Keeping Tabbs

WARNING: My email was HACKED

2010-10-16T18:21:00.003-05:00

If you have still opened this, I have been made aware that all of my contacts were sent spam FROM my supposed email address with a link(s). So, I am in the process of deleting all my contacts, sorting through things I need, and finally deleting this account. Therefore, please do not click on any links included in any previous or subsequent emails sent via this account.

I will send out a notification from my NEW email account when it has been set up.

I am so very sorry for any trouble this may have caused. I hope you realized it was NOT ME if you were unfortunate enough to open the email(s).

God bless,

Jennifer (Nuckles) Tabb

2010-10-16T01:07:00.001-05:00

http://lunaparkitaly.it/al1.html

The Song « Official Site of We Are The World 25 For Haiti

2010-02-13T16:51:00.002-06:00

The Song « Official Site of We Are The World 25 For Haiti

Keeping Tabbs 2009 Movie Series

2010-01-07T20:03:00.021-06:00

These are all the parts of the year-end video I made to try to encompass Team Tabb's 2009!

What a year!

The first part is divided into three segments. Unfortunately, It is only available in it's entirety via my Facebook videos. I did break it down into Part 1A and Parts 1B&C. Because the first portion (1A) includes music that YouTube has copyright issues with, it is unavailable there. Yet, Parts 1B &1C were combined and are included along with the four other parts to our "Keeping Tabbs 2009" series.

PART ONE

A: "Blessed"

Preview of all members of Team Tabb. Portraits by Samantha Foddrill, photographybysamantha.com.

B: "Our God is in Control" - A Tribute to Ella Faith

Featuring "Born An Angel," a poem written by our "Beba," Jewel Tabb.

C: "Welcome to the World"

The "Quad Squad" survivors are welcomed to the Team.

If you aren't a member of Facebook, you can view the second two segments of Part 1 on YouTube, here:

PART TWO

"You're Something Special"

A dedication to Taylor and Ava-Camille, who have transitioned from a family of four to an instant family of seven with Amazing Grace!

PART THREE

"Are Ya Ready For Some Football?"

This is a fun segment about our '09 Football season with the babies. It features both the high school where Kevin is a band director and his NFL team, the Pittsburgh Steelers. I didn't miss this opportunity to raz him about his team and gloat a bit about my team, the Indianapolis Colts.

PART FOUR

"You are Mine"

A final look at all of Team Tabb, focusing on our lives from the time the babies were brought home thru Christmas. Included: Father's Day, our first trip to Hondo as a family of seven, cousins meeting the surviving quads for the first time, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and of course, Christmas!

PART FIVE

"Happy New Year"

Happy New Year, 2010! And a little note of thanks to all our amazing family and friends. God bless you all for the testimony you have shared with us through your comforting words, generous gestures, and constant prayer!

Please share in the scripture, photos, music and lyrics by watching the 2009 "Keeping Tabbs" video series.

God bless you,

SEND A THANK YOU TO A SOLDIER

2009-11-20T15:22:00.001-06:00

This is so easy! Just follow the link, pick a card, and Xerox does the rest. Such a small gesture can mean so muck to a soldier overseas during the holidays!

Holiday Open House!

2009-11-11T13:34:00.002-06:00

My dear friend, Cammie Bowren, is having a Holiday Open House this Saturday from 10am-4pm.

Five vendors (Miche Bags, Love Stories Photography, Premier Jewelry, Simply Sweet Ribbon Boutique, and Southern Living at Home) have teamed together to provide you with a unique holiday shopping experience. stop on by and invite some friends (25142 Flaming Arrow).

7 months old! A time of THANKSGIVING.

2009-11-10T18:25:00.016-06:00

Today marks the babies' official seventh month of being here with us! Thank you Lord, for all the milestones they have reached thus far. It truly is amazing to look back at pictures of just a few months ago and see how far they have each come.

We have been so blessed in SO MANY GENEROUS WAYS! I shared the verse below on Facebook today, and I will share it here as well.

II Corinthians 9:6-11 (New International Version)

Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written:"He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever." Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.

There have been MANY who have generously supplied Team Tabb! I most certainly would not be able to list all of the blessings that have been bestowed upon us by family, friends, acquaintances, and even practical strangers. But, I will once again send a HUGE THANK YOU to our phenomenal church family and friends. I cannot imagine how I would have been able to make it through the past few months without their extra hands and help. One of the other blessings that has come from the wonderful people has been cultivating of some great friendships! God bless you Cammie, Traci, Keesha, Amy, Deborah, Charlene, Marte, Ruth, Jennifer, Jane, Megan, Carrie, Michelle, Sharon and David, Anne, Tobey and Beth. You each have given so much of your time. I realize it's not an easy task to have committed yourselves to us for such an extended period of time, but please know how much it has meant to us! We treasure not only the gift you have given, but EACH of YOU!

The following is a perfect example not only of the tremendous support we have received, but of the generosity that we hope to be able to give back or 'pay it forward'.

Jessica (of Alabama) is a mother of triplets who was introduced to me by a mutual acquaintance, Keni. This past Friday, Jessica came across a Facebook post of mine from a few weeks ago regarding Landon and Leila being switched to NeoSure formula, which is more expensive than standard OTC formula. She then sent me a message stating that she had nineteen cans of NeoSure which she no longer needed. She requested our address so she could send the formula to us. When I inquired as to how much she was selling them for, she later responded that she had already mailed the nineteen cans. She did not want any compensation--not even for the PRICEY shipping! She simply said,”… just consider it a gift and a blessing from one MOM to another! There will come a time where you can pass along this blessing to someone else...just don't miss the opportunity God gives you! I have been blessed with many generous people in my life and especially since having the babies & I want to be that kind of person too.”

Jessica, the cans arrived yesterday evening; I’m opened the first can this morning! GOD BLESS YOU! You are a testament to God's promise of II Corinthians 9:6-11!

Baby Update

2009-10-25T16:56:00.009-05:00

The babies had their six-month check-up this past week. Boy are they growing! Here's how they measured up:

Leila: 12# 4oz ; 23 1/4" long
Logan: 13# 8oz ; 23 1/2" long
Landon: 16# 4oz ; 25" long

In addition to their routine vaccinations, they also had some bloodwork drawn to check for various things common in preemies, particularly calcium and phosphorous. Landon and Leila had levels that were lower than normal. So, the doctor changed their formula to one that has boosted calcium and phosphorous; of course, it is an expensive formula that has to be ordered. At least Logan's expensive formula has been doing it's job--his levels were just fine!

We were also given the all clear to start introducing spoon feeding! So, this weekend we started with cereal. Leila is actually the best with the spoon, tongue, and swallowing thing. Landon is probably gonna take the longest to catch on; I think more comes out than was put in!

The past couple of days have been nonstop crying by most of them though. It started before we began the cereal, so I'm not sure if there is a connection. But, whatever it is it is NOT COOL! I thought we were over this hump, and now it's crept back up.

Please pray that this subsides and all of them can return to their happy selves! Please pray for the sanity of the rest of us that are trying our hardest to take care of them. I am gonna have the white flag nearby!

snopes.com: Nick Doize Prayer Request

2009-10-23T05:31:00.001-05:00

snopes.com: Nick Doize Prayer Request

Posted using ShareThis

6 MONTHS OLD!

2009-10-10T13:03:00.003-05:00

WOW! It's official!

The Tabbulous Three are halfway through their first year of life!

Is that possible? What a blessing! Thank you, Lord!

Happy 6 months Logan, Landon, and Leila!
Ella, we miss you so very much.

We love you ALL!

How to "Label" Our Multiples

2009-10-09T18:08:00.001-05:00

I came across the website and the topic referenced below as I was searching for some information about how to "label" multiples when one or more do not survive. This is from the first mom's opinion (who just happens to be named 'Jen') of how to label her surviving multiples. (Note: The mom quoted in the article is not me.) It is such a relief to see that I'm not alone in my feelings on this. It has come up a lot lately when we are in public, and so it's really been on my mind and a conversation Kevin and I have had a couple of times. Now that they are 6 months old, I feel as if I can (and should) now address this touchy subject. It may be uncomfortable for others, but it's more uncomfortable for us to have one of our miracles, one of God's chosen ones, go unacknowledged. This is our opinion, and our request of others as to how to "label" our multiples...

I conceived quadruplets--two boys and two girls. I carried quadruplets for 30wks 2days in my womb. I delivered quadruplets. Our quadruplets were given names: Logan Quinn, Landon John, Leila Ruth, AND Ella Faith. One of our quadruplets, Miss Ella, was taken Home to be with the Lord. He holds her now. She watches over us. Our three surviving quadruplets are whom you see, hold, play with, change, feed, and care for. Our three surviving quadruplets are Logan, Landon, and Leila. God has given us the priveledge of raising three of our quadruplets, along with our two older children, Taylor (14) and Ava-Camille (7).
We have six children --three boys, three girls.

Please read on...
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From Center for Loss in Multiple Birth (CLIMB)- www.climb-support.org
How We Deal with Labeling Our Surviving Children
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One of the most problematic things for parents, especially mothers, who have multiple survivors of a multiple birth loss is the issue of how their surviving children are referred to by themselves and others. For many it is very painful or uncomfortable to have their surviving triplets called "twins", or their surviving quads called "triplets" by those who don’t know, and even often by those who do…A huge thanks to Jennifer V. (mother of Owen and his surviving triplet brother and sister) for her e-mail interviews of these moms about how they have related to this over time…and thanks to these moms for sharing them.

HOW DO YOU LABEL YOUR SITUATION?

Your first name? Jen

A few words about your loss: Heartbreaking, mysterious, anger, sad, unfair. So many unanswered questions and very unfortunate.

What term do you use when speaking about your multiples the most? "Three from a set of quads." "Surviving quads." "They are (pointing to them) from a set of quads."

Do you think a universal term would make our situation easier to discuss in public and less taboo? (such as the terms: widow, divorcee, orphan, etc.) YES

Should there be a universal term used by all multiples that have suffered a loss– such as "surviving triplets" ? If yes what do you suggest and how does CLIMB and its members promote its use? Yes, through literature and education.

Should there be a universal term for:

Parents who've lost a pregnancy? YES
Parents who've lost an infant? YES
Parents who've lost a child? YES

If so, what do you suggest? Do you think it would lessen the explaining we have to do when asked how many children we have? I think just to be able to answer the question comfortably, meaning "How many children do you have?" or "Is this your first baby?" etc. etc. The parent⁄s should feel comfortable saying exactly how it is. The term "surviving" does tend to get old though. It only brings out more questions.

How do you explain your situation to the following groups of people:

Strangers? Depends on the situation and circumstances
Friends⁄people you'll see again? ALWAYS make a point to acknowledge my daughter who died and the unit of multiples as it is (quads, three from a set of quads, one a quad always a quad, just because one died doesn't reduce them to triplets.)
Family and extended family? See above, same.

Do you and your spouse agree with how you handle these situations? Yes for the most part.

How do you deal with people who insist on going against your wishes with the label you have chosen to call your multiples? I continue to remind them even if they get annoyed or still remain ignorant. In some instances, if they continue to be disrespectful, I will end the relationship (true story, has happened on more than one occasion with those who I thought would learn and knew better).

If your surviving children are old enough:

How have you explained their situation to them? "Your sister is in heaven." "She was born along with XXX and died in mom's tummy, but she watches over you from heaven."
How do they respond to outsiders about their special situation? Not quite there yet, but on occasion, I have heard my (s) quads reference themselves as just that, "quads."

If you joined a support group for multiples which one would you join? For instance if you have surviving triplets – join a twin group or triplet group, or neither because you feel out of place at both? I have belonged to a NOMOTC group. It did consist of triplet and quad parents. However, once my singleton was born, time was limited and I dropped out. Also, there was quite a lot of disrespect and disregard from other members regarding loss in general. I do belong to CLIMB and other support groups for those who have lost a baby. There is an informal quad + group near me, and I do belong to that. It feels good to be included as an equal!

Do you sometimes wonder that the more you talk about your loss the more you think about it and maybe it would be easier for all if you just started labeling your multiples as they appear to the outside world? On the rare occasion when I am in "one of those moods" and tired of constant explaining etc. But, I seem to snap out of it rather quickly. I think the only way to get my point across is the have that voice for my daughter.

Do you think these issues exist because you want that original label for your kids and for yourself– because you want so badly what you do not have; OR are these issues strictly because you feel strongly about this form of remembrance; OR both? ONLY and I repeat ONLY because I miss my daughter. I went through a lot with my pregnancy (bad initial prenatal care, changing perinatologists, long hospitalization out-of-state, countless therapies for the babies, death of baby, smaller growing baby, etc.). I simply don't want her forgotten because she is an integral part of her unit. Plus the carryover on the other babies who did live is HUGE when there is "one more baby" in womb taking up space.
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To view the other mothers' interviews visit http://www.climb-support.org/html/article.html?supertwijs&labeling .

"Milking Cancer"

2009-10-05T08:45:00.000-05:00

Milking Cancer from Breast Cancer Action on Vimeo.

Incredible pictures of Walker!

2009-10-03T22:02:00.006-05:00

You have to check out these beautifully done pictures of Walker!

http://www.ohsoposhphotography.com/blog/?p=562

BLOOD DONATIONS for Walker Jack Rainey!

2009-09-26T10:21:00.004-05:00

If any of you are interested in donating blood to help Walker when he gets transfusions here is the info. :o)

His sponsor number is: SPON: 048581

If you donate, please notify your blood bank that you wish to make a replacement credit for Walker Rainey.

You can do it at CARTER blood banks and non-CARTER blood banks, as well. Your respective blood bank will coordinate to make sure he gets the credit. Just tell them his account is set up through Carter and give them his sponsor number listed above.

Please email his mom if you give, so she can make sure Walker gets the credit. Please send your email to: missyrainey@hotmail.com and put BLOOD in the subject line.

Thank you so much!!

Team Tabb on behalf of Team Rainey

*Who is Walker? See my post, "CALLING ALL PRAYER WARRIORS" from 9.17.09, and/or visit http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/walkerrainey.

God bless!

5 1/2 Months Old!

2009-09-25T00:00:00.024-05:00

WOW! Today Logan, Landon, & Leila are 5 1/2 MONTHS OLD! Isn't that amazing!

Recent Milestones:

8.28.09 Landon - consistently sleeps through the night!
9.03.09 Leila- began giggling (not just chuckling) for the first time!
9.13.09 Logan - began rolling over from his back to his tummy!
9.16.09 Landon - no longer satisfied with just an 8 oz. bottle!
9.19.09 Leila - often wants more than a 4 oz. bottle!
9.20.09 Logan - often wants more than a 4 oz. bottle!
9.22.09 Logan - giggled for the first time! (not doing it often though)

Thank you Lord, for blessing us with these three healthy babies. Thank you for watching over their growth and development and allowing them to progress normally. Thank you for holding our fourth, Ella Faith, in your arms and keeping her from all harm and pain. We give you praise for each of these miracles. Amen.

Latest "Stats" on Babies!

2009-09-21T13:49:00.000-05:00

We had another doctor's appointment on Friday, and the pediatrician was very pleased with their progress!

Landon: 24"; 14#, 8oz
Logan: 23"; 12#, 4oz
Leila: 22"; 10#, 12oz

Praise God!

Another 40th Anniversary!

2009-09-21T08:48:00.002-05:00

Happy 40th Anniversary to Beba & Pops, Kevin's parents! Yes, just one day after my parents were married, Kevin's folks tied the knot! Pretty cool!

(Kevin & my older sister, Julie, were both born in the same year, AND Eva, Kevin's younger sister, & I were born the same year!)

Thank you Beba for giving of yourself so unselfishly; you aren't even with your beloved on this joyous day of celebration! God bless you both!

Happy 40th Anniversary

2009-09-20T20:54:00.001-05:00

Happy 40th Anniversary, Mom & Dad! Wow! That's a long time, especially for two people who got started kinda late.
Congratulations! We love you!

SAAMOM's Semi-Annual Children's Clothing and Equipment Sale

2009-09-19T09:19:00.004-05:00

Saturday, September 19, 2009
8 a.m.—12 p.m.

Helotes 4-H Activity Center
12132 Leslie Road
1 mile North of Loop 1604 off Bandera Rd (directly across from O’Connor High School)

Strollers, Furniture, Bedding, Toys, Books,Children’s Clothes, Shoes, Maternity Items & more. Bake Sale, too!

$1.00 Admission
A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Hope Hospice.

CALLING ALL PRAYER WARRIORS

2009-09-17T08:46:00.007-05:00

A family member just forwarded a prayer request. Walker Jack Rainey, 7 months old, has been diagnosed with cancer. He has already had surgery to remove a kidney, and yesterday he began his first round of chemo to treat the spots on his lungs. He has a rhabdoid tumor, which is the most aggressive form of malignant tumors in children.

His faithful Christian parents, Chad & Missey, are relying on prayer and the strength of the Lord. They say, "God does not call us to understand His plan. However, He does call us to have faith in His plan. So Chad and I stand, with our hearts broken, but our faith strong....We know one thing FOR SURE…..we are committed to loving Walker, until God decides he has earned his Angel’s Wings."

As we dealt with the loss of our precious Ella Faith, I spoke these very words of not understanding, but remaining faithful to His plan!

If you are interested in follwing Walker's journey, and feel led to express your support to his family, you can visit http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/walkerrainey.

Thank you all for your faithfulness,

Premades for a Purpose

2009-09-15T17:22:00.003-05:00

I just discovered this great little site! If you have experienced the trials of conceiving children or any aspect of adoption, you will want to check it out. Looking for a template for your blog, etc.? She create some adorable things for FREE! She is also selling some cute ones for just $5 to help raise money for their dream of adopting a child. They are only at $40 of their $10,000 goal. Pray about it and for this family.

This link will tell you more about this Christian family.

This link will take you directly to a site where you can securely donate.

Thanks for taking the time; help spread the word!

Remember, more than anything, they need prayer!

FBC San Antonio

2009-09-12T15:58:00.003-05:00

If you do not have a church home, or aren't quite sure if you are where God is leading you to be, then you MUST visit First Baptist Church San Antonio, under Pastor Don Guthrie! 515 McCullough Avenue / San Antonio, TX 78215 http://www.fbcsa.org/templates/cusfbcsa/default.asp?id=34507

I cannot begin to explain how phenomenal this church family is. We periodically visited FBC for about a year before finally making the decision to join. Several weeks later I was placed on bedrest, yet several members of our Sunday School class organized for meals to be brought in to our family 2-3 times per week! They continued to bring meals from January through May! (And these folks can cook!)

During a two-week stay in the hospital, a crew of men, women, and children came to our house to work on many projects that needed to be completed: painting the nursery, installing a bathroom cabinet (plumbing and all), washing, organizing tons of baby clothes, assembling swings, patching drywall, etc etc etc!

I cannot possibly name everything that these people have done, but I can without a doubt say that we have been supported in prayer from some of the most dedicated Christians I've ever had the pleasure to know!

Just before this school year began, two of my now dearest friends, Cammie and Traci, sat down with me and presented me with a calendar. This calendar is a schedule of various members of FBC SA who have volunteered to come and help out with caring for our three miracle babies. Monday - Friday these angels come to our home and spend three hours helping with babies and keeping the house up. Each day there are three shifts! THAT IS NINE HOURS EACH DAY OF THE WEEK THAT I HAVE HELP! Many of these people I didn't even know until they showed up the first week.

Thank you FBC! God bless you FBC! We are blessed beyond measure to have joined the FBC family!

San Antonio Area Mothers of Multiples (SAAMOM)

2009-09-12T15:37:00.003-05:00

Please take a second to check out the links on the bottom right regarding our fabulous organization of dear mothers of multiples!

This group has been fantastic to our family, although they really don't know us yet. I joined shortly before being restricted to bedrest, yet these ladies have stepped in and helped as if they've know us for years! God bless my fellow SAAMOMs! I am so grateful to have been blessed with your support!

SAAMOM Semi-Annual Clothing & Equipment Sale
http://www.saamom.schoolheart.com/

Remembering 9.11.01, "Patriot Day"

2009-09-11T23:36:00.002-05:00

Eternal loving God, as we remember the horrific events of 9.11.01, we ask You to heal the hearts of families and friends who still grieve the loss of loved ones on that fateful day. Thank You for hearing and answering our prayer for peace, protection, and hope for a new day. At the same time that our service men and women are protecting us, we pray for Your watchful eye to guide them and bring them home safely.

WELCOME!

2009-09-10T23:03:00.006-05:00

We're going to give this a whirl. We'll have to see if we (meaning Jennifer) can keep up with it though. Better late than never!