Chapter 48

The next day was just like any other day. Jack had went into work for a couple of hours. He asked, are any of you coming to Jarrick's birthday party tomorrow? Mike Hickum, Faith Carter, and Lee Coulter all confirmed that they wouldn't miss it! Carson Shepard said, I have a previous engagement but here's Jarrick's gift and handed Jack. Jack thanked him and set the gift next to his backpack in a chair next to his desk.

Beth called her friends at the lodge to confirm how many were coming also. Jesse, Rosie, Henry all confirmed yes that they were coming. She called the bakery to check the status of Jarrick's cake and cupcake tower. Lillian confirmed everything would be ready by 10:30 tomorrow morning. When she hung up her phone she crossed that off the list. Charlotte came by to see what she could do to help. Beth says, thanks Charlotte. How is it that you always know when I need you to help out? Charlotte laughs and says, Elizabeth you may not know this about me but I can since certain things. I know there is something going on with you but I can try to be patient. So I'm here to help with what ever I can. Beth laughs and says, we'll ok then. Can you take this list into town and pick them up at The Party Shop? She pulled out the cash from her wallet to hand to Charlotte but Charlotte shook her finger back and forth at her and says, no, I got this. Charlotte took the list and left. Beth fixed the little ones their lunch and sat it on their high chair tray. She picks up a soft baby carrot and puts it up to her mouth and says, nummmmmm nummmmmmm! Daniel picks his up and repeats, nummm nummm! Charlie laughs and copies him, nummm nummm! Beckie just giggles! Beth laughs at them and says, you're so silly. Mama loves you all so much!

Not long Jack came in the kitchen. She pulled his plate out of the warmer. She sets it on the bar in front of him next to the high chairs. They sat down and asked the blessing. She asked him how his day went? He replies, it was good. Oh by the way, Faith, Lee, and Mike are coming. Carson can't make it but he gave me Jarrick's gift. It's in the den next to my backpack. Beth went to get up but sat back down. Beth Sweetheart? Are you ok? Yes just a little dizzy. Sweetheart, do you really think that you should be fasting? I feel you need all the nourishments you can get right now. Love when God is in it it will be alright. With that she got up slowly and kissed each of them and went to the bedroom to pray and read her Bible.

Jack got each little one cleaned up and changed. He took them out on the back porch. He made sure the gate was closed to the steps. The little ones sat and played with their toys. Jack sat on the swing and watched them. They were all cooing at each other as if they knew what the other was saying. Jack just had to record it! This went on for about 30 minutes. Beckie must have got bored with the conversation and scooted over to Jack. She raised her arms and says, dada! Jack bends over and picks her up, hugs her and says, daddy is so proud of you Princess! You said you're first word! He stands her up on his lap. She's a little wobbly but managed to stand. Jack was holding her firmly under her arms. Then she began to bounce. She started laughing and so did Jack. Jack says, Princess you are getting stronger aren't you? She stopped bouncing and sat down. Did your legs get tired? I bet they did. It won't be long before you'll be strong enough! Daddy loves you all so very much! Daniel gets up and walks over to him and reaches for him and says, dada up! Jack sets Beckie down next to him and picks Daniel up and hugs him. Jack says, you said dada up! I'm so proud of you son! Daniel leans back and opens his mouth and give his daddy a big ole wet kiss right on his mouth! Jack is enjoying this! His first sentence and his first kiss! Jack thinks to himself, life doesn't get much better than this! Charlie saw all the attention that Daniel was getting so she stood up very carefully and waddled over and watched her as she carefully made her way to him. He sat Daniel down next to him as she touched his leg. She reached up for him and says, up dada! He smiles so proudly as he leaned forward and picked her up. She grabbed a handful of his cheeks with both hands and pulled his face to her while giving him a big wet kiss right on his lips. Jack laughed so hard that it hurt. His little ones were getting so big and learning something new every time he turned around so a speak! He was so over joyed!

After Jack took them in the house to get them changed he put them down for nap. He put Beckie's breathing treatment on India decided to read to them. He went to their book shelf and chose The Little Engine That could. He sat down in the rocking chair and started reading. By the time he was finished they were asleep and Beckie's treatment was done. He took her mask off and turned off the machine. He put the book back on the shelf and then kissed each of them and said, sleep tight little ones. Daddy loves you all so very much! I really enjoyed spending time with you and hearing all your new words! I'll be here when you wake up. He turned and picked up the monitor as he closed the door.

He walk past Beth as she was heavy in prayer. He done his best not to disturb her. He pulled their door closed and went to the kitchen to make sure Jarrick had his snack. He checked for cookies in the cookie jar and found enough for his snack. Then he check to make sure there was enough milk and there was. He then wanted to make some shepherds pie for dinner. He made sure that he had everything to make it with. Perfect, he said! He looked at the clock, it 3:00. He gets him a cup of coffee and takes it out to the back porch. He sets the monitor on the side table and sips his coffee. He begins to pray for their children and for Beth. He asked for His will be done. He also asked that if it was her time to please don't let her suffer. He prayed that the test would come out clear. In Jesus name. Amen.

Jarrick came bouncing in the front door, dropped his backpack by the door and headed to the kitchen. Jack was just setting his snacks and milk on the bar in front of him. Jarrick says, thank you daddy! Where's mommy? Jack replies, in the bedroom praying. Why, Jarrick asked? Well Bud, let me see if I can explain this so you can understand what I am saying. When you need something for a very special reason, some times you go to the Lord in prayer. You find a very quiet spot and pray and read your Bible. It's just you and God. So you're mom needs an answer so she is spending time with God. Do you understand? Yes sir I think I do. It's like when I need to talk to you and mommy sometimes when something is bothering me. Yes that's exactly right Bud. When did you grow up and get so smart? Daddy I am in the first grade. I have learned a lot. Jack laughs and says, yes I guess you have, I guess you have! Well we have to be extra quite until mommy comes out of the bedroom, ok? Yes sir! So Bud are you excited about your birthday party tomorrow? Oh yes sir! I can't hardly wait! We we need to get the backyard picked up after you finish your snacks, ok? Yes sir but what about the babies? I have the monitor with me. Oh, ok! After Jarrick finished Jack picked up the monitor and clipped it to his belt. They walked out and started picking up the branches and twigs and put them in the wheelbarrow. It didn't take long so they went back in and got a glass of lemonade. Just as they went to sit down at the bar, they heard cooing coming from the monitor. Jack pulls it off his belt and turns the video on. Daniel is standing up and bouncing in his bed. Jack and Jarrick laughs and heads to the nursery. Jack opens their bedroom door very quietly and sees Beth asleep on their bed. He puts his finger to his lips to Jarrick. They go into the nursery and noticed that they all were awake. So Jack got Daniel changed and handed him to Jarrick. He says, why don't you take him out to the den and I'll bring you're sisters. Jarrick shakes his head yes and leaves the nursery. Jack got the girls changed and took them out to the den. He says to Jarrick, how about we take them to the kitchen and get them a snack while I start dinner. Jarrick replies, okie dokie panokie! Jack laughs and asks, where did you learn that one Bud? Our teacher says it sometimes! They took the babies in and put them in their high chairs. Jack handed each of them a teething cookie. Daniel giggles and kicks his feet and says, nummm nummm. Charlie does the same. Jack and Jarrick hadn't heard this before so they were all excited. Beckie just laughs at them and starts sucking on hers. Jack says, it won't be long before they are talking up a storm! Jarrick laughs and says, I know we probably won't get to talk very much! Jack starts making dinner. He puts his shepherds pie in the oven. Sets the timer and asks if he wants to take the babies out back for a little but? Jarrick replies, sure! Are you coming to? Jack shakes his head yes. So they get the babies out of their high chairs after Jack gets them cleaned up. Jack carries Beckie while holding Charlie's hand. Daniel doesn't want to hold Jarrick's hand so he just follows him. They all play in the yard until Jack hears the timer go off. They get the babies back in the house but Daniel starts crying because he wasn't ready to come back in yet. Jack sets Beckie back in her high chair and picks Daniel up and comforts him and says, it's alright little man. We will go out another time. He sets him in his high chair after he stops crying. Jarrick gave the a little wooden spoon and sat, that's what mommy does to give them something to do while she cooks. Good thought there Bud! Jack put theirs in a little bowl to cool but Beckie's he put in the ninja to purée. Jack and Jarrick ate theirs while the others cooled. After they were finished eating he and Jarrick fed the babies. After Daniel was finished Jarrick asked if he could rinse the dishes while Jack finished feeding the girls? Jack replied, that would be great. Thanks Bud. You are being so helpful and it greatly appreciated! Jack finished feeding the girls and got all of them cleaned up and sat them on the floor and went and got each of them a clean diaper. Beth was at her vanity reading her Bible. Jack was being quite as not to disturb her. He was in and out. He went in the kitchen and payed each on the floor and got them changed.

In the den the TV was on and the babies were playing with their toys. Beckie had her doll holding it as she was playing with the blocks. Jarrick was watching some cartoons on TV while Jack was playing with the babies. Beth came out a while later and asked what they all were doing? Daniel heard her voice and got up off the floor and walked over to her. She reached for his hand and led him over to the couch. When she sat down she picked him up and put him on her lap facing her. He reached up and grabs her cheeks and gave her a big ole wet kiss. She laughs and says, when did you learn to do that Daniel? Jack spoke up and says, today out on the porch. He came over to me and done the same thing! They all done it but Beckie done it first! She laughs and says, and I missed it but at least I got to experience it! Charlie came over and wanted some attention to. So Beth picks her up after setting Daniel beside her. Daniel wasn't having any part of it. So he stood up on the couch and tried to climb in between her and Charlie but Beth put her arm up to stop him and says, Daniel, you're sister wants some loves to so you need to be patient and share! Daniel started screaming and say, no no no mommmmm. Jack took Daniel and sat him on his lap and said, Daniel it's alright. You need to calm down. But Daniel wasn't having it. So Jack took him into the nursery and got his pjs on him. Then he sat down in the rocking chair and and started to read to him. It wasn't long Daniel had quit crying and was fast asleep. Jack rocked for a few more minutes then put him in his crib and covered him up. He shut the light off, wound his mobile and left the room. He had the monitor on his belt. He walks back out to the den and sits down next to Beth. Jack says, he started pitching a fit today when we had to come back in from outside. But I think he's just tired. He fell asleep after I got him changed and read a book to him. I rocked him a few more minutes just to be sure he was asleep. I didn't get to tell him good night, she said. You can tell him when we put these 2 little princesses down! Beckie looks up at Beth and reaches and says, momomomom! Beth, Jack, and Jarrick look at one another and get excited! Beth picks her up and hugs her tight but gentle. She kisses the top of her head and says, I can't believe you said momma! Jack give her her time to enjoy it with Beckie then laughs and says, she said dada today to! She's had some firsts today! Oh Love she is going to be alright! Thank you Jesus! Yes Sweetheart I do believe she is! It just had to be in her time like the doctor said! Jarrick came over and kissed her cheek and said, way to go Beckie, way to go! Jack put his arms around them all and thanked God for his family!

After they put the children to bed and all good nights and I love you's were said Jack and Beth went to bed. As they were laying there holding each other, Jack asked, Sweetheart are you any closer to an answer from the Lord? No but i have such a peace about myself, she said! I'm so glad the the peace is coming, he said! Sweetheart have you thought about how you're going to handle everything tomorrow? With your dizziness and all? I'm just going to take it real easy and I'll have to depend on you more, Love. Sweetheart I'll do anything I can to make it go easier on you! I think we'll need to put up the toy area on the porch for the little ones. That way we don't have to run around trying to keep up with them. That's a great idea, Love! I can sit on the porch with them! Yes you can and no one will see you're dizziness! K all that is settled! Perfect she said! Jack waited until he knew she was sound asleep before he said his prayers. Kind Heavenly Father I come to you tonight with a heavy heart. I know you have everything under control but please give me peace with Beth's illness. I know everything is in your time and you're always right on time but Lord I need to be here for my family and for her. Please let me know everything is going to be alright with her (he starts to sniffle). Lord I trust you with everything and in everything. My family that you have given me is my whole world. I would give my life for everyone of them. In Jesus name. Amen. Jack fall off to sleep.

The next morning about 11:00 Beth asked, Love is everything set up? Sweetheart please don't worry. I have everything under control. The play area is set up, the tables are set up, mom and dad are going by to pick up the cake, the decorations are up, the food is ready to go on the grill, I don't think I've forgot anything! Beth got up with Beckie on her hip. She stood still for a minute to make sure she didn't have a dizzy spell. Jack picked up Daniel and Charlie. The walked out to the back porch and put them in the play area. Jack took Beckie from Beth so she didn't have to bend over. He had moved the rocking chair and swing closer to the play area for Beth. She sat down in the rocking chair and looked around. Oh Love, this is great! I couldn't have done better if I had done it myself! It's kinda scary how our minds think so much alike! He says, no I don't think it's scary at all! Jarrick came running up on the porch and asked, when is everyone getting here? At noon Beth says. The little ones were very comfortable and content playing in their play area.

Charlotte and Tom was the first to arrive. Jack showed them where to set the cake, cupcake tower, and extra food. Then he showed them the table for the gifts. The punch and glasses were on the end table by it's self. Charlotte had found train plates, bowls, and cups at the party shop. Jarrick was amazed at the cake. It looked like a real train. It was about 18" long. It was a steam engine. There was candy swirls for smoke coming out of the stack. Jack said, thank God it's March so it won't be hot! Beth where did you get the idea for that cake, Tom asked? I was looking on line and couldn't find what I was looking for so I went to the bakery and told her what I wanted and this is what they came up with! It's beautiful, Charlotte said! The party set I got matches and I hadn't seen the cake until I picked it up! The train balloons add the perfect touch to, Beth said. Charlotte says, I was just going to get the usual balloons but when I got up to the checkout, the cashier seen the party set and says, we have some new balloons that goes with these. Would you like to see them? I told her yes I would. So she went and got them and brought them back. I took one look at them and said, I'll take 4 of them plus the ones I have. Jack brought Beth a glass of punch. She says, thanks Love! You're the best! He bends over and plants a kiss on her lips. Now, now Love, don't get something started that you can't finish! He leans over and whispers in her ear, oh I could finish with no problem! Beth's parents and sisters came in. They put their gifts on the table. Grace, Viola, and Julie came back and sat with Beth. William came over and kissed the top of her head and said, Lizzy this is great and I love that cake! She said, thanks daddy! It turned out amazing! He walked back over to Tom and Jack. Jack had started the grill. He was just putting the hamburgers on. The guest were starting to arrive. Jarrick was on cloud nine! The gift table was starting to stack up. His friends arrived and they all were playing on the playlet swing set and having a ball. Tommy had been asked to take pictures. He was walking around taking pictures of everything and everyone. Mostly of Jarrick and his classmates. They We're all laughing and having the time of their lives! Beth had bought a photo album just for this day! She had asked Tommy to take a lot of pictures.

The burgers were done so William took them over to the food table. Jack fixed Jarrick's plate first since it was his birthday. Everyone else fixed theirs. Jack had fixed Beth's and brought it to her. She said, thank, Love! After everyone was finished eating, it was 1:30. Jarrick asked, can I open my presents now please? Beth asked Jack to help him with his gifts. As Jack left Grace asked, aren't you going to help him Lizzy? No not this year. His dad can help him! I'll just sit here with the little ones! Lizzy are you ok, Grace asked? Yes mother, I'm alright! Grace gave her that look as if to say, I know something is wrong.

After Jarrick opened all his gift and said thank you to everyone Jack speaks up and says, hey Bud there's one more gift but you have to go see it. Jack walks up on the porch and picks up Beckie. William gets Daniel and Tom gets Charlie. Beth stands and reaches for Jack's arm. He holds it out and says, are you ready to go show him his gift? She shakes her head yes. He leads her off the porch and Jarrick follows. Jack leads them out to the shed and tells Jarrick, ok Bud open the door! Jarrick smiles and opens the door. He screamed! Daddy you did it! You put my train back together! Well Bud, POP, William and I did it together! We added more stuff to it take a good look! Jarrick took it all in and said, thank you! All his classmates stepped inside to see it. Their eyes were all open with smiles. William and Tom said, we'll stay here and let him and his friends take turns playing with it. Beth says, only about 30 minutes. Then it will be time to cut the cake, ok son? Yes ma'am! Jack took Charlie from his dad. Grace went to take Daniel from William but he said, let him stay. I won't let him get down. I just want him to see what it does! Jack says, it's ok Grace, he can stay! Everyone else goes back to the house. Jack took Beth to her chair but she whispers in his ear, I need to go to the bathroom. Jack says, let's go change these 2 Princesses and we'll be right back. Jack lead her back in the house to the bathroom. He went to the nursery to change them.

Grace and Charlotte were talking out in the porch. Grace asked, what is going on? She goes nowhere without him leading her? Have they said anything to you? Charlotte replies, no but I have a feeling that something is wrong. I've asked but they just keep telling me she's alright. I don't want to hear she's alright. I want to hear the nothing is wrong. Well I'm going to get to the bottom of this when they come back. A few minutes later Beth, Jack and the little princesses came back out. Jack took Beth to her chair then put the girls in the play area. Grace speaks up and asks, what is going on with you Lizzy? Jack stands back up and asks, what do you mean Grace? Don't be coy with me Jack. I know something is going on with her. I demand you tell me this instance! Mother! Please don't take that tone with him. He's you're son in law. Family doesn't talk to one another like that. Now apologize to him. Beth Sweetheart, I don't need or want to fight my battles for me but thank you. Grace in the first place Beth is alright. Charlotte spoke up. Son we don't want to hear she's just alright. We want to hear there's nothing wrong with her. Beth says, alright! If everyone will just calm down. We are having a birthday party for our son right now. So please can we just focus on what's at hand please! Grace looks at her and says, I'm sorry Lizzy. We can wait until the party is over to finish this conversation.

Jack kisses the top of her head and says, I'm going to go get the birthday boy. Alright Love! Jack gets to the shed to let them know it time to cut the cake. He takes Daniel and go in to get him changed. He come back out and sits him in the play area with the girls. He goes to Beth and asks, are you ready to do this Sweetheart? She nods and takes his arm. She stands and they walk very slowly down the steps to the cake table. Everyone gathers around to sing Happy Birthday! Grace has Charlie, Charlotte has Beckie, and William has Daniel. After the singing was over everyone clapped, even Charlie and Daniel clapped! Beckie just giggles! Beth cut the cake and gave the first piece to Jarrick. Jarrick took the plate and motioned for her to bend over. She bent down instead. He kissed her cheek and said, thank mom this is great! I love you! She says, you're welcome and I love you too! She grabs the table to help her stand back up. She continues to cut the cake and placed it on all the plates. After she was finished Jack helped her into the house to was her hands. Grace, Charlotte, and William put the little ones back in the play area and takes a seat. William and Tom get their wives some cake and brings it back to them. Jack and Beth comes back out and Beth sits down in the rocking chair next to the little ones. Jack kisses her temple and says, I'm going to get me some cake. Alright Love, she said! Grace asked, aren't you going to have some cake Lizzy? No ma'am I wouldn't care for any right now but thanks for asking. Charlotte and Grace look at each other with concern but say nothing.

After the party everyone leaves except for her family and Jack's family. Tommy asks if he can take Jarrick to the shed to play with his train? Jack nods to him and says, have fun you 2. Everyone is sitting around in silence for a bit until Grace breaks it. She says, ok you 2 spill the beans. Jack you have been leading Lizzy around like a little puppy dog all day. We know something is up. Just please tell us. Jack smiles and replies, nothing is up! Can't a husband just have his beautiful wife on his arm? Beth laughs! Both Grace and Charlotte whips their head around and look at her. Charlotte says, Elizabeth I'm glad you find this so funny. We are worried sick over what ever is up. We know something is wrong. Jack and Beth look at each other and she nods to him (giving him permission to tell them). Alright everyone please just calm down. Beth has to go in for some tests next week. She just been feeling extra tired and has been having dizzy spells. So I walk her so she can keep her balance. Oh Lizzy, William says. Jack we need to cancel the overnight camping trip. No I was going to ask you and Pop to go ahead and take him. He's really been looking forward to it. No Beth says. You take our son on his father son and grandpa's camping trip! I won't have you putting him off because of me, Love! Beth Sweetheart, I can't leave you all alone. Grace and Charlotte both speak up and says, we'll stay with her. You go! Is that alright with you Beth? Beth shakes her head yes. You go and have a good time with Jarrick! He deserves this Love! He's been waiting patiently! Alright, I'll go but call me if you need me, alright? She agrees and says, I'll be fine! Hey Pop, how about we take you're truck instead of walking in? That way it won't take us the hour walk in! Tom replies, ok. Char let's go get it and I'll bring you back, Tom says. Charlotte agreed and when she went to stand, she asked if anyone needed anything? They all shook their head no. Tom and Charlotte left. Julie asked, would it be alright if I go out to the shed and watch Jarrick play with his train? William shook his head yes as long as you leave that pouty face outside and laughs. Julie stood and wiped the wrinkles out of her sun dress. She walks off mumbling, I don't pout.

Out in the shed Jarrick and Tommy was having the time of their live enjoying each other's company and the train! Julie walks in and says, are you having a good birthday Jarrick? Yes ma'am I am! This has been the best birthday ever! I think I want to name the shed! Tommy asked, what would you name it? I think Thornton Station! That's a great name, Julie said! Maybe you and your dad could make a sign to hang outside? That would be great! Do you think he will Uncle Tommy? I bet he would love to! Julie pulled up a chair and sat to watch. Her and Tommy started talking. Jarrick didn't pay any attention to them because he was having so much fun with the train! after about an hour Jack walks in and asks, you all having fun? Yes sir, Jarrick replies! Dad can we make a sign for the outside of the shed? What kind of sign? I want to name my station! What do you want to call it? Thornton Station, Jarrick replies! Well I think that is doable! We'll start working on it when you get out of school for the summer, how's that sound Bud? Great! Ok I think it's time to go camping! Shut her down and cover her up to keep the dust off of her. Yes sir and him and Tommy covers her up. They all walk out and went back to the house. Jack stops off and gets their camping gear from the little shed next to the house. He asked Tommy, are you coming to? It will be just like old times! Tommy replies, I wouldn't miss it for the world! I have my stuff in the back of my car! Jarrick says, that's great Uncle Tommy! We are going to have a lot of fun! Grandpa hasn't ever been camping! We'll have to show him what to do! That's ok! You had to learn to! Yes sir! I hope he likes it! We'll have to wait and see, ok Bud? Yes sir!

Back on the porch Grace asked, Lizzy? Yes mother! You'll tell us what the results of the tests, won't you? Yes mother! I appreciate you and Charlotte staying with me. William speaks up and says, you're sisters are staying too! Beth says, that's fine! I have to tell you something. I'm fasting and am in prayer most of the time. So now that you all will be here I will be in my room most of the time. Elizabeth, do you think that is wise with the dizziness? As long as God is in it I will be fine. Alright Lizzy. We won't bother you about it anymore. Thank you mother! I love you all so much!

Jack, Jarrick, and Tommy came up on the porch. Jack walks over and kisses Beth's cheek and asks, how are you holding up? I'm good, Love! Jarrick walks up to her and sat on her lap. Jack starts to say something but Beth stops him. She puts her arms around his waist and he puts his arm around her neck. Mom I've had the best day! Thank you for making it so special! Beth asks, what's got you calling me mom now instead of mommy? Mom, I'm 7 now! I'm not a baby anymore! All my friends call their mommy's and daddy's mom and dad. So I figured it was time I do the same! Is that alright with you all? Jack replies, Bud if that's what you want it is fine but don't you go growing up any faster, ok? Yes sir, I'll try! Everyone laughs! Tom says, if we're going camping we better get going! Jarrick kisses Beth and says, I love you! We'll be back tomorrow! She kissed him back and said, I love you too! Have lots of fun and be sure to take lots of pictures! Tommy speaks up and says, I'll make sure to take lots of pictures! Great she said! The men load up all the camping gear on the back of Tom's truck. Jack comes back to Beth, bends down in front of her and asks, will you be alright? I really don't want to leave you. Love it's just for 1 night! I'll be fine! All these ladies will be with me until you get back! Please go and make it the best for Jarrick! I want him to remember this day! Alright? Ok Sweetheart, I'll do my best! He kissed her soft and gently on her lips. He says, I love you with all my heart and soul Sweetheart! You are my world! She says, I love you too, Love! You are just as much my world! Now go! He gets up and kisses the little ones and says, daddy will be back tomorrow so you don't be giving you're mommy any trouble while I'm gone! Beckie starts rocking back and forth while reaching for him. He bends over and picks her up and hugs her tight. She says, dada and grabs a fistful of his cheeks and opens her mouth to give him a big ole wet kiss! He excepted it proudly. When she let go he tells her, this will never get old! Daddy loves you so much! I'll see you tomorrow, I promise! He sets her back in the play area. The other 2 just kept playing! He said goodbye to all of them and was off!