We had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Actually, Doug said it was the best that he has ever had.
Things are going well in the Cranford home. Trying to get used to our new home. Haven't really made it our own, but working on it. School is going well for myself and Logan. Logan loves going to school and Izzy loves her new daycare. Doug has settled into his new job and is doing great. My office is closing and there is so much uncertainity in the air that it is scary and unsettling. I will continue to look for a new job, but will stay with USA until I am able to find something.

October 15, 2007

Things are going well in the Cranford home. Doug got a wild hair and bought a boat.
We have had a great time.
The Knobbley Kneed 5K Race went well with more than 174 people entered into the race. We raised a lot of money for our patients, of course I am sure there are more checks in the mail, because I have not received all of your checks. hint hint hint.
The first runner finished in 19.07 minutes which is CRAZY. He was booking it. I was so busy with the organizing that I didn't get to run. I ran the following week with Logan in the Guns and Hoses Race and I have to say because Logan decided he was going to race we finished in 43 minutes, otherwise I know I would have finished in 42 minutes. hahaha (of course he was running in his socks-that is a story for another day).

Izzy is doing GREAT in her in daycare and Logan is doing Great in his new school although I am NOT impressed with St. Paul's, although they are supposed to be one of the best in the entire county. (this is another one for another day)

Doug is doing better, A lot better. He has been EXTREMELY stressed for the past year and he has finally made it over the hump and is getting back to his old self and it is WONDERFUL.

Me I am doing fine. Concerned about my patients since they are closing us down, but have faith that God has a plan. I don't know what the plan is and he didn't consult me which I find rather odd, but I do believe he will reveal the plan. (Sure hope it is soon because I am getting really worried about my patients and now my job.)

USA Transplant Support Group

The USA Regional Transplant Support Group has been going for several years. March of 2006 I unofficially took over the support group. October of 2006 we started the Youth Support Group. Both have been extremely successful. The main support group has gone from 5-10 attendees a month to 30-50 a month. Each month is filled with a nice dinner, educational topic and an exercise component, usually dancing. One month we learned to salsa, belly dance, line dance.....
The Youth Support Group attendance is not as great, but their compliance has soared. Last year at this time there were some children in jeopardy of losing their kidneys. This year they are doing great with more than 9 months of compliance. We have a lot of reasons to be proud of USA Transplant and there is more to come. We are expecting 20-40 of our patients to compete in the 2008 US Transplant Olympic Games. These games are going to be sanctioned by the official Olympic Games and are not for the faint at heart. One of the main reasons for the games is to promote organ donation but also to show that transplant patients are active and alive. They have been given a second chance at life and are taking advantage of it.
Within the next year I will be sending out emails asking you guys to support Team Alabama with contributions, donations, orders for fundraisers as well as time in these efforts. We have to raise $800 for each participate, so we need a lot of help. Keep you eyes open for future blog information and emails----more importantly, keep your wallet lose because we need your help. Team Alabama is going for the Gold in 2008.

Logan's first day of PreK

Logan started Wednesday, August 15, 2007 at St. Paul's Episcopal PreK program. He is loving his "big boy" school. Although, I have to say that I am not quite sure about this school thing. Prior to school, I was able to call daycare and check up on him at any time. Prior to school, I was able to call and talk to him at any time. I am not supposed to do that now and it is driving me CRAZY.
Logan said that he likes school and has only been there three days and on the 2nd day had his first girlfriend, Sarah.

You have to look at these photos. This is what Doug and I did on our first vacation in 5 years. I guess I forgot vacation is supposed to be relaxing and lazy.
It was great.

These pictures are from our first time alone away from the children. 4 1/2 years and we have not been on a vacation or spent anything more than a couple of hours together. That is really hard on a marriage. This trip was great and was exactly what we needed. Actually, I have already reserved next year's cruise.
They say that the best thing you can give your child is to love your spouse and this cruise just brought Doug and I even closer than we have ever been.
Of course none of this would have been possible had my sister not taken care of my children---so thank you Cathy for always being there.




The first picture is of me, enjoying a break after dinner.
The second picture is of Doug and myself just happy to be together with no responsibilities.
The third picture you can notice the perfect water and a few winkles on me.

Things Logan has said:

After finally going poo in the pot, "that wasn't so bad."

After hours of being sick, at 4 a.m. leans over the toilet and said, "heck with that."

Saying his evening prayers: "God bless mommy, daddy....and that mommy and daddy get along and fall in love all over again." (this was after I had a bad day and was discussing with Doug, intensely.)

Saying his evening prayers: "God bless, mommy, daddy...and that I learn to poopoo in the pot" (after trying to help him for over a year, one week after I said a prayer for him, with him, he started adding it to his nightly prayers-one week later, he is pooing in the pot) THANK GOD.

Picasa Web Albums - Sharrie - Father's day - IMG_1873.jpg

Picasa Web Albums - Sharrie - Father's day - IMG_1873.jpg

Father's day went well. We all had a great time. The picture showing is one that I put on the back of a T-shirt for Doug. He loved it.
Also, Logan finally poopooed in the pot and said that it wasn't that bad. Cross your fingers and lets hope he keeps it up.

The picture is of me and some friends I met in Miami. I was in Miami for four days and it was beautiful, what I got to see of it. I was in conference everyday, one of which I was teaching a class on Medicare Part D.


Christmas 2006 I had lost all my baby weight and a lot more. With the two moves and stressors at home, I have gained 20 pounds. I have started working on the weight loss, especially since Doug and I are going on a cruise July 12. This will be the first trip we have taken together, alone, in over four years. I am so excited I can't stand it. I have a count down time that I look at several times a week.
Here is the link. You may have to cut and paste.

http://www.timeanddate.com/counters/customcounter.html?month=07&day=12&year=2007&hour=4pm&min=00&sec=00&p0=407




Logan has decided he does not want to use the potty, except to pee and it is really only upsetting when others criticize me or question why I haven't trained him yet. I have to keep telling myself that he will train when he is ready. We have given him every tool possible, he is just not ready. For some reason he is scared and we can't seem to get him past it. We will keep trying.

An FYI: If you have a parent you know who is having any problems or concerns with their children, only encourage them. Offer minimal advice, because you are not in their shoes. Don't judge or criticize them. Parents usually feel unsure about their parenting, so encourage them instead of judge or criticize. (that is my soap box)(one of them, Medicare Part D is the other)

These two pictures are of Logan and Izzy while we were in our transition home.
We are now, finally, in our new home and really love it.
Doug is doing well in his job, while growing his business "Unique Restorations." He is really excited about building this company and already has people interested in hiring the company.
Myself, I made an "A" this semester in school and was also busy traveling. I was in Orlando the first of April and then in Miami giving a talk on Medicare Part D. Miami is beautiful!
Logan and Izzy are doing great. They still get along, love one another and share most their toys and drinks. Logan will share is food in a minute, Izzy will fight anyone over hers.

This is what happens when your little girl boxer doesn't practice safe sex.

Never let your 18 month old daugther eat her oatmeal breakfast alone for 3 minutes, because you end up with the attached photo.

Things are going well in the Cranford home. Of all the homes coming and going, we have bought two and sold two. Our house is coming along well w/ updates every week. I believe that we will be ready to move in before the end of April. Logan is doing great with learning new things everyday, but still hasn't grasped the potty completely. We are trying to not worry right now.
Izzy is doing great, eating everything in sight (Logan never eats). Izzy is all girl, she loves jewelry and her silk PJs. She likes flowers and playing in he kitchen. Logan is always running around being very physical in his play where Izzy hugs on her dolls. It is great seeing their similarities and differences.
I believe Doug is liking is job a little better and mine is fine. School is frustrating me, but still have a 4.0 and believe if I want to keep it, I better get back to work. Hope all is well w/ everyone.

Picasa Web Albums - Sharrie - Knobbley Drive - IMG_0878.jpg

Picasa Web Albums - Sharrie - Knobbley Drive - IMG_0878.jpg

Here are some pictures of the house in progress and a photo I found of when Doug and I got married September 4, 1999.
Things are going well in the Cranford home. Doug has decided to start buying and selling more houses, so he has been extremely busy. Logan and Izzy are growing and doing great. They love one another and it is great to see them share and take care of each other.

Things are moving along.

Things have changed in the Cranford family since my last update.
I completed my second semester of my second master's degree. (Made another A=4.0)
Logan is 90% potty trained. Izzy is eatin everything she sees.
Doug is buying and selling houses every other week.
The family is Great and gets better everyday.

Houses:
Gill Road-we Sold
Demetropolis Road-we Sold
Sandy Creek-we are renevating
Emerald Drive West-we moved into, while waiting for our house to be built
Northview-we have a Renter
West Mobile house-we made an offer to buy- pending
Knobbley Drive-being built for us (foundation and frame is up)