There's a Fungus Among Us (Paecilomyces To Be Exact)

On Sept. 23 Collin developed a pneumonia in his left lung despite the IVIG infusions that he had received.  He was hospitalized and the doctors decided at that time to do a bronchoscope and see exactly what was going on his lungs.  They also did sinus surgery to open them up more and put another set of tubes in his ears. 


The day after surgery
 

He was sent home with a PICC line in his arm so he could receive IV antibiotics for three weeks to kill the bacteria in his lungs, sinuses, and ears.  They told us a couple of weeks later that a fungus had grown from the mucous they took out of his lungs, but they didn't think it would be an issue.  He began to put on weight and seemed to be developing into a strapping young man.  Then on the evening of Thurs. Oct. 25 he started spiking a fever, among other symptoms.  I was on the phone with the doctor off and on through the weekend thinking it was a viral infection and we could get him through it with Tylenol and Motrin.  On Sun. evening his fever went up to 104.1.  We knew at that point that there was something more going on.  On Mon. we took him back down to Joe Dimaggio's Children Hospital where he was once again diagnosed with pneumonia.  An infectious disease specialist was called in to review his case.  We learned that the fungus they found is actually quite common, it is found in the soil and therefore quite an easy thing for a boy to come in contact with.  The problem is that it has been known to cause severe complications in people with immune deficiencies.  So much for my theory in raising boys that "a little dirt builds the immune system".   The doctors now believe that the fungus is causing the repeat pneumonia's.  He was put on strong anti fungals as well as antibiotics in the hospital.  They are in the process of regrowing the fungus so that it can be tested to make sure the meds he is on are effective to kill it.  We absolutely hate the amount of strong medications he is having to take, but we have no other options.

Red Man's Syndrome from an antibiotic

Collin's Not So Common Variable Immune Deficiency

Our tiny little bundle

On June 23, 2001 we welcomed our second son into the world.  He was born four weeks early due to complications with the pregnancy.  He was a tiny little thing, but from the very beginning he had a drive to survive.  By the time he was six months he had his first respiratory infection and began nebulizer treatments.  Since we were living in TN at the time and it was winter we didn't think much of it.  In June of the next year we moved back to FL and his respiratory issues seemed to clear up for awhile.  At the age 2 1/2 we started becoming concerned with his speech delay.  After consulting with his pediatrician we began some intense hearing tests.  We were told that he had permanent hearing loss and was only hearing about 20%.  Around the same time we were also told that he was autistic, had ADHD, and some other disorders such as sensory integration dysfunction.  While none of the tests showed fluid on his ears, the ENT decided to go ahead and put in ear tubes since he was having to remove his tonsils and adenoids anyway.  When he came out to talk to us after surgery he told us he had never seen so much fluid on a child's ears.  It was packed in so tightly that it wasn't detectable on the tests.  After that he was a new child, behaviour wise.  He continued having speech therapy and we felt like he had been given a new lease on life.  We were dismayed when his ears continued to become infected.  He was the kid who always had cotton balls sticking out of his ears.  A couple of weeks before he turned 3 he had his first verified pneumonia.  We were leaving for a missions trip to Haiti and ended up in and out of the doctor's office the week before we left.

In Haiti 2004

The next few years we dealt with repeated ear infections and respiratory issues.  He was diagnosed as being allergic to just about every environmental trigger possible and with asthma.  We were told that they were the cause of the repeat infections.  The poor guy had mucous pouring out of some orifice on his head at any given time.  He took antibiotics off and on to keep things under control and we were told that was all we could do.  Things leveled out that way until the summer of 2011 when were were on deputation.  While we were doing some sightseeing in Boston he became very ill and ended up being diagnosed with pneumonia in his right lung.  He was treated and we went on our way.

In Boston summer of 2011

  That next school year was miserable for him.  He coughed and wheezed almost constantly.  He was off and on antibiotics and in and out of the doctor's office.  Towards the end of the year Harold flew a pediatrician from Samaritan's Purse to Haiti.  During the flight Harold went back and spent some time talking with him about Collin.  He suggested what we had already been thinking, that we needed to see a pulmonologist.  We made it our goal for the summer to get his pulmonary health up to par.  The first visit we were surprised to see how poor his lung function was.  A chest x-ray revealed lots of mucous pooling in his lungs.  He started on some new meds and seemed to be getting better.  We thought "whew, now we're getting somewhere".  He started the 2012 school year with a bang.  Two weeks into the school year he became very ill and we ended up in the ER where he was diagnosed with a severe pneumonia.  After hearing his history and seeing that he had a pneumonia in the exact same spot as a few months before the doctor ordered a CT scan and lots of extra blood work.    The CT scan revealed  bronchiectasis (scarring) in his right lung and a very suppressed immune system.  They now believe that he had pneumonia in his right lung for over a year.  We were told that we needed to get him in to see an immunologist ASAP.  The next week we saw Dr. Gary Kliener, who is now our hero, for the first time.

Dr. Kliener

  After spending an immense amount of time reviewing his history and blood work he told us that he believed Collin had Common Variable Immune Deficiency, an immune disorder that affects 1 in 50,000 people.  His immunoglobulin level was extremely low, causing him to be unable to fight off all of the germs he came into contact with.  It mainly affects the lungs, ears, and sinuses causing them to be infected almost continually.  This explained why he could go off a round of antibiotics and two weeks later be sick again.  The only treatment for the disorder is to have intravenous immunoglobulin infusions every 3-4 weeks.  While it is hard to know that this is something that, unless God intervenes, he will have to deal with for the rest of his life we are relieved to know that there is a treatment for him and hopefully with time he will grow stronger and stronger and be able to live a relatively normal life. 


During his first IVIG infusion

Haiti Earthquake

Many who don't see my Facebook page have been interested in knowing what is going on with our work at MFI since the massive earthquake struck Haiti two and a half weeks ago. I have many stories to share, but very little time so I thought I would add a couple of links on here to keep you up to date with our lives. Harold handles much of the logistics and humanitarian efforts at MFI so he has been nonstop busy. I have a feeling that our world will be forever changed by this catostrophic event.

Click here and scroll down to hear an interview Harold did on Moody radio.

http://www.mbn.org/genmoody/default.asp?SectionID=BBEB0643894748C9A140DF94338651A0

To learn more about MFI's partnership with Hendrick Motorsports, click here.

http://www.nascar.com/video/cup/2010/speed/highlights/01/2

When The Fire Fell

As most of you know our family spent three weeks at the beginning of this summer doing deputation. We always set out ready to make memories and have exciting adventures. This year we got more than we ever expected. The second weekend of travelling we were ready for a little down time, the plan was to get caught up on sleep and laundry. The church we were scheduled to be at that Sun. morning had an empty parsonage that they offered to us for the weekend. We arrived Fri. evening, had a nice dinner and then kicked back for a relaxing evening. It began to storm outside, which was fine with me cause the sound of rain on the roof just puts me right to sleep. We were sitting in the living room just about ready to head off to dreamland when we heard, felt, and saw a huge explosion. Everything went black, I could hear kids in the midst of nervous breakdowns, but couldn't find them. My first thought was that it was an earthquake, until my dear husband said, "I think we just got struck by lightning". Since the storm seemed to be almost over Harold went out and turned on the lights in van to give us some light. When he shone the lights on the side of the house this is what we saw.

The lightning had dug up the ground,

blown up the phone box,

knocked the door open and the light off the wall,

and turned part of concrete steps into rubble. When we went back into the bedroom, which was on the other side of the screen door and steps, we found this hole in the wall and my suitcase which had been leaning against it knocked over with the contents spilled on the floor.

I almost immediately smelled smoke, but we thought it was just left over from the lightning strike. Harold found a breaker box, flipped a few breakers and the lights came back on. We figured the worst was over so we tried to get our petrified children calmed down so we could get a good night of rest. When we woke up the next morning we immediately began to smell smoke, as we went to the front of the house it got worse. Harold called the pastor who assumed that it was left over from the lightning strike. We left for a few hours to get some laundry done. When we came back the smoke was so thick in the living room that we didn't let the kids go in. Around the side of the house Harold found this hole with smoke billowing out of it.

Harold found access to the attic, but couldn't go up without a wet rag over his face. He found a pole outside to shimmy up on the roof to open the attic access. He quickly realized that it was more than he could handle and called the pastor who called the fire department. Basically what happened is that the lightning came in the phone box, travelled up to the attic, went into the electric lines, set the insulation on fire, and then went back down the wall in the bedroom and exited out the wall and into the steps. All night while we slept the insulation directly over our heads smoldered. The firemen asked for copies of our pictures since they had never seen anything quite like it before. We can now say that we slept all night in a burning house. Looking back we can so clearly see God's hand of protection on us. It doesn't make sense that none of the wood caught fire, there were boards that were charred and too hot to touch, but no flames.

Awhile back a heard someone talk about making a photo album for your kids with pictures of times God had intervened on their behalf. You can pull it out when they are discouraged or start to doubt as a reminder of God's faithfulness. These pictures definitely make the book.

ABC Song (The Two Year Old Version)

Yes, yes I know I've been strangely absent from blog world. Partly due to Facebook and partly due to not being able to find the time. There have been many blog worthy events that I just haven't had time to sit down and put into words. Truth be told I really miss it and am trying to get back into it. As an example of how mixed up and crazy life is right now here's Dylan singing his ABC's. Kind of like me he's having a hard time figuring out how everything is supposed to fall into place, but as we all know life goes on and in a couple of years he'll know them by heart and won't miss a beat. Hopefully I'll do just as well learning the life lessons that I'm being taught right now. I'll try to return soon. Until then please enjoy this jibberish that we call the ABC Song.

Authority Structure

Last night during church Collin became very dehydrated. He asked Harold if he could go out and get a drink. He was told "no" very authoritatively. It is the opinion of my dear husband that we don't walk out of church unless not doing so would draw even more attention to our pew than walking out would. Thinking that my heart might be a little softer than Daddy's he turned to me and whispered "can I go get a drink". "Collin", I said, "Daddy just told you no". "Yeah, but you're older than him so you're in charge", he whispered back. Now I just have to convince Harold that those sixteen months that I was on the earth before him helped me to develop a vast wealth of knowledge that he needs to dip into. Leviticus 19:32 is now my favorite verse, "Rise in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God". For some reason he still clings to Ephesians 5:22, "Wives submit to your husbands as to the Lord". Oh well I guess I'll give in to him since his scripture seems a bit more relevant to our relationship, and I really don't want the responsibility. I'll just constantly remind him of the advantages of being married to an older woman. In this picture, that was taken this past weekend, we were called the "old(er) love". I think that means that he's catching up with me anyway.

Hymnology

Last night during congregational singing one of my sons, who shall remain unnamed, looked up at me and said, "Who's Spiro Rinco?". "Who" I asked. "Spiro Rinco" he said. "What are you talking about", I innocently inquired. This was the reply, "We just sang there's a glorious church without Spiro Rinco, I want to know who he is". While trying hard to contain my laughter I explained that it was "without spot or wrinkle". When we got home I told Harold what had happened, he was highly amused because as a child he thought it was "Monce, Puerto Rico". This reminded me of wondering for years what a "Willie Race" was. I always thought it was "one glimpse of his sweet face, all sorrows Willie Race". I'm glad that at some age we learned to pay attention to the words in the hymnal.
I know that some of you have similar stories. Please share!

A Western Tale (For my boys)

Many years ago, during the days of Old Yeller, there roamed in the west a "bad guy" that was so ornery that no one wanted to be around him. He was know a Dylan the Dodger.

He blazed a trail across the frontier leaving a mess everywhere he went. Though many had tried to find and capture him, he was always somehow able to escape. That was until the notorious bounty hunter, Ethan the Exterminator, came to town.

Absolutely no "bad guy" ever escaped the quick eye and sharp tracking skills of Ethan. Dylan headed for the hills as soon as he learned that there was a price on his head, but he was no match against Ethan. He was hunted down like a yellow dog and hauled to the county jail. There ruled a sheriff who was loved by all who knew him.

Collin the Compassionate preside over his jail with a firm, but kind hand. Because he had a strong resemblance to Woody, a toy, and was missing a few teeth, Dylan thought he would be a pushover. This was not to be the case. Collin required that Dylan say he was sorry for all the messes he made, help clean them up, and say nightly prayers. A remarkable thing began to happen, Dylan decided that he wanted to be a "good guy". One day he bowed his head in shame and asked God to forgive all his sins. He was a new man.

When the time came for him to go to court he was assigned a very tender public defender, Landon the Lenient.

Having once been a mess making "bad guy" himself he felt very sorry for poor Dylan. He quickly realized that a complete change had been made in the life of this derelict. When it came their turn before the judge Landon pleaded as if Dylan were his own brother. It was a hard decision for the judge to make since Dylan had been such a "stinker". In the end he decided to have mercy and give a full pardon. Today Dylan is know throughout the west for his cheesy grin and remarkable potty manners. He is now known as Dylan the Delightful.

The four heroes joined up to make a team of serious crime fighters, and this is why "folks in the west never get no rest".

This was written for my boys after Career Day at school. They really love my stories even if you thought it was cheesy. This is the only way to illustrate it.

Hobe Sound Bible College Alumni Association (Fund Update)

Thanks so much for all the interest and activity on the Patricia Bigger Memorial Fund. Not only was Patricia an HSBC alumni, but her parents also. Her grandparents were HIM missionaries in Haiti. Brent and Patricia spent several of their summers travelling in music groups for the college.
I will be leaving this afternoon taking Bro. Miller (Patricia's grandfather), President Stetler, Paul Stetler, and Dr. Churchill up to the Memorial Service. Please keep us in your prayers as we fly. Brent is not only an alumnus, he is also a good friend. Brent, Jonathan Heath, and I travelled together in a men's trio and made many memories. As HSBC alumni let's keep praying for and supporting Brent in this time of unimaginable pain and sorrow.

Harold Martin
Alumni President HSBC

Please see post below for details on the Patricia Bigger Memorial Fund.

Patrica Bigger Memorial Fund

The Alumni Association of Hobe Sound Bible College has set up a Patricia Bigger Memorial Fund. All donations recieved along with a list of donors will be given to Brent Bigger to help defray the cost of funeral expenses. This is a tragedy that no one plans for. Checks can be made payable to Hobe Sound Bible College Alumni Association. Just be sure to include a note or specify in the memo section that it is for the Patricia Bigger Memorial Fund.

Harold Martin
Alumni President

Hobe Sound Bible College Alumni Association
P.O. Box 1065
Hobe Sound, FL 33455





Please pass this on to any alumni or friends that you are in contact with.

Liberty mom, 2 kids die after N.C. accident GreenvilleOnline.com The Greenville News

http://hsbc.edu/student/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=66&Itemid=98
This is the link for online giving to the Patricia Bigger Memorial Fund. Please pass it on.

All The Dogs I've Loved Before

Once again we are dog owners. Those of you who know the dogs in our past will be shocked to know that we once again have taken a canine into our home. Those of you who didn't have the privilege of meeting our first two dogs are about to become acquainted with them.

First there was Snickers, I got her from a girl I worked with in TN as a gift for Harold. I should have know better than to take a chance on her when I learned that her Dad used to "bob" for the cat in their swimming pool. She was a beautiful dog, but she had a lot of issues and caused me much grief. My most embarrassing story about her is the day my neighbors had their carpet cleaned and left the back door open for it to dry. Snicker's happened to get out of her pen that day and hightailed right into their condo with me chasing her, apologizing all the way through to the poor landlord. We went in the back door and out the front, leaving trail behind us. She was constantly digging her way out of her pen and getting into mischief. The digging meant that she was always covered with mud. Almost worse that the carpet episode was the day our two elderly neighbors drove up to their house, opened their car doors to get out and Snicker's got in with them, mud and all. Harold was so embarrassed he made me go do the apologies. She actually moved back to FL with us, but since we were renting and had no yard for her to play in we had to get rid of her. It was a very sad day indeed.

Here she is attacking me and Ethan while Harold took pictures.

Next came Chandler, who I have no pictures of and have no regrets about it. When an MFI volunteer offered him to Harold I very grudgingly consented. He was ten years old and very set in his ways. He also had very serious nerve problems. We were told that he had been attacked by an alligator as a puppy, therefore he could not handle loud noises. This included thunder storms and firecrackers. He would start shaking uncontrollably and try to crawl on our laps, he weighed about eighty pounds. Loud noises also gave him diarrhea. On the Fourth of July I was fixing food for a cookout and the neighborhood kids were doing fireworks outside our house. He wanted my full attention which I was not able to give him so I locked him in our bedroom. Pretty soon I started smelling something foul, I opened the door to find that he had had multiple episodes through which he had nervously paced around in. I made Harold clean up the whole mess while I tried to control my carnal nature. He also shed more that any dog I have ever seen before, and we had green carpet. Not a good combination. When I became pregnant with Dylan we realized that four kids and an old nervous dog in a trailer wasn't going to work so away he went to some friends of his previous owner.

Now let me introduce you to the newest canine in our lives. His name is Dorado, because he came from Guatemala City. Dorado means golden in Spanish for those of you aren't bilingual. We had talked about getting a dog for the boys, since they asked for one at least twice a day, but weren't sure we were ready yet. Mrs. Duren went to Guatemala and guess what she came back with. The problem was that none of her kids were quite ready for a dog yet. When Emily told me that they were not going to be able to keep him, my heart started softening. My boys had played with him with her boys and were quite smitten. After talking it over Harold and I decided that the time was right, the dog was the right kind, and our house is finally right. We even have a doggy door on our back porch. He is much better behaved at fifteen weeks than our other dogs were as adults. The boys absolutely adore him and he seems to them as well. I called home from work one night, and Harold told me that Dylan was flossing his teeth (the dog's) and he seemed to enjoy it. Dylan has had to deal with getting pushed around a little, but it is somewhat enjoyable to watch.

Please keep us in your prayers as we potty train and housebreak at the same time.

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Since I don't foresee much time for blogging in the next few days I'd like to go ahead and wish anyone who stops by a Merry Christmas! I plan to spend the next few days focusing on the fact that "God has taken form" and helping my boys to realize the absolute wonder of it. Who knows I may not be back until next year, that is unless I have sudden inspiration. With the boys home all day it is a real possibility.

The Not So Jolly Diet

BEFORE


Many years have passed since the day that Santa first became aware of his need for a healthier lifestyle. After hundreds of fad diets and starvation techniques he finally found the diet that worked for him. He's able to wear his long johns again without being self conscious of his jiggly belly showing. So this year he is so proud to introduce this new breakthrough diet to so many of you who have bellies that" jiggle like bowls full of jelly". This diet is so easy that even a kid can do it.

Breakfast: 1glass of strawberry milk.

Refuse anything offered by saying, "I don't wike that kind of food".

If that doesn't work simply lie on the couch in your PJ's for so long that you run out
of time and have to eat while running to the car.



Lunch: 1/2 peanut butter & jelly sandwich with the sides cut off, never ever eat the crusts

1 glass strawberry milk



Supper: 2 chicken nuggets, that's all your tummy will hold

1/4 cup pasta

Put some peas on your plate but start convulsing as soon as you taste them.



Snacks: Unlimited amounts of apples, cheese curls, and cookies. The trick is to move
constantly, never stop moving, run, jump, swim, ride bikes, drive your Mom crazy,
just don't stop moving.

If you follow this simple menu and directions you'll be sure to look like this next year.

AFTER

The Two Year Old and The Man

While we were in LA my baby officially hit the Terrible Two's, actually I think he was already there. We had already celebrated in FL on the same night as Landon's birthday, so a huge party was not required. Kimberly suggested a local Mexican restaurant where the birthday boy could where a Sombrero and be sung to in Spanish. A few faithful relatives joined us for the occasion. Unfortunately my camera card was full when he actually had the hat on, but here's a picture of me and Dylan before. As you can see he was very happy about the whole affair.

Later on that evening we had a fish fry with Dylan's cookie cake as the dessert. He had a hard time sharing.

On that same day Harold took Ethan fishing with the "men". My cousin Stevie took Harold, Philip, and Ethan on a grand expedition of a fishing trip.

A few months ago my oldest son had to start wearing deodorant. Very sad, but true. Collin was a little jealous over this milestone in the life of his older brother. I tried to explain to him that it is part of the process of a boy becoming a man. As soon as he heard the word "man" he took of yelling frantically "Ethan, Ethan, you're a man now". Ethan has taken this very seriously, and the fishing trip served to reinforce this notion. On the way home he asked Harold, "So, I'm a man now?". The rest of the evening while the fish were being cleaned and fried he kept telling his poor little brothers, "You have to go inside, I'm only out here cause I'm helping". We're working on bringing his ego down a notch or two. Here he is with one of the many fish he caught that day.

One of the "men". Yes, Harold is barefoot. I guess he was feeling a little Redneck.

Where I Come From

This past week I had the privilege of returning to the "land of my birth". Yes folks, it's true, I'm a Louisiana native. I eat crawfish, gumbo, and shrimp and I am very proud of it. We were there for Thanksgiving and for the 50Th anniversary of the church I grew up in, but I'm getting ahead of myself. The church pictures will come later, this blog will contain the pictures of the first four days. Don't worry Kimberly, I don't plan on posting every picture.
I grew up in the only town I know of that has an alligator in the center of the town. He writes an article every week in the local newspaper. His name is Hardhide. Harold and the boys in front of the cage.

This is for Nellie and Cleo who were amused that my boys took the stuff they found in their yard and made a cannon.

Dylan with his Paw Paw Woodie on Thanksgiving Day.

Stevie carves up the Fried Turkey. Yummy!

Since I have no girls, I enjoyed spending some time with the adorable daughters of my cousins. Me with Kalissa and Katy.

My Mom turned 70 on Thanksgiving Day, so we had two celebrations in one.

On Friday we went into New Orleans for the day. The kids really enjoyed the new Insectarium they just opened. Here's Katy or "Mildred" with the Katydids.

Aunt Kimmy and Collin pose on a giant worm. She's so brave!

Cousins and still the best of friends. Liz, me, and Kimberly.

Ethan's appetite proved to be more hearty than I realized when he ate two worms and eight chocolate covered bugs.

Baby Kyle looks over his Daddy's shoulder with the Mighty Mississippi in the background.

Landon and Katy, two more friendly cousins.

I just realized that I have so many pictures and so little time. Stay tuned cause Sunday's on the way. Dylan's birthday too.

In Time For Christmas!

This economic downturn that we are experiencing has us all doing a bit of soul searching. People are finding new ways to save and creative ways to increase their income. One dear friend even went to far as to ask her friends for a "bailout". We have decided to evaluate the talent of each of our family members and put their particular talent to work. We realize that there are Child Labor Laws out there, but times are hard and we've just got to do what we've got do. With Christmas coming very soon there be some good or service that we can help you out with. Please look this advertisement over carefully and let us know how we can help you.

RED'S RUG RATS CHILDCARE SERVICE

Being the oldest of four children, Ethan has become very proficient at childcare. Don't be alarmed by the bewildered look on his face or the fact that the baby appears to be crying. He does occasionally bop a younger sibling over the head, but no permanent damage has been done up to this time. So if you need a sitter while you go do your Christmas shopping, give him a call.

COLLIN'S COUNSELING


Last week Collin brought home the Student of Week Award, we were just a little surprised to see that the character trait that he was recognized for was Wisdom. When I asked him what he got the award for he said, "For my head, cause I think a lot". Harold's new favorite line whenever anyone has a question about something is, "Maybe Collin could impart some wisdom on this situation". So if anyone is in need of some special counsel to get them through the Holiday Season, just call Collin.

LANDON'S LIMOUSINE SERVICE

Landon has only recently taken up driving as a hobby, but he is very capable of driving just about any vehicle. Here at home he mostly drives his trucks around the house. If you see any of us with bandages on our ankles please don't get upset, it was our fault for not moving out of the way in time. Actually we are getting pretty good at plastering ourselves to the walls when we hear a rumble behind us. So if you need someone to drive you around to the stores this Christmas or maybe someone to shuttle you to your car after the "Singing Christmas Tree" give Landon a call. Nerve medication recommended.


DYLAN'S DEMOLITION

Destruction seems to lie in the path of Dylan. Most days I get nothing done because he comes behind me and undoes everything faster that I can keep up with. The dirty silverware gets put in the drawer as fast as I load it in the dishwasher. The laundry gets unfolded faster than I can fold. Anything left on the table or the counter has to be pushed all the way to the back or it ends up on his head. This is a talent that I'm sure must be of some use to someone, so I was thinking that we could hire him out to tear down Christmas decorations when the festivities come to an end. The only thing to keep in mind is that you won't be able to save anything for next year. So if you have disposable decorations give him a call.


KAYLA'S CARTOON CAKES


On Landon's birthday I decided that it would be economically wise of me to make a cake instead of buying one. So I found one that looked relatively easy and this is what I came up with. No one said, "Oh Kayla, it's so pretty", they all just laughed when they saw it. That's when I came up with the idea for my business. There are so many ways that you could decorate a cake to it look "human", so I am offering to make cartoon cakes. Just bring me a picture of the person you want a cake for and I'll make a cake sure to bring a smile. This is not for sensitive people.


Since Harold is already the "bread winner" in our family we let him get by without offering up something. If the stock market continues to fall we might have to call on him though. He may of offer plane rides as Christmas gifts. How does "Harold's Highs" sound for a name?

Lan Tan the Martin Man

Five years ago Harold and I welcomed our third son into this world. On November 20, 2003 Landon was born. We hadn't planned on having another baby for another three years, but surprise, surprise. Now that he is here we can't imagine our lives without him. He can be the sweetest child ever or the orneriest child ever in a matter of two minutes. He started preschool this year and is absolutely loving it. I took cupcakes for his class yesterday, and he was so cute in his excitement and pride that his Mommy was there. Tonight his grandparents and cousins are coming over to eat corn dogs, at his request. I should probably fix some strawberry milk to along with it since that is his favorite beverage. He's growing up so quickly I can hardly stand it. The other day informed us that he doesn't want to be in the military when he grows up, he wants to be in the army. I'm not sure how that will work, I guess we'll wait and see. So as Thanksgiving approaches we are giving thanks to God for sending us our very own little "turkey".