Friday, December 13, 2013

They're coming......

One week from today, yes, you heard that right, ONE WEEK!!!

They will be here. The Boston Babies and the Cincinnati babies. The OKC baby doesn't get here until Tuesday. I have one million things to do before they arrive.  Anyone want to place a wager on how much I actually get done?

Don't bet on me people, that would be a losing bet for sure.

Let me count the ways...
Oh forget it, there are too many to count and I have to get busy.

Because they are coming.
And I can hardly wait!!!

Merry Christmas!

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

It's been a while

Today is October 1st. I have been absent from my blog for quite a while.

With good reason I assure you. Many , many good reasons in fact.

There have been numerous trips to Boston, Cincinnati, Tulsa and even Hawaii.

And we added to our family! That's right, we have another precious grand baby in our family, Miss Caroline Kai! More on her later.

I have been feeling pretty good, a few small flares, but nothing I can't handle. I am thankful that my health hasn't kept me from enjoying my family and traveling. I realize how blessed I am to be able to do all the things I do.

Our house is still on the market, that is a whole 'nother story folks. It has been a frustrating experience, but I know that there is a plan and I just have to have patience.

So, the most exciting event of the past few months is the birth of our 4th grandchild, Miss Caroline Kai Poynor. She is absolutely precious and already 3 weeks old! Caroline was born on September 9th at 9:25 am, weighing 7lbs 4 oz and 21 inches long. I was able to spend 3 weeks in Boston with the Poynor's, helping out,cuddling this sweet baby girl and entertaining her big brother. Oliver is a great big brother and when Caroline cries, he says " Don't cry Carywine, I'm here, I'm here." It is just the sweetest thing.

Our next big adventure will be our family vacation in California at the end of the month. 7 adults and 4 babies, 3 and under.

Pray for me.....

Saturday, June 1, 2013

My name is Connie

Hello, my name is Connie and I am an addict....

My drug of choice?

The Pioneer Woman's Salsa...

That's right, I am addicted to this salsa. I make it 2-3 times a week and when that jar starts to get low, I start getting very anxious.

I start checking to see if I have cilantro, limes, tomatoes and Rotel. If there is anything from the recipe missing, I have to go to the store immediately and replace it in my pantry.

I told you, I am an addict.

And I am not ashamed to introduce others to my world. My husband, daughters, sons-in-law, no one is spared.

Just yesterday I made converts of my brother, sister-in-law and two of my nieces.

They are now hooked.  I don't regret it one bit... They actually thanked me! That's how good this stuff is!

If you haven't had any, I am so sorry. I know you must feel something is lacking in your life and I guarantee, this will fill the empty spot.

Try it, I promise you will thank me and be a Pioneer Woman convert in no time at all!!

I will save you the trouble of googling it, here is the link to my addiction!

http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2010/01/restaurant-style-salsa/

My work here is done.

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

My baby brother

 My little brother Doug is a Battalion Chief for the Edmond Fire Department in Oklahoma. He has been on the job for 23 years now. During this time he has responded to countless emergencies and unfortunately has seen his share of disasters. He was on the scene, searching through the rubble after the bombing in OKC. I can't begin to imagine what he has seen and dealt with during his career.

Monday he drove south to Moore and his team was assigned to Plaza Elementary. Below is something he shared with us.


Thanks everyone!! I have to share a quick story and a lesson I a 23 year veteran of the FD was reminded about this morning by a new recruit we just hired with 3 WEEKS on.

Yesterday afternoon we responded to Moore and got our assignment to go to Plaza
Elementary School to assist with search and rescue. Once there, the new recruit was simply assigned to start cutting 4x4 posts into 2' sections. That's it, just cut as many 2' sections as you can with the lumber we had to use as cribbing. Mind you he is standing in front of a horrific scene and his job was to cut boards that will be used to support weakened concrete. At first he thought surely there is something more I can do. However, this morning when we returned to the station and we gathered as a group to debrief. It was then that he shared his story and the task he was assigned. He also shared that at first he was aggravated about his assignment, but finally it hit him, his portion of the mission was to produce cribbing that would be used to keep responders and victims safe. His portion although seeming trivial it was a small part of a huge effort to provide comfort and closure to a lot of people.

Long story short, not one first responder can do their job without the support of every Oklahoman. Whether it be getting involved in local government, volunteering at a local charity or donating goods or money, it takes a team to be successful. A Oklahoma team I'm proud to be part of!!


Doug generally keeps his feelings pretty well hidden, he has never really talked about what he saw at the OKC bombing site with me and doesn't like a lot of attention for what he does. It is his job, he loves it and that's enough.

But, I am his big sister and since our Mom is no longer here to brag on him, I am going to. He probably wishes I wouldn't, but I just can't help myself. I am so very proud of what he does on a daily basis. He is a good man, husband, father and brother. His chosen career has meant he missed out on some things with his family. But that's ok, he was out there helping other families. We all make sacrifices, but our First Responders very often make the ultimate sacrifice, as witnessed recently in West, Texas.

So, if you love a First Responder, give them an extra hug today. We all get a little complacent and forget what they do for us, until something like Moore, Oklahoma happens and reminds us.

Thank you for all you do Douglas,
I love you,
Sis








 








Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Praying

My heart is broken for the people of Moore.

Praying for all those affected by these horrible storms...

Monday, May 13, 2013

For Sale

Well, we did it.



Our house is officially on the market.

Not going to lie, just a little scared about this. I have always felt very confident in our other moves. I am sure I will get there with this move, just not quite there yet.

But I know God has a plan and I have to trust that everything will happen as it is meant to be. As one of my darling daughters (Alissa) said, Everything will be fine in the end, if it isn't fine, it isn't the end....

Hope she is right.

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Home

Home

It has been six weeks and four days since I was last home.

So much has happened, I really don't know where to begin.

But here goes...

We left on the 16th of March for a weekend in Bristol TN and a Nascar race on St. Patrick's Day. We had a great German meal in Knoxville on the 16th and then drove into Bristol on the 17th. It was a great time and a good race. We spent that night in Pigeon Forge, TN. It sure has changed since the first time we stayed there in 1978! And the hotel we stayed in was much nicer as well.

The next day was the 18th and our 36th wedding anniversary. We spent the day driving to Cincinnati so that I could be there with Kari for the birth of our third grandchild. Ed flew out the next day for Atlanta and back on Thursday. He left that Sunday to come home and we began our wait.

And we waited...from winter...








To Spring, we waited....




And waited.....



Finally on the 8th of April, things began to happen and at 8:25 on April 9th, sweet Lovella Ruth was born!! She weighed 7lbs 10 oz and was 20 inches long. And very overdue!! Kari was a trooper and made it thru without any medications.



 And just over 24 hours later we were home.



My favorite quote of the day was when Eli was told it was a girl, he asked if it was a squirrel! I hope he wasn't disappointed.



It was a whirlwind after that, taking care of two little ones, a house, dog and new Mommy. On the 25th, Alissa, Brek and Oliver came in for Eli's 2nd birthday party. Ed, Kaci and Lovella arrived the evening of the 26th and we partied on the 27th. The days went by so quickly and soon it was time to take Alissa, Brek and Oliver back to the airport. And then it was time to say our goodbyes...





















After 6 weeks, I was ready to be in my own house, but I was not prepared for how difficult it would be to say goodbye to my babies. I lingered as long as possible and for the first time, Eli was crying as we left, begging us to not leave. Oh my goodness, my heart was breaking. This is just so very hard and I don't know if I will ever get used to it.

Thank goodness for Skype....

Now, it is time to get busy and get this house on the market so that we can sell it and decide where we are going to go next.

Wish me luck!