Happy 12th Birthday Andrew!!!

My brother holding my niece, and the little brown bebe is Andrew:



Andrew & Mommy @ Park...look how young we BOTH look! :


Andrew (far left)in with his cousins in San Felipe, MX:


Andrew giving bessos to his new little brother, Joseph:


Andrew's Kindergarten picture:

Andrew & Daddy...



Andrew being his usual crazy self...I guess the glass was too cold :-) :





Today is Andrew's birthday. He is 12...and I just can't get my mind wrapped around the idea that it has been twelve long years since I gave birth to him. It amazes me that I have already been a mom for that long, yet, I hardly remember life without him.
When I gave birth to him, he came out looking totally Hispanic (I am white and his dad is Hispanic), he didn't even look like he belonged to me. He had beautiful skin, and thick, black silky hair (although I have to admit I was kinda freaked out by how hairy he was), and he smelled so good (he really did). His uncle Daniel joked that he looked Chinese because of the shape of his eyes. And, even though newborns aren't always that attractive, all red, wrinkly and squinty eyed....they are always beautiful to their mother who waited 9 long months to meet them and then endured the most awful pain known to man or woman!
I was so young, and I had no idea what I had gotten myself into, but it was love at first site with Andrew. David picked his name, I thought it would be neat for David to be able to name his firstborn, especially his son. When I look at pictures from back then, it looks like we should have been babysitting him, not be his parents. We went through many trials and struggles, but we are still here, all these years later, and during that time have added two more to our brood.
Since I was so young when I had him, as sad as it sounds, we kinda all grew up together the first few years. It wasn't fair to him, and I do NOT condone teen pregnancy (or premarital sex for that matter), but having him kept me from making so many other wrong choices in my life. It was a time when I was starting to "experiment", and having him totally changed my life, I am so thankful for him. He literally saved me from twists and turns that only God knows about.
I, along with his Dad, have watched him grow so quickly. It seems like I only blinked, and now he is turning 12...one year away from being a teen. I am so thankful...he has always been so healthy, happy, behaved (for the most part)and done well in school. He has a heart of gold, even though his attitude has gotten the best of both of us lately (don't think it's anything to do with those hormones, do ya?). And while he and his brother fight like cats and dogs...I know deep down he truly cares for him.
About 6 years ago (when Andrew was 6 and Joseph was 2) we went on vacation to the Beach. We stopped along halfway at a hotel to get some rest. At about 2am I heard a loud alarm, woke up and looked over at David...at the same time we sat up and said "Fire Alarm". The whole hotel was being evacuated. I was scared to death...I reached over to grab Joseph...he wasn't there...I looked up and Andrew was standing at the door with his baby brother in his arms yelling to David and I "We have to get out of here"...and we did, and we were all safe and everything was fine...but every time I tell that story, I break down in tears...just as I am doing right now.
There was another time we had rented a jump house for a bday party. Those things have to stay plugged in because they constantly blow air to stay inflated. Someone accidentally unplugged it, all the big kids jumped out...Andrew turned to see Joseph left in the bounce house, it was deflating super quick and could suffocate him with all that heavy, thick plastic, Andrew dove back in and grabbed Joseph and drug him out.
He likes to go to the nursing home and visit with the elderly. He used to love to spend the night with Mamaw and stay up watching old movies. He used to hide under G-ma's bed when she was laying in it, and giggle until she realized he was under there. He loved reading Paddington Bear and Guess How Much I Love You and No David. He had a fished he named "Pisha" that he won at the State Fair and it died...we had to flush it down the toilet. He cried. Once when he was 4 yrs. old he went to play in the back yard (it had a privacy fence and locked gate), after a few minutes I went out to check on him, I couldn't find him...I looked everywhere and started to panic...only to hear "Mom, I'm up here"...he was on top of the roof. He was/still is one talented climber. Even though he is short, like his father and I, he is a very fast runner. He loves math and is very good at it...He is in ACC math this year, but he HATES all the homework. He has begged for a cell phone for years, but I have resisted...not sure how much longer I can do that though.
I am most proud of him for leading a friend of his to know Jesus Christ, even though he is the type that doesn't like to talk about stuff much (he's kinda private, a loner, if you will)...that's ok, because actions speak louder than words, and I was amazed that my son was already letting GOD work through him...such an amazing feeling as a mom.
Although there are days when I want to strangle him...I love him in more ways than I can count...and I'm thankful beyond measure for him.
I am so proud of Andrew...our little "peedy" (shortened from his grandpas nickname for him...Speedy Gonzalez). He means nothing short of everything to me. I praise the Lord for blessing his dad and I with him. And, although it is hard seeing him growing up so fast and becoming more and more independent, I look forward to the man that he will one day become.
Thank you all for letting me share this tidbit about my son, because truth is, I could go on for days, but figured this was enough for now.

Happy Birthday, Son...God Bless and keep you safe...We love you unconditionally, forever and always!

Mom

from The Power of a Praying Parent:
"I pray that my child will so love the Lord with all his heart, soul, and mind that there will be no room in him for the lies of the Enemy or the clamoring of the world. May the Word of God take root in his heart and fill his mind with things that are true, noble, just, pure, lovely,of good report, virtuous, and praiseworthy.
(Philippians 4:8)

PS..for those that noticed, I am posting this a little before midnight on 9/9...but this is meant for 9/10, which is 30 mins. away, so it will have to do :-)

It's Monday...again

Happy Monday morning everyone. Wow, I can not believe the boys are starting their third week of school already! Time absolutely flies, doesn't it? Andrew will be turning 12 this Wednesday. I feel as though he should still be in Kindergarten.
Getting back to school has been good for us. We have started to get back to a routine, which is good for us. Andrew is in an accelerated Math class, though, and let me tell you...the homework abounds in that class! Actually, it may not be too bad, but for a child who HATES homework (so much that last year he used his free period to get it done so he wouldn't have to do it at home) it's a pretty big hassle. We've already spent several hours on that homework, but he hasn't really had any from any other classes...so that helps.
As a busy mom of three, sometimes it's hard to find quality time to spend with the kids, especially one-on-one time.
But, since Isabel is still at home with me and the boys are at school, it's not too hard to spend time with her. When Joseph gets home he wants me to go swing or jump on the trampoline with him...so I've been trying to do that each day when he asks, it's great time for the two of us, and he likes me to ask him math questions (which I think my dad started). The only one I'm having trouble with now is Andrew, he's at that in-between age where he is trying to separate himself more from his parents and become independent...he has such a bad attitude sometimes...I feel like I don't know how to reach him. Any ideas??? One minute my heart breaks for him knowing he is going through a lot of changes and just trying to grow up and he thinks no one understands him, and the next minute...I want to wring his neck! LOL.
Other than wanting to strangle Andrew ;-), I am just really thankful for my family. Lately I have just felt so blessed by them...maybe everything that has happened this past year has made me a little more thankful. As I've gotten older I have definitely gotten more sentimental. My dad says that as we mature/get older, we move from the ego mentality to the spiritual mentality (one of those books he read I guess). I feel like I am blessed with the best husband and children, I have some great friends, my parents are great, too. I don't want to take any of it for granted, nothing is set in stone, and things do happen, but for now I just want to revel in my blessings and praise God for what he has done for me.
Also, I have a friend who is having some health issues...I don't want to put her name on here because I don't know if she would want the attention, but please just say a prayer for her...she is young, yet at a scary time in her life and I just pray God puts his mighty hand on her and comforts & heals her.
On another topic, my friend, Amy (blog link is listed on this page), needs prayer for her family. Her dad was in Iran visiting family, when he had a stroke, so not only is his health in jeopardy...but his wife (Amy's mom) is having trouble getting over there to be with him. Please keep them close in your prayers...Amy is a sweet sweet friend.

OK, Hope your week is blessed!
~K

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. 1 John 4:18

Thank You, Lord, for Your promise to deliver us from all our fears. In Jesus' name I pray for freedom from fear on behalf of my children, family, & friends this day.
Amen

Labor Day, etc...

I was kind of disappointed because we hadn't planned anything for Labor Day, and we always cook out or something. But, I was ok with it because my mind was a little overwhelmed thinking how last Labor Day was when my G-ma passed away. I just can NOT get over the fact that it has now been a year since I've seen her precious face. Last Labor Day was on Sept. 3RD, but I will always remember Labor Day as the day she passed away no matter the date, because that is just how I feel. Anyway, I really miss her, and my heart breaks for my mother who I know is missing her own mother so much right now.

Anyway, I was wallowing in my despair when about 11:00 am David told me his family was coming out to cook out. "EXCUSE ME, What did you say"??!! Yes, that's right, he planned a cookout and did not EVEN tell me. I had about two hours before they got there, we had no food to cook, and I needed to spend a little time on the house. I thought I might strangle this man. But, I didn't...
I cleaned.
He went to the store.
His family came out.
We grilled.
We ate.
Had good conversation.
Kids played.
They went home.
I cleaned up.
I was glad to have my mind on something else.
That was our Labor Day :-).

On Sunday my Mom & niece came over for a little while. My Dad was over and we snapped some shots of Izzy & Keyli jumping on the trampoline.
Yes, their hair is unkempt and Izzy is in her jammies, but I love these shots...
for me there is just something about them, they look soooo happy...

& this one is my FAVORITE...

While they were jumping, the boys were inside playing. At one point Joseph bursts out the back door, ran over to a tree, and sat down and started pouting. I went over to see what was wrong (Andrew had hurt his feelings)...I didn't know my Dad had snapped this shot, but I thought it was a sweet moment.
I love that boy...


Hope you all had a fabulous holiday and got to take it easy. This morning it was back to school & normal life for us...hope your week is blessed.
Love to you all...
~K

PS. I wanted to share this prayer that was in my "The Power of a Praying Parent" devotional:

Lord, flood my child with Your love and wash away all fear and doubt. Give them a sense of Your loving presence that far outweighs any fear that would threaten to overtake them. Help them to rely on Your power in such a manner that is establishes strong confidence and faith in You.

Amen.

Busy Week...

This past week has been incredibly busy for our family! The boys started back to school which was very exciting. Joseph started 2nd grade and is in Mrs. Barnett's class. Andrew started 6th grade and has seven different teachers! He is still getting used to having a locker, switching to so many different classes/teachers, keeping up with his stuff, etc, etc. They both had a really great week, as did my nieces, Seirra and Brelan.
Here is a pic of the boys on their first day...Joseph has a crazy look on his face and he just lost his two front teeth, but hey, I'm lucky to have this one because neither one of them wanted to take a picture!

Also, Andrew and my niece, Seirra, had their first school dance @ Crockett Friday night. I didn't stay to chaperon, but trust me, I had my spies :-). I was told, by Andrew himself, and by others, that he pretty much boogied down the whole time...wasn't shy at all. My niece, however, was quite the opposite...she said she was too embarrassed to dance so she just talked to friends. Andrew had his first slow dance...I'll post pics later once I get them from another mom. They all had a blast, it is all they have talked about since then! I think it made them feel independent and kinda grown up...good for them, scary for me.





Didn't they look so so cute! Of course, Andrew did NOT want to smile for the pictures, he too "tough" for that now, ya know :-)
Other events of the week included my nieces getting some press on nails and they insisted Isabel get some, too. At first I thought she was too little, but then I decided it was the weekend and they would probably fall off in a few hours, so I decided to let them put them on her. Izzy LOVED the nails...it was hilarious to see her in them. Although, I just about beat (not really) my niece because instead of using the stick-on's that came with Izzy's nails, she used her nail glue and glued the fake nails to her real nails...UGGGHHH. I was so ANNOYED, to say the least. But, the nails didn't even last a day, so I forgave her and all was well again...

The day before she decided to dress up in her brother's house shoes, shooting vest, and boxing gloves...she looks pretty ridiculous, but it made me laugh, so...

And I had to throw this one in just because she's so cute...

This one is actually from a couple weeks ago when we went to Kristi's house. Isabel loves to play with her youngest, Tate. He had a little motorcycle and even though there was only room for one, they made it into a two-seater...haha. They took turns driving around the house.

That pretty much sums it up picture wise. I am already missing subbing this year...I miss those little faces, and being at home I can't really say my house is much cleaner, but hey, let's give it a little more time. And on the positive side, I did cook dinner every night...yes, that is a big deal for me, & David is totally impressed. So, I am looking forward to next week in hopes that I will be able to get even more done now that we are on somewhat of a schedule.

Thank you God for getting us through this busy, hectic week..this whole crazy summer, or year for that matter...for never removing your mighty, graceful hand from our lives, even though we fail you daily...
be Blessed,
Katy

DUE 7:9
Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God,
keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love
him and keep his commands.

If You Give a Pig a Pancake...

Good morning to all...
I know, the title is strange, but stay with me until the end.
I'm going to warn you that I am in a bit of an emotional state as I write this, but, I am not depressed, by any means. I've had a hard time lately, and know my posts reflect that...I know other's have gone though this too, and worse things,which lets me know that things will be fine...I hope my blog isn't depressing to anyone...it's just that this is like my journal for me to let things out, weather happy, sad, mad, or just plain tacky :-)

If you don't know her, or haven't heard me say, my Mamaw was THE BEST cook this side of the universe. Honest. Years ago, because of our family's many delicious recipes, my dad got the bright idea to make a family cookbook. What a perfect idea. Most women in the family got copies (it was years ago), but since I was still pretty young, I never got one. Plus, I did have a hard copy on my computer of all the recipes, so I never worried about it. My Mamaw had the "prized copy", the most loved, well worn copy. Because I didn't have a cookbook, I got to have hers after she passed away a couple weeks ago (I can't believe it's already been 21 days...
To say I was happy to get Her cookbook, would be an understatement to the fullest. Honestly though, her passing still doesn't feel that real, so for time being I put the cookbook away into the pantry. Last night, when everyone was asleep I got a hankering to get it out and look at it. You see, it's not just any cookbook...sure, it has the best recipes EVER filling it's pages, but it also has dedications, poems (all written by family members), pictures, etc. There are two pockets inside, and I found some obituaries that my Mamaw had saved, my Aunt Cora Mae, My great grandmother Mollie, etc...some very special people that my childhood memories are painted with. I didn't know those mementos were in there, which made it even more special. I only thought I was overwhelmed. Then. It. Hit. Me.
I was holding my Mamaw's cookbook, the one she had used hundreds of times, she had written on the pages, held it's cover, and thumbed through it over and over again. She had used those recipes to share her love and blessings with others. I realized her prints would always be on that book and that as I held it I was touching part of her, it was then that I became completely overwhelmed. I began to cry uncontrollably. I laid on the cookbook just trying to be with her (I know, I know, but it was what I felt at the time), I realized anyone peeping in my back window would think I had gone completely mad, down on my knees, grasping this cookbook, crying out...then I realized if they were peeping in my back window, they were the ones with the problem, so I proceeded. I was so desperate to talk to her one last time or hug her one last time, that I was ready to do just about anything (don't read too much into this)...all I could do was call out to her, trying to make myself believe that she just MIGHT answer me, after all, with GOD, anything is possible. And, though I never heard her voice, I felt GOD sitting beside me, I felt HIM really with me. I felt like His heart really was broken that mine was broken, as it is when you see your own child in such despair. I knew if He wanted he could do something to ease my pain, and He did. He reminded me that my Mamaw is celebrating an eternal life with Him, now...and it's more glorious that my earthly mind could ever imagine, and that I must trust GOD on that, and that even if she had the choice, she wouldn't come back to us...but wait patiently until we go to the place where she is.
So, for now, I am satisfied with that. I miss her. Also, My G-ma (my other grandmother) passed away last Labor Day, so the 1 yr. anniversary of her death is coming up Monday. I don't understand how a year has possibly passed since I have seen her.? I don't get it. However, I see her frequently in my dreams, and how do I know that's not real? To me, it is, I mean it feels like it is. And who's to tell me differently? Anyway, I just miss them both so very much. One thing I am happy about is I got to spend a lot of time with both of them, and they both knew how much I loved them.
This morning when Isabel and I got home from taking the boys to school, she made me come inside while she stood on the porch with her baby doll. She has started this thing...I have to come in, lock the door, and stand there until she rings the bell and I let her in, pretending she's company. So, this morning she rings the bell, and I ask, "Who is it"? "It's me", she replies. I open the door and say "Hello there, what a beautiful baby you have there". "This is my granddaughter, not my baby", she says. So I am thinking how she is the baby's grandmother, which reminds me that I don't have a grandmother anymore, which reminded me of last night, which made me sad all over again, which made me need to come and write this post and get it all out.
And you know what happens when you give a pig a pancake. :-)

I liked this & I stole it

I AM ...so many things…Whoa, soooo many things…but, I am most proud of being a mommy, so we’ll leave it at that.

I WANT... a honeymoon…”D” and I never got to have one…after 3 kids and 14 years of being together, I want one!

I HAVE ... had the most hectic, depressing summer yet in my 29 years of life, but God is good and I’m looking forward to making it up next year.

I WISH I COULD ...take in all the children who don’t have loving, caring parents…and care for them and feed them, and it’s true…dress them cute.

I HATE ...that I can't heal the world...that I don't have a magic wand I can wave everytime I come across someone in trouble/crisis...wouldn't that be so cool?

I FEAR ... never getting caught up on getting my digital pictures developed...seriously, I have about two years worth to do...

I HEAR ...that one day California is going to break off into the Pacific. But that’s cool…then the people that live there will live on an island.

I SEARCH ... for food that Joseph will eat. How normal is it that he is 7 ½ yrs. And wears a sz. 5…he’s sooooo picky.

I DON'T THINK ... I will ever get back into shape. I have no will power. Nope. None.

I REGRET ... that my parents weren’t Amish…because then I could have been Amish and I could live off the land and only have to rely on myself and I wouldn’t be so caught up in this material crap.

I LOVE ...my family, the holidays, and jeans that don’t cut off my circulation or shoes that don’t squish my fat feet

I ACHE FOR ... to stretch my arms around my grandmothers and be able to give them one last hug

I ALWAYS CRY ... when I hear music that reminds me of something I miss. Or when I hurt myself…

I AM NOT ... superwoman…not even close. Not even close to close.

I DANCE ... with my kids…and I look funny because I’m not good at it. But, they love me anyway…and that’s cool.

I SING ...in my car, to anything, but especially to worship music…it always makes me cry. Can’t help it.

I NEVER ...can catch the laundry up. I feel like it’s a joke someone is playing on me…I mean what came first, the housewife or the laundry?

I RARELY ...vacuum. because Joseph broke my freakin’ vacuum.

I CRY WHEN I WATCH ... oh Lord, just about anything…Man in the Moon, Selena, Where the heart is…

I AM NOT ALWAYS ... on-line, believe it or not, every now and again I tend to my children or clean the toilet or run to the post office…

I HATE THAT ...marijuana isn’t legal. Ok, that was a joke, because I really don’t think it should be legal…and before any rumors get started, No, I don’t smoke it.

I'M CONFUSED ABOUT ...most everything…especially how I always get that call saying that “This is your last notice/chance to renew your car’s warranty”… when #1) My car still has a warranty & #2) they have called me everyday for the last two years and have now started calling my cell…what up with that?

I NEED ...a massage, a maid, a break, and one of my babies to come in here and give me a really big hug…

I SHOULD ... remind you that you are more than welcome to steal this from me and do it on your blog. After all, I did. (And though I can't remember who I stole it from - I "thank you" nonetheless.)

Just today...

Today I feel like the normalcy of life is starting to creep back in. I guess it will never be the normal it was before, when I had both grandmothers here with me, but I am finding my way to a new normal.
I have been over to Mamaw's almost every day for one thing or another, and every time it breaks my heart as I walk up the driveway, and glance into the kitchen window where I would see her making tea, coffee, or cooking up a meal. As hard as it is, I am trying NOT to stay away. After my G-ma passed in September last year, I stayed away from her home, I couldn't face it, and the longer I stayed away...the harder it was to go back. So, with Mamaw's house I wanted to stay close so that it wouldn't get the way it has with G-ma's house. As my mom said, the house is still there, but the heart of the house is gone. What a true statement.
I went with my dad to the cemetery yesterday. I stared at the heap of dirt covering the plot where they buried her...I could not believe my Mamaw's body was underneath it all, down in the ground...it hurt me. I panicked for a moment. I had to keep reminding myself that it was just her body, and that SHE is in Heaven.
Once in Bible study, Dana (who was leading the study), asked if we ever grew impatient with the Lord...ever wondered why it was taking him so long to come and take us back home with Him. I thought to myself "What a funny question. I know I am saved and going to Heaven when my life here is done...I am not afraid to die, but I don't want to will it on...the Lord will come when HE is ready".
Well, I think I understand her question now. Mamaw was my grandmother, I was prepared to loose her eventually (so I thought), but it has been incredibly hard on me. I think...if I am barely making it through this loss, how will I ever bury my parents, or possibly my siblings, my husband, my friends,...and we won't even go any further than that. I mean yes, I could die tomorrow before any of them, but if I don't, how will I ever get through it? I think for the first time, I truly longed for Him to come and take us home. I truly longed for Him to physically pick me up and hold and comfort me and wipe away my tears...I want to just be with him...to be able to bask in His glory and not worry about anything else.
I thought how I would never have to go through the pain and hurt and sadness again if He could just come and take us all home.
With that being said, I am trusting in Him...to heal me, and to take me and the rest of us home...when HE is ready. So, I will try my best not to grow impatient with Him, I will pray for patience, and for His will to be done in this life I lead.

On another subject...One more week until school starts back, can you believe it? Yikes! I have had to work double time to get some school shopping done! With Mamaw being sick, and then her passing, funeral, etc...my summer and quality time with the boys has been cut short. I am NOT ready for school to start back...I usually am about to pull my hair out, but this year I just want some more time with them. Truly though, our family's schedule has gotten to a ridiculous point...well, actually, there is no schedule. So, I guess it's good school is starting back, because it will FORCE me to get a schedule going again for us. I will so miss having lunches with Mamaw and Isabel during school days while the boys are in class...Texas Belle...light lunch w/ chicken salad, frozen dessert, tortilla soup (chips on the side so they wouldn't get soggy)...I will miss ordering that for her. Wow. Hard to think about that.
Anyway, I am looking forward to a fresh schedule, and getting some things done around the house...it is in desperate need of some TLC. Desperate, I tell you.
All we need to finish the shop is to get those garage doors up, which have been forever in waiting. Then I wanted to work on adding a bedroom so the boys wouldn't have to share a room. Change of plans. I decided I want to close in the patio first. Our kitchen is beyond the word TINY! I have inherited Mamaw's prize kitchen table (memories abound with that table) and I don't have a big enough space for it...we were already considering it and this just spurred us on. So, since the boys will be sharing a little bit longer, I am going to redo the room they have now. I want new furniture, a really good desk space and some organization! Their room is the worst in the house...they are totally different ages, personalities, and sharing tight quarters...so if anyone has any good ideas, I'm open! I want them to have a fresh new, calm, organized space to promote a good school year...and some Zen (what does that word really mean and can I actually use it as a Christian??). Andrew needs all the help he can get, he is totally scatter brained just like me! Oh well...to each his own.
I am also in the mood to repaint my bathroom...not sure where all this is coming from, it's not even Spring?!
FYI...our dog has NEVER had fleas...after reading Amy's post I decided to check her...HOLY FREAKIN' COW...there was a flea on my beautifully groomed princess! What?!! I rushed for the flea dip and got to scrubbin' ...I was kickin' butt and takin' names. The shampoo says it kills fleas for "up to a month" HA! "up to..." that could actually be for a day...this week I WILL have her @ the Vet's office for some serious applications...Frontline has ALWAYS worked for us...but they may have to whip up some special extra strong concoction for her, cause I ain't down with no fleas. Anyone know anything better than frontline? Fill a sista in!
Ok, one last note...I did bring several plants from Mamaw's patio to mine. My Mamaw LOVED hummingbirds, and always had several around her house, yard. We have never had any out here. Well, when I brought the plants out, a hummingbird showed up and has stayed around. I am going to get one of her feeders from her house and put it out on the patio with the plants...hopefully the bird will stick around. It just hovers at the window and stares in at us. David told me it was Mamaw saying Hello...I LOVE that...Mamaw just dropping in to check on us. Plus, the day after I brought them out here, a beautiful Hibiscus bloomed...to some, these may be little things...but for some reason they help comfort me.
Ok, well, I guess I should go to bed now. Those of you with school aged children, I know this next week or so is going to be CRAZY ...so I pray the Lord blesses you with a smooth transition and that all of you get great teachers/classrooms and have a great school year.
Blessings & Love to you all...
~K

PS...Thank you SO much to those of you that have kept us in your thoughts and prayers and for your kind words of sympathy after Mamaw's passing...and to those special people that even came to Family/Friends or the funeral...you are too kind, and I am thankful for you. God Bless.