Observations of a Traveler

Since our maiden voyage to California in July 2011, Cole and I have driven (not flown) approximately five times.  That's five times from California to Little Rock and vice versa.  During these long, sometimes excruciating journeys, I have come to some conclusions and/or observations that I would like to share:

1.  Shouldn't it be a requirement that every person on the interstate use cruise control?  If I have my cruise set on 75 mph and you keep slowing down and speeding up and giving me dirty looks, is that my fault?  I think not.

2.  Don't truckers these days know the universal sign for "honk your horn"?  Obviously not, since Cole could only get one truck to respond.

3.  People who are driving that are talking on their phone while eating a hamburger and trying to put in their contacts (not kidding) need not drive next to me.  You are going to kill yourself or someone else and I would rather not be in your path.

4.  Why does Arizona have signs that show a 10 point Elk that says, "Next 20 miles".  Honestly, I have NEVER ever seen an elk and I think I will sue them for false advertisement as I would love to see one!

5.  I love to get books on tape at Cracker Barrel to listen to while driving but there are no CB's in California.  The last Cracker Barrel (when heading West) is in Kingman, AZ which is 364 miles from our condo which translates into six hours being left to my own devices to entertain myself. 

6.  Why is it that I can take a potty break right before we head into the desert (there is a 55 mile stretch with n-o-t-h-i-n-g) but as soon as the gas station is out of sight in my rear view mirror, I have to go.

7.  Why am I always so hungry while driving?  I'm not doing anything to exert any energy.  By the end of our trip, I feel like a busted can of biscuits.

8.  Does the person who posted the "Land for Sale" sign in the middle of the desert get any calls?  There is nothing for miles.

9.  Is it a requirement that all gas station attendants be creepy?

And, number 10:

I sure will be happy when Cole is finally old enough to drive so I can bug him like he does me!

So thankful for a safe trip.  Let the craziness begin!

"A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to relax."

~Proverbs 24:33

Hello LA

My plan was to stay in Little Rock for another couple of weeks but when Cole's agent calls with an opportunity, our plans change immediately. 

Cole and I will be leaving Little Rock Wednesday morning at 6:00 a.m. and will hopefully arrive in LA late Thursday night.  Cole has an audition Friday at 4:15 p.m.  I'm sure after the long drive Cole will still look fresh as a daisy.  I, on the other hand, will look like death warmed over and will probably need to stay in the car so as not to turn anyone to stone.

Since Spencer just had his PICC line removed this morning, he will forgo the crazy car ride and fly out in a couple of weeks, once we know his immune system is back to 100%.

The hardest part of leaving?  My family.  I wish I had been able to spend just one more day with them before we leave.  There never ever seems to be a good time to go.

"I am leaving you with a gift - peace of mind and heart.  And the peace I give isn't like the peace the world gives.  So don't be troubled or afraid."

~John 15:27

Memorial Day

The Ewing work ethic is, "Work until it gets done, even if you think you might die."  I was raised that way and I think it is a great lesson to teach the boys.  However, as I get older my body thinks otherwise.

Since we spend a majority of our time in LA, household projects in Little Rock get done within a four-week span instead of throughout the entire year.  We had so many projects on our list that I was beginning to think that none of them would get done but I am happy to report that most all of them were accomplished and we are all still alive!

Friday morning, this face woke me at the crack of dawn.  He must have seen our to do list.  Ha!

We started by clearing our rock garden of a year's worth of leaves, dead trees and limbs.  I was so surprised that Brad let me burn the rubbish instead of hauling it off.

Then came the task of cleaning out Brad's storage locker that he has for his building projects.  Since he is no longer building spec houses, we were able to donate the building materials to Habitat for Humanity and give up the lease on the locker.  I love being able to save $150/month!

After three hours of swinging a sledge hammer, I am convinced that construction work would not be the job for me but Cole did a great job!

   Next, I sanded, stained and sealed our wood furniture and our front door (I'll post a picture later).  They turned out great.

While Spencer planted a tomato plant and some flowers,

Cole, Brad and I dug up and transplanted a huge Forsythia bush from the front flower bed to the side yard in front of our propane tank.

I love the rock flower bed around it.

The beds look so good

and I have my first Hydrangea bloom!

I made it through three and a half days of yard work before spotting my first critter.

Spencer said it was a Speckled King Snake.  To me, it looked like a Speckled King Cobra Boa Constrictor Black Mamba!

After four full days of hauling 20+ loads of rocks in the wheelbarrow, putting out 1 yard of topsoil and 2+ yards of mulch, mowing, weed eating, trimming, raking, staining and demolishing we were very proud to step back and enjoy the fruits of our labor.

We also remember that Memorial Day is not about taking time off to do chores, but remembering the ones that made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

My Dad, William "Bill" Shelton, United States Air Force.

"But as for me, I will sing about your power.  I will shout with joy each morning because of your unfailing love.  For you have been my refuge, a place of safety in the day of distress."

~Psalm 59:16

CBS Says "No"

Today, I was going to blog about how wonderful this past week has been while we have been home, enjoying our family and friends and the fact that Spencer is feeling so much better.  Instead, I am going to be the bearer of bad news.

Cole's agent called us this evening to tell us that CBS has decided not to keep the role of "Treyvor" on The Miller's and that Cole will not be involved in the series when it begins filming in July.  

To say that we are disappointed is an understatement.  Cole has put his heart and soul into this character and has worked so hard to make this happen.  But, I think this is a great learning experience for a 15 year old who thought it was a "sure thing" and for his parents who got carried away by a verbal agreement instead of waiting for the written contract. 

So...we will continue on.  We look at this situation as God saying, "Not this, but something better."

On the bright side, Spencer felt so good today that he and Cole helped out at the traditional end-of-the-year kickball tournament at Arkansas Baptist Elementary.  I was nervous about him getting too tired, since he hasn't been out of the house in over a week, but he did great and had so much fun.

The boys with Miss Barker, their 5th grade teacher.

Tomorrow is the last day for IV antibiotics and this mom is so excited about that because it means that, a) he is feeling so much better, and, b) I no longer have a 12:30 a.m. and 6:30 a.m. dose of meds and I can sleep, sleep, sleep!!!!

"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good!  His faithful love endures forever."
~Psalm 118:1

Four-Letter Word

The definition of wait: 1: To stay in place in expectation of; to delay. 2:  to remain stationary in readiness or expectation.

A third definition could say, "A word that Marilyn Ewing hates with a passion!"

Are any of us good at waiting?  I am not.  Waiting is definitely not one of my strong suits; I am such an impulsive person.  If I think of something to do then it should be done NOW, not later.  Since Brad is the least impulsive person I know, I truly appreciate God's sense of humor by pairing us together.

Waiting for Spencer to get over an illness is something I have learned to deal with over these past 14 years.  It's not something I like but a necessary evil.

Waiting to hear word from CBS for Cole's role in "The Miller's" will also be added to my list of things I don't like.  It shows us that even though a contract is signed for the Pilot, things are always subject to change and most likely will before filming more episodes can commence.  Our contract states that they have to notify Cole of his status by June 30, 2013.

For today, I am so thankful that Spencer is feeling so much better and that we are all together and well.  Honestly, that is what is important.

Life will carry on and we will continue to do what we know...school, work, the usual.  The boys only have two weeks left of school and I think I am more excited than they are; I can't wait to play!!!

The mountain is beautiful this morning in the mist as we wait on the sun.

"God blesses the people who patiently endure testing."

~James 1:12

Pins & Needles

Make no mistake; the Ewing boys keep us hopping.  Always.  There are weeks like this week when I am thankful that God did not bless us with the six children that Brad and I thought we wanted.

Along with the excitement of Cole's pilot being picked up, we are quickly discovering it brings uncertainty as well.  In the past 36 hours, CBS has announced that it will be recasting the role of Mary Elizabeth Ellis (Cole's mom) and Michael Rappaport (Cole's dad).  Well.........................last night, Cole's name was removed from the cast on the CBS website!  We have no official word from CBS so  we are trying to stay optimistic but it certainly does not bode well for Cole.

We have always said and will continue to say that if this is God's plan, it will come to fruition and if not, then He must have a better plan in mind.

We will keep you posted.

"Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.  Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done."

~Philippians 4:6

In and Out

When Dr. Warren told me on Wednesday that he would admit Spencer to the hospital, put in a PIC line for IV antibiotics, and then let him go home Thursday, I was skeptical to say the least.  Spencer in and out of the hospital in two days?  Ummm, no way.  Well, Dr. Warren and Dr. Bauer were true to their word because we are home!!!

After zero sleep last night, we were both so relieved to be able to come home.  However, he will be getting one antibiotic every six hours and one every 12 hours so one of us will be napping during the day. ;)

The home health RN came to the house tonight to refresh my memory on IV procedure.  Even though it has been over three years since we had to do this at home, it all came right back to me.  We'll see if I can make heads or tails of it all for the midnight dose.

Every time I do this at home I wish I had followed my original intention of becoming a nurse.  Oh well, I can still do that when I grow up!

So thankful to be home and on the road to recovery.  Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers.

"Be glad for all God is planning for you.  Be patient in trouble and be prayerful."
~Romans 12:12

Spencer + Allergies = Hospital

After living in California for the past year and a half, I have grown to LOVE the climate and HATE Arkansas weather.  The old adage "If you don't like the Arkansas weather, stick around and it will change in five minutes." is so true.  And the pollen!  Ugh.  Don't even get me started.

So, when Spencer woke up last Thursday morning running a low grade fever and having chest congestion, I knew that it was allergy driven.  All you have to do is look outside and see the green film that covers every surface and you know that it's only a matter of time before the Ewing boys start having problems.

I was aggressive with his breathing treatments, meds around the clock and supplemental oxygen but when we visited the doctor's office today, his chest x-ray is showing that IV antibiotics will need to enter the equation.  So, Spencer will be admitted to ACH this afternoon.  We are hopeful it will be a short visit but I know better than to hold my breath.  

But, let's focus on the positive...he's not sick enough that we had to call an ambulance or take him to the ER, he is strong and I think that will aid immensely in his recovery and, at least I am not in California and I can be here with him.

Let's look at the negative...I'm sure the Rehab floor still has not installed the Margarita machine that I have been requesting for the past 14 years, I forgot my stun gun and pepper spray in California and will not be able to use it on any Resident that I deem needs it, and I'm lacking in the sleep department (been getting up every 4 hours to give Spencer meds) so I'm sure I will not catch up on that at ACH.

We know we are in the best hands possible and for that I am truly grateful.  Here's to a quick trip!

"Now glory be to God!  By his mighty power at work within us, he is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope."

~Ephesians 4:20

CELEBRATION!

Wow!  What an adventure we have had this weekend.

Friday afternoon brought the news that we had been anxiously awaiting.  Cole's pilot, which was originally the "Untitled Greg Garcia Project" has been renamed "The Miller's" and has been selected by CBS for one season, beginning this fall!  We are so incredibly excited, elated and ecstatic.  We are waiting on word when filming will begin although we believe it will be sometime in June or July.  Stay tuned and I will keep you apprised of all of the details.

Saturday was another exciting day because everyone came over to celebrate Mother's Day.  I finally was able to see all of my family and we had the BEST day of eating, laughing, playing, going for a walk and just being able to spend time together.  It was absolutely perfect.

A little family football.

My brother, niece and nephew who walked in a 5K before lunch.

My sweet, sweet Mom.

Spencer has been battling allergies since last Thursday and I am hopeful we can celebrate tomorrow when he goes back to his pulmonologist and they DO NOT admit him to ACH.  I will hold off on that celebration for now.

I hope you all were blessed with a wonderful weekend.

"Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.  Reward her for all she has done.  Let her deeds publicly declare her praise."
~Proverbs 31:30-31

The Mountain

On a cold and rainy day in March 2002, I saw "our" mountain for the first time when I met the realtor for a look-see.  Even though the drive to the top left me with chills because of the steep drop off the side, I just knew this was where we were supposed to raise our family.  Eleven years later, I am still in awe of the beauty that we are blessed to wake up to every morning.

School is first and foremost on the boy's minds lately, mainly because they can't wait to finish, but we have found time for some fun.

Walking our road, it is amazing how green everything is...we have more trees in our yard than Studio City has in one square mile!  

Mr. Daredevil.  Yes, that is his football helmet!

Love these two boys!

This is the perfect time of year to go to the pond; no bugs, no snakes and it's not hot.  No matter the weather, Rusty is always up for a swim.

Spring brings all kinds of critters out on the mountain.  Kobe's favorite are the lizards which he tries to eat.  Yesterday, I was outside enjoying some quiet time until I looked up and saw he had one in his mouth.  I screamed.  He dropped it and then chased it under the steps to the hot tub.

Thankfully, by the time Kobe got his big booty under the steps, the lizard had escaped and was long gone!

We are on pins and needles waiting to hear if Cole's pilot gets picked up.  We will know by May 15th...fingers crossed.

"Trust in the Lord and do good.  Then you will live safely in the land and prosper."

~Psalm 37:3

Spoiled

Our first week home has left me spoiled.  Spoiled for having nothing scheduled, for staying up late and not having to get up early.   Totally spoiled with being in the company of people who talk like me, for being surrounded by gracious manners and helpfulness aplenty. 

We haven't done much this week but what we have done is have fun.

The Travs played baseball Tuesday night and the Ewing's were in the stands to cheer them on.

We stopped to see Jenny, Spencer's former PT, on Tuesday when we were on our way to Gigi's house.  Love, love, love this girl.

Gigi, Cole, Grandma and Spencer. 

I am blessed by these Godly women and I miss them so much.

Brad is still coaching the Yankees team for Miracle League so Friday night found us at the park, freezing our booties off!  Fifty degrees in May?  Brrr.  We had a great time and Cole had two friends over so Robert and Chase had the honor of announcing the game while Cole, in the mascot costume, entertained the crowd.

Let the spoiling continue!

"A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to relax."

~Proverbs 24:33