A day of rest...

This year our Christmas is divided into thirds. We just had the first 1/3 with our baby girl. She is now on her way back to the big city. We had a wonderful Christmas day with her, much more quiet than last year, but very nice.

Today should be a day of rest, but I will be doing a quick turnaround of the guest room because our darling middle child will arrive in the morning with our precious little grandson. Did I mention he is celebrating his very first Christmas? And it is his first visit to Nonnie's house. So excited to see him. He will ring in the New Year with us and then head back to his house up north. 2/3rds done...

On the 3rd, we will head south to see our first born. So thankful she has understanding in-laws who are very gracious to share their time with our kids. And of course we will be seeing our first born grandson. Can't wait to hear him say Nonnie again!! Makes my heart smile for sure!

And that will complete our Christmas! Oh, except for the time spent with parents and siblings...but that is a whole other story...

Merry Christmas everyone and a very Happy New Year!!

Prayer request

Sometimes, there are just no answers, only questions. Today is one of those days.

Today, a young mother will bury her husband. Her three children will wonder where Daddy is and when he will come home.

There will be many questions in the days and years to come as this family copes with the sudden loss of their husband and father.

They may never know the answers.

Please pray for this family with me.

Finally, a tree...

Christmas is two weeks from today and I am just now decorating our tree. In my defense, we just got the tree yesterday.

It was slim picking you guys. After nine years in Fort Smith, I should know better than to wait this late. We probably have the smallest tree we have ever had. I didn't even need a step stool to decorate it. Usually I need a full blown ladder! Not this year. But it is a pretty little tree and since it only will be up for a couple of weeks, it will do.

Hope Kaci isn't too disappointed...

Did a little decorating as well. Very little, but at least it looks like Christmas here in the hills of Arkansas.

Now to get all the boxes back in the attic...

It's always something...

December already? Really?

What the heck happened to November? Wasn't it just Halloween? These months are just going by much too quickly if you ask me. Not that you did, but really, December??

We had a wonderful time in Costa Rica and Boston. Zip lining over the jungle and 4 wheeling along the beaches was sooo much fun. Snorkeling however was a bust. Turns out we dove into a nest of microscopic jellyfish! We all had stings on us and had to be doused in vinegar. I was very disappointed as snorkeling is one of my very favorite things to do.

After a few days at home, we packed up and flew to Boston for Thanksgiving with Alissa, Brek and Oliver. As always, we were very entertained by our sweet O! He is learning so much and made us laugh daily. But the very best was when he said Nonnie for the first time! Made my heart smile for sure. He learned so many new words while we were there, ice, banana, elf, Bob (the elf's name), just to name a few. Love that sweet little boy!



But now it is December and there is so much to be done before Christmas. It will be a much quieter version than last year, Alissa and Kari will be with their in-laws this year. But we will be happy to have Kaci with us and Kari will be here on the 28th for a few days. We hope to go to Texas to see A, B and O while they are there.

Time to get busy, my dryer is finally being delivered today!! And the UPS guy is at the door, starting to look alot like Christmas for sure!!

Eli, earthquakes and everything else...

This last week has been spent in Oklahoma introducing Eli to his Mommy's home state and most importantly his Great-Grandparents. Kari and Eli flew in to OKC on Wednesday and we spent the next few days at Aunt Kaci's house. Eli was able to meet his Great-Uncle Doug and Great-Aunt Jaime as well as his 2nd cousins Cash and Alex. He also experienced his first, but definitely not last earthquake!! Early Saturday morning we were awakened by a strange sound and vibration. I suggested it might be an earthquake and the next morning it was confirmed as a 4.7. But it didn't end there. Saturday night while at my friend Cindy's house, we had an even bigger one, a 5.6. But was that the end of it? NO! On Monday night at Ed's parents house, we had another 4.7. Oh and did I mention we were also under a Tornado Watch and Warning? Only in Oklahoma...

But back to Eli's visit. This little boy absolutely charmed everyone he met during his week long visit. He has the most adorable smile and for the most part is just a very happy little boy. His Great-Grandpa Hall just fell in love with him as did his Lightner Great-Grandparents. He came very close to learning to crawl during his visit, it won't be long now for sure.



Kari and Eli left on Wednesday and I had a few days to get everything ready for our trip to Costa Rica. It was crazy, but I managed to get it all done and we flew out on Saturday. We had a wonderful time, did some really fun things and met some great people. We came home on Thursday after a very long travel day beginning at 3:30 that morning and not ending until 10:00 pm!! We almost didn't get out of Dallas and then had to wait over an hour for our luggage in Ft. Smith.

Now we are getting ready for our trip to Boston. We will be spending Thanksgiving with Alissa, Brek and Oliver. This is the first time we will be in Boston for Thanksgiving. Hard to believe they have been there almost 10 years and this the first time we are spending this holiday with them. So looking forward to seeing sweet Oliver! He has many new tricks to entertain us with from what I have been told.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Finally fall and a flare...

I have been doing my best to enjoy this wonderful fall weather. Unfortunately, I have been experiencing a pretty rough Lupus flare. So it has been a little difficult to enjoy everything as much as I would like.

I think I just overdid things with all the travel and not getting enough rest. My body said "ENOUGH", if you won't slow down, I will do it for you! And boy did it. Pretty much knocked me on my behind for about 2 weeks now. Beginning to feel a little better, just having to pace myself, do a little and rest a little. Getting caught up on all the DVR shows we have recorded and spending too much time on the computer. But that is about all I have the energy for. Sure hoping the meds kick in and do what they are supposed to do soon.

But it is fall, my very favorite season and I have got to get out and breathe it in! We probably won't have the color we have had in the past few years due to the awful summer we had, but hopefully there will be some to admire.

Enjoy this most wonderful season!!

9 years...

9 years ago almost to the minute I am writing this, we lost you. After exactly six weeks in the hospital, your body finally gave in to the cancer and you let go. While I was so thankful your suffering was finally over, it was so hard to realize you were gone. I miss you daily and I am so sad for all you have missed. Especially, Oliver, Cash and Eli. I know you are loving them from Heaven and will always watch over them and us, but I would so rather have you here.

I love you Mom.

Three years past 50

Wow, 53 today...

How the heck did that happen?

One glorious day at a time, that's how!

And a few not so glorious of course. It wouldn't be a real life if there weren't some not so good days thrown in.

53 years, one day at a time, hoping for many,many more.

Doing my pictures Benjamin Button style today...

Ten years ago...

I went to work, not knowing that by the time I arrived, life as we knew it would be forever changed.

I was spending my last year in Texas.

In one year and 14 days, my mother would die.

Remembering all those who were lost on this day, ten years ago...

Life will never be the same...

Arrivals and Departures

After a 10 day odyssey of numerous states, we finally are back home. While we were gone there were some big changes in our little neighborhood.

We have a brand new neighbor, welcome to the world little Miss Taetym!! Our neighbors Jarrod and Lyndsey are the proud new parents of another beautiful little girl. Her big sister is Jacey, who will be two next month. So happy for a healthy baby girl!!

We also found out that our wonderful neighbors Kaye and David will be leaving us for Tampa, Florida. So not happy to hear this news. They have been such good neighbors and we really hate to see them move away. We are happy for them, but will certainly miss them. Their daughter Erin was only in first grade when they moved here and is now a sixth grader. She has been so helpful in taking care of the kitties while we are gone. Not sure what I will do when they have moved...I never worried about anything when we traveled as long as they were next door.

Sure hope our next neighbors are as good as the Castles....

It's been a while...

So much going on and still recuperating from Oliver's Birthday Road Trip. Pictures might be the best way to tell the story...



Saying goodbye....

Nonnie and Eli having fun



Oliver and Pops taking a walk in downtown Boston



















Aunt Alissa and Eli

And the winner is....

After years, I mean weeks, Ed has finally made a decision and purchased his new vehicle. If you know Ed, you know he loves the thrill of the hunt when it comes to buying ANYTHING. He is all about research and getting the very best deal he can find, getting the best and most for the least. After looking online as well as in OKC, Fort Smith and Tulsa, he finally found IT in Tulsa. We will be picking her up tomorrow after she gets a few accessories and will take her on her first Lightner Road Trip to Boston for Oliver's birthday.

Not sure how he will spend his evenings now...

To DIY or Not to DIY....

We have spent 5 of the last 6 weekends at Kaci's house in OKC. She is remodeling her kitchen and we are trying to help and save her a little money.

I have come to the conclusion it might have been smarter to just fork over the bucks.

Or get on one of those shows on HGTV...they could have done all of this in 3 days! Where the heck is House Crashers, Room Crashers or Over Your Head when you need them?

But I keep telling myself it is all going to be worth it. And then I go to my happy place...

Home alone....

And loving it! This is the first time I have had any ME time in far too long. And I need ME time.

Don't get me wrong, I love my girls, I am so in love with those precious baby boys and of course I love Ed...but I need some alone time now and then.

I get that from my Mom. She would get up an hour earlier than the rest of us, just so she could have her alone time. Not me, I enjoy sleep too much. So, I have to get my alone time other ways.

Thank goodness Ed travels for work. It gives me my much needed time to be home alone.

So, for the rest of the week, it will be just me and the kitties.

I am a happy girl!

A whole new level of tired...

I thought I was tired when I left Kari's after a month...

And then I thought I was really tired after another 2 weeks with Alissa...

But today I realize I am tired on an entirely new level after 2 weekends with Kaci...

I will take babies over remodels any day of the week...

I'm done...

6 weeks, 1 day and home

I came home on Thursday, thanks to my wonderful friend Cindy. 6 weeks and 1 day later, I finally slept in my own bed. For 3 whole nights. Then we went to Tulsa to help Ed's parents with some issues. Thankfully that was just one night. But we will be going back on Thursday, then on to Kaci's on Friday to start her kitchen remodel.

It looks like it is going to be a busy summer...

Oliver had his 10 month birthday yesterday, hard to believe in just 2 months he will be a year old! Which of course means another trip to Boston. I really think it is time to sell this house and get that RV... I'm just saying... I am sure the kitties would adjust to traveling very quickly...

Happy Birthday to my SIL Jaime today, so happy she is part of our family! Without her, we wouldn't have sweet baby Cash! Hoping to see him and his parents of course this weekend while we are in the OK City.

Very rambling today I know, similar to my life lately...just never know what direction I will be going...hoping for some guidance soon...

35 years? Seriously???

It cannot be possible that it has been 35 years since I graduated from high school. But according to the calendar it has. How in the world did this time pass so quickly? But when I think about all that has happened in my life since May 20, 1976, it does seem a little more possible. Marriage, babies, moves, graduations, college, more graduations, incredible loss, more marriages, precious grandbabies and lots of love. Yep, that's about 35 years worth!

It has also been 35 years tonight since Ed asked me to marry him. Of course I said yes...

2 weeks to 9 months

After a month in Cincinnati with Kari waiting for little Eli to get here, I was able to help her for 2 weeks before it was time to come to Boston to help with Oliver. I have now been gone from home for 5 weeks! It will be 6 weeks and a day by the time I get home next week. I may not leave my house for a month!

But I am loving the time with these two little boys. So thankful I am able to do this for them and their parents. When you can spend a month in your childs home and they are not ready to send you packing, you know you are loved and appreciated! Kari wants to make their basement a mother-in-law suite for me! She wouldn't have to do much, it is finished already, just a few pieces of furniture in the bedroom and I would be set. When I left, I told her I would be back if she needed me and she said," I will see you in 2 weeks"! I have told Ed we should sell the house and just travel, maybe now is the time! We can get a small apartment in Ft. Smith for when he needs to be in the office and just travel the rest of the time between the girls homes. Sounds like a plan to me!

Eli is three weeks old today. He will be a month old before we know it. He is a sweetie for sure. Not sure when I will get to see him next, but know he will have changed a lot by the time I do.

Oliver is in to everything! He is crawling, pulling up and will soon be walking. His smile will melt your heart and those beautiful blue eyes...I know I am prejudiced, but then I am supposed to be, right?

Hope to have some new photos of Oliver for my next post. I am sure I will manage to take a few while I am here.

He's here!!

Welcome to the world Elijah Brooks VanHoose!! You took your time getting here, but you are certainly worth the wait. All 7 pounds 14 ounces and 22 inches of you. Your Mommy worked very hard to get you here and she did great.

Maybe Baby?

Things are looking up for sure...

Stay tuned...

In his time...

When I last posted, we were excited about going to the hospital and getting the ball rolling for this little one to get here. But as we all know God and babies do things in their own time, not always in ours.

After 9 hours of medication and a sleepless night for us all, there was absolutely no change or progress towards delivery. It was decided by Mom, Dad and the Doctor that patience was the word of the day and since the little one seems perfectly content right where he is, there was no need to get aggressive...yet.

So... we will wait a few days more and if the little peanut doesn't decide to join us on his own, we will give induction another attempt on Tuesday night/Wednesday morning.

Stay tuned!

Let's get it started...

Tonight we will go to the hospital, begin some procedures and hopefully have a baby tomorrow. Praying for my precious Kari and her little boy about to come into this world...

Waiting on a Baby....

Yes, we are still waiting. Kari is past her due date and we are pretty sure if the little guy hasn't arrived by her next appt. this coming Wednesday, more aggressive action will take place. So, one way or another, we should have a baby before Easter.

I like to tell her she is just beginning to "pay for her raising" as they say. She was 2 weeks over due herself. But she was a very good baby, so she shouldn't have too much of a payback.

Ed will leave tomorrow for Ft. Smith, he will work this week and then fly back on Friday. Alissa, Brek and sweet Oliver will be here on Friday as well. Sure hope we have a baby by then...

A good weekend and change of plans..

We had a very good weekend, starting with a trip to my Dad's so that Ed could check his AC unit. It may only be April, but with temps in the low 90's, it is that time of year already. We visited with Daddy for a while before driving to Tulsa and having dinner with Ed's parents. After a quick change of clothes, Ed and I drove to Tulsa to see this show http://tinyurl.com/6g9v4wg

It was a great show, lots of fun and very entertaining. We decided to drive home so we could sleep in this morning. We were supposed to spend the night in Tulsa and then leave for Kari's house early this morning. But I have been persuaded against my better judgement to wait until Wednesday to leave. Just hoping that little boy doesn't get any wild ideas and come before we get there!

Today was a relaxing day, I should have been finalizing everything that needs to be completed before I am gone for the next few weeks, but instead we just relaxed. I am sure I will be glad I did once the little peanut arrives and I am getting little to no rest!

We did venture out to Ft. Smith and had a wonderful late lunch at a new restaurant. It was by far the best Mexican food we have found since we moved here almost 9 years ago. I am so excited to finally have someplace that serves food with flavor and not just covered in cheese sauce! If you are in our area, be sure and try www.maravillasfortsmith.com You won't regret it!

Still trying to learn my new phone, but I am loving all the fun things it will do. Today I video chatted with Oliver and Alissa while riding in the Tahoe! Just amazing how much technology has evolved. Who knows what our grandchildren will be doing when they are our age. Hopefully I will still be around to see!

She would have been 70 today

Today is my Mom's birthday, she would have been 70 years old. Her last birthday was her 61st. I was fortunate enough to spend part of the day with her. As usual, I brought her new pajamas. My mother loved her pj's, guess that is where I get my love for them. In fact, she loved them so much, that when it came time to choose what she would be buried in, we didn't have to think very hard. I went to Dillards and found the most beautiful white gown and robe. It had lace on the bodice and sleeves and it was just perfect.

It has been almost nine years since she died and I still miss her every day. Especially with these precious babies being born. She has a new grandson, two great-grandsons and another on the way that she will never see or hold. I just hate how unfair it all is. She would have been so in love with these little boys.

But life is not fair and we have to go on without her, making sure that we do our best to live good lives and always do what we can to make her proud of us.

Happy Birthday Mom, love you and miss you so very much.

R and R

Taking a few days for some rest and relaxation. Trying to stock up, because in a few weeks ( or less) I will be in Ohio taking care of my baby and her new baby. So, I rest. I know with my fun new disease, I may not always have the energy to do all I want to do. I am just hoping to be of some help to Kari when the time comes.

She has a lot of stairs...

R and R....

It's my mantra today.

34 years...

Sounds like a long time doesn't it? Well, it is

Especially for a marriage

Especially these days

Especially when the years were earned by two kids who were barely eighteen when they made this lifelong commitment

But make it we did and if the good Lord is willing, we will continue to keep that promise we made thirty-four years ago tonight.

I'm shooting for at least sixty!

All clear

Good news from the gastro doc, saw absolutely nothing during my procedure. But really, how could he after I drank all that nasty stuff and did what drinking all that nasty stuff makes you do?

I have always said, I drink, therefore I go. Of course, I was referring to all the Diet Dr.Pepper and other liquids I consume in the course of a day.

That phrase took on a completely different meaning Monday evening into Tuesday. That was some of the nastiest stuff I have ever had to consume and the endless trips to the potty were just no fun at all.

Ed seemed to think it was pretty funny, but that is because he had already done it and took pleasure in seeing me suffer as he did.

I wasn't laughing.

But I paid him back the next day for sure. He got to spend his birthday taking me to the hospital for the procedure, sitting for 3 hours while the deed was done and I recovered and then bringing me home and watching me sleep the day away. Poor guy. But don't worry, I plan to make him a cake today and cook him a special dinner to make up for yesterday.

'Cause I'm just sweet like that.

It doesn't have anything to do with the fact that I haven't had a decent meal since last Thursday night at Ruth's Chris. Nope, not a thing to do with it...

A fluid day...

Today is not going to be a fun day.

It is probably going to be better than tomorrow, but maybe not. I will get to sleep thru the worst of tomorrow and then I will be able to eat.

No eating for me today, just liquids, as I prepare for my first ever colonoscopy...

Don't you wish you were me today? I would be more than happy to trade places for the next 24-36 hours.

Anybody? No? I didn't think so...

It's just the beginning...

Of our crazy birthday month. March is very busy in our family when it comes to birthdays and anniversaries. We have 3 birthdays and an anniversary in our immediate family and that doesn't include any cousins, aunts, uncles, friends, etc.

Today was Kari's big day. I can hardly believe she is 29 and expecting her first baby.

Next will be Ed's BD, then our 34th wedding anniversary, then Alissa's BD. I won't even attempt to put all the others on here.

I am exhausted and broke already...

But I love March, because 3 of the people I love most came into this world in the month of March.

And I married a pretty good guy in March. But don't tell him I said that. : )

Ahhh, Cali...

I have missed you! So happy to be back for another week of fun and relaxation. Cindy and Tracy arrive tomorrow and I know we are going to have a wonderful time.

Here is my first picture of the ocean, we are at the Camp Pendleton Beach. There were so many surfers today.

More to come!

I just wanted to...

Remove the wallpaper...

We ended up with all new appliances, granite and backsplash






I just wanted to...

Paint the front door, which meant we needed a new door knob, which meant we had to change all the other door knobs, which meant the hinges had to go as well...

We now have all new door knobs and hinges thru out the house...





I really want to paint my bathroom and get rid of the last wallpaper in the house, but I am afraid I will end up with an entirely new bathroom...which wouldn't be all that bad now that I think about it...

The Great Escape

Puddy escaped last night.

The door was open, he saw his opportunity and he took it.

We are getting all new door knobs throughout the house and in order to change them, the door has to be open.

And Puddy is no fool, he knows an open door means freedom. Even tho I warned Ed, Puddy is pretty quick for an older, out of shape kitty and he slipped out. Not once, not twice, but THREE times! The first time, I managed to corral him pretty quickly.

The second time, he decided to take me on a tour of our property and it was very dark. I finally picked up a very big stick and "herded" him back to the house.

But the third time was the charm for him. He had learned the lay of the land (and it was raining), so I wasn't able to get to him as quickly. He was just gone into the dark and stormy night. I decided to teach him a lesson and didn't go running after him (it was raining). But because I am the moma I am, I was worried sick about him.

After what seemed like days (2 hours)I heard MomaKat hissing and realized Puddy was at the dining room window. It took three attempts at the door to convince him, but he finally decided he was ready to end his wild adventure and rejoin the family.

I am so relieved and as I write, he is in his usual spot, laying on my feet. And if my hair wasn't already totally gray, I am sure I would have had some new ones after his little adventure.

Bad Kitty!