LivingTheLife

OH!! Happy DAYS!!

2011-12-28T14:51:00.013-06:00

Remember this darling couple...In my last (and LONG over-do post) I shared that they had just celebrated their 6th Wedding Anniversary!! WELL...guess what? Yeppers...this beautiful couple will be celebrating another milestone in 2012...YES, they are going to be parents...my BABY is gonna be having his own baby to love! They are due in the very early days of June! We are all so very excited! Mom-to-be is doing great after a bit of a bout with "all-day sickness"...she has now hit the mark where her energy levels are on the upswing as well as she is feeling more like eating! All is on track and we will find out what BABY "SweetP" will be in 15 days. I'll keep you posted!!

In the meantime...I'll share with you a couple ( I really mean SEVERAL...is there such a thing as a couple of pictures w/one is speaking of their grand-child?...yea...I didn't think so!) of pictures of our first grand-baby...who will be celebrating his 2nd birthday in January! WOW! That went by way too fast. Rumor has it...he is quite excited about becoming a "cousin"!!

These pics are way out of sequence...but I am too lazy to re-arrange....so please excuse me while I babble about each one...
This first picture is of our lil man and one of his food obsessions...yes...this is his peanut butter extravaganza...that boy loves his peanut butter!!

This was taken at lil man's first Easter egg hunt...at his Lolly & Pops...we sure had fun with this. He is showing his dad how to hunt eggs with a pretty determined look in his eyes!

Another great picture of lil man and his gorgeous mommy on their very first Mother's day celebration together! Too cute!

Lil Man LOVES his Uncle M...this was taken when he was about 4 months old at the beach...note his handsome Uncles great tan!
W's first Thanksgiving with his beautiful aunt just hanging out together!! He is one lucky little boy to be loved by so many!!

And of course the picture that started it all...his first session as a newborn...taken by none other than his mommy! He is a well photographed little boy!!

Lil man in his new shoes...I hear they make him run really fast!!
Lil man with his gorgeous mommy...they are quite a twosome!!
AT the butterfly pavilion...chasing butterflies in his bare feet...gotta love that!
Trick or Treating in the town square...he was our Top Gun!!

Another picture of lil man and his mommy taking a stroll! One of their favorite things to do!!

That's all the pictures for today...maybe soon I can actually organize all my pictures and be better about blogging and sharing some of them! I still need to get all my photo's edited from our remodel (what an amazing tranformation that was!)...I'll try and get that together sometime in 2012...and bore you with those! Until then...praying you all have an outstanding 2012 and that you and your families are blessed with great health, good fortune, lots of family time and LOVE for all!!

SIX YEARS!!!

2011-09-16T19:14:00.008-05:00

Six years ago today....this boy....

...met THIS girl....

at the alter of a sweet church...and the two became man and wife!!!

Happy, Happy Anniversary to my son and his beautiful bride....WE love you both! You guys light up a room when you enter alone...but when you are together...it's as though the whole world lights up! I have been enamored watching your love for one another grow deeper over the past 6 years.

Happy, Happy Anniversary...Marcus and Emily...or as we affectionately call you...our own...M & EM!!!

It's been FOREVER...

2011-09-13T14:44:00.010-05:00

Oh my! I just know I have LOST any followers I've ever had due to my lack of updating my blog! I have been so busy...what with moving across country, becoming a first time grandma...(LOLLY for those of you who don't know that is what I want to be called)...and remodeling a house from the ground up...which of course required us to move out of our home of 6 months into a very tiny rental for almost a year!! WE are back in our newly remodeled home. I hope to have pictures sorted soon to show you some before and afters. It was a L-O-N-G progress...and I was more than ready to get back to a normal life. WELL...it's been about 4 months since we moved back in...I've been working hard "organizing" myself and our home. It has been my goal to be in ALMOST alphabetical order around here...I'm close, but of course I'm not that kind of person normally, so I'm sure it will be short-lived! The crazy thing is, now that it is ALL done (except for the re-landscaping which should take place sometime in the late winter or early spring)...I MISS it! YEP...folks I'm bored!!! I think I have found something I LOVE doing, but I don't have an outlet for it yet! I'm looking...I'm hoping it won't be long before we can do this again...from scratch! Building my forever home seems even more exciting than what we just finished. While I LOVE the end product, some of the things I did i.e. timeless style, colors I used and fixtures; where done for re-sell purposes...but don't get me wrong IT is ALL things I LOVE and would most likely do again...I just might add some more permanent "quirky" here and there. My quirky has been added with non permanent additions...such as paintings, pillows, furniture, etc! It was our thought when first undertaking this task that we would stay here for 3 to 5 years (not knowing how the market was going to be), then sell and move to wherever it is we are meant to be!! Well, we have been here for a little over 2 years...but only about 1 year of that time has been spent in the new house...talk about LIMBO!! I am actually very excited about "nesting" once again...but am also rather restless. I suppose I need to find a "nitch" somewhere in town where I can help others...that seems to be when I am at my BEST!

So that's my past year or so in a nutshell...the other news of course is...being a Lolly to the most adorable little boy a woman could ask for...he is almost 20 months old...CAN you believe it...20 months old! Makes my heart sink a little.

Here are some great pictures of our lil man...it is amazing to me how much he has changed since birth. Born with a head full of dark, dark brown hair...he is now a tall, slender BLOND...with those same amazing eyes! He is so funny, so energetic and so inquisitive about life. I ADORE watching the world through his eyes and how he approaches situations...please enjoy a little glimpse into the life of our precious gift...

Here's our lil man with his mommy on a hike near their home...he LOVES being outdoors.

Here he is opening up his first stocking on Christmas morning...his very first Christmas was spent up in the mountains with all of us at his Auntie Em's and Uncle M's snow covered home...I think this could have been my first WHITE CHRISTMAS!!

Lil Man loves his peanut butter, he's even been known to use it as a hair styling product!!

This is an older picture of lil man on his first trip to the beach...I think he was about 5 to 6 months old then...we had a blast with him and look forward to taking him again, now that he is older and LOVES sand!!

This is one of my ALL time favorite pictures of lil man and his mama...this was also taken at the beach...I loved that I was able to capture a few of these sweet moments of my baby with her baby...nothing makes my heart soar more that seeing this! I love it so much...I still have it framed in a collection of pictures of our lil man...even though he has grown into a toddler and still LOVE looking at this picture every day and can't bear to replace it...oh but don't you worry...I have added plenty others!

Here he is with his Auntie Em and Uncle M...don't they just look adorable? These two are the aunt and uncle we ALL loved growing up...they love to have fun with him...and he adores them both!! They will be the BEST parents when they choose to have their own lil punkin!!

Here he is with his beautiful mama...he is one lucky lil boy!!

NOW...doncha wish you were this limber...and look how LONG his legs are...I think he is gonna be tall...just like his daddy!!

Thanks for indulging me...sorry it's been so long since posting last...and that the pictures are in such random order...that's one area where I am not completely alphabetized as of yet...and who am I fooling...I most likely will never be that organized...I'm not "techie" enough!

Somebody is growing like a weed......

2010-04-19T18:35:00.009-05:00

Oh my how time flies when a little one has entered your life!! I know I promised to stay more current with my blogging. My intentions were truly heart-felt...however, my mind has been going in a thousand different directions as of late and I can't seem to MAKE time to do anything creative these days. I'm doing good to get a few pictures posted of the GREATEST, CUTEST, SWEETEST grandson EVER...well, at least to me and his POP!! He truly is just a bundle of cuteness...content and happy most all of the time...sweet and cuddly and an incredible "flirt" according to his mommy! Yes, he's been blessed with "IT"...as you know we can't always put our finger on "IT"...but we know when someone has "IT"...and he most surely does!

His mom has been busy with him and sending us updates on a regular basis, so we feel we're not missing too much by not seeing him EVERY day!! She has been doing a great job sending video text to me often and we skype as much as possible ( I fear if I don't get to see him at least once a month, he's going to think his "Lollie" only as a head!!) Luckily we ALL get to see him and his parents in the next few weeks or so...we rented a house on the beach in Southern Cal. and the whole family will be having a little "get-a-way" of sorts...just to re-connect, relax, soak up some sun and "be" together as a family again ( we are thrilled that his auntie and uncle get to come spend some time with him as well). The last time we were ALL together at one time...there were only 6 of us...now there are 7...our little "icing on the cake"! I can't wait!!

Here's Mr. Blister on his 3 month birthday ( I cannot believe how much he has grown and changed since his birth!!)....he found his fingers and entire hand, even after his mommy has been very diligent in persuading him to use the pacifier...seems he figured out when the paci fell out...the hand/thumb was much easier to get to, I told you he's a genius!! She's still working on breaking the habit...we'll see how that goes. I know she so didn't want him to find his thumb b/c she knows that will be a soothing habit that will not be easy to break!! My daughter loved her paci and I must say, that wasn't an easy thing for her to give up either.

Here he is in a "big boy" outfit that his Great Auntie (my sister) gave him...he looks so grown up. I call this his "Good Fellas" shot...it's as if he's pointing his fingers back at himself and thinking..."you talking to me"! I'm pretty sure he's a genius, too...because I KNOW he has NEVER seen Good Fellas...so we may have a movie director or actor in our future...b/c he's a whiz at the one liners!!

And lastly...a shot from above on his 3 month birthday...as his mommy says..."why is it the boys ALWAYS have the best lashes"!!

Enjoy...and I promise I will be posting some other things in the future...right now our botanical gardens (as I call them) out front and back and are in FULL bloom...it's just amazingly gorgeous out there...I love it!! Our renovations should have already been underway...but I'm constantly fretting about changes or doing too much, so I've kind of slowed things down purposely for a short bit...it will most likely happen now in mid-May or early June. At first my thoughts were to get it done before Christmas...but I really felt "rushed" about moving forward and I was not sure all things were what I wanted....I was beginning to "panic" and have some trouble sleeping. So, I slowed the process down just a tad, been praying about exactly the right thing to do and spending many hours discussing with my lovin hubbin what should be done to make it like we want it...but not breaking the bank to get it there. It's actually been stressful in some ways...but fun trouble-shooting and getting creative alongside of one another. I think we're turning out to be a pretty good team...after all we've been working at it for 33 years! So as soon as the first sledge hammer is swung...I'll start posting pictures of the renovations!!

Lollie's LOVE....

2010-02-22T12:28:00.010-06:00

Our little prince turned one month old this past Monday the 15Th...so you know what that means. Yea, Lollie had to go for a much needed visit so she could oooh, coo and cuddle with this precious boy. It is so amazing how much they grow in a month, how they change and how much more you love them! I'm going to share just a couple of my favorite pictures from last week. His mommy (our sweet Jackie) takes some really awesome photos! I don't think it will be long before she's back at work photographing others...but for now...I'm thrilled she's totally focused on taking some great shots of Walker!!

The many faces of Walker....

YUMMY toes...ooooh how I LOVE this one!!!

Sweetness...

Lollie LOVE....

This could be my favorite...well...they're all my favorites...but in this one he makes my heart smile...b/c he is lying on my shoulder and I think I detect tons of contentment and a sweet little "almost" smile...awwww!!!

My next post...I plan on taking a departure from Lollie"hood" and posting about our recent trip to Napa...breath-taking I must say...and I found a place that I not only love, but plan on using as inspiration for our upcoming remodel...Bliss people...I'm telling you my life fells very BLISSful at the moment!!

More Bliss....

2010-02-05T21:16:00.013-06:00

I know...I know...you're thinking...IS this all she can post about? Well...for now...YES! I'm obsessed and it helps so much that our grandson's mom is a great photographer! For that I am VERY thankful...b/c living in different states...it's awesome to see these incredible pictures his mommy has taken! We also do our share of Skyping...but nothing is better than snuggling this little bundle in my arms.

So I will leave you with another round of pictures of the sweetest baby boy...that stole my heart the minute I laid eyes on him...and even more so when I first held him.

Walker Bruce Beal at 2 weeks and 1 day...

Sweet baby rolls....

God's perfection...

Snuggling in Daddy's arms...

Sweet new family...

Just hanging out....

Bliss....

2010-01-25T19:37:00.005-06:00

My new obsession....I just can not get enough of this sweet child...our families new blessing...

I had to leave Colorado on Saturday, it was time and our grandson's other grandmother needed to have time to visit as well. I'm going to be honest...it was one of the hardest things I've had to do...in a very long time. I didn't leave without many, many tears...so much so...there may have been some of those "heaving snorts" to go along with all the tears. I'm such a baby...but I just can not put into words how much I love him! His mom makes it much easier on me, though...I've already received a couple of photo text from him and will also be skyping with them on a regular basis! I NEVER knew how great being a grand-parent could be ( I would have REALLY been relentless w/the begging had I known!)...but it does come with some heartache...but all in all it's the BEST!!

Doesn't he just have the sweetest little face?...and that smile...he's dreaming of the pony I promised him...WHENEVER he wants it!!

Another day in paradise...

2010-01-20T11:40:00.012-06:00

WOW...it's amazing how much more beautiful our grandson is today than he was yesterday, and the day before that, and the day before that...WOW! I'm sure he's exhausted from just having to keep up with that!! It takes a lot to look this good! LOL...I know you aren't suppose to say pretty or beautiful for a little boy...but I'll just let the pictures speak for themselves...and as long as he's a baby, he'll never know I called him pretty!! He will be 5 days old today at 6:41 p.m. Mountain time...wow, time is flying by! Lollie needs to take more pictures today...however, he has a bit of jaundice so the doctor sent over a UV light box and he needs to stay on that whenever he's not feeding. I'll be honest we've cheated a couple of times b/c well, the kids gotta be cuddled every now and again...and he's a definite cuddlier! I think it's hard on the new mommy b/c she can't get enough cuddle time w/him...but she is also very aware the more time he spends on the "light box" (we're calling it his tanning bed) the better off he is.

Enjoy these photos of the day he came home from the hospital! It was a VERY good day!

Mommy & daddy getting their lil' punkin ready to go home.

Why! YES! it does take two people to put on his little beanie! SOMEBODY had to help and of course "lollie" was more than willing!!

Coming home outfit...isn't he a cutie??

Lollie is LOVING THIS!! He is so unbelievably sweet...I think everyone should start with their grandchild...then maybe there would be no stress in the world!!

POP is in "love" as well...this child has just washed away any problems one might ever think were important!!

It took EVEN more hands to get him situated in his little car seat...and of course one set of hands to document this moment on film...poor child...I think he's already had more pictures taken of him than most do in a lifetime!!

Thanks for letting me share pictures...I promise my blog won't always be about our sweet little grandson...but I'm sure now that he's here...they will take a whole new direction. Thank you for all those that have prayed and continue to pray for this sweet little gift from God...and for those of you who continue to support my new addiction by complimenting him on a daily basis!

He's HERE!!!

2010-01-17T23:19:00.012-06:00

Sorry for the delay in posting...I've been kind of busy...YEP...it's official folks...I am a LOLLIE! Our first grandbaby...a boy...has arrived healthy, happy and safe! He was born on Friday 1-15-2010...he weighed 7 lbs. 11 oz. and measures a whopping 21 inches long! He arrived at 6:41 P.M. mountain time...yep we have a little mountain man, now and he is precious beyond words. I actually don't have that many words in my vocabulary to describe not only him but the way I am feeling about this wonderful adventure. "Pop"...aka my loving hubbin...is in awe as well. We are so proud of our daughter and her husband....it's as if they have always been meant to be parents...whodda thunk???

I won't bore you with words presently...but I will share several pictures from his first day of life...he was mere minutes old when most of these were taken...Enjoy...and look at all his HAIR...he looks a bit like his mommy, I must say...but I've never seen newborn pics of my son-in-law! For now, he's his mommies boy...in looks...but he is smiiten with both his parents as they are of him.

He's perfect...and he's going to be very upset with me one day when he finds out I posted this for all the world to see...WELCOME to the world...Walker Bruce Beal...son of Jacquelyn Lee and Nathaniel Bruce...you already make this world a better place!!

WHAT are all these people messing with me for???

He was tired after all the bathing, diapering, checking and messing with him...

Daddy on diaper duty...first diaper change for both daddy and son!!

Awww...his first shampoo...and loving it!!

"sweet new mama"

"sweet feet"

New Year...New Life...New Decade...New Beginnings...

2010-01-08T16:20:00.026-06:00

WHEW...that's a lot of new!! I have been MIA...for a very long time...so sorry. It's hard to start back up once you have gotten so FAR behind...but b/c my dear friend Miss Kat...who was my very first blog buddy ( I do not know how we found each other...but I am thankful we did) has sent me a personal email to tell me she missed me...so for Kat and the few others out there that actually read my ramblings...I am BACK...not sure if I will post every day or even every week...but I'm going to do my best.

As most of you know that have read my blog...I LOVE children and have wanted a grand-baby since my first child was born...lol! Well, we are expecting our first grand-baby...a BOY in just a matter of days...He is due Jan. 22...but I think (probably a little wishful) he will be here next week. There is suppose to be a new moon next Friday...I'm taking bets that's when he arrives...our daughter just wants him to come very soon! Things are moving along very well for our daughter and son-in-law...Jackie is progressing and "things" are happening...so I am happy to say I don't think it will be long now, however, most of you know...there is no rushing a baby, especially the first.

THIS is the rocking chair that my daughter, son-in-law and hopefully very soon LOLLIE (me) will rock that sweet baby boy. It is the rocking chair that my sweet hubby bought me when I was pregnant with our first child...Jackie. It is called a "Mother's Rocker"...I mean seriously...can it get any better? My husband's very dear great aunt was close friends with a lady who collected exquisite antiques...she had this chair from the early years of her marriage. I think it was about 60 or more years old when we purchased it, so I'm guessing it's around 100 years old or so. She never had children of her own...but loved this chair beyond words. It came to the point in her life that she thought she may want to change things up a bit and replace this chair with a "recliner" (I think she thought it would be more supportive)...so she bought the recliner, but was unsure that she could part with the rocker. Lovin' hubbin's aunt told her about us and that we were wanting to have a child and we were starting to collect a few antiques. She said in that case she would "interview" us and consider selling it to us. We met w/her, chatted, sat in the chair (I instantly bonded w/the chair) and expressed our desire to own it. She said she would think about it, but was still unclear as to what chair to keep. She had both chairs sitting side by side in her tiny house in the parlor where she watched a little TV. She promised to let us know when she decided to sell or not b/c she did have to part with one, she concluded there was not enough room to house them both long term. A YEAR passed...and no word from this lovely little lady. I had given up hope on ever getting the chair, I just assumed she had decided to keep it and I couldn't blame her...it was that beautiful! I just figured the chair was not meant to be mine...well almost a year later to the day that we had first spoken to her, she calls us up and tells us she had decided to part with the chair, if we were still interested! WERE we still interested...HECK YA!...but she said, even though it's been a year...she was still going to need to ask $50.00 for it...we couldn't get to her house fast enough!! Partly b/c we were thrilled she remembered how badly we wanted it and remember I had already "bonded with this chair (hard to explain...but I think a lot of you know what I mean)...but the REAL reason we were excited was because we had had just learned we were pregnant with our first child! Gives me goose bumps.

After Jackie told us she was pregnant...I made the decision she MUST have this chair to rock her baby to sleep ( I knew she had an affection for it as well)...Jackie was a huge fan of being rocked (honestly, we spent many hours rocking her in this chair, so I know when she sits in it for the first time w/her baby boy...it's going to feel like "coming home" )...I'm praying this chair brings her and BABY BOY as much joy and comfort as it gave me...her daddy...her grandparents...uncles and aunts...when we were able to rock our babies and all the other babies in our family in this chair!! I had Jackie pick out a new fabric (she did an exceptional job) b/c the original fabric had worn quite a bit over the years and the springs, the padding and cushion were a little worse for the wear. I was able to find a great upholsterer here in Sacramento...and as of yesterday...this sweet memory, this awesome rocker...is heading to Colorado...hopefully, just in time to make new memories...with the new little man in our lives...awwww NEW BEGINNINGS...gotta love em!

TIME WORN LOVE....the chair is in it's original condition...we just changed the fabric and spruced up the insides of the chair so it would be comfy for those moments of rocking, reading, watching the snow fall, cuddling and making memories. I have a picture somewhere (most likely packed away until after the re-model) of our daughter rocking in this chair standing up (she was about 15 months old)...it was in her room as a young girl and she WAS ALWAYS the adventurous type. I will try to find it one day, soon and post it!! Just before I sent it off to be packed and shipped...I sat in it for about 30 minutes..rocking and remembering...it still has that little "crick" in it every time you rock back...I call it baby soothing music! It was funny how it felt exactly the same as it had 31 years ago when I sat in it for the first time. It made my butt, my back, and my heart very happy...in fact even though I have changed and the materials on this chair were different...the sweet memories of this chair came flooding back...and YES a few tears of joy were shed!! I know our daughter is VERY excited to have it and it gives me the greatest JOY to be able to pass it on to her! OH and don't worry...if our son and DIL have a baby any time soon...we have another rocker for them...it was my husbands grandfathers...and it was in our sons room for years!!

Now here are a few pictures of the mama to be....some from the beginning and a few from her own maternity shoot...YES, she instructed hubby on how to take the pictures she wanted...and she used her trusty tri-pod for some as well. I love them all...she and her sweet hubby did a great job.

We can't WAIT....
In the beginning at about 8 to 10 weeks...

18 weeks...

28 weeks

38 weeks...

Proud papa to be....

I'll keep you all posted....until then...Happy New Year to all my blogging buddies and I promise to try and do a better job posting this year...now on to the business at hand...waiting for the arrival of our grandson...and the remodel of our home in Sacramento!

Happy Birthday...Emily!!

2009-08-30T15:21:00.011-05:00

Today is our sweet daughter-in-laws birthday! As you all know I feel very fortunate to have two wonderful children and equally as wonderful children in laws. Emily is in a 4 way tie for being one of my most favorite children! LOL...you know that corny line in the movie "Jerry McGuire"...where Tom Cruise tells Renee Zellweiger that she completes him OR is it Renee Zellweiger telling Tom Cruise...anyway you know what I mean...well, sappy as it may sound...Emily completes our family. I can't imagine life without her...she's been a part of our lives for over 10 years...she and our son met as sophomores in High School and we feel she has been a part of our family ever since. She just grew up right before our eyes into the totally awesome and beautiful woman she is today. I know my son counts himself extremely lucky and assuredly blessed to have her as his bride. I can assure you all of the rest of our family feels the same way, almost like we hit the "jackpot" with her as an added member to our family! She truly is a perfect match for our son and is such an added bonus to this crazy clan of ours.

I always have trouble poetically conveying just how much we love our family and most especially our children and children-in-laws...So I thought I would make a list of 26 things I/we love about Emily...what makes her so special. So here's to our sweet daughter in love...Emily...

1. She loves the Lord
2. She loves our son...her husband, unconditionally!
3. She is so very sweet and thoughtful
4. She's has a great sense of humor.
5. She loves life...and makes that feeling contagious when you're around her.
6. She loves her family and feels family is one of the most important things in life.
7. She is super athletic...I'm in awe of her abilities!!
8. She is creative beyond even her own beliefs.
9. She actually laughs at my jokes!
10. She loves our daughter and our daughter loves her...it's as though they are sisters and that warms my heart!
11. She makes us laugh.
12. She is a great wife, friend, daughter, daughter-in-law, grand-daughter, sister, sis-in-law and aunt!
13. She has the BEST laugh!
14. She is honest and sincere.
15. She is beautiful inside and out!
16. She loves to keep active and makes all of us want to do the same!
17. She cares about people and genuinely how they feel.
18. She is on her way to being the BEST Physical Therapist...EVER!
19. She is not afraid of hard work!
20. She is extremely organized...something I wish she could teach me!
21. She loves animals, children and older people...does it get any better than that?
22. She is NOT selfish at all!!
23. She loves me and my hubbin and she shows it in all that she does for us and our family.
24. She is compassionate!
25. She is very supportive of our son in all his endeavors, she is his BEST cheerleader!!
26. She is affectionate, caring and loving to all,

HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY...EMLS...we love you and hope you have a great day. As I've always said, I could not have hand-picked a more perfect young lady to marry Marcus...we are all thankful you guys fell in love and chose to spend the rest of your lives together. Have a GREAT birthday... WE LOVE YOU!!

Happy Birthday...Nathaniel!!

2009-08-13T14:01:00.023-05:00

Today...is our son-in-laws 30th birthday...the man that we have prayed for since the day our daughter was born. The young man that was to be our daughters husband, father to their children and the best friend a person could ask for...was born unbeknownest to us...on this day 30 years ago....just 3 months before our daughter was born, her future HUSBAND was born...in a small town in Illinois!! We love this guy...look at that face, how can you not love him? Look at his smile...a smile that is bigger than life and that can light up a room from wherever he is...a young man that has made our daughter a very happy young lady...a man that is about to become a father himself... a young man that is just a pure joy to have in our lives...I know his parents are very proud of him...as they should be.

I thought I would just tell you a little about this young man...the man that we have all grown to love more with each passing day. Nathaniel or "Nat' as he is known to family and friends...is obviously a very handsome young man as is evident in all his pictures...but more than that he is a very smart young man, a man with a big heart and a very sweet nature about him...my daughter LOVES all of these attributes in him and why wouldn't she? He is also someone that lives life to it's fullest...not a day goes by that I think he waste any time just cruisin along. On the other hand, he works hard, he plays hard, but he always knows when it is time to re-charge. He loves the outdoors, he loves to ski, bike, camp and hike...not to mention fish, hunt and play any outdoor game or activity you can mention...AND he is one of the most entertaining "Guesstures" players I've ever seen! He has introduced our family to such a wide variety of fun things to do...from playing "hillbilly golf" and listening to all types of music to finding such beauty in the simplest of things. Nat is professionally a hydro-geologist...something I think he was born to do. I think he might have known very early on in his life that this was the job for him...geology of some sort was to be a part of his life. Nat is an eagle-scout...something that I think is a huge accomplishment and certainly a sign of how dedicated and determined he is...he achieved this at a very early age and I know this gave him great satisfaction in achieving. He is also a huge lover of animals...especially dogs (see how trustworthy he is, you can't be a dog-lover and not be trustworthy in my book)...I don't think I've ever seen someone that is so in-tune with their dog as Nat is with the current baby of the family...Corinna! One thing that always gives me such pleasure when I'm around Nat is that he loves to laugh...he has one of the best laughs and smiles I've ever had the privilege of knowing...but most of all one of the BEST things I can think of when I think of Nathaniel is that HE LOVES OUR DAUGHTER...and she LOVES him. What more could a mom hope for in a son-in-law.

Nat is about to become a father himself (we are so thrilled as they are, too)...and I know he's going to be a GREAT dad...he's going to show this child so much love, understanding and commitment to life and love that this child will not want for anything he/she may need. He will teach our future grand baby a lot about life and what is important...just through example of loving our daughter, loving life and showing him/her what God has in store for this sweet family. We are so thankful for this young man...the man that was to be our son-in-law from the day he was born...the young man that I had prayed about for so many years but never knew; until he walked into our daughters life about 6 years ago...the man that was to be the BEST son-in-law we could have ever dreamed of having.

The BEST smile...EVER...he's always so happy...he reminds me a lot of my own dad...in that he is always smiling and always happy. What an ideal kind of guy!!

This is a picture of Nat on the last hunting trip he and my guys took in October...hunting/hiking/backpacking/horseback riding into the Montana and Idaho wilderness. I think Nat would agree with me...in saying...it was a slice of HEAVEN and he enjoyed every minute of it!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! NATHANIEL BRUCE...WE LOVE YOU AND HOPE YOU HAVE A GREAT DAY!!

SALE!!

2009-08-04T12:33:00.008-05:00

For those of you that have viewed my daughters photo's and Etsy site, just a quick note to let you in on a sale she is having...Go here jacquelynlee.etsy.com and check it out...I love her wraps...and every picture and wrap is of great quality...I love the letters to use for bridal shower gifts or new baby gifts...everyone loves to see their initial placed in their home for all to see, it's a great gift with something a little different than your standard mixing bowl OR diaper bag! LOVE that!! You may also want to check out some of her vintage pictures or nature pics...she is currently working on more...but she has been quite busy with getting her new business up and running AND planning for our new grand baby (yea, I had to be a "Lollie" for a portion of this blog!). So check it out and if you see something you like, contact her or if you have something in mind you want...let her know, she's always open for suggestions! Enjoy browsing.

Next post I will get back to our road trip...it will include VEGAS and the HOOVER DAM...yippeee...then I'll post pics of our new home and all the nature that surrounds us!

2009-07-18T18:21:00.007-05:00

SEE THIS BEAUTIFUL COUPLE...my daughter and son-in-law...well...

I have patiently been waiting for several weeks to spread the word...I have FINALLY been given the okay to do so. This couple, this very sweet and loving couple...my daughter and her husband are PREGNANT! Yes, a grandchild is due to arrive in late Jan....Jan. 22 is the date given as the due date...however, my sweet hubbin...the "POP" to be has a birthday on Jan. 20...I can't imagine a better gift. Any day SHE or HE gets here with 10 fingers, 10 toes and glorious health...is good for me!! Hubbin and I are beside ourselves with great joy and anticipation. ..I think of course I'm a tad more beside myself than he is (cos for any of those of you who know hubbin, know he's bubbling on the inside...staying very calm on the outside). Jackie and Nat are of course very excited and apprehensive. ..as it is with all new parents to be. I think things are starting to settle in and they are becoming more relaxed with each passing day. Jackie is feeling good...no morning sickness, just extreme fatigue in the afternoons.. .this should pass soon...because she is entering here 2nd trimester... can you believe...in 6 months there will be a little one to love on! Oh my how this child will be in for a whole LOT of LOVIN!!

Jackie and Nat told us about this momentous occasion several weeks back, when they were home for a friends wedding. They gifted us with a card to be opened together...inside that card was a PICTURE of the babies first sonogram. YES, tears flowed, squeals were let out and we all couldn't hug enough! On the card it said, To: Lollie and Pop...January 22, 2010...WOW! a baby from our baby girl & her sweet hubbin...we couldn't be happier!

Jackie had requested we wait until after her 12th week...which was Friday a week ago and then to wait till they heard the babies heartbeat... they heard the HEARTBEAT on Tuesday morning of this week... and all sounded great according to the doctor.

Again, we feel so blessed and can't wait to hold this little bundle in our arms...I'm saving my pennies NOW...b/c I will NEED to see this baby very often! LOL

I am asking for each of you to continue to pray for Jackie's health and the health of the baby...things are going along very smoothly and our prayer is that Jackie and our precious grandchild remain healthy, happy and content.

Thanks everyone...for the smiles I know are plastered on each of your faces...I'll keep each of you updated...and thanks for the prayers...in advance. Did I tell you I'm going to be a "Lollie" (that's the name we've picked out and hubbin will be "Pop", well, that is if our grand baby agrees!!) Yipppeee...I get to start shopping and sewing for Baby "B" very soon...the 20th week they are having a sonogram to see if we have a Baby girl "B" or a Baby boy "B"...any bets on this one??? I have my gut feelings...what' s yours!!!

BTW...I found myself at Target the other day to pick up a few things for the new house...well, of course I couldn't resist going down the baby aisles...I don't think I EVER quit smiling...I betcha people were wondering what I was so giddy about...hmmm...it just makes my heart soar! You'll be proud of me, I did restrain from buying ANYTHING...I know, that's almost a miracle in itself...but I'm waiting till I know what Baby "B" will be...and then...let the shopping begin! Sorry, Jackie, you know I have to buy something!! I'll start with educational things...then head right into the cute baby clothes...I can't wait!

Road trip continued...

2009-07-13T00:39:00.023-05:00

Day 2 of our 6 day cross country trip...from Texas to California. On day two we drove from Amarillo, TX. to Flagstaff, AZ. I'm not going to lie to you...it was the LONGEST day of the trip...and quite frankly from Amarillo to just outside Flagstaff...it was pretty baron, lonely and FLAT. I've been to New Mexico several times, but usually toward the Taos and Red River areas...which I find to be so beautiful...something about the mountains jutting toward the skies with purple/pink/yellow sunsets and the ethereal quiet for miles and miles. This route we were on was not quite as scenic as my past trips...but none-the-less there was beauty to behold...it was just a little further between beautiful locations.

I believe this is the sign as we were entering New Mexico...flat lands abound...but there was something breath taking about it as well. It certainly gave one time to ponder and think about ALL types of things...we had fun with some crazy things along the way...which always makes for great memories.

Here are the girls in the hotel we stayed at in Flagstaff...they were quite comfortable in every hotel we stayed in. Luckily we were able to arrange ahead of time for hotels that were dog and pet friendly...so that did make it easier on all of us. Maggie cracks me up...how she just curls up in a ball to sleep...a dog this big curling up into a small ball to sleep! Then the little one...usually thinks she's the BIG dog and wants to sleep sprawled out and on the biggest bed she can find. Go figure.
Our first big site seeing adventure was of course the Grand Canyon...neither of us had ever been there before and it has always been some place we've wanted to go...I don't know what took us so long...it was breath taking!! I have tons and tons of pictures...but I will give you an out and only show a few...it was crazy, too...b/c when you are traveling w/dogs (something we've really never done before) YOU have to take them with you wherever you go. We weren't sure they would let us take the girls into the G.C. but luckily you can if you keep them on a leash. I swear it was as if we were ROCK stars...everywhere we went...people, kids and other dogs...ewwwed and awed over the girls...they did so good, I was thrilled they weren't going ape b/c of the strange surroundings.

LOOK a porta potty for the doggies...I'm sure this may have been a more welcoming site for them...if they were males...but they were not impressed in the least! I suppose they are a tad jaded...after all they are used to green grass and open fields when it comes to doing their business.

Everywhere we looked beauty was plentiful...the odd thing to me was you could look in one direction and see something that just took your breath away only to turn just 20 ft or so in a different direction and the entire landscape changed into something equally as beautiful...it truly was something to behold.

Following are many different views of the canyons...there were several viewpoints along the way to stop, enjoy, relax and take in the beauty. It was not only amazing to be surrounded by all the natural beauty, but just to see God's hands were all over this vast wonder of wonders was unbelievable. We took tons of pictures (just like good tourist should) and the dogs were just so happy to be along for the adventure!!

A man and his dog...they were inseparable...they were just too cute and funny for words...I'll let their smiles tell the picture!

Here I am with the girls...on the edge of the cliff...trying to keep my balance & trying hard to flash my best "happy" to be there smile...I was happy...just a tad nervous that one of the dogs might just decide to bolt!! They however, handled themselves like the little sweet fur-babies they are.

After completing most of our tour and hitting ALL the viewpoints...we decided to stop off at the Grand Canyon village, which has many shops and a great grocery store to boot, kind of a Whole Foods concept...I ran in and picked up some fruits, chicken salad, bread, cheeses and crackers so we could stop at a picnic area, stretch our legs along with the girls and grab a wonderful lunch in a very peaceful spot. Can you believe that I just happened to have a table cloth in the vehicle and of course had to spread it out on the picnic table...it's not b/c I crave the finer things...I'm a bit of a germ-a-phobe...and I have to admit it did make for a lovely setting, even if we did half hazardly throw it on the table. It just goes to show you how HUNGRY we were...site seeing is hard work!!

Of course the girls had a nice little treat and some fresh bottled water. Here they are just perfectly content to stay put and take in ALL the scenery...they are such photogenic gals...doncha think!

So this concludes the second leg of our trip...next post will cover our trip to the HOOVER dam...a dust storm outside of Arizona and VEGAS, BABY...but I will postpone that till after I share with you all the SECRET I mentioned before our trip began...I will be sharing that with you all in the next day or so...big exciting things are happening for us...and I can't wait to share it all with you! Until then...enjoy the scenery...take time to cherish the little things...for you never know how those things will change your lives!

From Tejas to CA...day by day...

2009-07-12T15:17:00.013-05:00

I finally got all my pictures downloaded from our trip heading WEST from Texas...I will not overload you with ALL the pictures in one day...but thought I would start at the beginning...leaving Texas.

Leaving the homestead...driving away for the last time....

( I borrowed these great photos from my sweet daughter...she just takes WAY better pictures than I do...THANKS, Jackie)

Wind turbines scattered all across the plains of West Texas...see and folks just thought we only had oil/gas...Texans are so self-sufficient when it comes to resources...it's crazy! I mean seriously EVERYTHING you could ever want or need is there...somewhere...

Sweet little "Cookie" with her head perched up near the console...this is where she rested most of the time...she managed to catch up on any sleep she has EVER missed out on...and snored like a freight train...funny stuff...that one!!

Yea, always keeping a watchful eye on lovin' hubbins' speed...didn't want to get a ticket ANYWHERE...but especially if we were still in Texas...wouldn't want that to be a lasting memory. Good thing he was driving and always kept it on cruise at about 5 miles over the limit...cos IF I were driving...we would still be on the road...only b/c I obey the exact speed limit laws...AND I brake for Estate Sales, Antique Stores, and outlet malls!!

Maggie in her "cool" digs riding in the truck...we had the whole back seat laid down..a giant piece of cardboard over the seats (you know so there little paws and hineys wouldn't slip through to the floor, that was covered with big rugs, a sheet and the dogs comfy beds) YES, they were riding very comfortably! Nothing too good for my babies!!

THE girls...again, traveling like little champs...ya, know it dawned on me after the first day...that NOT once...NEVER EVER did these 2 complain, ask if we were there YET? or argue over who sits where...amazing, must have been the doggy Prozac we gave them...wonder where that stuff was when we traveled with kids??? LOL

WHEW!! the never ending road...This concludes the start of our journey...I didn't want to bore you with tons of pictures of roadside parks, flat lands and tumbleweeds...my next post will offer more about the Grand Canyon, VEGAS...baby... Yosemite...and then finally our new home in Sacramento...till then..."Happy Trails"!

Thanks...

2009-07-08T02:28:00.003-05:00

Just wanted to let everyone know...we have arrived in Sacramento...ALL is well and we are getting "settled" in; albeit very slowly. I appreciate and thank all of you that have sent me emails, prayed for our safety, blogged or face booked me during our trip. We arrived here on July 1st, but did not have access to Internet until today! Yes, it was heart breaking when I arrived and found that someone ( I won't mention any phone companies by name...but she has 3 initials) had lost my order and instead of having hook up the day we arrived, we had to wait until the 8th, Luckily for me...they were ahead of schedule and were able to install everything today...I am now re-connected and wireless...I can't believe the freedom I am feeling from that!! I feel ALIVE again and am thrilled to be re-connected. We took tons of pictures during our journey and I plan on posting about it as soon as I can figure out my new camera and how to download the pictures...I'm sure that will happen soon.

Also, I wanted to send out a big THANK YOU~!! to my awesome and superbly talented daughter Jackie for re-designing my blog...I love the picture she used in the heading. It is one of her originals that she has for sale on Etsy...it has always been one of my favorites! So thanks, Jackie...I love it...and I adore you!!

Pictures will follow...soon! In the meantime...I leave you with a picture of our new backyard and pool...and I will have to say...the dogs are loving California...I find them going outside more and laying on the back porch, resting, watching the world go by and CALIFORNIA DREAMIN'.

2009-06-24T12:45:00.006-05:00

ONE more THING!! Hey...my daughter is having a give-a-way through "The Vintage Pearl" she is offering up one of her creations in photography..."HOPE"...something we can all use on any given day! Go to my daughters site to enter for your chance to win the HOPE print! Go to my daughters site on my sidebar..."The Wonderful World of Jackie OR www.jackieland.blogspot.com enter for your chance to win the HOPE print to enter through my daughters site..Do you think it's OK if mom enters her daughters give-a-way!!

Good luck...and enjoy!!!

See ya, in California!!!

Moving Day

2009-06-23T09:49:00.005-05:00

The day has finally arrived and the moving company is here...packing and getting us ready for our move West to California...today they pack everything...tomorrow they load it...we then close on our house Thursday @ 8:30 a.m. and head west sometime after lunch! WOW! It's kind of surreal...I've been anticipating it for so long...but in the meantime we have been so busy that I think the time has actually just flown by these last 2 weeks! So I will be without my computer for the next couple of days...once we are on the road we will take our laptops and be able to communicate from our road trip...hotels...we are taking a leisurely route to get to Sacramento...we start off with the LONG drive across Texas...then from there we head to Flagstaff, AZ. we'll detour to see the Grand Canyon and Sedonna?...then keep heading west for a stop in Las Vegas (I've never been)...we're catching a couple of shows while the dogs will be pampered at the doggie day care SPA! Then it's off to Yosemite and Mammoth Mountains for a night and day. We arrive in Sacramento on July 1st...unload our life on July 2nd/3rd...and we start a whole new "chapter" from there.

I haven't had time to download pictures from the wedding on Friday...but I will do that once we are settled in Cali...plus I have more exciting news that should be coming our way in the next couple of weeks...so stay tuned for THAT!

Wish us luck, prayers please for our travel safety...and that I don't loose it when we pull away from our home of 20 years...not to mention living in Texas for 52 years! This is going to be an adventure...and we are excited.

Wedding l..."check"...Wedding ll...this weekend!!

2009-06-15T12:33:00.014-05:00

WOW! WHAT a weekend...the wedding was Friday evening...and it turned out great...beautiful bride, wonderful family and an overall great event. One snag...the weather turned ominous about 30 minutes before the "outdoor" event was to take place...not to worry...we had an alternate plan...have the wedding indoors where the reception was being held. It was different and not exactly what the bride had envisioned...but all in all it went very well...and she could not have been more gracious about the whole thing. She told us she was a bit bummed...but that she was getting married to her dream guy...and it really didn't matter where. What a great attitude...I know tons of gals and guys that would have not taken the news so well.

Following are a few photos my daughter-in-law who just happened to be the matron-of-honor took before and during the wedding...Hope you enjoy...

Close up of the bridal bouquet with bride's grandmother's brooch...stunning...I just love using personnel items when creating memories...

I love attention to details...I like to have the bridal bouquets set up in the bride's room before she arrives...that way she can take it all in. This is her bridal bouquet and the bridesmaid's, mother's and grandmother's smaller bouquets set up in the brides room...don't you just love how the rosary of her grandmothers picks up the blues/purples from the other flowers??

one more of the bridal bouquet...it turned out better than I could imagine...

Grandmother's rosary...such a beautiful touch and memory!!

Aren't these purple throated calla lilies GORGEOUS??...they added just a subtle amount of the blues/ purples to the brides bouquet w/o overpowering the whites and creams...I have never used these types of calla's before...they may be one of my new favs...

This is a shot of the photo table at the very end of the evening (everything tends to get dumped on one table as the night progresses)...the larger arrangement was moved here b/c of fear it MAY be knocked over...lots of people. It was originally suppose to go outside during the ceremony at the front where the ceremony was to take place, INSTEAD we used it inside along with it's twin at the front of the facility during the ceremony. We then moved one to the cake table...and this one was suppose to sit on a pedestal by the entry...we were concerned it may be knocked over...so we improvised (as I've found usually happens at these events) and put it at the photo table. There you will also see the brides bouquet (again)...in the vase to keep it fresh; so her mom could take it home and enjoy it for the entire weekend.

Here is a picture of my sweet son and his beautiful wife at the very end of the night...these two were saints in helping me take down and load up...along with my wonderful lovin' hubbin'(he actually helped me ALL day, setting up, carrying, moving from outside to inside, and tearing down and packing)...I could NOT have done this without them. Thank you...guys!!

WHY is it that these young-uns still look like they have energy left after a very long weekend...hmmmm?? If my aches and pains hadn't made me feel so old and out of shape...this picture would have!!

OK....now THIS is more like it...just how I felt by nights end!! I love the dress the bride picked for her girls to wear...not a lot of brides think to use florals...these were great...they were comfortable, pretty and well worth wearing again...unlike many bridesmaids dresses I've seen...I like how brides are starting to think about "use after" the wedding...just makes a lot more sense to be able to get your monies worth out of something.

Now...on to wedding II...this one will be my last wedding before leaving Texas...and it is a very special bride indeed...she is the daughter of my best friend...my co-Hort in wedding coordination and designs...my friend for life...Toni...she is pulling out all the stops for this one...it's going to be all about family and friends with the reception at their lovely country home...I can't wait for this one...I love "the bride" like a child of my own...I love her family & all her friends...I know this will be a wedding to remember...always. This one will probably make me cry...for a while...geez...pray that I don't...it's not something I care to do at weddings...and the "look" of a red blotchy face and runny nose is just NOT the look I'm going for...prayers...please!!

Flowers...abundant flowers...

2009-06-09T17:10:00.020-05:00

Week one...of wedding one...YES! it's that time again...but I must say this time I've really got wedding overload...2 weddings...in 2 weeks...WOW! Just a preview of the flowers I'll be using for wedding one...until the weekend has past...I will be up to my elbows in beautiful flowers...I LOVE it that way!

Enjoy the beauty and colors. Purples/dark blues/whites/creams with touches of a celery green...should be gorgeous. Some of the flowers I'm using are hydrangea, vendala roses, white/cream freesia, lavender freesia, lisianthus-deep blue/purple, stock white, bells of Ireland, lemon leaf, and touches of misty blue...I'll try to get some good pics to post later...but this is going to be the one wedding where I'm pretty much on my own...so my time may be limited. OH! and did I tell you that I am getting bids from moving companies in the midst of all this AND getting bids to replace the roof, along with dealing with our insurance company to pay for the hail damage as they are SUPPOSE to AND trying to get a few personnel things packed up...AND help with another wedding (which is the fun part) AND finishing up loose ends here and in California, not to mention sneaking in some blood work, a mammogram and a bone density test in the midst! Did I mention to you I like to wait till the last minute...yea, less than 3 weeks out and we are out of here.

In closing I am asking for prayers for our sweet neighbor, PLEASE she is in the hospital again, got a call late last night to retrieve their sweet puppy from their home...I am so thankful Annie (the pup) is so adaptable and loves our home...she always livens things up around here! Please pray for Betty and Mark, she had another seizure, we're praying it's only b/c of a med. change...I'll keep you posted.

Flowers...to be used this weekend!
White Stock...

Beautiful Bella Donna Dark Blue Delphinium...love it!!

Bells of Ireland...another favorite...

Dark blue/purple lisianthus...minus the teddy bear of course.

Purple stock...

And finally...a mock up of the bridesmaids bouquets...I will be adding some dark blue/purple hydrangeas to this...the charm will not be added...just ribbon. The brides bouquet will be done in all creams and whites...w/a touch of very light blue/lavender...just a hint of color...mostly whites/creams...with her grandmothers hankie, brooch and rosary added for sentimentality.

WHY????

2009-06-06T12:18:00.007-05:00

A possible rant here...I'll try to keep it short and sweet...TELL me WHY in the world anyone would need to ride their motorcycle down the highway, traveling at speeds well over the posted limit, while weaving in and out of traffic as if it were standing still AND passing cars in the center...all the while driving it like THIS
.... SERIOUSLY these folks are adrenaline junkies or just have a death wish...I was out yesterday...driving along the interstate and in my rear view mirror I caught sight of something very weird approaching me at an extremely high rate of speed. At first I wasn't able to determine exactly what that thing was...until he came zipping by me and I saw that it was a motorcycle and the rider was driving for quite a length of highway while he was doing a wheelie! A WHEELIE at 70+ mph. Then to make matters even more treacherous he comes upon a car in the left lane that was going at a much slower speed than he...so what does he do, does he put the bike back down on all two's...NO! heaven's NO...he whips his bike while still in full wheelie mode right in front of me. GEEESSHH...I just knew he was going to bounce that thing right of the asphalt...oh! but not to worry he had a helmet on...so his head filled w/outlandish ideas might be cushioned but the rest of him was going to be ground up like a piece of pork at a sausage factory. He finally dropped it down...but never once did he stop speeding and weaving in and out of traffic. I actually saw him pop another wheelie one more time and travel quite a distance...before I actually exited the highway. WHY??? People...why? If he wants some kicks...go find a dirt bike trail and have at it...but don't endanger yourself and all those around you by playing like you are Evil Knievel...sorry...this just really had me a tad un-nerved yesterday...don't know why it did...it's his life, his bike...but he was driving on a public highway, along w/many other sane folks and risking all of our lives. I have to admit he seemed very talented at keeping the bike on one wheel (maybe he could put those talents to something a little more constructive, such as entertaining crowds at motor cross or something)...but honestly the mom in me just wanted to chase him down...make him stop...so I could jump out of my car and smack him upside the head! You know...for being so STUPID!!...but I wouldn't because then I would have to break the law to catch him at such a high rate of speed...and I try NEVER to break too many laws!! RANT OVER WHEW!! Thanks for letting me vent!

Inspection Day...

2009-05-29T13:58:00.002-05:00

Today is inspection day on our home in Texas...for those of you that have been keeping up OR not...our home sold last week...so we are stoked. Asking all my prayer warriors to please pray that no unforeseen boo-boo's pop up during the inspection and that it will go without a hitch! Thanks so much! I'll keep you ALL posted...in the meantime...I have to leave for 3 hours with our pups...so the owners and inspector can "check" things out! My fingers are crossed, I've said many a prayer and I am believing things will go well.

Update...

2009-05-24T20:54:00.012-05:00

I've been hesitant to say anything...b/c I like for things to be a "sure" thing before I start talking too much about it...BUT...in my last post I mentioned we had a contract offered on our home in Texas the first week it was listed...however, the couple who wanted the house had to sell their home first and we weren't really ready to accept an offer with a contingency....WELL...guess what??? They sold their house 4 days after they put the offer in on ours...so they re-submitted their offer w/o the contingency...so I suppose when everything works out...like their getting funding and close on their current home, inspections are complete and ALL goes well...we will be closing on June 25th. You can not believe how PERFECT this is...my prayer was that our home sell quickly and that we could stay in our home till at least the last couple of weeks of June...because I am currently working on 2 weddings for that month...one on the 12th and the other on the 19th...I wanted to be able to be in my own home surrounded by family until all the weddings were done! Looks like my prayers have been answered!! We still have folks coming and looking at our home, in fact we have an appointment tomorrow for a realtor to show it! We will continue to do so until we know for sure all has gone right with this current contract...but from what I understand the couple who wrote the contract want our home very badly, so I DO hope if it's meant to be...it works out for all of us. Thanks to all of you who have joined me in my prayers...I am relieved to have most of this behind me...so now I can concentrate on these 2 spectacular weddings AND getting packed and ready to head west.

In the meantime...I will share with you some gorgeous pictures my daughter and daughter in law took of our property in California while we were all there over the Mothers Day Weekend...ENJOY!!

An old bench that sits in the back portion of our property...I love it and wonder just how it came to be there...and who used to sit on this lovely and dream the day away....

One of three lovely peony shrubs in the front portion of my gardens...they are just about the most lovely flower I can imagine growing...now if I can just learn about Freesia and if it grows in northern Cali...I will be one HAPPY gal!

One of many beautiful rose bushes in our front garden...this is one of my favorites...it varies from very pale pink to white...so gorgeous...and the sweet smell is heavenly!

I believe these are native to California...in fact I think they are the state flower...the California poppy...don't quote me on this...I'm still learning...but isn't it GORGEOUS...I feel so blessed that the previous owners loved flowers as much as I do...and man what a green thumb they had...I'm going to have to really read up to manage them as well as they did.

Another lovely rose bush...this one looks as though it is some sort of antique rose...the color variations are just unbelievable...I love it, too!

I hope to have pictures of our home in California to post, soon...I took some while there...but I fear I may have already packed away the cord that goes to the camera to download pictures...WHATEVER that thing-a-ma-jiggy is called!!

Back in Texas

2009-05-13T23:08:00.005-05:00

After 11 glorious days in sunny Sacramento...I am now back in Texas, trying to tie up loose ends...finish preparations for 2 weddings in June AND most importantly get my home "SOLD"!

This is a picture of our home in Texas...we have had it on the market less than 2 weeks...and it seems to be doing alright. We did have an offer come in today for almost full asking price...but it was a contingency and we're not ready to accept a contingency upon selling their house at this time...it's too early in the ballgame. The offer was actually made by the first guy to look at it...so if he sells his home quickly...he is free to make us another offer. I've also included pictures of the back of our home which sits on a little over 2 acres...it's probably one of my favorite things about our home...I love sitting on our back porch in the glider watching the birds...our dogs...bunnies, the occasional fox and of course the ever popular skunks...that Maggie our lab has gotten up close and personal with a few times. I think she's finally figured it out...at least I hope so.

I'm going to miss our home...and all our great family and friends...BUT I am also very anxious to get settled into our new home in California and begin a new chapter in our lives...We were there over mothers day and all the kids were able to join us...it was a glorious time...and I think the kids actually loved, loved, loved the new house...plus they are so supportive of our decision to move...it makes it a lot easier to make that decision to move on. I know it will be hard at times (I have done pretty well w/driving so far, which I considered to be my most daunting task, but I have already managed to find "Homegoods, Target, Trader Joe's, a couple of antique shops and a GREAT furniture consignment shop)...all in all...I think it's going to be an experience well worth taking. I've already started a new journal and will most likely continue journaling through blogging as well! I'll post pictures of our new home and ALL the lovely gardens and flowers as soon as I upload them off my camera. For now...I'm very busy keeping things in pristine order around here...you know the "joys" of selling a home.

To my prayer buddies...we are asking for prayers for a quick sell and we know God has the perfect family already picked out to live here and continue to make many memories here...just as we have for the last 19+ years.

Here's to starting fresh...can't wait!!

Cali Home....

2009-05-04T11:13:00.003-05:00

I have been uber busy getting our home in Texas ready to go on the market...AND it did on Friday May 1st...Please asking all my prayer buddies to "pray", "pray", "pray" that it sells quickly. I just know it will be a WONDERFUL home for a family, just as it was for us for nearly 20 years. It looks FAB if I do say so myself.

On to Cali...NOW...acutally arrived here on Sat. morning...and this is what "greeted" me at my new home OH YES...I have peonies...I am so thrilled...I Love, Love, Love peonies...and now I have 3 beautiful peony bushes and right now they are LOADED with buds. I am loving my new yard, it is full of all kinds of roses, cala lilies, alstromeria, dianthus, lavender, wisteria, fruit trees AND PEONIES...I am in flower heaven. The previous owner had such a wonderful talent when growing all these beauties...I'm just hoping I can learn quickly and keep them just as lovely. I know I'm going to have fun learning all about growing things I never imagined possible...I'm completely THRILLED!

I will be heading back to Texas as we still haven't officially moved to Cali...we did buy beds and a few household items to have here when we need them and should be moving out here...very soon.

I will post pictures of all my glorious blooms when I arrive back in Texas and can download them from my camera. In the meantime...I'm loving the beauty that now surrounds me, learning how to "get around" a new city and praying my old home sells...very soon!

Tootles to all...I'll keep you posted...Let the ADVENTURE begin!

Happy 3rd Anniversary!!!

2009-04-22T10:03:00.002-05:00

Today is the third anniversary of my darling daughter and her handsome husband...it was a beautiful April Day 3 years ago...just as it is today. Wishing this awesome couple a day filled with laughter and love. I love you both with all my heart...Happy Anniversary...you guys!!

This picture was one of their engagement pictures taken along the Pacific Coast just outside of Huntington Beach, CA. I love it b/c it is spontaneous...just like the two of them...they are full of life...love adventure and are really a very awesome couple...they always make me laugh whenever I'm with them...and of course I couldn't be prouder of either of them...They are really making a life for themselves and I look forward to seeing what they have up their sleeves for the upcoming years!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY...JACKIE AND NAT!!

Sometimes...a girls gotta do what a girls gotta DO!

2009-04-21T20:23:00.007-05:00

I feel so empowered...I must share with you WHY!! It's not a pretty story...but one that made me feel like I have started to over-come a life long fear. As many of you know my husband and I are about to embark on a new adventure in our lives. As native Texans we will be moving to California in a few weeks. Yes, Yes, I'm sure many of you are wondering WHAT? happened to our plans of building our dream house on the 8 acres we bought year before last...yes, we were suppose to be starting and finishing that dream house this year...but b/c my husbands new business which he started about 2 years ago has taken off on the West Coast...we had to postpone those dreams for 3 or 4 years. I am looking forward to the adventure!

Anyhooo...the reason for this "empowering" post...last night while getting things ready for the BIG move I decided I need to have a SALE. I was out all day yesterday getting things ready in the garage for the HUGE "tag" sale I will be having this weekend. A friend came over earlier in the evening to help. It was getting late and dark...so as I was walking my friend to her car (remember we live on 2 acres, quasi in the country ). As we were walking to her car I noticed something out of the corner of my eye...at first I just assumed it was a rope or piece of ribbon. I asked my friend...is that a ribbon?...OR a SNAKE? To which she replied..."surely, it's a ribbon... oh! my! gosh! THAT ribbon is starting to move!" Well of course...PANIC ensued, it was a jumbled mess of flailing arms and jumping feet...I did NOT want that gnarly creature to enter my garage, it was packed and if he entered...he would NEVER be found! He needed to go...go far, far away...but he wasn't! He started to slowly slither toward my open garage door...SO, I did the only thing I could think of ( I really wanted to get a gun and shoot it but, I do know a thing or two about gun safety and I know NOT to shoot a gun at a concrete driveway)...so off to the area of the garage that holds all the yard tools, it felt as though it was a mile away, many scenarios were raising through my head...should I get the gas powered weed eater?...NO! that would take way too long to start...how about the edger?...nah, the noise alone would scare the snake into escaping inside my garage, how about the lawn mower...ooops we don't have one anymore, we gave it away when we started using the lawn service (funny how things raise through your head, in my case empty as it was, all the while you're kind of running around like a chicken w/it's head cut off...wasting VALUABLE time!!) I would never pass any test for entry into the CIA, military, or Secret Service...I just can't react quickly enough!! FINALLY, I found a shovel and some kind of sharp semi-circle half-moon thingy ( we use it to cut grass along the beds)...I knew it must be sharp! I armed myself w/that and gave my friend the shovel for back-up...just in case I missed on the first swing. If you know me at all...you know that is entirely possible. Now, not wanting to get too close to this serpent...I stood as far away from it as I could (actually the length of the handle on the sharp instrument thingy) all the while leaning over and straining to reach far enough to make the first strike count! I needed more than anything for that creature to just look the other way...and not start raising his head at me OR making those striking movements they tend to do!! I needed to act quickly because he was on the move...and believe me...those things can move! So...I reared back with all my might and WHACK...WHEWWWW...thank goodness...CONTACT...on the first try...of course this only stunned the creature, so I had to keep swinging...I think I smacked, stabbed, jabbed and slammed that snake about 15 times...but people...what I really needed to happen finally did after a half dozen or so swings...but of course for good measure I kept going and I have bruises on my hand to show for it...I suppose I was really griping that handle hard and pounding the snake even harder!! I'm not one for picking a snake up w/a hoe (besides I couldn't find one) and setting it off in the field only to scare me another day...AS far as I'm concerned ALL snakes are poisonous...and they must be sentenced to death. I know some of you may think me cruel...but I knew I would NEVER sleep if I didn't put him to rest...FOREVER! I really just wanted to run in the house and lock the doors...as if I thought a snake had a key or something and could just come in my home on a whim....then I remembered snakes don't have pockets, therefore they could not carry keys...so I decided I had to do what I had to do. Thankfully, my friend was there for moral support and actually told me she would do the dastardly deed...but I KNEW she didn't want to...and it was my house...so I DID IT! I am rather proud of myself (it's amazing what you can and have to do sometimes when your "hero man" is gone). Last time this happened and hubbin was away...I called my friends son who lives about 1 mile away...by the time he arrived...the snake was gone and I fretted about it for days.

Don't think I'm completely over this trauma however, b/c tonight while outside w/the dogs...I thought every twig, piece of string or long blade of grass was a snake...yea...I'm still a bit jumpy...but I think I'm starting to win one of my battles against snake fear! I just don't EVER want to have to do this again! I think by next month I will be able to go outside and walk around without the blade/shovel in my hand!!

Oh! and for those of you who maybe thought it was just an average garden snake (as my friend thought it was)...it WASN'T...it was a copperhead...so it needed killing! It wasn't very large; maybe 12 to 15 inches or so, but it was big enough to scare me. AND you will never believe what one of the carpenter men that is doing some work on our house told me today...Oh hon...that was a baby, that just means there is a den of others out there somewhere! GEE THANKS...no wonder I'm still a tad jumpy! I guess I better keep that shovel handy!

Another reason to CELEBRATE...

2009-04-13T11:09:00.014-05:00

YESTERDAY! What a day for celebration!! Not only was it a Holy Day for Christians around the world...BUT another reason to celebrate came when U.S Navy Captain Richard Phillips was freed from the pirate captors who had taken his crew and ship at gunpoint days prior. What a hero this man is and was to his crew, his family and many of us watching around the world as this story unfolded before our eyes. I am so thankful he will soon be home where he belongs. This story has moved me beyond words...I can not imagine the fear that has haunted not only Capt. Phillips, but his family, friends and fellow ship mates. Sadly, there are still over 200 American and foreign national sailors being held captive by these "terrorist" pirates...I am so hopeful that they will soon be rejoining their family and friends as well. Unfortunately, for our world; it isn't the place those of us knew while growing up during the "Beaver Cleaver" years...this story has not only made me aware of this type of atrocity, but given me hope that folks from around the world will also be moved to action or that it will give hope to anyone who is "waiting" for their hero to come home! Maybe this will be the "good" thing I've always been taught to look for when THE "bad" thing happens.

Thank you to those who risked their lives to save him and for all that prayed, thought of and were moved to action for Captain Phillips safe release...WAY to go US NAVY on a successful rescue!!!

Indeed EASTER Sunday was a day to celebrate...for more reasons than one!

Blessings abound...

2009-04-10T13:34:00.006-05:00

I am taking time to "reflect" on this holiest of times...the gift of everlasting Life... through Jesus Christ! Asking for God's continued blessings on each and every one of my friends and family members. I pray that you all have time to spend with loved ones and share in this glorious event.

God's continued blessings...throughout this week. I will update you next week on the status of what is going on in our lives. It is an exciting time for us and I have lots to share...meanwhile...HAPPY EASTER...EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU!!

Pure BLISS

2009-03-20T21:02:00.009-05:00

Well, it has been one of those "bliss" filled days around here for sure. It is REALLY starting to seem more and more like spring every day. The flowers are just about to POP, the grass is starting to turn a beautiful shade of green and the birds are WELL...just as busy as the bees!

It's springtime and what a great time to spruce up and begin anew....I want to share with you my daughters blog and what she has been up to lately. From her sight she mentions...

I have added a new category to my etsy site! I am now offering framed and gallery wrap listings! More are being added each day! Here are a few that are online for purchase now! Remember to check back for new listings daily!

So if any of you are interested in sprucing up or changing things around for the spring and summer...Please check out her site (I have added her link below and you can also visit her site and click on to her ETSY site as well)...she is trying to update with new photos as often as she can. I feel sure that if there is something special you have seen or want out there...all you need to do is contact her...and I'm sure she can create something spectacular for you. I'm biased...but I know her...she can create most anything. This is a close up of the "gallery" wraps that she creates...these are just the best...no frames needed...I like how they add that pop of color but there is no distraction from a frame...plus you don't have to worry about matching frames w/anything else around them. The gallery wraps she produces are some of the finest quality wraps out there...she takes great care in providing the BEST!

I love this...can't we all use a little more HOPE in our lives...this is a feature she has on her etsy site that is ready to live in your home. I just love having inspirational words and phrases surrounding me...what better way to do so than with these vintage letters...gotta love em'!

She also does individual letters...I personally love the "gallery wrap" individual letters...I especially love the "L" in the word bliss...I just don't know anyone with an "L" for their last name. These make GREAT wedding gifts for the new bride and groom...what's more fun as a young married couple than having your new initial proudly displayed in your home.

Also, she did mention on her site and to me...her very own mother (so we know it has to be true) she will be having a give-a-way very soon...so please keep checking back with her or me to see when that day arrives.

Until then..."happy spring"...and have a BLISS filled weekend!

Check her out on her blog www.jackieland.blogspot.com or her photography site at www.jacquelynlee.com

Sacramento Antique Faire and Friends...

2009-03-16T00:39:00.013-05:00

WHAT an exciting day it was...I was up with the sun...and then off to meet up with new friends in Sacramento to head off to the Antique Faire under the overpass. It was quite the experience for this ole Texas gal...I've been going to the Canton Trade Days for years...so many now I can't count...but NEVER have I been to an actual Antique Faire. I was so lucky to meet one of my all time favorite bloggers and her BFF...Tracey from Cottage Industry and "The Other Tracey"....oh! WoW folks...I'm telling you these two women have more energy, pizazz and talent in their pinkies than I do in my entire body....I loved meeting them...and as it appeared so did many of the other shoppers. Their booth was SPECTACULAR...these two sweeties had been up since the crack of dawn...before 4:00 a.m. and managed to not only have the BEST of Show...they were a delight to meet. I just know I could be friends w/them, they are both so welcoming and FUN...I knew it when "the other Tracey" had me laughing at her stories and little names she and Cottage Industry Tracey make up for items that...WELL, just need new names....I'm someone who is ALL about just making up my own rules, names and such...so these two were numero uno in my book. I tell you, if I went for a glass of Diet Coke AND a big piece of dessert w/these two...I would either be laughing so hard the Diet Coke would probably spew from my nostrils...OR worse...I would laugh so hard I could pee my pants...you know how that is...when you meet people out in the world that you just KNOW get it! These two do...and they certainly have FUN while doing that...they were fun.

Following are some high-lights of the faire (I'm sorry I don't have tons of pictures...but I WAS BUSY...LOOKING...BUYING and DIGGING!!)...and of the II Tracey's precious booth. If any of you are ever in SACRAMENTO...the second Sunday of the month....head over to the FAIRE...you won't be disappointed. Enjoy the pictures...

This is the precious dress form the II Tracey's had in their booth for that extra "pop" of fun...I know she has a name...but that would entail me having to dig through the archives of the Cottage Industry...and well, I'm just a tad too lazy for that...suffice it to say...I LOVED her...I want one just like it...and she was a huge hit!! If it weren't for the fact that this dress is strapless/sleeveless and I don't do THAT anymore...I would so wear it...because I think those RUFFLES would not only cover up a multitude of sins...but they are just too fun...of course I would be tasteful and mindful as not to WEAR it EVERYWHERE I went...I would save my black stretchy pants for that!! Talk about hiding a multitude of sins...they not only do that...but have room for expansion just in case I wanted to stop somewhere for that Diet Coke and a slice of cake/pie or FUDGE!!

This cute little beagle puppy most certainly was making his debut at the Faire and he too, was quite a hit!! His parents told me they were out trying to enjoy the day, the faire and socializing their puppy at the same time...he was so darn cute...I thought they were very smart to have him out early and socializing...I just know he's going to be a great little mascot for them!

Upon entering the Faire we saw lots of lovely trees and flowers in bloom...so I wanted to bring a little spring back w/me...and what better way than in a picture...not sure what this tree is...but I am on a quest to find out all about the trees, foliage, and wonderful flowers and plants that thrive in Northern California...it will be a new adventure for me...once we get there!! I am looking forward to milder summers and a more temperate climate to grow flowers/roses and such!!

If you haven't visited Tracey...please take the time to visit her fabulous blog...at
http://acottageindustry.typepad.com/ You will be glad you did...and the Other Tracey has just started her blog...you can visit her blog by clicking on the link at Cottage Industry...they are both winners...and already have a huge following! So enjoy!

Things are Looking UP!!!

2009-03-12T11:10:00.004-05:00

I love this picture...it certainly portrays how I feel things are going in my life right now...things are "looking up"! For those of you who have been asking and insisting that I find a new cardiologist...WELL, I did! I think I'm going to like this one...he spent over an hour EXPLAINING what, where and why to me...whew...I felt as though a ton of weight had literally been lifted off my chest. Honestly, folks...I left his office feeling a lot better...and he didn't do anything other than explain things to me, LISTEN to me and my concerns, listen to my heart and change me from Lipitor to Crestor. I felt like doing a high kick...except doing something like that would have sent me straight to an orthopedic to fix a dislocated hip or something!! Seriously, he really made me feel so much more relief...and I DID feel better...I think stress in itself had been causing so much more than I ever thought it could! Thanks to all of you who have insisted that I kick my other cardio to the curb...and for ALL your prayers and concerns....life is good...I feel better and will start exercising again...that should help immensely!

I love this picture and all of the smiling faces that surround me in it...my family is absolutely the best thing in my life...I LOVE each one of these faces, hearts and souls that stands beside me...literally and figuratively...they make my heart soar....THANK you God...for giving me the best! Clay (the sweetest man EVER), Jackie & Nat, Marcus & Emily...you are my rocks...I love each of you...with all my heart!!

Don't you love how my daughter just brings out the fun in all her subjects...she is so creative and has lots of passion for what she does...and it shows...Thanks again...Jacquelyn Lee!!

Another addiction....

2009-02-10T19:23:00.005-06:00

Well, I suppose I've just gone and lost all my marbles...because today...as if I don't already spend enough time sitting at this computer as I sit and watch my hips continue to grow larger...I decided to go and join FACEBOOK...geez...louise...people...there are tons of folks out there doing this and I even know a few of them!! YES...YES...I know...I can hear my mother's voice in my head...sayin~ "yes and sweetheart if everyone else were standing on a rooftop and decided to jump...doesn't mean you HAVE to."....oh lawzy mercy...I can't tell you how many times I heard that...it was her sweet or emphatic way of trying to tell me not to be a follower...ooopsss...I did it again...It's fun...but I still love blogging most...Hope all is well in your world...I'll be checking in with each of you as soon as I can...I've been out of town...and trying to catch up isn't always the easiest

thing to do!

Doctors...hmmmph!

2009-01-26T17:08:00.020-06:00

****Sorry this is wordy!! YOU may want to grab a cup of coffee, tea or diet coke to get through this!!****

I don't like to rant...but I think I am over-due!!! As most of you know I have been dealing with this whole "heart" thing for a while now....all seems to be going well. At my 3week check up after the angio-gram the cardiologists seemed very pleased that my LDL and Cholesterol levels had dropped...BUT...my liver enzyme levels elevated ever so slightly. So, the decision was made to drop the lipitor down to 10mg. a day...and wait three months and have blood drawn at that time. Well, I had my blood drawn week before last, went to my apt. on Monday of last week with hubbin in tow. My levels were almost a carbon copy of the previous levels...except for one thing...one of my liver levels (ALT) had risen from last time...it is at almost double what they consider normal...normal is anything between 6 - 40 U/L??? Mine is at 94..so it is a little more than double. The doctor told us they don't like to see these levels rise, but that does happen sometimes w/Lipitor or any statins...but they usually only get concerned when they rise to 3 times the norm...that they do not consider changing the Lipitor dosage unless that happens. So we're still OK...but he wants me to go to my Primary Care Physician in 6 weeks and have another test run.(I was a bit perplexed as to why my PCP should run this test instead of the cardiologist, after all he's the one prescribing the Lipitor!) OK...this is where I'm about to get a little mouthy. First, he asks..."have you had to take any of your nitroglycerin tablets?" to which I answered..."NO...thank the Lord"!...to which he did not comment!! I did go on to tell him I do have some chest pain from time to time and explained when it happened and how I felt...he just basically said, "oh that's probably your chest cavity muscles that could be weakened or your diaphragm!" OK...could you elaborate on that PLEASE...no such luck!...He then wanted to go over the list of meds I was taking, he did not like something...I could tell by his tone!! I went over the list of the 2 meds he had prescribed, another med I take for my stomach and then the vitamins I have added since menopause and this whole heart issue developed. I take a woman's vitamin as directed along with calcium and Vit. D...which was encouraged by my gyno...plus I'm in the midst of menopause and my cardio will not let me take Hormone replacement, b/c he thinks they could cause blood clotting and of course we don't want that...so I suffer w/the side-effects of the BIG M...but believe me I probably don't suffer in silence! However, I adhere to his rules because he has deemed this "best" for me! I also decided to add 200 mg. of CoQ10 to my daily intake...b/c of research I have done on it's positive effects on heart issues and help alleviating side-effects accompanied by Lipitor. It is suppose to help w/cramping which is a side-effect of statins. Ok...folks, I did my research and EVERYTHING (including some cardiologists reports!) I've read and gathered has said it is a good thing...that it is mostly vit. E and it is suppose to help with keeping your arteries pliable...wouldn't you want pliable arteries if they have plague in them??? I mean it makes sense to me. WELL, the cardiologists did NOT like that I was taking something he had not prescribed and proceeded to tell me THAT was probably what was causing my ALT to elevate and HOW could I possibly put in my mouth and ingest something that had not been FDA approved (sounds like he may have stock in the pharmaceutical company that makes Lipitor!)...hmmm...I never thought about a natural substance such as Vitamin E as something BAD for me and believe me I'm not overdosing on the stuff...I'm taking 200 mg. a day...I started out with 100 mg....but the cramping was still there, so I went to 200mg...the studies show that you can take much more...but I DON'T b/c what I'm taking seems to help! THIS is after he just sat there and told me that Lipitor causes some folks liver enzymes to elevate...but not to worry b/c mine weren't 3 x the limit! Then he decided I needed to another stress test to determine how much I could work out (because according to him I needed to be working out...uh...I want to Doc...you're the one who told me to hold off for 3 or 4 months!!) He seems to be so full of contradictions, he's really starting to tick me off! Oh and this was mentioned only after he tells me for the SECOND time...to call my PCP and set up the blood work for 6 weeks out...then he had the gall to say...almost like he was "wiping his hands clean of me" that he would see me in a YEAR!!! OK...at this point my head was almost spinning like the possessed child in the movie The Exocors***, you know the one! WHAT...I have questions...you have not answered...???? Then he walks out of the exam room! I'm still sputtering and stuttering...but he's already started his dictation in the hallway and can't be interrupted!!

I went in on Tuesday for the stress test (of course it was his day off so I couldn't get the results then)...I was told I would get a call back from the doctor by Thursday...I get a call late Friday 15 minutes b/f the docs office closes...and I'm not here, they leave a message for me to call on Monday...so I wait till today to get my results...after calling in...I received a phone call about 3 hours later...and the nurse proceeded to tell me that I could work out...but COULD NOT get my heart rate over 120 bpm...ok that was a surprise...seriously 120 bpm...I get that rate going up and down the stairs...they mentioned that my heart rate was up to 150bpm while I was there...but it seems that there was some stress to the heart during that time (I knew I was getting tired, but felt no pain in my chest)...so for safety sake they wanted me to keep my rate at 120. No explanations...nada!! I asked her lots of questions...to which she had NO answers...and when I asked her "due to the recent developments from this test, did the doctor mention if he needed to see me sooner than 1 year out?" SHE did not know...nor did she attempt to find out...she did tell me that my cardiologist was sending a detailed transcribed letter to my PCP and that maybe he could explain it all to me! OK...that just made my heart rate go WAY over 120 bpm! I knew I wasn't going to get anywhere with Nurse "doesn't-know-a-thing! So I decided to "let her go" and then immediately called my primary and talked to his nurse...she told me they had not received anything from the cardio...but as soon as they did she would schedule me time to see Dr. B...she too, wasn't very happy with what was going on....it wasn't 5 minutes later, she calls back and tells me the report just came in the afternoon mail...and that she was going to get me in ASAP! OK! can anyone explain to me my cardiologists attitude...why? oh why? do these Cardiologist think they are above explanations...why do I have to see my PCP to find out what another doctor is thinking! I'm so livid...I tell you, if my heart doesn't blow a gasket by Thursday (my appt. date) I'll be lucky! I'm not at all happy with the cavalier attitude of my cardiologist...who if you remember told me after my angiogram...that he WOULD NOT sit by and let what happen to my dad, my mother and brother happen to me. I've been thinking all along about getting a second opinion...NOW I know I'm going to...loosing my parents and brother to heart disease has certainly enlightened me about some things...but it also occurred to me that they all went to the same clinic that I am currently going to; a different doctor but the same association...hmmmm...and look where that got them! I know that sounds a bit crass...but I'm just a little peeved about this whole thing...first the man scares me to death and tells me all the things that are wrong or could go wrong...then gives me some meds...and basically after 2 visits tells me he'll see me in a YEAR, then has his nurse relay (vaguely) that I can only work out and get my heart rate up to 120bpm and then doesn't want to see me again! That just doesn't seem right...uh huh...that's not how I roll...I want answers as to WHY? AND I don't want to WAIT another dam year to talk to him and find out...why?? WHY I can't get my heart rate up to over 120 bpm AND if I will ever be able to get it up any higher? Will this change after some time on the treadmill???....will, I have to continue the beta-blockers once I start exercising? Is it the 75% blockage in one of my arteries that is causing stress on my heart...or is it the 30-50% blockage in the LAD artery or the 40-60% blockage in a lesser artery causing the problems? Or ALL the above??? Why can't they do a little balloon or angioplasty? I know I can't be stinted (they certainly went over that enough times) but what else can be done? Plavix...have they EVEN heard of that and if they have...why can't I take it??? Yea, folks this doctor with the "God" syndrome is not answering my questions and I'm not going to take it anymore....So bare with me during this rant...I just have to let off some steam...or I may blow that gasket after all! Just so you all know this took place in a matter of about 10 minutes...my appt. actually lasted over 15 minutes (this is the time I spent in the exam room...not the 45-50 minutes I waited to see the doctor in the waiting room...and probably 5 minutes of his time was spent in the hallway trying to find the nurse to track down my Lab report from the week before!)...do I sound peeved???

Whew...I already feel better and I just KNOW there are many of you out there that probably know some of the answers to my questions. I'm seeing my PCP on Thursday...I start Yoga on Wednesday...I fly to California on Thursday night...and I want ANSWERS before I go! OH!! and I know "they" recommend one glass of red wine a day for women to keep there heart healthy...I think I'm overdo for a case!...and believe me they have a LOT of nice little wineries in northern California...and by golly...that's just what I might do...relax a little...do what I can...and above all FIND A NEW DOCTOR!! and possibly do a little "self medicating" while I'm at it!

Thanks for letting me vent...I'll try harder next time to only post "good" things!

One more thing...if any of you out there have good questions you think I need to ask my Primary doctor on Thursday...please don't be shy about letting me know...I've thought of a lot of things...but you guys out here in blogland are so smart...I thought you may have some good questions to ask. I know some of you have been through similar trials...so any "wisdom" you have to pass on or questions you don't think I've thought of are welcomed.... So fire away...ladies...and gents!

2009-01-20T23:49:00.015-06:00

Yesterday...my darling daughter emailed me to let me know that the "family" pictures she had taken of all of us at Christmas were done...now all we have left to do is pick the picture/pictures we want to have blown up into the portrait that our children so "wisely" gave us as our Christmas gift this year. They knew we would love this gift...and I must say...this is the FIRST time I have ever liked a picture of myself.

Now, I know my daughter is a very talented artist and photographer...but I think she's a pretty good therapist, too...she managed to make me FEEL so great about ALL of these pictures...and I couldn't be happier with any gift I've ever received. I love all the pictures she has taken...but this little photo session was one of the BEST times I've had for so many reasons...but I'll let you decide for yourself...I mean...look at my kids, look at my adorable and lovin' hubbin...I am so very blessed...I love my family...and I feel so lucky that they are all so much a part of our lives.

NOW the task of picking the perfect ONE...this is just a few of the ones she sent...they are all equally as good...this is just a sampling...I think I'm going to have a very hard time picking just one...in fact I'm pretty sure I'm going to want all of them!!

Jackie...you "rock" as a daughter and a photographer, not only are you beautiful...but you "capture" beauty in all of us...part of the reason I smile is b/c of you...Nat...you add so much fun and laughter to everything you do...thanks, I love you for making life so much fun for all of us! Marcus...you just warm my heart with your smile, charm and quiet humor...I can't help but beam...I'm one lucky mama! Emily, you add so much to our family, not only with your "loving" heart...but with your true grace, beauty and charm. And last but not least...my sweet hubbin...without you...I would not be complete...thanks for our children...and thanks for loving me!

NOW...look at these faces...and tell me how I'm going to just pick one...

This is the first time I've ever had a picture taken of myself that didn't make me cringe...I'm now actually using one of the pictures she took of me...for my blog...Jackie seemed to help me relax and have fun, I didn't even know she was taking half of these pictures, which actually is best for me...I guess that's another reason she is so GREAT!

I'll be back....

2009-01-17T13:33:00.001-06:00

I finally got my new computer...so I'm going to be very busy trying to figure out how to be a techno wizard! Hmmmm...I might be gone for a while...:)...until then...wish me luck!!

FAMILY...jump shot!!

2009-01-06T14:08:00.012-06:00

Look what we did over the holidays....oh! how delighted I am...of course...that may change after I see myself in print! For Christmas the kids...our daughter, Jackie (the "best" photographer, EVER), her husband, Nat, our son Marcus and his lovely wife, Emily...blessed us with the gift of a family picture! Our daughter took us to a couple of different locations...first day we tried just around the land we own...but it was WAY too windy...so we all got dressed "back up" in our casual finery the next day (not as windy or cold...yea!)...and went to a wonderful area on the North Side of town, where we were able to find several incredible places for our daughter to set up her tri-pod, set the timer...get into place and shoot. This picture is one of our LAST ones for the day....our daughter said..."JUMP"... you can see by the picture...how badly the young un's are showing off with how high they can ALL jump....geez...mine and hubbins timing was WAY off...OR we just never really got that far off the ground. In any case it was a fun filled day...we have several great memories from just hanging out and taking pictures in a public place. Interesting how folks re-act when they see people posing for photos! Even more interesting is what was said among all of us while we were waiting for the camera to "click"...we have some real clowns in our family!!

**Just so you have a point of reference...my son and I are almost the same height...and I had on 1 1/2" to 2" heels...that little booger, his wife, our daughter and son in law...can JUMP! Hubbin and I are wimps...and he was counting for us along with the light on the camera...so we would jump at just the right moment...hmmm...I never have professed to being athletic...and WHAT is with my MOUTH being wide open...seems I must have thought you could jump higher if your mouth is open...and your arms are above your head....hmmm! Fun times...really, and my knees are feeling almost normal again!! LOL! **

Thanks KIDS...we already know we're going to love ALL of the pictures...even the ones with the wind and the dogs misbehaving, shedding...and not smiling! Thanks to Jackie, too...for all of her hard work on photo day...and the many hours I'm sure she will spend putting the pictures together for each of us...we love your work!!

Snakes...everywhere!!!

2009-01-03T10:41:00.010-06:00

NOW that I have your attention I thought I would bore you first with the most pathetic looking tree...EVER...don't feel too sorry for her...she's had over 20 years of life with us...she was suppose to be sent to Christmas tree heaven last year...but thankfully we held on to her for one more year! We thought possibly we would be in our new dream house by this time when we were packing away last year...but just in case we weren't we decided to keep her around one more year...and thankfully so...b/c we're still here...the tree is however...gone as of today...she went to the ole trash heap in the sky...Lord knows nobody wanted her...not even Charlie Brown...she has broken limbs, scraggly boughs and tilts like the leaning tower of Pizza...not to mention the lights we originally pre-lit her with over 20 years ago...have finally started going out...can you believe that??? All the lights were still working up until about 2 years ago...then slowly but surely they have started to go out...and we've had to re-string them...now that's a chore...when the tree was originally pre-lit by my most meticulous husband! Each limb having lights down and back on each and EVERY one of them...yea...I just got tired of trying to figure it all out and tossed some lights on there...and left the burned out ones on...b/c well...you can't see them anyway! Lazy...maybe...but I just have too many things to do other than worrying about unstringing dead lights to be replaced with live lights...when at the end of the season...all of it is going AWAY!! FAR, FAR AWAY!!

Thankfully our Christmas faired much better than the ole tree and was a wonderful Christmas time for all of us this year...all our family was together and we certainly did take advantage of the time we had to spend together. We opened WAY too many gifts...but hey...that was too fun...we ate more than we should have...but what are New Year's Resolutions for if not for eating too much at Christmas...and we really got to spend some quaility time together...hanging out, going to the movies, acting goofy, cooking...washing dishes....cooking...washing dishes...cooking some more and washing MORE dishes...see a pattern here??? But, hey with my new sparkly clean counter tops and backsplash, plus new sink in the kitchen it did make it a much more asthetically pleasing area to be in...Seriously, though we had a wonderful Christmas and I pray everyone else did too!

NOW!!

As far as my title and snakes go...I just wanted you to know that it's not REAL snakes...but instead these precious little or big snakes...that you make to keep drafts from coming in under windows and doors. I saw this idea in a darling book my daughter shared with me when I visited her in Colorado in October...it is called "Simple Sewing" by Lotta Jansdotter (doncha just love that name). I decided I MUST have that book, too...so I ordered it from Colorado to be delivered in Texas when I returned home...isn't the internet GREAT for things like that!! The idea was for me to come right home and make several of these to send back to precious daughter and her husband BEFORE the winter storms blew in...ummm...well, as you know things happen, life gets busy and if you're like me....good intentions sometimes do not come to fruition as quickly as we would like! So...while in Colorado I gathered up some of our daughters favorite fabrics, took measurements of all windows and doors...and decided to come home...buy a few coordinating fabrics and get these things made and on their way...well, guess what??? I did that...YESTERDAY....all DAY...I made a total of 11 snakes and used over 45 pounds of cheap white rice!! There are still 2 snakes that were sent off with our darling daughter and her hubby this morning without rice...but I did give her strict instructions on how to do this (like I even NEED to do that...first, she's really smart and creative and secondly, she has THE book...but you know I'm a mom and I just had to do that!!)...and told her the sooner the better. I hope she's not like her mom too much and waits till summer!!

By the looks of it...our grand-dog Corrina may want her own snakes to cuddle up to...she just hung around with me most of the day...sniffing the snakes (probably wanting to tear into them for the rice) and just snuggling like she knew what they were for...too cute!

Hope you all have a very BLESSED and HAPPY New Year...I'll have some announcements coming soon...you won't want to miss....hopefully, I will know something by the end of next week or the following week....suspense...eh??? Don't you just love a good mystery? Feel free to guess...but I think most of you will never guess what is up for our family in the coming year. Excluding...the two or three ladies I have shared the news with...and I'll help you all out with a clue of sorts...it has nothing to do with becoming a grandmother OR LOLLIE as I want to be called! Dang it!! Well, of course the year has just started...so maybe??? Nah...not likely!

Never again....

2008-12-20T10:16:00.002-06:00

WOW! Things are hectic around here...I just have one question for myself. WHAT WAS I THINKING? I thought I would get the ball rolling a little early on getting our home in spic and span condition so we can sell her quickly...I decided we needed to update the kitchen, half bath, utility room and then later "after Christmas we would do our bathroom and have the outside painted...then that's it...we'll put it on the market and see what happens. BUT the whole idea of getting new granite counter tops in the midst of Christmas shopping, decorating and general holiday madness...was NOT one of my better ideas...as I stated..."WHAT WAS I THINKING! I've not had so much dust in my home since...well, the last redo! I hate dust by the way...it not only looks bad, but it gives me terrible headaches, swollen eyes, nose and throat...not to mention I heard "someone" say just the other day, it makes me GROUCHY!! Hmmmm...can't imagine why. I spent all weekend cleaning out my kitchen cabinets from dust and debris...along with washing EVERY dish, spoon, spatula and small appliance I have....it was THAT bad! Did you know that granite dust is so fine and light that it can float almost anywhere in your home...YES! I was crazy...I regret that I didn't think it would really be this bad...and I think next time...I'll wait till after a holiday to take on such a project. It is almost done...everything is complete, but today the plumber has to come in an hook up the kitchen sink...THAT is an whole other story...that I will save for another day! YOU won't believe it...suffice it to say, this should have been finished last week, but do to bad roads one day, schedule conflicts and other happenings...it should be finished today...then I get to put everything back to where things belong...all the while trying to keep dusting, finish Christmas "doings" and stay sane....Pictures to follow!!

Have a wonderful Christmas if I don't get to post before then....my kids will all be here...and we are looking forward to fun, relaxing, playing, pampering (for the girls) and just lots of time together, to re-charge for next year...it's going to be a BIG one!!

She's HOME!!

2008-12-14T11:17:00.001-06:00

Our daughter LEFT the hospital Friday night for the comfort of her home and her own bed. She called us Friday evening once she got home and commented how happy she was to be there! I know that feeling!! Yesterday, I spoke with her sweet hubby and he did say she was still in some pain...but was happy to be sleeping in the warmth and comfort of her bed. I told him there was nothing more healing than resting and being at home. Hopefully, she will just need a few more days of rest and pain meds and then she will be up and about again. It does take a while for her to gain back her strength and stamina...but she has learned not to rush it...so my prayers are that she continues to improve and take her time just healing and resting!

Thank you all for your prayers and continued best wishes. I am thankful for each and every one of you!

In other news...Mr. Blog...is NOW not letting me post pictures...NOW I'm starting to get a complex and think that maybe HE just doesn't care for me OR that it could be ME! It could have something to do with our worn out computer...but I am happy to say...that will soon be replaced with a brand spankin new one...I can't wait...NOW I'll be able to edit things to the hilt...listen to music again (yea, something has happened to our speakers) and just enjoy the heck out of having a newer faster computer!! It has been a long time in coming, we just have really procrastinated on replacing this one...I think it has something to do with the fact of having to set things up and the time it will take to load everything on to a new computer!! Can you say....lazy??? Once I figure everything out...I'll be good to go...but of course by the time I do figure things out, I'll probably already need a new one!

Update...12-10-08

2008-12-10T19:02:00.000-06:00

Just wanted to send out an update on our daughter "Jackie". As of today, she is still in the hospital...but improving. She thinks; hopefully, if all goes well she may get to go home on Friday...they have started her on clear liquids and she has been able to tolerate them...but is still in a fair amount of pain. That's the nature of that beast...she just can't eat or drink until the pancreas "cools off" as they say and the swelling starts subsiding. I think the morphine she is on makes her a bit restless...but it does seem to be helping with the pain. I always know when she is in pain and on pain meds...when I talk to her she calls me "mommy"...just like when she was a little girl...instead of "mother" as she so lovingly does now ( I called my mom "mother, too as did my mom and her mother...hmmm a strange family tradition?). She is just too sweet for words...and I hate that she has to endure this...but as I said the other day...she is one tough cookie. You know I should have probably named her "Grace" because she has taught me so much about grace under pressure...you wouldn't believe how much I've learned from all this...and how much she has had to endure, she amazes me how she just takes it in stride...I think that's why she has always been mature and wise beyond her years!

So thanks for all the comments, prayers and best wishes...I'll keep updating as I know things. OH! and don't think for one minute that I am not having to sit on my hands to keep from hopping a plane...wanting to take the next flight out to Colorado to be with her...but she assures me...she is doing fine and to save those tickets for another day.

Prayers...again...please

2008-12-08T22:56:00.002-06:00

Just wanted to post a quick note...life has been crazy around our household for a while now...but the big concern right now is that our precious daughter is in the hospital. For those of you that don't know her or know her history...she has a hereditary condition called chronic famial pancreatitis...she has suffered bouts of it since she was five years old. This disease is VERY painful...and it is very rare. Some folks DO have or get pancreatitis, but it is usually a one time event...caused by one or more factors...possibly gall stones, injury to the pancreas, obesity, alcholism or drugs. I can assure you our daughter has not suffered from any of these...instead there is something chemical in her body that causes the pancreas to swell, close off the pancreatic ducts and in essence doesn't allow the pancreatic enzymes to flow properly into the intestines to digest the food. Thus, the enzymes (which work much like battery acid) stay within the pancreas and essentially destroy and eat away at the pancreas. That is where the pain comes from...the inflamation and the actual eating away of the pancreatic walls. I know folks that have had a one time bout with this and claim it is far worse than childbirth, kidney stones or even some cancers. She is tough...she has dealt with this a LONG time...but it never is easy. She used to get attacks about once a year, a few times she has had more than one attack in a year...and sometimes they last from a few days to a few weeks. The ONLY thing our medical world has been able to determine is that it is painful and that they must "rest" the pancreas. To do this, they admit her to the hospital, start an IV and administer strong pain meds and anti-nausea medicines and allow NO foods or water by mouth until it has run it's course. The GREAT news is since she and her hubbin have moved to Colorado over 2 years ago...this is her FIRST big attack that has required hospitilaztion. The BAD news is...the doctor she is using (which WILL change, soon) is not really savy when it comes to this disease and has really dropped the ball as far as a very slow admissions and running test that only exacerbate the pain. For now, she is still in some pain, but they do have her on a morphine drip and are trying to ease the nausea and pain.

I am asking please for all you prayer warriors out there...to please remember our sweet Jackie in your prayers...we are asking for wisdom from the hospital and doctors treating her, a speedy recovery and that they are able to get the pain and nausea under control. She is one tough cookie, this little girl of ours...she has dealt with it for so long...but hey, who's ever REALLY ready to go to the hospital...especially when you are in such pain.

Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers...I'll keep you all updated...PLUS I do have BIG news...that I will be sharing as soon as I have a moment to collect my thoughts...AND blogger lets me post pictures!

Bone to Pick...and it ain't turkey!

2008-11-26T11:31:00.005-06:00

Ok...I'm really trying to get into the "holiday" spirit along with some cleaning and decorating. However, I'm having some difficulty "focusing" b/c...WELL, I'm a bit perturbed b/c of Mr. Blogspot; HE is not letting me post comments on some of my favorite blogs! Now...to me...when friends stop by for a visit I like to do the same and visit their blogs along with leaving a little comment or two...but sadly, I am not able to comment on ANYONE'S blogs. This has been going on for over a week or two (I'm so disturbed about it I've lost count)...and people THAT'S TOO LONG!! So please if you haven't heard from me in a while, don't think I'm being all snooty or aloof...it's NOT me...seriously...I don't know what the deal is...last time this happened Mr. Blog wouldn't let me post pictures...and sadly I think he's up to his evil and selective ways again. I'm just going to threaten him right here, right now...it worked last time...but that was AFTER I waited nearly 3 weeks. WHAT is up with his attitude???

So I just wanted to stop doing all the cleaning and decorating for just a minute and wish all my friends out here in blogland...a very Blessed Thanksgiving! I will comment as soon as I have a little "talk" with Mr. Blog and he lets me out of detention! OH! and if any of you are wondering...NO! this isn't my dining room...but isn't it lovely. I don't know where I found it...but it is one that I love and wanted to have as a reference for building the dream house! OH! and that reminds me...we have some more NEWS going on around here...I'll be sharing that AFTER Thanksgiving...And NO! it's not grandbabies!! DRAT! None the less things are changing around here with every passing week! It's just crazy!!

Blessings...
Teresa

Todays YOUR Birthday!!

2008-11-21T10:25:00.009-06:00

The guy in the middle is our son...today he turns 26 (the other 2 guys are my hubbin to the left and our son-in-law to the right)...OUR baby...I can't believe that he is now 26 any more than I can believe how fortunate we were to be blessed to have him as a son! This picture was taken from the "guys" fishing extravaganza in Alaska in August/Sept. of 06....in all the pictures you will see them smiling like this...I think they had a GREAT time!

Because I've done posts before where I have poetically (in my mind) described how much we love our son and daughter...I decided I would take the easy way out today...instead of writing another boring essay...I am going to cheat and make a list of all the things I love about our son...it's not hard to do...in fact I could go on for days with lists about both our children and children in laws...but today is...Marcus' day...and these are things that make him...well...Marcus...and the things we both love about him.

1. He loves the Lord
2. He is a great son to both of us.
3. He treats his wife with tremendous love and respect.
4. He loves his sister.
5. He chose a wonderful girl to spend his life with.
6. He makes me laugh.
7. He has the best laugh.
8. He has a beautiful smile and uses it often (he learned how to smile from his gorgeous sister)
9. He is honest.
10. He has a strong work ethic.
11. He is a loyal friend.
12. He cares about ALL his family and his wife's family.
13. He cares about being fair.
14. He is one of the best "grand-dog" owners I've seen. (he and his wife own one of my fabulous grand-dogs...the other is owned by our daughter and SIL.)
15. He is a fabulous chef...I'm a bit biased...but hey the guy can cook!
16. He never minds cooking...even when it's his day off!
17. He has great friends and we love them all!
18. He has a winning personality!
19. He has great manners.
20. He is smart AND funny!
21. He isn't perfect and he's not afraid of that...thank the Lord...he really is my son!
22. He is a great combination of both my husband and my father!
23. He is adventerous.
24. He considers his dad his best friend. (aside from his wife)
25. He laughs at my silly jokes.
26. He is and always has been a cuddlier...I loved it when he was a child...and his wife loves it now!

Happy Birthday! Marcus...you are an awesome son...and we love you very much!

A picture of Marcus and his wife at a friends wedding...I know if you've read my blog for any length of time...you have probably seen this picture...but hey, I said I was going to take the lazy way out and post things that made it easy! It's one of those days...besides I was in labor for 4 hours 26 years ago today...doesn't that count for something! Besides...I love this picture...I love how they are looking at one another...after all it was only a short time before this that they walked down the aisle...goose bump memories I tell ya!

Love you forever,
Mom<><

"Lovely"

2008-11-14T20:25:00.005-06:00

Just wanted to post about something exciting that is happening for our daughter. Starting today and running for several more weeks she will be the "featured" artist at a sweet little shop in an area of Arvada, Co. called "Olde Towne"...now doesn't THAT just sound scrumptious. This is the invitation that was sent out...she'll be featured for a while (she also designed the invitation for "Lovely")...We are so excited for her and praying for much success...and I pray she enjoys EVERY minute!! If you are in the Denver/Golden/Arvada area...go check it out...if not you can look on-line at her site... www.jackieland.blogspot.com and you can reach her photography or etsy site from there!

Good luck...Jackie!!

Queen of our Hearts

2008-11-09T23:53:00.003-06:00

Today....29 years ago, the queen of our hearts was born...I am talking about our daughter "Jacquelyn" or Jackie as we've always referred to her. She came into our lives on Nov. 9, 1979...at 8 pounds 6 1/2 ounces and 21 inches long...a head full of beautiful brown hair and the most gorgeous eyes and dimples I've ever seen. Yes, she swooped in and captured our hearts at 15 minutes past 4:00 p.m. CST and stole our hearts...forever and always. I hate that I don't have pictures to post...but I am in California as I post this...so I have no access to my photos...but you all know her...and you know how lovely she is...So-oooo I just wanted to give a little shout out to our girl...and wish her the best birthday ever. To let her know we love her, are constantly amazed by her heart, her talents and her sweet little ways...I know kids don't always want to hear that they will always and forever be our little child...but when I think of her...I can't help but remember those days of soft curls around that cherub face...those expressive eyes...and those deep delicious dimples...but then again...she still has those gorgeous curls, expressive eyes, and deep dimples...so I don't have to look far to be reminded of how precious she is and always will be to both lovin' hubbin and I.

So HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! Jackie...we love you...and pray you have a fabulous day!!!

Uhhhh...Ya think???

2008-11-01T01:02:00.010-05:00

I may be starting something here that isn't of great interest to some out here in blog land...but I've sat on the sidelines a little too long not to say something. I mean to tell you...we ALL think we know what the right answer to our next president is...and thank God we have THAT freedom...but please folks...don't believe everything you read or hear...and please by all means do the research yourself...don't depend on the media...as you will see and most already know our media has been so biased during this election...more so than I've ever seen before...so please READ, READ, READ...about your candidates...look at their voting records...take into consideration how long they have served our country and to what capacity. Look at whether or not your candidate was willing to take a stand for his beliefs without worry whether they were popular with their prospective parties or future contributors to their campaign funding...check into the people they have associated with most of their lives. Look at what they have put on the line to be running in this election...and look at the state they are from and read about how their state has faired...and what the candidates have done to encourage unity in those states. Just try and get your hands on something other than the not so unbiased news cast and newspapers...reading the candidates records and remembering their voting records may be your only chance to see and read fair and balanced reporting. Also, look at whether your candidate ACTUALLY voted for a specific bill OR if he just managed to be "present"....it's hard to change things in our government if you are physically present...but not mentally engaged enough to vote....hmmmm...is that what they are referring to as a "telflon" canidate...nothing of any substance to stick to him??? Makes me wonder???

I ran across this tonight before heading off to bed...it is less than 96 hours away from election day and of those days only 2 are voting days...and just NOW they are coming out with a report that the media has been biased and unfair in their reporting of the election toward John McCain and Sarah Palin and the entire Republican party....REALLY...how many folks had to participate in this little study before they managed to come up with that little tid-bit of information...better yet, if they knew this(and believe me they have known...we ALL HAVE!) 1) why didn't they put it out here before now 2) why isn't it ALL OVER the tv programs that run non-stop polls on how well one candidate is doing over the other...HECK, I could have told them about the biased journalism months ago...AND I would have done it for FREE!! The media has been so far left-sided since oh I don't know Feb. or March of this year...so much so...I felt they might need to invest in ankle weights to keep them from completely tipping over! Honestly, I know that the republicans are trying so hard to get the word out there and trying their best to win this election without any media help...but why oh why? have we just now had the opportunity to hear what others have known for a very long time...I am so tired of all this liberal media crap...what ever happend to fair and unbiased journalism...OK...sorry, I'm on a tangit...but when I saw this report tonight...I just couldn't believe it has taken this long to garner ANY media attention. WHY oh WHY haven't they released this way before now...but then again...would it even help??...whew...I'm afraid we are heading down a path that soon we will want to run from! But that is just my opinion...and I am thankful we still have that freedom...for now anyway!!

Below is the article to which I refer...

NEW YORK – John McCain supporters who believe they haven't gotten a fair shake from the media during the Republican's candidacy against Barack Obama have a new study to point to.

Comments made by sources, voters, reporters and anchors that aired on ABC, CBS and NBC evening newscasts over the past two months reflected positively on Obama in 65 percent of cases, compared to 31 percent of cases with regards to McCain, according to the Center for Media and Public Affairs.

ABC's "World News" had more balance than NBC's "Nightly News" or the "CBS Evening News," the group said.

Meanwhile, the first half of Fox News Channel's "Special Report" with Brit Hume showed more balance than any of the network broadcasters, although it was dominated by negative evaluations of both campaigns. The center didn't evaluate programs on CNN or MSNBC.

"For whatever reason, the media are portraying Barack Obama as a better choice for president than John McCain," said Robert Lichter, a George Mason University professor and head of the center. "If you watch the evening news, you'd think you should vote for Obama."The center analyzed 979 separate news stories shown between Aug. 23 and Oct. 24, and excluded evaluations based on the campaign horse race, including mention of how the candidates were doing in polls. For instance, when a voter was interviewed on CBS Oct. 14 saying he thought Obama brought a freshness to Washington, that was chalked up as a pro-Obama comment.(this is the one that has me most afraid!)

When NBC's Andrea Mitchell reported Oct. 1 that some conservatives say that Sarah Palin is not ready for prime-time, that's marked in the negative column for McCain.

ABC recorded 57 percent favorable comments toward the Democrats, and 42 percent positive for the Republicans. NBC had 56 percent positive for the Democrats, 16 percent for the Republicans. CBS had 73 percent positive (Obama), versus 31 percent (McCain).

Hume's telecast had 39 percent favorable comments for McCain and 28 percent positive for the Democratic ticket.

It was the second study in two weeks to remark upon negative coverage for the McCain-Palin ticket. The Project for Excellence in Journalism concluded last week that McCain's coverage has been overwhelmingly negative since the conventions ended, while Obama's has been more mixed.

Meanwhile, another survey issued Friday by the Pew Research Center for the People & the Press showed that television continues to be Americans' main source for campaign news, particularly the cable news networks.

But there were clear partisan differences in where people turned.

For instance, of the people who said they got most of their campaign news from Fox News Channel, 52 percent identified themselves as Republican, 17 percent as Democrats and 30 percent as independents, the Pew center said.

MSNBC viewers interested in campaign news identified themselves at 11 percent Republican, 50 percent Democratic and 36 percent independent. The breakdown for CNN: 13 percent Republican, 45 percent Democrat, 38 percent independent.

The study was based on a survey of 2,011 people taken Oct. 17-20 and 24-27. It has a margin of error of plus or minus 2.5 percent.

I'm home...

2008-10-24T22:11:00.010-05:00

I'm home...I arrived late last night after a wonderful visit with my daughter in Colorado! The scenery was of course spectacular...we even enjoyed a little snow while traveling into Evergreen. The weather there is starting to become pretty brisk...and the fall colors are really just awesome!
I stole this lovely picture from Jackie's blog when she went on a road trip with her hubbin a couple of weeks ago...beautiful!!
Can you believe that neither one of us took one single photo? YES, we are BAD...I have an excuse though, hubbin took our camera with him on his hunt...so I didn't have one. However, my daughter has several, but we were so busy doing our thing...we just never took time to photograph anything!!

This is another stolen picture from her blog...I just couldn't post without some pictures....it goes against my grain...but stealing from my daughter doesn't appear to bother me in the least!! :)

We did lots in Colorado and stayed pretty busy. I was able to accompany her to one of the art classes she teaches in Evergreen and had a wonderful time watching her with the kiddos...she had her hands full with the 7 year olds, who were not only very inquisitive & energetic... but so very smart! One of her students even told me I was a very good artist (Jackie let me join in), so of course that little girl became my instant friend! Jackie told me after class..."I think she liked you, Mom!"...well, I did draw and paint a pretty spectacular owl! They were really just too precious and Jackie did a fabulous job...and YES I am biased! We also, were able to dine at one of my favorite restaurants in town..."Bella Bistro"...it did not disappoint! We shopped some, watched a cute chick flick, organized her studio area, we both cooked some of our favorite things, and of course we spent an afternoon at the spa...yes, all in all I would say we had a great time and were able to relax some, too! I miss being with her...but as you all know it is always GREAT to get back home, too! Double edge sword, I suppose...but I'm just so thankful that we both had the time to hang out together while the guys were gone!

Thanks Jackie...I enjoyed spending time with you and Corinna (my grand-dog)!

I'm off tomorrow before the guys get back home to indulge my DIL in a little pampering, too...she's had a tough week...missing her guy, attending class AND taking two major test this week. She will finish this semester of med school and then in January she starts her rotations! Whew! She will need the pampering then more than ever...and I will just be too happy to oblige!

Hope all is well in your world...I've kept up with some of my blog pals...but I am sorely behind...so forgive me while I try and play catch-up!

Updates...graphs...and getting away!

2008-10-17T10:33:00.008-05:00

I feel so technical..not sure how well I did on the graph but I did want to show everyone how well my levels are looking since we first found out about my coronary blockages.(ignore the left side numbers...I don't know WHERE those came from...but they don't have anything to do with MY graph!!)

Overall my levels have improved immensely...so much so the doctor has lowered my lipitor from 20 mg. a day to 10 mg. a day. My HDL levels did lower slightly, but he said this was not uncommon since everything else plummeted...but we'll work with diet to get those back up as high as possible! One of the main reasons he lowered my Lipitor dosage is b/c my levels are very, very low (which is not bad...actually very good, but leaves room for some change if needed) but he noticed my liver levels AST and ALT were slightly elevated...normal being AST 10-35 U/L mine was 46 and the ALT normal being 6-40 U/l mine was 72. This means my liver is reacting a tad to the lipitor...so to keep that from continuing he lowered my lipitor intake. He told me as a general rule they never lower the lipitor dosage unless the liver levels have almost tripled and as you can see mine are no where near that...but b/c my LDL and cholesterol are now so unbelievably low he felt comfortable lowering the Lipitor dosage which in turn will only help the liver get back to normal . He was shocked how quickly my levels lowered. He told me he can't ever remember any ones levels coming down that quickly on that low of a dosage in less than a month! I'm sure he thinks this all happened b/c of the statins...but I know differently. I know lots of folks have been praying for just this and God has answered so many prayers already. Plus, I'm going to pat myself on the back...just a tad...b/c I have been living like a saint as far as eating goes ( now b/c I gave up one vice...I fear my vice of spouting a few inappropriate words may have increased...but I only say this to myself and out loud on occasion...HEY, it's my ONLY vice!) I have stuck strictly to a heart healthy diet...which in turn I believe helped out with the lowering of my cholesterol and LDL...plus I've lost 7 pounds...so that is another great thing!! I will return to the cardiologists in 3 months with new test in hand...he will then see how things are going (which I KNOW are going to be great) and if so he wants to run another nuclear treadmill test to see just where we are at with the blockages! I'm going to love it when he says..."all is good" and I can breath a sigh of relief. I know it is something I will always have to be diligent about....but these last few weeks have been a little more stressful than I care to think about. Nothing like having to carry a bottle of nitroglycerin around with you at all times to make you feel a little "freaked"!!

I tell you I don't know if I am more excited about my doctors report or the fact I was able to navigate my way around designing a graph :) :)....weak and lame maybe...feeble in fact...but hey it was my first ever attempt and WELL, I'm just so darn proud of this little baby!

Other news...my lovin hubbin and the boys are gone to Montana and Idaho...in fact I just talked with my man minutes ago. He was about to board a little hopper flight to the Bitteroot Mountains where the base camp will be for their 9 day excursion of wilderness, eating and sleeping in the cold mountains with their Indian guides, hunting elk, bear, deer and sheep...you know living a childhood dream of being mountain men doing all those crazy things that have to do with nature and I'm sure LOVING every minute of it! Remember now...my idea of "getting away" was going to Costa Rica with my girls...and we did...and we had a blast. I pray for safety for our fella's and that they have the time of their lives. Meanwhile, I am flying to Colorado to spend some time with my girl...we're going to do a little exploring ourselves...like the local Oasis Spa...the downtown Denver art museums and restaurants...and of course some "shopping" in all the quaint little towns surrounding that area...not to mention I will be accompanying my daughter to a couple of art classes she teaches...I can't wait!

When I return I am going to pamper my daughter-in-law some...she deserves it...she has been working ubber hard in med-school!! I think this has been one of her toughest semesters yet...but she is hitting home runs all the way! She is so dang smart, she works her butt off and she has an incredible work/study ethic...so she is having quite a bit of success. She starts her rotations in January...so I want to give her some Pamper Time before her sweet hubbin gets home!

Thanks for all your prayers and continued prayers for not only my health...but the safety of our guys while traveling!

Thanks again...I'll catch up when I return...if not sooner....hopefully with pictures...I'll have to rely on my daughters lovely pictures however, because my lovin' hubbin' took my camera....hmmmm...I may have to find me a new one...after all that one is really his...ahhh...now I have a mission...FIND a new camera...if any of you have a great one that you think I should know about PLEASE let me know...soon!

HEARTfelt....

2008-10-09T18:04:00.009-05:00

Over the weekend...we were blessed to see our sweet daughter. She flew in very briefly for her 10 year class reunion...YIKES...I have a daughter who has been out of high school for 10 years...GEEZ...I can remember my 10 year, 20 year...and not too long ago my 30 year reunion....kind of makes me feel old....Anyhoo...she was only here for what seemed like a minute...then she had to fly back home to Colorado! While she was here...she gave me this book that she compiled from information off the Internet, magazines and healthy heart articles. I know she worked very hard on this and it is a very comprehensive guide to living "heart" healthy! It is compiled of not only facts and articles for the mind, body and soul...but it is complete with wonderful heart healthy recipes, workouts and practical guides to living heart healthy! Folks...I nearly burst into tears when she gave it to me. I never expected anyone to do so much for me when it came to helping me figure out all this crazy heart healthy lifestyle, it's sometimes daunting or at least to me! (I've never had to really worry too much about my weight, in fact I was always told when I was younger that I was too skinny; even my husband thought I was way too thin when we first met, my how things can change!!...but skinny or fat has nothing to do with bad genes). I also think she was rather excited about it herself because she gave it to me the minute she got in our car to leave the airport (she's the one who can keep a secret forever, too)...and she should have been excited...it is absolutely GREAT! I love it... AND I love her for taking the time to compile it...I feel like the luckiest woman and mother on earth! It is divided into chapters and each is color coded...making it so easy to refer back to other articles and such. I have spent several hours reading over it, making lists, compiling new menus and basically learning a whole lot of things I should have listened to a long time ago. I've always thought of myself as someone who never really ate too badly (remember I was a child of the late 50's and told to always clean my plate and when it came to exercise we all got plenty by just being kids and playing hard), but with the issues I face now...I am not giving it a chance to get worse...I am going to stick to the healthiest possible way of eating for my heart for as long as I can. I am hoping at one point my levels will be so great (they aren't bad now for most folks...but need to be lower b/c of my family history) that I won't have to take statins or beta-blockers...but for now...I'll continue to take those 2 pills a day...eat healthy and start a better work out regimen.

THANKS JACKIE...you've made this a whole lot easier for me and I am so grateful to you for taking the time to do this for me...I think your love language must be "giving" or "quality time" b/c that is just what this is to me!!

Between Jackie keeping me on my toes with this book and Emily (my daughter-in-law) passing on more heart healthy eating lite recipes....I should be in great shape before next summer....hmmmm...maybe that would warrant another trip...somewhere...???? Costa Rica...maybe????

OH! and one more thing...Listen to Jack LaLane...and even Richard Simmons...ladies...they both tell of just shopping the parameter of your grocery store...that is the best way to shop for a healthier life style...b/c you don't get into the middle of the store where it is full of processed foods, junk and things that are not healthy! Makes for a faster trip, too...I've heard this for years...but never really took heed! It's funny how the words 75% blockage can cause you to get busy doing what is right for your health! I'm not going to hang my head and look back at things I could have done better b/c honestly I did not know I had a higher cholesterol than I should have had with the family history...b/c those things are in the past...but I will abide by the new rules as if my life depends on it...and I pray we will see a marked change in things...very soon!! I go to the cardiologists on Monday...have blood work drawn, tomorrow...so we should find out soon what is working and how well.

Back Home...with recovery on my mind.

2008-09-24T18:04:00.013-05:00

WOW! If that doesn't sound like a country song I don't know what does....

First I want to say thank you all for your kind notes, prayers and well-wishes...AND a special thank you to my awesome daughter Jackie...for being the sweetest most beautiful guest blogger ever!!

Secondly, here's a bit of an update on what was found with my catheterization of the heart yesterday. First, I am a bit sore and I have to stay pretty inactive for the next few days. No lifting, stooping, bending, picking up anything over 5 pounds, no CROSSING my legs, no going upstairs...and no driving...none of that fun stuff. Really, seriously I think this is one of the hardest parts...there are days you wish you could just lay around and do nothing w/o any guilty feelings what so ever...but then when you get the chance (even though I would never wish this chance on anyone) you find yourself wanting to do EVERYTHING you can't do. Hmmmm I guess there is no making me happy! LOL:)

Now the results of the test were a bit surprising and then again, not so much, if that makes ANY sense! It was a great relief to know what has been going on and why...and that I am NOT going crazy or imagining any of this. First, I have 3 blockages...not one, as initially thought...and the major blockage is in a vein called the Ramus that intersects with the Left Anterior Descending artery (the big one)...this blockage is at 75 to 80% according to the 2 doctors I spoke with yesterday...it's not a major artery, but it can still cause some trouble. Also, b/c it does intersect with the L.A.D. and the narrowing or stenosis at or just below the intersection of these 2 arteries...makes it very difficult to stint and result in a great amount of success...PLUS unknown to any of us...I seem to have very tiny arteries and veins...whodda thunk? Secondly, I do have another blockage in the largest section of the L.A.D. which seems to be at best guess around 50 to 60%. There is also another small artery that is a part of the L.A.D. that has some blockage right at the opening of it and the main L.A.D. artery...so again...these 2 are very hard to stint. So, this is the plan. The doctors have started me on a statin and will increase the dosage over the next couple of weeks...at this time I am taking 20mg...but they most likely will increase this amount to at least 40mg. They also started me on a beta-blocker, to slow my heart rate. I DO NOT have high blood pressure...but b/c of the 3 blockages and the fact that I have tiny arteries, they want to slow the heart rate down a bit to help it from having to "overwork" itself. It's kind of like the doctor said, with my family history, I need my roads to be major highways...but unfortunately I just have tiny back roads for my blood to travel, so they are trying to make that journey a little less taxing! Great analogy, eh? So, b/c they don't recommend stinting...this is the plan...I will continue to take 2 baby aspirin a day, take the statins, and beta blockers...work on not stressing my heart too much for the next few weeks, eat low fat and heart healthy (which basically I've always tried to do) and then I check back in with the doctor on week 3. I will be evaluated, my blood levels will be checked and I will document if and when I have any more chest pains. If this all starts heading in a positive direction, meaning lessened or no more chest pains AND my LDL and Cholesterol continues to come down...then we will progress as aggressively for the next round. If it is found at anytime during this treatment that I am not heading toward a recovery, then we will be faced with by-pass surgery...but b/c I am so keenly aware right now, my doctors have really taken an aggressive approach, and I know what to do and not do...I really feel that this approach is going to be the choice of treatment that suits me very well at this time. My sweet nurse told me yesterday..."I know they are working very hard on finding a drug that can dissolve or do away with the existing plaque, so hopefully, this will happen very soon and you can take advantage of it". I hope so too, but until then...I am really being careful, pro-active and hopefully very mindful of how important it is to stay on top of this...and of course be faithful with taking my medications. I am not happy about the diagnosis...but I certainly am relieved to have figured it out, NOW we have a game plan...and we will follow that plan to a "T". If that plan doesn't work to my advantage...I am thankful that there is a plan B! But, I know I am in God's hands, he has held me steady throughout and he will continue to be here for me...always. I find comfort in knowing that he is guiding my journey...and he knows the path so much better than me...so I look to Him for complete peace and guidance throughout this journey. Hey, I'm not done yet, I've got blogs to write...remember!! I was so grateful yesterday, when my doctor looked me straight in the eyes and said, "WE are going to attack this aggressively and I promise we will not sit on the sidelines and let what happen to your brother, mother and father happen to you!" I know he can't make promises...but I did love his attitude...and that is exactly the type of doctor I prayed for...and my prayers were answered. He also had a specialist (who I REALLY liked) come in and review my case, talk to me and lovin' hubbin' and put our minds at ease about the next steps. So let the HEALING journey begin!

Another thing...I want to really stress here...this was not caused by anything I did or didn't do...I didn't really have high cholesterol for a person with no family history of heart disease...but b/c of my family history it was too high and so were my LDL levels! He did say that my heart muscle was in GREAT shape...that I had done the right things for it as far as the strength of that muscle...it's just the fact that my gene pool is rather tainted/polluted and it most surely would have been to my advantage to have started watching this closer at an earlier age. I DID start watching it rather close at about 46 or so, I'm 51 now...and was told all was fine!! SO...LADIES and GENTS...get your doctor to give you in writing all your blood work and test results...tell them you want a copy of what they received from the testing facility. You keep those records, check your levels and such every year...and more if it is high. Don't let them tell you it's not too high...especially if you have a strong family history. You want your Cholesterol to be as far below 200 as it can be...you want your LDL to be lower than 100...lower than 80 if there is a history in your family...and you want your HDL to be as high as you can get it! Listen to your body, listen to your inner-voice and make darn sure you have some idea of what your family history is...if that is possible...if not...just keep getting regular check ups and pursue what you know you need to do, even if the so-called professionals "poo-poo" your concerns...it can SAVE your life!

Thanks again...for all your love, support and prayers...and just remember I'm HAVING to lay around and do nothing while people fetch things for me, cook for me, bring me magazines and movies...and I just sit or lay around. Honestly, it REALLY is hard for me to do...I'm not a very good patient...but I'm trying...cos after having to have both groins punctured yesterday...I'm not wanting to cause any problems with the wounds or experience any nasty side effects now! Please, pray for a complete and fast healing for me...for continued wisdom for me and my doctors...and for any concerns my sweet family may have for me...and I thank God for them so much, for always being so loving and supportive...in spite of my sometimes over active imagination!

Update

2008-09-23T10:09:00.004-05:00

Hello, this is Jackie, Teresa's daughter, & I am writing on her behalf per her request. As we all know my mom had her angiogram early this morning. I received a phone call from my dad around 9:40 central time saying that the procedure went well and that the doctors got some "good information". My mom was still in her room and he had not seen her. The doctor confirmed the blockage, plaque, & shrinkage & will hopefully have a more thorough synopsis sometime today.

Unfortunately, that is all the info I have now, but I will be sure to keep you guys updated. I want to personally thank everyone for their thoughts, prayers, & well wishes in this matter. I know my mom & our family appreciate all of the support out here in the wonderful world of blogging.

UPDATE 2: 11:00 am Central: I just received a call from my mom :-) She is doing ok, I think she is a sore, cloudy from the meds, & anxious because she has to lay flat on her back without moving for a couple more hours. She said that they had to try both legs to get the instrument inserted properly because her veins are very small, first the right and then success with the left side. Good news first, the LAD artery has only 20-25% blockage. However, due to her small veins it was discovered that some of her arteries are also very small. In one artery she has 75% blockage. Because it is so small the doctors are not sure how to approach it yet, so they are sending in a specialist. We should know within a few hours how the team of doctors are planning to approach fixing this artery.

This is NOT my friend...nor yours!!

2008-09-16T21:46:00.011-05:00

Well, Folks...just an update on what has been going on around here...besides preparing plans for building a new home (yea, we are still finalizing the drawings, it seems to take a lot longer than I thought it should)...acquiring more land around the existing property we purchased earlier in the year...now making our total of land owned around 7 acres. Yeah!!...now maybe I can have baby goats, chickens and a garden....ummmm...maybe?? Plus, trying to get ready to "think" about selling our current home...I have some things I must do...you know how that is...right??

In the meantime I am dealing with this...Shocking to you...Probably...Shocking to me...Somewhat....Maddening to me...YES!

I've been telling the doctors including a cardiologist, 2 ER cardio specialist and my primary doctor for nearly 3 years now...something is NOT right with my heart. Upon further evaluation 2 weeks ago...a Cardio Cat scan in which I initiated and my insurance so graciously refused to pay. As a result of this simple and painless procedure...a blockage & stenosis (narrowing) in my left anterior descending artery were found...if you look that one up you'll find its the one artery you don't want to have trouble with. So based on my family history...my mother suffered a stroke at 52...a second stroke resulting in death at 57...my father had triple by-pass at 59....died peacefully in his sleep at 65 (he WAS a smoker, however). My brother had his first heart attack around the age of 50/51, underwent by pass at 52 and collapsed of a heart attack 3 months later at 52.(sadly, he was a smoker, too, not a good combination with negative family history). So with my families gene pool being somewhat contaminated I have wanted to stay proactive with my heart health...I thought I had been. Now, to be honest I've never been an exercise fanatic...but I do some treadmill activity, walking the dogs and I used to be faithful at "Curves" (I could kick myself for ending my membership) and I keep busy, plus I don't smoke, don't drink very often (occasional glass of wine or even a beer with a meal) and I'm not clinically overweight...but of course as women we always feel we could lose 10 pounds. I'm not in perfect physical condition like Jane Fonda or the likes...but I can hold my own...or I have been able to do so...until the last year or so. I thought I was just out of shape...or it was turning 50....it is not! I've had 2 nucleaur treadmill tests in the past 3 years...I was told both were negative for any complications (only to find out yesterday, that the EKG portion was positive, but b/c the nuclear part was ok; they assumed b/c I was a woman and women have false positives more often than men...that my EKG was a "false positive"...hmmmm I suspect they were wrong!) I have been somewhat vigilant in blood test along with checking cholesterol, LDL and HDL...over the past five years...all seemed to be fine. Menopause hits and we know that can raise cholesterol...so at my last appointment in late July I was told all was fine...but YES I was in the throws of menopause. After talking with my G.P. we decided based on my age 51, my family history and the fact I have had atypical chest pains going on for about 3 years (I was told it was stress, menopause, anxiety and all types of other things during this time...told NOT to worry!)that we would opt to schedule the Cardiac CAT scan...mainly I believe b/c he thought I wouldn't rest until I had some substantial proof the things I have been experiencing were nothing to worry about other than anxiousness! I had the scan 2 weeks ago...and was told by my G.P. that the results came back unremarkable (I beg your pardon...I thought I WAS remarkable) in all arteries except the big L.A.D....so further testing should be scheduled upon seeing a NEW cardiologist, thankfully his nurse was able to get me into a new cardiologist in less than 2 weeks...remarkable...hmmmm...I tend to think God played a big part in this. I saw the new cardio yesterday...he decided he didn't want to wait to see what developed (thank you Lord!)...he didn't want to do another battery of test(again Thank you Lord)...b/c I've basically done them all...So...he has scheduled me for a cardiac angiogram on Tuesday the 23rd to find out A) how much narrowing there is (at this time they say they think it is somewhere between 40 and 70%) and B) find out what and how much plaque is located above this narrowing...I could see the tiny white dot on the films...but hey...who knows with those things...it's a little deceiving to the untrained eye...and I think even so for the trained eye! All the other arteries looked great...they were indeed unremarkable and in the cardiac world...that's suppose to be a good thing! He did hurt my feelings however, by labeling me with "CAD"...I don't like being labeled!! :)Anyway...he has put me on statins mainly b/c he felt my LDL was not at a good number...I had been told by my G.P. that they were within normal range but yesterday the cardiologist said they were not...they were above 100 at about 126...he said as a cardiologists he likes to see women my age at under 100 and b/c of my family history...he wants mine to be around 70 to 80 and he feels that this can only be accomplished "quickly" by statins...of course he feels diet and exercise will play a positive role once he figures out the game plan. He also increased my one baby aspirin to two a day...and has instructed me to relax...not exercise...take it easy...OH! and he so graciously wrote me a prescription for nitroglycerin tablets...as he said..."just in case"....ok...I almost reached over and slugged him...but hey...I figured b/c he would be cutting a small incision in my groin and threading a catheter through my veins and heart...I better control my Irish temper and German hard headiness and be on my best behavior. So, of course I am a tad anxious...but I am also a believer in God's healing touch. I have asked God to be with me every step of the way (I know he always is)...he will guide me...he will comfort me...he will give me peace and strength...he will heal my heart!! I also know & pray he will guide the hands of my cardiologist/surgeon on Tuesday and he will give this man & all that are taking care of me great wisdom, discernment and perfect skills to help in the complete healing process of my heart. I'm not happy about this; but for me that's probably a good thing and a great motivator!! I know that I "heard" the little voice inside me loud and clear...I know who whispered those words to me...AND now I have finally been heard! I also have always heard that if you profess it you possess it...so I profess "I am healed"...I profess..."I will be just fine"...and I profess "God is Good".

I ask of each of you two things....First I do ask for continued prayers for my family and myself during this time, along with wisdom, discernment and skillful hands for my doctors and nurses in the actual procedure and in handling my case...skillfully, wisely and proactively. Secondly...I ask all of you to PLEASE educate yourself about heart disease in women...it is the #1 KILLER of both MEN & WOMEN in the U.S. today. I think b/c C.A.D. can sneak up on you without much fanfare...the same goes for high blood pressure, you are left with a false feeling of security regarding your heart health. So, ladies and gents...even if you think you are too young to have this problem...don't let that stop you from having your cholesterol checked along with your LDL, HDL, and triglycerides...listen to your body...if something feels "off"...insists on action from your physician...don't give up...if you don't get the answers from the first doctor move on to another! I really believe and know that we all have to be our own advocates when it comes to our health. Sadly, doctors, nurses and hospitals are overworked these days...and things just get set aside. Don't let that be your health...TAKE ACTION...don't think you are too young...believe me you WILL hear that, too...ahhh! don't worry about this...you're a woman...you're too young...you're too thin...you're too active....folks...I heard all of these things...but the "push" or the "voice" that kept resonating in my head...was "family history". I plan on changing that history...I plan on taking aggressive action against this disease....and I plan on living a very long healthy life!

Just in case you are wondering what Coronary Artery Disease is... How Does Coronary Artery Disease Develop?
Your coronary arteries are hollow tubes. Inside, they are smooth and elastic, allowing blood to flow freely.
Before your teen years, fat can start to deposit in the blood vessel walls. As you get older, the fat builds up. This causes injury to your blood vessel walls. In an attempt to heal itself, the cells release chemicals that make the walls sticky.

Then, other substances such as inflammatory cells, proteins and calcium that travel in your bloodstream start sticking to the vessel walls. The fat and other substances combine to form a material called plaque. The plaque builds up and narrows the artery (atherosclerosis).

Many of the plaque deposits are hard on the outside and soft and mushy on the inside. The hard surface can crack or tear, exposing the soft, fatty inside. When this happens, platelets (disc-shaped particles in the blood that aid clotting) come to the area, and blood clots form around the plaque. This causes the artery to narrow even more.

Over time, the inside of the arteries develop plaques of different sizes. Many of the plaque deposits are hard on the outside and soft and mushy on the inside. The hard surface can crack or tear, exposing the soft, fatty inside. When this happens, platelets (disc-shaped particles in the blood that aid clotting) come to the area, and blood clots form around the plaque. This causes the artery to narrow even more. Sometimes, the blood clot breaks apart by itself, and blood supply is restored.

Over time a narrowed coronary artery may develop new blood vessels that go around the blockage to get blood to the heart. However, during times of increased exertion or stress, the new arteries may not be able to supply enough oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle.

Prayers for our friends...

2008-09-12T21:03:00.007-05:00

Just pausing for a moment to ask for continued prayers for all our families, friends and fellow Americans being affected by this horrible "act of nature" called IKE!!

I know sometimes we become complacent with all the media and hype going on 24/7...but folks this one is serious. As all hurricanes are...but this one seems to not only have built up strength in the Gulf...but the swath is so vast and the projected surges that lead and follow this hurricane are of great concern.

I just pulled this picture up off the Internet of a rescue in High Plains, TX earlier today! All this to say...this is actually before the hurricane landfall...so with this kind of surge happening before...I can't imagine how bad it will get the closer the hurricane gets to landfall...the effects could be much worse after it hits with all the projected surges that follow a storm of this size.

I know there are many prayerful folks out here in blog land...so I am asking for continued prayers for all our friends...with prayer and with God...miracles happen!

Blessings to all...and God's mercies on all His creations.

25 years ago today....

2008-08-30T12:09:00.010-05:00

Today 25 years ago...a precious bundle was delivered into this world...I didn't know her then but, feel sure if I had, I would have loved her then just as I do today. She didn't come into our lives until she was 16...so that would have been 9 years ago. She was such a joy and so fun to get to know...and over the 6 years she dated our son...we fell in love with her more each year. She and Marcus dated from their junior year until they were married in 2005!! They had been friends at first, but within a year of meeting they began dating...and it was so fun to have another girl around the house at that time. Jackie was off at college and sometimes, I just needed to have more estrogen around to help me from feeling so outnumbered. Luckily for us she became a big part of our family on Sept. 16, 2005...the day she married our son. What a great day for all of us.

Emily has to be the best daughter-in-law I could have ever imagined having...in fact she is better than I could have imagined! She is beautiful (inside & out), she is smart, she is thoughtful and she is a wonderful wife to our son. She loves us...I'm pretty darn sure of that...she gets along great with all of us...and doesn't seemed too "fazed" by some of our whackiness! Sometimes, she just does something so cute or so funny, that I can't believe she hasn't ALWAYS been in our lives...I don't know how to explain it...other than when they first started dating...I knew there was something so "right" about their relationship. I love it when I know...I also love it when I am right!! lol

This picture is at one of the fabulous restaurants we dined at while vacationing in Costa Rica...Emily always made sure we took pictures of the food and where we ate...for Marcus to see...he of course would be very interested in the culinary feast if he had been there. Obviously it was at the Asian restaurant...because I do see some chop sticks in Emily's hand...yes, she even knows how to eat with chop sticks...and by that I mean she can eat with them and not drop a single bite...me! well, I'll have to use a spoon or fork to keep that from happening!

This picture is last year...I believe at Marcus and Emily's 2 year anniversary celebration OR her birthday celebration...hey...it's been a year folks...I forget. Regardless...I love this picture...they are both so beautiful. This was taken at the restaurant were Marcus is the sous chef! GREAT FOOD!

This last picture was taken in Hyde Park, New York...from a trip we took when Marcus and Emily lived there for a year while Marcus was finishing school at the Culinary Institute of America. I believe this particular picture was taken the night of Marcus' graduation from the Culinary Institute, at a lovely bistro in Hyde Park. Man...they have some great places to eat in that part of the world. I know Marcus and Emily certainly enjoyed living there and experiencing a new way of life. It was their first year of marriage and I think they rather enjoyed the adventure.

So "Cheers" and "Happy Birthday" to our sweet daughter-in-law or (daughter-in-love) as Kat says...we wish you a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY! We look forward to celebrating many, many more birthdays with you! We can't wait to celebrate this one as a matter of fact.

Love you Emls...and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

BETTER highlights of Costa Rica

2008-08-22T16:55:00.017-05:00

I can't believe I have already been home more than a week from Costa Rica...as I mentioned in my previous post...it was the BEST! Honestly, of ALL the vacations I have taken...this one was one of the most relaxing. Usually when I get home from a vacation I'm a bit pooped...but I can tell you this one did not wear me out. I would go there tomorrow if someone wanted to...hmmmm...think I may have to start working on hubbin for another trip there with him OR the girls, again.

I promised you I would post more pictures of the trip once the girls sent me theirs...well...needless to say...THEY are much better photographers than me. Our sweet daughter; Jackie, worked with our equally sweet daughter-in-law; Emily, while we were there on her photography skills. Her dad got a new camera a while back so he has let Emily use his older model (which by the way kicks my camera's butt) and she has been anxious to learn all about apertures and settings. So, Jackie helped her out...and as you will see she was a great student...Jackie gave her an A+.

Some of these are Jackie's photos and some are Emily's...none are mine...that's why they are so GOOD! Please enjoy!!
The girls guiding their boat on the white water rafting trip...they were the stronger and BRAVER ones!!

Beautiful beaches, driftwood along the shorelines, rainbows and sunsets...and a colorful Tuscan along the white water rafting tour.

Butterfly near hot springs in Tabbaccon

Arenal Volcano...most active volcano in Cost Ricca...it was gorgeous along with the lake that surrounds it.

The beautiful sights from our hotel in San Jose, Costa Rica on an old coffee plantation...gorgeous setting. Love the vibrancy of all the flowers and foliage.

This next group of pictures is from the rain forest where we went on a gondola ride some 200 meters above the rain forest and proceeded to zip line down to the rain forest floor...YES!!...we swung over the tree tops like monkeys...well, except we had on helmets and harnesses...but hey we were really zipping along. I didn't have a speedometer on me at the time...but all I know is...we were trucking! My daughter in law is the first zip liner you see...the last "zipper" is me...I am actually smiling...I don't know if I was really smiling or if my lips were stuck that way from going so fast...never the less...it was FUN...and ordinarily I'm a big chicken!!

WEEEEEEEEE!!!! Exhilarating!!!

Again...boring you I am sure...but this was one fab vacation. I was afraid we would never be able to "top" our Alaskan adventure...but I have to say...even though I am not much of a beach bunny (not that I don't LOVE beaches...it's because of my painfully WHITE skin, I burn way too easily, even with sunscreen!! I could sure learn to become one, however...especially in Cost Rica...the people, the sights, the food, the vegetation...ALL of it was spectacular...I can't wait to go again!!

Just a Few Costa Rica Highlights....

2008-08-12T22:27:00.019-05:00

We're home from Costa Rica...and we had an incredible time. The weather was picture perfect, the scenery was too awesome for words, the people of Costa Rica are completely and utterly charming, and I want to GO BACK!!

I have included a few pictures of some things we did while there...my daughter and daughter-in-law will have more and much better pictures for me to post soon. They will be able to work out the kinks I so sadly can not...such as red-eye reduction...believe me when I say...we were not red-eyed, black-eyed or cross-eyed at any time during our trip...but for the life of me...my camera does not seem to know when to get the "red" out...I guess I'll have to get a new camera...or some Visine...Enjoy!!
AWWWW!! the good life...just what the doctor ordered! Sorry for my white legs...it was only the 2ND day...AND I do have sun-repellent skin...I'm pretty sure of that...especially compared to my bronzed D.I.L. and tan daughter! Ummmm...yea...way too much food and sadly my body and bloated face seemed to show it more toward the end of our trip...that's what you get when the food is just too good to pass up...treadmill here I come!!

Being taxied around the resort by Royal Services and a little love from my lovin' daughter...Senora' Jacquelyn! It was so awesome to be somewhere new, having fun and NOT wearing makeup all the time!! I think I could get used to that.

The beautiful beaches of Playa Conchal on the Pacific Ocean...amazing!

More reason for the ever expanding waist line!!

Abundance of flowers...beauty...enough said!

Tired feet in the cool volcanic mud...before a sunset cruise in the Pacific...awwww!!

Sunset...on the Pacific!
Arenal...one of the islands most active volcanoes...beautiful!

Our last night in paradise...we are tired...we have to get up at 5:00 a.m. and it is getting rather late...but we did get one last toast in...to a wonderful experience and a great adventure together.

I'll post more when I get better pictures from the girls...or when I can figure out how to edit some of my photos!

Estrogen Get-a-way....

2008-07-31T23:53:00.006-05:00

My bags are almost packed...and my passport is in hand. I am off for a couple of weeks with my girls in tow (daughter and daughter-in-law) for an "Estrogen Getaway"! I'm just not sure with the onset of menopause if I have much estrogen left...but I'm going to try like heck to regain some of that while I'm away...I think R & R is suppose to help with that!! I am so pumped...we've been planning this ever since we found out our guys...hubbin, son and son-in-law were going on a "Testosterone Getaway" in October. We just can't let them get one up on us!! So the girls and I are heading to balmy, beautiful Costa Rica to soak up some fun, sun, culture and to take a tour on the zip lines in the Rain Forest! We're very excited. I hope I don't have so much fun I forget to take pictures...but rest assured...my girls are the best at recording life and fun through their camera lenses...so I should have at least a few good pictures. We hate that the boys can't come with us...but they wanted to do this wild wilderness hunt up in the Montana and Idaho "Bitteroot Mountains"...I think that's what it is called...anyhoo...they get to do the rough and crazy stuff...while we chose this year to do the fun and sun....relax and be pampered thang. Next year...will be a different story all together. We may actually be together all at one time...how remarkable will that be...to get all 6 of us on the same schedule, with time off...to hang out...I will love every minute of it! Till then though...it'll be fun with the girls...they always manage to make me laugh, try new and interesting adventures, and learn to love them more with each moment!

I will miss you all...I will think of you while I'm sitting on the beach or swinging from a tree...or as I am floating down the rapids. I will most likely try to figure out what new adventure will make the best post...you know how that is!! Till then...please keep us in your prayers...I'll keep you in mine...and I'll report back with a tan...in a while.

In the meantime...I have housework to do...and lists to make...between hubbin, the dogs and the house-sitter...I will have so many lists...I'll need the vacation!!

Prayers...please....

2008-07-28T16:49:00.008-05:00

*****UPDATE...August 01, 2008***** I just spoke with my neighbor Mark...Wednesday night they were able to take Betty off the ventilator...since the removal things have been on a slight upswing...Praise the Lord! Betty, has had to have a feeding tube inserted due to overall weakness and a lack of control swallowing due to the ventilator. She has been "whispering" to Mark on and off...and has been more alert the last 24 hours. In fact this morning she told Mark she was "Hungry!"...he said, "she is too weak to eat on her own...but with each passing day she seems to be making slight improvements". It was determined that Betty had another stroke which caused the seizures....from what I gather from Mark, it was not in a compromising area of the brain (but a stroke is never a good thing, but this one isn't the same as her last one)...they are still in ICU...trying to help her stabilize, breath more purely on her own (they have been using the C-Pat? on her occasionally when she becomes too taxed. They are trying all measures to keep from having to put her back on the ventilator. Sometimes, she has trouble breathing which in turn makes her heart rate and resp. rate go way up, so they are trying everything to keep that from continuing. So...praying all things keep heading in the right direction...hopefully, they will be able to move her to a room in the next few days or in about a week...then they will just work really hard to get her "healthy" and "stable" so they can bring her home...where she is terribly missed!

Thank you all for your prayers, comments and concerns....I will update you if I can from my vacation location...if I find out anything new...if I can find an internet hookup in the rain forest!

I love this picture...I post it because my neighbors Betty and Mark need prayers to lift them up over the next coming weeks. I won't go into great details b/c it would take forever, suffice it to say...Betty who is in her mid 50's suffered a stroke a couple of years ago...with some complications as a result of that over the past couple of years. Weekend before last...Betty was in Phoenix w/her husband for a short one night visit to see Mark's brother who has been in a coma for a couple of months (he suffered a massive stroke of the brain stem a couple of months ago...and he is Mark's twin brother)...while there Betty suffered several seizures. She is in a type of coma...with ventilator, pneumonia, kidney malfunctions and other issues, the doctors do not know what lies ahead...as they just take it one day at a time. Please pray that Betty completely recovers from this and that they will soon be home in Texas to rejoin the rest of their family and their precious grandchildren. What they thought was going to be a very brief visit; sadly, has become a very frightening ordeal and lends itself to many, many unknowns. They were planning on a cruise to Alaska in the middle of August, the first really "big" vacation since Betty's stroke...I do so hope and pray that they can postpone this trip only briefly and that they will soon be able to see that dream come to fruition. It just breaks my heart for them...and it does remind me..."to live each day...fully and...to honor HIM every step of the way"!

Thanks to all my prayer buddies and those of you that offer up "well wishes" to my friends.

Thank you....sigh...sigh...sigh!!

2008-07-15T20:21:00.009-05:00

Thank the LORD!!! Folks...it is raining here...right this very minute!!! I know it seems as though I am a tad "crazy" and hey! some say I am...but I just had to give a "shout out" and thank the Lord we are getting some much needed rain here in my neck of the woods!

We have had quite a shortage of the wet stuff for a while now...I'm not sure if we are having drought conditions...especially compared to a couple of summers ago. BUT, I do know this...my grass has been "wheezing" from lack of rain for the past few weeks. I've literally had to water every other day...sometimes hand water once a day. With a water ban that only allows you to water from 6:00 p.m to 10:00 a.m. and with all the "experts" saying it's not always good to water late at night, especially with our heat and humidity...it seems it MAY cause fungus to grow in your grass. So, I have to really stay on top of things to get my landscaped acre of land all done in the time allotted...forget about the other acre that is just a dry field right not!! Now, I'm not complaining...because I know some areas are REALLY suffering from lack of rain...and some areas are getting too much! I just wanted to let the world know (all 3 or 4 of you that actually read my blog)...I'm thrilled that it is raining...that the temperature has dropped literally from 97 to 73 in about an hours time...AND that it is raining later in the day...so the heat and humidity won't ruin my hair until tomorrow afternoon (yes, I always have my priorities straight...lol)...WHEW...good to know!!!And my grass is happy...my plants are literally sighing in relief...and I'm just pleased as punch that it has lasted for more than an hour!

I suppose some of you consider it a slow blog day around here...but hey...anytime it rains...I'm thrilled...it is one of my fave things...especially when I'm snuggled up in the safety of my home...book or magazine in hand...and a tall cool drink nearby...so I just wanted to share!

So thank you God, thank you to whatever cool front or weather related blessing that brought you to us...so, rain...lets try not to be so "shy" about coming around more often...ok???

We had such high hopes...

2008-07-11T12:56:00.018-05:00

Update....7-12-08...Miss Maggie is home and other than the shaved belly and small scare you would never know she has had surgery...She seems to be adjusting well and is VERY happy to be home...as we are to have her here!

Remember this beauty??? She is the persnickety one that we have tried on numerous occasions to "hook" up with a very nice "gentledog" we have known for a long while... but to no avail. Our beauty just does not want to be with him...so after 4 or so attempts and one attempt with another male who we thought she might want to hook up with...he was a little less of a "gentledog" and a bit more of a rowdy dog...so we thought...MAYBE?? she likes the bad boys!! Well...she didn't like him AT ALL! So, hubbin and I had to make the very tough decision that b/c Miss Maggie will be 5 at the end of August we needed to really consider her future!!

Sadly, today is the day that our Miss M. will no longer be able to have puppies. I took her to our vets this morning around 8:15 a.m. to have them "tie her tubes"....well, actually they call it spaying...but hey...whatever it's called she will no longer be able to birth babies...and I have to say...I'm very, very sad about it! I think she is so beautiful, smart and loving, so much so that we would REALLY like to have one of her babies to raise with her...it seems rather tragic to me that one that is so beautiful, kind and smart could not get to where they needed mentally to have babies...I mean really....it kind of makes me think of Brad and Angelina...I mean what would the world be like if those two had not decided to reproduce??? Goodness gracious they are such beautiful people...and I THINK they're smart, too...but lucky for the world they have been doing well in that department...I suppose they have no phobias when it comes to breeding...ok...sorry about that...I digress!! I feel my Maggie falls into the beautiful dog category...but hey...what's an owner to do??? It just wasn't meant to be I suppose....I even spoke to the vet before actually signing off on the surgery this morning...b/c I wanted reassurance that we were doing the right thing. They know how badly we wanted her to have pups...how badly we wanted to have one of her pups to raise along side her...but...sadly, it's not meant to be. Silly, me...told hubbin (who is just as disappointed and saddened about this as I am) that IF for some reason he changed his mind...to let me know BEFORE 8:15 a.m. (he's out of town and that would be the time I would be signing her over to the vet!)...Well, my heart literally leaped for joy when the phone rang at 8:03...I was thinking...and clapping my hands..."oh yippee...HE has changed his mind...so now we can try with her one more time!"....It wasn't hubbin...it was my son...who I am ALWAYS thrilled to talk to...but this morning...I was really hoping his call home was a call from his dad! Oh well!! We will just have to adopt again one day!

Here she is with the little "crazy" one...looks like Miss Cookie is taunting her by telling her she knows a secret...you see we had the crazy one fixed by her 6th month...so she knows all about what's going on...well, maybe not...she isn't so smart...and we really figured it was best to fix her ASAP!! She is loved, though...even when she does some incredibly "not so endearing" things...more about that later...really...she just is not bright...at all! Breeding her would remind me of...oh! I don't know...maybe Britney and K-Fed...I don't mean anything is wrong with the children...it's just they and our little crazy one do NOT have any business reproducing...in my humble opinion!!...ok...I'm really sorry about that one...things like that just "pop" into my head sometimes!!!

We're praying things go well for our Miss Maggie...we are suppose to be able to pick her up sometime tomorrow...but you can betcha I'll be calling to check on her this afternoon! Funny, how sometimes you think you want a break from taking care of them...only to know when they are gone for a just a little while...you begin to miss them terribly!

He thinks HIS tractor is SEXY....

2008-07-05T15:10:00.015-05:00

My HUSBAND...he's such a stinker AND of course an incredible guy! Last weekend he borrowed our good friends tractor (so actually hubbin doesn't have a sexy tractor...but he borrows one). He used it to mow the field at our current home, a field that has been neglected for a few months now...YIKES...Anyhoo...when I went outside to check on him and see if he was doing well or if he needed any Gatorade(you know playing the role of dutiful wife...while hubbin is slaving in the HOT sun)!
AND...this is what I found.... Yea! That's my lovin' hubbin'...up to no good! See that grin on his face...smirky little devil...he thought he wouldn't get caught...b/c he was doing such a great deed and all and was a few yards away from the main house...he figured I would just ignore the fact that he had that NASTY cigar in his mouth. He didn't count on me taking pictures...and NOW posting about it...boy he's in big trouble if his mom sees this!!

Men!!...boys!!...and all their toys along with their mischievous behavior!! Well, at least the field looks great...he's such a sneak...and I love the heck out of him...cigar and all!! I let the cigars slide when they are outdoors (yea, like I have a say in THAT!)...but no-one smokes in my home and it's always been that way..but seriously we don't know very many smokers...isn't that strange?? In our new home...he has designed a porch off his study/trophy room that he can gather with the other cigar villains and sneak a smoke. Wonder what he would do if I did the same???
I'll cut him some slack here...he does this very rarely...and he does enjoy a good cigar with a good glass of wine...on occasion....and I'm ok with it (thank goodness he wasn't having that glass of wine while driving the tractor...OR maybe he was just hiding it!!LOL)...as long as he stays healthy and wears his sunscreen!! I think he does look pretty sexy on that tractor....cigar and all!! That STINKER!!

In this last picture...he almost looks like he is baiting me...blowing smoke and daring me to come out to the field and take his cigar away! Uh huh...that won't happen either...a.)I'm not that controlling b.) he had already smoked most of it and c.) I don't get near big tractors while they are mowing and slinging all sorts of things about (my dad taught me that)...and sweet hubbin' knows that...again, what a mischievous stinker!! GOTTA LOVE HIM and I do!

Exciting NEWS!!

2008-07-01T11:31:00.009-05:00

Ok...having blogger issues...I'll try this again!! Sorry Sandi...NO...no grandbabies!!

My sweet daughter just called....all excited...saying..."Quick! Mom...go to the ETSY home page...I made the home page cover!!" Apparently, they feature an artist at different times throughout the day AND that artists features her favorite artists that list on etsy. Today, my daughter was featured and the artists entitled her favorites Urban Impact. Needless, to say...sweet daughter was pumped (as well as her mom)!!! I get so excited for my children when things are going well for them and they get to work at what they love!! She truly does love this medium and soon she will be teaching art on a part time basis...she is excited about that, too...plus it allows her to have time to keep her photography business up and running!

OOOOPPPPSSS she just called and said..."AHHH! its gone!"....So keep checking back...maybe it will be back later today!! I think they rotate them throughout the day...but hey 15 minutes of fame ain't too bad.

This is the picture that was featured...it is from her Alpha-Series.

If you would like to see more of her work you can visit her at her etsy store
jacquelynlee.etsy.com
OR her photography site at www.jacquelynlee.com
She is adding more stuff all the time...soon she is going to be adding postcards and such! Can't wait! She's also offering smaller sizes in the alpha series now...so you can order more for less!

Thanks for letting me "brag" a little...cos you know...that's what moms like to do when they know their children are good at something...and are HAPPY and LOVE what they are doing!! You can view the home page here....
http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=53463

No FAIR...and the TRUTH

2008-06-24T19:08:00.012-05:00

Thanks to all of you who humored me in my feeble attempt to make a game out of "real or fake". YOU guys are GOOD!! As many of you know I love weddings...I help out with a type of wedding ministry my friend and I started a few years back...you can read about it in my archives...I'm not sure which month...and I stink at figuring out how to post that link....sorry...Suffice it to say...one of my favorite parts; besides meeting some really sweet, sweet girls and their families...are the flowers...trying to keep up with the latest trends and keeping it way under budget is not only fun for me...but you could almost say I LIVE for it...it's just too fun and I love getting to be the florist for these weddings...I love it so much I have decided to take some more classes on florals and I've even offered to "help" out with a couple of florist I know...I told them...If they would just let me hang out with them for a day or so before a big wedding...I would not get in the way...I would even help if needed...AND I would PAY them for the pleasure!! Yes, I could be a bit crazy!

The flowers I mentioned and showed in the previous post...
YES...these beauties...were INDEED FAKE...just like Pamela's silicone eye-catchers! I wasn't counting on all you clever gals ENLARGING the pictures...silly me...but I am going to have to cry "foul" or "no fair"...b/c I really didn't think all of them looked that fake in the posted size ( I realize the ranaculas certainly did...but the roses were pretty darn good...even some of you thought they were real!)...but I will concede...it was pretty obvious once they were enlarged...that they were indeed fake!! Again...kind of like Pamela's hoo-ha's. I knew you gals were clever...I should have known you would outsmart me...I can't get anything past you guys!

I made that particular bouquet out of silk flowers...because this lovely girl...
was having her bridals taken in Austin Texas two weekends ago...she is using real roses, ranaculas and stephonotis for the ceremony...so-oooo we (my friend and I...she is a friend of our families) decided that white flowers may not last out in the HOT Texas sun for 4 to 6hours during the almost day long shoot...so I made this little diddy up for her to use for the day of the shoot, knowing it wouldn't turn brown or wilt away...I think they turned out pretty well...in her professional pictures you really can't tell the difference...I don't think????...maybe if you enlarge them...but all in all I think they worked for the intended purpose. I am a true LOVER of using REAL flowers...not that I have anything against silks...but to me REAL flowers for a wedding just adds to the romance of the day. I have a love affair I suppose with flowers...I just NEVER tire of them...I'm always trying out new things...even for just around the house and using fresh flowers is my favorite thing to add to a room! It doesn't even have to be flowers...right now I have some wheat grass on my dining table...that looks so cool...makes me want to take my shoes off and dance around in it...but I don't think that's what dining tables are made for! I'll tell the story of the wheat grass...soon!

I think this bride is gorgeous...
as I do all the brides I have worked with...and I LOVE her dress...AND the fact that she had many of her pictures taken in front of historical Texas landmarks...such as the capitol...The Bob Bullock Library and the UT campus...she's a real Texas gal...loves Austin...and her wedding is going to be in one of the coolest (not climate wise) places a Texas girl could imagine...more on that when I get the pictures from her wedding in August.

I am off to do another wedding this weekend in Fort Worth, Texas at the Bass Performance Hall (been working on the logistics of this wedding for a few months, now)...the bride is just an absolute angel gal...and is so pretty...I can't wait to see her in her dress and see her reaction to the flowers (that's usually my favorite part...how happy they look...makes me feel like I know what I'm doing!) She has helped so much with the concept of this wedding and has lots of really cool ideas. It has been so helpful that she is very clear on what she loves...plus she is open to many ideas! She is also doing this on a budget and has been very mindful of that throughout the process...what a blessing that has been for her family...I am sure! I'll give you a hint about the wedding...think romantic vintage...we are using pearls...candles...cut glass...sterling silver (the kind that has a bit of tarnish) and beautiful white and cream flowers! Her bouquet...which I will make on Friday...will consists of peonies (one of my favs and very romantic), vendala roses, and white freesia...her bridesmaids will also carry all whites and creams, hydrangeas and vendala roses and spray roses....she is the only one carrying peonies...I can't wait to get started...hopefully, I'll remember to take some pics...and share those later...Till then...again...Thanks for playing...YOU gals are just too smart for me! Have an awesome week and I'll check back in when the wedding is over...and I've taken a NAP on Sunday!!

Real or Fake...you tell me...

2008-06-10T18:06:00.015-05:00

Well, it's wedding season...and I am in full swing with a couple of weddings I am working on for the next couple of months. I have a question...and you can help by answering...I need input.
Are these real or fake??? Ha! Gotcha...just wanted to get your attention...and I must say these are "real" or "fake" attention getter's!! Don't get me started on this abundance of silicone...I mean...I'm all for enhancement if that is your desire...but this is beyond natural enhancement!!...sadly, I think P.A. is a very cute gal...but seriously..."these" just pain me to look at.!!!

But, on to what I am really asking here...and to get back to the very important subject at hand...WEDDINGS....Do you think these are real or fake???? This is a bouquet I made for a bride a while back...and I was just wondering....what you think of these... ARE these real or fake??? OR could they be a mixture of both??? uh huh!...something that is becoming more and more popular with the influx of outdoor weddings this time of year. Good trick when trying to make the flowers last the entire wedding day especially when dealing with white blooms. I have done and have seen mixtures of both...so is this the case here????...you may already know the answer...b/c I know I'm dealing with some rather crafty and talented folks out there...but seriously, let me know...I look forward to your input and will posts the results and the absolute truth behind these flowers...along with the story behind them!! Thanks for playing..."REAL or FAKE"...just think of it as a Late Show with David Letterman type scenario...kind of like the one "Will it sink or float"....sorry, I don't have any gals with grinders and metal wear to contribute to the game!

Updates...galore...

2008-06-04T23:35:00.014-05:00

This is a day for updates and a sweet little commentary about a new baby in my life...First...thank all of you that have prayed and sent best wishes out to Buddy Will. Buddy Will has gone to a caring and loving home and I have absolutely no qualms about where he is now residing. Thanks again...especially to my sweet friend Sandi...from "Holding Patterns"...you mean so much to me and Mr. Buddy Will.

Secondly, last night I was able to visit my friend in her home and get an update on their precious daughter...Stephanie. She has been in ICU since the accident on Thursday night of last week. While I was at their home...Stephanie's husband called and informed her parents that she was being moved to a private room....hallalejah...all the breathing tubes have been removed, she is sitting up some...and even walked to the bathroom and rode in a wheelchair to see her baby daughter very briefly in the ICU waiting room...isn't this just the best news. I am so thankful for their entire family...hopefully, Stephanie will be able to come home to her mom and dads to re-coop very soon! My friend is so thankful that her daughter was protected by God's hand last Thursday night...we all know she is recovering b/c of a miracle...while we know that Steph has a long road of recovery ahead of her...she has a lot to recover for...and she is grateful. I took over dinner and also downloaded one of the pictures my daughter had taken of them last Wednesday... I still can't believe it was just a week ago that we saw her and the baby...and Jackie was snapping pictures of them...laughing and playing. I put the picture in a sweet little frame for Steph's mom to take to her...so she can have Miss Brooklyn with her at all times...plus it was such a cute picture...I knew it would make her happy showing it off to all the hospital staff...I know she will love it...THANKS! Jackie...you did an awesome job with the pictures!

Now...for this picture...
I'm sure you are all wondering who this precious baby is...she is my little "formula" baby...Kezi...I know her through another friend of mine...actually her daughter is a Registered Nurse and is volunteering for one year in Sudan...she will be leaving her post in August...but she has graciously updated us on all the sweet babies and orphans that they treat at the school and in the clinic of the orphanage where she volunteers. This sweet young woman....Emily...has the biggest heart for the Lord and for helping those in need. She emailed her mom an urgent request about the babies outside the orphanage that for one reason or another did not have enough milk to survive. A lot of these babies lost their moms to Aids or in childbirth and are being raised by other family members...but b/c it is such an impoverished country they have very little food, water and shelter...not to mention very inadequate medications and supplies. She told us that the orphanage was going to have to start to turn away starving babies b/c they were running out of formula. Apparently formula is outrageously expensive and very difficult to come by. So through Harvesters International they set up an account specifically for "formula babies" these are babies that are not provided for by the orphanage but are from neighboring villages. Well, we know we can't send starving babies home w/o formula...so Emily started stretching what she had left in supply to its limits and then placed a "plea" out to many of her family and friends to see if we could help support these babies. Lots of folks really came through for this cause...the last I heard they had enough money in the formula bank to feed 10 babies for almost a year...I believe. So this is my baby...or I like to think she is...I send a monthly check to the baby formula plan at Harvesters and this is the picture Emily sent back of one of the babies Harversters Formula program has helped save. I am in love with all these kids she sends pictures of...even with nothing, these kids in the orphanage ALWAYS have a smile on their face...they are so grateful for anything they have...what a blessing for all of them to have had Emily there to care for them...but I think if you asked her she would tell you she is the one who has been blessed.

I know there are children starving and have needs in our country as well, I do not for one minute choose one child over another. I feel I have a very blessed life...so I do try my hardest to help wherever I can...I just want to encourage all of you to remember all of our children in this world...please remember them in your prayers...in your conversations with others...in your heart and if possible with any donation or extra time to whatever organization fits your personal beliefs. I love having children all over the world...and I know I will meet them all one day.

This is Emily with a baby she helped deliver out in the villages surrounding the orphanage. These people are so desperate for help and medical treatment that at times they will risk life and limb by going outside the safety of their own villages to "borrow" the nurses and aides from the orphanage to help with delivering babies and other medical emergencies. I believe if I remember correctly this baby was born under very dire circumstances, was delivered using very antiquated equipment...survived in spite of all of it...and to honor Emily...the babies parents named her Emily...awesome!

I think I am enamored by these children, their stories and those sweet faces...b/c when I was younger...I wanted to be the next Mother Teresa...REALLY...no kidding...kind of funny but I really did grow up thinking I was going to be a Missionary nun...I DO NOT know why...seriously, other than my grandfather used to tell me I would be a nun...I am so not the nun type...I mean I love the Lord, I love what the nuns do throughout our country...but I have a laywomans MOUTH...that at times could get a nun in trouble...yes, I 'm a bit sassy and have been known to throw out a word or two...not becoming a nun...to top it off...a tall muscular blond man came into my life..and WELL he drew me in with his gorgeous brown eyes...and becoming a nun went right out the window!! I decided I couldn't live without him, married the tall muscular blond and was blessed to raise our two wonderful children. But, now thankfully b/c of that tall muscular blond man...I can spread a little love throughout the places I so wanted to travel in my youth!

Blessings to all....thanks for all your prayers for all that has been happening around our little Ponderosa these days...it's been a whirlwind few days...hopefully, next week...I will be posting about fun stuff...I pray!

Prayers PLEASE...for a sweet new mother and her family!

2008-05-30T16:10:00.009-05:00

****UPDATE**** 6-02-08...I just heard from my daughter that Stephanie is mending...albeit slowly and with a lot of pain. She was able to sit up for the very first time yesterday for a brief period. Her husband made it in from his post in the Middle East and they say it improved her spirits immensely! I am thrilled he was able to get here soon! She is still in ICU...but I was told that hopefully they will be able to move her to a room, soon. I guess she has a few more hurdles to get over before they move her and I would think pain management would be one of them. Please continue to pray for her and for a complete and speedy recovery...as you all know she has a beautiful baby girl that is 6 months old and I know she is very anxious to be with her full time again! Her family and she are very grateful and want to thank you all for your prayers...and I personally want to thank each of you that have prayed, emailed or posted about this. Blessings to you all! I will update as soon as I know more...Thanks again!!***

Friends, Family and Fellow prayer warriors...I have an urgent request. Last night a long time friend of our families; beautiful daughter who just became a mother herself 6 months ago...was hit by a drunk driver. She is in the ICU of a wonderful hospital in our area...she is suffering from a bruised liver, torn diaphram, punctured lung, broken and cracked ribs, broken pelvis and broken teeth. She was just in our home on Wednesday with her precious baby girl...Brooklyn...my daughter was taking pictures of the 2 of them and it was very apparant to both of us that Stephanie is a wonderful mom! She currently lives in California but is home visiting her parents for a month while her husband is deployed for training somewhere in the Middle East...luckily the Red Cross is flying him home, immediately!

Please, please pray for Stephanie, her baby, her husband, her mom and dad Harry and Debbie, her sister Ali (who has been friends with my daughter since 5th grade) her brother, and all of her extended family and friends. They are a very sweet and loving family...and this young lady has so much "spunk" and "joy" in her that I just know she is going to pull through...but her recovery may take a while. I am praying for a complete and total recovery, that she be re-united with her baby, husband and family very soon...and that she be totally healed!

These are a couple of pictures Jackie took of Stephanie and Brooklyn on Wednesday...they are beautiful, look at those blue, blue eyes...just gorgeous! I am heartbroken for all of her family...but I know she is going to heal...God is good and he will work miracles....Please continue to pray...and I will update you all when I know more....they are such a sweet and beautiful family....all your prayers are so greatly appreciated!!

Buddy Will....a sad tale...hopefully w/a happy ending...

2008-05-26T19:50:00.012-05:00

*****update on BUDDY WILL****...5-27-08...Buddy Will is still at our vet's re-cooping and doing much better and his physical wounds are healing! I was able to contact the vet that was on B.W.'s tags...he did not recommend contacting the owners of this dog...he said it was not a good situation for the dog...and he STRONGLY advised me to either find another home for Buddy Will, turn him over to an adoption agency or keep him...that he would not contact the owner nor would he give the owner our name and number...for our good and the good of Buddy Will!! I am saddened to think that this sweet dog has probably been mistreated for a while...and that possibly his starvation was part of that cruelty...I can only guess as to what he has been through in his short life span...but my vet, his techs, the humane society and I are all looking for a new and perfect place for Buddy Will to live. He seems to have a sweet disposition...and our vet is so graciously letting Buddy Will stay there and re-coop for free...of course we are paying all medical bills...but he is not charging us for services, room and board or the treatment rooms...he is just charging us for the meds...I love him for that!! So hopefully, tomorrow I will have some better news...we are praying that we find him a forever home! Please, Please say a prayer for him...that the perfect person comes along who will love him back to being a healthy and thriving dog!

*****WARNING*****WARNING****WARNING****WARNING****
If you are an animal lover...you may want to sit down and take a deep breath before reading this post....it is a tad disturbing...along with some pretty shocking pictures.

Today, after arriving home from a weekend in New Orleans and Gulfport Mississippi, for the wedding of my good friends son...who just so happens to be my son's best friend...we found the most unnerving and disheartening thing on our back porch. To help you understand a bit...we do live in the country; so to speak on about 2.5 acres...we do not have a security fence around our property, only a decorative type fencing...so we often have a few strays come through...we don't mind because they usually go as quickly as the arrive. BUT today...when my sweet hubbin stepped out onto the back porch to enjoy his morning coffee...this is what he encountered....
this poor, poor fella could barely stand...as my husband came closer to the dog he could tell the dog was not only starving...but in pain, that something was amiss for this poor guy! Luckily, our children were still here b/c we had just arrived late last night from our trip! Hubbin noticed that the dog was in trouble and called for our son and DIL...along with our daughter...we are all huge animal lovers...and dogs reign supreme around these parts for us! Hubbin noticed the dog did have a collar with a rabies only tag...but somehow...and we believe it happened b/c he had become so emaciated that the collar came loose and he had stepped through it with his front left leg...the collar got stuck around him much like you would envision a shoulder strap purse across one arm and then the chest...Sadly, the buckle rubbed the under side of his front leg along the top joint where the leg connects to the body. The buckle was almost embedded into his flesh...it had rubbed all his hair and a large amount of flesh off of him...plus he is was so skinny, not to mention he was dehydrated beyond belief...I could not believe he was still standing!! It was just the saddest thing to see...so hubbin and our children cut the collar off....rinsed him and the wound with cool water...fed him a bit and gave him some water. After my sweet man cut the collar off...this poor fella just laid his head in my husbands lap...he was so relieved, I think this was his only way of thanking my husband. We then made a bed for him under the ceiling fan on the back porch....Folks he just laid there and slept for several hours only to rise for water...I never did see him pee or poop...and I'm sure he didn't b/c there was nothing in him. We tried to call the vets office were the tags were issued but with today being a holiday they were closed. So...I could not stand it anymore...we all knew he needed medical attention...so I called our vet...thankfully, he had us bring Buddy Will in the office ASAP!! (that is what we are calling him, b/c both of the children started calling him Buddy before the other one even knew it...and I added the Will because I feel he has a strong will and is determined to survive) we put a leash around his neck and he was so good to come off his bedding and move slowly in our direction...but after a few steps we determined he needed to be carried the rest of the way to the truck! We swaddled him in a dry towel and we then loaded him in our truck and headed to the vet. This "disturbing" shot is a picture of him in the truck...he was just so sweet...it breaks my heart to see him like this...

After arriving at the vets...they tried to call the city dog shelter to see if his tags were registered there...no luck...they were closed, too. The vet decided to run a heart worm test on him to find out just what we were dealing with...he was heart worm negative "unbelievable"...plus he did not have any parasites, worms or ticks at all "WOW!!"...our doc looked at me...and asked "so what do you want me to do?" (he knows me and he already knew what the answer was before I answered!!) I told him...help him get well and in the meantime we would try and contact the other vet tomorrow when they open to see if the previous owners are still in the picture or not!! Our vet said he is not very old....probably a year or less! Other than the fact he needs a lot of good groceries and antibiotics to heal his wounds...he really was in pretty good shape considering what he may have been through. We are not sure where he came from...if he ran away...if he was dumped...if he just got lost...we do not know...but I could not live with myself if we hadn't taken him to the vet. Tomorrow, we will try and find a home for him because we really can't keep him...he needs to be fixed as well...so we may have to do that before we can have someone rescue him...I am looking up doggie foster homes in our area as well as rescue shelters...but I will not take him to the humane society...b/c I know they would probably just put him down...and I don't want that to happen. He seems very gentle...but of course I do not know what he will be like when he is healthy. The doc did say that he does have some pit bull in him (which isn't a problem unless he has been mistreated which can be bad for any breed of dog)...he said that basically he is just a mixed breed...that has had a run of bad luck...that is until he met the crazy lady who takes strays in anytime she see's a need!! My hubbin was just as eager to take Buddy Will to the vet and save him as I was...BUT he didn't want me to name him...b/c he knew I would become too attached if I did so...but too late...I've already named him...even if it is temporary!

I hope we can find someone great to adopt him...OR if his family lost him and have been looking for him...this would be an awesome surprise for them!! Due to his poor condition we feel he has been missing for quite a while...but if I think for one minute these folks are the reason he is in this shape...I WILL NOT turn him over to them...I'll keep him before I do that! It is just too sad to bear!

Sorry these pictures are so graphic...but this shows just how sad it was and how horrific he looked when we found him OR he found us!!!...hopefully, now he is resting at the vets with antibiotics and sedatives taking care of him...along with some IV fluids and some healthy food! We will see what tomorrow brings.

Here he is at the vets while the tech is scanning him to see if he had a microchip...but he did not! Folks if you haven't had your dog micro chipped...please think about it...it could save his/her life...not to mention many heart breaking moments for his/her family....we micro chipped our dogs...b/c there are times when they do not always have their collar on....let Buddy Will be a reminder to please do so....
I mean for goodness sakes...look at this face...such a helpless creature...it makes me want to cry just thinking about him hobbling around for heaven knows how long with that collar digging into his flesh...and no food or water! I think he came to our yard because we do have a large water bowl outside...and it had fresh rain water in it...plus he may have smelled our dogs scents and thought he would just rest here. My husband thinks he may have been here while we were gone b/c of a small dug up patch in the flower bed...were he thinks he may have found a quite place to rest...I am so thankful we made it home when we did...because I don't think he would have survived another day w/o food and water.

Please say a prayer for Buddy Will ...that we find a perfect home for him and that he makes a complete recovery!!

Happy Birthday...baby sister!!

2008-05-18T15:58:00.013-05:00

Wanted to give a BIG shout out to my baby sister....she turns 43 today...YES..she's the baby...I'm the middle child and for some "crazy" reason my parents thought it necessary to have a baby after I had been the baby for 8 years!! In fact the new baby....this little girl was born 8 years and 23 days after ME!! I thought it rather rude and unnecessary at the time...I mean for goodness sakes...I WAS THE BABY!....what were they thinking?? Well, guys...I am here to tell ya, they were the smartest parents EVER...I can not imagine my life without this baby girl in it!!! She is the best sister a gal could ask for...plus you can ask my kids and kids-in-laws...she is the bestest aunt ever...

This is my sister with my little punkin when punkin was about a year old. Yes!! THEY were shopping from the Service Merchandise Catalog, shopping for what else???...toys for Santa to bring the baby girl! (Isn't my sister gorgeous, I think she was about 16or so...and look at my baby, so engrossed in the pictures of her future presents from Santa) YES, my sister has always been helpful like that.

Actually, to be 8 years apart in age, my sister and I have the closest of relationships...we really don't think about the age difference (well, except for me sometimes...b/c she is still in her forties..and I've entered "fifty"dom!) because, well, it's always been like that AND age is JUST a number, right??? She tells me I'm a great mother (isn't that the sweetest thing) because I was able to practice on her...YIKES... this poor girl really did have some close-calls because of me and our brother...there were too many to count. I do know that I always felt she was mine...that God had given her not only to my mom and dad...but to me! Not sure if it was for practice, for companionship later in life OR just to bug the doo-wah out of me when I was a teenager and she was just a punk kid (not really, she was kinda sweet)...regardless... for whatever reason I felt this way...I knew she was a gift, and I loved having her around as I was growing up...plus you can't return a gift...can you??? Seriously, I love that she is MY little sister, a gift from GOD and I love her with all my heart!! She keeps me young, keeps me laughing and always keeps me close to her heart! For that...I am eternally grateful; to my parents...for keeping at it until they got it RIGHT!!

Here is my gorgeous sister at the FABULOUS bridal luncheon she gave for that same little girl she used to catalog shop with...she is wearing the black lace top (yea! she's always been sexier than me, too) and she is standing with my lovely Daughter-in-law, my beautiful daughter and me...this is my fav picture of all of us...I actually for once in my life took a pretty decent picture (so DO NOT be fooled by this) and of course the other three ladies look smashing as always...these gals mean the world to me...and my sister is the BESTEST, MOST LOVING, and CRAZIEST of them all, I wouldn't change her for the world!! AND I will always carry her in my "heart".

HAPPY BIRTHDAY....LAURA MARIE....I LOVE YOU!!

*** Doesn't my sister have the most lovely of names???...her middle name is the same middle name that both grandma's had...isn't that a cool coincidence??? I always thought that was so incredible...it kind of made me think my parents were destined to be together (yea, I'm forever the romantic) BTW...the last picture was taken almost 3 years ago...so we all look younger...and that is how we like it!!!****

Prayers for my friends family

2008-05-14T00:15:00.008-05:00

*****Update****Thursday...May 15th....Hallelujah!!!!*** Folks I just received this email from my friend's daughter and Aunt to Stone, the young lad we have all been praying for...this is such great news...I had to share it and THANK each of you that has remembered this family and young boy in your prayers...again, many, many thanks!!
***hallelujah!***
The doctors just came in and said, "Everything we
hoped for has happened!" Remember the three things we
specifically asked for in prayer:
1. No new bacteria would grow
2. The antibiotics continue to do its job
3. No extensive surgery

Well, all three prayers were answered! There is no
sign of new bacteria (it was only dead white blood
cells), the antibiotics are shrinking the abscess and
they are not scheduling the extensive surgery.
Stone will be in the hospital for only three more days
and be back next week for another CT scan.

We are rejoicing!

I ask that you please keep praying that the
antibiotics will completely rid the abscess on the
brain...That it continues doing its job. I will give
you an update next week. Thank you for walking this
journey with us....we couldn't do it without you.

Love to all,
Lindsay and family

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A few months ago many of you may remember reading about a dear friend that lost his short battle with cancer. We have known his family for over 20 years and they are very dear to me and my family. Folks I need for all you prayer warriors to keep this sweet family in your prayers. Our friend who passed away and his lovely wife Barbara have 4 incredible children...all of whom are married with families of their own. There oldest daughter, Kimberly (who along with one of her sisters used to babysit our kids) has a son named Stone...Stone is 12 years old....On May 1st I received an email from Stone's aunt informing us that he had been stricken with a very rare bacterial infection of the brain...long story short...he had been having migraines for a few weeks, the doctors could not figure out what was causing them...then sadly Stone went into a Grand Mal Seizure...he was rushed to one of the top Children's Hospitals in the area...and it was determined after brain surgery that he had a very aggresive bacteria attacking the frontal and temperol lobes of his brain (two seperate abcesses). The doctors gave Stone a 1% chance of surviving the surgery...and were told if he did survive he most likely would have brain damage and not remember his family. Well, every one dropped to their knees and starting praying for him...miracles of miracles...Stone woke up from the surgery less than 12 hours after the procedure...but due to the fact he had tubes coming in and out of him he could not speak! He motioned for the nurses to let him have pen and paper...he looked up and his parents...wrote on the paper..." I love you guys" and then pulled them to his chest...YES, through God's grace...Stone had beaten the odds and soon was recovering at home with an antibiotic pump implanted so he could continue to be treated for the bacteria for the next 6 weeks. He was humbled by all the prayers, cards, visits and emails he had received and was very, very grateful!

Today I received another email from Stone's aunt asking for prayers and for us to ask God to perform another miracle. It seems that the bacteria has built up a resistance to the antibiotic and has mutated into another type of bacteria that will not respond to the current course of antibiotics. Today, they started him on a different round of treatments and the doctors are giving it till 1:00 p.m. CST tomorrow to show improvement. At that time...they will make an incision behind his ear to drain the fluids that have built up on his brain...if they see no improvement they will have to do a much more extensive surgery involving scraping away all the bacteria and damaged tissue from Stones frontal and temperol lobes of his brain where the abscesses are in these 2 seperate areas! Folks...we need prayers for the antibiotics to work and for Stone to NOT have to endure the more extensive surgery. I don't think the docs are as optimistic as they were before when they deemed him the "miracle boy"...but we all know he is strong, he is loved...and he is a child of God...and that miracle can and will happen. I ask you all to please remember them in your prayers...he is a remarkable young man...he even told his parents that during the first surgery he felt the presence of his grandfather (our friend Tommy) with him...he could feel Tommy's hand upon his head...of course this just shows me what a connection he not only has with his grandfather...but that God is in control here...he is comforting Stone...and showing him the will to live.

Thanks for indulging me in my prayer request...I could not have posted about anything else until I knew we had exhausted every possibly source of prayer out there...thanks so much and I will update when I know something. I am praying for a miraculous outcome!

Thanks again...

Spring cleaning...and "COOL" letters...

2008-05-04T15:07:00.023-05:00

For some reason I have been a bit remiss in doing my normal spring cleaning...I have planted most all the plants in their prospective areas and have spruced up the outside on the most part...but I have been totally "slacking" and I'm just dragging on the whole inside of the house "spring cleaning" prospect...FINALLY I think the bug has bitten me ( or was that a mosquito?)...I've spent a good portion of this weekend getting some much needed things cleaned up...starting with bathing the dogs ( I do this most every week or so but sometimes...it just takes me a lot to go there)...then deep, deep cleaning the dogs sleeping quarters...yuck!! aka...the utility room...my vehicle...and now some closets and drawers...not to mention some deep cleaning in the "high traffic" areas...so lots of dusting, mopping, vacuming...some major deep cleaning going on here! I clean every week...but deep cleaning...hmmmm...not so much until the spring/summer and then the fall/winter months!! Hopefully, this momentum will just keep growing over the coming weeks...but I'm afraid it's going to stop for a while because of my friends sons wedding...and you know I have to help out with THAT...yep...any excuse not to spring clean...I knew that was going to happen!

For me sometimes it just takes getting something new or re-arranging a room to get me JUMP STARTED...One of the things that has inspired me to "get with it" this past week is getting these....some really cool pictures of old letters that my daughter sells on ETSY...I decided I wanted something clever to hang in my craft room! Am I the only one out here that gets excited and then does a total re-do when I find something like this??...I mean seriously I am going to re-do my entire sewing room...b/c of these letters...but I never need an excuse to re-do something and my craft/sewing room is in DIRE need of a re-do...so it is great timing that I got these...I happen to LOVE them and of course I love the artist/photographer a little bit, too!! A friend of mine did the whole take on the word "sew" in her sewing room years ago, I've decide to "borrow" her idea and frame these babies and hang them up to enjoy every day!!! I love words in a room and my craft room is so eclectic...I thought I would do the whole "sew" thing in there to liven it up...isn't this just the most clever idea!!!! I can say that b/c I did not come up with this idea...but I love it none the less...and I am SEW using it!!

For a look at some of the other letters and word phrases that my daughter sells....you can check her out at her ETSY site

www.jacquelynlee.etsy.com She has other pictures, too...but I like the letters...she is trying to get some more photos up...so keep checking back!! OR her official photography web-site at www.jacquelynlee.com

Also, I want to express my heartfelt "THANKS" to Kim at TodaysCreativeBlogspot....she is such a doll as many of you know...she so graciously featured Jackie's website and new business venture on her site a week or so ago (I would have thanked her sooner...but I had this whole Mr. Blog issue going on)....my daughter was elated...she called me the very day...I think the very minute that she saw it on Kim's site...So thank you, thank you, thank you Kim...for being such an advocate for young ladies getting starting in a new venture or for anyone who is blessed with the creative gene...she really does an awesome job in not only promoting new talent and keeping up with the latest fun things...she is just the most awesome lady...she is funny, talented and very dedicated to her family and she LOVES life...I think she is my long lost baby sister...I love her...you can check her out if you haven't yet...she is at www.todayscreativeblog.blogspot.com or her personel blog at www.scrap-to-my-lu.blogspot.com
Hope you are all having a great weekend...and I hope that I am able to finish up my spring cleaning before summer or fall rolls around...I REALLY have lots to do...not only cleaning...but re-organizing and just getting rid of a lot of things. My desire is when our new home is complete (which has not started quite yet...I'll update that later)that I will have everything done to this home that is needed...and I will just have to mop, vacumn and dust...then put her on the market....hey! a girl can "DREAM" can't she...OH!! by the way...that is a word my daughter sells on ETSY..."DREAM"...it is so cool...check it out.

Oh MY HEAVENS...alert the PRESS

2008-04-29T21:44:00.010-05:00

You know I was always told you would catch more flies with honey than vinegar...and I am proud to say that I have abided by that loving advice for so many years...but PEOPLE I gotta tell ya...today...Blogger has released his evil grip on me and is allowing me to post...this ONLY after I threatened divorce...NOW I'm not sayin~ go out and raise holy heck...always, always...ladies/gents you should try and adhere to your very best manners ...but I gotta say...sometimes...you just HAVE to add a little lemon or vinegar or WHATEVER to that water...because "raise the roof" and "turn out the lights"....I am ABLE to post and I am able to do so with PICTURES...let's hear a big..."yippee" and "yeehaw"...I am about to bore you to tears with pictures I've been wanting to post...

I'll start with these......These lovelies are 50 (I know b/c I counted them...looks are deceiving in many ways...*wink*) of the prettiest red, yellow and red/yellow mix tulips I have ever seen...along with some yellow cymbidium orchids tossed in for added pizazzz...my sweet hubbin sent these to me on my birthday...and I LOVE them...what a way to brighten any ones day...and don't you just LOVE the vase...yes!!! I am using this at one of the future weddings/rehearsal we are doing...already have that planned out...I knew it the minute I saw this vase...as soon as my tulips are gone...it will be carted to my friends home so we can use it for her sons rehearsal dinner (which will be held in Mississippi along the coast)...our plan...for a seaside wedding theme is to pack this lovely vessel full of white hydrangeas, stock and freesia...and filling the bottom half with seashells...and water of course...I can see it now...oh! you know how I love to plan a wedding...and flowers are my favorite part of that plan!!

Well...I will cut blogger some slack...don't want to tax him too much this evening...but don't think I won't be back...posting pictures...b/c honestly...it has been rather lonely and FRUSTRATING not being able to do so for the last few days/weeks!!

Thanks to all of you that have sent me private emails, blog comments and actual posting on your blogs to wish me a happy birthday and advise for Mr. Blog!! Thanks to all of you...it really did MAKE MY DAY!! OK...Susie...this is an easy one...name that movie???

D-I-V-O-R-C-E

2008-04-29T08:54:00.004-05:00

Well folks...I appreciate all the expressed concerns and problem solving ideas with Mr. Blog...but I am afraid for some reason...our counseling sessions may have not worked. He is being controlling, stubborn and quite fickle and being the independent and very busy woman that I am, I feel I may have to DIVORCE Mr. Blog...he keeps telling me at the bottom of my post page..."Done;Error on page"....well, if we're DONE...then does that mean it's OVER? I mean I was really willing to give this a try...a bit of a trial or maybe even a little time apart...BUT if he isn't letting me post pictures...and he is saying it is DONE...ERROR, ERROR...then I feel I may have to take drastic measures and possibly find ANOTHER server or Mr. Blog...and file for a bloggy divorce or dissolution of my current "LivingTheLife" status!! What's a gal to do when she feels "left out, not needed, shunned and just cast aside"??? Truly and then to add insult to injury...he will not let me post my beloved pictures!!

I will give it one more week...Mr. Blog...one more week...I mean I like to think I am a patient person...but seriously...I need you to be a bit more cooperative...I am tired of driving down this street called..."One Way"....after all...I support you, too...so, I feel the least you could do is meet me half-way OR allow for a two way street...I mean for goodness sakes I'll even let you draw the white or yellow line down the middle! OK...you have it here...first...ONE WEEK!

***disclaimer...in addition to not letting me post pictures for almost 2 weeks...Mr. Blog hasn't let me actually POST for the last few days...well, since my last posts...this is the FIRST time in days he has let me access my post page and actually post (maybe there is still hope)...he has just not allowed me to access my post page...he would let me read your posts...but he put me in the corner as if to punish me and not allow me to post..."and nobody puts baby in the corner...nobody!"....OK...name that movie!!

HELP!!! BLOGGER is trying to control me!!

2008-04-24T11:35:00.000-05:00

I need HELP...blogger is REALLY making me MAD...and I don't like being mad! Now...I'm going to be really embarrassed if I find out this is caused by something I did...but I need to know. Does anyone know why....when I go to the Dashboard to post...click on "new post" and when I arrive at new post screen...the header between the "title" and the actual body of the post is missing...you KNOW the one that lets you click on it and POST pictures, check your spelling and allows you to add links, not to mention "Preview" your post before actually posting it!!! It is MISSING...IT IS MIA...I can't seem to figure out WHY??? So maybe one of you genius computer types out there can help...NOW for days Mr. Blogger would not even let me POST...I would click on dashboard...and it would just do nothing...for hours...honestly...I tried refreshing...re-booting...shutting down for hours...defragmenting...dumping files...all that...and still no posting...NOW as you can see...I can post..but have lost the controls to post pictures! AND I MUST BE ABLE TO PSOT PICTURES...I SIMPLY MUST!! Anyone...Anyone...yes...ANYONE...do you know what might be going on?? PLEASE...Let me know...and please be kind and gentle...I'm a little "challenged" with this sort of thing!

Thanks...I hope to correct this problem soon...with your help!

It's ALL bloggers...fault!!

2008-04-19T20:58:00.002-05:00

Alrighty folks...I'm starting to become very "peeved" with Mr. Blogger...he is NOT letting me post pictures...and I have several...some from the shower I hosted two weekends ago AND more importantly some from the storm we encountered here the other night...I will post later...when I can do justice to this whole blogging experience...I really MUST have photos to feel I have done a thorough job of sharing with all my friends in blogland...So blame it on blogger...b/c until HE lightens up and lets me post some pictures...I am out of here!!

Announcing....BIG News...BIGGGG!!

2008-04-10T15:52:00.000-05:00

Hey gang...sorry I've been away for so long...I feel as though I have missed out on so much! I have been very busy and will be posting about some cool things very soon...I will also be checking in with my "peeps"...very, very soon! I've REALLY missed everyone!! Funny how that happens, eh!!

In the meantime...I have some v-e-r-y, VERY, V-E-R-Y exciting news...YEA, for those of you watching American Idol...I am here to announce the NEW..."REAL" AMERICAN IDOL...well, she is to me!! Please check out my daughters new business...she is a professional photographer and has decided to go out on her own...she is approaching this from several different aspects...not only does she do portraits, babies, senior pics, families, mother/father to be, gorgeous albums and anything in between...she does a series of "alpha" letters...were you can buy any letter you want and frame it or make a word...she also has vintage photographs, landscape and nature photos available to purchase. I love her work...I know...I know...she IS my daughter...but I have always known since she was a little girl that this is a passion of hers, seriously I cannot remember a time when she did not have a camera of some sort in her hand! PLEASE read about her in her information section. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that she has a real "eye" for photography...even when she was in high school her photography teacher took me aside and told me..."Jackie truly does have an eye for this! You can teach technique...but the passion and eye come from within AND she has IT!"....well, I'm still beaming from that compliment and am continually amazed at what she captures through the camera lens!! After she went on to college those compliments and awards just kept coming...of course she won't talk about that...b/c she is modest and very hard on herself...but...HEY!! I'm her mama...I CAN DO THAT...till the cows come home...RIGHT??

PLEASE go check out her website here... www.jacquelynlee.com or check out her blog, it will lead you to her site... www.jackieland.blogspot.com

I think you will enjoy every aspect of her site...let her know I sent you to see her...she will be thrilled!!! She is just starting out and has many more ideas and photos to come...but she really wanted to get this up and running! She has been working really hard on this for some time and has tried very hard to be comptetive in her pricing and in the services she offers. I am praying for all kinds of success for her...it truly is something she has loved since she was a child...it's not just something that she thought would be fun...she truly lives for this...and has for some time! I am always so proud of anything she does...but I can truly attest to her talents and know if you purchase from her or hire her for a session or event...YOU will NOT be disappointed!!

Please feel free to pass this on to ALL your friends!! Thank you from the bottom of my heart!!

P.S. For those who have been asking about my header, it was designed by my daughter...check her out it's one of the many things she can create!

Thanks...and I'll be back...soon!!

2008-04-01T15:58:00.000-05:00

Just wanted to drop a line to all of you that posted such sweet comments about my post on dad....I appreciate all your kind words! It does seem that the consensus is...that "daddy's" are such special people...especially to there little girls!! It's like I told my daughter when her paw-paw died...for little girls her daddy is her first love...one that never goes away...that love establishes her trust and desired character in other men for the remainder of her life...I was so very blessed...as I know many of you were, too! Thanks again...for your sweet words.

For now I am really busy...I am giving a wedding shower for my closest friends son and future daughter in law...so I have many things to do to prepare....here is a sampling of the invitations we made to send out...it's a girls only luncheon...so it should be tons of fun...We had fun making these invites...we used the flower stamp with embosser...then sprinkled some really pretty bronze glitter over the embossed flower...then we used the heat thingy for embossing...heated it up and it rose up just like a champ...we then colored in each flower with pastel chalks...using Q-tips...the ultimate painting utensil...I'm sure you can't see it in these "sorry" pictures...but we dotted each flower with a pink stone...and the "i" over her name... This is the outside flap...the picture above is the piece we glued to the inside of the green card stock...her colors are this olive green with beige...we threw the pinks in for drama...and I think her flowers are going to be in the pink family...so this really turned out pretty good if I do say so myself...now I did the "labor" along with my friend (we had to stamp each invitation with 2 of these flowers...plus glue/double side tape them to the green card stock and put the bling on each flower...but my friend designed these on her computer...b/c well...she's more computer savy than me...plus she has a MAC...I'm so envious...I need one for MY creative outlet...doncha think?? !!I will try and remember to take pictures at the shower...I'm not promising anything...but I'll try...if I do...I'll post about it next week!

Blessings...to all!!