hasn't been around in years, Ben seems to have that same "I don't care about anything, nothings going to happen to me" attitude (like his dad). I hope and pray that Ben doesn't end up in trouble.

Lacie is doing great. She is looking forward to school - this year she will take floral design - she's excited about that, and she is also taking her 2nd year of American Sign Language - she absolutely loves that class! Let's see - she has english, math/money mgmt, economics, and biology - a full load! I may change my working hours back to 8:30 - 3:00 so that I'll be able to pick her up from school and hopefully get her into some physical therapy again in the afternoons - she needs that! We took a break from P/T for the summer - Medicaid just sucks and not every place will take it, so we have been waiting for my insurance (thru work) to kick in so we can be more picky about where she goes and probably be able for her to have more therapy than just 2 hrs per week.

We will go to Gainesville on Monday, August 15th for her next MRI and doctor's visit.

I have to quote my little friend Julianna here: "If a child is able to climb their way above cancer, undoubtedly their ladder is made from the rungs of the support and prayers of others. There’s never been a better day to be a rung."

With that said (quoted), I want you all to know how much we appreciate your support and prayers - it is true - Lacie is climbing that ladder - you are the rungs of her ladder. Thank you! Thank you!

Well - I have GOT to get out my digital camera and take a picture of Kacie and her "new car" for you all to see! She is so excited about driving to school, changing jobs, growing up!!! Her little Nissan Sentra is SO CUTE!!!

Well - that's it for now! Thanks for checking in! Please leave a message in the guestbook so we'll know you were here!!!

Have a terrific weekend!
Love & Peace,
Tammy

PS - I still haven't gotten that room painted!

Friday, July 29, 2005 2:05 PM CDT

Hello everyone! Hope this finds you all doing great! Thank goodness it is FRIDAY!! I have so much work to do at home - got nothing done last weekend but had loads of fun camping!! Well, this weekend I must WORK around the house.

I started painting Stacie's room 2 weeks ago - ha! I say painting, but actually, it's just primed. I am turning Ben's black bedroom into Stacie's lovely green bedroom. No, I haven't kicked Ben out of the house although sometimes he sure pushes me! Anyway - I have 2 coats of primer on the walls - took two weeks to get around to that! I am pathetic!! When I started, I had a couple of kids helping, but you know how that is - kids and paint! What a mess!! I had to get them out of the paint. Us Moms, we'd rather do it ourselves. You know the rest. Hopefully, this weekend we (I mean "I") will turn those walls to GREEN and get Stacie's furniture set up and then Stacie will finally have her own room!!!

Lacie is doing well! She is looking forward to school which starts back on August 10th! We will be meeting with her counselor soon to discuss her schedule and classes but are planning on her attending for the full day - same as last semester. She has her next appointment and MRI in Gainesville on August 15th. These days/weeks prior to her MRI are a bit stressful for me and her - so pray for us! Pray that the result from this MRI are that the tumor is remaining stable - or better yet, is shrinking or gone!! Pray, Pray, Pray. It breaks my heart to think of all that has been taken away from Lacie - I had so many hopes and dreams for her and still do - but they are different hopes and dreams now. We lost a part of Lacie in 2001 - each member of our family lost a part of ourselves in 2001. Cancer doesn't just affect the patient - cancer affects ALL OF US.

On a lighter note - Kacie Faye has a car! It's an older model Nissan Sentra - SO CUTE!! We are having a little bit of work done on it but she will be on the roads in her little Putt Putt (that's what she's nicknamed her car) in the next week or so!! So, LOOK OUT!!!!!!!

Still having issues with Ben - what's new, huh? That boy! This may sound harsh, but I am at my wits end with him. I don't know what to do, how to guide him. I just worry and pray for him - please remember Ben in your prayers also as he is in between that boy/man place and unfortunately, has no father around to help him through this transition. Me, I'm just a dumb mom to hear him put it - I don't know anything. OK!

Welp (that's for you Kim) that's it for this update. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend = full of sunshine and surprises!

Love & Peace,
Tammy

Monday, July 25, 2005 12:23 AM CDT

Hey Yall! A quick update - I'm very busy at work, but just had to tell you all what a fun weekend we had. We went camping!!! I think there were 4 adults and 10 kids - we all had so much fun!

We spent most of the day on Sunday in the boats! The kids took turns being pulled on an inner tube - a couple of them even got up on the water skis! Lacie and I didn't get a turn. I was happy on the boat or the sandbar and so was Lacie too! We did swim and play around in the river water though - which was a brave feat for us both! We don't like water that we can't see through, but it was SOOOOO hot - we took the plunge - a few times! Later in the day, Lacie started to "consider" getting on innertube with a "strong man" who'd hold on to her, but by that time, the waters were getting a little choppy so we called it a day. Gary (aka: Strong Man) promised her that next time, he will ride the tube with her and he won't let the driver go "too" fast! She is looking forward to that! At the camp site, we just hung out and cooked/ate ALOT! We had a BLAST!!

Well - gotta get back to work! Another update SOON!! So, until then.................

Love,
Tammy, Lacie, Kacie, Stacie, Ben

Tuesday, July 19, 2005 12:59 AM CDT

Hey Yall! Just thought I'd do an update on Lacie's weekend:

THANKS so much to Miss Jennifer Ulrich - a friend of Lacie's and Kacie's since elementary school! Jennifer came over on Saturday and picked Lacie up. They went and got their nails done together! Kacie missed out - she was at work, but it meant so so so much to Lacie (and me) that Jennifer thought of her. Lacie doesn't get out much with her friends these days but there are a few that don't mind loading up the wheelchair and helping Lacie do things - JENNIFER, YOU ARE A SWEETHEART!!!

ALSO, CUTE BOY NEWS!!!! For those who've been following Lacie for a while, you might remember the cute boy from camp - his name is CAGNEY! Remember that old duo from tv - Cagney and Lacey??? Well, we thought it was neat - the name thing. Anyway - Cagney is in the NAVY now. He and Lacie stay in contact via email, but on Sunday - he came for a visit. You talk about one happy teenage girl! She so enjoyed that visit from her cute (very) friend Cagney. We did take some pictures - flash wasn't working - but hopefully they'll turn out good enough to post here.

On a more serious note - I usually don't indulge in our family problems, and I won't now. I simply want to ask that you say a prayer for Lacie's brother, Ben. He is 15 years old - almost 16 - and for those of you who have experienced a defiant teenage son - you know why he needs your prayers. Me too for that matter. The boy is breaking my heart - I'm terrified of what is going to happen to him if he doesn't straighten up. So please - PRAY PRAY PRAY PRAY PRAY for Ben and that Mother and Son can get through this difficult time. Ben - if you are reading this - BOY, I LOVE YOU SO SO SO SO MUCH.

That's it for this update! I'll be back!!!

Love & Peace,
Tammy

Thursday, July 14, 2005 9:36 AM CDT

Hey friends! Hope this finds you all doing well. We are all fine - not much to update about - just the usual, but it's been a while since my last update so I thought I'd sign in real quick just to say HEY!!!

Lacie is doing great! She actually put her hair in a little ponytail the other day - it's getting longer and covers up the bald spots she has behind each ear from the radiation treatments! Before Lacie's diagnosis, she had really long hair and it was always "just right". She did wear it in a ponytail quite often. She lost all of her hair in late 2001 during radiation - it all came back slowly except for the two spots behind the ears. Then in August 2002, she began chemo and lost it all again. Just as it was beginning to reach her ears, Wham!! More chemo in March 2003 - byebye hair (again). My point - it's been almost five years since she's had enough hair to put in a ponytail and my heart sings to see her playing with and "fixing" her hair these days. She is so beautiful!!!

Our next appointment in Gainesville is August 15th for an MRI and visit to the doctor. Although Lacie is doing wonderfully, these visits to the clinic are something I don't look forward to. I know how sneaky cancer can be and I get pretty stressed out in the weeks/days leading up to an MRI. And naturally, so does Lacie. Our entire family for that matter. How I wish that things were different for Lacie - that she had never ever ever ever experienced "brain tumor". Please pray for her, for me, for all of us as we prepare for this upcoming appointment.

Well, there's work to be done so I better sign off! Thank you so much for checking in - please sign Lacie's guestbook so we'll know you were here. We cherish messages from our visitors, so take a moment to leave a little note. Just visiting lets Lacie know that you care and that means a lot!

Until next time,
Peace & Love,
Tammy (Lacie's Mom)

Wednesday, July 6, 2005 1:26 PM CDT

Hey Yall! Sorry for the delay in updating! We had a wonderful Fourth of July / Birthday Party! Great food, family, friends, and oh yea, lots of presents for the birthday girls. They are at that age when you just don't know what to buy them - so they got lots of cold hard cash! They were pleased. Lacie got a new stereo and a cell phone - she was very happy about that! Kacie got a tv and DVD player for her bedroom - so she can watch what SHE wants to watch! hehe! They got some new clothes and little stuff. Lacie bought a new pet with some of her $$ - a Beta Fish! Thank goodness - not another hairy, annoying creature (like Precious, her dog)!

Anyway - this has to be quick. I took the day off work yesterday and have been very, very busy here today. That's what I get I guess!

Lotsa love to all of you - thanks so much for the Happy Birthday Wishes for the girls!

Peace,
Tammy

Wednesday, June 29, 2005 10:19 AM CDT

Hello All! Just a quick update - work is busy! Lacie is doing great - her part-time job has really lifted her spirits and everyone in the office loves having her here. Did I mention that I work for the best company in the world!

Enough about work though - this weekend we are preparing to celebrate Lacie and Kacie's SEVENTEENTH BIRTHDAY! Wow! Am I getting old or just them? It doesn't seem like 17 years ago I gave birth to the most beautiful little twin girls. They have brought so much joy and meaning to my life. I love them so much - it is not easy seeing them "all grown up" almost! Kacie will be a Senior this school year and Lacie will follow behind next year - she missed a lot of school the first couple years after her diagnosis - surgery, radiation, chemo - but I am sooooo proud of her - she loves school and does so well in spite of her handicaps. Anyway - the BIG PARTY will be on Monday evening - July 4th - yep, fireworks, food, cake, ice cream, presents and most importantly, a whole bunch of family and friends. YALL COME!!!!!

We haven't had a party at our house in quite a while - but yeah, it is party season again! Brother Ben will have his 16th birthday in August, then Sister Stacie will turn 10 in September - AND THEN, the big one - I will turn ??? in October! I do love this time of year - celebrating our births, our lives, AWESOME!

So - that's it for today, I have so much work to do! Thanks for checking in - please leave a message so we'll know you were here!

LOTSA LOVE,
Tammy

Friday, June 24, 2005 9:01 AM CDT

Hello friends and family! Thank you for coming back and checking in! Last update, I talked a little about WORK. I failed to mention that I work for the best company in the whole world - I love my job and my boss(es) are so good to me - my second family! This update, we won't talk about my job though - let's talk about LACIE'S JOB!!!

Yep - my daughter has a job - starts on Monday!!! My wonderful employer has hired Lacie as part-time office assistant!! She is so excited about having a job and getting a paycheck! She'll just be helping out with miscellaneous things a few days each week for the summer! With me and Kacie working now, Lacie had nothing to do other than go to Nanny's house - that got old and boring fast!! So - she complained about having nothing to do and we fixed that!!! On Monday - she will start WORK!!!

All of this has prompted my other kids to think about WORK! Kacie informed me yesterday that she is "too old" to be working at McDonalds and wants to find a better job. As soon as we get her a vehicle!!!!

My lazy son also expressed some interest in getting a job! Now that would be great!! Ben will be 16 in August. It isn't easy to find a job when your 15 around here - just ask Kacie, but hey, you never know. I have a JOB for Ben - our grass needs cutting terribly!!!

Stacie - well she was a little mad. She felt like SHE should have this job at my work! I have brought Stacie in to the office with me several times and she is a fantastic helper - and only 9 years old! Stacie will make a very valuable employee to some lucky company one day! She takes a lot of pride in everything that she does. Since she is too young for a job, she is wanting school to start back NOW! I think they have about 6 more weeks of summer break!

We have no plans for the weekend. I hear the weather is supposed to be beautiful - just HOT! That's OK!

Well, that's it for this update! I hope you all are doing well! Please leave us a message in the guest book so we'll know you were here!

Love, Peace & More Love,
Tammy

Friday, June 24, 2005 9:01 AM CDT

Hello friends and family! Thank you for coming back and checking in! Last update, I talked a little about WORK. I failed to mention that I work for the best company in the whole world - I love my job and my boss(es) are so good to me - my second family! This update, we won't talk about my job though - let's talk about LACIE'S JOB!!!

Yep - my daughter has a job - starts on Monday!!! My wonderful employer has hired Lacie as part-time office assistant!! She is so excited about having a job and getting a paycheck! She'll just be helping out with miscellaneous things a few days each week for the summer! With me and Kacie working now, Lacie had nothing to do other than go to Nanny's house - that got old and boring fast!! So - she complained about having nothing to do and we fixed that!!! On Monday - she will start WORK!!!

All of this has prompted my other kids to think about WORK! Kacie informed me yesterday that she is "too old" to be working at McDonalds and wants to find a better job. As soon as we get her a vehicle!!!!

My lazy son also expressed some interest in getting a job! Now that would be great!! Ben will be 16 in August. It isn't easy to find a job when your 15 around here - just ask Kacie, but hey, you never know. I have a JOB for Ben - our grass needs cutting terribly!!!

Stacie - well she was a little mad. She felt like SHE should have this job at my work! I have brought Stacie in to the office with me several times and she is a fantastic helper - and only 9 years old! Stacie will make a very valuable employee to some lucky company one day! She takes a lot of pride in everything that she does. Since she is too young for a job, she is wanting school to start back NOW! I think they have about 6 more weeks of summer break!

We have no plans for the weekend. I hear the weather is supposed to be beautiful - just HOT! That's OK!

Well, that's it for this update! I hope you all are doing well! Please leave us a message in the guest book so we'll know you were here!

Love, Peace & More Love,
Tammy

Wednesday, June 22, 2005 10:27 AM CDT

HI! Sorry for the delay in updating again - BUSY BUSY BUSY!
Work for me has been very busy and interesting lately. I have worked here for 13 years and yesterday I attended my very first Public Bid Opening. For those of you who don't know, I work for an Industrial/Commerical Contractor. Anyway, it was pretty exciting for me! So, now that I've gotten that under my belt, maybe one day they'll let me visit an actual job site - I've seen lots of pictures!!!

OK - enough job talk! The kids are doing great. They are all home safe and sound from camp and all had a great time. Lacie was a bit homesick and was glad to be home with her Mommy again. So, now the boredom is starting to set in. Only seven more weeks and they'll be back in school!

It has been so helpful to me now that Kacie has her drivers license. She is doing great. She did get lost the other day going to Papa Johns Pizza. That was unbelievable since the pizza place is right across the street from the mall and my daughters have been to the mall a billion, trillion, zillion times. She was funny! She did manage to find her way after turning around and pretty much circling her destination. I guess I need to make sure she is clear on the directions when she goes somewhere from now on!

Well, much work to do - just a quick update to let you all know that we are well and life is good!

Another update soon!?!?!?!?

Love,
Tammy

Monday, June 13, 2005 8:53 AM CDT

Hey everybody!!! Hope you all are doing well! I must apologize for my updates - or lack of! I have started back to work full time and been sooooo busy at home getting the kids ready for camp this week. But, here I am!!

Lacie is gone again this week. She flew to Atlanta yesterday for a week at Camp Sunshine. She was excited about camp and about seeing our good friend, Elisa, who picked her up from the Atlanta airport & delivered her to camp. Elisa was Lacie's occupational therapist for quite a while and she recently moved to Atlanta. Anyway - Lacie was a little emotional leaving us yesterday. Tears came to her eyes as she called her grandparents and aunts to tell them "See ya in a week". I think with her being gone to Boggy Creek and only home for a few days - she wasn't quite ready to leave again. She said that she was really going to miss us!>!> Aw! Yes - she nearly had me in tears too!! She was fine when she boarded the plane, and she called me when she arrived at camp. I heard counselors rushed her as soon as she got there to tell her about all the cute boys who were already there. I'm sure she forgot about missing me right then and there! I know that she will have a great time - as she does every year at Camp Sunshine!

I will be dropping Ben and Stacie off at camp this afternoon. They are just going to a local camp, but will stay there all week - until Friday. Kacie and I are looking forward to having the house all to ourselves. Although, it'll probably me mine all to myself now that Kacie has her drivers license. We will see what happens!

So - not much else going on around here! Thanks to all of you who have left messages in Lacie's guestbook - if any of you have any pictures from Boggy Creek - please email them to me if you can!!!

Love and Peace.

Tammy
Lacie's Mom

Monday, June 6, 2005 1:29 PM CDT

Hey Folks! Just a quick update to let you know that Lacie is home from Camp Boggy Creek. She had a terrific time and I am pleased to already see some of her friends from camp have signed the guestbook! I'll post some of her pictures as soon as we get them developed.

I am working - pretty busy today so this will have to be very, very short. Just wanted to say HEY, Lacie is home from camp, we are all doing well and LIFE IS GOOD!

I promise to update again very, very soon.

PS - picture above from our Family Reunion a few weeks ago. Some new ones in the photo album also - check 'em out.

PSS - leave a message so we'll know you were here.

LOVE.
TAMMY

Tuesday, May 31, 2005 9:07 AM CDT

Hello friends and family! I hope you all had a wonderful Memorial Day. Our's was rather quiet - especially with Lacie not here! My girl is at Camp Boggy Creek this week - we dropped her off on Saturday. I'm sure she is googling over all the cute boys there as I am writing this! She was so excited about being there and as always, the counselors welcomed her with such a crazy, wild reception. It is SuperHero Week at camp, so as we drove in, a bunch "Home made SuperHeros" were there to greet us. What a funny, crazy bunch! Thanks so much to all of you Boggy Creek Counselors who may be reading this - YOU ARE THE BEST - YOU MAKE ROCK CAMP ROCK!!! Lacie was glad to see some of her old friends from the past two years. Once again, she is in the same cabin with her friend, Carissa, and was looking forward to finding our buddy, Kody!

**Kim & Karl, we looked for yall at drop off time - sorry we missed seeing yall**

Anyway - life goes on here. The other kids are out of school - staying home while Mommy works her tail off! Na, just kidding! I have a wonderful job! Kacie, on the other hand - will be working her tail off! She'll be putting in quite a few more hours at McDonalds now that school is out and we are hopeful to have her a car before her birthday - July 5th - she and Lacie will be 17 years old! I cannot believe that my little baby girls are almost grown.

Yep, speaking birthday - it is almost that time of year. The twins on July 5th, then a short 6 weeks later my son Ben will turn 16 years old, then another 4 weeks after that, Stacie Michelle will have her first 2-digit birthday - she will be 10 on September 7th. Four weeks after Stacie, we have the MOST IMPORTANT birthday - MINE! haha! I am getting old but that's a good thing, right?

The picture above is Lacie at Camp in 2003. I'm sorry for not updating with our reunion photos yet. Looks as if I'm not the only "procrastinator" in the Lairsey family - as I still have not developed my film and neither has anyone else from the reunion! Oh well - still love yall!!!

OK - that's it for this update! Will be back soon!

Love.
Tammy

Tuesday, May 24, 2005 12:40 AM CDT

Hello all! Hope you are all doing well. We are just fine here. This is the last week of school for the kids and they are soooo ready to be done with another year of school. Wow! It has flown by!

We had a wonderful time last Sunday at our LAIRSEY FAMILY REUNION! It was so nice to see and spend time with our extended family - some of whom we haven't seen in many years. We did take lots of pictures and will post some here soon for you all to see!

Lacie leaves this Saturday for a week at Boggy Creek camp in Florida. She is looking forward to seeing her friends from the past two years there. We are busy getting things together for her trip.

My Jeep is in the shop today - brake job, oil change, all that stuff so we'll be ready to drive her down on Saturday.

The other kids are doing great and ready for some time off!

As for me - I will be working during the summer. Actually, I am going to be working full time. Kacie Faye will be working mostly nights, so she will be home during the days with the other kids to "keep them in check". So, I will be working more - and making more money - that's the good part!

Well - short update - very busy today!

Much love to you all! Pleas sign the guestbook so we'll know you were here.

Later,
Tammy

Tuesday, May 17, 2005 10:40 AM CDT

Hi everyone! Hope you are all doing well! The photo above is of Lacie and friend, Shayla on Friday, May 6th at a school dance. OK - not their school dance, they "chaperoned" at the elementary school dance - yeah, right!!! Had a great time so they said - as you can see in the photo, Lacie is a CLOWN!!!

Physical exam time yesterday for Lacie - got to have her all cleared to go to camp in ...... 10 DAYS! Wow! I cannot believe that it is time for another school year to end! Back to the exam - everything was fine. Dr. G gave Lacie a booster shot - she wasn't expecting that! She has the "GO AHEAD" for camp now and is looking forward to getting away!

Kacie Faye took her graduation tests and passed them ALL! She was so proud of herself - as am I!! Students HAVE to pass all 5 parts of the graduation test in order to "graduate", so they administer the test in the Junior year, so those who don't pass can have another chance to take it during their Senior year. Well, my lovely and beautiful Kacie has passed all parts her Junior year - no stress for her next year, huh?? Lacie has taken some of the test but we haven't gotten results back yet. Kacie will graduate next year - Lacie will need to go an extra semester (or two) to make up for not attending "full time" as a Freshman, etc.

Ben continues to struggle in school. He did very well the first semester, but once he loses interest, well, he can't seem to get back on track. I met with his Guidance Counselor yesterday and we are looking into some other "options" for Ben next year. Particularly, we are probably going to apply for Ben to attend PLC (Performance Learning Center) - which is a program for students who are not performing in the public schools. It is NOT for students with disciplinary problems. It is a computer-based curriculum, where Ben won't have the distractions of regular high school and can work at his own pace. It's worth a try so we will drop off his application for PLC tomorrow and see what happens.

We are having our family picnic this Sunday! I am looking forward to seeing everyone from the "Lairsey" family! The last time we all got together was for my Uncle Charles & Aunt Patsy's anniversary (not sure what #) but it was right around the same time that I started this webpage - back in 2002! It's about time we all got together again!!!

Well, that's it for today! Please sign the guestbook so we'll know you were here!

Lotsa Love & Peace to YOU!!!

Tammy & Kids

Tuesday, May 10, 2005 9:27 AM CDT

Hello friends & family - I hope you all had a Wonderful Mothers Day! Our's was quiet - a typical Sunday - just hanging out together!!!

Things are going well here. The kids have only 3 weeks left in school - that includes this week! They are looking forward to summer time. Lacie will leave for camp on May 28th for a week in Florida. She is looking forward to a vacation!

Not much has been going on around here. We are having a Lairsey Family Reunion in two weeks. I am looking forward to seeing everyone!!

Well, that's it for this update - I won't bore you any longer! Thanks for checking in!!

God Bless,
Tammy & Family

PS - I TRIED TO CHANGE THE PHOTO ABOVE BUT SOMETHING WENT WRONG - CHECK OUT THE PHOTO ALBUM FOR NEW PICS.

Friday, May 6, 2005 11:19 AM CDT

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!!! This is something special that I found on another site and thought it perfect to share with you all -

"This is for all the mothers

..who sat up at night with sick toddlers in their arms, wiping up spit-up whether it was laced with Oscar Mayer or Curried Veggies with fresh Water Buffalo milk saying: "It's okay honey, Mommy's here."

..who sat humming in a rocking chair for hours on end soothing crying babies who won't be comforted.

..who show up at work with YUCK! in their hair and milk stains on their blouses and diapers in their purse.

..who run carpools and make cookies and sew Halloween costumes.

..and for all the mothers who DON'T. They just DON"T.

This is for the mothers who gave birth to babies they'll never see.

And the mothers who took those babies and gave them homes.

This is for the mothers whose priceless art collections are hanging on their refrigerator doors.

And for all the mothers who froze their buns on metal bleachers at football or soccer games instead of watching from the warmth of their cars, so that when their kids asked, "Did you see me, Mom?" they could say, "Of course, I wouldn't have missed it for the world," and mean it.

This is for all the mothers who yell at their kids in the grocery store and swat them in despair when they stomp their feet and scream for ice cream before dinner.

And for all the mothers who count to ten instead, but realize how child abuse happens.

This is for all the Moms whose lives are so different, be they peaceful or tension filled - but are so different, we can't imagine it. In foreign places and next door, where they speak a different language and the food smells ... well, it just smells.

This is for all the mothers who sat down with their children and explained all about making babies. And for all the mothers who wanted to, but just couldn't find the words.

This is for all the mothers who go hungry, so their children can eat.

For all the mothers who read Goodnight, Moon twice a night for a year. And then read it again. "Just one more time."

This is for all the mothers who can't read a sweet story to their young ones, but tell, instead -- a story stored in ancestral memories.

This is for all the mothers who can't read....

This is for all the mothers who taught their children to tie their shoelaces. And for all the mothers who opted for Velcro, instead.

This is for all the mothers who teach their sons to cook and their daughters to sink a jump shot.

This is for every mother whose head turns automatically when a little voice calls "Mom?" in a crowd, even though they know their own offspring are at home -- or away at college -- or so totally adult by now that they now listen for their own children's voices....

This is for all the mothers who sent their kids to school with stomach aches assuring them they'd be just FINE once they got there, only to be proved wrong and get a call from the school nurse an hour later, asking them to please pick up their child. Right away!!

This is for mothers whose children have gone astray, who can't find the words to reach them. Who can't find them to even try and reach them.

This is for all the step-mothers, and half-mothers and women who are simply having sex with Dad... but become: Mom.

This is for all the "by default" Moms who raised another woman's child or children, and give and gave their time, attention, and love... sometimes totally unappreciated!

This is for all the women who find and join into new / ready-made families with welcoming children...

For all the mothers who bite their lips until they bleed because their 14 year old has dyed their hair green.

For all the mothers of the victims of recent school shootings, and the mothers of those who did the shooting. Both sorts of those women need your prayers, right now. Give them a sweet moment, as if you belong in a sisterhood of Mothers...

For the mothers of the survivors, and the mothers who sat in front of their TVs in horror, hugging their child who just came home from school, safely.

This is for all the mothers who taught their children to be peaceful, and now pray they come home safely from a war.

What makes a good Mother anyway?
Is it patience? Compassion? Broad hips? The ability to nurse a baby, cook dinner, and sew a button on a shirt, with one crippled hand, all at the same time?

Or is it in her heart?
Is it the ache you feel when you watch your son or daughter disappear down the street, walking to school alone for the very first time?
The jolt that takes you from sleep to dread, from bed to crib at 2 A.M. to put your hand on the back of a sleeping baby?

The panic, years later, that comes again at 2 A.M. when you just want to hear their key in the door and know they are safe again in your home?

Or the need you have to flee from wherever you are and find and hug your child when you hear news of a fire, a car accident, a child dying?

The emotions of motherhood are universal. Thus it is that our thoughts turn toward the young mothers stumbling through diaper changes and sleep deprivation...

And mature mothers learning to let go.

For working mothers and stay-at-home mothers.

Single mothers and married mothers.

Mothers with money, mothers without.

This is for you all.

For all of us.

Hang in there.

In the end we can only do the best we can.

And tell them every day that we love them.

And pray."

In the end...in the end of their days, in the end of our days, in the end-love them.

Friday, April 29, 2005 9:28 AM CDT

Hello Friends & Family!! Hope you are all happy and healthy!! We are doing well here - not a whole lot going on but thank goodness it is Friday!!!!

Sorry about the "blurry" picture above - best I could do, but aren't we still a lovely bunch?!?!?!? I think so.

Well, we have no plans for the weekend. The usual, cookout with a few friends/family at Cissy's house - we seem to do that at least once every weekend and sometime during the week too! I am so thankful for my sisters!!

Kacie is leaving this afternoon for LaGrange to visit my niece Crystal at college. Me and the other kids will just be hanging out. I have plans to clean out my little shed - the junk is accumulating and it's time to go through it again. We will be trying to get together some things for a yard sale (next Saturday) to benefit a very close friend (almost family) who was recently diagnosed with lung and brain cancer. Since I brought it up, if any of you locals have any thing you'd like to donate to the yard sale, please let me know. We are taking anything we can get.

We will have our family reunion in just a few weeks - I am looking forward to that and seeing everyone. There's always something in the works with us!!

Well - a short update - but I do have some work to do. Thanks for checking in - please leave a message in the guestbook so we'll know you were here!

Love,
Tammy, Lacie, Kacie, Ben and Stacie

Tuesday, April 26, 2005 10:19 AM CDT

Update time again!!!

First of all – thank you so much to those of you who contributed to Lacie’s “Relay For Life” Team. Our team goal was just $1000, but with your contributions, we were able to exceed that goal – THREE TIMES!!! Our team raised a little over $3000 to help support the American Cancer Society!

Relay started off great!! Our team sold hot wings (thanks to Christi’s donation) and we sold spicy sausage dogs (thanks to Gary Lee’s Supermarket) – we were kicking butt!!! My sister and I were so busy selling stuff that we didn’t even get to walk around the track once – well, I take that back, I think Cissy did go around once!! We worked our butts hard until around 9pm when the storms hit!!! It got so windy and then poured rain – everyone waited around for the rain to stop, but it never did so at 11pm, ACS cancelled the rest of the event and sent everyone home. So, that’s what we did. In spite of the nasty weather – everyone had a terrific time. It was nice to see so many of our friends there to support our Team. Again, THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH!!!!

We are looking forward to next years Relay!!! Lacie’s Team will be there – I think we’ve started a new tradition!!!

As for Lacie and the rest of our family – we are all doing well. Lacie, Kacie and Ben have been busy this week taking “End Of Course” tests at high school. Not fun – and that is unanimous!! But, these tests will be over today and they can get back to the “regular” school work. Stacie is doing well. She and I are going on a field trip to St. Augustine next week with her gifted class – I’m looking forward to spending a special day with her!

Kacie will be traveling to LaGrange, Georgia this weekend with my sister, her Aunt Rhonda. They are going to visit my niece (Rhonda’s daughter), Crystal, who is a freshman at LaGrange College this year. And I must add that we are so very proud of Crystal. We love her and miss her very much – all grown up.

Well – that’s about it for this update! Thank you for checking in – please leave us a message in the guestbook so we’ll know you were here!

Love & Peace,
Tammy & family

Tuesday, April 19, 2005 8:52 AM CDT

GREAT NEWS!!! Lacie's MRI yesterday showed NO significant changes since her last one in January and NO signs of tumor growth or reoccurance! Yes!!!!! We are now cleared for clinic visits and MRI's every FOUR months instead of every THREE months!! We'll do this for a year and if everything remains stable, we'll go to every SIX months!!
Thanks to all of you who have kept Lacie and our family in your prayers. I know (FOR A FACT) that God hears our prayers and HE is so responsible for our good news!!! THANK YOU GOD!!!!

Now, about RELAY FOR LIFE - it is this Friday, April 22nd. Please "click" on READ JOURNAL HISTORY (at top & bottom of this page)and read our update from last week for more information. If you'd like to make a contribution to LACIE'S TEAM, please contact me AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!!!

Thanks so much to those of you who have sent in donations already!! Because of YOU - lives are saved, lives are changed!!!

We are SO EXCITED about Relay For Life. I am so very proud of our team - we have 14 team mates and have to say - we are one SIKED up group. Watch Out Relay - here come's Lacie's team!!! We are selling Hot Wings and Pepsi's, also, Stacie will be in charge of our bake sale. We also have some cool stuff for RAFFLE! We would love to see our friends (YOU) there - please join us at Relay if you can!!!! It's going to be SO MUCH FUN!!!

Well, that's it for this quick update! I hope to receive lots of donations to Lacie's Team in the next few days!! (Hint Hint)!

Thanks for checking in! Please leave a message.

Thursday, April 7, 2005 11:41 AM CDT

A MESSAGE FROM LACIE:
Things that American Cancer Society has done for me:
- ACS Hope Lodge gave me & my mom a place to stay for 8 weeks while I was having radiation treatment (every day) in Gainesville - where I met a lot of special friends.
- ACS offered lots of wigs and hats - ALL THREE times that I lost my hair.
- ACS has a Family Carnival in my hometown for kids with cancer and their families.
- ACS sponsors ROCK Camp in Florida - where I get to go for a week in the summer - just for kids with cancer.
- ACS has offered me scholarship money for college when that time comes.
- ACS gave me (and Kacie) and box of makeup and skin care stuff just to make me feel pretty!
- Plus more that I just can't think of right now.

HELP ME TO RETURN THE FAVOR BY SUPPORTING "LACIE'S TEAM" - See Below!

LOVE & THANKS,
Lacie

JOIN LACIE'S TEAM AS WE KISS CANCER GOODBYE AT THE 2005 RELAY FOR LIFE!!

This year, my family and friends have come together to help in the American Cancer Society’s fight against cancer. On Friday, April 22nd LACIE’S TEAM will take to the track for 15 hours to raise funds to support research, education, and cancer patient services offered by the American Cancer Society.

We are dedicating our walk in honor of my daughter, Lacie, who as you know, has so bravely fought since diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2001 – weeks before her 13th birthday. Lacie has endured hours of surgery, weeks of radiation treatment, months of chemotherapy and years of physical rehabilitation. She is 16 years old now – she is a Survivor, a Superstar, a Princess and a Hero to us all.

Our team goal is to raise at least $1,000.00 to help fight cancer in our community. I am sure that we can exceed that goal, but we need your help!!

I am asking for your support in our efforts. Your tax-deductible donation of $25 or more will help us help those in our community in their fight against cancer. Of course, any size contribution would be greatly appreciated. You could also help by donating an item for our raffle.

Please send your donation (made payable to the American Cancer Society) to me at the address below or you can give me a call or email if you’d like to contribute in any other way.

LACIE’S TEAM, c/o Allen & Graham, Inc., PO Box 460, Bunswick, GA 31521

or reach me at home 912-265-9481 - leave a message if we're not there & we WILL call you back

or email me at: tammy@allengrahaminc.com OR tweston3@hotmail.com

Thank you in advance for your thoughtfulness and generosity.

Sincerely,


Tammy Weston
TEAM CAPTAIN

PS – If you have some free time between 7pm on Friday, 4/22/05 and 10am on Saturday, 4/23/05, please come join us at the fairgrounds and give us some moral support – and a prayer for good weather might help too!

Friday, April 1, 2005 9:40 AM CST

Hello to all! Thought I'd do another quick update - just for the heck of it. It's Friday - No, I didn't take today off - things happen, so here I am at work. I will be leaving at noon though! I have a little helper here with me today - Stacie!! Actually, she's some one elses little helper right now - helping our receptionist water plants! Other than that, she's spent most of the morning playing around on the internet - in her "Own" office. She's so big! She is going to a "spend the night" party tonight - yipee for her and for me!

Well, it's a beautiful day but we're expecting lots and lots of rain tonight and over the weekend. Wouldn't you know it! We have nothing planned.

Lacie and Kacie really have nothing going on this weekend. Poor girls - they have such a boring life. School will be out the end of May and then CAMP time!! Yeah, again!!! Lacie will be in Florida May 27-June 3 and then to Atlanta on June 11-18. Stacie and Ben will go to a local camp from June 12-17 - so I'll have a break from 3 kids that week! Yes, I am looking forward to that week. I am going to plan something fun and special for me and Kacie Faye. She is officially "too old" to attend the local camp!! Then later in June (27th to July 2), Kacie and Ben will go to camp for a week with the teenagers from our church - I'm not sure where yet - last year it was Panama City, Florida. AND Throw in a week of Vacation Bible School for Stacie in June! Hopefully, this summer will be fun and busy for them all.

Not much else to say - we are all doing great and chugging along! Please leave a message in the Guestbook so we'll know you were here!

Love & Peace,
Tammy & family

Wednesday, March 30, 2005 12:57 AM CST

Hey Yall!!! Sorry for the overdue update - again. My plan WAS to update atleast every Friday, but guess who took a day off last Friday!! Yes I did AND I'm taking this Friday off too, so I figured I'd do my update today!

Things are going great here. The kids are out of school all week for Spring Break - and they are quick to tell you that this is the MOST BORING SPRING BREAK EVER!!! Unfortunately, I have to work, but like I said am taking Friday off so we'll have a 3-day weekend. Hopefully it'll be better than last weekend - SO MUCH RAIN!!! I am so looking forward to Spring and Summer weather!

Lacie is doing well. She is glad to have the week off from school, but is bored. She and Kacie did go to a movie yesterday with their friend Jennifer = thanks Jennifer for inviting them along!! They enjoyed getting out of the house. Lacie get's her hearing aid back on Friday and goes to Gainesville for the next MRI on April 18th. Keep her in your prayers - that her tumor is STABLE!

The other kids are doing well also. Kacie is only working a couple of days during this "break". Personally, I'll be glad to see them back in school next week. I really hate for them to be stuck at home bored. I guess that's part of it though.

Life is good and getting better!! I hope you are all happy and healthy! Please leave us a message in the guestbook so we'll know you were here.

Much love & peace,
Tammy & family

Friday, March 18, 2005 8:51 AM CST

Yeah! It’s Friday!!! This has been a long week – and pretty darn cold and rainy too – yuck!! I’m not sure what the weather’s supposed to be like this weekend – but it has got to get better!?!?!?!?!?

Lacie’s little sister, Stacie Michelle, has been sick all week. Started on Monday with a sore throat, Tuesday was “high fever” day. She’s feeling better today and hasn’t had a fever since Wednesday’s low grade, but she missed four days of school and will have lots to make up over the weekend. I’m very glad she is feeling better and so far, no signs that any of the rest of us are getting “sick”.

Lacie is doing well. She attended a special ceremony yesterday, held by the Optimist Club (Glynn County) for the deaf and hearing-impaired students. As most of you know, Lacie is hearing impaired. She has lost all hearing in her right ear and has about 50% hearing in her left ear. She does wear a hearing aid in the left ear – well, she did. We are waiting for it to be repaired since she knocked over a glass last week, it fell on her aid – which was NOT in the case, just laying on her dresser – anyway, it just cracked in half like an egg. So – we should have it back in a week or so. No big deal!!! So, anyway, Lacie and some of the other kids wrote and delivered speeches. Lacie’s wrote a paper about her hero – me? Can you imagine? She is MY hero!!! She got 3rd place – a certificate and medal!!! I’m so proud of her. She is doing great in school. She’s had a little attitude lately at home though – hopefully, just typical teenage girl attitude. You know, that grouchy thing and everybody (especially Ben and Stacie) gets on her nerves so she yells at them, or yells for me about them. Kacie has this same “attitude” so I’m hoping it is “typical” and that it’s going to get better!

Besides the attitude thingy, Kacie is also doing well. She’s doing great in school and not working so much here lately. There’s not a whole lot going on in her life these days. She is preparing to take the “Graduation Test” – all next week. This is a requirement for graduation – not sure how many “parts” there are to this test, but students have to pass all of it in order to graduate. So, the 11th graders are taking the test next week – if they do not pass any part of it, they’ll get another opportunity to re-take those parts their 12th grade year. I’m sure Kacie Faye will do well. Lacie is also taking this test but will be allowed some extra time to complete it.

Last, but definitely not least, is my one and only Ben, who is doing quite well too. School is going good for him (unless somebody isn’t telling me something) and he is being pretty good at home too. Ofcourse, being the only boy – he’s usually getting on “somebody’s” nerves – but just by being a silly boy – an annoying brother. But, isn’t that what brothers do?

Me, well I’m doing good too. Not much to report about my life – boring, boring, boring. But who knows, maybe all that’s about to change!!!!

Have a great weekend!!! Sign our guestbook so we’ll know you were here!!!

Peace & lotsa love,
Tammy

Monday, March 14, 2005 9:14 AM CST

Good Morning & Happy Monday to you all! Hope everyone had a great weekend. Mine was rather interesting (on a personal note) but we'll get into that another time! Life is good!!!

Lacie is doing great. We had meetings on Friday to talk about her school schedule for next year - what she wants to take and what she needs to take in order to meet the graduation requirements. Her advisor told us that Lacie can graduate in 3 more semesters if she continues to take a full course load. Kacie graduates after 2 more semesters, so Lacie is just a little behind her. In order for Lacie to do this, she would have to drop her sign language class so she could take one of the required courses that she needs. Well, that didn't go over too well. SO - the plan is to let her take Sign Language - she loves that class and instead of 3 more semesters, she'll have to go for 4. That was okay with her and okay with me too! So - that is the plan. Today, she is at one of our Elementary Schools - it is "shadow" day, so she is shadowing the Hearing Impaired teacher. She took a CD of some songs that she's learned to "sing" in sign language and her part of her assignment is to teach the hearing impaired students a song or two! She was very excited about today and took a camera so hopefully we'll be able to put some of these pictures here to share with you all.

The other kids are doing well too! Our puppy is growing - I need to get a more current picture of her too. She's still very small but has grown since the picture above.

Well, must get to work here!!! Please leave us a message so we'll know you were here.

Love & Peace,
Tammy

Friday, March 11, 2005 9:57 AM CST

Hey Yall! Yeah - it's Friday!!!

Not much going on here - just thought I'd update before the weekend. We have NO plans - okay, we're thinking about going to my sisters "Garden Party" on Saturday - they are planting a garden and recruiting helpers - you know how it goes - if we don't help plant, then we don't help eat! So - weather permitting, we will go play in the dirt some on Saturday!

Everything is going well here. Lacie and I are meeting her "Counselor" this afternoon to discuss her schedule for school next year. If things continue to go well, she should only have to go one extra semester in order to graduate. IF she chooses to take a few classes over the summer, then she might be able to graduate with her "Class of 2006" and with her sister, Kacie - but, summer school is in session during the same month that she goes to camp in Florida and Atlanta. I don't think she wants to miss going to camp - she's had such a good time the past 2 years!

Ben, Kacie and Stacie are doing well. And our dog too - yep, we do still have her and she is getting A LOT better during the night. THANK GOODNESS!

Well - until next week.......................

Love & Peace,
Tammy & family

Monday, March 7, 2005 10:32 AM CST

Hope you are all well and happy! We are fine here in Georgia. We had a nice weekend - cookout on Saturday with family and friends at our house on Saturday. Our good friend, DINO was able to come over - haven't seen him since Christmas, so it was great to spend some time with him!

Church on Sunday was excellent - if any of you locals want to visit an awesome church - please come join us at First Baptist-Brunswick. Out-of-towners, you're invited too! We have been going to to FBC for quite a few years, but just recently became "Members"! I am so excited about getting more involved in our church and growing closer and closer to our wonderful Lord and Saviour.

Life is good and continuously getting BETTER!!!

Love & Peace to you all,
Tammy & family

Friday, March 4, 2005 7:42 AM CST

Third update in one week - this has been a rough one....

And then there were two.

Please pray for Melody's family - she passed away last night - only 7 years old. Words are not coming easy this morning, I will put a link to Mel's website - it would be nice if you would visit her family and leave some encouraging words in the guestbook. This is one of my "long time" caringbridge kids - I have been following her for quite some time. This little angel and her family are amazing - you will be touched.

www.ourmelody.net

Thank you for checking in - thank you for caring about us -
Love & Peace,
Tammy

Tuesday, March 1, 2005 9:29 AM CST

OK - it's me now, the real Tammy!! Wow - I just went back and read yesterday's update and it was too depressing - so here I am again - feeling better - alot!

When I got home yesterday afternoon, I turned on the radio as I always do and listen to my most favorite radio station (90.7 Way Radio). Wouldn't you know it, I turned it on just in time to hear a preacher saying "YOU ARE A WARRIOR!" Hey, is he talking to me? Did he read my update of yesterday? I continued to listen to a very inspiring message and feel much better! I thank GOD for Way Radio!!!

I'm not going into a long drawn out entry today - just want to say that I am a winner, a warrior, and EVERYTHING IS OKAY - it is all in God's hands.

Love & Peace,
Tammy

Monday, February 28, 2005 10:49 AM CST

Hello friends and family – I hope you all are happy and healthy!! I felt the need to do an update today – we have been cooped up inside most of the weekend because of rain, rain, rain. Needless to say – I’m glad to be out of the house today – thank goodness I have a job to go to Monday thru Friday!! I love my job! Anyway, getting back to the update, after staying inside all weekend – doing absolutely nothing but watching dumb movies – I am feeling a bit lonely today so I’m reaching out to you guys – touching base with some grown ups!!!

In my updates, I don’t mention often enough the other children who have caringbridge sites that I check regularly. However, I dedicate this update to them. When I started this page, there were several kids that I “met” through their websites. This number grew and grew – the are so many kids and families out there struggling with illnesses – unfortunately, a lot of them aren’t as “lucky” as we are. At one time, I had about ten sites saved in my favorites folder – of those ten, there are only three left. I have come to my computer on so many occasions to check on these kids, only to open a site to learn that another child has gone to heaven. This past weekend, Melissa passed away. She was only 12 years old and had been battling a brain tumor for the past 18 months. I have never met her or her family, but have followed her “story” for the past few months – along with Cheyenne, Conner, Melody, Kody, Maddie, Robert, Juliana, Travis and countless others. My heart has been touched so deeply – I hurt so intensely for these families (whom I know, but have never met) who have lost their child, for those whose child isn’t expected to live but a few more days, months, whatever. It is so unfair. I’m not going to set up links to these sites, but want to ask all of you to remember to pray for our sick children, for their families, for their healing, for their comfort – and remember your own children – give them a hug and an “I love you” every chance you get.

One of the sites I have been following for over a year is Roberts site. Robert passed away in November of 2003, but his awesome mom (what a poet) continues to update his page and has been such an inspiration to me. I copied the following from her latest update – yep, she definitely deserves an award. I wanted to share this with you…………..

“One final thought this morning I had...I have decided that those actors in Hollywood that get paid millions for their acting ability and receive gold statues in recognition of all they have done have got NOTHING on us parents that have survived cancer! Think about it, I want to acknowledge here that we are the greatest actors of all time...we are the greatest magicians, and greatest comedians. Additionally, trust me on this one, anyone who has lost a child, a partner, a mother, a friend...to cancer, or any other horrible death can attest, we are the greatest of actors ever!!! No one is giving out gold statues and pay us for our careers-we can barely pay our bills! I thought of that this morning...so we may watch and applaud those in Hollywood, but this day I applaud and would love to give a real gold statue to all of us who are the real actors, the ones who can turn a $6,000 pharmacy bill for chemo for our kid into a joke--the real actors in this world!!! Oscars for us all!”

I thought that was a pretty awesome “final thought”. I have been so fortunate, my beautiful daughter has remained stable for over a year – her tumor was not an aggressive one – it was not one of those that progressed so quickly – as some of these other children have had. I was told that if you're going to get a brain tumor, this is one of the "better" ones to get?!?! Non-malignant, slow growing. In July of 2002, a year after Lacie’s diagnosis, our doctor told me that Lacie’s tumor hadn’t responded to radiation and in fact, was growing – was “acting malignant and aggressive” and could possibly be coming back as a higher grade, possibly malignant tumor. Based on how her tumor was "acting", he said that this tumor would take her life and probably within the year. Wow! No mother wants to hear that and those words haunt me to this day. The sad reality is that in most cases, death does come to claim these children not long after their fight begins. Our doctor told us that we could do another surgery: a biopsy to see if her tumor had in deed “progressed” to a higher grade or we could start chemo and treat it as if it were malignant. We opted to try chemo – as those of you who knew Lacie before surgery know that brain surgery is horrible and Lacie has never fully recovered from the invasion of her brain that was so necessary in order to save her life. Thankfully, her tumor did respond to the chemo – it shrank a little and then stopped growing and has remained stable. However, it is still there and not a day goes by that I don’t remember that. I have learned that life can change in a moment – for any of us. Not only am I so thankful that I have Lacie here with me today – I am also so very thankful that I have my other three beautiful children too – for none of us know when it will be "time". I continue every day to “ACT” like a winner, but I am not. I “ACT” like everything is okay, but it is not. I “ACT’ like I am super human, but I am not. I “ACT’ like a warrior, but I am not – and for this brief moment, I will stop acting and tell you all that I am scared, I am weak, I am tired – without God’s grace, I know that I could not have handled all that has happened to us these past few years. So – I just want to say THANK YOU LORD – for picking me up, for giving me hope and strength, for putting me back up on that stage when I so desperately wanted the show to be over.

Wow – I am not sure where all that came from – I usually keep these updates short and sweet – today though, I am sad after reading about Melissa’s passing. I do feel weak, weary, tired and helpless, so I will run to my Lord – there I can find comfort, hope, strength – there I don’t have to act.

God Bless You All,
Tammy

Friday, February 25, 2005 8:53 AM CST

Yeah - it's Friday again!!! Time to update! Well, having a puppy is HARD WORK!!! This dog is driving me (MOM) crazy at night - but she's just precious during the day. I've thought a lot about just giving up - I can't handle this responsibility of having a dog and I've thought very seriously about finding her another home - then I look at the little cutie and decide to give her another chance. Since I know my Mother never reads this website, I'll say THANK YOU MOTHER DEAREST FOR GETTING US A DOG EVEN THOUGH I TOLD YOU OVER AND OVER AGAIN NOT TO GET US A DOG. There, I vented. I know this sounds silly - but please pray for me, my family and our dog!! It has gotten pretty stressful from time to time.

Ok - enough fussing! Lacie is doing great. Kacie had a terrible head/sinus/cold thing going on earlier in the week - Ben has it now. My 15 year old son was so sick last night - running a fever - he came and got in bed with me - the first time in many, many years that my SON has come into my bed. Please don't tell any of his friends that he slept with Mommy last night - he was so sick.
And - Stacie is doing great too!

Lacie's ex-therapists are coming to visit tomorrow. Lacie is excited about seeing Elisa and Wendy - they have been such wonderful friends to Lacie!

Other than that, there's really nothing going on here in our little corner of the world - Life is so good!

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend - see ya next time!

Love & Peace,
The Weston Family

Friday, February 18, 2005 10:11 AM CST

Hey Yall!! Time for another update - even though (and I'm pleased to say) our lives have been rather boring lately - no exciting news or events to write about - we are all fine and happy and chugging along!!! That is good!

Lacie is doing fine. She is not having anymore pain in her hip - we are glad of that! She stays busy working on her wide variety of crafts - she's always busy!! And her puppy takes up quite a bit of time too - quite a bit of time from all of us. We have had this puppy for 2 weeks now and it is surely a challenge! I am so appreciative of all the help from Ben, Stacie and Kacie - Lacie and I couldn't handle this puppy without their help! Have I told yall lately that my kids are awesome!! My dog is a brat!!!

We don't have anything planned for the weekend - other than lots of cleaning and housework. Our house is a mess and I've told the kids that this weekend will be a "Work Weekend" - I've even given them written lists of things they need to do!!! We will see how that goes! My kids are awesome, but they're pretty lazy too!!

Anyway - I just felt the need to touch base with you all before the weekend - I hope you all have a great one!!!

Love & Peace,
Tammy

Thursday, February 10, 2005 9:24 AM CST

Hello friends and family! Hope you are all doing well. We are doing great here.

Tonight is HONORS NIGHT at Glynn Academy High School. We will be there!! Lacie will be recognized for Outstanding Achievement and receive her certificate and pin for being nominated for the BETA Club. Also, Kacie Faye will be honored for making the A-B Honor Roll, well actually she made the "ALL B" honor roll, but I guess they group them all together unless you make the "A" honor roll. Good enough! I'm very proud of Kacie and Lacie!

No honors for Ben this semester - but you never know about next semester! He may surprise us!!! I have to give him credit - he has made a lot of improvement this year and so, let's recognize him for "Outstanding Improvement"! Maybe I'll make him a certificate on the computer!! hehe!

Stacie had Honors Day several weeks ago and was on the "A" Honor Roll. I am so proud of all of my children.

Lacie continues to complain about pain in her hip after falling last week but the doctors assure me that nothing is broken, fractured, dislocated. She just needs to exercise it and it will get better. She is very protective of it and tries not to put much weight on it. Hopefully, we will see some improvement there soon!!

And, our new puppy, Precious is doing okay too! She's the sweetest thing - until bed time, then she whines unless someone picks her up and lets her lay with them. Then, she'll go to sleep. I have to get a hot water bottle to keep in her little kennel with her and hopefully that will help her to rest more at night. It's like having an infant in the house again - very stressful at times! But we are managing - learning as we go just how to take care of such a little puppy.

Well - that's about it for this update. Please sign Lacie's guestbook so we'll know you were here!

Love,
Tammy

Tuesday, February 8, 2005 9:44 AM CST

Hi Folks!

Just a quick update to tell you all that Lacie has a puppy - as you can see!!! Her name is Precious, she's a 6 wk old Chihuahua (sp?). Of course, Lacie is just tickled to have a dog finally and the other kids have been so helpful in taking care of Precious.

I'll do another update soon!!

Love & Peace,
Tammy

Tuesday, February 1, 2005 12:40 AM CST

Hello friends & family.

All is well here. Hope the same for you all.

Lacie had to see the doctor yesterday and go for an x-ray. She was transferring from her bed to her wheelchair on Sunday and fell on her right hip. She was able to move it and all but it was still very sore on Monday, so we had her checked out. She is fine - just bruised a little and should be feeling better in a day or two. She usually asks me for help getting into her chair, but I was in the shower and she was getting ready for church and HAD to get to the mirror to do her hair!!! It is so wonderful that she actually has enough hair to do something with now! I remember before Lacie was diagnosed - she had such long silky hair and every strand was always in place - she LOVED her long hair and it always was "just right". Since then, she has lost her hair 3 times - radiation, first chemo, and then chemo again. Finally - it has grown out enough that she can actually "fix" her hair! She's looking forward to the day when she can have a ponytail again!!!!! Anyway - she is feeling great and is happy. She wants a DOG badly and is bugging all of our family members and friends to "Get her a dog". She's tried it all, "Nanny, I'm never going to eat again if you don't get me a dog"; "Mom, I'm never going to clean up my room if you don't get me a dog"; Never taking a bath again unless she gets a dog, etc. etc. It's kind of funny - and don't worry, she is eating, bathing and all that other stuff that she is "threatening" to boycott! I have but one thing to say - PLEASE, NO ONE GET HER A DOG!!!!!!! I love dogs, but just am not ready for the responsibility of a dog. In time - she will get her dog!!!

The other kids are doing great. Kacie isn't working so much - I guess McDonald's busy time is during the summer, holidays, etc., so she's had some time off and it is wonderful having her home more!! They just about worked her every single day during the summer. She will be working this weekend and probably be very, very busy as it is SUPER BOWL weekend and McD's is right off the interstate on the way to SUPER BOWL CITY - JACKSONVILLE!! She is excited about getting her driver's license next month and is "car shopping" even though a car for Kacie is not in our budget at this time. Hopefully though, we will be able to work something out and get her a car before summer. Anybody got a good used tanker for sale? Cheap?

Ben is doing great. Impressing his teachers (and his mom)this semester. Again I will say that I am so very proud of the improvements I've seen in Ben this year. I always have known what a smart young man he is - hopefully, he is figuring out how smart he is too! He is growing so tall and handsome. I'll get some pictures of them all posted soon.

Stacie is also doing great - in school and at home. She can be a little monster in the mornings, but we get her through it. It takes her some time to wake up and get going - I've never seen it take 15 minutes to change underwear, but "that's my girl". Those panties have to feel just right or she won't wear them. Same with socks, shirt, pants, shoes, jacket...... She is something else.

And me, I'm hanging in there! Work is going great! And of course these kids keep me busy and hopping until bed time - every day! I love it though. I really do have some terrific kids and thank God for them each and every day.

Well - that's my quick update!! I hope you will sign the guestbook so that we'll know you were here!

Love & Peace,
Tammy & Family

Wednesday, January 26, 2005 9:27 AM CST

Hey Yall!

Just a quick update to let you all know that Lacie's MRI results came back stable - no changes since the last MRI 3 months ago. We are so glad - as you all can imagine.

I put up a few new pictures and will try real hard to update the photos here more often!

I am at work and having a rather busy day - so I've got to cut this really short. Thanks to all of you for checking in on Lacie - and for your prayers - God hears us!

Love & Peace,
Tammy

Thursday, January 20, 2005 9:11 AM CST

Hello to you all - bout time for another update, huh?

It is THAT time again - Worry - Stress - Lots of Talking with God. Lacie is scheduled for her next MRI on Monday - January 24th. She is doing so well and I really have no cause for concern - other than this is my baby - she shouldn't be going for her 40th (approx) MRI - she shouldn't be in a wheelchair - she shouldn't be! Nothing bad shouldn've ever happened to my girl. No More!!!

REALITY - Bad things happen.

I try so hard not to worry - to live in and savor the moment - each one given to us by our most gracious Father in Heaven - each moment GOOD and irreplaceable.

Please pray for Lacie, for me, our family - as these days before the MRI weigh heavy on our hearts and minds. You all mean so much to us and we appreciate your thoughts, prayers, support more than I could ever say.

Love & Peace To You All,
Tammy - Lacie - Kacie - Ben - Stacie

PS - My sister keeps fussing at me about updating the photos here. I'm so ashamed to say that my digital camera is collecting dust - I'm putting PICTURES on my TO DO LIST right now!!!!!

Wednesday, January 12, 2005 1:17 PM CST

Hi folks - is anybody out there?

No messages in the guestbook lately - have we been forgotten?

Anyway - for those who just might happen to stop in - we are all doing fine!

Lacie had a great time in Jacksonville this past weekend. Thanks so much to Lisa and Nancy Pappy for having her - you all are so very special to Lacie and she loves spending time with yall.

Well - the second semester of school has started and this is the first time since May 2001 - when Lacie was diagnosed and had surgery - that Lacie is attending school for the entire day!!! Yipee!!! Last year she only went 1/2 days, last semester she got out just an hour early, now - she's going for a full day! And she's doing great. She's taking a horticulture class this semester - interesting!!
Have I told yall lateley that I am very, very proud of her. She is a trooper and an inspiration to me!

Not much going on around here really. Kacie, Ben and Stacie are all doing great too! I just thought I'd do a quick and short update today. Sorry it's a pretty boring update - but after all that we have been through, BORING IS GOOD!!!!!!

I hope the new year has been good to you all so far! We are truly blessed with each day.

Much love to you all and

Peace,
Tammy

Friday, January 7, 2005 9:24 AM CST

Hello and Happy New Year to you all! We have had a pretty uneventful year (6 days) so far! That is good! We are doing well and beginning 2005 with hopes of a wonderful year!

We celebrated last night by having family night out at Pizza Inn. The kids love going there so we're trying to make it a "tradition" to go at least once or twice a month. What are we celebrating?? REPORT CARDS!!! My three wonderful high schoolers got them yesterday. As always, Kacie and Lacie are my A-B students. And Ben, well, for those who were following last year, he had a terrible first year of high school - he didn't put forth any effort and failed - every class. Needless to say, it was very frustrating for me. I remember asking you all how do you make someone CARE? Well, Ben passed four out of six classes last semester. What an improvement!!! Even though I know that he could do better - he is a very, very smart young man - I am so pleased just to see improvement! His attitude is so much better and I'm looking forward to him doing even better this new semester. YOU CAN DO IT BEN!!!!!

Lacie will be going to Jacksonville this afternoon to spend the weekend with our wonderful friends, the Pappy family. These folks (especially Lisa) were right there with me during Lacie's surgery, rehabilitation, radiation, chemo - all of it. Lisa and Mema even made that very, very long drive to/from Houston,Texas with Lacie and I back in 2002. We went for a 2nd opinion - at that time, Lacie's tumor was growing and drs recommended chemo. We had planned on being there 4-5 days. It ended up being a 10-day trip and Lacie was so, so sick the whole time. A rough trip indeed and we were so lucky to have their support at such a difficult time. They have surely been a blessing to our family. Lacie is really looking forward to getting away from us and spending some time with them - it has been a while. And I am so thankful that we have these precious friends in our lives. Thank you Pappys, for continuing to be there for Lacie - yall are angels and we love yall dearly.

Kacie - she's going to her high school's basketball game tonight, then working on Saturday and Sunday. She is off all next week and is glad about that. They had 2 1/2 weeks out of school for Xmas break and she worked almost every single day of it. She's ready for some free time! Bless her heart - she's so awesome! We were in the supermarket the other day & some old guy came up to her and said "Hey, aren't you that nice little girl that works at McDonalds? They should hire more kids like you". What a compliment! She is a sweetheart and I am very proud of her. She will be a very valuable employee to some lucky company one day! So working at McDonalds isn't the greatest job in the world, but it's a place to start and Kacie surely does make the best of it! If you want service with a smile, go see Kacie Faye at the drive thru sometimes!!!

Above, I was talking about our trip to Houston and thought I'd share this. As I said, Lacie was so, so sick the entire trip. When Lacie was first diagnosed in 2001, she had been very sick - severe headaches and constant nausea and vomiting due to hydrocephalus. She improved some after surgery, but immediately upon leaving for Houston, she started having those same symptoms. I was terrified, knowing the possible risk of seizure - among other things. The ride home (3 days) was long - we stopped frequently because Lacie was so ill. Finally - we made it home. That night, I lay in bed - sobbing, praying, pleading, begging God to heal her - I was desperate, couldn't sleep. I wanted so badly to take her place - I wanted it to be me, not my precious daughter. That night, I talked to God for a long time. I didn't know what His plan was - still don't - but I simply asked him, "God, please give us a good day". I wanted nothing more than for Lacie to wake up without a headache, no nausea, no vomiting. I just wanted her to be comfortable. The next day - Lacie woke up and smiled. There was no headache - she ate, laughed. It was awesome - a miracle - A GOOD DAY! Since then, I have learned that every day is a GOOD DAY - a precious gift and we are to be ever thankful for each day that we are allowed to be here with people that we love - our family, our friends. Since then, Lacie has completed almost 2 years of chemo with little problems. Her tumor has remained stable and we have good day after good day after good day! Praise to our creator, our Lord - who does hear us, who IS always with us and loves us beyond our imagination! GOD IS SO GOOD!

Thanks to all of you who continue to check in on Lacie and us! My hope is that you will have the best year ever in 2005!

**Sign Lacie's guestbook so we'll know you were here!

Peace,
Tammy

Thursday, December 30, 2004 8:18 AM CST

Hey Yall! Hope everyone had a great Christmas!!! Have yall got the mess cleaned up yet? Well, not me. We need to have a bon fire this weekend to burn the boxes, wrapping, etc. and hopefully, I'll get that tree down too!

We had a very nice Christmas. I'm glad that it's done and we are all looking forward to a wonderful new year - 2005, the best year yet!!! Right!

Lacie got a sewing machine for Christmas and is excited about learning how to use it! We've practiced a little, but we need a lot more!!! Soon, she'll have it down and will be making all kinds of beautiful stuff for all the people that she loves! She does very well sewing by hand - she's made a few pillows and things, so I'm looking forward to seeing what she'll do now that she's got the machine. I guess that was her favorite gift of all.

The other kids got lots of stuff too. We had dinner with all of my family and a few friends at Cissy's house. It was all so yummy - the food is close to the best part.

Anyway - we had a very nice Christmas. We are lucky enough to be able to spend it together with the people that we love so very much. God has truly blessed us with a wonderful family and friends. Thanks so much to all of you who care about us - who pray for us - we do love you all and appreciate all that you do.

Well - that's it for this little update. I hope you all have a very happy and safe new year.

LOOKING FORWARD TO 2005!!!

Love & Peace,
Tammy

Monday, December 20, 2004 10:11 AM CST

Hello friends & family - Happy Monday?!?!?

I hope you all are doing well. We are just fine! Had a really nice weekend - even though I didn't accomplish much of what I had to do.

Lacie & Kacie did go to Savannah on Saturday - shopping with their friends from church. They had a blast! Thanks so much to Mrs. Tina & Mr. Bubba - they have always done whatever it takes to include Lacie in these outings and it means so very much to her to be able to get away for a while. They are already talking about starting to SAVE for another shopping spree - this time in Orlando - an overnight trip mayble in March or April. They did have a lot of fun - my girls definitely love to shop. They come home with lots of bags and were eager to start wrapping!

While they were gone - Nope, I didn't do any housework - I'm so bad. Instead, I was invited on a little fishing trip with someone very special to me. You'll have to guess who. Anyway - it started out as a fishing trip, but thanks to some minor boat problems, it just turned in to a nice, relaxing, cold boat ride. It was nice to get away, just trolling up and down all the little rivers/creeks around Blythe Island. A getaway that I really needed - even if only for a few hours.

We visited our good friend Dino on Sunday. We met this guy in physical therapy. He was in a bad motorcycle accident a little over a year ago and is paralyzed. One terrific guy though - we love Dino dearly. Anyway, he's going out of town for a few weeks so Lacie had to play Santa and deliver him a little gift before he leaves. Lacie enjoyed visiting with Dino and his mom. Afterwards, we did hit Walmart. I had to sneak around - hide stuff under other stuff in the buggy - and get what Xmas shopping done that I could. I did pretty good, I guess.

The kids are all out of school now for Xmas Break. THey don't go back until January 6th - wow. I wish I could take some time off, but I have GOT to work - the bills have GOT to get paid. So, they'll stay home some, at Nanny's some, with friends some. I'm sure they'll find places to go!

Well, that's it for this update. Please sign the guestbook so we'll know you were here.

Lots of Love,
Tammy

Friday, December 17, 2004 10:14 AM CST

Hi everyone! Thought I'd do a quick update before the weekend. We are doing fine. Lacie and Kacie are looking forward to their shopping spree in Savannah tomorrow. I am looking forward to having them out of my hair for a while so HOPEFULLY I can get some work done around the house. It's getting pretty messy around there. Anybody want to take the other two off my hands??? Seriously, I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed - my house is a mess, I have done very, very little Xmas shopping and have a very limited budget to get it done. I will be so glad when it's over! No - I'm not a scrooge - I love Christmas - just, well, you know.

Other than the shopping spree, there's not much else on our weekend agenda. I have GOT to get to Walmart sometime by myself - who knows when that'll be - before Xmas I hope!

I hope you all are doing well. This one's short but I'll be back next week!!!! Leave us a message so we'll know you were here.

Have a great weekend.

Peace & Love,
Tammy

Thursday, December 9, 2004 8:25 AM CST

‘Bout time for an update, huh?

Merry Christmas to all of you!! I can not believe that Christmas is here again – where did 2004 go????? I hope you all are doing well and not getting too stressed out in preparing for the holidays!

We are doing well here. Let’s see – what’s going on???

Lacie got her brand new PINK wheel chair yesterday! It’s close to the same color as her room (Cosmic Pink) – maybe a little darker. As far as wheel chairs go, it’s looks as if it were custom made for her. We all know that she loves pink and the new shiny chrome spoke wheels. She sure was tickled when she got it yesterday – more so than I. It’s not easy to get excited about a new wheel chair – when what’s going thru my head is “I sure hate it that my baby girl is still in that chair”. Anyway – let’s make the best of it – my beautiful girl has a sporty new pink chair!!!

Lacie will be singing tomorrow at the school’s Christmas party for the hearing-impaired students. Well, she will be singing and performing sign language to “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” and is very excited about this! She already did this in her Sign Language class – she did so well that the teacher invited her to perform at the party!! Go Girl!

She is also getting excited about going on a Christmas Shopping Spree next weekend with the girls from Sunday School! For those of you who don’t know my parents – well, the like to play BINGO and the Ga. Lottery. They told Lacie that they will donate half of their winnings to her trip – she’s got about $100 in that account so far!

Kacie is doing well. She is excited about getting her drivers license in a couple of months – I’m not excited about it though. If any one out there would like to do something nice for Kacie – please come get her and teach her how to drive!!! She’s really not that bad, but it is so hard for me to find the time to take her (one on one) driving for practice and I’m too paranoid to let her drive with the whole family in the car – we are a very distracting bunch of clowns at time. HELP! Oh, she got a $150 bonus from work (McDonalds) for doing such a good job!!! She was graded at the drive thru last week by a “Secret Shopper” and got a perfect score – friendly, fast, attentive, etc. – so, BONUS!!

Ben is doing well. Except for his crazy new hair do, and I’m not even gonna go there right now. And he is obsessed with this ONE pair of pants that he’d wear every single day if I’d let him. He’s not getting in any trouble at school and is passing 4 out of 6 classes – which is better than last year (0 out of 6). If he just puts forth a little bit of effort, he could pass all of his classes – he’s only got 2 weeks to do it though. Regardless – I love that boy – who is growing up so very fast.

Stacie is good too! She’s excited about putting up the Christmas tree this weekend. She has a End of the Season party to go to on Saturday with her cheerleading squad, and the football team too ofcourse. She’s looking forward to that. Not much else planned for this weekend.

Well – I’ve got to go and get some work done! Thanks for checking in – please leave a message so we’ll know you were here.

Peace,
Tammy

Monday, November 29, 2004 10:19 AM CST

Hi friends & family. Hope you all had a wonderful and happy Thanksgiving - we sure did! It was so nice to be surrounded with our outstanding family - and the food was good too! Wow - we all ate so much! It was a lot of fun. We did take a few photos - maybe I can get some posted soon. I did finally put up a new picture - above. This one was taken about a month ago - the baby belongs to Lacie's good friend (and former physical therapist) Ms Wendy - isn't she just adorable! Lacie LOVES babies - and she has volunteered to help our friend Ms Geneva every Sunday night at church in the Infant Nursery. She started a couple of Sunday's ago and she really, really loves helping take care of the little babies!

Lacie continues to do really well. Other than a minor ache here and there, she has no complaints. She is working hard in school - making all A's and B's ofcourse! She recently was invited to join the National Beta Club which recognizes students for outstanding academic achievement - GO LACIE! She will get a certificate and special BETA club pin on Honor's Night. She's also joined the Sign Language club and participates in a lot of the extra activities for the hearing impaired students. She stays busy - when she's not working on school stuff, you can believe that she has some sort of craft project going on. One day I'm going to go into her room and find her glued to the bed or something, hehe!! She sit's on her bed and works on everything - the other day, she opened a little tub of brown paint and when she popped off the top, the paint splattered all over her pretty pink wall behind her - boy, she freaked out! She was upset that she had messed up her beautiful Cosmic Pink wall. She felt better after I grabbed a wet towel and wiped the wall off. Luckily - the paint came off pretty good, it left a bit of a shadowy spot, but you can't really tell. Mom saved the day - okay, not the day, but I did save the pink wall!

The rest of the family is doing great too. Kacie had this past weekend off of work for a change, so it was nice to have her hanging out with us. Also, my niece, Crystal, was home from college - she spent some time with the girls - church, movie, walmart, etc. We were all really glad to see our Crystal Burger!!!

Ben is doing good and Stacie too. Not too much to report on these two!

Well, that's about it for this update - I hope you all are doing well! Again, thank you for continuing to check in on us. We do appreciate your thoughts and prayers.

PS: Please leave a message so we'll know you were here.

Love & Peace,
Tammy

Tuesday, November 23, 2004 10:52 AM CST

Happy Thanksgiving!! Just a quick update - not much going on around here. Just getting ready for the big TURKEY DAY! Yum - we love Thanksgiving!

The kids are out of school for the rest of this week. But, poor Mom has to work. Oh, so does the other working girl in our family - Kacie told her boss that she'd like to work these 3 days that they are out of school so that she can have a weekend off for a change. So, we'll both be working Wednesday and Friday - Kacie will be working Thursday morning, but will be off in time for THE FEAST! Lacie will be coming to work with me. She really likes hanging out here at my office - she works on her school stuff, or plays around on the internet. It's nice having her here - and a nice change of scenery for her. She's come in with me a few afternoons lately. My regular hours are 8:30 til 2:00 since I have to pick Lacie up from school at 2:15, but a couple of days I've picked her up and come back to the office.

We will be going to Savannah on December 6th to take Lacie to see a new Opthamologist (sp?). She was seeing one in Gainesville, BUT they stopped taking her insurance so - had to find a new one. She isn't having any new problems with her eyes - just time to check them out. So, we'll be on the road a bit on that day.

All of the kids are doing great. I have been so blessed with these kids - they are my life and I am so very proud of each and every one of them. I am one lucky MOM!

I hope that you all have a terrific Thanksgiving. I know it's a busy, busy time for most of you, but remember to take time out to appreciate the little things (that are really the big things). I read on another website - from a father who has recently lost his 9 year old son to cancer - and wanted to pass his words on to you.

"Count your blessings. Cherish every second you have with your children - appreciate it for what it is worth - every moment is priceless. When your child reaches for you to give you a hug, or stands on their tiptoes to kiss you, stop whatever you are doing and soak up that love that your child so freely gives"

... Great advice!

Peace & Happy Thanksgiving to all,
Tammy, Lacie, Kacie, Ben & Stacie
"THE WESTONS"

PS - LEAVE US A MESSAGE!!

Wednesday, November 17, 2004

Hey friends & family! About time for another update, huh? I wish I had some exciting stories to tell, but truthfully, things have been pretty ordinary around here.

Lacie is doing very well. She still hasn't been on that date. I sure hope it happens - she was so very excited about the "possibility"! We're not giving up. Lacie has a few friends/family working on making sure that she gets her date - if not, she says that she wants her money back! Haha!

Kacie Faye is feeling a little under the weather today. She woke up last night feeling nauseaus(SP?) so I let her stay home from school today. Hopefully, it's just a little tummy bug that won't last long - and won't spread around the family. We don't need that.

Stacie is doing well. I am looking forward to Monday when she and I will be attending a "dress-up" Thanksgiving Tea at her elementary school. We will be making finger sandwiches on Sunday to take to the tea. I enjoy these special functions with her. It seems like I missed too many of these things with my older kids because of work. Thankfully, I have learned that these little things are far, far more important that a few hours pay.

Ben - is doing okay. He seems to be doing a little better in school, but still isn't putting forth the effort that he needs to. All of his teachers agree that he is exceptionally smart, just doesn't DO. I have to say though that I am extremely proud of him for the improvements that he has definitely made - this year is way better than last year.

As for me, I'm doing well. Working everyday - and not getting much else done. My house is a wreck, but I'll get to it eventually. Yeah?

Thanks to all of you for checking in on us. Please leave a message in the guestbook so we'll know you were here.

Love & Peace,
Tammy

Wednesday, November 3, 2004 10:54 AM CST

Hello friends & family. Hope you are all doing well. No complaints here! We are doing well.

It’s been a sad few days lately as two kids from the “Caringbridge family” (Conner & Cheyenne) have earned their Angel Wings. Pray for these families who have lost their beloved children this week. Links to their websites are below. After visiting some of these site, you will understand just how important, encouraging and inspiring these websites are.

It is so hard for me – I’ve been following these kids webpages for months and to turn on the computer and see that they have passed is very heart-wrenching. These families have been such an inspiration to me and to so many others as they have shared their journey with us – the good days and the bad days. I have to say that the CaringBridge organization has meant so very much to me as well as all of the others who have used it. I think all of the families with a CaringBridge website have found writing in their “electronic journal” and being able to share information with family and friends so easily has been the best therapy, and also has made the journey so much easier. I can’t imagine having to make phone call after phone call to update everyone on Lacie’s progress – the service that CaringBridge offers (at no cost to the users) is amazing. I urge you to visit CaringBridge at www.caringbridge.org/aboutus - click on the Fall Newsletter link to read more about what this service means to the families who use it. AND if you are able to help support the mission of this terrific web site, please do so. There are many ways that you can help and you’ll find them on the website.

Also, in addition to the families mentioned above, our friend Kody is recovering in the hospital after brain surgery on Monday of last week. He is continuing to improve and hopefully will be going home soon. A link to Kody's site is also below. Lacie and Kody are “camp mates” every summer for a week in Florida and let me tell you – this is one very special little boy – with a very special family too! We just love all of the K-Gang (as they are known).

Lacie is doing really well. She is so into her crafts!! She is making some really beautiful stuff. Some of our local friends and family members have had the privilege to see some of the lovely things she has been making, but….. yall just wait until Christmas. She is working on some special gifts – made with lots of love by my very own Superstar for some special people in her life. She is very, very creative. Last night, Lacie, Stacie and I had a “brainstorming session” and came up with some great craft ideas for Lacie to work on. Now – it’s just a matter of getting all of her supplies together. Thanks to the best grandpa in the world, he’s been “financing” Lacie’s craft habits. If any one out there would like to make her day – send her a Walmart gift card. You have never seen a more happier child than Lacie in the craft section of Walmart with some $$ to spend!

Lacie’s sisters and brother are doing well too. Report cards (mid term) will be coming home next week – I am looking forward to having four excellent report cards (OK – except for Ben’s PE grade). That boy!! Can you believe he’s doing so great in all of his classes – except PE. He either doesn’t dress out, doesn’t participate, walks instead of running – I guess he just simply doesn’t like PE – oh well Ben, you’ve got to do it!!

Well – that’s it for this update. Please remember our CaringBridge friends and their families in your prayers. I know that they would appreciate some encouraging messages left in their guestbooks. Unless you have been through something like childhood cancer, you cannot imagine how much a simple message from a total stranger means to these families in crisis. Also, want to mention, if you know of anyone with a medical condition (child or adult), please tell them about CaringBridge – they can set up their own webpage at no cost and it is very, very simple to get started.

OK – yall take care! Remember to leave a message in Lacie’s guestbook too. She loves getting new messages and checks for them quite regularly!

Love & Peace,

Tammy (Lacie’s Mom)

Wednesday, October 27, 2004 8:38 AM CDT

Hi everyone! What's up? Not a whole lot here. I just thought I'd do an update since work is a little slow this morning. We are all doing fine. Lacie has been staying at school for an extra hour this week to catch up on some of her work and I don't think she's liking it very much. She has this "bad habit" of working or studying through her lunch period - therefore, not eating lunch. It wasn't so bad when she got out at 2:15 - I'd take her to get some FOOD before picking up the other kids at 3:20, but now, she's staying until 3:20 and when I get her, she's tired and has a headache - from not eating lunch I'm sure. I tell her how important it is to EAT LUNCH! Maybe she needs to hear it from some of you guys too!! hehe! She's going to be mad at me for that - she doesn't like it when we "bug" her to eat!! Oh well, part of it! Her EX-therapists (Wendy & Elisa) came to visit her on Saturday - bringing with them Wendy's new daughter, Lexie. Lacie so enjoyed seeing them and spending time holding, cuddling and feeding this beautiful little baby! Thanks so much to Ms. Wendy & Ms. Elisa for being such good friends to Lacie - she loves you both (and Lexie) so very much.

Kacie is doing well. She's still working at McDonalds on weekends and 1 or 2 evenings during the week. I guess she likes it okay for now. One day, when she starts driving, she can find her a job that's more "fun". Fast food sucks! Anyway, she has enjoyed going to G.A.'s football games this season - her Friday nite out! The "Red Terrors" started off great, but the last few games they've not done so well - no playoffs this year. But oh well, at least Kacie Faye has had FUN!! I guess basketball season is next - I know she's going to want to go to those games too!! Maybe the basketball team will do better than the football team. We'll see.

Ben has been doing good too! No trouble out of him lately - can ya believe that! I know he's still being a little slacker in P.E., but he's actually doing very, very well in his other classes. Report cards come home on November 8th so we'll see! Ben is into the skateboarding thing lately. There's a new skateboard park here that he likes to go to. Guess Santa Claus will be bringing Ben a skateboard this year. They also have local bands who have concerts there and he likes to go to those. Us girls stay away from those things - we call it "freak music" - that loud, head-banging, guitar-clanging stuff. Ben likes it.

And Stacie is doing great. She had her ears pierced for the first time for her birthday in September and it's finally time for her to take those out and put in some new earrings. She thinks she is grown and wants to put in some of her sister's big hoop earrings - I don't think so Missy! We'll have to go shopping this weekend for some small hoops for my little princess!! I took Stacie, Hannah & Bebe to the fair on Saturday - that was fun! This was the first year that Stacie has rode the "Big Kid" rides - I have to say I was very impressed at some of the rides she got on! Watching Stacie reminded me of Lacie - she was always the first one in line to ride those scary, fast, spinning rides!!

Last but not least (haha) is ME!! I'm doing great. I will say again how nice it is to be back at work! It's been a whole month already - time really flies when you're having fun! My house is getting pretty messy though!! HELP!

Well, this weekend is Halloween. Our family is planning to go to First Baptist's Fall Festival on Sunday afternoon instead of doing the big Trick or Treat thing. Sounds like more fun! You all keep safe this Halloween!!!

Til next time,

Love & Peace,
Tammy

Tuesday, October 19, 2004 10:50 AM CDT

Hey everybody! Hope you all are doing well. We are!!

We took Lacie to Gainesville yesterday for an MRI and doctor appointment and I am so happy to come home with a great report! Lacie's MRI showed NO tumor growth - possibly a little more shrinkage than her last MRI but we'll have to wait for the "official" radiologist report on that. Her oncologist looked at the scan and compared it to her previous scans and told us that it looks smaller than before! So, we will continue with the medications she is on and we don't have to go back to Gainesville for 3 months! Yeah!!!

Lacie continues to feel really good. Her only complaints are HOME WORK! She is working so hard to stay caught up with her classes, but she does work at a slower pace than the other kids in her class and sometimes it gets her a little frustrated. However, her teachers have been excellent in working with her and allowing her more time to finish her assignments. Still, it's alot of work for her.

Well, this is short, but I've got work to do myself so I better get busy!! Thanks so much for checking in - please leave us a message so we'll know you were here!

Lotsa Love,
Tammy & family

Wednesday, October 13, 2004 11:46 AM CDT

Hello everyone! Just a quick update to let you all know that we are doing fine! We had such a good time last Saturday - celebrating my 40th birthday. It was great to gather with my family and terrific friends. We are truly blessed to have all these wonderful people in our lives.

Lacie will be having her next MRI on Monday, October 18th. Please pray that the results will be positive. She is having no problems to indicate that the results won't be good - so we are very optimistic about this clinic visit.

I haven't forgotten about the old, old pictures that are posted here on this webpage - I still plan on putting some more current pictures here very soon!!

Well, that's it for today. Thanks for checking in on us!

Peace,
Tammy, Lacie, Kacie, Ben & Stacie

Tuesday, October 5, 2004 11:31 AM CDT

Hello friends & family! Great News – I’m working again!!! It’s about time, huh? Well, I got lucky. I just happened to stop by to visit my “A&G family” last week, only to find out that my replacement (the 3rd or 4th) had quit. Talk about perfect timing. So, I offered my services on a part time basis and here I am!! Yeah! I am back in my old office doing my old job (Administrative Secretary) that I did for years - just part time now. I did work some at the beginning of this year, but that was as receptionist. I like being the secretary a lot better! And my schedule works out perfect (8:30-2:00) so I can still take Lacie to school and pick her up at 2:15. I am so glad to be back here – I love my job!!! And I’ll be able to update this page on a more regular basis. I was looking in the photo album yesterday and cannot believe that I haven’t updated the pictures there in a year – the ones there are from the Homecoming Dance in 2003. I’ll get some newer pictures on here really soon!

Lacie is doing great. Her appointment in Gainesville last week went fine. They just asked a million questions, took some blood and said that they’ll discuss the results with us when she goes back on October 18th. Dr. Silverstein didn’t see any reason to be concerned. So, on the 18th, Lacie will have an MRI, see Dr. Smith (oncology) and the endocrinologist – sounds like a long, long day!

Kacie, Ben and Stacie are all doing good too! Kacie is still working at McDonalds, but only on the weekends and one weeknight every now and then. Stacie is cheerleading for her cousin, Cole’s football team and I have to say, is such a cute little thing! So, we have cheerleading practice twice a week and games on Saturday. It’s been a while since we’ve been involved in any sporting activities, so we’re really having a good time. And our team (the Lions) are actually pretty good!! Not much going on with Ben - I guess that's a good thing! He's doing pretty good in school and not getting in trouble at home - improvement from last year! I'm really proud of him for trying to do better this school year!

Well, before I finish this update, I have to let you all know that this Saturday I will be celebrating my 40th Birthday!!!! We will have a cookout/party Saturday evening at our house – so any of you who can, please stop by – the more the merrier!!! Not only is it my birthday, but it’s also Rhonda’s (my OLDER sister) birthday on Thursday and Penny’s (my OLDER friend) is on Sunday. We are looking forward to having some great food and great fun!! Kids are invited too!!!

Well, that’s it for this update! Thank you all for continuing to check in on us!

Love & Peace,
Tammy

Thursday, September 30, 2004 9:52 AM CDT

Hi everyone! It's me - I'm back!!! haha!!

Hope you all are doing well. We are fine here!! First of all, I want to thank Crystal for ordering me to update this page, however, I want her to know that just because she's gone off to college doesn't mean that I'm at her house all the time! Crystal, your mom still won't let me hang out over there because I have too many kids!! haha! That's a joke - Crystal will get it!

Anyway, Lacie is doing just great. She went to their schools homecoming game last Friday with Kacie, Shayla, and Timmy and had a great time. The Red Terrors were victorious, that makes them 3-1 so far! Lacie enjoyed a night out with her friends without ME tagging along. And then on Saturday night, the same foursome went to the Homecoming Dance and had another great time!! She and Timmy had their photo taken - can't wait to see them! A good and busy weekend for Lacie! Schools were closed here on Monday and Tuesday (we were expecting Hurricane weather) so Lacie got those extra days to rest up! Anyway, she is doing great in school - an A, two B's and two C's on her 6-week progress report - room for improvement, but not too bad!!

We are going to Gainesville tomorrow to see the endocrinologist for the first time. Not sure what they're going to do, just blood work I suppose and take it from there. I will update again soon & let you all know what happens. Her next MRI is on October 18th.

The other kids are doing great as well. Kacie made all A's and B's - Stacie made all A's - and Ben, he is doing way way better than last year. Many of you may recall that Ben really did bad last year and ended up having to repeat 9th grade this year. I am please to say that he is passing! He's having it rough in Physical Science, hopefully that'll improve before the end of the semester.

Well, that's it for this update. Thanks to all of you for checking in! Lots of love, until next time.......

Peace,
Tammy

Monday, September 13, 2004 5:35 PM CDT

Hi - another quick & late update!! Things are going well here!! Not much to report. We are going to Valdosta this weekend - Wild Adventures - thanks to our friends at Camp Sunshine! The kids are really excited - and who knows, maybe they'll get MOM on one of those crazy rollercoasters!! OK, so I'm excited too!! Hopefully the weather will be nice with no hurricanes (hehe) in sight!!

Lacie goes to Gainesville on October 1st for her first appt with an endocrinologist - to check her hormone production and stuff like that. Then back again on the 18th for MRI and to see her oncologist! She is doing great lately. She's enjoying school - especially the sign language class. The class (along with the hearing impaired students of our county) are having Field Day next Friday and she's looking forward to that. Sounds like fun!

Kacie is doing good too! She's working at McDonalds - only about 10-15 hours a week now that's school has started. She likes having her own money!!

Stacie is doing great. She's gone to the mall with our friend DeeAnna as I'm writing - to get her ears pierced for the first time! She's was so excited when they left the house earlier. It's a late birthday present from Dee! Stacie turned 9 year old last Tuesday!

Ben is doing so much better! He's making great grades - A's & B's in most of his classes!! I'm really proud of him this year. I'm actually looking forward to seeing his progress report next week!! WOW!!!

Well, like I said, this is a short one! Thanks to all of you for checking in!! Please leave a message so we'll know you were here!

Oh No! Before I go - I have got to say hey to my BURGER!!! (She better be checking this page and see this)
My very very special niece is now a freshman at LaGrange College!! Crystal "Burger", I love you so much and I'm so proud of you!! We are all so proud of you!!!

OK - until next time,

Peace & Love,
Tammy - Lacie - Kacie - Ben - Stacie

Monday, August 16, 2004 9:53 AM CDT

Hello friends & family,

So sorry for the long, long overdue update. First, we are all doing great. Lacie and her sisters/brother are back in school - thank goodness. We had a fun summer, but it did get pretty boring towards the end!

So - what's been going on you ask? Lacie is great. She had a check up and MRI last month and the tumor has remain unchanged. We are glad of that. She's back in school, taking 2 more classes than she did last year. Hopefully it won't be too much on her. She get's out of school at 2:15 this year, only an hour earlier than her sister and brother. Today is only their 3rd day back at school but they all seem to be glad to be back. Lacie went to 2 camps this summer and had a great time! We go back to Gainesville in mid-Sept to see an Endocrinologist - Lacie has stopped having a menstrual period and so they are going to check that out. Her next MRI is scheduled for October. She continues to feel fine and is excited about this school year.

Kacie is doing well too! She got a summer job at McDonalds and has enjoyed having her own money to spend. Believe me, she spends it too!! She got her own cell phone and she is very proud of that. She also went to camp this year with the youth group of our church. They spent a week in Panama City, FL and had a great time!

Same for Stacie - she's doing great! My baby is in third grade this year and I have to say, she was the most excited about going back to school!! She's still in the gifted program this year and is looking forward to all the fun extra stuff she'll get to do with the gifted class.

Ben - good too! He just continue's to grow and grow. He came in the kitchen the other day and said, "OH MY GOSH, MOM LOOK! I'M TALLER THAN THE REFRIGERATOR!" It was so funny!! Actually, he has been taller than the fridge, but I guess he just noticed that! Usually his head is in the fridge, not on top of it!! I am hoping and praying than Ben will have a better year in school this year. He seems to have a better attitude going into it - better than last!!

Now for me - I'm doing well too. A little lonely, but that's another story that we won't get into!! As most of you know, me and the kids moved into our own place in May and it's been a lot of work fixing it up but it's our nice little home now and we love it. Our finances are really tight (have been all summer) so I haven't signed up for internet service yet - I just don't feel good about adding another bill to the many I have already - so that's why I haven't updated in so long. I haven't been working this summer so it's been hard just to keep food on the table, much less splurge on internet service. Things are looking better now so hopefully, we'll be hooked up to the internet at home soon! I'm at a friends house (thanks Randy) now and figured I'd take advantage of his computer while I have the chance!!

I hope you are all doing well. Thanks so much to all of you who have continued to check in - only to find no new information! I hope that I can find the time and energy to update more often. I'm so sorry - I've been in a slump and just haven't felt like doing much - especially if means I have to leave the comfort of my house! But I feel myself snapping out of it - I'll be my normal happy self soon, I promise!!

Even though these updates have become few and are between, I want you all to know that you mean so much to us. Please leave us a message so we'll know you were here!

PS - Our new phone number is 912-265-9481, we'd love you hear from our friends!!

Much love & peace.

Tammy

Sunday, June 27, 2004 11:40 AM CDT

Hello everyone! Another long, long overdue update. I'm so sorry. We've moved and don't have internet service at home yet. Thought I'd update while visiting with my sister, Rhonda & Crystal. Anyway, things are going great here. Lacie has been to Boggy Creek Camp in Florida and to Camp Sunshine in Atlanta since my last update. She had such a good time and I'm so glad to see the messages from some of her new friends from camp! She flew to Atlanta and back again this year all by herself. The flight there was delayed because of bad weather. She said it wasn't so bad though - just a little bumpy. We've been having a lot of rain and thunderstorms lately here in Georgia! Hopefully I can upload some of her camp pictures soon.

Tomorrow, the other three kids are going off for a week at camp. Stacie's first year at Camp Woodman (here in Brunswick) and Ben's sixth (or so) year. Kacie is going to Panama City, FL with the youth from our wonderful church. She's so excited about this trip and I'm so glad that she is able to go!!

Well, sorry that this is short. We are all fine & I'll let you all know when we do have internet service at home. In the mean time, please leave us a message. Thanks to all of you for checking in!

Much Love,
Tammy, Lacie, Kacie, Ben & Stacie

Wednesday, June 9, 2004 7:51 AM CDT

Hi! I did an update last week, but apparently it got lost - never made it to the webpage. I hate it when that happens. Things are going well here. Lacie just returned yesterday from a week at Boggy Creek Camp in Florida and she had a terrific time! She's only home for four days and flies to Atlanta on Sunday for Camp Sunshine. She said that she got a little homesick the first couple of days at camp but after she got to know her cabin-mates better, she wasn't home sick anymore! I can't hardly wait to get her photos developed and we'll post some here for all to see!

Well, this is short, but I'm at work and can't spend too much time doing this! Just wanted you all to know that we are moved into our new place and loving it and all is well!

We do not have internet yet at home so please forgive us for not updating more often or returning your emails.

Love to all,
Tammy

Wednesday, June 9, 2004 7:51 AM CDT

Hi! I did an update last week, but apparently it got lost - never made it to the webpage. I hate it when that happens. Things are going well here. Lacie just returned yesterday from a week at Boggy Creek Camp in Florida and she had a terrific time! She's only home for four days and flies to Atlanta on Sunday for Camp Sunshine. She said that she got a little homesick the first couple of days at camp but after she got to know her cabin-mates better, she wasn't home sick anymore! I can't hardly wait to get her photos developed and we'll post some here for all to see!

Well, this is short, but I'm at work and can't spend too much time doing this! Just wanted you all to know that we are moved into our new place and loving it and all is well!

We do not have internet yet at home so please forgive us for not updating more often or returning your emails.

Love to all,
Tammy

Wednesday, June 9, 2004 7:51 AM CDT

Hi! I did an update last week, but apparently it got lost - never made it to the webpage. I hate it when that happens. Things are going well here. Lacie just returned yesterday from a week at Boggy Creek Camp in Florida and she had a terrific time! She's only home for four days and flies to Atlanta on Sunday for Camp Sunshine. She said that she got a little homesick the first couple of days at camp but after she got to know her cabin-mates better, she wasn't home sick anymore! I can't hardly wait to get her photos developed and we'll post some here for all to see!

Well, this is short, but I'm at work and can't spend too much time doing this! Just wanted you all to know that we are moved into our new place and loving it and all is well!

We do not have internet yet at home so please forgive us for not updating more often or returning your emails.

Love to all,
Tammy

Monday, June 7, 2004 10:08 AM CDT

Another overdue update - sorry!! Lacie went off to Camp Boggy Creek last Wednesday - it's been so quiet around the house with her gone! She is coming home tomorrow though, and I'm glad cause I've really missed her! She was so excited when we dropped her off at camp last week and saw so many familiar faces from last year at camp. I am sure that she has been having a blast all week and probably not looking forward to coming home tomorrow. She'll only be home for 4 days then she's flying to Atlanta for a week at Camp Sunshine. She's such a traveler!

The other kids are doing great. They are a little bored being out of school and you know, us poor people can't afford to do much. I'm going to take next week off of work and spend some time with them at the beach. I thought about taking this week off because of the BIG G-8 conference that's going on here in our little town. I don't think they are letting too much traffic onto the Islands and Brunswick is like a ghost town this morning. I think everyone who could left town and a lot of business closed down for this week. Strange. Anyway, I figured I'd take next week off instead of this one.

We are finally all moved into our new house. It has been so much work getting this raggedy beatup house back into shape. I have to say that it is so nice - the cutest house we've lived in!! One downfall - only one bathroom! We'll live with that.

Well, gotta get back to work. I'll update again soon!

Love & Peace,
Tammy

Monday, June 7, 2004 10:08 AM CDT

Another overdue update - sorry!! Lacie went off to Camp Boggy Creek last Wednesday - it's been so quiet around the house with her gone! She is coming home tomorrow though, and I'm glad cause I've really missed her! She was so excited when we dropped her off at camp last week and saw so many familiar faces from last year at camp. I am sure that she has been having a blast all week and probably not looking forward to coming home tomorrow. She'll only be home for 4 days then she's flying to Atlanta for a week at Camp Sunshine. She's such a traveler!

The other kids are doing great. They are a little bored being out of school and you know, us poor people can't afford to do much. I'm going to take next week off of work and spend some time with them at the beach. I thought about taking this week off because of the BIG G-8 conference that's going on here in our little town. I don't think they are letting too much traffic onto the Islands and Brunswick is like a ghost town this morning. I think everyone who could left town and a lot of business closed down for this week. Strange. Anyway, I figured I'd take next week off instead of this one.

We are finally all moved into our new house. It has been so much work getting this raggedy beatup house back into shape. I have to say that it is so nice - the cutest house we've lived in!! One downfall - only one bathroom! We'll live with that.

Well, gotta get back to work. I'll update again soon!

Love & Peace,
Tammy

Monday, June 7, 2004 10:08 AM CDT

Another overdue update - sorry!! Lacie went off to Camp Boggy Creek last Wednesday - it's been so quiet around the house with her gone! She is coming home tomorrow though, and I'm glad cause I've really missed her! She was so excited when we dropped her off at camp last week and saw so many familiar faces from last year at camp. I am sure that she has been having a blast all week and probably not looking forward to coming home tomorrow. She'll only be home for 4 days then she's flying to Atlanta for a week at Camp Sunshine. She's such a traveler!

The other kids are doing great. They are a little bored being out of school and you know, us poor people can't afford to do much. I'm going to take next week off of work and spend some time with them at the beach. I thought about taking this week off because of the BIG G-8 conference that's going on here in our little town. I don't think they are letting too much traffic onto the Islands and Brunswick is like a ghost town this morning. I think everyone who could left town and a lot of business closed down for this week. Strange. Anyway, I figured I'd take next week off instead of this one.

We are finally all moved into our new house. It has been so much work getting this raggedy beatup house back into shape. I have to say that it is so nice - the cutest house we've lived in!! One downfall - only one bathroom! We'll live with that.

Well, gotta get back to work. I'll update again soon!

Love & Peace,
Tammy

Monday, May 24, 2004 10:00 AM CDT

Hi everyone! Wow! Finally, I have a chance to update! We've been really busy around here!

School is finally out for the summer! The kids are so glad to have a break. Unfortunately, I have to work (still just part time though). Lacie leaves for camp in Florida next Wednesday for a week. She's really looking forward to that. Then, she comes home for four days and leaves again for Camp Sunshine in Atlanta. She will by flying there and back again this year!!

We have been in the process of moving all week. OK - we haven't been moving, just fixing up the place that we are moving to. Painting, patching, etc. - thank goodness I have some wonderful friends and sisters to help me out. Hopefully, we'll be done with most of the work by tomorrow and can start moving furniture in.

Relay for Life was a week ago and I have to say that it was a blast. Ben dressed in drag and entered the MISS RELAY contest. It was so funny seeing him in a dress, wig, makeup, etc. I will post some pictures soon!! He's such a good sport and I'm so proud of him for raising almost $200 for the fight against cancer! GO BEN!!

Lacie is doing really well! She is excited about having her own bedroom in our new place!! We spent all day yesterday painting it COSMO PINK!! It looks so good in there! Can't wait to get her pretty white furniture in there and get it all fixed up! This is the first time she's ever had a room of her own - her and Kacie have always shared a room. Needless to say, Kacie is getting her own bedroom too - her color is PEACE LILY - a light yellow-greenish color that looks really nice too!

Well, I've got lots of work to do, so I better git!! I hope you all are doing well!! Leave us a message so we'll know you were here - we love hearing from you all.

Peace & may God bless you,
Tammy

Thursday, May 13, 2004 8:48 AM CDT

Another quick update to let you all know that Monday's trip to Gainesville was a good one! Lacie's MRI showed NO growth compared to the last 2 MRI's (Feb & Sept). Her doctor said that it's hard to tell for sure, but there are some areas that appear smaller than before! YeeHaw!! We are so pleased with these results and I want to thank all of you for your thoughts and prayers!!! We love yall!!

Well, it's real busy this morning so I have to make this short!

Love,
Tammy & family

Friday, May 7, 2004 10:46 AM CDT

Hi friends & family! I only have a minute to update but wanted you all to know that Lacie's MRI and doctor appointment is on Monday - May 10th. Please say some special prayers for her/us and that her tumor is still stable (or smaller, or gone). We just want positive results and your prayers certainly help and mean a lot.

Kacie's bloodwork came back totally normal. She hasn't had any rashes in about 10 days or so. That's great!!!

Ben and Stacie are doing great too!

Well, I gotta go!!

I'll be back next week to let you know about our trip to Gainesville.

Love,
Tammy


PS - HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!!!!!!!!!!1

Tuesday, April 27, 2004 9:18 AM CDT

Hello – another past due update, but here I am! We have made the appointment for Lacie’s next MRI. It will be on Monday, May 10th – the day after Mother’s Day. I remember 3 years ago on Mothers day – it was the day after Lacie’s surgery to remove the brain tumor; the day our lives were so changed. Needless to say, memories of that time are haunting me as I try to prepare myself for May 10, 2004 – Lacie’s first MRI since chemo treatment stopped in February. I have two more weeks of pure stress – or worry – whatever you want to call it. I keep trying to tell myself that I worry too much – that God is in control and I don’t have to worry – it’s not helping – I’m still totally stressed out with no relief in site. Help?!?!?!?!?!

OK – enough about me, hehe! Lacie is doing really good except for that leg pain that has flared up again. She’s doing great in school and in therapy. Her “ex-therapist” Elisa took Lacie and Kacie to the beach on Saturday. While they were gone, Stacie and Ben went over to my Cissy’s house and I was able to meet up with Gary at the marina and take a nice boat ride for a couple of hours. Wow – it was such a beautiful day and so nice to be floating down the river with no one yelling “MOM!” We tried to catch a fish – OK, I’m not much into fishing, but Gary tried – with no luck. He caught a stingray though and of course, threw it back. I don’t think there were any fish in the river that day.

I had to take Kacie to the doctor yesterday. She’s been breaking out in hives all over and we can’t figure out why. I’ve changed soaps, detergents, etc and it’s happening less frequently, but it’s still happening. A couple of times her lip swelled up and really freaked her out. She’s started on medication to help with the hives and I have to take her to have some blood work done one morning this week. Needless to say (again), the thought of Kacie having blood work done kind of freaks me out a bit. Lacie has had SO MUCH blood work done over these last three years and it doesn’t sit well with me that now Kacie needs blood work. OK – I’m an “out of control” worrier.

Ben and Stacie are doing good. Stacie went to the beach with our neighbors and got a little sun burnt. Her pretty little face is RED! Next time, I’ll put sun screen on her before she goes!! She’s doing great in school and is simply, my little princess!! Ben – I’m proud to say – hasn’t been in trouble in a month. No phone calls from teachers, no letters from the school office, no detention, no Saturday School! Wow! I hope he continues to do well. He still needs to bring his grades up and is working on that. Who knows, maybe he will pass a class this semester. Wouldn’t that be great!!

Well, that’s it for this update. I hope you are all doing well. Thanks for checking in on us – it means so much! Please leave a message so we’ll know you were here.

Love & Peace,
Tammy

Tuesday, April 13, 2004 9:43 AM CDT

Hello friends & family,

I hope this finds all of you well and hope you all had a very Happy Easter! We sure did. We made it to church Sunday morning – it was great to be there!! We had a BIG dinner at my parents house and on to my sister’s house for the BIG egg hunt!! It was a beautiful day for it!

The kids are back in school this week after being out all last week for Spring Break. We went over to the beach a couple of days and went on a shopping spree (haha) one day. Other than that, it was pretty quiet.

Lacie continues to do really well. Her friend Timmy came to visit this past weekend. Lacie was a bit upset because he promised to go to church with us on Sunday and then he overslept and didn’t make it. Lacie’s feelings were hurt and believe me, she let Timmy know how disappointed she was. I felt so bad for her. Timmy means a lot to her – he has been a good friend to Lacie for a long time and she was so looking forward to him being there Sunday morning. Still, he did “get out of bed” and meet her at her grandparents house for Easter dinner. She’s feeling better now, but says that she’s still a little mad.

The other kids are doing well. Kacie amazes me at how fast she is turning into a young woman. I cannot believe that my girls will be Juniors in high school next year. That just floors me! Stacie is growing up to. She is very excited about a field trip she is taking with her gifted class tomorrow to the Raptor Center and Museum at Georgia Southern University! She has her camera ready and her $5 spending cash – she’s ready!! And Ben – wow – he hasn’t gotten in any trouble in 3 weeks!! Needless to say – I am so glad of that.

Well, not much else to report. I’ll update again soon and post pictures of some real beach babes!!!

Love to all,
Tammy

Tuesday, March 23, 2004 10:13 AM CST

Hey Yall! Surprised to see me update again so soon? Well, there’s not much going on here at work, so why not? We had a beautiful weekend – unfortunately, it’s turned kinda cold again. Saturday was my clean-up day. I gave the teenagers some $$$ and dropped them off at the mall for a couple of hours – just to get them out of my hair so I could get things done. Stacie hung out with her friend who lives next door and I tackled the laundry. Sunday, we all loaded up and went over to the beach on Jekyll Island. We met my sister, Cissy (aka Lisa) and her “bunch”. This was the first time I’ve been to the beach with all the kids in years!! It was a little windy, but still a great beach day. Kacie, Lacie and I enjoyed just sitting in the sun. Ben and Stacie actually played in the water some, but it was FREEZING!!! (Or so they said) After an hour or so of “sun bathing”, we walked up to the picnic tables and grilled sausage, hotdogs and hamburgers – we had a picnic!!! It was really nice. Half way to Jekyll, I remembered my camera. Oops! So we didn’t take any pictures – sorry! But we plan on doing it again before it gets TOO HOT, and I will not forget my camera next time. I do realize that the pictures here in the “photo album” are from October last year. I really need to update there! It will happen!!!

The kid’s high school is administering the “Graduation Test” today. My kids aren’t taking it yet, but their schedules have been flipped around to accommodate for the testing. So, Lacie is going to school during the afternoon hours instead of the morning hours today. I came on in to work this morning and she stayed with her Nanny & Papa. She gets really spoiled there! Her Papa gave her a ride to school – she had to be there at 10:40. Well, she could’ve waited until 11:30, but her & Kacie got together and sweet-talked Papa into picking up lunch at McDonalds for them and their buddy, Shayla. So, Lacie will get to school at 10:40 – in time to have lunch with her sister and with Shayla – thanks to Papa!! Bless their hearts, they have lunch at this same time every day – kinda early for lunch in my opinion. Needless to say, Kacie is starving when school gets out at 3:30. I don’t think she eats too much “school food” anyway – she’s so, so picky and of course thinks that it’s nasty, so today will be a real treat for her – good food for lunch for a change!

Lacie continues to do really well. She has made some friends at physical therapy – a couple of older (mid-20’s) guys who are both in wheelchairs have therapy during the same time she is there. Well, we know Lacie – she is a bit boy crazy, and she thinks these two guys are so cute!! (and they are!). She so enjoys talking with them. I have to say, it’s been a while since Lacie has wanted to skip therapy!! She’s taking her camera with her tomorrow so she can get some pictures with them for her scrap book!! Maybe we’ll post them here for you all to see!

Well, not much going on around here. I cannot believe that March is almost over already. Time definitely is flying by. After next week, the kids will have a week off for Spring Break. I think this is the first time in about 5 or 6 years that we aren’t taking a trip anywhere. Stacie is a little bummed about that, but hopefully the weather will be nice and we can get out and do some things right here in our little town!

Well, that’s it for this update. I hope that you all are doing well! Leave a message for Lacie – she really does check them every day and it would mean a lot to her to know that you were here!

Happy Spring,

Tammy

Friday, March 19, 2004 8:39 AM CST

Hello friends & family,
Sorry (again) for the delay in updating. Seems like I start off every update with that same line! This is going to be short since I'm at work. Things are going well here. Lacie continues to show wonderful progress with her balancing issues. Her new therapist is tough, but it is really paying off! And Lacie is working so very hard! I'm so proud of her. She is doing great in school but is ready for a little break. They will be out of school the week of April 5th for Spring Break and hopefully we'll have great weather so we can get out and do some things. It would be nice to go over to the beach - it's been soooo long since we've been there. Nothing much to report about, we're just taking it a day at a time and every day, God is so good to us!

Well, I was hoping to write a little longer than this, but these phones are ringing off the hook so I better close for now! I hope you are all doing well. Thank you for continuously checking in on Lacie. Please leave a message in the guestbook so she'll know you were here!

Love & Peace,
Tammy

Thursday, March 4, 2004 7:44 PM CST

Hello friends & family! Hope you are all doing well. Life is good here and full of blessings. Gary & I had a date tonight - haha!! Seriously, we left the kids at home (with pizza) and we went out for dinner at our favorite, Frederica House. WOW - it was so yummy! It's 8:45pm now. Gary came home and took his full tummy straight to bed. Ofcourse, I had a few kids to kiss and tuck it, so I'm still up, but not for long! Just want to say that is was so nice to have a night out!! The food was great, the company was great, and it was just a great evening.

Kids are doing fine. Lacie is doing wonderfully. She has completed her last cycle of chemo and is glad of that. Her physical therapist is so proud of her and the progress she is making. As you may remember, she started with a new therapist a couple of months ago and they have been working really hard on her balancing problems and I have to say that she is progressing nicely!! I am so excited and looking forward to the day when she is able to stand up and walk on her own. We will never give up!!!!!!!!!

Kacie and Stacie are doing very well. They are both doing excellent in school and just two of the very best daughters a Mom could ask for. If either of you are reading this - I love you both so much and appreciate all that you do as "Mommy's Helpers". Especially you, Kacie - bet you didn't think I noticed how much laundry you've done these past few days~ I love you & appreciate all that you do around here!!!

Ben - well, he needs your prayers. He's struggling again this second semester. I have to say that he started off doing really well, but that first "mess up" just seemed to trigger more and more "mess ups". Ben still isn't taking school seriously and failing 9th grade just doesn't seem to matter to him. I don't know what to do with him. I hate to say that he may not be able to continue at Glynn Academy. "Alternative" school may be our only option for the remainder of this year and then he can start 9th grade again (all over again) in the Fall. I pray that Ben will straighten up - and would greatly appreciate your prayers for Ben also.

One more prayer request - please include the family of Monique Spencer in your prayers. Monique is the young girl I spoke of back in April, 2003. Well, at 16 years old, Monique passed away last week. Her family has been in my thoughts all week long and I just pray that they can find comfort in knowing that Monique is happy now and free of all illness and handicaps that she experienced here on earth.

Thank you all for checking in on us!!

Peace,
Tammy

Friday, February 20, 2004 10:40 AM CST

Hey Yall!! Thank goodness it’s Friday!!

I wanted to do a quick update to ask you all to keep your fingers crossed for my niece, Crystal, who is traveling to LaGrange this weekend to compete for college scholarships!!!! She is so smart and I’m sure that she’s going to do great, but it never hurts to have a few more people pulling for her! It blows me away that she’s all grown up and about to go off to college! Seems like yesterday she was just a baby sticking macaroni up her nose! HaHa!! Now, she is getting ready to finish high school and go off to college. I must add that she’s been on the A-B Honor Roll all of her years in school. Our whole family is so proud of her and knows that she will be successful in her competition this weekend and throughout her life. You Go Crystal!!!!!!! We’re hoping she comes home with a full scholarship so her MAMA can quit worrying about being POOR for the next four years (and beyond)!

I tell ya, it’s times like this when I realize just how fast time does fly by. Crystal is graduating this year, Kacie and Lacie will be going into the 11th grade! Unbelievable!!!! But it is such a joy watching our little baby girls turn in to beautiful and smart young ladies. Kacie has been so good lately that Gary made her wishes come true by getting her very own CELL PHONE! She was so upset because a lot of her friends got cell phones for Christmas but she didn’t. Gary & I went to pay our cell phone bill last weekend and decided, what the heck, let’s get Kacie a cell phone and she’ll love us forever!! I wish you all could’ve seen her when we got home and handed it over to her! She was so happy – and grateful – and excited!! She bounced around the living room like she’d just won the lottery or something! Now – if she’ll just stay within the limits of our plan!! So far, so good!!!

Well, I better go ahead and end this update, seeing as I am at work!! I hope that you are all doing well and please leave us a message in the guestbook so we’ll know that you were here!

Love & Peace,
Tammy

Wednesday, February 18, 2004 10:53 AM CST

Hello friends & family! Hope you are all doing well. I am pleased to tell you all that the results of Lacie’s MRI on Monday were good – the tumor remains stable, no changes since her last MRI that was done back in September, 2003. She just has a few more days of chemo. This is her last chemo cycle. Now, it’s time to give her body a break. Some of you may already know this, but one of the down sides of prolonged chemo-therapy treatment is that it puts the patient at a higher risk of developing secondary cancers (specifically leukemia). However, blood work done on Lacie in Gainesville shows no evidence of this. Her counts are strong – SHE is strong.

Lacie’s special friend, Timmy came to Brunswick and surprised her on Valentines Day. He was able to get a few days off of work and he accompanied us on our trip to Gainesville. Lacie was just tickled to have him there with her. I am so happy that Lacie has such a special person in her life. He has been a true friend who has been there for her through all of this consistently. There are a some of Lacie's friends (from before she was sick) who check in from time to time, but few like Timmy. He really makes her feel special and that is so important for a young teenager who’s going through such a crisis. I wish that there were more young people like him – he is so sincere in his love for Lacie, as is Lacie in her love for him. Good friends are hard to find in this day and time – I thank God that Lacie and Timmy have found a true friendship in each other.

OK – on to other things. Lacie received her paper work the other day to go to ROCK Camp again this summer. She had so much fun there last year! This is the camp that’s in Florida – only a couple of hours away so transportation is not an issue like the Atlanta camp. Anyway, she’ll be going to Florida for a week in June and she is really looking forward to seeing the friends that she made there last year. I’m really glad that she has this opportunity to get away from us for a week. It’s so important for her be on her own – even for just a few days. And speaking of the Atlanta camp – I’m sure she’ll go there again this summer too. We Will Get Her There!!!

Well, that’s it for today’s update. Please sign Lacie’s guestbook – she loves to hear from you all!

Love & Peace,
Tammy

Wednesday, February 11, 2004 10:24 AM CST

Hi Friends! I hope you all are doing well. We are good here. Having some nasty, rainy weather here – it’s supposed to continue for the next few days. Lacie and I were talking this morning about how much we are looking forward to Spring and Summer so we can get outside, have a picnic, go for a boat ride! We definitely enjoy the warmer weather better than this cold, wet stuff we have now. It won’t be long though.

We are getting ready for our trip to Gainesville on Monday. Lacie has an MRI on Monday and then a doctor’s appointment shortly after that. We are going to spend the night there because she has an appointment on Tuesday at the Eye Clinic. Hopefully, we’ll have time (and energy) to visit our friends at the Hope Lodge. Lacie made a lot of buddies while we “lived” there during her radiation treatment. It’s hard to believe that was two years ago. This May will be three years since Lacie’s diagnosis and surgery. Now that seems like a lifetime ago. Anyway, I am so glad that she is doing well and very hopeful and optimistic that we will see good results from this MRI next week. Still, I ask you all to say a special prayer that we will get excellent news on Monday.

Let’s see, what else is going on? Lacie is wanting to go to a Teen Retreat the first weekend in March at Camp Sunshine in Atlanta. It’s such a long drive to have her there on Friday and then pick her back up on Sunday. I don’t know what we’re going to do yet. I was thinking about spending the weekend somewhere around there instead of coming all the way back home, but that costs money, so I’ll have to wait and see how our financial situation looks then. If it doesn’t work out for her to go, she will still go to the week long camp there this summer, as well as the week long camp in Florida that she went to last summer. Actually, she went to both of these camps last summer. She flew to Atlanta last time – by herself. I didn’t like the idea of putting her on a plane then, but it was something she really wanted to do. Anyway, I still don’t like the idea, so I’d rather drive her if at all possible. Hopefully, she’ll get to go.

The other kids are also doing well. Ben is doing a lot better in school this semester. Hopefully he’ll keep it up for the rest of the school year.

Well, I better get busy! I’ll update again soon!

Peace,

Tuesday, February 3, 2004 10:29 AM CST

Hi Friends!

Hope you all are doing well today. We are all doing fine. Not much going on around here. Wanted to let you all know that Lacie is scheduled for her next MRI on Monday, February 16th. We are hoping and praying for excellent results so that she can stop chemotherapy. The plan is to stop chemo & do another MRI in 3-4 months to see if any changes occur. Please remember Lacie (and the rest of us) in your prayers.

Lacie and Kacie are looking forward to the Valentines Dance that their high school is having this weekend. Actually, I think Ben is wanting to go too, so I guess they’re all 3 looking forward to it. Gosh – I still can hardly believe that all of them are in high school. Time just goes by way too fast. Before I know it, Stacie will be there too!! It’s just not fair!!! Anyway, Lacie was hoping that her friend, Timmy could come to town and go to the dance with them, but he has to work and can’t make it. He did come in for a visit this past weekend so they got to spend some time together and she was just happy as a lark! Timmy is a good kid (well, I guess I should say “young man”) and has been such a wonderful friend and blessing to Lacie through these past few years. We all love Timmy a bunch!!

Not much else to say here – just take care, we love you all and please leave a message!!!

Love & Peace,
Tammy

Thursday, January 22, 2004 12:54 AM CST

Hi everyone! Just a VERY QUICK update to let you all know that things are going well here. I finally updated the home page photo - aren't they beautiful! That picture was taken a few days before Christmas and just brings such a smile to my face everytime I look at it!! So, thought I'd share a smile with you all today!

Sorry that this update is so short. I just wanted to let you all know that we're okay, just real busy!! I'll do a more lengthy update soon......., and add some newer photos to the album!

I'll be back!!!

Much love,
Tammy

Tuesday, January 13, 2004 1:46 PM CST

Hi everyone! Hope you all are doing well and having a great new year so far. Can you believe that January is half over - it'll be Christmas again before we know it.

Things are going well here. Lacie went to Gainesville yesterday for a routine check up - what a long day it was. It totally wears me out making that long drive there, then the long wait at the clinic, then the long drive home. And ofcourse, we have to squeeze in a trip to the Old Navy store - Lacie insists on that! She came home with some new jeans and a few new shirts! Thanks to Papa for that - he finances her Old Navy shopping sprees!! Lacie and I agree that Papa Lairsey is the very best grandpa in the whole wide world. And the other kids think so too!!! Anyway, the doctor's visit went well. He is scheduling her next MRI for February. We did talk about stopping her chemo. It's been almost a year that she's been on this VP16 & Tamoxifen so it's time to give her body a break. Hopefully this next MRI will show NO MORE TUMOR!! I so desperately want to stop this chemo and never have to start it again. So, please continue to pray for Lacie and her complete healing. You cannot imagine how badly I want for her to live a "normal" teenager's life. I pray that her tumor is gone, I pray that all of the physical therapy and exercise that she does will pay off and that she'll regain her balance and be able to walk and run and dance again one day. I pray for her happiness and that she will live a long, wonderful life and that all of her dreams will come true. I wish that for all of my children - with all of my heart. I wish for all of this, but wishes aside, I just thank God for each day that we have. I have learned the hard way that each day is a gift. Tomorrow is not guaranteed for any of us, and so I thank Him for this day, it is a good day.

OK - let me change the subject before I short circuit this computer with tears!!

LIFE IS GOOD!! It's so nice to have the kids back in school. They all got their grades for the first semester. Lacie (the smart one) is the only one of my three high-schoolers to make the A-B Honor Roll!! Aren't you all so proud!! Kacie did good, except for that "D" in physical science. Lucky for her, it was a high D, almost a C, so the wrath of MOM didn't come down on her too hard. She is such a good kid and she tries so hard, science just isn't her thing. She did great in all of her other classes. Ben, well, as I expected, he failed his first semester of high school. From what the counselors tell me, they see this with a lot of freshmen boys. They get to high school and spend their first few months kind of "overwhelmed" with the differences between middle and high school. They spend this time socializing, trying to find where they fit in, trying to find themselves. Little boys trying to grow up and there are so many different "groups" of kids in high school, I guess they try out all the groups and by the time they do that, the first semester is over and all they've done is socialize. Gary and I have talked and talked to Ben and I hope that we have finally gotten through to him. He seems excited about this second semester and sincerely wants to do better. Please pray for Ben's success in this new year.

My little 2nd grader, Stacie, is still in the "S" for Satisfactory and "U" for Unsatisfactory grading system. Ofcourse, she takes after Lacie and made all S's on her report card. This was her last report card under this grading system. Next report card will be the usual A,B,C, etc. system. I'm sure she'll do excellent - she is very, very smart for such a little girl!!

Not much else going on here. I just realized the time and have to rush off to pick up Kacie and Ben from school, so I must sign off for now.

Thanks to all of you for continuing to check in on Lacie and us. We love hearing from you, so please leave a message in the guest book so we'll know you were here!!

Much love,
Tammy & family

Monday, December 29, 2003 4:21 PM CST

Hi everyone - it's another one of those "overdue" updates - Sorry!!! All is well here. We had a great Christmas!! Lacie's been busy working on a new scrapbook - she got a big scrapbooking kit for Christmas, and she's been busy spending her Christmas Cash - she's got new clothes, new hats, new CD's - she had a good Christmas. And so did the other kids! Stacie got a new bike, so she's up and down the street all day long. She & I are waiting for her new Chia pet to start growing!! She's wanted one of those for a long time and I finally found a Homer Simpson Chia pet!! It's been 2 days, so we should start seeing some sprouts in another day or so.

Lacie had an appointment with Dr. Moran today. Her counts are strong and she is doing so well. She will go back to Gainesville mid-January. At that time, we'll probably schedule an MRI for February. She will start her next chemo cycle in a couple of days. When we go to Gainesville, we're going to talk to Dr. Kedar about stopping her chemo for a few months. She's been on chemo for a year now and its time to give her body a rest. We'll probably do the MRI & then stop for 3-4 months & then do another MRI. Please say a prayer for us - that Lacie continues to do good and get better and that I make the right choices for her.

Well, this is a short update. Supper is waiting to be cooked and these kids are hungry! I hope that you all are well and happy and to all of you, I send our best wishes for the new year!

Love & Peace,
Tammy

Wednesday, December 10, 2003 7:47 PM CST

Hi everyone! Again, I have to say I’m so sorry for the long overdue update! Things have been a little crazy around here! My computer at work has been on the blink so I’ve been unable to connect while at work – and life in our house is crazy – I hardly have the time or energy to get on the computer at home. Tonight – I am making time!

Well, last week was a rough one. I caught this nasty cold that’s going around and was pretty much worthless for about 3 days. Thank goodness that’s over with. I’ve still got some coughing and nose blowing to do, but I’m getting this awful bug out of my system. Kacie and Ben both had a touch of a cold, but not like me. Lacie hasn’t caught it – we’ve been so careful around her, but today, she had a headache. Hopefully, it was just one of those “I’m hungry” headaches and not the beginning of a sinus problem.

We had such a nice Thanksgiving! All of my family and Gary’s family came to our house – the first time that we’ve gotten both families together. It’s about time!! The food was great – what else can I say. Now, I’ve just got to bust a move and get ready for Christmas. I cannot believe it’s that time of year already. The kids have one more week in school and then they are out for 2½ weeks! What am I going to do with them??? I’m sure we’ll figure something out and they’ll have a nice break from school.

Well, I know this is short, but IÂ’ve got to clean up this kitchen. Gary made spaghetti tonight and yall know what itÂ’s like when a man does spaghetti!! Hey, but it was so good, so I guess it was worth cleaning up after. ItÂ’s so nice to have a break from cooking every now and then, so I shouldnÂ’t complain about cleaning up the mess. Besides, he is so good about helping clean up the kitchen after I cook!!

I hope you all are doing great!!! Oh, I’ve posted our new address at the bottom of this page if any of you want to send Lacie (and us) a Christmas Card. Our mailbox has been bare of any “good” mail lately and I know that it would just tickle Lacie to get a surprise in the box for a change!!

Much love & happy holidays!

Tammy

Wednesday, November 26, 2003 9:52 AM CST

Happy Thanksgiving Eve!!

Things are going great here. I’m working until 11am this morning, Lacie has physical therapy at 1:30, then lab work at 3:30. So, that means our afternoon & evening will be spent busy, busy in the kitchen. I am so very excited about tomorrow. Lacie will see her occupational therapist today also & they are making our Thanksgiving centerpiece together. Something with oranges & candles – I can’t wait to see what they come up with and I’m sure it’ll make our Thanksgiving even more special!!

I told yall about Lacie’s book report that she worked so hard on over the weekend. Well, Tuesday morning while we were driving to school, she suddenly remembered that she didn’t color her “illustrations”. She would get extra points for color. So, we swung by Nanny’s house and picked up some markers (making us run late getting to school) so she could color her report during lunch, which she did. Anyway, when she got to class & the teacher never took up the reports, she decided to look at her notes and saw that it wasn’t due until December 11th! That goofy girl spent most of the weekend writing & reading & checking the internet. So, now she just has to keep up with it until the 11th.

Speaking of December, I cannot believe that Monday is DECEMBER 1ST already. Time is flying by and it’s crazy!!

Well, it’s about time for me to get outta here!!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL!!

Love,
Tammy

Monday, November 24, 2003 11:27 AM CST

Hello friends & family! Hope you are all doing well. We are doing fine, just getting ready for the big Thanksgiving Feast this week. I’ve almost gotten all of our stuff together – I’m handing out assignments so that we all can “do our part”. Kacie and Lacie are in charge of the pies, Stacie is helping with the cake – we aren’t sure what kind yet, Gary is doing the ham and the rest is mine. Ofcouse, my mom is helping. She’s doing the turkey and dressing. Nobody does it like her!! I guess I need to find something for Ben to help with – we may just assign him “trash patrol” for the day!! Needless to say, we are all excited and our tummy’s are already growling just thinking of all the food!

Lacie continues to do really well. Other than her knee hurting sometimes, she’s been feeling fine. She has a book report due on Tuesday on “The History of the Holocaust”. She didn’t enjoy the book – I don’t think I would’ve either. Lacie’s like me, she likes the fun-loving stories, a boy and his dog kinda stuff. Anyway, she spent almost the whole weekend working on this book report. She finished it up last night and was SO glad to have that all behind her. Now she can relax. The kids only have school today and tomorrow and then are out for the rest of the week. They are glad to have these extra days off.

Well, I know this is a short update(and long overdue again), but I’ve got so much to do – rush, rush, rush. I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving! We are so blessed to have you in our lives and are truly thankful for each and everyone of you.

Love,
Tammy

Wednesday, November 12, 2003 10:17 AM CST

Hi everyone – hope you all are doing well today. Another warm day here in Georgia today. It’s hard to believe that Thanksgiving is just a couple of weeks away. In spite of this warm weather, I’m starting to get excited about the upcoming holidays. Gary and I have decided to have Thanksgiving Dinner at our house this year. I’m excited about bringing our families together to celebrate and give thanks for all of the blessings in our lives – and they are countless! As I sat at work yesterday, I couldn’t help but overhear my good friend Pam in the next office. She was on the phone with her Ma-In-Law & they were planning their Thanksgiving meal. As I listened to Pam naming off all the things they were planning to serve – I got so HUNGRY just thinking about it. Anyway, after Pam hung up the phone, I went in and told her that I heard it all and it sounded so good and could I please have a copy of her “grocery” list – she’s so nice!! So now, thanks to Pam, I have my Thanksgiving Menu pretty much planned out!!! We’re having the same thing as Pam, hehehe!! OK, so I stole their menu, but hey, isn’t it all pretty standard anyway. I just didn’t want to forget anything – like the banana pudding – we gotta have some of that!! Now, if only Pam would cook it for me too, then it’d all be taken care of. Fat chance, huh? Anyway, thank you Pam and Donna for “sharing” your menu ideas with me. I’ve been thinking for days “what am I going to cook?”!! So the hard part is over – yeah right!! Well, at least the “food planning” stage is over.

Lacie continues to do really well – I’m so proud of her for so many reasons. Her bravery and persistance amazes me more and more everyday. She had a check up yesterday with Dr. Moran here in Brunswick. Last night was her last dose of this round of chemo – I’ve lost count, but I think this was Round #9. Her blood counts are very good. She’s taking a Potassium supplement now because that count had been falling, but it’s looking better. She’s doing great in school. On her report card last week she brought home an A, two B’s and one C – not too bad. She’s looking forward to Friday night – we’re roasting oysters and she loves them!! I’m looking forward to it too – YUMMY! Kacie is the only one of my kids who don’t like oysters. Lacie and Stacie and I just love them, we don’t know when to stop. Ben thinks they’re OK – he’ll eat just a few and he’s good.

We FINALLY have gotten our computer at home straightened out and are able to “connect” again. We have some new email addresses but I don’t have them with me here at work – I’ll update again soon and list them for you guys so you can send messages to all of us at our own email address as well as leaving messages here in the guestbook. Regardless, we sure do love to hear from our friends and family, so leave us a message somewhere!!

Well, until next time,

Love & Peace,
Tammy

Wednesday, November 5, 2003 9:20 AM CST

Hello everyone! Hope you all are doing well. We are chugging along here. I’ve been a little hesitant to update – last time I updated, I thought there was some hope for Ben, but the very next day, that “good” phone call was totally erased by the “bad” phone call from the Asst. Principal. Apparently, Ben and some other students were “disruptive” during class presentations while some parents were visiting the class. So, as a result of his “disruptive” behavior, Ben has Boot Camp for three days next week. Will it ever end???? So, 3 days in boot camp will nonetheless result in 3 days of class work that he’ll miss & have to make up. Hopefully, that “make up” part will happen, but there’s no telling where my son is concerned. Help??!!??

On a better note, the girls are doing great in school. I have no complaints or worries there. Lacie’s doctor seems to think that she has just strained a ligament in her knee and it will get better with some strengthening exercises. So her therapists will be working with her on that. She doesn’t seem to be complaining about it as much, so hopefully, it’s already getting better.

The kids had fun on Halloween – sorry I don’t have any photos to post though! The candy is already all gone too. I cannot believe that it’s already November and the holidays are approaching so quickly. I don’t think I’m ready for this yet!

Well, that’s it for this quick update! Thank you for stopping by our site & God bless!

Love,
Tammy

Wednesday, October 29, 2003 10:42 AM CST

Hi Friends!! Hope you all are doing well! I want to apologize for my “sporadic” updates. Our computer at home is still on the blink – can’t seem to get on the internet. Thankfully, I’m able to take a minute or two here at work to touch base with you all and to check our email and guestbook messages. This past Saturday was the Homecoming Dance at Lacie & Kacie’s high school. I posted a couple more pictures in the photo album, so check them out!. Timmy came in from Florida and escorted Kacie, Lacie, and Shayla to the dance. They had a great time!! Lacie even got Timmy on the dance floor once or twice – only for the slow songs of course!! This was their very first high school dance – an exciting evening for them!!

Lacie is still experiencing a lot of pain in her knees. Her doctors seem to think she may have Osgood Schlatter Disease – don’t get alarmed, it’s not actually a disease at all. It’s an inflammation of the bone, cartilage or tissue around the knee, usually a result of over-use. A lot of athletic kids develop this condition and unfortunately, it usually doesn’t go away until they stop growing. Although Lacie isn’t what you’d call athletic, she does do a lot of leg work in physical therapy. Hopefully, we can get her into some less strenuous activities and she won’t aggravate this “inflammation” so much. She will see our Pediatrician on Monday and maybe even see an orthopedic doctor after that. We may try to get her a knee brace so that her leg will be more stable and that knee won’t buckle so much. Right know, she’s very protective of it and doesn’t put a lot of weight on it when she’s walking. I think a knee brace may help her – we’ll see. I’ll keep you all informed on how things go next week.

We also finally heard back from Medicaid on her hearing aid and that should be here in about two weeks. It’s been quite a while (about 2 months) since we had her tested and fitted – it’s a shame that Medicaid is so slow in “approving” things. If you recall, Lacie has lost practically all of her hearing in the right ear. Her left ear is functioning at about 80o we’re getting an aid for the left hear so that she’ll be able to hear at an amplified level. Her doctors don’t feel like an aid would help the right ear, but she should benefit from amplifying what she does hear in the left ear.

A little news about Ben – good news for a change! Last night after supper, the phone rang. When I looked at the caller ID and saw the name of one of Ben’s teachers, I cringed and almost didn’t answer the phone, but I sucked it up and answered anyway. I was so pleasantly surprised to hear his teacher tell me that he was very proud of the improvements he has seen in Ben over the past few weeks! WOW!! This was a first for me – Ben’s teacher calling with something good to say!! Needless to say, I am so proud that Ben is working harder. Of course, this is only one class, but hopefully he’s improving in all of his classes. There is HOPE for Ben after all!!! I know he can do it – it’s just a matter of him doing it!!!!!

Well, that’s it for this update. Hope you all have a great day – leave a message so we’ll know you were here!!

Love & Peace,
Tammy

Monday, October 20, 2003 11:10 AM CDT

Hello everyone!! Hope you all are doing well. We are just fine here! It’s Monday again – back to school & work for the Weston gang.

Well, we did make it to the Fair on Saturday and had a really good time. Lacie sweet-talked me into letting her ride a few of the rides – one’s that I would not dare get on – but she did fine and had a great time!! First ride she got on was the “Mega Drop” or something like that, where you slowly go up, up, up – way up, then suddenly drop all the way back down!! Then, it was time for the Inverter – a ride where you sit in a row of seats and the whole thing just flips & flips – after those two, we toned it down a little and stuck to the ferris wheel and big swings – stuff like that. Anyway, Lacie had a really good time. She was glad to ride what I did let her and saw a lot of her friends out there too! It was pretty fun for all the kids. Kacie rode the Gravitron – it just spins around and around – not upside down. She got off of it & was sick at her stomach, but didn’t slow her down any. She hopped right on the next crazy ride and did fine. She’s like me, spinning is definitely not my thing – or Kacie’s. We did take a few pictures but it’s going to take me a few days to get them developed. I’ll post some later!

Other than an excited evening at the Fair – everything else is the same ole same ole stuff! Not much to else to update about. The girls are doing well in school – Ben is still doing crappy. I expect that he’ll have to repeat the 9th grade and I can only hope that next year he will take school more seriously. Please pray for Ben – I hate to think of him spending his whole life in 9th Grade – hehe!

Well, that’s it for this quick update!! Please leave us a message so we’ll know you were here!

Love & Peace,
Tammy

Friday, October 17, 2003 8:49 AM CDT

Hello and TGIF!!! Hope you all are doing well. We are all fine. Yesterday was dentist day for Lacie and Stacie – first time fillings for both of them. Stacie got up there in the chair – didn’t flinch, cry, moan, nothing. Her dentist was really impressed that she did so well. She’s been excited about getting a filling – isn’t that funny! She thought it would be cool to have some silver in her mouth – and now she does!!

Lacie on the other hand was so nervous!! She got in the chair and immediately her lips started trembling and those eyebrows dented in and eyes just filled up with tears!! Before the dentist even came in the room!! So, I sat there with her, holding her soft little hand and trying to convince her that it wasn’t so bad! Well, in came the dentist with the shot to deaden her mouth and as she came closer, Lacie flinched, the needle poked her in the lip and she had a bloody lip right off the bat!! After that, things went better!! I think that I was more nervous than Lacie, but Dr. Bishop is so sweet – she came in, made Lacie laugh a little and got her relaxed some. Once the real work began, I exited the room and nervously sat out in the waiting room – wanting to go back and forth down the hall to secretly peek in & make sure she was alright. OK – so I did got back & forth down the hall to peek in, but only twice!! Anyway, we are so glad that’s over with. Now, two more weeks and it’ll be Kacie and Ben’s turn to get their first fillings. Kacie is not looking forward to it! She’s my BIG BABY!!! (Love ya, Kacie!)

Tomorrow is FAIR DAY for the Weston Gang. Oh Boy!! I’ll try to remember to take a camera with us. I know that I really need to put some new photos’ on the webpage. I’ll try real hard to do that soon!!

Well, I better go for now! Hope you all have a terrific weekend!!

Love & Peace,
Tammy

Wednesday, October 15, 2003 9:27 AM CDT

Hi everyone – just a quick update to let you all know that we are all alive and well here in South Georgia. Lacie is doing well at home and at school. She had a check up with Dr. Moran yesterday and her counts are staying strong. She’s excited about going to the Fair this weekend – already bugging me about riding the “upside down” rides. Gosh, I hate to put her on those things, but she love those crazy rides so much, it is very, very hard to tell her that she can’t. So, we have an agreement – I’ll let her ride some upside down rides, but they can’t be ones that jerk her around a lot, so I’ll have to observe the rides first (no, I’m not going to ride them first – those crazy rides scare me), and then I’ll decide whether or not she can ride. I might make Ben and Kacie be our guinea pigs! I’ll put them on the ride first and then make them ride again with Lacie – IF it meets my approval! Anyway, all of the kids are excited about going to the Fair. We always have such a fun time!!!

Well, like I said – this has to be a quick update!! Lacie sends her love to all of you!! Please leave her a message – we love hearing from our many friends!!

Lotsa Love,
Tammy

Friday, October 10, 2003 10:03 AM CDT

Hi everyone! Things are going well here! We’ve made it through another week, and I’ve made it through another birthday – the big 39!!! Okay, no teasing – I get enough of that from my kids!! Anyway, I had a very nice birthday –I am so lucky to have such a wonderful group of family, friends and coworkers – I love all of you so much!!!!

Lacie continues to do really well. Her friend from summer camp, Cagney, called her this week and really brightened up her day! She was so glad to hear from him and is hoping that he’ll be able to come to town for a visit sometime. (Watch out Timmy, hehe!!) Anyway, she’s doing really well in school, but is glad to have an extra day off this weekend. The schools are closed here on Monday in observance of Columbus Day. I don’t remember getting that as a holiday when I was in school.

Monday is dentist day for all of the kids (except for Lacie). All four of them have cavities and need fillings – first time filling, that is!! Lacie needs a filling too, but we’ve decided not to do her on Monday – I need to have her blood counts checked and get the OK from Dr. Moran before we do any work on her teeth. She see’s Dr. Moran on Tuesday afternoon and will have counts checked then, and so we’ll try to get her to the dentist on Wednesday and get that beautiful smile of hers taken care of. Kacie is dreading it – she hates the dentist. Stacie is excited – she thinks it’s going to be cool to have some silver in her mouth. And Ben, yall know Ben, he could care less, whatever!!

Not much else to report – please remember that my email address is no longer valid. I’ve put Lacie’s hotmail address at the bottom of this page – so, please sign the guestbook or send us an email so we’ll know that you were here!!

Much love,
Tammy & family

Tuesday, September 30, 2003 10:14 AM CDT

QUICK UPDATE - OCTOBER 1, 2003
PLEASE NOTE THAT MY OLD EMAIL ADDRESS IS NOT VALID ANYMORE. PLEASE USE LACIE'S HOTMAIL ADDRESS FOR EMAILING ME OR HER - IT IS AT THE BOTTOM OF THE WEBPAGE!!

Hello friends – hope that you all are doing well and enjoying this cool Fall weather. I am, but of course, the kids think it’s “freezing” if the temp gets below 75 degrees. My Summer-Time babies aren’t too keen on being cold, but I love it!! We have spent all summer without any A/C in our van and as you all know, it gets hot here in South Georgia, especially when you’re in a dark green minivan with four kids. Kacie hates it when we put the windows down – it messes up her hair – gotta hate that. So, needless to say, I’m so relieved to have it turning cooler. Hopefully, by next summer we’ll be able to replace this old junker that we’ve been driving around in, or at least get the A/C fixed. Anyway, I’ll worry about that when it starts getting hot again, hehe!!

OK – I’m updating to let you know how Lacie’s MRI went yesterday – not to discuss the weather!! I had to stop and take some deep breathes when the technicians pointed out the this was the 22nd MRI that Lacie has had at Shands. WOW! Anyway, we had a very long day yesterday. We left home at 5:30am and got back at 5:30pm. Poor Lacie, the MRI folks had a heck of a time injecting her with the contrast (dye) that they use. Poked her once and her vein blew – so the Nurse wiggled and wiggled the needle trying to get it into position – ouch! Lacie took it for just a bit, but when I saw tears in her eyes, I asked the nurse to take it out and try the other arm. Thank goodness, the second time went smoothly. My sweet Lacie looked at me and smiled and just said “Thank you Mom for making him stop” and back into that big noisy machine she went! It’s funny that when she is having blood drawn, she never has to be poked more than once, but injections are totally different, those tiny little veins just don’t cooperate. Anyway, after the MRI, we went to the lab for blood work – that happened without a hitch – then the fun part – waiting in the exam room to see the doctor. By the time he came in to see Lacie (3.5 hours later) we were falling asleep in our chairs! We saw the doctor for about 20 minutes and at 3:00 were on our way home. Things went well, the MRI was stable, showed no changes from her last MRI 3 months ago. We were hoping to see less tumor, but are so thankful to God that we didn’t see more tumor. No changes. So, we are continuing with the same course of treatment – giving it more time and will do another MRI in 3-4 months.

Other than some leg pain (pulled muscle), Lacie is happy and feeling fine. She and her sister, Kacie are getting excited about their high school’s Homecoming Dance that is later in October. Already worrying about getting a dress, shoes, etc…. Gosh – daughters are so expensive!! I don’t allow them to “date” yet, but agreed to let them go to the dance this year with a group of their friends. Lacie’s special friend, Timmy, is planning on coming into town that weekend and taking Kacie, Lacie and Shayla to the dance. He will be their “chaperone”. They love Timmy, he’s part of the Pappy family that we’ve “adopted” as part of our own family. Anyway, the girls love spending time with Timmy and are so excited about their first Homecoming Dance. And, I’m excited for them!!!

Not much else going on here – just working and running after kids – the usual!! Thank you all so much for continuously checking in on Lacie and for all you’re thoughts and prayers – you all mean so much to us and we hope to see lots of messages in the Guest Book!!

Lots of love,
Tammy

Friday, September 26, 2003 8:40 AM CDT

Hi everyone – hope all of you are doing well. We are fine here – just glad that it’s Friday and we can sleep late for a couple of days. Gary started back to work this week, so the alarm clock’s been going off at 5:20 every morning – ugh!! I’m getting used to it – gives me an opportunity for some ME time before I have to get the kids up for school.

Speaking of school, yesterday was Report Cards day. Lacie is doing good – she made 2 A’s (math & cooking), a B in world history and a high D in literature (almost a C). She is having a hard time reading and understanding the Julius Caesar play. She has a hard time hearing in class because all of the students who read don’t speak very loudly. We got her the book on CD, but it’s still hard for her to listen and understand what in the heck they are talking about. Anyway, she’s working hard and I just know that she can bring that grade up! She may struggle through Shakespeare, but after that, it’ll get easier.

Kacie did good too, except in Physical Science – that’s her D subject. Again, she’s only a few points away from a C and I know she can bring it up. She made a C in literature and the rest were A’s.

Stacie is still on the grading scale of (S) for Satisfactory, (N) for Needs Improvement and (U) for Unsatisfactory. As always, she made all S’s, oh, and a couple of S+ marks! School just comes so easy for her and I’m very proud of her.

I don’t even want to mention Ben’s report card – I’ll just put it this way – so far this semester, he’s failing and he’s got to do a lot of improving to bring those grades up. I’m almost at my wits end. If any of you know, please tell me – HOW DO YOU MAKE SOMEONE GIVE A CRAP? Excuse my language, but Ben simple does not care. I’ve got him on a “weekly progress report”, and I’m hoping that’ll help – I get the 2nd of those today, so we’ll see if he’s done any better this week than last.

Now that’s out of the way – I want to ask all of you to say a special prayer for Lacie. We are going to Gainesville on Monday for another MRI. Please, please, please pray that we get good results back from this one. Three months ago, at her last MRI, we were told that one area of tumor had shrunk and the other area was unchanged. I just pray every single day for a miracle and one of these MRI’s is going to tell us that there’s no tumor at all there anymore. I know the next couple of days are going to be difficult for me and for Lacie – we seem to stress out, worry, get all emotional and anxious on the days before going for an MRI. I hope that we can have a happy and relaxing weekend and chase those worries/fears away with hope and faith and courage.

Well, I better get to work! We love you all and thank you so much for checking in on Lacie and for keeping her in your prayers. Please leave us a message so we’ll know you were here.

Love,
Tammy

Thursday, September 18, 2003 7:54 AM CDT

Hi Everyone!! It’s me again!! Things are going well here. The kids are at school and I am at work – not much going on at the office, so I thought I’d do a quick update.

Lacie is doing really well. She has an assistant (parapro) who goes to her classes with her every day, who helps Lacie out getting from class to class, into her desk, getting to the restroom, etc. Since school started, she’s had a temporary parapro who was borrowed from another school until the school board could find a permanent one– who’s been like a 2nd mother to Lacie while she’s in school. Sorry Ms. K, but Lacie hasn’t been real thrilled with having another “mother” with her at school. Anyway, today we are meeting the new lady that the board has hired to be Lacie’s permanent parapro – she’ll start on Monday. Lacie is excited about this change!! Hopefully, this new person will be able to help Lacie without being overly helpful or too “motherly”. Lacie enjoys her independence at school, as hard as it might be and really needs to be encouraged to do as much as she can for herself. Anyway, she continues to do really well in all her classes and is making high grades. It wouldn’t surprise me if her name doesn’t appear (again) on the A-B Honor Roll. She’s amazing!!

The other kids are doing well too. Ben is struggling. He is so smart, but puts forth very, very little effort. He does good on tests, but doesn’t finish assignments and homework (ha) – seems to be a joke to Ben. He doesn’t realize that this is High School and you won’t pass a class just by taking the tests. Since my teacher conference, he has been doing better. I’ll be getting weekly progress reports from his teachers every Friday so it’ll be easier for me to know what he’s doing and how he’s doing on a more regular basis. And I think that him knowing I will be having this contact with his teachers gives him some incentive to do better. He wants to go skating on Friday nights and knows that all will depend on that Friday report card. He won’t go this Friday, that’s for sure, but maybe next week, who knows?

Well, I guess I’d better get busy here!!

Much love,
Tammy

Tuesday, September 16, 2003 9:29 AM CDT

Hi everyone, hope you’re all doing well. We had a rough week last week. Lacie got a sinus infection and pretty much slept the week away. She went to school on Monday, but missed the rest of the week. I’m glad to report that she’s feeling much better now and is back in school this week. Luckily, her blood counts have been strong so she didn’t have to be hospitalized for any IV antibiotics, but she did feel pretty yucky all week long.

There’s really not much to report – we’ve been so busy just doing our regular things again. The kids will be getting their mid-semester progress reports soon and I will be having the dreaded teacher conference with Ben’s teachers’ this afternoon. I’m still working in the mornings while Lacie is at school. I have to say that I miss my time in the mornings while the kids were gone. But I’m getting used to our new schedules.

Well, I’m sorry that this update is so short. I’ll update again soon – hopefully with more to write about!

Lots of love,
Tammy & Family

Friday, September 5, 2003 10:49 AM CDT

Hello to everyone and thank you so much for continuously checking in on Lacie. I’m so sorry that my updates have been few and far between these days, but all that’s fixin’ to change!!!

Things are going so well here. Lacie is doing great in school – she has A averages in all of her classes and is just loving the social activity!! She starts school at 8:25am and gets out at 12:15 – then we do all of our running around. She has physical therapy 3 days a week now, she is swimming at the YWCA 2 days a week now for her P.E. credits, and has a teacher come out 3 times a week for her Math class. On top of that, she has to have those blood counts checked once a week. She is keeping me so busy!! Speaking of counts, they are good and strong! She is feeling good. This new schedule of getting up early every morning and then having quite a bit of homework in the evenings has taken some time for her to get used too. She’s really, really tired at bed time!! The first week she was in school was pretty tough – on me!! I just wanted so badly for Lacie to be like all the other kids and it was so hard taking her and leaving her there. I realized that I just needed to stop and count my many blessings, so now, when I drop her off, I just thank God that she is able to be there at school – it makes her so happy!!

Also, I am back at work for a few hours each day while Lacie is in school!! A&G has been so wonderful in letting me come back and work part time, and it is so nice to get to hang out with some grown-ups for a change!! I’ve missed this place and it’s been so cool seeing everyone again.

Kacie and Stacie are doing really good in school too! I am so proud of them! Stacie has started the Gifted Program at school this year and believe me, she’s sure to rub it in to her sisters and brother!! This Sunday will be her eighth birthday. I cannot believe that my baby girl is 8 already. She is growing up so fast.

Ben is doing good too. He’s having a hard time with math this year, but we’re working with him and hope that we’ll see some improvement. He had a wonderful birthday too – for those of you who haven’t seen him lately, you will not believe how much he has grown. Size 12 shoe !! He’s almost too big to spank, haha!!

Well, I’ve gotta cut this short! We love all of you. Thanks so much for checking in and leaving Lacie such wonderful messages. We’ll be getting back to you all really soon.

Love,
Tammy

Tuesday, August 19, 2003 8:22 AM CDT

Hi everyone! I am so, so sorry for not updating lately. This computer has been so sick – thanks to my son, Ben who thinks he can just download the world. Hopefully, I won’t lose this update before I get it posted! Again, I’m so sorry – I know that some of you have been worried about us, but we’re all doing fine, just really, really busy! Anyway, our computer still isn’t fixed. I hope to drop it off at the “Computer Doctor” on Wednesday and have it back next week. We are in the process of moving so it’s hard to get anything else done right now!

Lacie is doing well in school. Her days are long and she has quite a bit of homework, but she is so glad to be at school and out of the house! Her blood counts are staying strong since we lowered the dose on her chemo. She’s on her 2nd cycle at this dose and hasn’t had any really low counts. Her teachers are terrific! She’s taking Literature, then a Cooking class (Home Ec), then she has a break for lunch. She likes that because she meets up with Kacie and Shayla and they get to hang out and have lunch together – and do a little socializing too!! After lunch, she has World History and that’s it for her school day. She’s also taking a Math class, but is doing that at home. We’ve had atleast 2 or 3 “extra” meetings these past couple of weeks getting things ready for school. She’s had visual & hearing screenings – she’s going for a hearing exam with the doctor today because she’s not hearing so good out of the right ear. And she’s had evaluations with the school’s occupational therapist, then with the physical therapist. We’re also working on getting her an electric wheelchair and have had a couple appointments regarding that. All of this on top of her regular doctors appointments and blood work, and her other physical & occupational therapy (2 days a week). I’m running myself (and our little minivan) ragged.

The other kids are doing great! Ben just had his 14th Birthday yesterday. He has grown so much – he towers over me and his new school shoes are a size 12 (Mens)!!! We’re having a cookout/birthday party this weekend. He wants to go see the new horror movie “Freddy vs. Jason” Friday night – oh boy!! Doesn’t that sound like fun!!??!!

I’ll be going to Savannah this Thursday with Gary. He has a herniated disc in his lower back and has been DOWN for about six weeks now. But, he’s having surgery to remove the herniated part Thursday morning. The doctor expects that he’ll be able to come home on Friday feeling a lot better. Please pray that everything goes well! Thank goodness for my wonderful family and friends who always come to my rescue when I need help with the kids. I’m so lucky that you all are there for me – making it possible for me to be there with Gary. That means so much to me!!

Well, I’ve got a million things to do, so I’m going to stop for now. I promise, soon as we get moved and things settle down, I’ll keep you all posted on a more regular basis! We love all of you – please leave a message so we’ll know you were here!!

Much love,
Tammy & family

Monday, July 28, 2003 1:45 PM CDT

Hello everyone! Another long over-due update - so sorry! We've been spending a lot of time at Gary's house - he's having some major back problems so I'm playing Nurse! Hopefully, he'll be feeling better soon - he needs some prayers too!

Lacie is feeling good. Her and Kacie went to Jacksonville yesterday with Randy "Grand" Pappy! lol - Randy's daughter, Mandy is the proud mother of a beautiful baby girl, August Rochelle Lake. Lacie was so excited about going to see the baby!! I'll post some pictures when we get them developed!! Anyway, Lacie's blood counts are good - we're so glad of that! We'll meet with the "school people" next week to make arrangements for Lacie to attend school part-time this year. She's very excited about that since she didn't get to attend school the entire 9th grade.

Kacie is excited about going back to school too! The summer has gotten boring now & she misses her friends. I'm taking Kacie to the doctor this afternoon. She has some kind of "deformity" in her pinky fingers. Her right pinky has been crooked since she was about 10 years old - we just attributed it to getting it closed in a car door - it wasn't that bad, but over the past year, it's gotten worse and her left pinky is doing the same thing. It looks like the tendon in the bottom of her fingers is too short - she can't fully extend/straighten her pinky's, so they stay bent. Anyway, we can't let it get worse, so we're getting her checked out and fixed!!

Ben is doing good too. Lazy as ever. I still can't believe that he's going to high school this year! Please pray for Ben - he has a lot of settling down to do if he's going to be successful this year, but I know how smart he is and I know he can do it.

And Stacie is starting 2nd grade - and this will be her first year in the Gifted Program. She's so smart - sometimes too smart! She's been reading so much this summer! Lacie gave her Where the Red Fern Grows (one of mine & Lacie's favorite) and Stacie is actually about half way through it!

As for me, I'm doing good! I am so ready for the kids to go back to school. I love them so much and we have had a lot of fun over the summer, but I am so tired of hearing "Mom, I'm Bored"!! Once we get Lacie's school schedule figured out, I'm hoping that I can do some part time work again! I need a life too!!

Well, that's it for today's update!! I hope you all are doing well and enjoying these hot summer days! Please leave Lacie a message - she loves hearing from all of you!

Love,
Tammy

Wednesday, July 16, 2003 11:36 AM CDT

Hi everyone! So sorry for not updating sooner - but I’m here now!!
Things are going well here – we’ve been really busy lately. Lacie and Kacie went to Jacksonville last weekend to visit with the Pappy’s. Timmy’s brother, Glen, came home from the Army on Friday so the girls were there at the airport to welcome him home!! They were so excited!! Glen has been stationed in South Korea for quite some time. I know our Pappy family is so glad to have him home again!! We all are so proud of Glen, I’m sure that South Korea hasn’t been a very pleasant place to be this past year.

On Monday, Kacie and Ben went to camp! Hooray!! They are gone until Friday to Camp Glynn, which is only about 8 miles from where we live! It’s a Woodmen camp that we’ve been members of for a while – the kids (from ages 8 to 15) go to camp for a week every summer. This is the 5th year that my kids have gone. Lacie hasn’t gone for the past two summers, but this year she’s going as a “day camper”!! She not spending the nights because the cabins just aren’t “wheelchair friendly”. My wonderful niece, Crystal, is Lacie’s “personal assistant” at camp. She’s taking Lacie in the mornings, staying at camp to help Lacie get around, and bringing her home when she’s had enough!! I’m so lucky to have such a smart, trustworthy, responsible niece – she is SO MUCH HELP with Lacie! To my sister, Rhonda: You’ve done a great job!!!

Anyway, it’s nice to have a break from Kacie and Ben for the week – I’m sure they’d say the same thing about me, hehe!! And Lacie is spending most of the day and evening there at camp too (or at the mall with Crystal trying so hard to spend all of her birthday cash). It’s just me and Stacie!!

Oh – something funny!! Well, you all know how “boy crazy” Lacie is!! I always say that a cute boy is the best medicine for her! Hehe!! Anyway, while we where signing in at camp on Monday, a very nice young man (and cute too, as Lacie’s always sure to mention) stopped to chit chat with Lacie and I. He was one of the camp counselors. Anyway, he was so friendly and funny, Lacie liked him right off the bat. As we where leaving, he said bye to Lacie and “See ya tomorrow” – we still didn’t know his name and he didn’t know Lacie’s either, so we asked him. I didn’t understand him at first so he repeated it “C-A-G-N-E-Y, as in Cagney and Lacey”, he said. I just started laughing and told him “You’re not going to believe this” and I introduced him to LACIE!! Now you all know why Lacie is spending her days at camp and loving it - in spite of this awful heat – no A/C at this camp!!

Thank you so much for checking in! I promise to update again soon and a picture of “CAGNEY AND LACIE”.

Love,
Tammy & family

Thursday, July 10, 2003 8:02 PM CDT

Hello everyone, It’s Kacie!! My mother has not updated Lacie’s webpage in a while, so she asked me to! Not much is going on here! Me and Lacie had a great Birthday (July 5th) we got lots of money! Lacie got her blood counts checked today, and everything looked good, so tomorrow me and Lacie are going to go to Jacksonville! Timmy’s brother Glen is coming home from the army and we are going to go to the airport with our Jacksonville family to see him for the weekend! So we should have fun!
Monday, Ben and I are going to camp until Friday, so Lacie, mom, and Stacie should have a little break! Well that’s all for now! Mom will update soon! Sorry so short!
********Kacie Weston********

Wednesday, July 2, 2003 12:28 AM CDT

Hi everyone! I am so happy to be home from Gainesville with GOOD NEWS!! Lacie’s MRI showed a decrease in tumor!! Thank God!! I know he’s been listening to all our prayers. We are going to continue her treatment with Tamoxifen and VP-16. When she first started this treatment back in March, the chemo (VP-16) wiped out her blood cell counts. That’s when she ended up in the hospital for a week. Her 2nd cycle in April was at a lower dose, but her blood counts dropped again & that cycle was stopped early. By the time her blood counts recovered, it was time for her to go to camp. We didn’t want to risk her getting sick at camp, so we postponed Cycle #3 of the VP-16 – she’s been on the Tamoxifen continuously. So – here we are. Her counts are good and her sinuses have cleared up, so she starts #3 tonight at an even lower dose.

This Saturday, July 5th will be Lacie & Kacie’s 15th birthday!! I cannot believe that my babies are 15 already!! We don’t have any big plans. The girls decided they didn’t want a big party this year, so we’ll probably go out for a nice dinner & maybe see a movie. We just aren’t sure yet what we’re going to do.

Not much else to report. All of the kids are doing well. We’re counting down until school starts again – five more weeks! We aren’t sure if Lacie will be going to school or continue with the Homebound teacher. It depends on how this cycle of chemo goes.

Thanks for checking in – please leave a message so we’ll know you were here!

Lots of love,
Tammy

Monday, June 30, 2003 7:22 AM CDT

Hi Friends!

Good morning ~ I woke up early today to the sound of a woodpecker. I thought ~ such a cute bird, but yet so annoying. I think he was pecking on my window to wake me up on purpose ~ reminding me first thing that today is MRI day. I opened me eyes, wished that pecking noise would stop (it didn’t) and thought “OK – I know what today is”. I got out of bed, made a cup of coffee and sat down in my rocking chair (yep, I’m old). Soon as I sat down, the woodpecker stopped and I haven’t heard him again. That’s been an hour & a half – so, his mission was accomplished. I’m up and already worrying about what today will bring. Please say a prayer that we will get positive news today from this MRI and that our trip to and from Gainesville will be a safe one. I’m so glad that Kacie and my niece, Crystal, are going with us! They are hoping to squeeze in a visit to the Old Navy store ~ I hope we can do that too! I love you girls!!!!!!!

Lacie has been feeling well lately. She finished her antibiotic yesterday for her sinus congestion and that is all cleared up. She may be starting her chemo again soon – depending on blood counts & MRI results today.

Well, I guess I'll have more coffee and say another prayer. Thank you so much for checking in on Lacie ~ thank you for your prayers, which are much needed and so appreciated. I’ll update again in the next day or so with results from today.

Love to all,
Tammy & kids

Tuesday, June 24, 2003 1:18 PM CDT

Hey everybody!!! I’m so sorry for not updating sooner. Hope you all are doing well!! We are doing great! Lacie is home from camp – she had a blast!!! I don’t know where to start – I guess the big news is that she got married while she was gone!!! (Check out the wedding pictures). Apparently, they had a carnival – complete with kissing booth and Vegas-style wedding booth. She got lots of kisses – the boys put on lipstick and kissed the girls on their faces! Then, she went up to this “young man”, told him that he was cute and asked if he’d marry her. He said yes and so they put on their “wedding attire” and were married by Elvis Pressley!! The pictures are so cute – and so is my new son-in-law, Trevor!!!

She had a wonderful flight – said that is was so much fun – and so pretty!! There’s a photo up of her sitting by the window shortly after taking off for Atlanta! She came home with some really pretty pictures that she took out of the plane’s window. Amazingly, she came home with all of her stuff. She assured me that she’ll never, ever forget her wheelchair again! The one at camp was SO uncomfortable!! We did get worried Saturday night when we couldn’t find her favorite blue hat that she sleeps in (her head gets cold). But after looking everywhere else, I thought of her pillow and there it was – stuffed down inside the pillow case! So, her head is warm!

There will be something in the Brunswick News soon about the 3-D for Life archery shoot this week! I want to thank everyone at Buckswamp Archery who made this event such a huge success!! What a great group of people – we’re planning on visiting the archery again this weekend – just for fun!!

Lacie will have blood work & see Dr. Moran tomorrow. On Monday, we’ll be traveling to Gainesville for a MRI and to see Dr. Kedar. Please pray that we’ll get positive results from this MRI.

Well, we love you all & will update again soon.

Tammy

Monday, June 16, 2003 6:21 AM CDT

Hi Friends!
Just a quick update to let everyone know that Lacie arrived safe and sound at Camp Sunshine in Atlanta yesterday!! She was so excited about this trip!! She flew out of Brunswick at 3pm yesterday and called when she arrived at the airport in Atlanta. She said the flight was beautiful – awesome – etc. She loved it!! She’ll be flying back home next Saturday!! Everything went fine until she and Mr. Hollis arrived at the Camp – that’s when they realized that they’d left her wheelchair at the airport – uh oh!! But it all worked out!! The Camp had a wheelchair that she gets to “borrow” all week & Mr. Hollis was able to retrieve her chair from the airport. I couldn’t say much – as I did almost the same thing last week when I took her to camp in Florida. Lacie had left home 2 days before camp & went to spend some time in Jacksonville with the Pappy’s. I picked her up on Saturday to take her to camp & we got all the way to Daytona when Lisa called and told us that we had left her wheelchair. I guess our minds forget things when we’re all excited – but that worked out too! We only had to go half way back to Jacksonville – our buddy, Timmy met us and brought the chair to us!! Anyway, all is well, Lacie’s at camp and I’m sure she’ll have a wonderful time!! A bunch of her friends from First Baptist were at the airport to send her off in style – she was so surprised to see them all there with their signs & bags of candy for her!!!

The 3-D For Life archery shoot yesterday was a huge success!! I have to say that Seth, Randy and Ken (and their wives, Tammy, Tammy & Vanessa) worked so hard on this. You all are so wonderful for doing this to help my family – words could never describe the gratitude I feel. I still am amazed at all the compassionate people who have stepped in to help us out. The shoot was awesome – I think they had about 90 shooters in the tournaments and probably another 50 or so just there to socialize. Lacie had a great time riding around in her “Camo Chariot”. I have to say that they’ve got a really cool range out there – yall grab your bow and arrows and come check it out sometime – tell them that Lacie sent you!!! Also, check out their website www.buckswamparchery.com , I’m sure they’ll have some photos up from the shoot real soon. And I will too!!

Well, that’s it for this “short” update! I hope you are all doing well and that all of you DADDY’s had an amazing Fathers Day!!

Love & Peace,
Tammy

Friday, June 13, 2003 7:56 AM CDT

Hello everyone! I hope that you all are well. Things are good here. It’s Friday – all of the kids are still sleeping. I love this quiet time in the mornings – it’s just me and my coffee!

Lacie is so very excited about this weekend!! There are so many folks to thank for the wonderful things that are happening in Lacie’s life – I don’t know where to start!! We are so fortunate to live in such a caring and supportive community!!! This little town is full of amazing people – our family, friends, churches, schools, businesses, neighbors and total strangers who have come together to support the 3-D for Life archery shoot is unbelievable. Lacie and I met with Seth, Ken & Randy from Buckswamp Archery last night – I don’t think they realized just how popular Lacie is around town – but they do now!! This benefit shoot is getting bigger than they expected and it’s so exciting for them and for us!! The shoot starts at 10am and last all day long – we are looking forward to seeing a lot of Lacie’s friends (and fans) out there and so excited about hanging out in the “Swamp” making lots of new friends!! Lacie has been dubbed “Queen of the Swamp” for Sunday and Mr. Seth will be chauffeuring her around in her Camouflage Chariot! Anyway – Lacie, Kacie, Stacie, Ben and I all will be out there around 10am. Lacie will be able to stay until about 1pm – so yall come out early so you can visit with her!!! There will be hamburgers, hotdogs and cold drinks, so come have lunch! Thank you so much to all you guys and gals with Buckswamp Archery! I think yall are wonderful and are on to something really big here!!

Now – the reason Lacie can’t stay later than 1pm is because she has to be at the airport at 2pm – off she goes again! She is really, really, really excited about going to camp again!! Thank you so much to Mr. Brunson from our church – he has taken care of getting Lacie registered for camp. He also has given Lacie this amazing opportunity to fly in an airplane! She’s really pumped up about it! I, on the other hand, well keep in mind that I’ve never flown myself – it’s not going to be easy for me to put her on a plane! Thank goodness it’s a very short flight. I will get her on the plane and come straight back home and sit by the phone and wait for her to call me and say she’s landed.

Also, a big thank you to Ms. Elizabeth, who gave Lacie a Sears giftcard so she could do some last minute “camp” shopping! I wonder did Ms. Elizabeth know that Lacie is what we call a Shop-aholic? Yep! Yesterday, Lacie came out of Sears with a bag full of new shorts, t-shirts, pajamas, etc. Don’t you just love it when they have a sale!!!

Well, my update is getting rather lengthy and my coffee is getting cold, so I wish you all a wonderful day (TGIF)! Thank you so much for checking in on Lacie – please leave a message so she’ll know you were here!

Love,
Tammy

Tuesday, June 10, 2003 8:36 AM CDT

Hi Everyone! Sorry for not updating sooner. I told Lacie that everyone’s waiting to hear about camp – trying to get her to do an update herself, but she’s been too busy working on her Boggy Creek Scrapbook!! So – I decided to update for her!!

Lacie had a great time at camp!!! She met some really nice people – as you can see by some of the messages that have already been left in her guestbook. I’d like to take this opportunity to THANK all of the counselors & staff at Boggy Creek for making this such a wonderful experience for Lacie!! She said that she didn’t have just one favorite thing about camp. She loved the Silly Olympics where she got to roll around in a pile of macaroni – she got to throw oatmeal and pudding at the counselors, and I think some may have gotten paint dumped on their heads!! She loved the woodworking shop – where she made a cool pink race car – check out the pictures – her car WON!!! She said that it went SO FAST!! She got to pet a snake, a baby alligator, chicks and I don’t know what else. She did get to ride a horse, but didn’t like that too much – the horse was TOO BIG and TOO BUMPY!! She doesn’t like to get bounced around too much! She's sitting on a horse in the photo above! And of course, she came home singing all those crazy camping songs – she’s been teaching them to Stacie!! She had so much fun – and guess what, now she is planning to go to Camp Sunshine in Atlanta next week for more fun!!!!! She’s really looking forward to Sunday – she’ll be FLYING out of Brunswick to Atlanta – her first time flying!! She’s kind of nervous, but very, very excited. I am so excited for her!!!

Sunday is also the Benefit Shoot at Buckswamp Archery (www.buckswamparchery.com) and we are very excited about that. Sounds like it’s going to be a lot of fun. Listen for Mr. Randy & Mr. Seth – they’ll be on our local radio station Friday morning telling everyone all about the shoot!! Things have worked out great so that Lacie will be able to be there. We thought at first that we wouldn’t be there because we were planning to drive Lacie to camp in Atlanta, but arrangements have been made for her to fly & her flight doesn’t leave til later in the day! We hope to see a lot of our friends at the shoot and look forward to making new friends too!!!

Well, the kids are rolling out of bed now, so I better go – they’ll be hollering for food any minute now!!!

Thank you so much for checking in on Lacie – please leave a message so we’ll know you were here!!

Love to all,
Tammy

Monday, June 2, 2003 11:33 AM CDT

Hi Friends!!

Well, my Lacie has left me for the week! We dropped her off at Boggy Creek Camp yesterday – she was so very excited and had made two new friends in her cabin before I left!! Right when we drove into the camp, there was about 30 counselors meeting all the campers as they came in – yelling and waving – it was a cool welcoming and made Lacie even more excited. “Mom, all those counselors were so nice!”. We had a quick tour and then took her to her cabin! We got to have lunch with Lacie’s friend, Kody and his parents before going to camp – it was great seeing them again!! Lacie just loves Kody – and Kim and Karl too!! We had a really fun time!!

Well, I have a lot of “nervous energy” – so I think I’ll use it to clean up this messy, messy house!!! But first, I think I’ll write Lacie a letter!!! If any of you would like to send her some "snail mail", just email me and I'll give you the address!!!

Thanks for checking in – please leave a message – Lacie will be excited to read them all when she gets home next Saturday!

CHECK OUT THE NEW PICTURES FROM OUR WEEKEND!!

PS – before I forget – Lacie’s report card came – she made one A and the rest B’s!! GO GIRL!!

Until next time,
Lots of love,
Tammy

Wednesday, May 28, 2003 7:52 AM CDT

Hello friends!
Well, just a few more days until Lacie goes off to camp!! She is so excited. We went to the mall on Memorial Day and she got several new pairs of shorts and some t-shirts for camp – so she’ll “have it going on” as my kids like to say. There’s still a few more items on her “Things I Need For Camp” list, so we’ll have to do a little more shopping over the next few days. We are leaving here on Saturday, but Lacie doesn’t report to camp until Sunday afternoon, so we’ll have some time to play around. Lacie so glad that her friend Kody will be going to camp too!! She’s looking forward to seeing him & his family again! I’ve decided not to take a vacation while Lacie’s at camp – me & the other kids will just spend some time here at home doing some things that we don’t get to do often – like spend the day at the beach – or Summer Waves is always fun!!

I never updated last week about Lacie’s counts – they weren’t what I was expecting. Although she hasn’t started her chemo again, her counts had dropped since the previous week. The counts weren’t “critically” low, but they weren’t as good as I’d hoped for. She’ll have them checked again on Friday – hopefully they’ll be better before she heads off to camp. If not – she’ll probably have to have a shot or two to boost her counts, and then will have her blood checked again while she’s at camp.

Well, sorry that this is such a short update – I have so much to do around here!! Thanks for checking in – please leave a message – Lacie’s been spending a lot of time on the computer and is checking her messages herself now!! She gets a kick out of reading new messages to me – instead of me reading to her!!

Love,
Tammy

Thursday, May 22, 2003 9:29 PM CDT

Hi everyone! Today was a good day! This evening, I took Lacie to a little class called "Look Good, Feel Better" (another wonderful event brought to us by the American Cancer Society). Lacie had a great time and we met some really beautiful women there – can’t wait to see the picture in the paper!! Volunteers were there to give beauty tips to help women going through chemo. They all got a box full of makeup, moisturizers & cleansers – I mean a box FULL!!! They did their makeup and tried on wigs. Lacie learned how to make a headwrap out of a T-shirt – it’s pretty cool!! And most importantly – we met more really nice people. It was a lot of fun for Lacie – she was of course the BABY of the bunch and all the women just doted on her. She loved every minute of it.

Tomorrow is a big day for Stacie! It’s Honors Day at her elementary school!! The kids who are receiving honors got a PINK invitation – of course, Stacie got a pink one!! She’s always done so well in school. Lacie and I are getting up early so we can be there for the Honors Program at 8:30am. Also, I have to brag just a bit on Stacie - she has been accepted to be in the Gifted Program next year for second grade!!! YOU GO STACIE!!! I’ll definitely take some photos of her tomorrow to share with you all!

Kacie & Ben are doing well. They are glad that tomorrow is their last day of school. Ben has really struggled this year (8th grade) – not sure yet if he’s going to make it 9th grade or not – it’s close. Kacie has done really good her first year of HIGH SCHOOL – next year she’ll be a Sophomore – and just yesterday she was a baby! Where oh where does the time go?

Tomorrow is also blood check day for Lacie. We anticipate good counts and she’ll begin another round of chemo. I’m worried about starting chemo – I don’t want her counts to drop and interfere with her going to camp. But I know that she has to - it’s going to help her – I just know it is. We aren’t quite sure when we’re going to Augusta, but are still going to do that.

Before I go – I have to send out a HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my niece, HANNAH – who will turn 9 years old tomorrow – WOW next year she’ll be 2-digits!!

And a BIG CONGRATULATIONS to another niece ASHLEY– who will be graduating from Brunswick High School tomorrow night!!! We love you Ashley and are so very proud of you!!!!!

Well, it seems as if there’s something else I wanted to write about but it has totally slipped my mind! Hate it when that happens!! So, I’ll close for now but will update again really soon (and post some new photos)!!

Love,
Tammy

Monday, May 19, 2003 7:58 AM CDT

Hi everyone! Thanks so much for checking in on Lacie!! Our trip to Gainesville has been postponed. I called last week to find out what time Lacie’s MRI was scheduled for and discovered that they never put her on the schedule for an MRI. They couldn’t get her an appointment for today, so we decided to wait until the MRI is scheduled and then we’ll see Dr.Kedar that same day. So – we have the day off today!!

Lacie continues to feel good – she has started taking the Tamoxifen again. We have been putting chemo off until her counts are stronger and last week, they looked pretty good. So, she’s already started one med and will start the chemo drug (VP16) this week. Please pray that her body handles this medication well – she’s so excited about going to camp in two weeks and we don’t want to mess that up for her. I can’t believe that she’s going to be gone for a whole week. If this goes well, I may let her go to Camp Sunshine later on in the summer. Our pastor has been getting some info on this for Lacie – it’s a camp for kids with cancer & is in the Atlanta area. We’ll just wait and see!!

Lacie finally got to see her little friend Patrick this past Saturday. Patrick is the 10-year old who also has a brain tumor. I’ve mentioned him in the past & asked for him to be included in your prayers. As a result of his tumor & surgery, he is almost completely paralyzed. A little fundraiser was held for him at Walmart – he wasn’t there when we first got there, but we went in & did some shopping and when we came back out, Patrick was there. It was so good to see him and we are looking forward to hearing from his mom soon & spending some time with Patrick. He looked great and seemed to be in good spirits. Please say a special prayer for him.

Lacie’s other friend, Kody, whom we met in Gainesville just got out of the hospital this weekend. Kody (another brain tumor patient) is 7 years old and he & his family have become very good friends of ours. He was having symptoms of hydrocephalus (swelling) had to have a shunt placed to help control the flow of cerebral spinal fluid in his brain. When Lacie was first diagnosed, her tumor was causing an obstruction in the CSF flow – causing her terrible headaches and nausea. So, Lacie knows how it feels and we're so glad that Kody did well and hopefully his symptoms are relieved.

Couple more things – on June 15th, Buckswamp Archery is having a benefit shoot for Lacie!! Please click on the LINK below and check out their website! Our neighbor & some other men have started up this archery range and wanted to do something for us – it’s just down the road from where we live. We’ve never done any “bow & arrow” stuff, so we’re very excited about getting out there and giving it a try!! I don’t know a whole lot about it, but please check out their website and come see us on June 15th!!

One more thing – Lacie did an official PIN COUNT this weekend. As most of you know, her friend, Mrs. Gerrie gave her a special teddy bear last year & she’s been collecting pins for her teddy to wear. She calls him her Friendship Bear and takes him to doctors appointments with her – with all the pins from all her friends, it’s like taking all of you guys with us!! Anyway – the total count to date is 280. She wanted me to tell you all that her goal is to have 500 pins!! So – if anyone wants to contribute to Lacie’s “Friendship Pin Collection”, please do so. Send me an email if you need our address!!

Well, I guess that’s it for today’s update. Thank you for checking in on Lacie and for remembering her (and her friends, Kody & Patrick) in your prayers. Please leave Lacie a message so she’ll know you were here – she loves to hear from her friends!!

Peace,
Tammy

Monday, May 12, 2003 9:32 AM CDT

Hi everyone & Happy “day-after” Mother’s Day!!
We’ve decided NOT to go to Augusta this week. Since Lacie already has an MRI scheduled for next Monday (the 19th) in Gainesville, we’re going to wait until after that for our Augusta trip so we’ll have a recent MRI to take with us for the doctors there to look at. The A/C in our van is on the blink so right now is definitely not the time for a road trip. It has been SO SO hot here this past week.

In spite of the heat, we did have a really nice weekend. On Saturday, Kacie, Shayla & Michael L. performed at the Ritz Theater with a group of kids doing a little dance/skit thing called “Smoking is Kool No More”. After that, we took a stroll down to the waterfront for our annual Seafood Festival. Cissy & her kids (Cole, Hannah, Trace) went with us and we just ate, checked out the arts & crafts, the little kids played on some of the big blow-up slides & moonwalks. Truthfully, it was almost too hot to enjoy, so we didn’t stay for long. But Saturday afternoon, me & Kacie & Lacie went on a really nice boat ride – thanks to our good friend Gary & his son Michael. We just trolled around the little rivers & creeks around here – Lacie really enjoyed it – it’s been a long time since she’s been on a boat ride! It was really nice – the sun was setting so it wasn’t too hot anymore! We took some pictures so check them out in the photo album! And after that, we went over to Cissy house for a cookout – more seafood – crablegs (especially for Lacie) and shrimp – and of course, several kinds of meat on the grill.

On Sunday, we took a day off from the heat and went to the movie to see Daddy Day Care. It was pretty cute!! We came home and guess what – we cooked out again. This time with my other sister, Rhonda & her daughter Crystal, and Gary & Michael too! As you can see – we like to eat around here!!!

Now, it’s Monday again. The kids have gone to school and Lacie’s being a little sleepy head today – she’s still in bed!! I enjoy this time in the morning – it’s so quiet and I get to watch whatever I want on tv!! Haha! Next week will be the last week of school – the kids are ready to be out of school, but I’m not ready to hear “Mom, I’m bored” all day long for the next 10 weeks. Hopefully, it won’t be that bad! Lacie is really excited about going to camp the first week of June. Her friend, Kody K. is going too!! So, she’s glad that she’ll know one person there!! Kacie & Ben will be going to a different camp for a week but that’s later in July. Stacie’s not quite old enough – she’ll get to start going to summer camp next summer when she’s eight! (I can’t believe that my baby is going to eight).

Well, be sure to check out the pictures from our boat ride – and leave a message in the guest book while you’re here – Lacie loves to hear from you all!!

I’ll update again soon!!

Love,
Tammy & family

Thursday, May 8, 2003 6:19 AM CDT

Hi everyone!

Again, I have to say “Sorry” for not updating sooner. I can’t believe it’s May already – I’ll be glad to see June myself.

Two years ago at this time, Lacie was so, so sick. It was on May 11th when she had surgery to remove a tumor the size of a small avocado and life as she knew it was so drastically changed. Her surgery was done on a Friday morning – over 8 hours in surgery - two days later was Mothers Day and our journey had just begun. This year, Mothers Day falls on May 11th – I’m not sure if I’m looking forward to it or dreading it. Mixed emotions here. During holidays, or significant dates, I find myself wondering and worrying about what life will be like when this particular holiday or date rolls around again in another year. OK – enough of that.

We had such a nice weekend – last Saturday, Lacie, Kacie, Stacie & I met our very good friends, Art & Gerrie Miller for lunch. We met Art & Gerrie in Houston last August when we took Lacie to MD Anderson Cancer Center. Gerrie is the lady who gave Lacie her Friendship Bear (Zanidar) and her very first pin – she has almost 300 pins now! WOW! We’ve been staying in touch with Gerrie & Art through email and have become very good friends. It was so nice to see them again and spend some time getting to know them better. I’ll post some photos, so check them out! I have to say – we are so blessed to have met so many nice people throughout this “journey”.

Lacie received her acceptance letter from ROCK Camp last week. This is a special camp sponsored in part by the American Cancer Society – a week long camp in Eustis, Florida for kids suffering with cancer. Lacie is excited about going to camp – doing her own thing and not feeling “different”. I just know that this is going to be another opportunity for Lacie to touch lives and make new friends. We’re planning on going down to Leesburg, Florida the day before Lacie reports to camp to visit our good friends, the Kruppenbachers. We met Kody K. in Gainesville, he also has a brain tumor and is just the cutest little boy you’ve ever seen. Lacie is very, very excited about visiting with Kody and his family!!

Well, we will be leaving on Monday afternoon to go to Augusta, Georgia to the Medical College of Georgia to see if Lacie may be a candidate for Gamma Knife treatment. Please pray for our safety and for a good and promising outcome. Her doctors in Gainesville do not feel that she’ll be a good candidate for this type of treatment, but it never hurts to get another opinion – so here we go!

Well, that’s about it for this morning’s update. The other kids are doing great – only 11 more days and they’ll be out of school for the summer. They are ready, but I’m not sure if I am or not. I’ll update again soon – much love to all of you.

Love,
Tammy

Wednesday, April 30, 2003 7:19 AM CDT

Good morning everyone! Thought I'd update during my "quiet morning time"! Kacie, Stacie and Ben have left for school and Lacie's still getting her beauty sleep. She wasn't feeling too good last night - tummy ache. Hopefully, she'll feel better today.

Our trip to see Dr.Kedar in Gainesville went.....okay. Lacie's counts came up very little - even with the four Neupagen shots she had last week - her ANC was barely 1000. That's the minimum her ANC can be in order to start chemo again, but Dr. Kedar still wants to wait another week, to see if her counts can get better on their own. So the plan is to check counts again on Monday. If they're acceptable, then she can start her chemo again but at a lower dose than before. If counts are not good, I'm to call Dr.Kedar and set up an appointment to discuss other options. He did go ahead and schedule her for another MRI on May 19th.

Speaking of other options, I have been gathering information on the GammaKnife procedure and have decided to consult with a GK specialist. Dr. Moran has referred us to Dr. Mark Hall at The Medical College of Georgia in Augusta. We have an appointment on May 13th. I think Augusta is 4-5 hours from us, I've never been there. Another long road trip. We will probably head out the day before since her appt is at 10am - we don't like getting up early, early for road trips.

I've still been working 3 days a week and that's going really well. I only work for about 4 hours each day - there's no way I could work full time!! I don't know how I did it for so long - a single mom, working full time and raising four kids. Ok, so I said that I don't know how I did it, but that's not true - I know how I did it and it wasn't by myself. I am a living testiment that GOD DOES PROVIDE FOR US - EVERYTHING THAT WE NEED! HE has surely done that in my life.

Well, my coffee is getting cold! Thank you so much for checking in on Lacie - your thoughts and prayers mean so much to us.

Love,
Tammy

Saturday, April 26, 2003 10:13 PM CDT

Hi everyone!! Relay for Life was lots of fun!! Be sure to check out the photo's I posted! Lacie walked the Survivor's Lap with some help - I was so very proud of her. This was my first Relay and I was surprised to see the number of people there. I have to say though that it broke my heart to see so many of those yellow shirts (Survivors) walking around the track. The Survivor's Lap was pretty moving for everyone there.

Well, it's late so I'm going to make this update really short. We're going to see doctors in Gainesville on Monday so I'll update again that night or on Tuesday!

We love you all!
Tammy & family

Wednesday, April 23, 2003 6:26 PM CDT

Hey Yall!!

Sorry that I haven’t updated in over a week – I’ve had the “blahs”, but am snapping out of it!! Well, where to begin? It’s been a week since we stopped Lacie’s chemo in the middle of her 2nd cycle. She had 2 Neupagen injections last week and blood counts checked again on Tuesday. Unfortunately, her counts had dropped just a tad more, so she’ll be getting more Neupagen – one every day this week, then we’ll see her doctor in Gainesville on Monday. Needless to say, with her counts still low, she can’t continue with her chemo. I plan on talking to Dr. Kedar about other treatment options on Monday. My concern is that this chemo is not likely to be effective if she’s unable to take the entire dose because her blood counts are too low. Any advice??????????????

On a lighter note, Relay for Life is this Friday and Lacie is really looking forward to going to that!! She and Kacie went last year with their Aunt Rhonda and had a great time. I’ve never been to one, but will be there on Friday!! From what I’ve heard, they have a lot of fun activities out there. We’re hoping to see a lot of our friends!! I’ll be sure to take lots of pictures and post them on the webpage next week!

Lacie has been spending a little time with her Nanny & Papa (and little cousin Trace) this week. The girl who replaced me at my “old job” left and the company was in a little bind, so I agreed to work part time for a while. So, I committed myself to 3 days a week – but only for 4 hours each day – great hours, 10am to 2pm!! That way Lacie doesn’t have to get out of bed too early and I can be home when Stacie gets off the bus. Lacie has enjoyed spending a few hours these past 3 days at Nanny’s house. Trace is only 16 months old, so he keeps Nanny and Lacie pretty busy!!! It’s been really nice being “back at work”. I worked at A&G for 9 years. I left in May, 2001 when Lacie was diagnosed. So, these people are like family to me and I have really missed them (and work)! I’ve enjoyed seeing a lot of folks that I haven’t seen much of these past couple of years!!!

Before I go, I’d like to say thank you so much for checking in on Lacie!! We are so very thankful for all of our friends and family who provide so much love, support, encouragement – among so many other things – thanks to you all and God bless you!!

Love,
Tammy, Lacie, Kacie, Ben & Stacie

Tuesday, April 15, 2003 9:40 PM CDT

HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE!!!!!

Today was blood count day – ugh! We didn’t go Lacie’s appointment in Gainesville on Monday – we were just to tired to get up and make another road trip, so instead, Lacie saw her doctor here today. Unfortunately, her white blood cell count has dropped again. Thankfully, it’s not so low that she needs to be admitted to the hospital again, but after a long talk with her doctor here and in Gainesville, we’ve decided to stop her chemo for a week. She had a Neupagen injection today and will have another one on Thursday, then have blood work done again on Tuesday and take it from there. I’m not sure when we’ll be going to Gainesville again, but hopefully, that can wait until next month since her appointment was only for blood work and a routine check up – we can do that here in Brunswick. She continues to feel good – she’s happy and silly – our same Lacie. If you haven’t checked out the lovely photos from Spring Break, please click on the photo album –they’re really great pictures.

I had the pleasure of meeting a new friend today (and her parents) and I want to ask all of you to add Monique to your prayers. Today is Monique’s 16th birthday – I visited her today at the Brunswick hospital – she was getting released after being there about six weeks. She also has a brain tumor and has had surgery. When I walked in her hospital room, it was almost like a flash back in time – like seeing Lacie almost two years ago after her surgery. This young girl is so pretty and sweet and is having a very hard time dealing with her situation. She has a lot of the same problems that Lacie has experienced. Visiting with her made me realize just how far Lacie has come since May 11, 2001 – the day she had surgery and our lives were changed forever. I have to say that I am so very proud of Lacie – she has worked so hard and it hasn’t been easy – but she really has come sooooooooo far. I visited with Monique and her parents briefly, but just love them already and hope that we can be friends for a long, long time. Please join me in praying for this young girl and her family – they have a long road ahead of them. I hope to hear from them soon and will update on how Monique is doing now that she is home.

Another little boy from Brunswick that I mentioned several weeks ago still needs your prayers too. Patrick is 10 years old and had surgery to remove his brain tumor a couple of months ago – he’s been in a rehab hospital in Atlanta for the past few weeks, but I’ve heard that he will be coming home before the end of April. This little boy also has a long, hard road ahead of him. He is still having problems breathing on his own and last I heard, is only able to move fingers and toes. I have known his parents for years and have talked to his dad a couple times recently, and they too, are having a difficult time dealing with all that has happened to their little boy. One day he’s running around like any other kid and in the blink of an eye, all that is changed. Please pray for this family too.

Wow – it’s been a long day and as you can tell, I’ve got a lot on my mind today. I am so very thankful for all of you who continue to check on Lacie and thankful for all of the thoughts and prayers that have been said on Lacie’s behalf. I know that we have gotten this far because GOD has gotten us this far and HE will get us through tomorrow too. HE IS WONDERFUL!

Again, thank you so much for checking in on Lacie. Her guestbook entries have been dwindling down and WE MISS THOSE MESSAGES, so please leave a message (even if you’ve left one before) and let us know that you were here!!

I’ll update again really soon!

Love,
Tammy

Sunday, April 13, 2003 9:14 PM CDT

Hi everyone!! I am so sorry not updating in a while – we’re back home now!!

The kids have been out of school this past week for Spring Break, but it’s back to school tomorrow!!

Lacie and Kacie started Spring Break off on Monday by volunteering with a small group of girls from church to do something nice. They spent the day doing yard work for an elderly woman who lives alone and who’s yards were a mess!!! She had the nicest yard in the neighborhood after these girls were finished!!! Their youth minister took them out to lunch and they just had lots of fun!! I wish I had some pictures of that to share, but I do have some cool pictures from the rest of Spring Break!!

On Wednesday morning, we went down to Keystone Heights, Florida and spent the rest of the week there at the “lake house”. The first 3 days were cold and windy – except for flying kites, the kids were pretty bored, but Saturday and Sunday were beautiful – warm and sunny. We were able to hang out by the pool and “some” of us went swimming – the water was soooo cold, but it was a lot of fun! Check out the new pictures!!

Tomorrow, Lacie has a doctor’s appointment in Gainesville, Florida, so we will be getting up early for another road trip! Hopefully, her counts are still up!! I will update again really soon and let you know!!

Until then, God bless all of you!

Love,
Tammy

Wednesday, April 2, 2003 9:17 PM CST

Hi everyone!! Lacie is doing well. She saw Dr. Moran today and had blood work done and her counts are good. I've got to talk with Dr. Kedar in Gainesville about her next chemo dose - she will probably go ahead and start cycle #2 of this "new stuff" this week.

Next week is Spring Break for the kids - they're excited about some time out of school. We are planning to go to the "lake house" on Wednesday or Thursday and stay just for a few days. Hopefully the weather will be nice. We'll be sure to take losts of pictures. Speaking of, I posted a couple of new pictures so check them out = and stop by & leave a message in Lacie's guestbook - she loves to hear from all of you.

Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers - especially last week while Lacie was in the hospital. We know that God is listening and answering our prayers..

We love you!
Tammy & family

Sunday, March 30, 2003 9:10 PM CST

Another very quick update - I am SOOOOO tired, but wanted to let everyone know that Lacie was released from the hospital today - it is so nice to be home!! She's feeling well and her counts are looking great. She goes back to the doctor on Wednesday to have them checked again.

Her next chemo cycle "was" scheduled to start this Tuesday but we're going to wait & see what Wednesday's counts look like and just take it from there.

Well, tonight it's just me, Lacie and Kacie - they've really missed each other. Ben and Stacie will probably come home tomorrow - they are staying with Nanny another night because a stomach bug is going around - Stacie has had a touch of it, but her cousin's (Hannah & Trace) both were admitted to the hospital on Friday because of dehydration - they're still there so please keep them in your prayers that they'll be all better soon.

It's past my bedtime - we kept early hours there at the hospital!!! I promise to update again really soon!!

Love,
Tammy

Saturday, March 29, 2003 3:32 PM CST

VERY QUICK UPDATE!!!

Lacie's counts are coming up - if they continue, we should be home on Monday!!!

She's in great spirits - she's able to roam the hospital a little now but she has to wear a mask!!

I'll update again soon!

Love,
Tammy

Thursday, March 27, 2003 11:37 AM CST

Hi everyone - another quick update!!! Aunt Lisa Pappy came in from Jax and is spending some time at the hospital with Lacie - so, I've got a little break. Today's news:

Lacie's white blood count is up to 1.4 today - not normal yet, but it was 0.3 when we were admitted on Monday. Her doctors are pleased with that.

But (there's a list)
....she's having some stomach pain. She'll have a catscan done today of her abdomin to make sure theres no inflammation, etc. They're giving her strong IV antibiotics and that can upset one's stomach. She's got some diarrhea also, but don't tell her that I told you that!! She might get a little embarrassed!
....her IV in her hand started getting red and painful this morning so they had to take it out and restart - they got it on the second try so it wasn't so bad. Lacie has tiny little baby veins - it's not always easy to start an IV.
....her Hematocrit is dropping. She's getting atleast a pint of blood today for that, but thankfully, they won't have to stick her again for that, just hook it up to her IV.
....her hair started falling out. Just when it was growing out and looking so nice. For those of you who've been through this, you all know how aggravating it is waking up with hair in your mouth, all over your pillow and clothes. So, last night, I gave her a buzz cut - at her request. We did this before while she was on radiation and she still looks beautiful - I'll post a photo soon!

That's about all I can think of - in spite of EVERYTHING, that girl is happy and silly and so very brave. She's been resting well and all the hospital staff are so nice. They've got Lacie in "reverse isolation" to protect her, so everyone who comes in has to wear mask, glove and gown - with that said, the nursing staff doesn't bother us much, I'm sure they get tired of "dressing and undressing" every time they come in. So they only come in when they have to or when we need them to and we like it that way!!

I've printed out all her new messages and will take them to her this afternoon!! Please keep them coming!!

God bless you all!
Love,
Tammy

Tuesday, March 25, 2003 5:34 PM CST

QUICK UPDATE!!!

Lacie will probably stay in the hospital until Thursday or Friday - all depending on her blood counts and when they recover. She's had no fever today and has been feeling pretty good - bored though!!

Please leave her a message - I'll print them out and take them to her to read - she loves hearing from all of you!!

Sorry so short - just wanted to let you all know that Lacie's doing well!!! I'll update again really soon!!

Love,
Tammy

Monday, March 24, 2003 11:15 AM CST

Just a quick update to let everyone know that Lacie is being admitted to the hospital (here in Brunswick) today. She woke up today with a fever of 101.6, so took her to the doctor. Her blood counts have hit rock bottom so they’re going to admit her & give her IV antibiotics for 2-3 days – or until her blood counts are better.

So – for the next few days, we’ll be at Southeast Georgia Regional Medical Center – don’t know the room number yet. I’ll update again as soon as I possibly can!!!

Love to all,
Tammy

Wednesday, March 19, 2003 7:33 AM CST

Hi everyone!

Lacie had a great time this past weekend with the church youth. A very special thank you goes out to Waller Boyer, our youth minister, and to Pam & Brian Griner (host family) for opening up their home to our teenagers and for making Lacie feel so comfortable. And I can’t forget to thank Josh, their group leader also – the girls just thought he was hilarious (and cute, of course)!! Lacie came home with lots of stories to tell. They went all over town on Saturday on a Scavenger Hunt and had a blast. They had to ask for Exlax at a Jiffy Story, sing Happy Birthday to a stranger in a restaurant, make a “human pretzel” in the middle of the mall, sing at a Nursing Home, and all kinds of crazy stuff like that!!! She didn’t get much sleep Friday night – I heard that they stayed up until 2am and then got up early Saturday. After the scavenger hunt, all the groups met up at the church and had a pizza party and some really cool and inspiring speakers – Lacie, Kacie and Ben all enjoyed it so much!! Naturally, Lacie was exhausted and came on home Saturday night – she went straight to bed and slept for 14 HOURS!!! Kacie and Ben went back to their host homes and stayed until Sunday morning. Ben still hasn’t caught up on his sleep – he’s been going to bed early all week long!

Lacie had blood work done again yesterday – I guess the time has come that this new chemo is really kicking in – and she’s still got 7 more days before she’s finished with this dose. In spite of the Neupagen shot she had on Friday to boost her white blood count – her counts have dropped even lower than last week. She had a Procrit to help the red blood count and another Neupagen for the WBC – she’ll have a Neupagen shot every day for the rest of the week – oh boy!! Otherwise, she is feeling good. She’s being extra nice to me this week because she wants to go visit Aunt Lisa Pappy in Jacksonville this weekend. She never wants to stop “going” – typical teenager!

Well, that’s it for now. Thanks for checking in on Lacie – please leave a message so she’ll know you were here. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers.

Love,
Tammy

Saturday, March 15, 2003 9:13 AM CST

Just a quick update - Lacie's blood counts were just a tad low yesterday, so she got a Neupagen shot to boost her WBC and the doctor's OK to participate in Disciple Now Weekend - she was so excited!! So, at 6pm yesterday, we went to the church for a quick orientation and off they went with their host family for the weekend. I talked to Lacie on the phone this morning and she is having SOOOOOO much fun and everything's going fine!! The plan (for the group) is to stay again tonight, go to church in the morning, and go home after church. Lacie informed me that she may want to come home tonight - but only after they've finished all their little workshops - which could be midnight!! Ofcourse, I told her to just call me - she can stay for as long as she's comfortable and can come home ANYTIME!! I will update again really soon and give you all the details on Lacie's weekend!!!!!

Well, since it's just me and my 7 year old, Stacie, we're going do something fun of her choice - just me and her - so, we are going to the skating rink - oh boy!! Maybe I shouldn't have asked her what she wanted to do??? It's been a long time for me!

Thanks so much for checking in on Lacie - check back in a couple days for an update on the weekend and hopefully, Lacie will have some cool pictures to share!!

Love you all,
Tammy

Wednesday, March 12, 2003 8:51 AM CST

Hi everyone!

Today is Day #8 of Lacie’s new chemo treatment and its going well so far – hasn’t made her sick, just a little tired. She’ll have blood work done today – hopefully, her counts will be strong – she has big plans for the weekend. Our church is having a special weekend for the teenagers – Disciple Now Weekend – where groups of kids will stay in the home of a church family for a weekend of Bible study, discussion and worship – as well as food, fun and recreation. All 3 of my teenagers are going – Kacie and Lacie will be in the same group – Ben will be in a different group with boys his age, and they are all really excited about it. Lacie may not spend the night – we’re going to play that by ear – but she’ll be there for as long as she likes and she is really looking forward to spending this time with her friends from church. Of course – all of this is pending good blood counts, so please pray for Lacie that her counts will remain strong and everything will work out so that she can participate! A very, very special THANK YOU goes out to Waller, our Youth Minister, for making some special accommodations so that Lacie can be a part of this weekend.

My family is so blessed to have this wonderful church family in our life – I cannot begin to tell you how much their love and prayers and support have meant to me and I can’t imagine how I would’ve survived these past 22 months without them. (Yes, it’s almost been two years since Lacie was diagnosed).

Also, coming up the end of March, the American Cancer Society is having their annual KIDS CORRAL here in Brunswick. Last year was the first time we’d been, but we had such a blast!! We are hoping for good weather and good blood counts so that we’ll be able to go this year too! They have horse rides, hay rides, face painting, crafts, clowns, great food and great people, and lots more - a big carnival. Last year, a local artist did some beautiful sketches of Lacie, Kacie and Stacie – they hang in our living room now. Maybe this year, we can get Ben to sit still long enough to have his sketch done!!! We have an extra invitation so if anyone knows of another family in our area dealing with childhood cancer who'd like to get out and have a little fun for a day - please let me know and I'll get the info to them. The ACS does so much to make the lives of children with cancer better - they even have a special week-long summer camp that we're looking into and hoping that Lacie will get to be part of that too.

Well – I’ll update again soon to let you know how Lacie’s counts are and how things are looking for her weekend!!! Thank you so much for checking in!! Please leave Lacie a message in the GuestBook and let her know you were here!!

PS – CHECK OUT THE NEW PICTURES!!!!!


Lotsa Love,
Tammy

Monday, March 10, 2003 3:08 PM CST

Hello everyone and “Happy Monday”! We’ve had nothing but rain all weekend, hopefully the skies will start to clear up now. Lacie has had five doses of this new chemo and so far, is handling it very well. She’s been a little tired some days but has felt good other than that. She is on this chemo for 3 weeks and then off for 1 week – totally opposite from the other chemo. She’ll have her blood counts checked on Wednesday so hopefully they’re maintaining good levels. I’ll be sure to update then!

In spite of the rain, Lacie was able to get out yesterday. She went to see a movie with Kacie, Shayla & Timmy. They saw “Bringing Down The House” with Steve Martin and said it was really funny. I know it meant a lot to Lacie – just getting out of the house and spending a few hours with her sister and 2 best friends! And we had a few dry hours on Saturday so we were able to have another cookout at Aunt Cissy's house - yummy!

There’s really not much else to report – things are going well and I’m sure that all the prayers going up on Lacie’s behalf have everything to do with that. We so appreciate your prayers and all the messages that have been left in our guest book and email. Thanks to all of you who check in on Lacie just to see how she’s doing. We are so blessed to have so many wonderful friends and family on our side! We love each and everyone of you.

Love,
Tammy

Wednesday, March 5, 2003 12:13 AM CST

Hi everyone – thanks so much for checking in on Lacie. Today is DAY #1 OF CYCLE #1 of Lacie’s new chemotherapy treatment. She will take it orally for three weeks and then be off for one week. This is different that the last chemo where she was on one week and off for three weeks. Please pray that this new treatment will work to shrink Lacie’s tumor down to nothing. The new treatment has pretty much the same side effects as the previous treatment, but each case is different so we’ll just have to take things a day at a time – we’re getting used to that.

Lacie is feeling great. We went to Target in Gainesville on Monday and she got bags full of new stuff to work on her Scrapbooks with. That girl is the Scrapbook Queen!!! So, she’s got lots to keep her busy – and Mom too!!

The other kids are all doing well. They have three more weeks until SPRING BREAK and they’re all looking forward to that. We hoping to be able to take a mini-vacation sometime during that week, but aren’t sure yet – somewhere close to home though. Last year, we spent Spring Break in Orlando and had a blast!! The year before that, we spent the week in a wonderful little cabin in the North Carolina mountains. This year will probably be a little more low key – right now we’re hoping to spend the week, or at least a few days at the “Lake House” – some friends have a little place in Keystone Heights, Florida that we’ve stayed at several times before – it’s close to Gainesville. There’s not much lake there, but they do have a wonderful POOL!!

Well, that’s it for now. Thanks so much for checking in on Lacie – please leave her a message in the Guest Book to let her know you were here!

Love,
Tammy

Saturday, March 1, 2003 6:02 PM CST

WOW!! The number of messages Lacie has received the past two days has been unbelievable! I cannot tell you how much she enjoys reading them all and how much it means to her – and me!! I appreciate all of your prayers – I know that God hears them all and I know that He will take care of Lacie and see her through. Thanks to all of you for your messages to Lacie and for your thoughts and prayers.

Lacie amazingly still keeps a smile on her face most of the time. Her friend, Timmy (the cute guy in the photo) is going to Gainesville with us on Monday and she’s really happy about that! She had wanted him to go last week and got upset because he had to work – but she’s so glad that’ll he’ll be there this time. He’s been a great friend to Lacie through it all – he’s always there for her and that means so much to us!

The weather here has been so rainy and nasty today – we’re pretty much confined to the house!! Lacie is looking forward to nicer weather tomorrow – Aunt Cissy is cooking Crab Legs especially for Lacie!! We were going to do that today – but RAIN!! So today is just hanging out – watching movies!!!

Well, that’s about it for now. I will update again Monday night or Tuesday and fill you in on the details of Lacie’s new treatment plan.

Love to all,
Tammy & kids

Thursday, February 27, 2003 12:17 AM CST

Just a quick update to let everyone know that I finally talked with Dr. Kedar today about Lacie’s MRI and the results were not what we were hoping for. Apparently the chemotherapy (Temodar) that she’s been on since August is not working. We will be traveling back to Gainesville on Monday to discuss changing her chemo medication. Dr. Kedar has suggested putting her on two new oral medications (Tamoxipen and Etoposide). I don’t know a lot about these medications, but I’m sure I’ll be learning a lot over the next few days. We are going in for Lab Work at Dr. Moran’s office today and they are gathering some patient information for me on these new drugs.

Thank you so much for checking in on Lacie - your thoughts and prayers mean so much to us. I will update again very soon.

Love,
Tammy

PS – I posted two new photos yesterday so check them out if you haven’t already. AND I know I’ve said this before, but I’ll say it again, please leave Lacie a message and let her know you were here – she loves getting new messages from her many fans, friends and family!

Wednesday, February 26, 2003 8:43 PM CST

Hi everyone!

I haven't spoken to Lacie's doctor yet. He wasn't in when I called this morning. He finally called back this afternoon - I was at a teacher conference when he called back - and naturally, it was almost 5pm when I got home. I tried to call anyway but the clinic was already closed so I'll try again first thing in the morning.

The segment on First Coast News tonight was really nice. They did a comparison of the interview in December and it's obvious that Lacie is feeling much better now than then. She looks better and was absolutely beautiful on tv tonight! Kacie, too!! We really had a good time with Ms. Noreen at her studio - she's a great lady and we can't wait to see her again!!

Well, Lacie has her blood checked again tomorrow so I'll update again really soon - hopefully with a report from Gainesville too!

I added a couple of new photos today so check 'em out!
We love you all!
Tammy

Tuesday, February 25, 2003 4:02 PM CST

JUST A QUICK NOTE:

THE FIRST COAST NEWS "THING" HAS BEEN CHANGED TO TOMORROW NIGHT (WEDNESDAY, 2/26) INSTEAD OF TONIGHT - IT IS NOW SCHEDULED TO BE ON THE 5:30 NEWS BROADCAST, BUT COULD POSSIBLY BE ON THE 6:00 NEWS. I WILL UPDATE IMMEDIATELY IF THIS CHANGES.

STILL NO WORD BACK FROM THE DOCTORS IN GAINESVILLE ABOUT LACIE'S MRI. I HOPE TO HEAR SOMETHING LATER TODAY OR TOMORROW AND WILL UPDATE AS SOON AS I HEAR ANYTHING.

THANKS FOR CHECKING IN ON LACIE!

LOVE,
THE WESTONS

Tuesday, February 25, 2003 11:58 AM CST

Hi everyone! Another quick update - yesterday's trip to Gainesville was a LONG one!! We haven't gotten the MRI results yet - should be hearing from our doctors this afternoon - or, more likely, tomorrow. Lacie's platelet count has dropped again so she can't start chemo today as scheduled. We'll have her blood checked again on Thursday and if her platelets are lower, then she'll probably have to have another platelet infusion, but hopefully, the counts will be coming up. I will update again as soon as we get the MRI results - please continue praying for good results!

Also, wanted to remind everyone to watch First Coast News tonight at 6:00pm - it's going to be "The Lacie & Kacie Show"! I think it'll be a great story!

Until next time, thanks so much for checking in - please leave us a message so we'll know you were here!!

Love to all,
Tammy

Saturday, February 22, 2003 9:29 AM CST

Just a quick update to let everyone know that Lacie & Kacie's MAKEOVER DAY story will be on FIRST COAST NEWS (Channel 12 here)on Tuesday, Feb. 25th at 6:00pm!!!

We'll be going to Gainesville early Monday morning for Lacie's MRI & doctor's appointment - please say an extra prayer for Lacie and that her MRI results are positive!

We love you all and thank you for your thoughts and prayers. I'll update again really soon!

Love,
Tammy

Wednesday, February 19, 2003 9:29 PM CST

Hi everyone! Just a quick update to let you know that Lacie's bloodwork was good this week. Her platelets were a little low but not low enough for an infusion. Hopefully they won't go lower - just up from here. She goes to Gainesville on Monday for her next MRI - please pray that it shows a smaller tumor - or very little tumor - or even better, no tumor! MRI Days are very scary for Lacie and for me - it's really hard waiting to hear those results, but we are hoping for good news! If all goes well on Monday (blood work in particular) then she'll start Round Six of Chemo on Tuesday. She's been feeling good lately though and thankfully, her WBC hasn't been very low so she's able to get out of the house - even if it's just for a Walmart or WinnDixie trip - she doesn't care as long as she gets out of the house!!

Well, I think I'll call it a night! Thank you so much for checking in on Lacie. You all are such a blessing in our life and we're so thankful for each of you - our friends and family. Words could never express just how important you are to us!

Love always,
The Westons

Monday, February 17, 2003 7:27 PM CST

Hello everyone! We had such a nice time today - just me, Lacie & Kacie took a "ROAD TRIP" down to Jacksonville where we visited Ms. Noreen Young for the girls special makeover and day of pampering and fun - and it was so much fun! I've uploaded some new pictures from today so everyone check them out! A very big THANK YOU goes out to Noreen for making Lacie and Kacie feel so special and for sending them home with a bag of goodies too! Noreen has the neatest little studio/shop - it smelled like chocolate when we walked in the door of her cozy little cottage and Noreen was just so sweet and funny - we had a wonderful time there with her! And another thanks to Jeannie Blalock for meeting us there and sharing in all the fun! First Coast News will be doing an "update" on Lacie soon - I'll let you all know when as soon as I hear from Jeannie!

Other than that, there's not much else to report. Please continue to pray for Lacie - tomorrow is blood work day and she'll be having her next MRI in one week - on February 24th - and we just hope and pray that the results will show that the chemo is effective and is shrinking her tumor. Also, please continue to pray for Lacie's friends Patrick, and Kody, and all the other children out there who are fighting for their lives.


Thanks so much for checking in - please let Lacie know you were here by signing her guest book - even if you've signed it before - she loves to hear from you!

Love always,
Tammy

Friday, February 14, 2003 11:27 AM CST

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!!!

Not much new to report here. Lacie is feeling good - still having the swallowing problems, but we're trying to adjust her diet and offer her foods that are easy to get down.

We have no plans for the weekend - just take it easy - but Monday is the big day for Lacie & Kacie to have their makeover at Noreen Young Cosmetics Studio in Jacksonville. I'm not sure yet if Jeannie Blaylock (First Coast News) is going to be there or not, but regardless, I'm sure it'll be a lot of fun for the girls and I'll take plenty of photos and post them immediately!!

Lacie asks that you please continue to remember her little friend Patrick who had surgery to remove a brain tumor last month - he's been in ICU almost four weeks now, still unable to breathe on his own and unable to move his arms and legs. I KNOW what a difficult time this is for his parents so please remember them in your prayers also. I also KNOW that prayers are what we need the most of and that God does listen and does care and will carry us through these hard and uncertain times.

Thanks for checking in on us. I hope that each and every one of you feel loved on this Valentines Day - because each and every one of you ARE LOVED BY US!

Love always,
Tammy, Lacie, Kacie, Ben & Stacie

Monday, February 10, 2003 9:05 PM CST

Hello everyone! Glad to report that I am feeling 100% better! I was able to get a lot of rest Saturday and Sunday and started this week off feeling a little weak, but good!!

Lacie made it safely home Sunday evening. She had no exciting news to report - only that she spent the weekend lounging around with the Pappy's - watching movies, relaxing, etc. She thoroughly enjoyed it though! She needed a break from the MAD HOUSE this place can be sometimes. She is feeling great - just so happy and smiley - and that's such a boost to my "strength-o-meter". She's looking great too - but won't let me post any pictures until she get's her hair trimmed - which will be soon, I promise!

We've decided not to go to Honors Night tomorrow. It's just not worth the risk - keeping her out until 10pm (or later - you know how those school things go) and exposing her to such a large crowd, there's so much "yucky stuff" going around. The school will get her certificates to her though & we'll take pictures at home and share with you all!!

Tomorrow is blood count day - again! I'll try to do another update then on how her counts are looking this week.

Before I go - I want to say thank you so much for all of your prayers and support. We have truly been blessed with so many wonderful friends and family - and more blessed with folks we barely know, even never met - who are lifting Lacie up in prayer. You all mean so much to us - we love you all and thank you for making this journey so much easier for us.

Love,
Tammy, Lacie, Kacie, Ben & Stacie

Saturday, February 8, 2003 7:41 PM CST

Hi everyone! I’m so sorry that I haven’t updated lately – I’ve been in a slump. I caught the “bug” that Stacie had last week and have felt like crap the past few days. I sent Lacie to Jacksonville to stay with Aunt Lisa Pappy until I’m feeling better. I sure don’t want her to catch this bug – and it’s everywhere here in Brunswick. I am feeling better today so I’ll probably bring Lacie back home tomorrow. She’s been feeling pretty good lately. The x-ray’s done on her hips came back negative for any fractures or dislocations. She apparently has a strained muscle. It seems to be better.

The barium swallow study – well, it stressed me out somewhat. It showed no physical reason for why she’s having these problems. What this means is – the swallowing problems are probably neuro-muscular - - the muscles in her throat and back of her tongue are not “working together” – not getting their signals at the same time. I hope that these are just temporary problems while her body is adjusting to being off the steroids.

Folks, I apologize for this rather short update. I think I’m still sorta spaced out from all the cold and cough medicine I’ve been taking – on top of not being able to eat much either. I promise to update again soon – when I have more energy and can stay focused – and I’ll fill you all in on how much fun Lacie had in Jacksonville this weekend.

Love,
Tammy

Tueday, February 4, 2003 7:43 AM CST

Hi friends & family! Thought I'd update while Lacie's still sleeping and the other kids are off to school - "Mom's Quiet Time" - I'll spend it with you!

Lacie's leg pain hasn't gotten any better. She's having pain in the right groin/hip area. She had an ultrasound yesterday to check for blood clots - which could be a problem because of her limited mobility. We thank God that the ultrasound was negative for any clots. After that was done, we visited one of our fav doctors - Dr. Moran here in Bwk. Today is the day for Lacie's "modified barium swallow study" - so while we're at the hospital having that done, Dr. Moran wants to have her hips & pelvic area x-rayed to make sure nothing is dislocated - her pain is pretty severe when she moves that leg the slightest. On a better note, her swallowing is better!!

I received a letter from Glynn Academy High School inviting us to attend Honors Night next Tuesday to celebrate the academic success of "Lacie Weston" (and all the other honor roll students). I'm so proud of her and so thankful that her mentality and intelligence have not been affected by her illness. Her physical disabilities are NOTHING when I think of things that "could've happened". Anyway - she continues to amaze me with her determination, her love for others, and I could go on and on. She's definitely MY hero - she is so strong and brave. Kacie "almost" made the A-B Honor Roll but she got a "C" in Biology - just a few points from a "B". Lacie's only comment: "I'm glad I didn't have to take Biology this semester".

I haven't mentioned the "makeover" for Kacie and Lacie - we are planning to do that on February 17th - given Lacie's feeling up to it and her blood counts allow. We're going to Noreen Young Studio in Jacksonville. We haven't had the pleasure of meeting Noreen yet, but I've been in contact with her via email. Thank you Noreen for offering this special day for my daughters - they are both so excited - so is their Mom!! I also spoke with Jeannie Blaylock of First Coast News recently. She is going to meet us at the studio and do an update story! I'll let everyone know when that'll be on tv!!

Well - just want to say before I go that we are so thankful for all of you who visit this site to check on Lacie. Thank you for your prayers and for your messages of encouragement and love. You all are blessings from God and we love each and everyone of you!

Always,
Tammy

Friday, January 31, 2003 at 09:38 PM (CST)

Hi everyone!

Well, Lacie's blood counts were up some today. They're still not as good as I'd like to see them though, but at least they're up from Monday. She's having some leg pain now - feel's like a pulled muscle she says. It seems to be pretty painful for her. Dr. Pincus seems to think that these problems Lacie's having may be a result of her coming off of the Decadron (steriod). Her body has to adjust and start producing these steriods on it's own - if her symptoms continue to worsen, she'll probably have to go back on the steriods. We're going to give it a few more days and see how she does.

She seems to be doing better with the swallowing. She is scheduled for a "modified Barium Swallow Study" on Tuesday morning. Hopefully, we'll see even more improvement before then.

It's been quiet around here this evening. My youngest, Stacie (7) got off the school bus today coughing and burning up with a fever (103) - just what we need. I immediately gave her a big dose of Tylenol, put her in the van and took her to Nanny's house. Her temp went down but back up again tonight. I feel so bad - I wish she was home so "mommy" could be taking care of her, but we just can't take the chance of Lacie getting sick. We don't want Nanny & Papa to get sick either though - so let's all pray that they don't and that Stacie gets better real soon. I'm so thankful to have my parents so close by - and so very lucky too! Anyway, I've pretty much already decided that I'm taking Stacie to the ER tomorrow if her temp is still so high.

Thanks for checking in on Lacie & the rest of us! We need your prayers and appreciate them more than I could ever say. I'll update again very soon.

Love, Tammy

Tuesday, January 28, 2003 at 08:46 PM (CST)

Just another quick update after a long day on the phone with doctor - after doctor - after doctor. Lacie has started having some difficulty swallowing. I first noticed this yesterday while we were having lunch in Gainesville - that's when she told me that it has been happening now and then for the past few days. She "gags" when trying to swallow more course foods - meat, etc. She's able to get very small bites down, but it's not real easy. She's also having some slurred speech.

Our doctors here in Brunswick are setting up a "barium swallow study" to be done on her this week. We've never had this done before and I haven't had a chance to get much info on it yet - learning as we go! I'll probably hear from the dr. tomorrow as to when this test will be done and I'll update to let everyone know. Please pray that these difficulties Lacie's experiencing are only temporary and not signs that her condition is worsening. I'm so worried about her I simply don't know what to do with myself sometimes.

In spite of all this, she's amazingly in good spirits most of the time. We are going ahead and starting Cycle 5 of chemo tonight so please pray that she handles it well and that it does it's job - destroys whatever is left of that nasty tumor.

Thanks so much for checking in - please let Lacie know you were here by signing her guestbook - even if you have already!

Love to all,
Tammy

Monday, January 27, 2003 at 08:05 PM (CST)

Hi everyone! Just a quick update after our "road trip" to Gainesville today.

Well - I'll say it again - Lacie's blood work is like being on a roller coaster ride. Her WBC is back down today to 2.7 - from 12.0 on Friday. All other counts were pretty good so Dr. Kedar has given us the "go ahead" on Chemo Cycle #5 - finally! He decreased the dose back to 180mg - her original Cycle #1 dose - so, here we go!! She'll start tomorrow night.

Dr. Kedar also wants to go ahead with the MRI as planned - so that will be done on February 24th. Please pray with us for good results from this MRI. I already feel SO nervous inside just knowing our next visit will be for an MRI next month. Hoping for the best,,.............. (you know the rest).

Otherwise, Lacie is feeling good overall, and the other kids are doing good too. Thanks so much for checking in on Lacie!

Love, Tammy

Saturday, January 25, 2003 at 07:54 PM (CST)

Hello everyone!

Lacie's blood counts done yesterday (Friday) were a lot better. Thanks to the Neupagen shots, her WBC went from 1.8 on Monday to 12.0. Normal range is 5.0 - 11.0, so her count is a little high. They opted not to give her another Neupagen shot on Friday - she was glad of that! But - she still got her weekly dose of Procrit to help with her lack of energy. With that said, I let her out of the house today. She went to the movie with Kacie, Shayla & Timmy. I think she had a pretty good time!!

She has gotten a few more "friendship" pins!! The count is at 202 now! Her collection originally started with little hat pins, but she's got quite a few button pins too - so she's collecting both!!!

Lacie sends her love and thanks!! She asks that you all pray for a little 10-year old boy from our town who was recently diagnosed with a brain tumor - his name is Patrick and his battle has just begun. He underwent surgery last week and has had complications - your prayers for Lacie have gotten us through so much - I know how important prayers are! Thank you!

Love,
Tammy

Friday, January 24, 2003 at 09:20 AM (CST)

Yeah - it's Friday!! Today is Lacie's last day of the Neupagen shots to help boost her WBC - she'll get Procrit too to help give her some energy - she hasn't had much of that lately. She's been so brave. This week, she opted to take her shots in the tummy. Her nurses told her that it wouldn't sting as bad and apparently, that's true! She'll have her blood checked again today, but regardless, her weekend will probably be spent indoors - it's soooo cold here! She's still sleeping now - averaging at least 12 hours per night and sometimes more. She did get up earlier, took a bath because she was sweaty under all those blankets, and then went right back to bed. She might just be laying in there thinking she's going to get out of school today! Her teacher will be here in about an hour - so I guess I'll let her sleep another 1/2 hour & then see if she'll get up for school.

Mom (me) has a date tonight - Wow - I can't believe I'm getting out of the house without a kid or two or four! My very special friend, Gary & I are going out to dinner at one of our fav restaurants - Frederica House on St. Simons. We're "finally" going to use the gift certificate Ms. Johnson & Ms. Grace (Lacie's teachers) gave us for Christmas! Yum - if you're ever there, you have to try the crab stew - it's the best! Nanny (my mom) will come over and sit with the kids while I'm out - she's a life saver & I'm so lucky to have the very best mom imaginable!!

Please pray for better counts today and for a good trip to Gainesville on Monday. Thanks so much for checking in on Lacie - please let us know you were here by leaving a message in the guestbook - Lacie loves to hear from all her many fans, friends and family!

Will update again very soon!
Much love to you all,
Tammy

Tuesday, January 21, 2003 at 06:25 PM (CST)

Hello Again! Well, having Lacie's blood counts checked is like being on a roller coaster ride - we never know what to expect. Two weeks ago, counts were low - last week they were looking better - this week, her white blood count did a big drop - not what we were hoping for. As many of you know, low WBC puts her at a higher risk for infections. Having three other kids in the house, all at different schools, makes this scary for me. I worry about someone bringing home a "bug" all the time. She'll have a shot of Neupagen (sp?) everyday for four days and on Monday we go see Dr. Kedar in Gainesville and they'll do more blood work there. Because of her low WBC, Lacie will not start her 5th round of chemo this week - again. She was supposed to begin Round 5 on January 7th but her blood counts have not allowed for that. We were really hoping to get it behind us this week. The doctors wanted her to have six rounds before her MRI - which is scheduled for Feb. 24th - but, it doesn't look like that's going to happen, so her MRI may get postponed. I'll find out more on Monday when we take our monthly "road trip".

Oh - I've been meaning to update on Lacie's pin collection! The official count is now 166!!! WOW! Her teddy bear is so heavy from the weight of so many pins. Her bear's overalls have nearly run out of room for anymore pins - she's keeping some of her bigger ones in a ziplok bag for now until she can figure out how she wants to display them. Thanks to our friend, Mrs. Gerrie Miller for giving Lacie her very special Friendship Bear and starting Lacie's wonderful pin collection!

Well - that's it for tonight's update - I'm exhausted (as always)! Lots of love to all of you. Thank you all so much for checking in on Lacie and for all the very special messages in her guestbook!

God bless,
Tammy

Sunday, January 19, 2003 at 09:30 PM (CST)

Hi everyone! Things are going well here. Lacie's blood work done on Friday was better than Tuesday's counts, but still not up enough to start chemo. She'll have them checked again on Tuesday the 21st. She's feeling fine. She found out Saturday that Randy & Shayla Pappy were going to Jacksonville so she sweet talked me into letting her go with them & spend the night with "Aunt" Lisa Pappy. It's not always easy letting her go out of town, but it's very, very hard telling her no! Besides, I know that she's in good hands there. The Pappy's love her like one of their own.

Our trip to the makeup studio isn't going to work out for this week, so we've decided to wait until Kacie's next day out of school - that gives Jeannie Blaylock plenty of notice so she can be there too - February 17th!

I did speak with the clinic in Gainesville last week and they have scheduled Lacie's next MRI for February 24th. We're praying that this MRI will show that the chemo is working and shrinking her tumor. "MRI Days" aren't real easy to get thru so please continue praying for our family's strength and for Lacie's healing.

We love you all,
Tammy

PS - Check out the new pictures!

Tuesday, January 14, 2003 at 06:51 AM (CST)

Hi Everyone!

Well, Lacie's blood counts were pretty low yesterday - postponing chemo another week. She's kinda down about it because she knows low counts mean staying home a lot. Since her counts have dropped again, I suspect Dr. Kedar (Gainesville) will decrease the chemo dose again this cycle. Dr. Moran (Bwk) wants to see her again on Monday. If her counts have recovered, then she should start chemo then. I may take her in to the lab on Thursday or Friday and have counts checked. I like to have them checked before the weekend as that determines whether or not Lacie can get out of the house & do things. So, we're hoping for better counts before the weekend - and we're hoping that a lowered dose of chemo will be effective but not effect her blood counts so much.

Other than low blood counts, Lacie continues to feel pretty good. She only has a few more days left and then she'll be totally off the steriod that's causing her to be so puffy. She already looks better and is showing no problems coming off of the medicine.

If things are going well, I'm planning on taking Kacie and Lacie to Jacksonville one day next week. Noreen Young Studios has offered the girls a day of "beauty and pampering" - you know - make up and stuff! They're excited about that! We'll take lots of pictures!

Well, I'll update again really soon. To all of you - please leave Lacie a message in her guestbook - even if you have already. It means so much to her to hear from her friends - especially now when she's pretty much confined inside due to her counts and the cold weather!

Thanks to all of you for continuing to think of Lacie and pray for her healing. We appreciate your prayers more than I could ever say.

Love, Tammy

Thursday, January 09, 2003 at 08:40 AM (CST)

Hey everybody - it's me Lacie!

Ijust want to say thank's everyone for checking on me. I had a great Christmas. I'm glad my sisters and brother are back in school - they get on my nerves sometimes! Just kidding!

I put some new pictures on my webpage so check them out!

Not much going on here. I love you all & thanks again for everything.

Love, Lacie

Tuesday, January 07, 2003 at 08:04 PM (CST)

Hi - another quick update - it's been a long day! Lacie & I got up early this morning so we could give Kacie & Ben a ride to school and were at the hospital at 8am. The platelet transfusion went well. She stayed so cold the whole time so we covered her up with lots of those warm hospital blankets! She was done at 10:30 and wasn't up for therapy, so we just ran a few errands and then met Mrs. Grace & Mrs. Johnson at Spanky's for lunch. We had a really nice time. Lacie didn't have much of an appetite so she passed on the seafood and just had a grilled cheese sandwich - one of her favs! Lacie's teachers are so nice - we're lucky to have such wonderful ladies as teachers and as friends! Thanks so much to both ladies for a really nice lunch (and all the other nice things they do for Lacie and I).

Well that's it for tonight. I hope everyone out there is having a great 2003 so far! Lots of love to you all!

Monday, January 06, 2003 at 08:52 PM (CST)

Hi everyone!

Today’s blood work didn’t go as well as we’d hoped so chemo is being postponed until next week – pending better blood counts. Lacie’s platelet count has dropped pretty low again so she has to have a platelet infusion tomorrow morning. She had this done back in November – so at least we know what to expect. She has to be at the hospital (here in Brunswick) tomorrow morning at 8am. Her physical & occupational therapy is at 10am, but we probably won’t make that. We also have a lunch date with Lacie’s teachers (Ms. Grace & Ms. Johnson) at 11:30. Lacie’s looking forward to meeting them at Spanky’s, so maybe she’ll be up for it – Gotta Eat! We’ll see how things go in the morning and take it from there. Overall, she’s been feeling pretty good.

It was nice sending the other three kids off to school this morning – first day back from Christmas break. Lacie and I enjoyed our peace & quiet around the house this morning! Oh yea – the high school kids got their 1st Semester report cards today. Kacie made a C in Biology (2 points from a B) and she got B’s in all of her other classes. I can live with that – she had such a tough year last year, I’m glad to see that she’s doing better. Lacie only takes four classes – she made an A in Health and B’s in Literatare, Citzenship & Math. Lacie has always been a good student and it really amazes me at how she has continued to work so hard and keep her grades up in spite of everything she has been through and is going through. To put it simply – she’s amazing! I’m very, very proud of my girls.

Ben and Stacie get their reports cards next week – oh boy!!

Thanks to all of you who continue to check in on Lacie. I’ll update again very soon!

Sunday, January 05, 2003 at 11:51 AM (CST)

Happy "late" New Year everyone!!

Just a quick update to let you all know that things are going well here. Lacie will see Dr. Moran tomorrow and have her counts checked again. She'll start Round Five on Tuesday if we get the "go ahead" tomorrow. Her Decadron (steriod to control swelling in the brain) has been decreased to 0.5mg only once a day and this week we'll decrease it again to every other day for a week and then take her off completely and she won't need it anymore. I've already noticed that there's less puffiness in her cheeks and she's glad of that.

The other kids go back to school tomorrow - and I'm glad of that! It's been nice having them around but they sure complain about being "bored" alot. Oh well, back into the swing of things tomorrow!

We love you all - thank you for thinking of us!
I'll update again tomorrow or Tuesday & let everyone know how things are going!

Love, Tammy & kids

Monday, December 30, 2002 at 06:21 PM (CST)

Hi friends & family,
Just a quick update:
Today was our monthly trip to Gainesville - a routine doctor visit to review Lacie's blood work and plan her next cycle of chemo. Her counts have been good this cycle, not getting near as low as in November when her dose was 250 mg of Temodar for 5 days. December's dose was lowered to 220 mg and she did alot better so she'll take that same dose this time - Cycle Five starts on January 7th - as long as counts between now & then stay up.

Well, it's been a long day! We wish you all a Very Happy New Year!! Be safe!

Love, Tammy

Sunday, December 29, 2002 at 08:56 PM (CST)

Hi everyone! Just a quick update before bed. We're getting up early tomorrow & going to see Dr. Kedar in Gainesville - just a routine visit to check & review her blood counts and to plan her next round of chemo. She's scheduled to begin Round Five on January 7th. Based on her counts, he'll decide if her dosage needs any adjustment. I don't anticipate having another MRI for another couple months.

Lacie continues to feel pretty good. She had a wonderful Christmas & sends her love to every one!

I'll update soon & let you all know how our trip to Gainesville goes!

Love, Tammy

Thursday, December 26, 2002 at 09:32 PM (CST)

Hi everyone! Just a quick update tonight to let yall know that Lacie's blood counts were SO good today and she was SO happy!! Her and Kacie called Crystal from the doctor's office and had her come pick them up and take them to the mall!! More new clothes - you know how teenage girls are! And Lacie bought me a new purse - she's so sweet!! Actually, she bought my last purse for me in August while we were in Houston and the strap has been safety-pinned for quite some time now! She always thinks of others - she always has and she has so many special friends to prove it!

I was able to get Ben into the orthopedic's office today - that's what I did while the "girls" went shopping! Ben has a small fracture in the top of his hand but it hasn't turned or isn't misplaced. He has to wear a splint for the next 3 weeks - can't take it off for anything - then we'll go back to the doctor.

Nanny brought over leftover ham tonight - it was so good - and you can actually walk through our living room now, I had almost given up hope after the mess these kids made yesterday! We had such a wonderful Christmas and are so very thankful to all of our friends and family who have made this Christmas like no other!

Love to you all,
The Westons

Wednesday, December 25, 2002 at 07:51 PM (CST)

Merry Christmas Everyone!!

WOW - It's been a long couple of days!! We have had such a wonderful Christmas!! I'll say it again - "We are so very blessed"!

We spent all day yesterday (Christmas Eve) in Jacksonville with the Pappy family and had such a wonderful time. They really know how to do Christmas!! Papa Bill got out his guitar and we sang Christmas carols along with him. It was so much fun!! The whole Pappy family have been such a great support for us during Lacie's illness. It is true that something good comes out of everything - we have all become so close - the Pappy's are like a second family to us and we appreciate them more than words can say! I've posted a new picture in the photo album of all the Weston kids together with the Pappy kids - the "Wespaps" is what the group calls itself! Haha!

While we were in Jacksonville, we got to meet with two very special ladies - Norma and Gwen of DIVAS ON THE RISE. The "Divas" are a group of Christian women who "adopted" our family for Christmas! Wow - they came bearing gifts for our family - and lots of them!! We even got them to sing Silent Night along with us and the Pappy's. But these two ladies were great - we had such a wonderful time visiting with them and getting to know them. There's also a new photo of me and the kids with Norma and Gwen in the album! The kids just loved all of their gifts and were amazed that the "Divas" knew just what they'd like!! Again - what a blessing these ladies are in our life and we're looking forward to seeing them again soon!

Lacie continue's to feel good. She'll have her blood checked again tomorrow and if counts are good, she's already informed me that she's going to hit the "After Christmas Sales" with her cousin, Crystal! That Christmas cash she got from Papa is burning a hole in her pocket! Haha!

I had Ben in the doctor's office/hospital all day on the 23rd - just what I needed two days before Christmas. He has a terrible ear infection, and, get this, a fracture in his hand from fighting with his cousin, Cole. We've got his hand in a splint and have to follow up with an orthopedic on Monday. His ear was hurting worse than the hand, but both are feeling much better today!

I hope that all of you have had a wonderful Christmas. We had dinner with Nanny & Papa Lairsey. It was so nice being with family and ofcourse, Nanny out did herself - the food was out of this world yummy!!! Yet, Christmas was a bit sad because my brother David wasn't there and we all miss him terribly - please include him in your prayers as we would like nothing more than him to return home safely to us.

That's it for now - MERRY MERRY CHRISTMAS TO EVERYONE - We love you and appreciate you so very much!!

Love, Tammy & family

PS - Don't forget to check out the new pictures!

Saturday, December 21, 2002 at 09:23 PM (CST)

Hello everyone! Sorry I haven't updated in a while. Things are going well - Lacie completed her fourth cycle of chemo a week ago and she's doing good. Her blood counts done on Thursday were just a tad low. She continue's to have a Procrit shot once a week to keep her red count up - gives her some energy so she's not so tired. Her white count was low too, but not "critically" low. She'll have her counts checked again on Monday.

The kids are getting so excited about Christmas! We have been so blessed this holiday season - so many people have helped to make sure that Lacie, Kacie, Ben and Stacie have a wonderful Christmas. I need to say a very special thank you to the Youth at First Baptist Church - they had a "dollar box" in the Student Hall and asked all the youth to donate dollars to help us with Christmas and last week, the Youth Minister, our friend Waller, came over to visit and brought us a Walmart gift card for $800! WoW! The Children's Minister (Glen) also visited and shared his testimony with Lacie. It was very touching as he is a brain tumor survivor. Thank you so much to the Youth for doing this for us. First Baptist Church has helped us so much through this difficult time and we are so thankful to have them as our church family. We love you all!

Another thanks to Industrial Insulation Group. My sister Rhonda works there & they also collected donations at their Christmas party. Another WOW! The donation from IIG was enough to pay our rent for six months and then some!! Like I said before, we are so blessed!

In addition to the above, I need to thank my friends and "family" at Allen & Graham, Inc. I left my job there (after 10 years) in May 2001 when Lacie was diagnosed and not only did they make a huge contribution to the Summit Santa Run, they also sent us a Christmas Bonus!! Phil, Pam, John and everyone else there are really like my extended family and I miss them so much! I hope come next Fall, Lacie will be able to return to school and I can go back to work!!!

There are so many other Thank You's - I could go on and on and on... The kindness and generosity of our community is overwhelming - almost unreal and I am so very thankful to all of you - for your thoughts and prayers and so much more.

As a "family present", we bought a new digital camera! So we'll be able to update with new photos more often - as soon as I read the book and learn how to use the thing! We're real excited about being able to take and share new pictures with all of you!

Until next time - Happy Holidays and God bless you all!!!

Sunday, December 15, 2002 at 08:05 PM (CST)

Hello Everyone!

We had SO much fun yesterday at the Summit Santa Run!! Thanks so much to Angie Gatewood & Tyler Roberson for coordinating the whole thing – they did such a great job and worked so hard! And thanks to everyone who participated and attended. So many people were there! Santa even showed up – there’s a picture of him & Lacie in the album now so check it out – along with a couple of other new photos!

Lacie finished Round Four of chemo yesterday & she did very well again! Usually, about two weeks after the chemo is when her blood counts start dropping. She’ll continue to have that checked at least once (maybe twice) a week.

We finally got our Christmas Tree up today so it’s starting to feel a little like Christmas. I’m having a hard time getting into the spirit, but I’m working on it. Maybe having the tree up will help! It sure is pretty!

Well, this is just a quick update – I’m really tired!! Another thanks to everyone who made the Summit Run such a success – we are so grateful for your loving support and prayers.

Love, Tammy

Tuesday, December 10, 2002 at 11:06 AM (CST)

Hello everyone!

Well - Lacie and Kacie are "movie stars"! We all watched the news together last night & thought that First Coast News did a great job. For those of you who missed it, you can go to www.firstcoastnews and read the story. I think there's a video there too of the 6pm broadcast. It was a little hard to watch last night. Sometimes it's still so unbelievable how much our lives have changed over the past year and a half.

Lacie is feeling good. Her blood counts were good yesterday so she'll start chemo again today. Round Four will be over in no time. We all went bowling on Sunday with our friends, Randy & Shayla Pappy and had so much fun! We are going to have to start doing that more often - it's something that Lacie can enjoy as well as all the other kids! I think Lacie scored a 78 this time, but that was better than Kacie and Ben - I won't mentioned their puny scores, Stacie even beat them!

The kids are getting so excited about Christmas. I can't believe it's only two weeks away. And the Summit Run is this Saturday and it's sounding like so much fun! We're excited about getting out there and seeing everyone. Angie @ Summit tells me that they will be giving away some great door prizes so we hope to see a lot of our friends there!

Until next time, we love all of you and thank you for your care and concerns, and especially for your prayers. We are so blessed to have so many wonderful people in our lives.

Love, Tammy

Friday, December 06, 2002 at 08:06 PM (CST)

Hello everyone! Lacie's blood work today still looks real good. She'll do it again on Monday and if counts are still good, she'll start chemo on Monday. Round Four. We also talked about lowering her dose of Decadron & trying to get her weened off of it. She's been on this steriod since surgery. It's used to decrease swelling in her brain. She's been gradually lowering the dose and is now at a very low dose & hopefully, will tolerate an even lower one & soon be totally off of it. This is what's causing her puffy cheeks too - and she's so ready to lose those!

First Coast News will be airing their story about Lacie on Monday - December 9th. They'll show it on the 6pm program and the 11pm program. The interview part was tough for Lacie and for Kacie, they both shed a few tears here and there. Somehow, I held it together but it wasn't easy. I'm actually a bit nervous about watching it on Monday.

Lacie & I went to the craft store on St. Simons with Aunt Rhonda today. Lacie has picked out few Christmas projects that she wants to tackle, so we got all of her supplies together today. She's got lots to keep her busy for a while!

Thank you so much for checking on Lacie. I'll update again soon.

God Bless You All.

Thursday, December 05, 2002 at 06:16 AM (CST)

Hi everyone! Sorry I haven't updated sooner! Lacie's blood counts were way up on Monday. She was so glad!! We're going back to the doctor on Friday & if she's maintained these good counts, then she'll be starting her fourth cycle of chemo next week. We went to the mall yesterday and finally started some Christmas shopping. I can't believe it's only three weeks away!!

I haven't heard from First Coast News as of yet, but don't give up! They'll probably air Lacie's little segment next week. They didn't want to air it too far in advance of the Summit Run, which is next Saturday the 14th! We are so excited about the Run. A lot of Kacie & Lacie's friends are going to be there and I hope the weather will be good that day so that Lacie can attend as well. As soon as I hear from the News, I'll update the webpage & let everyone know, as well as call all those folks I've already promised to call!!

Thanks so much to all of you for continuing to check in on Lacie. Your thoughts and prayers mean so much to us! We are truly blessed to have so many wonderful friends and family - you guys are a tremendous support group. We love all of you so much.

God Bless You All,
Love, Tammy

Sunday, December 01, 2002 at 11:44 AM (CST)

Hi everyone! Well, Lacie had her last Neupagen shot today, thank goodness. She’s glad that’s over with. We’ll see Dr. Moran tomorrow and have her blood checked again. Hopefully, all her counts will be coming up and she’ll be able to start her fourth chemo cycle soon. The dose has been lowered so maybe next month her counts won’t drop so low. She’s been feeling good for the most part. She’s hoping her counts will be up so that she’ll be able to get out of the house and do stuff.

First Coast News was late coming over on Friday, but they did come and I think their story is going to be awesome. Thanks so much to Jeannie Blaylock and her camera man, John – they were so nice and we had a lot of fun while they were here! Lacie & I did a little dance, but hopefully they won’t show that on tv! We just had to act a little silly for the camera! Anyway, the story will be on the news soon – one day this week. Jeannie is going to call me and let me know what day so I’ll update as soon as I hear from her.

Nanny gave Lacie another Guardian Angel pin for her collection. That makes the count up to 74! Wow! Her bear is so beautiful and will be on the news with her!!!!!

I’ll update again tomorrow evening and let everyone know how her blood work looks, so until then, we love you all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wednesday, November 27, 2002 at 09:35 PM (CST)

Happy Thanksgiving!

It's been another long day for us. Lacie had bloodwork done again this afternoon & her counts had gone down a little more. She had a shot to boost her red blood count and a shot for the white blood count. She has to have a shot every day for the next four days for the white count. So - we'll be at the hospital tomorrow at 11am - hopefully it won't take too long and we won't be late for Thanksgiving Dinner at my parents. Later in the evening, we're having our second Thanksgiving Dinner with the Pappy's, our "adoptive" family!!! I'm getting hungry just thinking about it! Lacie made a pecan pie - using Nanny Lairsey's recipe - to share with the Pappy's! She had fun making it and it sure smells good!

Lacie picked up a few new pins for her Friendship Bear while we were in Gainesville. Her cousin, Crystal, gave her six more that she dug out of her jewelry box and she got a few from Nanny and another from our friend, Ms. Carol, who works with Papa. She has 70 pins now!!! Her bear "jingles" and is just beautiful!

The First Coast News thing is still set for Friday so - tune in if you can! Lacie's excited!

Our wish to all of you is for health and happiness during the holidays. We are so very thankful for each of you - we are so blessed to have such caring and loving friends, and so many of them. You all are so very special to us. Happy Thanksgiving!

Tuesday, November 26, 2002 at 08:20 PM (CST)

Hi everyone - Happy Thanksgiving to ALL! We are so thankful for each & everyone of you - our family & our friends - thank you so much for all of your prayers. I just know it is working.

Our trip to Gainesville was a good one. Lacie's platelet count had come up BUT the white blood cell count was very low, making her susceptible to infection so we have to be very careful. She's on "house restriction" except to have her blood checked tomorrow & she'll have to wear a mask while we're out. Hopefully her count will be coming back up on it's on, if not, more shots & bless her heart, her arms are already so bruised up from the low platelets and being stuck so many times these past few days.

I am waiting to hear from Lacie's doctors about the MRI. A radiologist has to look at them & do a report & that hadn't been done yet when we left Gainesville. All three of Lacie's doctors will look at the MRI's & the report and hopefully I'll hear something tomorrow. I saw the film and compared them to the last MRI done two months ago and it looks good to me & Dr. Kedar thought they looked good & will let me know when he gets the "report". So, as soon as Lacie's blood counts are back up to acceptable levels, she'll start her fourth cycle of chemo. We're hoping to see some better counts tomorrow.

The news broadcast about Lacie & the Summit Run has been changed to FRIDAY instead of tomorrow (Wednesday) so everyone watch on First Coast News! Hopefully, it won't get changed again!!!

Well thats it for now - I will update again really soon!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO YOU ALL AND GOD BLESS!

Saturday, November 23, 2002 at 12:10 AM (CST)

Boy - what a long day! It's a little past 1:00am - we've been home from the hospital for about 30 minutes - after being there since 7:00pm. I think I'm too tired to go to bed?!?! Anyway, Lacie's platelet count had dropped to NINE when she had her blood rechecked today. So as I thought, Dr. Moran wanted to give her some platelets - that's what we went to the hospital for. The actual platelet transfusion took about an hour - the other 5 hours were spent "just waiting". Lacie had a little of an allergic reaction after the transfusion. She got a little rash & some swelling around her eyes and neck so they gave her Benedryl & it went away as fast as it came. She's feeling fine now - sleeping in Mom's bed so I can keep a close eye on her.

Well, that was the stressful news of the day - we have more news and it's ALL GOOD (and exciting). We finally got to meet Ms. Tyler in person - she's one of the ladies who's putting the Summit Santa Run together. We were so glad that she came over to visit and are sooooo excited about the run.

AND - Lacie's going to be on TV next week!!! WTLV of Jacksonville - FIRST COAST NEWS - is going to do a story on Lacie. Our favorite news person, Jeannie Blaylock, called us today! They want to help promote the Summit Run. This has really gotten Lacie excited!!! She's definitely a SUPER STAR! So - everyone look for Lacie on First Coast News - probably on Wednesday evening. I'm not sure what time - they have news at 5, 5:30, 6 and 11:00.

And on top of that, Ms. Grace, Lacie's teacher, brought Lacie bags of gifts & goodies from her Bible Study Group - lot's of nail polish and M&M's among other things! Lacie loved it all! We all know how she loves to have her nails all pretty! Thanks to Ms. Grace & all the ladies in the group. Thank you so much for your encouraging words and thoughtful gifts for Lacie.

Well - that's about it for today. Hopefully, the rash or swelling won't return and we'll have a nice quiet weekend. We're planning on leaving for Gainesville on Sunday afternoon and be home Monday evening with a good report. I'll update again soon.

Love to all.

Wednesday, November 20, 2002 at 09:48 AM (CST)

Hi everyone! Just a quick update to let everyone know that Lacie had blood work done again yesterday. Her counts were a little bit low – especially the platelet count – so she will have to have her blood checked again on Friday. Her platelet count was 34 – the normal range is 130-400. If it’s dropped more on Friday, Dr. Moran will probably want her to have a platelet transfusion to get the count up again, but hopefully it won’t be necessary – hopefully, the count will start coming back up on its own. Low platelet count can cause her to bruise and bleed easily so she just needs to be careful not to get hurt. Her white blood & red blood cell counts were just a tiny bit low – nothing to worry about at this point.

We want to let everyone know that Summit Sports Medicine is having a fundraiser for Lacie on Saturday, December 14th. It’s their Christmas Santa Run (4th annual) – a 5k walk/race that’ll be held in Brunswick – out at the Summit Complex. I don’t have much info about it right now, but will pass on info as it comes to me. I do know that if anyone wants to participate or sponsor a team, they can call Angie Gatewood at 912-262-9961. I hope that we’ll see a lot of our friends & family out there – it’s going to be a lot of fun.

Another special thanks to Jacob Carswell!! Jacob is an 8th grader at Risley Middle School who cut grass, raked leaves and did other odd jobs around his neighborhood and then donated the $100 that he earned to Lacie. I was so touched by his generosity and so was Lacie. Next time we visit Risley, we’re going to get Jacob out of class & take a photo of him & Lacie to post on the webpage! It has amazed me at how caring and considerate our children can be sometimes. Hats off to Jacob – you’re a blessing to your friends and family. I really appreciate you’re thinking of Lacie & our family.

Well – more blood work on Friday and then we’re off to Gainesville on Monday! I’ll update again just as soon as I can.

Love & Peace to All!!

Monday, November 18, 2002 at 08:39 PM (CST)

Hi again everyone. I’m so glad to report that Lacie is still feeling really good! Tomorrow is “blood work” day again so we’re hoping that her counts are still strong. Then we’ll go to Gainesville next Monday, Nov. 25th for an MRI and to see our oncologist there. Then, we’ll know more about where things stand and if the chemo is being effective. I’m so looking forward to updating with wonderful news as soon as we’re back from Gainesville – everyone please keep praying for Lacie and that the chemo is working!

Lacie, Kacie & I went to Jacksonville on Saturday for a little “going away” party for our very good friend Timmy! Timmy left today for twelve weeks of boot camp at Parris Island, SC! He’s joined the Marine Reserves and we’re so proud of Timmy! Lacie & Kacie met Timmy about 5 years ago – he’s Shayla Pappy’s cousin. For those of you who don’t know Shayla, she’s been sidekick to the twins since elementary school. Anyway – Timmy’s been like a “big brother/cousin” to my kids and has been such a good friend to Lacie. He’s been her pen pal, he visits and calls her often, and even tags along with us to most of our doctor’s visits in Gainesville. He’s great for lifting Lacie’s spirits and we all know that she’s crazy about him!! She was a little sad at the party – she’s going to miss Timmy for the next twelve weeks. But she’s excited about hearing all about "boot camp" soon!

Sunday morning we had Sunday school at our house! We all really enjoyed that! Thanks so much to Ms. Tina Delaschmit & Ms. Linda Danforth for making it happen. Lacie’s long-time friend (since kindergarten), Haley Wells brought Lacie 3 new pins for her teddy! And Georgia Gibbs brought home-made Rice Krispie Treats – one of Lacie’s favorites and they were sooooooo yummy! Thanks to all the girls for coming over - Haley, Georgia, Mia, Rachel, Amy & Chelsea. You girls try to keep Ms. Tina OUT OF THE MUD!!!

Lacie also got 2 new pins from Papa Lairsey’s friend, Mr. Carlisle, who works at Sea Island! Her teddy bears ribbons kept getting tangled, so she got her teddy bear some overalls now and has pins stuck all over him! The count is 53 now! It’s the coolest bear you ever saw!!!

Please continue to keep Lacie in your prayers. We both tend to get a little “anxious” the days before an MRI – it’s scary for us both. Please leave Lacie some uplifting messages during this week before we go to Gainesville. Your prayers and thoughts mean so much to us.

Love to all,
Tammy

Tuesday, November 12, 2002 at 06:48 PM (CST)

Hi everyone! Another good week to report! Lacie had her blood checked today and counts are still good! She'll do it again next week! She continues to feel good and happy! She goes to Gainesville on Nov. 25th for an MRI & appt with Dr. Kedar. Please pray that the MRI shows that the chemo is being effective and shrinking that tumor down to nothing.

Lacie had a great weekend - her and Kacie spent the night in Jacksonville with Mema Pappy & Aunt Lisa and they went bowling. Lacie went on and on about how much fun she had and about how bad she beat everyone! She bowled 115 - or so she told me! Kacie bowled an "80-something"! They really had fun AND Lacie came home with 3 new pins for her teddy bear!

A special thanks to Kim & Karl Kruppenbacher - Lacie received a package today from them with two more pins! A "Motorcycle Angel" from Karl and a beautiful handmade Angel from Kim. She loves getting mail and this was a very special package - I wish you could've seen the smile on her face! "Mail? For me?", she said! We met Kim & Karl and their son, Kody in Gainesville last month. Kody is a patient of Dr. Pincus too. Check out the photo of Lacie & Kody (and Lacie's teddy bear) in the photo album.

Lacie wants everyone to know that she loves all of you and is thankful to have so many friends and family praying for her and helping her get through everything. She picked out one of her favorite Bible verses to share with everyone - it's at the top of the webpage.

Thanks to everyone for checking in on Lacie. Please continue to leave her messages in her guestbook (even if you've already left one), she gets a kick out of "new mail".

Love to all...........

Wednesday, November 06, 2002 at 12:00 PM (CST)

Hello everyone! Glad to report that Lacie's blood counts are still strong. She'll have them checked again next week. She's feeling pretty good - a little tired these past few days. But she's been taking afternoon naps on the couch - so I get a little peace & quiet.

Lacie's pin collection has grown to 42 now! Our friends in Texas, Gerrie & Art, sent her a package with four new pins - a Louisiana State pin, an alligator pin, a Rayne Frog Festival pin which Lacie thought was SO cute, and a "footprints" pin which was my favorite! Thanks so much to Art & Gerrie - yall are such beautiful people and we love you so much!

Speaking of beautiful people - Mema Pappy, Granny Geneva & Art came to visit on Tuesday and took Lacie and I to lunch at Spankys! Yum! Lacie had her latest favorite food - fried shrimp!! They also brought Lacie 2 new pins - one that represents HOPE and the other, FAITH! They are beautiful! Lacie really enjoyed spending time with them and Art brought Lacie the prettiest heart locket with his picture in side (watch out Tim!). All of the Pappy's (and so many of their friends) are such wonderful folks - we are so lucky to have them in our lives. Thanks for doing so much for Lacie.

Now - speaking of more beautiful people - Dr. Delacy Sanford, principal at Risley Middle School, all the teachers and staff, and all of the kids there who pulled together to raise money for our family! Dr. Sanford declared October "LACIE WESTON MONTH" at Risley and the school raised $2000 for Lacie! Last year they had carwashes and raised over $3000. I know that Dr. Sanford really loves and cares for Lacie and it's so apparent that Lacie's not the only one. He truly loves all of his kids there at Risley. So - Wildcats - I hope you know how lucky you are to have such a wonderful principal - he's a great leader and is really making a difference in the lives of all our kids. We love him so much! And we love everyone else at Risley too! Thanks so much to the wonderful kids at Risley - you guys are awesome!!!! What you all have done for Lacie has meant so much to us and I'm sure you'll be blessed for helping and caring!

Thanks to everyone for your thought's and prayers. I'll update again soon!

Love, Tammy

Sunday, November 03, 2002 at 01:48 PM (CST)

Hello everyone!!

Lacie has finished her 3rd cycle of chemo. Last night was her last dose and she did very well again - Thanks to God! And thanks to all of you who have been praying for Lacie. Now, for the next couple of weeks we have to keep a close eye on her bloodcounts as they are likely to drop 7 to 14 days after the chemo.

We had a great time TRICK OR TREATING last week. Check out the new photos - Lacie was Doctor Barbie! And all the kids got lots and lots of candy! Yum!! I was so glad that Lacie's counts were up and she was feeling up to going out on Halloween.

Yesterday, we went over to Jekyll Island and visited an old high school friend of mine who I hadn't seen since high school (1982). Lee was in town for the HOG (Harley's of Georgia) rally so we joined them and went to watch the field events. It was a lot of fun. Lacie and I went out to the boardwalk and looked out over the beach for a while. It's been so long since we've been to the beach - it was lovely! Thanks to Lee for inviting us - it was good to see him and very nice to meet his girlfriend, Noel and her sister, Wanda. I hope you guys have a very safe trip back home to Atlanta.

Well, things continue to go well here. Lacie will have her blood checked again on Tuesday and I'll update the site then.

Love, Tammy

Wednesday, October 30, 2002 at 08:12 AM (CST)

Hello everyone - Happy Halloween!!!

Lacie's appointment with Dr. Moran went very well yesterday. All of her counts were up - close to the same as before she started her 1st chemo cycle. So, she began the 3rd cycle last night. She slept well and woke up this morning feeling good and hungry! She'll continue to have her blood checked every week and will go to Gainesville on November 25th for an MRI and to see Dr. Kedar. We're praying that the chemo is working and the MRI will show positive results!

Lacie sends her love and thanks to everyone.

Sunday, October 27, 2002 at 08:10 PM (CST)

Hi everyone! I'm just trying to recover from another busy weekend! We went to Jacksonville yesterday and spent the night with Aunt Lisa & Mema Pappy. We all got up this morning and went to church at Southpoint Community Church and really, really enjoyed it alot. As always though, it's so nice to be back home.

Lacie has been feeling good. She will have bloodwork done on Tuesday and if her counts are okay, then she'll start her 3rd round of chemo Tuesday night. Everyone please pray that she handles this round as well as the last one. Dr. Kedar increased her dose to the MAX for someone her size. We are praying that it will be effective with as little side effects as possible.

Lacie got two new pins for her teddy bear while we were in Jacksonville. Aunt Lori gave her a Jaguars "Love the Children" pin and Aunt Lisa's friend, Edwin gave her a pin from SuperBowl XXXII - when the Jaguars were a "wild card". They both are great - that makes 34 pins so far. Her teddy bear is so beautiful with all these pins!

I'll update again Tuesday night & let everyone know how Lacie's bloodwork turns out.

Love to all.......

Wednesday, October 23, 2002 at 08:56 PM (CDT)

Hello everyone! Well, we made our trip to Gainesville and I am SO TIRED! Dr. Kedar was pleased with how well Lacie is handling the chemotherapy. He increased her dosage for this Cycle #3. She'll have her blood checked again on Tuesday and if all counts are at acceptable levels, then she'll begin the chemo that night. Our next trip to Gainesville is scheduled for Nov. 25th. Lacie will have an MRI and we are praying that it will show that the tumor is shrinking - the chemo is being effective. If so, she'll continue the chemo for about a year. If the tumor hasn't changed, or if it's grown - then we'll have to explore other options. Everyone please pray that the chemo is being effective.

While we were in Gainesville we had the chance to meet our new friends, Kim & Karl Kruppenbacher and their REALLY COOL SON, KODY! Kody is 7 and is a patient of Dr. Pincus (our neurosurgeon) too! He also has a brain tumor so please remember our new friend in your prayers. I'll post a photo of Lacie & Kody in a few days! Karl is going to send Lacie a pin for her Teddy Bear and she's so excited about that. She has 30 pins so far!

Thanks to everyone for thinking of us!

PLEASE CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO SEE LACIE'S "SMILE QUILT" - IT IS VERY, VERY SPECIAL!

Monday, October 21, 2002

Lacie had her weekly bloodwork done today - counts were kinda low so her doctor's have decided not to start the third round of chemo today - we'll wait a week. Lacie will have bloodwork done on Tuesday and if counts are okay, she'll start chemo that night.

We are going to Gainesville on Wednesday for a checkup there with Dr. Kedar (oncologist). No MRI will be done, so I doubt there will be much to report about this visit. But I will update the webpage with whatever information we come home with.

A special thanks to Ms. Paula Antzack - she sent Lacie a Glynn Academy High School pin for her bear that says "GO BIG RED". Lacie loved it!!!! Hopefully - she'll be able to go to G.A. for the second semester this year. Right now, chemo has got going to school on hold, but like I said, Lacie & Ms. Grace are working real hard to stay on top of her school work.

AND - another special thanks to Mr. Bob Carlisle who works at Sea Island with Papa Lairsey for the "Waycross" pin! We have alot of family in Waycross and if any of them are reading this - WE LOVE ALL OF YOU SOOOOO MUCH! Also, Mr. Carlisle send a little gold peanut pin and we really, really loved it too! Thanks so much!

Everyone - please pray for the family of Mr. Garland Evors of Jesup, Ga. For those of you who don't know who he is, he is a Brunswick Firefighter who passed away last week. He too had a brain tumor. I think his was diagnosed about 6 months after Lacie was diagnosed. The news of his death really hit me hard. Although I never met him, I have been praying for him and his family since hearing about his diagnosis.

I'll update again after our trip to Gainesville on Wednesday. Until then, thanks so much for caring and praying for Lacie.

Friday, October 18, 2002 at 01:05 PM (CDT)

Hello to all! We just got home from Dr. Moran's office and a yummy lunch at Jinrights! Lacie had her favorite fried oysters! Oh - and cheese stix!

Lacie had blood work done today. It's fluctuating every week. Her WBC is up and that's been our biggest concern the last few weeks, so we're glad it's better. Today her platelet count was pretty low - putting her at risk for easy bruising and bleeding - so we've got to be careful. She'll have blood work done again on Monday to make sure she's ready to start her third cycle of chemo. She's still feeling good!!!

Mrs. Grace (Lacie's homebound teacher) has been keeping her pretty busy. In Health, she's studying human reproduction - apparently Health is her fav subject this week! She'll giggle out loud as she's reading some times!!! She's so SILLY! But seriously, she is working so hard to keep up. Hopefully, she'll be able to attend school for the second semester. I know that she misses her social life!

Tomorrow afternoon we're all going out to the FAIR! The kids are so excited! I told Lacie I'd ride the ferris wheel with her, but other than that, I doubt I'll let her ride too many of the rides. She knows this so she's planning on spending her time (and money) winning goldfish! She loves those wild & crazy rides though - I hate it that she can't ride this year, but hopefully she'll still have a great time anyway.

Thanks to everyone for your thoughts and prayers. Please keep Lacie in your prayers as she begins chemo again next week. Also, as we travel to Gainesville on Wednesday for a check up with our other Oncologist, Dr. Kedar.

Much Love.....

Saturday, October 12, 2002 at 04:02 PM (CDT)

Hi everyone! Lacie continue's to have good days!! It's been a month - free of headaches, nausea, etc - we are so thankful to all of you for remembering Lacie in your prayers - God is answering them!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you - I can't say it enough!

We went to Gainesville yesterday to see Lacie's neuro-opthamologist, Dr. Bhatti. The report was good. Lacie has very good vision, but the right eye turns inward which makes it hard for her to focus & causes double vision. This could be caused by damage to the optic nerves & muscles as a result of the radiation treatment OR could be caused by tumor. Until her tumor is stable, there's nothing they can do - it may get better on it's own. If not, surgery to the eye muscles would be an option - but only when she's done with chemo & the tumor is stable. We'll go back to see him in six months.

A VERY SPECIAL THANKS to Gerrie & Art Miller of Brackettsville, Texas. Gerrie is the lady we met in Houston who gave Lacie the Friendship Bear. Lacie got a package in the mail full of goodies from their recent vacation. It made her day!! She got some really cool pins from Art as well as little gifts from Art & Gerrie's friends. A BIG THANKS to Carol, Gerrie's sister, for the beautiful Mickey & Minnie Mouse pins - Lacie loved them! Her pin collections continues to grow - I think it's over 30 now!!! Keep 'em coming!!!!

Tuesday, October 08, 2002 at 07:16 PM (CDT)

We are SO SO THANKFUL for another good day! Lacie is feeling good! She had her blood work done again today and her counts are UP from last week - we were so glad to here that! She didn't like that shot last week!! She had some kind of rash on her legs over the weekend but that seems to have cleared up. Really nothing new to report. She & Kacie had a great time in Jacksonville. They so enjoyed going to Southpoint Community Church with the Pappy's and we appreciate all the messages & emails we've gotten from the folks there.

Lacie sends her love to everyone!

Friday, October 04, 2002 at 08:22 PM (CDT)

Lacie is still doing very well. She had blood work done again today and her white blood count had dropped quite a bit. They gave her a shot (she hates shots) to help boost her WBC. If her WBC should drop too low, she would be at great risk of infection and that wouldn't be good. They almost didn't give her the shot, but did since Kacie & I have had a stuffy nose lately and we don't want Lacie to catch it, and Lacie wants to go to Jacksonville tomorrow & I just wouldn't feel good about letting her go with her counts dropping. She'll have her counts checked again on Tuesday so hopefully they'll come back up.

Special thanks to Ms. Antzcak for the RMS WILDCATS pin for Lacie's teddy bear! That was so cool! Her pin collection is growing, after going through her jewelry box, we found a few more that she had already (before she got the bear) so we added them to her ribbon.

Thanks to all of you for sending Lacie messages. She'll get around to sending messages back to all of you soon - we're working on that! For now, she sends her LOVE to all of you.

Wednesday, October 02, 2002 at 11:03 AM (CDT)

Hi everyone - and thanks again for all the messages! It means so much to us that you all are thinking of Lacie (and the rest of us) and praying for her. I just know that God will answer our prayers.

When we were in Houston last month, we met a really nice couple from there - Art & Gerrie. Gerrie's sister, Carol, lives here and works at Sea Island with Lacie's Papa. Anyway, Gerrie gave Lacie a teddy bear - called a FRIENDSHIP BEAR. On the bear's ribbon, she had placed a guardian angel pin and told Lacie that she should put pins on the ribbon that she receives from her family and friends and take the bear to all her doctor appointments, etc. Having her bear with her - with all it's pins - would be like having all those special people there with her too! So - Lacie is collecting pins for her very special bear. She has about 12 pins so far from some very special people. So, if anyone else would like to send Lacie a pin, I know it would mean a lot to her. If anyone needs our address, please email me!

Lacie finished up her second cycle of chemo last week and felt fine. No nausea, headache, anything. She get's a little moody sometimes, but otherwise, she is doing and looking great. The 3 Musketeers (Lacie, Kacie & Shayla) are looking forward to going to Jacksonville this Saturday night and going to church at Southpoint there on Sunday with the Pappy's. Lacie has made a bunch of special friends there and she's looking forward to seeing everyone on Sunday.

We love all of you!

Sunday, September 29, 2002 at 05:47 PM (CDT)

We just got home!!!!

Lacie's MRI and appointment with Dr. Pincus went good on Friday. The MRI wasn't much different than the last one done in August. Hopefully on her next MRI, we'll be able to see some improvement. Right now, it's too early to tell if the chemo is being effective. She's scheduled for another MRI on October 22nd and we'll see Dr. Kedar (Oncologist) on the 23rd.

We spent the rest of the weekend in Keystone Heights - at "THE LAKE HOUSE". Thanks so much to Brenda Peoples for letting us stay there. And thanks to Mandy ? from Middleburg for bringing Lacie flowers! That was so nice! We had a nice relaxing time and the kids really enjoyed the pool. Too bad the lake is dry, but it is so peaceful and quiet there. We love it!

Oh - Lacie got her hair trimmed this weekend at "Gator Bay Hair Company" in Keystone Heights. She's so lucky that they didn't really butcher up her hair - she went in wearing her favorite FSU SEMINOLE cap!!!! The haircut turned out looking beautiful!!!

Thanks again to all of you for sending Lacie messages!


PS. HELLO to everyone from Ben!!! and the rest of the family!

Wednesday, September 25, 2002 at 08:38 PM (CDT)

Lacie is doing very well with the chemo so far - today is her third day of the second cycle.

It's been raining every day and she's been very BORED!! One of the side effects of her chemo is that her blood counts could drop - putting her at risk of infection and we don't want that. She has her counts checked once a week and as of Monday, they were okay (just a tiny bit low.) But, I'm overprotective and try to just keep her home as much as possible, especially in nasty weather. We do welcome visitors though (unless you're sick), just please call first.

I printed out the guestbook today and gave it to Lacie! I always read them to her, but she did get a big kick out of just sitting back and reading them all for herself. Thanks so much to all of you for checking in on Lacie - it means more than you know - to me and to her.

Monday, September 23, 2002 at 09:39 PM (CDT)

Hi everyone! Lacie has been doing very good this past week! Today, we saw Dr. Moran and had blood work done. Her counts were up from last week so that was good news! Tonight she starts her second cycle of chemo. I'll keep this site updated on how she's doing.

Some of Kacie's & Lacie's friends and ladies from First Baptist Church came over tonight. It means SOOOOO much to Lacie when visitors come over. We laughed and had such a good time! They brought a goodie bag filled with candy, books, body wash, gel pens, puzzles, etc so Lacie and Kacie had fun going through all that. Lacie's loves to write letters so the stationery & gel pens were her FAV! Thanks so much to Ms. Tina & Ms. Linda and the young girls who came over and a very special thanks to Ms. Mary Gibbs & Georgia who not only came over tonight but have been there for us since the beginning. OK - even before the beginning! Georgia - you have been a great friend to Lacie and Kacie!!!!!

We are so blessed to have so many wonderful friends and family who have supported us and been there for us through everything. Thanks to all of you - old friends and new friends - we love each and everyone of you!

Tammy

Tuesday, September 17, 2002 at 08:20 PM (CDT)

Lacie had another good day. Aunt Lori & Grace Nealis from Southpoint Community Church in Jacksonville came to visit this morning. We had a really nice visit. Grace brought Lacie the cutest wig! She wore it all day - to physical therapy and to her lab appointment. She really likes it! She thought it was fun having hair to "flip" today!

Lacie's blood counts have dropped a little bit but we don't think it's anything to worry about at this point. We'll talk to Dr. Kedar's office (Oncologist @ Shands in Gainesville) tomorrow about the blood work.

Also, we have an appointment next Friday, Sept. 27th in Gainesville for a MRI and to see Dr. Pincus, our Neurosurgeon.

Kacie & Stacie are doing great. Ben is having some trouble at school getting things done. He's so smart, just doesn't TRY! So, I have a teacher conference tomorrow - OUCH! Please pray for Lacie, Ben and the rest of our family.

Monday, September 16, 2002 at 04:25 PM (CDT)

It was so good to see all the family in Waycross on Saturday. Lacie has enjoyed the messages that you guys have posted in the guestbook. Please keep the email's coming - it brightens our day to hear from everyone.

Lacie's feeling pretty good. She will have her weekly blood work done tomorrow. So far, her blood counts have remained strong - we're expecting the same tomorrow! She'll have more blood work next Monday, Sept. 23rd, and begin her second cycle of chemo that same day.

Lacie sends hugs & kisses to everyone!

Friday, September 13, 2002 at 09:54 PM (CDT)

Lacie is doing well today. She was first diagnosed in May, 2001 and had surgery to remove a golfball size tumor in her cerebellum and subsequently underwent radiation treatment. Her tumor has re-occurred and is acting aggressively. She started chemo therapy last month - two weeks later, she's starting to feel better, only to start the second cycle in two more weeks. She manages to keep a smile on her face through it all. Currently she is having some decline in her vision and facial muscles - she'll have an MRI next week to figure out the cause. Please pray for Lacie's recovery, as well as strength for our family - Lacie has a twin sister, Kacie - they are fourteen, a brother, Ben, who is thirteen, and sister, Stacie, who just turned seven.

Friday, September 13, 2002 at 09:39 PM (CDT)

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