Finished!!!

The kitchen is finished and I am so pleased with how everything turned out!! I baked my first thing in the new oven,ran the dishwasher,am loving the trash compactor and the touch faucet is great!! Christmas came early for me!! Pictures later...

Progress

A quick update, the granite is in, tile is almost finished, appliances are in, waiting on the new faucet to get here(long story, on our third one now) and then maybe I can clean a little...

I just wanted to remove the wallpaper....

Really, that is all I wanted to do back in October. So I did. Took it all down and vowed as I was doing it that I would never, ever have wallpaper again...And then we painted...And I was happy...but then...

Ed decided we should go ahead and get the new appliances before Christmas and the girls all coming home. It was October, so I agreed. Plenty of time, right? And it would have been if you weren't dealing with Mr. I have to compare and get the best deal Man!!! I swear he enjoys shopping more than I do. I always get to the point where I just say, I don't care, just buy something!! We finally came to an agreement, the appliances were purchased and a road trip to TN was in my future. My friend Cindy was going, then had back issues and couldn't, so I talked my cousin into going with me. She couldn't leave until Monday of this week, so of course TN got nearly a foot of snow on Sunday. Seriously??

Oh, but I forgot one other element. In the middle of all the appliance shopping, we decided we also needed to put new granite countertops and tile backsplash in. Yes, we are insane.

So, Ed left this morning to get the appliances, the granite guy comes tomorrow and I am left thinking, I just wanted to remove the wallpaper....

I will leave you with the current state of my kitchen...Pray for me...All of my girls will be here a week from today to celebrate Christmas with us for the first time in 8 years and I need my house back to normal.

Lessons learned

It has been said you are never too old to learn. Ed and I found this out the hard way last night...

We decided we were tired of Thanksgiving food and wanted something different. So we loaded up and headed out in search of a yummy, healthy meal. But since we live in the hills of Arkansas, that wasn't possible. Instead we wheeled into Taco Bell. The line was really long, but hey, it's better than getting out and going in, right? So, we waited thru the line, ordered our food, waited some more and then began the first lesson...

Ed reached for his wallet...not there...he looked at me and of course I began to fuss at him for driving without his license and not having any money...and then lesson two started...

I reached for my purse, all the while still fussing at him, started digging around and...no billfold...oops...it seems I had been Christmas shopping from the comfort of my sofa and had failed to return my wallet to my purse...

So, it was our turn at the window and we have to tell this very young girl, she couldn't have been over 12, that we did not have any money. And that is exactly what Ed said to her. Not, we forgot our wallets, but that we didn't have any money! Talk about humiliation...We asked her to hold the food while we went home to get money, but she said we should just come back thru and reorder, because the food would probably be soggy by the time we returned. Ed suggested that she could just let us take the food and come back to pay for it...yeah right Ed, I bet she has never heard that one before. She declined his request.

So, we drove away, food less and hungry, came all the way back home, got the money and headed back. I couldn't decide if I wanted her to be there or not. If she was there, at least she would know we were honest, but really, I didn't want to have to face her again. A very nice young man was at the window when we returned, we paid, got our food and learned a couple of valuable lessons.

1. Always make sure you have your wallet and money before getting in a drive-thru line for food.

2. If there is a possibility you didn't do #1, DO NOT chastise your partner for not doing it. Remember, what goes around, comes around...

Class dismissed.

It's a....BOY!

Well, it's official, God has a sense of humor! After only raising daughters( and doing a pretty good job, if I do have to say so myself)I am now going to have 2 Grandsons! Number 2 will be here in April.




I have so much to learn...because I don't care what you say, boys and girls are different. I know girls, baby dolls, kitchen sets, ballet classes, pretty little hairbows, frilly dresses...I know girls!

Going to need some help with these little boys, but I can't wait to know them as well as I know their Mommies!! So excited for this wonderful adventure. I am sure there will be trucks, bugs and all sorts of new things in my future.

Bring it on, this Nonnie is ready!!

The turkey that almost wasn't...

This year I brought half my house and groceries to the Baby Girl's house in the big city. She had to work and couldn't come home for Thanksgiving, so of course we loaded up and came to her. Our Tahoe looked like some of the vehicles you might see in The Grapes of Wrath...As my husband likes to say, I bring everything but the kitchen sink and after trying to wash dishes in Baby Girl's sink, I may bring that next time..but back to the turkey that almost wasn't.

Cooking was going fairly well. My goal was a 2:00pm meal, which of course meant we would be eating between 3 and 4. The turkey was cooking in the roaster in the garage and was finally ready to come out. Kaci came out to help me get it on to the platter and that's when things went way south...as in the bird went south...not quite as far as it could have gone, but let's just say it went places you would not want your beautiful bird to go. After overcoming our shock, we scooped him up, tried to straighten him out (his little body was a little crooked)carried him back into the house and surveyed the damage. It was decided that we would slice him up and no one would be the wiser.

And they weren't.

Until now....

Pray for the Christmas turkey...

We may just have ham...

Sickly....

That is how I have been feeling lately. Pretty much since we came home from Texas.

It started with a headache on Thursday that turned into a migraine. No fun...It was still lingering on Friday and the rash on my face came back. I have found thru research that the headaches I have been having more frequently may be related to the Lupus. Haven't been having as many issues with the rash, thanks to the Plaquenil and staying out of the sun, but it seems to be making a comeback.

Now I am dealing with a cough and some heaviness in my chest. Since I know lung issues are one of the big things with Lupus, I don't want to let this turn into something that could have been avoided. So I will see my Dr. tomorrow and hopefully get meds to combat it.

In between the sick, we have been busy getting our house ready for Christmas. It is a huge mess right now, but I know it will all come together in time for every one's arrival. And if it doesn't, oh well, the most important thing is we will all be together. I can hardly wait!

Halloween and other things...

My goodness this year is speeding by. Halloween has come and gone and Thanksgiving will be here before we know it. And of course Christmas is just around the corner. AHHHHHH, will I get everything done before everyone gets here? Knowing me, probably not. But I will give it my best effort. I did manage to get the wallpaper down, kitchen painted and a few other things done so far. But there is so much left to do...

Oh well, on to more fun things. Pictures of my kiddo's on Halloween. None of them were together, but it sure looks like they all had fun. Of course this being Oliver's very first Halloween made it extra special. Enjoy!

Crazy few weeks

It for sure has been a crazy few weeks. So much going on, I don't know where to start and I am quite sure I will not remember everything, but here goes...

Kari arrived on Monday evening (10-4)after driving all the way from Cincy. It was so wonderful to have her here for a few days. I had potato casserole waiting for her, along with Cindy's Made Right sandwiches. We ate on the deck and christened our new fire pit that Cindy and Tracy gave us. We made smores and they were yummy!
Tuesday we tackled the wallpaper in the dining room. At first it was very slow going, but then my sweet neighbor Kaye came over, gave us some tips and before you knew it we were on a roll. We didn't get to finish because on Wednesday we started our journey to Hachie, with a few stops along the way. We saw Cindy and my Dad, then drove on to OKC to spend the night with Kaci. Unfortunately we were late, so she was a little perturbed with us, but we made it up to her.


On Thursday, we met my Dad at the hospital for his radiation seeding. He did well, but after the procedure, Kari had to stay 5 ft. away from him! He was radioactive and will remain that way for a few months. We left the hospital around 1pm, met Kaci for a yummy lunch, went back to her house, got our things and Paisley, returned some things to Hobby Lobby for Kaci and headed south. About 20 miles south of Norman, I had the bright idea that we should have just stayed with Kaci that night instead of going to Dallas, so we called her, told her what we were thinking, turned around and drove all the way back to her house! I am so glad we did, we had a fun night and made some memories.

Friday, we actually made it to Waxahachie. We stopped by the school and saw John Aune, then met Ed at the hotel. And we waited...and waited... for Alissa and Oliver to get back from Austin! They were stuck in horrible traffic and a 2 1/2 hour trip turned into a 5 hour trip. They were both exhausted by the time they finally made it back to Mike and Cindy's house. Ed and I picked up Chicken Express (our Friday night before game dinner)and got to the Poynor's as fast as we could. Finally after 7 weeks I had that sweet baby boy in my arms! Oh my goodness, he is so precious and he had changed so much. I just couldn't put him down. Of course I had to share him with his Aunties, but I held him as much as I could. I would have taken him back to the hotel if his Mommy would have let me...

Saturday we visited with friends, had a great lunch with my 4th daughter Somer and heard her wonderful news (not at liberty to share, but hopefully soon) : ) We watched some football and held Oliver.

Sunday we took some pictures in Getzendaner Park, visited with Mrs. Cope and then it was time to leave. It was soooo hard to leave that little boy. And a very long drive home...








Kari left on Monday, so happy to have had a week to spend with her. I got busy on the wallpaper and had it almost completely done by the time Ed came home. He helped with a few areas I couldn't reach well and by that evening the only thing that remained was behind the fridge. Good thing too, because my dull headache became a migraine and I was down for the count on Tuesday. This was one of the worst I have had in a while. Finally started feeling better Wednesday evening. Thursday I finished the kitchen and started the half bath. It is almost done, just the areas behind the stool and sink that I need help with. Yayyyy!

And that brings us to today. Didn't sleep well last night, so today may not be as productive as I had hoped. But we will see.

Whewww, sorry this was so long, that's what happens when I take time off and don't write a little every day. Hopefully I will be better about writing in the future.

Kitty freakout and the resulting carnage...

So, as we lay peacefully in bed last night watching Mad Men, Puddy,for reasons still unknown, decided to completely freak out, scramble across my face, over Ed and off the bed. The picture below is the result of his panic attack.



I have since found several scratches on my scalp as well, thankfully they are hidden by my hair...

On a happier note, Kari is on her way!! She is staying with me a few days and then we will go to Texas and see the Poynors! Oh, who am I kidding, we are going to see Oliver!! : ) Getting to see his Mommy and Daddy is important too, but I haven't seen that sweet boy since he was 3 weeks old and now he is 2 months!

Kaci will come down on Friday after she gets off work. This will be the first time the five of us have been in Texas together since... well, I can't remember since when, it has been that long. Very excited to spend the weekend with my girls!!

A picture is worth a thousand words....

Eight years

So hard for me to believe it has been eight years since my Mom died. When I think of all the things she has missed, it makes me so sad. She has had 2 great grandsons born and there is another baby on the way. She missed seeing Alissa graduate from law school, Kari graduate from the Naval Academy, and Kaci from OU. She didn't get to see Doug marry a wonderful woman who loves his kids and she won't be here for her 9th grandchild's birth in December. This little one is even due on my parents wedding anniversary, which I truly believe Mom had something to do with...



I know she would have had so much fun exploring the East Coast and Boston with me and spending time with Alissa and Brek. She would have loved visiting Kari in Hawaii and Virginia Beach. I can just see her at some of the casino parties Kaci put together, she would have had a blast at those. I know she would have been so proud to visit each of the girls in the homes they have bought. She was so excited for me to move closer to her and we were both looking forward to spending more time together. I had been so busy raising my girls all these years that there wasn't much time left over and we hoped to make up for lost time. Unfortunately that wasn't to be. Cancer had other plans for us. Instead, we had 6 months of Dr.'s appts, chemo and hospital stays. Have I mentioned I HATE cancer?

Today I am visiting Kari in her new home of Cincinnati. I am glad to be with at least one of my girls. I try to go to the cemetery on this date and put the fall flowers out. I have them bought and will try and take them one day next week.

I miss you Mom, please keep watching over us and look out for my girls. I hope we have made you proud.

I love you.

Can you say O-H-I-O

That is where I am traveling to next. With a stop in Nashville to visit my good friends the Lane's and another in Livingston to see my sweet Aunt Phyllis. Then it will be on to Cincy to see Kari's new home. Tried to get Cindy to go on the road trip with me, but couldn't talk her into it. So, going solo this trip.

Had another birthday this past week. Hard to believe I am 52 now. But I am and there is no getting around it. It was just another day around here, other than the 50+ messages on Facebook, the phone calls and the sweet cards I received, that is. But that was pretty much it. No cake,no presents, just a trip to the Dr. with Ed to have his shoulder looked at. Oh well, maybe next year...

Update...
Ed finally came thru, season tickets to the shows in Tulsa again this year...They arrived in today's mail.

On the road again...

About to load up and head to the big city again. I think this makes 3 times in the last 4 weeks. Might be a record for me. Thank goodness my baby girl lives there and can give her Moma a bed to sleep in.

We have an appointment in the morning with Dr. Taylor, the Radiation Oncologist. He will do a mapping of my Dad's prostate and then talk to us about the options to treat the cancer. We have hopefully caught it early and it can be wiped out easily. That's my prayer.

Headaches...who needs 'em?

Not me, that's for sure. I have had more than my share of them lately and I have to tell you, I am pretty tired of them. I have tried extra strength everything, hot showers, my neti pot...you get the picture. And yet, I still have headaches...

I am open to any and all suggestions to rid myself of these vile things...

Anybody?

Big changes...

Wow, this has been a week... Let me summarize for you...

Monday I was at the hospital with my dad for a biopsy on his prostate, yesterday we heard from the Dr. and it is cancer...lots of emotions and memories of hearing those words 8 years ago with my Mom. The good news is that it seems we have found it early and it is very treatable. He will have a bone scan next Friday and hopefully it will not have spread. We will meet with the Dr. to discuss options as well. Please keep my Daddy in your prayers.

Kari has left Virginia Beach for her new home in Cincinnati. She is actually on the road today. The movers packed Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and loaded them out yesterday. She has been sick with a virus all week, but is feeling better today thank goodness. It would have been a miserable drive for her if not.

But the even bigger news for Kari is that she is expecting my second grandchild! Yep, going to be a Nonnie again in April. She told me 3 weeks ago, but I wanted to wait until she was a little further along before saying anything. I know she will make a wonderful Mommy. Hoping for a little girl this time! : )

I met with my new Rheumatologist this week, I really like him and feel very comfortable that he will give me good care and help me deal with this stupid disease. I have been feeling a little better and the rash on my face is much better. Not sure if it's the meds or the fact that I seldom see the sun anymore, but as long as it's better I really don't care. Dr. B did some additional tests, probably won't get those results until next week with it being a holiday Monday. He did more x-rays and told me the weird little knots on my feet are actually bone spurs! No wonder my feet hurt all the time...So today I ordered some inserts for my shoes (man that makes me feel old) and hope that will ease some of the pain. I also have heel spurs and arthritis in my big toe! That stupid toe has hurt for at least a year now, but never thought it was arthritis. Oh the joys of getting old and having Lupus...

My gyno appt didn't go as well as I had hoped, she saw something on the ultrasound, but for now just wants to take a wait and see approach. It seems the number she wants to see is around a 5 and mine was 6. something, almost 7 I think. But she felt it would be ok to wait and not do a biopsy just yet, unless more symptoms show up...praying they won't.

Kaci is on her way to Boston, finally getting to meet little Oliver. So excited for her and wish I was going too. It has been 2 weeks since I left and I miss that little guy so much. He is growing and changing every day and I hate that I am missing it all.




Love these pictures!! Brek's dad did such a good job. Brek actually took the one of Alissa and Oliver, isn't that a wonderful picture. So happy for my baby girl.

I lost a cousin this week, Bruce was only 50 years old. His service was this morning. I am so sorry for his siblings and mother. There were 3 boys and 2 girls in this family and now they have lost 2 of the brothers. Paul passed away almost 4 years ago. Praying for comfort for them all.

Like I said, lots of changes this week. I am ready for a more normal, less active one, but that probably won't happen anytime soon.

4 weeks ago...

I became Oliver's Nonnie...Hard to believe it has already been 4 weeks! Can't wait to see his pictures, hoping Alissa posts them soon. His Mimi posted the one below, can't believe how much he has already changed...



Such a little sweetie, miss him so much!!

I didn't get a picture

I am so sad I don't have a picture to go with this post. But I was in such awe, I couldn't tear myself away to get the camera.

I was watching the Cardinals and Hummingbirds yesterday and enjoying them so much that I almost missed the real show...

A beautiful Moma deer and her twin babies, still with their spots mind you, in my back yard! They were so sweet. Moma was teaching them to pay attention to her and be very still at her command. She would walk, stop and listen and if the babies moved, she would stamp her left front foot. She would do this until they were still. It was so fascinating to watch! She did this all the way across our property until she got to the woods between our house and our neighbors.

I just stood in awe and watched the lesson.

I think I learned right along with the babies.

A beautiful moment and so thankful I was there to share it.

My camera is now sitting beside the door, maybe I won't miss it if the opportunity comes again...

Empty arms...

I'm home after almost 4 weeks in Boston and my arms are fairly aching they want to hold Oliver so badly...I can't believe how much I miss him and think almost constantly of him. I look at the clock and imagine what he is doing, if he is sleeping, eating, getting his diaper changed or just laying in his Mommy or Daddy's arms, snuggled in and being loved. That's the image I like the most, he is just such a cuddle baby, he loves laying on your chest and sleeping as long as you will let him. I miss his sweet little face so much, not sure if I will make it to October without seeing him...

I had a wonderful, exhausting, fulfilling time with Alissa, Brek and Oliver and I will always treasure it. I am so thankful I was there for Oliver's birth and for Alissa and Brek afterwards. They thanked me so many times for the things I did, but in reality I was thankful to them for letting me be a part of it all. I know how independent and private my girl is, so I was prepared for whatever part she allowed me to play. But I needn't have worried, she was so generous and shared so much of the experience with me. Other than being in the operating room for the C-section, I pretty much had an all access pass. Made some amazing memories, that's for sure.

I am so proud of her and know she is on her way to becoming an amazing Moma. Welcome to the adventure Alissa, it's the most wonderful job in the world!

2 weeks already

Oliver Jack is already 2 weeks old!! He is growing and changing every day and I am so happy I am here to experience it.

But I leave on Friday

Not happy about that

Wondering if I can convince Ed to move

Crying every time I think about leaving

Thinking about how much he will have changed the next time I see him

Loving him more than I thought was possible

And I'm crying again

What a week!

Oh my goodness what a week we have had. Who knew when we went for Alissa's appt. last Thursday that she wouldn't come home until the following Tuesday and would be bringing Baby Jack with her!

While things didn't go exactly as hoped for, the end result was a healthy baby and Mommy and that is really all that matters.

Jack is such a sweet baby and is doing so well with nursing, sleeping and just everything. I really don't know how in the world I am going to leave him. Everyone told me how wonderful being a grandparent is, but like most things, until you experience it for yourself, you just don't fully understand. It is amazing the love I have for this little boy. My heart is just so full and I am so proud of his Mommy. Seeing your child with her own child is the most precious thing.

Soaking in every minute I can before I have to leave, thank goodness I still have 13 days....

Jack

He's here!

Oliver Jack Poynor arrived at 1:17 am Eastern at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, MA. He is a beautiful little boy whom I am sure I will be writing much more about. But for now these pics will have to do!

Still waiting...

Well, the 27th has come and gone and still no baby boy... We are all anxiously awaiting his arrival and it appears he is in no hurry at all. Alissa has another appt. tomorrow, hopefully there will be some news then...

In the meantime, here are a few pictures of his nursery, all ready and waiting for him.


Love the bedding and it is soooo soft!!


I am sure he will be rocked many hours in this chair!

I'm ready, he isn't

Ok Baby Boy Poynor, Nonnie is in Boston, at your house, with your Mommy and Daddy, you can come out now and play with me!!

Still waiting...

Well, after getting very excited Wednesday, we are not so excited today. Alissa saw her doc yesterday and the good news is the pre-eclampsia is much better, bad news is, it doesn't look like a little one this weekend. So, we wait....

Rheumy appt.

Saw my Rheumatologist today. He seems to think the Plaquenil is helping. Took some x-rays of my hips and spine. Conclusion...Osteoarthritis in both... Whoo-hoo...At least that explains all the pain I have been having for the past several years. Gave me two more prescriptions, one for the arthritis and one to counteract the side effects of the arthritis pill...hardly seems worth it...Not sure I will take it, I think sometimes the cure is worse than the ailment. But we will see.

I think I will be switching over to the Doc here in Ft. Smith. It is just too far to go to Tulsa for these appts. Plus, I don't really care for the Tulsa doc. It just makes more sense to see the doc here in case I need to be in the hospital for any reason. So I have an appt with him for Sept. 1st. Hope I like him...

It's almost time...

From the sound of things, it isn't going to be long now before little boy Poynor makes his appearance!! Mommy is on bedrest (pre-eclampsia) and there is for sure some activity going on. I don't think I will make it to my scheduled flight on Monday...I knew I should have flown out on Tuesday...Oh well...So excited!!!

I just can't believe the time is almost here. Can't wait to post the wonderful news!

He's back, the internet's back and I'm back!

Well, after almost a week without internet, Ed finally returned home from his 3 week Alaska adventure and fixed the problem for me. Not sure what I am more excited about, his return or the internet's... I'm kidding girls, you know I am glad your Daddy is home...although, not so happy about the current mess in my living room from all of his "stuff".



Haven't had the greatest week, but hoping to feel better soon. I have only been taking the meds for about 3 weeks, supposedly it takes 4-12 weeks to kick in and start making you feel better. If they are going to that is. I see the Rheumy doc again on the 23rd for more tests. Hoping for good news.

And then on the 27th (if not before), I leave for Boston and the birth of a very special little boy!! Can't wait to see you little DJ!! And of course your Mommy and Daddy too!!

And if I had any doubts that anyone was reading this blog, guess I don't anymore...no response at all to my previous post. Oh well, I am really just writing for me and my girls anyway and they already knew...

It's Lupus...

These are the words I heard. Over the last year and a half I have heard rosacea, eczema, lets do a biopsy, possible lupus, appears to be lupus, let's draw some blood, let's draw some more blood, some tests are positive for lupus, but not conclusive, you need to see a Rheumatologist, cutaneous lupus, let's draw some more blood...

And today, it was Systemic Lupus..

I couldn't breathe, couldn't think to ask questions, just said thank you and hung up.

Then I think I had my first panic attack.

There may be more...

But it explains so much of the way I have been feeling for almost 2 years now. While I am glad to have an answer, it is really not the answer I wanted to hear. But really, does anyone want to hear this kind of thing?

When I had calmed down, I wrote down some questions, called the Dr. back and felt much better after I had some answers. Here are a few of them.

There is no cure, but with treatment I should be able to live with it.

I won't be sunbathing any time soon. I have always known the sun was bad for me, but now it is really bad for me.

I am going to have to adapt to taking medication, every day and on time. Me, who can't even remember to take a vitamin every day will now have to be responsible and take my meds.

I will be seeing Doctors on a much more regular schedule. I made it 50 years without having to see them very often at all, guess I will be paying for that now.

I have much more to learn about this disease, but plan to do it one day at a time. That's pretty much all I can do other than pray. And I plan to do that quite a bit as well. If you are reading this, I hope you will pray with me and for me. Not ashamed to ask. You can never have too many prayers or people praying for you.

Life after 50 is taking me down a road I would rather not travel, but down it I must go....

Solitude

It's been very quiet around here. Ed left Friday night and I didn't leave the house again until yesterday (Monday). It has been just me and the kitties and they don't have much to say. They just sleep and eat...hmmmm, seems like that is pretty much what I have been doing as well...

I did get out yesterday and run some errands, but forgot a few things so had to go back out today. But I have provisions and plan to cook some of my favorite foods that Ed isn't crazy about.

Kaci is trying to convince me to come up on Sunday, still contemplating that. Will just depend on how I am feeling by then.

Time to start cooking!

Today's the day

Well, the day has finally arrived. Ok, the second day has finally arrived. The day was officially the 15th of May when Ed started the ride and got the bike to Seattle. But the ride really begins when he flies back to Seattle today, gets the bike and heads North to Alaska.

This trip has literally been years in the making. Not sure the exact date the idea was first talked about, but I have known about it for at least 2 years. It just boggles my mind that after all the talking, researching, purchasing, returning....well you get the picture, the day is finally here.

I picked up a few last minute food items yesterday at Bass Pro for him. He doesn't think he will need them, but better to have and not need, than need and not have.


Had to get the Jalapeno jerky!!


It's called a spork!

I didn't buy the bear spray tho. That stuff is $50!! I told him he would just have to run fast! : )

Today is packing and last minute things, have to pick up his prescriptions, some extra undies and a few other necessities and then it's off to the airport.

I know he will have some challenges along the way, but this is truly the trip of a lifetime. I hope it lives up to all of his expectations. I can't wait to see all the pictures and hear all the stories.

Ok, back to business, I will write and post more pics later.

What a weekend...

Wow, what a whirlwind of a weekend it was. We picked Kari up at the airport, picked up some bar-b-cue and came home, since we were going to be here so little. We had a good night of catching up, stayed up way too late and got up too early the next morning.


Puddy waiting for Kari to get here, we were all excited!!

Ed put Kari to work on our pitiful flower beds. She for some strange reason actually enjoys all that stuff. Me, not so much.

Then it was time to shower and head off to see the Wizard in Tulsa. We stopped off at the Hasty Bake Bar-b-cue competition, Ed's cousin was competing. Oh my gosh it was so stinking hot. Have I mentioned I don't enjoy hot weather. Yeah, I thought I had, but for the record, I HATE HOT WEATHER!!!

We then went to Ed's parents house for a visit and to change into our "Theater" clothes. We stopped off for a light dinner on the way and then Ed dropped us off for the show. It was very good and we had fun just seeing it together. I have enjoyed this Christmas gift so much. I loved all the shows and getting to see them with my favorite girls in the world just made it so very special.


Kari and me about to see the Wizard!!

Of course, no trip home is complete without a stop at Whataburger. Thank goodness there is one in Tulsa. 120 miles is a long way to go for WhataB, but when you don't get it very often it is worth it.

After another very late night, we were up way too early again, planting all the new greenery we purchased. It was so stinking hot....Thankfully my Dad showed up and we were able to get to a stopping place and start the Father's Day dinner. Inside cooking is sooo much better than outside planting any day. We had a very nice dinner and before we knew it, the time had come to take Kari to the airport. I hate goodbyes worse than I hate the heat. So, since it was Father's Day, I let Ed take Kari to the airport. He got some time with her and I stayed here and visited with my Daddy.

Poor Kari, her flight was diverted to Richmond because of storms in Norfolk, so she didn't get home until after midnight her time. Sure wish she could have stayed longer but so thankful for the time we had together.

I love my girls!

The middle child

In two days my middle child will be home for the first time in two years.

That's just too long.

But she is coming home and that is all that matters.

I miss my girls...

Not sure I like this part of parenting so much.

When you are in the trenches just trying to get through another day, you think you can't wait until they are grown and you will have a little time to yourself.

And then that day comes and it isn't nearly as great as you thought it would be.

You miss your children

A lot!

But in two days, I get to see one of them for a few days. We are going to do some very fun things and hopefully make some memories.

Because that is what it is really all about folks, spending time together and making memories.

Hope you make some special memories today.

New Blog and Facebook pages

So, we have a sort of new blog and a very new Facebook page. Both are dedicated to the new love of Ed's life.... motorcycles... Yes, I believe I have slipped down the totem pole a notch or two.

Oh well, I can live with it. He is probably going to slide a notch or more when that sweet little boy gets here in July!!

Check out our blog at conniemoma.wordpress.com and our Facebook page is Arkansas Motorcycle Adventures. We will be posting lots of pics from Ed's various rides as well as a hopefully daily log of his Alaska ride.

Let's ride!!

Grasshopper Momma Giveaway!

Check out Grasshopper Momma's blog for a fun giveaway! I was the lucky winner last time ( a new pair of shoes for my soon to be grandson), maybe you will be the lucky winner this time!
Here's how to get there...

http://grasshoppermomma.blogspot.com/

Good luck!!

When the chicks come home

I love it when my chicks come home to roost. Baby girl chick is sleeping away in the back bedroom and it is such a good feeling when one or all of them are in the house.

And in 2 weeks, my middle child will be sleeping away in the same room. Hey, I would love to have them all at the same time, but I will take them any way I can get them.

Of course it will be quite a while before the first born makes it back here. And when she comes she will be bringing her firstborn child with her. How crazy is that?



Love my girls!!

Ahhh the joy

Of a working washing machine! You just don't realize how dependant you are on these appliances until one is out of commmission.

And mine has been way out of commission for a week and a half. One guy said he fixed it last Friday.

He didn't.

Of course it was after 6pm on a Friday night of a holiday weekend when he left and declared it fixed.

Which meant I couldn't get anyone else out here until at least Tuesday, which of course didn't happen.

But on Wednesday, this funny young man with the most amusing accent, showed up at my door and saved the day. I really wish I could have recorded his voice and played it on here for you. It's one of those that really can't be described, it has to be heard.

But miracle of miracles, he fixed the machine and it is spinning those clothes like crazy! No more soggy wet clothes at the end of a cycle. They are spun nearly dry! Yay!

Of course, now I have no excuse not to do the laundry...but I also don't have to go back to the "washateria" again either. Another Yay!!

That's all I have tonight, tired, thinking it is time to shut this thing down and crawl into bed.

So I will.
Nighty night!

We all fall down.....

Remember Ring around the Rosey? The last line, we all fall down? Well, I seem to play that game a lot. Not intentionally mind you, but a lot none the less.

It has become a bit of a joke in my family how much I fall. I mean seriously, if there is an errant rock lying on the ground, my foot will find it and I will either roll my ankle or just fall all the way down.

So it should come as no surprise that Saturday evening, after climbing up and down the ladder several times while filling the bird feeders, I managed to fall while walking UP the stairs! Not down folks, UP!! I think I must have caught the toe of my shoe on the step and the next thing I know, I am down. I really thought I might have broken my left wrist at first, but after further review, just had two skinned knees and a very badly bruised right thigh. My right knee and thigh are both pretty swollen, but at least nothing too serious. I could seriously write a book about the all the places I have fallen. I usually manage to do it in some pretty interesting places!


Hope everyone had a nice Memorial Day weekend.

What I did on my trip to Boston

We went to Boston for 10 days

We worked, we played, we laughed ourselves silly

Here is the proof


Moving Day


Crane Beach

2 very nice young men took our picture for us

Cindy took this great picture of the seagull, do you see his reflection? Cool huh?

Cool road to the beach

We went to Cheers

We had an amazing dinner at John Hancocks old office, yummy sea bass!

And then we had to leave...