The Busy Blaine's are.... busy, busy, busy!

Hey folks! It has been a whirlwind around here lately and things are only going to get crazier. We were out of town for 2 Wonderful occasions last weekend and I'll tell you all about it. For now, keep us in your prayers as we are preparing for a hectic May. I love you all and I'll be back asap!

You MUST see this!

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE watch this. We must pray about this and tell people the truth. Jesus is THE ONLY WAY!!!!!!!!



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DkQROc5prZE

Goodies

Look what I received in the mail on saturday! Thank you sooooo much Natalie. I love them all. I was so happy to make my weekly trip to Target yesterday and use my new bags. Ok friends and family, have you got on board with the reusable bags yet? What are you waiting for?

Prom 2008

Typical look from A#1. Two things were on his mind- 1. if I would've known there were gonna be pictures, no prom for me. 2. GET OUT OF MY ROOM!!!!

Again with the look. He picked out the tux all on his own and I think he did a great job. You have to realize how out of character this is for him to do something like that. Oh and, GET OUT OF MY ROOM!!!!! That's what he was thinking (again).

Getting ready to leave and he gets a phone call.

He's talking to his grandparents, Ma and Papa. They called and he was thrilled. Look how grown up he looks sitting there. And then his favorite part- more pictures, this time with hecklers :)

Why is it that 18 years later I am still carrying baby weight from him?

This is sucha perfect picture of the two of us as this is usually how our faces look when talking to one another. I think the conversation went a little like this, " Yes son, you do have to have more pictures taken. Just suck it up and SMILE!" A#1 said," Aargh!"

The women in his life. They thought he looked so handsome. A#3 said he looked like a boyfriend. Like she knows what that is.

The whole fam.

The Blaine 5

W, T, & 3 A's

A family that worships together, stays together.

Nena and Poppy!

My two favorite men! Notice the t-shirt Dad is sporting.

And there he goes, driving off in his Dad's truck. Watching him leave is the hardest part. From here he was leaving to go and visit Grandma and GrandDaddy and to beg GrandDaddy for keys to the Corvette. No such luck! So did you notice there was not a date in any of the pictures? That's because there was none. That kid is secure enough with himself, that he was fine with going by himself. I would've NEVER done that but that's because I didn't know who I was when I was 18 and he does. CAN YOU BELIEVE HIM?!!! This is a secret that he doesn't know I know, as he was getting his clothes ready to take to the after prom, I noticed his pockets were full. He was moving things around from pocket to pocket and I noticed he had his small New Testament in the tux. That boy is saved by grace and wants to make sure others are as well. And it also comforted me to know that if he was tempted by anything wordly, he had God's word with him. Unbeleivable :)

Parents- another good thing about no prom date, A LOT less expensive :) Hubby fixed a steak dinner for us all to enjoy. It was great to have that time with him. Also while he was at After Prom, he won $75 and a 10 man tent. He was THRILLED!!! To A#1 it was a great night and one he will remember for all of the right reasons!

Can you help?

This is from a fellow blog friend of mine-
Meet Ruhiyyih-

Help Me Get to AFRICA!
This summer I am going to Gulu, Uganda on a team with a local relief and development organization, World Help. I need to raise $3000, and I hope to do this by building a team of 100 supporters. I want a whole "village" of folks sending me! :) If you are interested in being on my team I can send you a support letter - just leave me a comment with how to contact you. Otherwise, please send a check written out to World Help, a sticky note attached saying " Ruhiyyih - Gulu" on it, and send to:World Helpc/o XM Gulu1148 Corporate Park DriveForest, VA 24551

If there is any way you can help her and your heart is doing it for the Lord, please do so. You can check out her blog at http://www.ruhiyyih.blogspot.com/ if you want to get to know her better and learn what an amazing christian she is. We've raised money for a mission trip before so I know what she is going thru. Dear Ruh, rest in knowing that the Lord will provide and you will receive a crown one day in eternity.

We're all HOKIES today!

*edited- visit www.vt.edu/remember/ We can never forget.
*edited again- I forgot to mention that my WONDERFUL bro-in-law was the creative one behind this remembrance website. Props to you S.W. , you rock and are so talented. Love ya! And props to my sister for tolerating her hubby being MIA while he was literally locked away working on this website.

One year ago today our small world was rocked. For those of you that don't know, we live in the town right next to Blacksburg. My Mom is from B'burg as a matter of fact and grew up just down the road from VT. I remember exactly what I was doing on 4-16-07 the morning of the shootings. I had been cleaning house and just turned the t.v. on when there was a newsbreak that there had been a shooting on campus. My Mom and sister both work at VT so I was a little nervous but honestly didn't think it was anything to worry about. My Mom was off from work that day so I called my sister, who by the way works in the President's office which is right next door to Norris Hall, and jokingly said are your doors locked? She in turn whispers, "Tinie I'm under my desk and there's cops everywhere." Oh dear Lord I thought this can not be happening to her. As we're talking she's nervous because she can see men's shoes under her door passing by and hears lots of yelling. God please keep my sister safe. Let it be me not her. We couldn't talk long because they were in lock down and were told to stay off the phone. My mom and I went back and forth on the phone the rest of the day. In the meantime my dear friend Julie and I talked several times because her husband is a state trooper and is on a tact team and was on his way there. I know I was no comfort what soever to her because I was so wrapped up in my own family. My Mom's cousin taught in Noris Hall and we had no idea of his whereabouts. You have to realize that our community is so small and sooo many people that we know are a part of VT, whether they are employees there, or alumni, this is what we are surrounded by. I could go on and on and tell you about my other cousins that work there or about all of my dear sisters from church who seen kids jumping from windows but what I want to do is remember those that were lost that day. One year ago today, parents were told their children had been killed, spouses were told that they're loved ones were gone forever and first responders went in sacrificing they're own lives to help someone else while they're families waited for word that they were ok. We must never forget the lives that were lost on this day and we must go on with our sense of community and especially with our faith. God says He will never leave us nor forsake us.

* Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved. Psalm 55:22

Happy 19th W.B.

Just of few memories of the past 19 years! I love you W.B. and thank you for your love.

L U

Well it was off to college for the Blaine's and we survived, for the most part. As you are driving down Rt 460, this is what greets you right at the university. Candler's mountain is adorned with this enormous L U symbol for Liberty University. It is literally at the top of a mountain which is one reason we love it. Just like home!

Once you enter DeMoss Hall, this is what greets you at the top of the stairs. Did you know this is where the name of the university came from? It just gave me a peace to stand there and take in God's presence from the very begining.

A#1 when we arrived. He wasn't out of the truck yet but he was all grins. I do have to tell you that I did not take near the amount of pictures that I had planned on, but for some reason he was ok with that. Every time I realized it was a great photo op, I realized the camera was not with me. HELLOOO, note to self, this only comes around once!!!!

No Dad, you can't make me go!!!!!! Just kidding, I think it was more like Dad was trying to keep him from going. That's DeMoss Hall in the background. It's pretty much headquarters for all the basics at Liberty.

Saturday we went to the airport and went to the hangers where A#1 will be spending the next 4 years flying away. Of course this was one of the moments that I left the camera in the vehicle when we were in the hanger checking out all of the planes. DUMMY!

This is what our next house will be designed after :) Just kidding, I could never keep up with the housework! Isn't it pretty?

Me and A#1 waiting to go to some classes. I am SO PROUD!!!!!!!!!!! Have I told you what a good boy he is?

Dad was sitting on the steps waiting for A#1 to get back from getting his gear out of the truck so we could take him to his assigned dorm room. He looks like he fits right in with all of the students. Of course it was taken from far away ;) J/K Honey!

We were standing on top of dorm hill looking down on some of the campus. The building to the right is the dining hall. A#1 loved it and DID NOT miss one meal from that place.

This is inside DeMoss Hall. It was kinda cool to go in and learn somethings about the founder of this school. Whether you liked Jerry Falwell or not, he was a man of God and was a visionary. I am thankful for that for alot of reasons but mainly because of the opportunity my son has been given to be surrounded by God's people all while getting an education.

So, long story here. Check out the chin. Sunday morning at around 2:20 a.m. our phone rings at the hotel and it's A#1. "Dad, I need you to come and get me. I had a little accident and my R.A. thinks I need to go to the hospital." WHAT!!!!??! Our son had been at a late night skate at the LaHaye ice rink that they had set up for the kids. At 2 in the morning when the skate was over, instead of walking home with the 8,000 other kids that were there, being the loner that he is went by himself. Takes a short cut, climbs a fence, and BAM! down on the face he goes. So we now know where the hospital is in case any of you have a student going to Liberty. He had to have 6, yes S-I-X, stitches. Thank God it was no worse and he didn't have any other injuries besides a few scratches. How do you let them go? How do you calm your own Mom down and tell her she has to let him go too? There have been times that people have expressed concern for A#1 because he does go off to himself but I have learned that it is not a weakness of his but a strength. He knows himself better than I ever did at his age and he knows the difference between right and wrong. I knew the difference, I just didn't care because I had to fit in. The fact that he is different and is ok with him and that is a power that I believe God has instilled in him. Look at how different Jesus was from the crowd. Now is the time for us to embrace him and celebrate what God has done in this young man and to look forward to what his future is. I told hubby on saturday that I can actually see a glow around A#1 sometimes and I know in my heart it is the Lord showing himself thru him.

Just in case you wanted a close up ;) You have to notice the stitches are blue. Liberty colors!!!!!

The winnner is....

Lisa!!!!!! Check out her comment. She loves doggies and has a pretty red coon dog. Lisa let me know where you want the donation to go and I will get it on the way when we return this weekend. Thanks everyone for reading and participating. How will you "PAY IT FORWARD?"

We're off to college

Here we go!!!! We will be at college this weekend and I'm not sure if I should smile or cry. We will be taking A#1 to Liberty for "College for a Weekend" and Momma and Daddy will be signing our checkbook too many times. We're so excited to go and learn the town and all of the many advantages of a christian college. A#1 will be having a weekend of fun and will be staying in the dorms (that's when I'll cry) and going to see Casting Crowns on saturday night. I'm so excited to have this time with him. Please pray for us as we travel and make lots of decisions!!!

In the spirit

* Edit- you do not have to have a blog to register, so all you friends and family that read, please leave a comment if you want to be included!

In the spirit of paying it forward, here is my idea and how you can win. Did anyone see Oprah's show on puppy mills? I was sick the whole time I watched and coming from a family of dog people ( we are not half dog/half people cause that's just weird, we just love dogs) I want to help in some way. We do not have any dogs at the time and I'm not sure when we ever will have another and that's one more reason I want to do something. I know there are millions of dogs that need a home and plenty of shelters that need assistance and I believe every little bit will help in some small way. Here's what you can do. Leave me a comment on this post between now and Thursday @ 10pm (eastern) and I will do a random drawing. Here's the prize- you can select a shelter of your choice near or in your hometown and we (the Blaine's) will make a donation of $25 in your name. I realize it's not the $10,000 that Oprah gave but hey I'm not Oprah, not even related. After the winner is selected, they will give me the name of the shelter and I will make out the check and mail it and give you a confirmation that it was sent. I pray this will help some puppies in need in some way. Good luck!!!!

I'm the WINNER!!!!

I can not believe I finally won someone's giveaway!!!! Check out what I just won from Natalie over at 100 percent cottam.

Natalie is the queen of the reusable shopping bags and as a way to "pay it forward", this is what she was giving away. Thanks so much Natalie. You have turned me into a "greener" Blaine.

Come back later as I will be posting my "pay it forward" post and you will find out what you can win from me. I know you are so excited you just can stand to wait, but you'll just have to hold your britches.

Eye surgery- round two

Yep I had to do it again! I went yesterday morning for a follow up appointment for the surgery I had and guess what? I had not healed and had to do it all over AGAIN! This time it was alot worse as far as the P-A-I-N. The dr. had to use a different type of laser and he only gave me the numbing drops because he said I did so well the last time. Well I should have guessed it was going to be worse when the room we went into had warning signs posted everywhere and then he strapped my head in. Not the same type of machine as last time I'm tellin ya. Last time my eye was a little red and I had a headache afterwards. This time, my eye was a big goopy mess, blood shot like I had been on a 5 day binge and I could feel something pull in the back of my head everytime he zapped me. What the heck? He said it only took like 73 zaps this time so we should be good to go now. Ya think?!!!
I'm feeling better today except for the red eye and lack of sleep. Please pray this will take care of the problem. I would hate to think about what the next alternative would be. Good grief!
This is what I have-Vitreous & Retinal Detachment
Most of the serious retinal problems which require surgery are caused by problems with the vitreous, the clear jelly-like substance which fills the space in the eye.
Posterior Vitreous Detachment
With age, the vitreous becomes more fluid, and less jelly-like. As the eyeball moves, small pockets of liquid vitreous can move around inside the vitreous cavity. This movement causes the vitreous to pull on the retina, and, with time, the vitreous can separate from the retina. This is called posterior vitreous detatchment (PVD), because it usually happens at the back (posterior) of the eye. PVD happens in most people eventually, and is rarely a problem.
Flashes and Floaters
When PVD occurs, the detached vitreous can tug on the retina. The brain interprets these tugs as flashes or large spots in the vision. The vitreous can also become stringy, and form visible strands which appear in the field of vision as floating threads or small spots and circles. A patient with these floaters should be examined, to check for other retinal damage. If there are no problems, the patient can fairly easily learn to ignore the floaters.
Retinal Tear and Vitreous Hemorrhage
Where the vitreous is securely attached to the retina, vitreous detachment may cause the retina to tear. If the retina tears across a blood vessel, there will be bleeding into the vitreous - this is called vitreous hemorrhage. Small amounts of bleeding cloud the vision, leading to the sensation of walking through a swarm of insects - more severe bleeding leads to a mass of red or black lines, and vision may become very dark. A retinal tear is a serious problem; vitreous hemorrhage is even more serious.
Retinal tears may be sealed with lasers or cryotherapy, or both, to prevent retinal detachment. Both these treatments seal the retina to the wall of the eye, repairing the tear and preventing detachment.
Retinal Detachment
A retinal tear is considered so serious because the vitreous liquid may leak through the tear, and collect under the retina. Gradually, the build up of liquid separates the retina from the wall of the eye, a condition called retinal detachment. The two major treatments for retinal detachment are scleral buckling - where a sponge or length of silicon plastic is placed on the outside of the eye and sewn in place, pushing the sclera toward the tear in the retina - and pneumatic retinopexy, a less severe treatment where the surgeon injects a gas bubble inside the vitreous cavity. The bubble pushes the retina against the wall of the eye, allowing the tear to seal against the eye wall.
* I had the retinal tear- lucky me.