Why I love PIP(picture in a picture) and DVR's

Because I am able to watch both OU and Navy play in their bowl games with it, flip back and forth and rewind if I missed something good.

I am not a technology genius, but I sure love the little I know how to do! Now if I could just figure out how to post pictures with captions below or above them easily. I can do it, but it sure is a lot of work and there must be an easier way....

Boomer Sooner, OU just took the lead over Stanford! Navy is up 14 -10 over Missouri. If Texas were playing their bowl game right now, it would be a Lightner Girls College Trifecta!! : )

Is this a sign of the times, so far I have spent most of the last day of 2009 glued to this computer. Wonder what I will be doing 10 years from today.....

Goodbye 2009

I must say I am not going to miss 2009. While it started off well, we spent New Years with Alissa and Brek in Boston, it pretty much went downhill from there. I managed to work 4 days of the New Year and then the bottom fell out. I became sick at work on the 4th day and pretty much lost the rest of January and almost all of February. We thought it was just a stomach virus, but after being very sick all weekend and going to the Dr. on Monday, blood work showed I had the H Pylori bacteria. Now I don't know about you, but I had never heard of this particular bacteria before. All I knew was that I was extremely nauseated and wanted some relief. 2 weeks and 2 antibiotics later, same song, different verse. Back to the Dr., the bacteria appears to be gone, but I am still sick and losing weight. 5 pounds in 2 weeks, creeping towards a total weight loss of 20 pounds.

So, we began testing. I had so many tests in one week! I can't even remember them all. It was finally determined that my gall bladder had ceased functioning! No pain, no stones, just decided it was tired of working. So.... on February 19th, I had my very first surgery ever. Made it 50 years, but finally had to do it. Thankfully it wasn't a really big one and the recovery was pretty quick. It had to be, because I wasn't going to miss my trip to Cali with my girls for Alissa's 30th birthday! I wasn't at full strength, but I went. Thank goodness for Kaci, she was a lifesaver on more than one occasion. I think she will definitely be the child who cares for me in my old age, which some days seems much closer than I would like.

But, things began to turn around, I felt better, left my job, which I totally blame for the stress that I think led to my illness starting and started looking for something else to occupy my time. I found blogging! Started reading them and decided I wanted to do that too. Now, mine isn't as interesting as many I read, but for me it is more a way to chronicle what is going on in my life. The hardest part is censoring myself and not posting things about others that they don't want posted. I would love to be able to write about what is going on in my girls lives and how that affects mine, but out of respect for them, I don't. I might write something that is public knowledge and that they have already talked about, but not the more personal things. After all this is my blog about me. But they are such a part of who I am, it is hard not to discuss them here. Guess I will just have to find ways to do it without compromising their privacy.

Things were going pretty well until October. My in laws began to have health problems and that meant we needed to help them. We took turns staying with them, cooking, cleaning and taking them to Dr.s appointments. Thankfully they are doing much better, still not 100% but so much better.

Another first for me, my first root canal. Unfortunately it will not be completed in 2009 and will carry over to the New Year. Have I mentioned I hate going to the dentist? Well I do. Hate it with a passion. Didn't even go for the first time until I was 21. I had been thru 27 hours of labor and was still terrified to sit in that dentist's chair. And all I needed was a simple filling. I had a very good dentist in Waxahachie, Dr. DeHay. I really liked him, he is very good as dentists go. Haven't found anyone who quite measures up to him here in Arkansas.

I know 2010 is going to be a life changing year for my family. I am so excited to see all this new year will bring. My only wish is for good health. Because it is so very true, if you have your health, you have everything.

Happy New Year!!

It's a very Merry Christmas!!

We have had a wonderful day today. We had a White Christmas, a wonderful meal and amazing gifts. I think my favorite (so far) would have to be my season tickets to the Tulsa Performing Arts Broadway shows. Not the tickets themselves so much as the fact that I will be attending with Alissa, Kari, Kaci and Ed! Individually!! There are 4 shows and each of them will go with me to a show! The first will be in January with Kaci to see Legally Blond, then in April with Alissa to see the Beatles, May and June are yet to be determined, it will be The Wizard of Oz and a Cirque de Soleil show with either Ed or Kari. I am so excited the girls are going to do this with me!!

I also was given a web cam so that I can have video conversations with the girls!! Can't wait to "see" them when we chat!

More on Christmas later, back to family time!!

Merry Christmas!!

Will this ever end???

Ok, today I was supposed to finish my root canal. But no, couldn't be finished, will have to go back yet another time and hopefully finish it then. But of course that won't be the end of it, because then I will have to get the crown replaced that he had to destroy in order to get to the roots. My mouth is so sore and I hope I never have to do this again.

Finally!!

I have a tree!! A week before Christmas even. No lights or decorations on it, but it is in my living room and it smells like Christmas in my house.

Now, on to the decorating!!

A root canal? Seriously?

Ok, this is getting ridiculous. This has been a year of firsts for me and I want it to stop right now!!! My first ever surgery ( and all the tests required to determine I needed surgery) and now my first ever root canal. There have been a few other firsts that I would have preferred not to experience, just not at liberty to discuss them here right now. I have made it 50 years without all these health and other issues and I would just as soon make it another 50 thank you very much.

The good news regarding the root canal is that it has forced me to rest a little. I have spent 3 nights in a row in my own bed and that hasn't happened since the end of October. Granted it was on major pain meds, but I will take it however I can get it. The bad news is that I feel so guilty for not being with my in-laws and helping them. The pain meds help but I can't make a 2 and a half hour drive while taking them. Not sure when I will get back up there...

So for now, pain meds, antibiotics and the joy of knowing I will be going back in a few days to finish (hopefully) what the dentist started. Evidently my roots are not cooperating and I may have to be referred to a specialist in this area. Hopefully it will not come to that...

Less than 2 weeks...

And I still don't have a tree up or the house decorated. Hopefully I will get some of that accomplished today. We came home last night, so good to sleep thru the night in my very own bed. It's amazing how you begin to appreciate the smallest things when they are not available to you.

This week was up and down as far as my MIL and FIL's road to recovery. It just seems like we take 2 steps forward and 3 back some days. We did have to go to the emergency room for a CT one day. Everything was normal.

Still no idea where we will be for Christmas this year. I of course would love to be in my home with all of my children, but we know that will not be happening this year. Praying for it to happen next year.

Today, I will try and have a little normalcy, make breakfast, find a tree, do some decorating and laundry, you know, just a typical Sunday.

Tomorrow Ed has an appointment with a Neurologist. He is having some issues and needs to take some tests to determine what is going on. Praying for a good outcome.

I will be going back to Tulsa Monday evening. Really hope we start to see some improvement this week and we can all get back to our normal lives. I know my in-law's are as ready as I am!

What a week this has been. I am supposed to be in NYC right now, getting ready for my flight back home. But I am already home. Our trip to New York, that we had been planning for 6 months, lasted less than 24 hours. We weren't sure we were even going to be able to go, but then my MIL seemed to be doing a little better, we had a diagnosis and meds, so I let them convince me to go home, so that I could make our trip the next morning. We left Ft. Smith a little after 6am Thursday and got into NYC around 3:30 that afternoon. We walked around a little that evening, had dinner and decided on an early night since I hadn't slept much since Sunday.
We got the first call around midnight our time that my MIL was being taken by ambulance to the hospital with a possible heart attack. Of course this meant we had to make arrangements to get back home. Fortunately there was a 7am flight Friday morning. We made it back to Tulsa around noon and took a cab directly to the hospital. The good news is that it wasn't a heart attack. Her sodium levels were very low and her electrolytes were out of balance as a result. After several bags of IV fluids, she was beginning to feel better. Her appetite returned for the first time in a month and the nausea she had been experiencing was getting better. We were able to bring her home on Saturday, on the condition that she not try and do anything at all and allow us to take care of my FIL and the house.

Not sure how long we will need to do this, but it is probably going to be a while before she can handle everything by herself again. So for now, my weeks will be spent in Tulsa and weekends at home.

Not sure when or if we will get a Christmas tree, it is kind of pointless right now. No one will really be here to enjoy it. But I didn't get a tree a few years ago, because no one was coming for Christmas and I just didn't think it was necessary. I said I would never do that again but you know what they say about never saying never.....

I think I will try and put out a few decorations so at least the few days I am at home, I can enjoy them. Not even sure where we will be this year for Christmas. I would still like to go to Boston, but it doesn't look like that is going to happen. We won't be having the Keeton family Christmas this year, my MIL is just not up to doing it. It will be the first Christmas Eve in Keeton history that at least some of them didn't come together for a meal and family time. But with my MIL being the only remaining sibling of the original 7 and no one else willing to take up the tradition, last year was probably the last time for it. This makes me very sad as I have been attending these gatherings since Ed and I married almost 33 years ago. And they had been going on many years before that. It truly is the end of an era.

So, today I will try and get the laundry done and things ready for me to go back to Tulsa tomorrow. I guess most of my shopping is going to be done online this year, with a few things picked up on the weekends when I come home. It is going to be a very different Christmas this year, that's for sure.....

Giving Thanks

Today I am thankful.
Thankful for 3 healthy and beautiful daughters

Thankful for a husband of almost 33 years (that I have known since I was 13)

Thankful for my father and my in-laws

Thankful for my brothers and their families

Thankful for dear, precious friends who add so much to my life

Thankful I have a home and food

Thankful for the freedoms I have living in the United States of America and for each and every person who has fought to allow me these freedoms and rights.

Thankful for my mother and all that she taught me and so very thankful I was able to be with her when she left this world. I miss her so much, but am most thankful that I will see her again one day thanks to the promise of my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

So, today I give thanks. For all of the above and so much more.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Home at last

Soooo happy to be home. Sleeping in my own bed last night was wonderful. Waking up in my own bed was even better!

Today has been spent cleaning and getting the laundry done. And resting, lots of resting.

I just about did too much yesterday, what with all the furniture rearranging. Did I mention I moved an entire king sized bed all by myself? Well, I did. All by myself. After a week in the hospital with Donald, I needed some physical activity and I think I managed to get quite a bit in the past few days. So much, that today I am very sore! But I am glad I was able to do some things to make life a little easier for my in-laws. I cleaned and grocery shopped on Thursday, moved furniture and cooked on Friday and drove home that night.

I took this picture on Wednesday before they told us we could take Donald home. He had a very rough day and night on Tuesday, so this was especially sweet.

I will be going back to Glenpool on Monday to help out some more. Hopefully I will have recovered from the past 8 days.

TGIF even if it is the 13th

Wow, what a week this has been. We made it to Tulsa on the 5th and I haven't been home since!
Ed's dad was not doing well at all and could not be left alone, so Ed and I spent the next 5 nights attempting to sleep in recliners in my FIL's hospital room. I finally sent Ed home to sleep in a real bed on Tuesday night and stayed with his dad by myself. Ed's back situation is precarious at best and he needed a good firm bed to keep it from going completely out on him. Plus, his mom was pretty close to total exhaustion and was in need of a good dinner and an early bedtime.

Finally on Wednesday, the Dr.'s said he could come home!! We were packed and ready in a flash. A week in the hospital with basically no sleep and not the best of eating habits was more than enough for all of us! But of course after staying up all night for a week, it was nearly impossible to sleep that first night. Last night was a little better and tonight I will be sleeping in my very own bed!! Ed's sister will stay the weekend and if needed I will come back on Monday. While I certainly don't mind coming back and helping, I would rather he be doing well enough that I am not needed. We are getting concerned about Ed's mom as well, she has been under so much stress the past few months, with her sister's illness and recent death and now Donald's health problems. We are just trying to make sure she doesn't end up in the hospital bed beside him next time.

So, TGIF the 13th, a lucky day as far as I am concerned!!

PaPa

My father-in-law isn't doing well. He had surgery a week ago to remove the hardware from his previous back surgery and is still having intense pain. Pain that morphine doesn't seem to be touching. He has been to the ER twice now, once by ambulance and is currently in the hospital. We are going to Tulsa as soon as Ed can tie up some things at work. I am so worried about MaMa (my MIL). She has been taking care of him for months now as well as taking care of her sister Gladys. With the funeral for Gladys this week and PaPa's issues, I know she is wearing down. Both physically and emotionally. Hopefully she will allow us to take over and do somethings for them both and take care of herself. You see it so often, a spouse or family member becomes ill and the caretaker ends up in as bad if not worse shape than the person they are caring for. I just don't want to see this happen to MaMa.

PaPa, MaMa and Pa.


It is so hard to watch the people you love age and become frail. I have known my in-laws since I was 13 years old (they didn't become my in-laws until I was 18) and it is just so hard to see the way they have aged. They were really very young when I first met them. Only in their early 30's. Now they are in their early 70's. I am so thankful for all the years I have known them and hope to have them around for many more. I know how truly blessed I am to have them as my in-laws. Not everyone has this kind of relationship with with their spouse's family and I know how fortunate I am. So, we will go to them and do for them what they will allow us to do. Hopefully we will be able to offer some comfort.

Getting along

Happy to report that MomaKat has decided to forgive Puddy for whatever he did to tick her off. They actually both cuddled on my lap yesterday at the same time! She did however hiss at him once last night, but so far has not been terrorizing him the way she has for the past 2 weeks or so.

Still don't know what set her off, just glad she is getting back to her old self and Puddy can walk thru the room without fearing for his life.

On another note, just heard from Kaci, she won Best Costume at both of the Halloween parties she attended!! So I guess all my hard work was not in vain. Just hope this doesn't encourage her or anyone else to think I can start doing this regularly.....

Kaci, as Molly Ringwald in Pretty in Pink! Not bad, considering how long it has been since I last attempted to sew anything.

Rest in Peace Aunt Gladys

Aunt Gladys passed away last night. I am just so sad that she wasn't able to come back from her fall. I am happy I was able to spend some time with her last Sunday. When I walked out of the room, she was sitting up, her eyes were bright and I had high hopes that she was going to battle back from all of this. But it wasn't meant to be.

I don't know what the arrangements are yet. I hope to talk to Lovella later today and find out the details. I feel so sorry for Lovella, she is the only remaining member of her family. Gladys was her last sibling. I can't imagine how that must feel. I have only lost my mother and I feel so lost some days.

I love you Aunt Gladys and I hope you are at peace now, reunited with Kenneth, your parents and siblings. Thank you for always making me feel a part of your family. We may not have been related by blood, but you were my Aunt in all the ways that really mattered.

I will miss you.

TGIF

Boy, am I glad this week is finally over!

A brief rundown....

Sunday, Tulsa for a visit with Ed's dad before his surgery
Monday, I go back to Tulsa for the surgery, Ed to Cali
Monday night, I go to OKC to begin making Kaci's Halloween costume, call my dad on the way and find out my brother is having surgery Tuesday morning in OKC.
Tuesday morning, 6:30am, I am on my way to the hospital to be with my Dad and brother.
Tuesday afternoon, surgery is over, searching for pattern to make this costume..
Tuesday night, pulling my hair out, wondering what could have made me think I could still sew...
I mean seriously, it took me 10 minutes to remember how to load the stupid bobbin with thread!! And cutting out the pattern? The scissors were pure torture and it took me until the next day to discover why.
Wednesday morning at approximately 1:30am finally going to bed
Wednesday morning at approximately 8:00am sewing again...
Wednesday afternoon at approximately 3:00pm I am done, I have given it my best and I am going home! Oh and the reason the scissors hurt my hand so badly while I was cutting? The brand new scissors that Kaci bought just for me to use? THEY WERE LEFT HANDED SCISSORS!!!!!! My finger is still swollen!!
Stopped off in Shawnee for a visit with Patty and Thomas, he was 2 weeks old the last time I saw him and he is 6 months old now!! Sweet little boy.
Thursday morning, woke up in my own bed!! Yayyyy. The kitties were so happy to see me and I am so glad to be home.
Thursday night, Ed finally makes it home from Cali. I even made it to the grocery store and made some very yummy enchiladas thanks to the Pioneer Woman's recipe!!
TGIF!!!!!!!

Company's comin!

Yep, finally getting some company here in the hills of Arkansas. We don't get near as many visitors as I would like. I became so used to having a house full of kids while my girls were growing up and it has been quite a change since they have left us with an empty nest. So when we are fortunate enough to have visitors, I get very excited. Especially when those visitors are friends of the girls and I don't get to see them very often. So today, this is who is coming to see me.

And this is what she looked like 3 years ago today! She was Kari's roommate all 4 years at the Naval Academy and 1 year in Hawaii. I love this girl!! She has the sweetest heart and has been a very good friend to Kari. She flew all the way from Hawaii to be a bridesmaid in Kari's wedding. And wore this dress. I don't think she is a big fan of dresses, so this was a big deal for her. And I totally understand, as I am not much of a dress wearer either. I wore pants to the wedding. Wore a dress to Alissa's, said that was the last one I would wear and so far, it has been. Yep, 7 years since I had a dress on. Don't like em, not gonna wear em. But I digress, back to my company. So excited to see Alli Moon in a few hours!!

She is bringing her dog she rescued from Iraq. Alli is an EOD officer. She explodes things in a safe way so that they don't hurt people. When she told me she was choosing this for her service selection I nearly cried. This is a very dangerous line of work. It took her to Iraq and thank the good Lord, she came back home. While she was there, her unit adopted 2 dogs and when it was time to come home, they managed to get the dogs out of Iraq as well. So Duke is now living the good life with Alli and will get to see the hills of Arkansas as well. Wonder what he will think of it? : )

Better get busy, I am making a couple of new recipes and I want to make sure it is all yummy for her.

I love company!! : )

Good MomaKat

So, every morning, we wake up to a plethora of goodies that MomaKat has brought us during the night. It usually starts about 15 minutes after we get in bed. We will hear this deep meow coming from the living room and it gets closer and closer, until we finally pat the bed or tell her to come on up. She has a mouse, bird or some other of her toys in her mouth, which she then drops on the bed and comes for her praise. I have to pet her and tell her she is such a good kitty, such a good mouser, yada, yada, yada.

So, this morning I woke up to this

Ed was out of town, so she had his entire side of the bed to bring her kill to! Thank goodness after the first few, I fell asleep and didn't hear her or have to pet her.

For a stray kitty, she has made a wonderful addition to our family. She is such a sweet, loving kitty and is wonderful company when I am here alone.

Adopt a cat or dog, it will enrich your life and possibly save theirs.

Aunt Gladys

Gladys Pregler is my Aunt by marriage, but I couldn't love her more if she were my Aunt by blood. She has been part of my life since I was 13 years old. She hosted my Keeton family wedding shower, allowed me to use her home for bridal portraits, helped at my wedding reception, drove me to photographer's appointments when Alissa was a baby and I was still a little afraid to drive in the big city of Tulsa and just generally has been there for so many important events in my life and my family's lives.
Aunt Gladys is 84 now and in declining health. I went to see her a week ago and it quite frankly broke my heart. I had never seen her like I saw her that Sunday. She has always been a very attractive, well dressed and coiffured woman and that certainly isn't what I saw during my visit. It is just so hard to see her this way. I am just praying that God will either heal her or take her on to heaven, because she isn't really living right now and I don't think she would want to continue on this way. We are hoping she will be regain her health and be with us for Christmas Eve this year. But the Dr.'s aren't giving us much hope at this point. We can only pray for God's will to be done.
I love you Aunt Gladys.

Happy Birthday Jacey Shae Doonan!

Our new neighbor is finally here. Not so little, Jacey Shae was born today at 1:23pm and came into this world weighing a healthy 10lbs 4 oz!! She is 21 3/4 inches long, with a head full of black hair and her Moma's chin cleft and dimples!! Look at those cheeks!! You don't usually get those until after 2 or 3 months of breastfeeding!!

Moma is doing fine, at least that is what Daddy says!! Can't wait to hear her version of things.

Welcome to the neighborhood Jacey!!

She is on her way!!

Little Baby Doonan is on her way!! Lyndsay texted me this morning that they were on their way to the hospital. Jarrod called a little bit ago and they were already to 8!! Hoping to get that call very soon that she is here. : )

See you in Heaven Elaine

Today was the memorial service for our friend Elaine Oliver. It was a very different service, as they had the burial first for just family and then came to their church for a very moving "Church Service" which is what Elaine had asked them to do. The music was wonderful, some very special and touching songs, sweet stories, some laughs and quite a few tears. It was a wonderful tribute to a very special lady.

Love, Love, Love this weather!!

So, I think October is my new favorite month. Today is a cool, cloudy, fall day and I just love it. My windows are open, my AC is off and I am a happy camper. The trees are just beginning to turn a little, nothing dramatic yet, but I suspect a trip to the Talamina drive is in my future. According to the weather guys, we are going to get some really cool temps later in the week. I might have to make chili for the first time this season. Yummm, can't wait.

We had a fun night Saturday at the 2nd annual Martin Oktoberfest party. I made my German potatoes and they were all eaten. I even doubled the recipe this year. They were pretty yummy. Had a good visit with friends we had not seen in a while, all in all a fun evening. Our friend Gary spent the night with us. The boys left on Sunday for a ride into Missouri, they should be home tonight sometime.

Kaci called earlier, she was excited to have just met Barry Switzer. He came in to her office and sat at her desk. I asked if she had photographic proof, but she said she was trying to be professional.

Not much else going on. Making chicken spaghetti for dinner tonight and making an extra batch to take to Daryl Oliver. Elaine is in the end stage of her breast cancer, so I wanted to try and help in some way. I will get that over to them tomorrow. I know how this family feels right now.

Enough for now. Will try and be more interesting next time!!

I saved a life today...

Oh yes I did!! Now before you get too excited, it wasn't a HUMAN life, but hey, a life is a life, right? Ok, it was a hummingbird, but I still saved it's little life...

We were having breakfast on the deck ( do you notice a trend here?) and just as we were finishing, 3 little hummers flew up to the feeder. Now if you know hummingbirds, you know they are very territorial. So one of them started chasing the others and one of the poor things got hit by the ceiling fan and thrown into the french doors!! He dropped to the deck and I thought he was dead. At first I couldn't look at him and when I did I saw that his little feet were still moving. I decided that maybe he was just stunned, so I got a towel and scooped him up. He just lay in the towel, not moving and looking at me. I was talking to him the entire time, telling him he was going to make it, I just knew he was!

I put him on his tummy on the table and went to get a box to put him in to protect him from Miss Kitty and Einstein. When I came back, he had struggled to his feet, but wasn't going anywhere, so I got the hummingbird feeder, and scooted him up to the perch. He clung to it and actually dipped his little beak into the food! I was so excited. But he couldn't get close enough, so I took the top off in order for him to reach it a little easier. After a few minutes, he fluttered his wings and flew up into the cedar tree!! I saved his life!! The kitties would surely have eaten him up if he had stayed on the deck where he fell. I love watching my birds and am very happy to have been able to give a little back for all the joy I gain while watching them.

I saved a life today! : )

A very good day

Yes, today was a very good day. It was beautiful and the temperatures were just about perfect.

The day started out early with a trip to the optometrist to pick up my new glasses. They are going to take some getting used to. Evidently my "bifocal vision" has gotten much worse since the last time I had new lenses. I went with the no line style and they are really challenging me. I had to take them off earlier and put my old ones on. I had a really bad headache and was getting very nauseated. Hopefully I will adjust to them soon...

After getting my glasses, I went to Fort Smith to pick Ed up. He needed to leave his VTX at the Honda dealership to have some work done while he is out of town this week. We went from there to Tom Bull Furniture and bought the television credenza! I am so excited. I think it is a really nice piece of furniture that can have many more uses than just for the tv. We will get it next weekend. Now I just have to decide how I want to rearrange the living room...

We picked up some things at the market and came home to get some things done around here. I put some steak and chicken in to marinate and started the laundry. We grilled everything and roasted some green chiles. I baked some potatoes and corn on the cob and made a salad. We took it all outside and had dinner by candlelight on the deck. It was a wonderful meal and the evening couldn't have been nicer. I really love where we live right now, just wish it was closer to my girls....

Tomorrow is the Pollard family reunion. I don't think I am going to go. Ed will be leaving for the airport around noon and if I am going, I will need to leave really early to make the drive. Since I just saw many of my family at Uncle Don's funeral, I think I will skip this year. I will be going to Eufaula later in the week to see Daddy and spend some time with Cindy and I really don't want to be making so many trips that direction.

I spent Friday with my Dad. We went to the cemetery and I put some beautiful fall flowers on Mom's grave. It is still so hard to believe she has been gone for 7 years now. When we arrived at the cemetery, my cousin Peggy was there. She is getting things ready to move Harvey to the Sapulpa cemetery. She decided she wanted to be buried where her son Keith is and that means moving Harvey from the Checotah cemetery. They plan to move him late October. After I finished with the flowers, Peggy joined us for lunch. We had a really nice visit with her and I am glad we ran into each other.

Well, enough for today. I am tired and will probably be heading off to bed before long.....

Happy Birthday Daddy!

Today is my Daddy's 71st birthday. Wow, 71! It is just so hard for me to believe he is this age. I guess all little girls see their father's as invincible and forever young, so it is hard to see them begin to age. I am very happy Daddy has decided to come back to Oklahoma and be closer to me, my brothers and our families. Hopefully we will have many more years with him.

Tomorrow will be seven years since we lost Mom. She was only 61. Ten years younger than Daddy is and ten years older than I am. I miss her so very much. I have so many things I want to talk to her about, so much advice I still need from her. I know she would be able to help me with so many things that are going on in my life right now. I just wish I could talk to her and she could help me understand it all. I know she would have all the answers, she always did.

She's 92

Today is my Aunt's 92nd birthday. 92!! She is still going strong too. I saw her 3 days ago at my Uncle's funeral and even after hip replacement surgery a few months ago, she has not slowed down. I want to be just like her when I grow up!

My Mom would have been just like her, had she lived. But Mom only made it to 61. That wasn't long enough. It is only 10 years older than I am right now. As strong as my Mom's heart was, if she had not gotten lung cancer, she would probably have lived until at least 100. And sassy! She would have been so sassy! One of those little old ladies who said whatever she wanted and who cares what people thought.

Did you ever see the Fruitcake Lady on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno? My Aunt and my Mom could put her to shame! My Mom delighted in embarrassing me every chance she had. I think she loved to see me blush and tried her best to loosen me up a little. So, since her death almost 7 years ago, I have tried to be a little more like her. Not so concerned what other people think, wearing red more instead of my safe blues and making sure people know I love them. There are no guarantees in this life. I have learned that for sure. My mom should still be here and I hate that she isn't. I miss her so much.

Happy Birthday Aunt Inez! I love you and hope you have many more birthdays.

51

Wow, I am 51 years old today.

I find that shocking, since I don't feel 51 years old.

But I am.

51 years ago today my mother, who was only 17, gave birth to me. My father, who was only 19, was thousands of miles away on a Navy ship and wouldn't see me in person until I was 5 months old. Even when I almost died when I was 3 months old, they couldn't get him home to see me.

My wonderful Aunt Mary likes to tell the story of being at the hospital with my Mom while she was in labor and being relegated to the waiting room with the other "Dads". She was able to go in with my Mom for a while and didn't think Mom was getting enough attention because Mom wasn't making any noise or complaining. Aunt Mary told her she needed to yell out to get the nurses to come and check on her. Mom said "Mary, I didn't yell when I got this way and I am not going to yell now". That's my mom for you. Aunt Mary was who the nurse came out and told " you have a little girl". I love her very much.

I am missing my Mom so much today. We were at the cemetery yesterday for Uncle Don's funeral, the same one she is buried in. In fact he is just a few spots away from Mom. It is just so hard to believe she has been gone almost 7 years now. 7 years ago today I came to Arkansas for the first time to see my new home. Ed closed on our house by himself on Friday the 13th and I came here with Kaci on Sunday the 15th to see it. I had only seen it once before we bought it. My Aunt Phyllis stayed at the hospital with Mom so I could come here for one night. While this house isn't what I originally was looking for, as it turns out, it is exactly what I needed.

Happy Birthday to me! My wish is for many, many more.

It's my Birthday Week!

I have started getting birthday cards. Not as many as I received last year, that was a record number. So far I have three and my gift from Alissa. She remembered the book I found while we were in California and ordered it for me. It's called The Heirloom Tomato. Beautiful book, all about tomatoes! I know, doesn't sound interesting, but it really is a gorgeous book with some wonderful recipes and photography.

We spent the afternoon looking at refrigerators. Too many choices, think I will just get the old one repaired and hope it lasts a while longer. Maybe by the time I am ready for a new one, they will have something new and cool out.

We had dinner with friends after shopping. Of course they told the wait staff it was my birthday, which meant singing and cake. Oh well, it is that time of year.

Tomorrow is Uncle Don's funeral. Not looking forward to that, but I will go.

Loved the rainy day we had today, I think it is supposed to last through tomorrow.

Can't wait for the mail to run tomorrow, more cards for me!! So hard to believe I will be 51 years old. Just doesn't seem possible....

Catching up

Wow, it has been a long time since I last wrote. Too much going on I guess. Let's see if I can remember everything.

We drove to Tennessee. Packed, loaded and sent Daddy on his way back to Oklahoma.

We drove to Virginia Beach, laughed, cried, watched Kari run a half marathon (2 hrs. 28 min.)

We drove home,

to a broken refrigerator, fun times, don't you know.

I drove to Lake Eufaula, finally saw my sweet friend Cindy for the first time since our East Coast adventure,

then on to my Dad's new home to help him get organized and settled in a bit more.

I drove home and found out on the way that my Uncle Don had passed away. He has fought for the last 2 weeks and his heart finally gave out. Rest in Peace Uncle Don and please give my Mom a big hug from me when you see her in Heaven.

Much more happened, but these highlights will have to do for now. Today will be filled with errands and tomorrow a trip to Tulsa to get Ed's motorcycle for the Alaska trip and see his parents for the first time in 6 weeks.

I am tired of driving........

Favorite kind of day

I know I have said it here many times before, but it just bears repeating. I LOVE RAINY DAYS!! And this one has been exceptional. Woke up very early 6:30ish to thunder and it has been raining, thundering and lightning ever since. I am currently sitting on the deck, listening to the wind as it blows over the mountain and through my trees and the rain as it continues to fall. Everything is this beautiful shade of green which is such a treat considering it is August and things are usually a drab brown, having burned up from the heat and lack of rain.

The birds are finally hungry enough to venture to the feeders, bless their hearts, they are all so waterlogged. But the cardinals are still beautiful and I never get tired of watching them along with all the other types who feed regularly on the sunflower seeds I provide.

Miss Kitty is rubbing against my legs, she is glad to have some company. For a cat that came with the house when we bought it, she is a pretty good one. A little stubborn, but very low maintenance. I just wish I could convince her to come indoors when it gets really cold. She just won't leave the deck, it is her domain and she guards it well.

We had Jerrod and Lyndsay over last night for dinner. Her tummy is getting so big! I saw the nursery a couple of days ago. Her bedding is absolutely beautiful! A woman here in Greenwood made it all, including the sheets which are so amazingly soft, I want a set!! It will be fun to have a new little one so close and get to play with. I think I will consider it is an internship for when we get grandchildren. Someday.....

There is a white throated hummingbird at the feeder right now, drinking away and chirping. I love to watch them and there are so many different varieties! Some have yellow necks, some red and they are so territorial!! I should probably put up another feeder, just so they don't fight over the one so much.

Now Miss Kitty has jumped onto the table and is rubbing against the laptop, guess she is wanting a little more attention than I am giving her. So, as the thunder continues to roll and the rain to fall, I will end this, sit quietly with her on my lap and be thankful. It is after all, a beautiful day.

Movie night and sad news...

Saturday night and where was I? Sitting in a dark theater with a big drink, big popcorn and my big date. It has been almost 38 years since I first sat in a theater with this guy. We were only 12 (him) and 13 (me) when we first started "going together". Yes, I robbed the cradle so to speak. And now here we are, 32 years married, 3 wonderful daughters and still going out to movies. He was a trooper and saw Julie and Julia with me. I didn't tell him anything about it, didn't want to scare him and I think he actually enjoyed it. But as I heard him tell someone, he has lived with 4 women for the biggest part of his life. Guess we have rubbed off on him a little...

The movie was very good and I think it will be added to my collection. I do love just about anything Nora Ephron does. Her movies are usually on my "gotta see again" list. This one didn't disappoint. I came home and immediately found Julie's blog and have begun reading it. She is very colorful and I think I will enjoy reading it.

Mr. Ed is off on a ride today. I chose not to go. Having a hard time dealing with news we got yesterday morning. My good friend Cindy's nephew and his wife were involved in a motorcycle accident Friday night. Unfortunately, his wife did not survive. Her nephew had a badly broken leg, required surgery, but it looks as tho he will be released from the hospital in time for the funeral service on Wednesday. So very sad, they have a 14 month old who will never remember his Moma. Cindy is with the family, caring for the children so the brothers and parents can be with her nephew. This family will be in my prayers.

I am taking this as yet one more sign that I am not supposed to be on the back of that bike. I know I got back on the other day, but I wasn't comfortable and this just confirms some of my fears. I have always told Ed he has something to hang on to, but I don't and this accident makes me believe that even more. The husband is driving, he has injuries, but stays with the bike. The wife is thrown and suffers massive injuries and doesn't survive. Granted she wasn't wearing a helmet, not sure if it would have helped, but it probably wouldn't have hurt. Regardless, she died. End of story. Whether it means anything or not, I don't think I will be riding any time soon. One step forward, two steps back.....

August = YUCK

I don't like August, there I said it! It's hot and has been hot for too long. It also means we have at the very least another month of much of the same. Around here, it doesn't really start to get cool until October and that is if you are lucky. Just one more reason I should be living in the North East. I need fall! It is my very favorite season. I love cool crisp mornings, the beautiful colors of the trees and most of all, knowing summer's heat is a very long way away. So, yes, I hate August.

I have had a few days to myself. Ed has been in Alabama since Monday and is due back tonight. He isn't traveling very much anymore and while it is nice to have him home, I have to admit I miss having some time to myself. He has traveled quite a bit during our marriage and I think we both became accustomed to some alone time. Of course, I wasn't really alone during his early travels. I had my girls with me. But at least it gave us a break and made us appreciate the time we did have together. The last seven years I have had quite a bit of "me" time. And I have really grown to appreciate it. So it was a little disappointing when his travel was cut way back and he is home most of the time. Don't get me wrong, I like the routine of him being here, but sometimes it is nice to break out of your routine. So, I have really enjoyed the past couple of days. Didn't really do anything, just hung out at the house. Me and the kitties. But back to reality, he will be home soon.

Home, a wonderful 4 letter word!

Actually returned home Wednesday night, but spent yesterday unloading the Tahoe, doing a mountain of laundry, grocery shopping (nothing in the house to eat) and managing to pull a muscle in my back. Darn that Diet Dr. Pepper!! Our local Dollar Store has 2 liter bottles for $1.25 with a 55cent coupon on each bottle. So of course I stocked up. They had cases with 8 bottles in each, so I got two cases in my cart, no problem. But then the checker wanted me to lift them out and that was my downfall. I lifted the first one out and felt it immediately. It was in my ribcage area on the left side of my back. I managed to finish up, get home, unload the groceries, put away the refrigerated stuff and collapsed!!

I had great plans for a home cooked meal, well, that didn't happen! Ed brought dinner home, bless his heart. I had stripped the bed and washed the sheets and yes, Ed had to put them back on for me. But after some very good muscle relaxers, it is a little better today. At least I can take a deep breath today. Won't be doing any heavy lifting, but better than yesterday for sure.

We had a wonderful time in Santa Fe, celebrating the marriage of Somer and Ryan. It was so good to see old friends and meet some new ones. We really enjoyed spending time with Alissa and Brek as well. And the food....

OH MY GOSH, THE FOOD!! We had so many wonderful meals. Ed should be green after all the green chile's he ate!! I don't think we had a bad meal the entire time we were there. And then we got to go to Dallas and have some of our favorite Texas meals. I was really afraid to step on the scale yesterday, but lo and behold, did not gain a pound!! Of course I am still not happy with what it had to say, but that's my life.....

Had a great visit with the Poynors and Copes while I was in Waxahachie. Ran out of time and didn't get to see everyone I had hoped to see. Maybe next trip...

My spa day at the Speedway Club was so fun. An hour and a half massage, mani and pedi. Almost did a facial, but my skin is so sensitive, I was a little leery. Probably made a good decision.

The kitties were very happy to see us. Puddy is laying on my feet as I write. He is such a sweetheart. I woke up the last two mornings to him curled up in the small of my back and MomaKat in the bend of my knees! Funny how they are always next to me and never Ed. Guess they know who loves the the most!!

I am going to try and add some pictures on here, still haven't figured out how to put them in the body of my posts and not just at the beginning. Need to spend some more time with this I guess and find out how to do that.

Hoping to see Julie and Julia this weekend, Meryl Streep and Amy Adams were just on the View, promoting it. It looks like a really good movie. We have dinner with the Martins and Hales to celebrate the 46th anniversary of Donna and Gary. Haven't seen them in a while, so it will be good to catch up with everyone.

Hope everyone has a great weekend!!

Should be packing....

I know, I know, I should be packing. Those clothes aren't going to get in my suitcase on their own. I just can't seem to get motivated. I have known this trip was coming for a while now and yet here I sit, playing on the computer.

We are going to Santa Fe for the wedding of one of "my girls". I only gave birth to three beautiful daughters, but I consider myself MomaLightner to many. This one is extra special. I feel so honored to be invited to her wedding. She wanted something small and intimate, similar to what the First Born had seven years ago. Just family and close friends. So I feel especially privileged to be included. We will get to see the First Born and her hubby, so that is an added bonus to the trip. After dropping off the kids at the airport on Sunday, we will go on to Dallas for a work related meeting for Ed. I will try and do some visiting and catch up with old friends. So, obviously, I really need to be packing and preparing to be gone!!

Ok, talked myself into it. Time to get busy and get packed.

Prayers for Stellan

I have never met this little boy, probably never will, but I am praying for him and his family today. Please pray with me for Stellan. He is being airlifted to Boston as I write this. Please pray for healing of his little heart and comfort for his family.

Summer Cold

Yes, I have one. Not happy about it either. This has not been one of my most productive weeks that's for sure. I had hoped to be in Tennessee spending some time with my daddy. But Cindy couldn't go this week and I since I have had this head cold, it is probably just as well.

Lots of sleepless nights too. When I lay down, I can't breathe well, so I end up sitting in my chair, watching stuff on the dvr. At least I am getting some things deleted.

Tomorrow is Baby Girl's 25th birthday. Just does not seem possible that she can be that old already. I was 25 when I had her!! She calls this her Golden Birthday, because she is 25 on the 25th. She has big plans in Dallas with her friends. I wasn't invited : ( Oh well.....

Not a lot today, don't feel like being too newsy.

Hope to be better soon.....

Back in the saddle again.....

Well, I did it, it has taken over 2 years, but I mustered up the courage and got back on the motorcycle today. It was supposed to be just into town to get a newspaper, but of course Ed couldn't let me off that easy, so away we went. He says we only went 70 miles, but when you are on 2 lane curvy roads, it takes a while to go that far. We rode for about 2-3 hours with only one stop in the big town of Booneville. We stopped and looked at some possible vehicles for me and then got something to drink.

I did pretty well, although I have to admit there was a huge lump in my throat for just about the entire time. A few times I got pretty queasy, but I toughed it out and made it home. The times that were the hardest were when we were going very slow, taking off from stop signs, things like that. Or when Ed would get to going too fast. Just brought back too many memories.

A quick recap of the events that traumatized me. Father's Day weekend 2007, we went on a ride with 3 other couples to Eureka Springs. We had only been gone about an hour, when we had a blowout doing 70 miles an hour. The hand of God (and an angel named Wilma) were with us and Ed was able to keep the bike up and get it stopped. I haven't been that scared in a very long time and hope I am not again for even longer. We had to wait for a tow truck to come and get us, take us back to Fort Smith, fix the tire and get back on the road. Now, the entire time we were riding in the truck, I was praying they wouldn't be able to fix the tire and wheel and we would just be able to get in the Tahoe and go on to Eureka Springs. But no, they fixed it and YES I got back on.

Things were going fine, we met up with our friends, had fun and the next morning after breakfast, started our trip back home. We stopped to fill up with gas and get drinks and as we were pulling out of the parking lot, barely moving, Ed had to make a sudden stop, the front tire was in some gravel and the next thing we knew, we were on the ground. The bike just fell over!! Our friends helped us get the bike off of us and the ladies took me inside to the rest room. My elbow was bloody, so we got stuff and cleaned it as best as we could. I had some large bandages in my bag, so we put one on and YES I got back on the bike!! We had about a 3 hour ride home and less than halfway I was in incredible pain. My elbow was throbbing and every bump in the road only made it worse. When we were about 30 minutes out, I actually asked Ed to drop me off somewhere, go get the Tahoe and come back for me. I just couldn't take the bike anymore. But make it I did, at least to our friends house in Ft. Smith. Ed did come back home, get the car and some clean clothes for me and by then I was ready to go to the ER. Now I hate going to the Dr., so if I am asking to be taken to the ER, you better know I am hurting. After a ridiculously long wait, the very young, very inexperienced ER Doc, says, nothing is broken. Mind you, I couldn't straighten out my arm, turn it, nothing, but he says no break. When I told him how much pain I was in, he took another look and finally saw the break!! Of course the whole time, Ed is saying, it's not broken, cause he feels so bad and doesn't want to feel responsible for breaking me. But I knew it was broken. Thank goodness I stood my ground and made him take a second look.

Wow, didn't mean for that to be so long!! Anyway, I had not been back on the bike since then, cause honestly I have felt that God was trying to tell me something. He gave me a good scare on Saturday with the blowout, when we should have been seriously hurt and I didn't listen. I got back on the bike. So.... Sunday, when we are barely moving, we simply fall over and I break my elbow!! I have just felt like I was supposed to stay off the bike. So for 2 years I have. Maybe it was a mistake to get back on today. Only time will tell. I have to say, most of the time I really enjoy riding. I don't like to go fast, just a nice leisurely ride. If Ed will honor my wishes and ride safely while I am on there, I guess I am ready to start riding again.

At least till the next time..........

The rain God's are messing with me....

Oh yes they are. I got all excited when I saw sprinkles on the sidewalk, the wind began to blow and I just knew we were going to finally get some much needed rain. But oh no, less than 2 minutes later, the sun is shining, the sprinkles have all disappeared and I am left disappointed yet again.

But there is hope, as the sun has gone behind the clouds again. Keep your fingers crossed!!

Not much on my agenda today, a little laundry, a little ironing, you get the drift. But at least I don't have to cook dinner tonight. Ed has a dinner in town, so I am off the hook. I get so tired of trying to come up with dinner ideas and of cooking the same old things when I can't come up with something new. But really, is there anything new out there? No, just variations on the same things we have been making all along.

Still haven't decided when I am going to my Dad's. If Cindy can't go with me, I may see if Abby and Alex want to go with me. They haven't seen Daddy in a year now, so they might enjoy the trip. Of course Jake would probably like to go, but he will be working.

Well, that's enough for now. Later!!

Dancin fool I'm not!!

Well, we had our dance night. It wasn't quite what I was expecting, but it was entertaining!! We didn't dance a lot, but it was fun watching the others. I ran into one of my old Curves ladies there. She is a 15 year breast cancer survivor!! It was very good to see her, I think it has been at least 3 years since I last saw her.

I did manage to remember most of the steps to the basic line dance and was even showing our friends how to do it. I just missed that crucial step in the turn around. Oh well, at least I can walk today, unlike the last time I did any major dancing, thanks Drew!!

I do want to learn more and think this is going to be a fun way to get some exercise. We took lessons for a while, guess we need to get back into them.

I am going to try and plan a trip to Tennessee to see my dad. Hopefully will be able to go in the next few days. His garden is going to be popping soon and he will need some help getting it all canned and frozen. It is a win-win situation, I get to help him and get tons of yummy fresh veggies, especially the tomatoes!! My mouth is watering just thinking about those wonderful, juicy, garden fresh tomatoes.

Laundry is calling, better get busy.

Happy Birthday Lyndsay!!

Today is my neighbor Lyndsay's 26th birthday. She falls right in between Middle child and Baby girl. In fact she is 1 year and 2 weeks exactly older than Baby girl.

I made her favorite cake and took it to her a little while ago. She was very surprised and of course had a piece immediately!! It is the easiest cake to make and is so moist. I will put the recipe at the bottom of this post.

We had a good visit, her tummy is getting bigger every day! They got the nursery painted and 2 pieces of the furniture in. Baby Girl Doonan will be here late September, maybe as a birthday surprise for her Daddy!!

Fun plans for tonight, we are going to a Cancer charity fundraiser with friends. It will be a '70's disco night. I hear there will be dancing. When I posted I was going dancing on my Facebook page, I got some fun responses. My favorite was "Dancing? Did you get a new man?" LOL.

But it should be fun and it is for a very good cause. Doesn't get better than that.

Monday, Monday

Wow, a cool, cloudy Monday morning!! Haven't had one of those for a while now. What a great way to start the week. Especially after a busy three day weekend. We had a really good time in Tulsa. It was great to see the Lewis and Martin families and spend some time with Ed's parents. Friday was filled with the Wingding of course. I had no idea it was going to be such a big deal I have never seen so many Goldwing motorcycles! The creativity in customizing these bikes is unreal. Of course whenever you have these things, there is shopping to be done. I got a really cute bracelet, but managed to control myself when it came to the $700 dollar mailbox! I am so not kidding! I thought maybe $100-150, but oh no, it was almost $700! Of course with the "Show special" you could get it for $479 I think. Still a little pricey for me. My favorite tho, had to be the lovely clothing articles we saw. Now they were traffic stoppers. Seriously, some of these clothes would make streetwalkers blush!! A man must have designed them, can't imagine a woman coming up with such tacky stuff.

We had a great dinner Friday night, got to see a couple thrown out of a Mexican restaurant for being too drunk BEFORE 9pm!! Even the cop said it was way too early for people to be that drunk already!! And you know he sees a lot of drunks! There were a few other people who were well on their way to that condition, judging by their dancing style. People really should have themselves videotaped when they are out in public and drinking, so they can watch it the next day. It might deter them from over indulging.

Saturday was breakfast at Mamadou's. Too much food as usual, but always good. The Martins left us after that, the Mrs. wasn't quite recuperated from her recent surgery and probably had overdone it a bit by making the trip. Hopefully she will be better soon. The ladies went shopping and I actually found a few shirts at reasonable prices. We met up with the guys later and parted ways with the Lewis family for a few hours so we could spend some time with Ed's parents. Had a relaxing afternoon visiting with them and then met up with the L fam for dinner at a Tulsa favorite, Jamil's. It is a Lebanese steak house and has been in Tulsa forever. It was started by a relative of the Dr. my mom used to work for. My parents would go there for special occasions. Can't believe I had never eaten there before, but it didn't disappoint. I LOVE the cabbage rolls and tabouli. I have to remember to just have the appetizers next time tho. I am so stuffed by the time the main course arrives! And since we weren't going right back home, I couldn't take it with us. So 3 lovely stuffed shrimp were totally wasted. And you should never waste good stuffed shrimp.....

The fireworks. What can I say? It took us 45 minutes to get to parking, 15 minutes to walk to the seating area and only had 10 minutes of actual fireworks!! Seems they had some technical difficulties and a large amount of them exploded all at once!! So we saw about one third of the intended show. But at least no one was hurt....

We stopped by Chili's for a Molten chocolate dessert and visited with the L family for a little while longer and then said our goodbyes. They were going on to Kansas the next day to see family and we were headed back to Ed's parents. We had breakfast with Donald the next morning, Lovella had to teach a Sunday school class. Donald wasn't feeling very well, so I think he used us as an excuse to not go this week. He is having some real issues and we hope he is feeling better soon.

We finally made it home late Sunday afternoon. I love going, but I really love coming back home. MomaKat and Puddy were very happy to see us as well. They both got a good brushing and I think I threw away half a cat!! They are so funny and really brighten my day!! I love my kitties.

Ok, enough for now. Time to get started on the laundry.

Holiday plans

We are going to Tulsa in the morning for the Honda WindDing. I guess it is a pretty big deal for Honda GoldWing owners. We don't have one yet, but Ed is leaning more and more towards one. He currently has a Honda VTX 1800 and is trying to decide if he wants to go to the Goldwing. I am still not sure if I will ride again. Still haven't gotten over our fall 2 years ago. My elbow reminds me of it now and then. I just can't shake the feeling that God was trying to tell me something. Since I didn't pay attention when we had the blowout at 70 mph on Saturday, he decided to really get my attention with our fall and my elbow being broken on Sunday. At least that is what I feel he was trying to tell me. But I can't help remembering how much fun we have on our rides. I really do enjoy the scenery and just doing something we both enjoy so much. I hate to give that up. So, guess I will wait for a sign that it is ok to get back on and ride again. I know Ed will be happy when that day comes.

Ed is off on a ride today with Bob. They both took the day off and headed out about 8 this morning. Not sure where they were going, but I am sure they are having fun. He should be back around 3ish. I am glad he has such a good friend in Bob. We all need friends we can talk to and share with. Ed hasn't had someone like Bob for quite a while now. I really think there isn't anything Bob wouldn't do for us. He and Liz are the kind of friends you know you can always call on, no matter the situation. It is very comforting knowing you have someone like that in your life. I hope they feel the same about us.

Back to our 4th plans. Friday is the WingDing, dinner that night with everyone, Saturday, spend some time with Ed's parents maybe go back to the WingDing or just do some shopping and Saturday night fireworks in Tulsa. Hoping to leave and come home after that, so we can have a relaxing Sunday at home. Kaci is coming down as well, so we will get to see her. I haven't seen Ed's parents in a while now, hopefully the visit will go well.

Tuesday June 30, 2009

Wow, the last day of June already. So hard to believe this year is already half over.

Read a great quote today, really fits so many situations. Here it is,

Be careful of people who flatter you, be careful of manipulative liars. Vincent Valaitis

I read this in an article on CNN.com about a 30 year old murder case. Morbid I know, but it can apply to so many things in life. We are all so vulnerable and can be manipulated in the name of love. But true love does not lie.

Looks like we will be going to Tulsa for the 4th. It has been a while since we were last there, so it will be good to see Ed's parents. Bob and Liz, Gary and Sandy will be there as well, the guys will be going to the "WingDing", not sure what we girls will do. Shopping is very possible. I am sure Mexican food will be had by all at some point. And of course fireworks. Sunday will be another lazy day after all the traveling and fun.

The really good news is that the weather is cooling down somewhat. Yay for that!! Of course we know the heat will be back, this is only a slight reprieve. July and August are never any fun.... Hurry up September and October!!

RIP

Wow, what a week this has been. I have always heard deaths come in threes and this week seems to have proven that. First Ed McMahon, then Farrah Fawcett and now Michael Jackson! It has been so surreal to see 1958-2009 on the screen since this was first reported yesterday. MJ was only about 2 weeks older than me. Obviously we lived VERY different lives, but none the less, very weird to see my birth year and someone I grew up listening to all over the TV this way.

It sounds as tho he may have been abusing pain killers, which could have led to cardiac arrest. So sad to lose such talented people, because their pain is just too much for them and they get addicted to the relief. Heath Ledger comes to mind. So talented and such a future ahead of him. And in an instant it's all over.

Even though we knew Farrah was in the final stages of her cancer, it is still so sad to hear she is gone. At least her pain is over. It just goes to show that no one is exempt from this horrible disease. I just hope and pray that one day, someone will find a cure and banish this hideous word from our vocabulary. It probably won't be in my lifetime, but maybe my grandchildren's children will never have to live or die from any form of cancer.

I hope
I pray

Knee's and beds

So, yesterday I was putting clean sheets back on the bed Kaci had slept in over the weekend. The sheet was hanging over the footboard and I didn't see it as I slammed my left knee (outside,top) into it. Man it hurt!! But trooper that I am, I finished making the bed, ironed several shirts and pants and then sat down. After motrin and ice all evening, it is a little better today, still sore and starting to bruise nicely. This is the same knee I hurt 5 years ago the night before we flew to Hawaii with Kari. This isn't nearly as bad as that was, thank goodness.

So today has been a little slower paced than yesterday. The kitties and I have just layed around for most of the day. It's too hot to go out and do anything anyway. I have managed to do a little housework, but not going to stress over it.

A month from today is Baby Girls 25th birthday. It just seems impossible that she is about to be 25!! It just can't be that many years since I was anxiously waiting for her to get here. She has been so different from her sisters in so many ways and I love her for every one of them. She amazes me on a daily basis and I just couldn't be more proud of her.

Not a very intersting post, but that's my life these days......

Father's Day

Today is Father's Day.
I know many Fathers
Lots of Daddys
Some are good,
some not so good.
I have a good one and
so do my daughters.
Not perfect, but good
Today we celebrate Daddys
everywhere.
I am thankful for the
fathers in my life
My daddy, my husband,
my brothers, my uncles,
and all the good
men, who became
good daddys.
You know who
you are.
I pray for the men
who will become fathers
in my life.
They will parent my
grandchildren
one day.
I will be
watching.
I hope you
will not disappoint.

East Coast Pics

Ok, here are a few of my favorite pictures from my trip to the East Coast with my wonderful friend Cindy. Enjoy!!

Blue sky Saturday

Beautiful day today, unlike yesterday which was not so pretty. We had quite a storm roll thru around noonish. Biggest hail I have seen in quite a while. I managed to run out and grab a few without getting pounded. One of them was just about baseball size!! I took a few pictures, as soon as I figure out how to download them to my computer, I will get them posted. I obviously still have a ton to learn about all this stuff!!

Had a little visit with our neighbors Jarrod and Lyndsey last night. Baby Doonan is very obvious now!! It had been several weeks since I last say them and the baby bump is very prominent now. Did I mention they are having a girl? Right now they are calling her Matilda, how cute is that. Not a permanent name, just what she is being called for now. It still looks like she will make her appearance late September, early October.

I really should be doing something more productive, but it is Saturday and that traditionally means relaxation. So, that's what I am doing!!

We are beginning to plan our trip to NYC in December. Have to call Monday on some reservations. I hope to see the Christmas Spectacular while we are there. Also hoping Cindy and Tracy decide to come with us. If not, maybe Alissa and Brek can come down from Boston and spend the weekend with us. Regardless, it should be fun. NYC will be in all it's glory, decked out for Christmas. We might even be there for the lighting of the tree in Rockefeller Center. That would be cool.

Ed just asked who I am talking to, so told him no one, just writing on my blog. This was news to him, haven't told anyone I have this blog. Mary knows, guess she found it after I commented on her blog. But haven't told anyone else about it. Guess the secret is out now....

Got the invite to Somer and Ryan's wedding. Looking forward to our trip to Santa Fe to be a part of all the festivities. I know Somer will make a beautiful bride!! So happy for her and Ryan!!

Ok, that's enough for today, unless I get those pics uploaded. Still haven't gotten the NYC pics up tho, so don't count on it!!

Home

Well, I am back home, the washer and dryer are going full blast and I am missing everything in New England (especially Alissa, Brek and Norman). We had so much fun and made some wonderful memories. I told Cindy we had to have extended our lives by quite a bit from all the laughing we did! I am going to try and remember as much as possible and put it down here, but not right now. I woke up this morning much earlier than I wanted to, guess I was still on Boston time and went to bed late last night, trying to get back on Ft. Smith time.

So pictures and stories to follow.....

Seriously?

Why in the world am I up at 6:15 on a Saturday morning?? Ed isn't here, I could have slept until noon!!! But no, I am not only awake, I am out of bed. The only explanation I have is excitement for our trip tomorrow. This time tomorrow, we will be in Dallas, waiting on our flight to Boston. So excited to see Alissa, Brek and Norman.

Saw a story on GMA this morning (it comes on at 6:00 am on Saturdays, something I didn't know until today), it seems this cat, whose name is and I am not kidding, Lucky, fell out of 32nd floor window onto a 6th floor balcony below. AND HE SURVIVED!!! A few minor injuries, but he looked fine on the show. He fell 26 floors!! I think he for sure deserves the name of Lucky!!

Ed spent the night in Canon City, CO. His back is a little better, but still not great. He said the riding part isn't bad, it is the getting on and off and walking that is the pain. Hope it gets better so he can really enjoy his trip.

Ok, enough for now. Might as well get productive if I am going to be awake at this ridiculous hour!!

Busy day

So much to get done today and yet here I sit. Ed left on his ride this morning at 5:30!! The bad news is, his back went out last night while he was getting things ready to go. I felt so bad for him. He looks like an " S " when he tries to walk. He insists his back actually feels better when he is on the bike. I don't know, I think it would be worse. He is going to have to ride about 800 miles today. Hope he makes it.....

Have to get myself motivated, dressed and out of the house, have my list started, need to add a few more things and get going.

But I think I will watch the View first......

Getting excited!

Had a good visit with Cindy this morning, we are both getting very excited for our trip to the East Coast. It's always fun to go somewhere with someone for their first time. Makes you see things in a completely different light.

Talked with Alissa last night, I think she is excited about our visit as well. This makes 4 months in a row that I will have seen her!! That is a pretty big deal, considering there have been times when I didn't see her for 7-8 months!!

Kari called today, she is in Texas on business. We didn't get to talk very long, she was waiting for a flight from Corpus to Dallas. I know she will have fun showing her friends around her old stomping grounds tonight.

Kaci is MIA this week, she has been very busy with lots of party planning. That child works entirely too hard!!! But I am proud of all she is accomplishing. How many single women can buy a house at 22?? She just traded in her Camaro for a 4Runner, her first time to buy a car all by herself. She took very good care of the Camaro we bought her for her 16th birthday, drove it almost 9 years!! She is a very smart girl and I am so proud of her!!

Ok, back to what I need to be doing for now.

Happy Birthday Little Brother!!

Happy Birthday to my wonderful little brother Douglas!! I can't believe it has been 40 years since you came into my life. I am so proud of you and all you have accomplished. You are a good man, husband and father. I hope you have a day as wonderful as you are and that you make some lasting memories.

Love,

Sis

What to do?

There is so much I should be doing. How do I motivate myself? That has always been a problem for me. For sure not a self motivated person. I have to be pushed constantly. If there isn't a deadline, well, it can just wait. If I know something has to be done, man can I work and get it done. But if not, eh, it will still be there tomorrow, the next day, the next month, whatever.

I have to get things ready for our trip to Boston and NYC. But I know me and I will be packing, cleaning and running around like crazy the night before I leave. I guess my thinking is, why do today, what you can put off till tomorrow? : )

We had a pretty uneventful 4 day weekend. Friday, went to Jeff's house, cemetery, Lake Tenkiller, dinner at the Princess Drive In (trip down memory lane for Ed) and then home. Saturday, drove to Bentonville for a motorcycle show ( I got a necklace, bracelet and ankle bracelet, all magnetic and supposed to be good for what ails you) , didn't get any motorcycle stuff, had lunch and then back home. Sunday and Monday just hung out at home, did some projects and spent far too much time on the computer. Read some amazing blogs, can't imagine what these families are enduring, so thankful for my healthy children and hopefully someday, healthy grandchildren. It is so easy to take that all for granted.

Tomorrow is my baby brother's 40th birthday. I just can't believe it has been that many years since he came into my life. I was 10, almost 11 when he was born and I thought he was my very own live baby doll. At one time, he called me Moma and I loved it. Now I am a surrogate Nonnie to his children, since our Mom is gone. I don't get to see any of them very often, but hopefully since the kids are moving back to OKC from Vegas, we will get to see them more.
Happy Birthday little brother, love you bunches, your Sis.

Windy Wednesday

Well, today is yet another crazy weather day. The last two days have been very cool and rainy and today is going to be hot, humid and windy! One day we need the heat and the next we need the ac. Gotta love Spring!!

We went to OKC Friday to help Kaci with the purchase of her new car. We had dinner at one of her favorite pizza places that night and the next day she and Ed spent the entire day shopping for her car. They had several appointments and ended up going back to the first one and she bought the car. It is a 2009 Toyota 4Runner, Galactic Gray and she is very happy. They didn't actually have the car, it had to be brought up from Texas we think. So she didn't get to drive it home until Tuesday. But they took her car as a trade in and gave her a Yaris to drive until hers came in. It was very emotional seeing her drive that car back in and the red Camaro gone for good. We bought all three girls a new Camaro when they turned 16 and Kaci was the only one still driving her car. We actually still have Alissa's, we bought it back from her when she moved to Boston. But it looks like we are going to sell it soon. And of course Kari's car was wrecked by Kaci, so it has been long gone. Kari is still driving the Corvette we bought her to replace the Camaro, so I guess we still have that connection. But who knows how much longer she will keep it. Especially when they start having children. A two seater is not exactly child friendly. Oh well, just me being overly sentimental.

We spent Saturday night with Kaci and got PF Changs takeout and watched the race. We left Sunday around noon to drive home. It was Mother's Day and at least I was able to spend part of it with one of my girls. When we got home, their was a package from Kari, with 2 frames filled with pictures of our Cali trip, some notecards, post it's and memo pad. The card was so funny. Kaci gave me a very sweet card as well and of course my trip to see The Lion King was her gift to me. Alissa is of course my child, so no card or gift.... yet. : ) But then she is still waiting on her anniversary card from me......

I bought tickets to see Wicked for Lovella, Kaci and me to go and see for their birthday's. We splurged and got really good seats, probably shouldn't have, but oh well..... We go on the 29th of July and then we will leave on the 30th to head to Santa Fe for Somer's wedding. Going to be a busy summer.

Oh, almost forgot this. My dad is moving back to Oklahoma!! I had suspected for a while he was considering it, but he finally told me he was doing it. I guess he and Jeff have been planning it for awhile now, they just didn't tell me. Oh well, at least he is getting closer. It hurts a little that he doesn't want to come and live with us, but hey, what can you do. It is probably for the best anyway.

We had Lyndsey and Jarrod over for Taco Tuesday last night. It was nice to visit with them and hear about the baby. They find out on Monday if it's a boy or girl. Lyndsey really thinks it's a girl and I have to agree with her. She is really starting to get a baby bump and she says the baby is moving a lot. I miss all that...... Even tho it has been 25 years and I won't ever have that feeling again, I can still remember what it's like and it makes me sad to know that part of my life is over. It has been over for a very long time, but I guess the realization is just a little hard to take. Guess that is part of Life after 50.......