PIPER!!!!! It is so good to see you, I have missed you! How are you feeling? I admit, I do get concerned when we don't hear from you for a while. Praying all is well and Thank You for your kind words. We love you too!
No tips on driving that far with little ones, other than take lots of things to keep them busy and many rests/breaks along the way! Make an adventure of it!
I have not been feeling well so I could use an extra dose of prayers, but mostly for the girls...nothing horrible, just the same "stuff".
Prayers for all who are reading and lurking. 
Judy, I have been okay. Fighting an unexplained blood pressure issue. The doctor changed my BP med. She made me feel good because she said she wished I could do patient education for her. She said she could tell I followed all her directions because of my test results--A1C 6.3, cholesterol perfect, sodium on the low side, etc.
Of course, I follow them. Having lupus makes my body do weird things, why wouldn't I try to control the little I can!?! I spend so much on 12 prescriptions each month, it would be foolish not to do what I can to make them work properly!
I have major RA in shoulders, hips, knees and my back. But I am getting through each day in spite of waking up 4 or 5 times a night from "discomfort" (as the doctors say!) It could be so much worse. Although I can't stand for long at a time, I can still stand and move around a little with my crutch. One of the residents here is going blind and having a really hard time adjusting. It appears that she is going to have to move from here (it is "independent" living) to an assisted living facility.
I have been noticing a few more neurofibromas lately, but fortunately it is nothing but outward appearance (and they are small.) Plus, I am really blessed that most of the neurofibromas are in areas that don't show when I am dressed. So many people with NFI have to put up with lots of stares. The kids I taught used to ask about the ones on my hands, so I was just honest with them and they accepted it!
I only get out once a week to get groceries. I do have a prayer request--it seems so nitpicky compared with some people. But it really causes difficulty for me. When my sister or BIL go grocery shopping, they take me with them. Then they just unload the groceries in the driveway and leave me to get them upstairs to my apartment. It is really difficult to get them to the elevator, upstairs, and to my apartment. I really appreciate their taking me with them when they go, but would appreciate their help getting things upstairs.
I don't like to complain. When I have asked for help, they tell me they want to get home and just drive off and leave me. The only time my sister has been in my apartment since I moved in was when she brought over 4 outfits for me to alter for her. I almost erased this because it isn't major, but I know that God is in charge of the small things as well as the big ones.
I continue to pray for all of you daily. I try to lift up the good things that happen in your lives as well as the challenges. You all have my love.
...You need some DRAMA FREE time! You have a right to have it get to you, just keep swimming though!! 
). I would have LOVED ot meet you, maybe one day we can work that out! 
THIS is the way I like to roll!
So happy for Rachel, and all of you! To be able to play at the HOB twice at such a young age is a huge accomplishment.
