COUNTRY AND LOVING IT

CT results

2011-12-09T06:06:00.002-06:00

Finally getting results from all my tests. STill some residual blood clot in my left arm, so they don't know if that or the cancer is causing alll the swelling. At least I get to go to one shot instead of two on my blood thinner. $90 a shot. I kid you not. Ct scans showed growth in the cancer in my lungs and liver. The silver lining to that is I can now get in the clinical trial I was referred to in the summer. It has moved on to the second part of the study and because of the amount of other chemo drugs I have been on, I qualify for this. It is only once every three weeks so I figure it is some kick butt stuff. They wanted to set up my first treatment for the 21st but thankfully my dr. had given me the heads up to not take it until AFTER Christmas. So I am looking forward to being chemo free for the next three weeks. I won't know how to act not having to run tochemo every week. Will have a lot of preliminary tests to make sure I am healthy enough but I am very excited about this drug. It is used inlung cancer but has not been tried in triple negative breast cancer. That is specifically what this trial is for. My. dr. told my in August that this drug, if it works, will put me in remission. Please keep praying for me and that it be God's way of healing me.

Is it Christmas?

2011-11-30T04:35:00.002-06:00

Looks like once again it has been awhile since I posted. Oh well, time flies when you have ancer. You better believe it ask anyone who has it. Since our last post, Philip put up our Christmas tree, on halloween I might add. It just happened some friends from church dropped by while he was at it. And the hubby of the couple is an absolute grinch about Christmas. He would wait til Christmas day to put up his tree if his family would let him. He just sat there, looking stunned, with me laughing so hard I was falling off the couch, His wife saying, "SEE. I TOLD YA! People actually put up trees! It was a visit I thoroughly enjoyed.
Still doing chemo weekly. Today is a chemo day, tomorrow I have CT scans to see if the chemo is working. If the tumors have grown, we try a new drug. If they haven't we stay with the same treatment. They have grown. The ones under my arm arm at least 10 times the size they were in August when I started to this oncologist. It has gone from a pea sized lump in my armpit to a large mass with about 8 individual tumors trying to break through my skin. Sorry if that is TMI. I asked my oncologist how many treatments to which he replied til they don't work anymore. Telling it like it is. Some days are diamonds and some days are stone. I wonder if I have had my last Thanksgiving. Did I just watch Rudolph for the last time? Yes, I made my 14 and 20 year old sons watch it with me. Will this be my last Christmas. I think so. I know I very possibly could be wrong and that's what I hold on to.
Sometimes, there just aren't enough rocks. That would be a line from Forrest Gump when Jenny is throwing rocks at her old house.

hard talks

2011-10-22T21:28:00.002-05:00

My baby, yes I know he is 14, was laying on the bed with me. I could tell something was wrong but he would'nt tell me. I finally asked was it me dying. He nodded yes. I have tried to be strong, be superwoman around my kids. I don;t let them see me cry, but I have been boohooing around here for awhile. How do you talk about dying to your baby? Nothing you say helps. He is a Christian and knows I and he both are going to heaven. My daddy died 13 years ago on the 12th of this month. Before he died my momma asked him did he see Marsha, my sister who died in 1986. He said, "No. Momma." So we know for a fact his momma was waiting for him. Still, it doesn't really help. 1 Thessallions where is says we do not grieve as those who have no hope. Those are things to hang on to but it doesnt stop you heart from breaking.

Expiration Date

2011-08-27T21:21:00.003-05:00

THey think they found an expiration date on me. They say it says 6 months to three years. All because they found 3 or 4 tumors on my lungs and one on my liver. Pppphhhhhttt. They don't know me.....

Round two

2011-08-25T09:48:00.002-05:00

I think I glowed in the dark last night. That had to be what was keeping me awake. I got injected with radioactive stuff for the bone scan. Got injected with dye for an abdomen, chest, and pelvic CT. Plus had to drink the contrast. But on the plus side, I do like my new oncologist. He has jumped on top of everything and has not wasted any time. Unlike the doctors that I switched from. So I went to the doctor Tuesday, got scanned all day Wednesday, go back for results Friday. Today is my day off. I have to go get my port flushed, go to stuffmart, buy groceries, cook....

But Clayton had the day off yesterday. He didn't go with me. My sister Beverly had the pleasure of sitting in the waiting rooms all day. We had a good time during all the waiting and talked about things we haven't before. Like what happens when you die. About going to the funeral home to see just what kind of insurance we have. Would it be cheaper to stay with that funeral home and have services at our church. Or switch to a different funeral home because the other one is 40 miles away and you don't want to inconvenience anyone by dieing. I promise you these are conversations we had.

Did I tell you the doctor said I would not be cured? Kinda explains the conversations, huh?

Oh, I meant to brag on Clayton. When I FINALLY got home, after 10 hours of scans, he had cleaned the living room. CLEANED THE REFRIDGERATOR, it looks new. Yes the INSIDE! cleaned our closet (I didn't know we had a closet floor), washed all the clothes that were in the bottom of the closet (found all kind of clothes that I had been looking for). Cleaned the kitchen. Let me repeat. cleaned the kitchen and the fridge. PLUs, I have a storage cabinet in the kitchen that looks like an outhouse. For real. It is a potato and onion bin, plus holds all my spices, oil, and all kinda extra junk that gets throwed in there. He had cleaned it out and arranged everything neatly. I will pause now while y'all recover.....(crickets chirping)

I bought him a shirt for me at Lifeway Christian bookstore. It says "My husband is a rich man. He has a stong faith. Children that love him. And a wife that adores him" Joshua 24:15. Honor begins at home.

And then last night, we went to church together. Like always. And it was good.

frowny face

2011-07-29T15:43:00.002-05:00

I couldn't figure out how to do the frowny face thing in my title. So I just typed it. Just want to say being REdiagnosed with breast cancer, when you don't have any boobs cause you had them removed last year (scroll back in the blog, sucks.

Flood pics

2011-05-09T18:29:00.004-05:00

The top pic is on Sat May 7 when we were trying to get a vehicle out. Notice the wake in front of the truck. Middle photo is secondary flooding past where we parked on dry land. Last one is SIL Kaye's mailbox

The great flood of 2011

2011-05-09T18:01:00.002-05:00

By now everyone knows that the Mississippi river is flooding. What they don't report is that all the rivers that flow into the Mississippi are also flooding. Fortunately we live on Crowley's Ridge, which was formed by an earthquake in the 1800's. We live above the floodline. But just because our house is dry does not mean we are not affected. We can only get in or out of our home by B O A T. We drove out Saturday to get a vehicle to dry land. The water came halfway up the headlights on my Ford Expedition. That was the less flooded gravel road we used. The direct way to town down Hwy 163 was too deep to attempt. We hadn't been out since the Thursday before. Now there is flooding up the road from where we parked on dry land. Looks like we made need another boat to put at that site.

Less than a brain

2011-02-27T14:07:00.002-06:00

It seems that Charlie Sheen has managed to cost not only himself a job, but the people he works with as well. I had watched this show only to determine it was some of the biggest filth on tv and never tuned in again. But I am really pissed at the whole sheen family now. Seems dear old dad has deemed his son's addiction a cancer. He actually had the audacity to say this on air. IT IS NOT. I DID NOT choose to have cancer. No one CHOOSES to have cancer. But there are plenty of people, just like the above mentioned ne'er do well, that choose to drink, do drugs, lie, screw around, and PUBLISH all of it. THAT IS NOT CANCER. Ask anyone who suffers from it. Ask any parent who has lost a child to it, any child who has lost a parent. This is my blog and I will say what I want. If you don't like it, you don't have to read it. Your loss, not mine.

Answered prayer

2010-12-13T15:43:00.002-06:00

My friend, Claudette, received a liver yesterday. We were afraid she would not live long enough to get one. But some brave family made the ultimate sacrifice and decided to donate their loved ones organs. She received the call about 6 am to go to the hospital. We were all at church and had prayer during opening of morning service. She had been told not to get her hopes up, that it might not be a match. We had sung about a fourth of our opening hymn when her son sent me a text that it was a match! Talk about answered prayers! She came through the surgery and is doing well so far.

FB Peep

2010-12-07T17:01:00.002-06:00

One of my facebook friends died today. From cancer. I hadn't known her long. Just since my own diagnosis in January. I will miss her. She knew what I was going through. Knew about being bald. Not being able to get out of bed. Being sick. And tired. And sick and tired of being sick and tired. Hope she enjoys her Christmas with Jesus.

My baby

2010-09-21T10:01:00.002-05:00

This is my baby's sr. picture. SIL Kaye did these. Isn't he handsome?

Seasons

2010-09-17T07:54:00.002-05:00

It must be fall. There are all these little clues. School has started, you can hear the high school bands practicing, their music wafting on the ever so slightly cooler breezes. There are even football games, high school Friday nights, and taking over the airways the rest of the weekend into the week sometimes. Not here. Fall means sweater weather, crisp mornings, burning leaves. It's gonna be freaking 95 degrees here today and that way for the next week. Lows around 79 or 80. You don't burn leaves, it would just make it hotter. Sweaters? Maybe in December. At least the humidity is not as high. Instead of 95 with heat index of 115, it will feel like the actual temp here now. There are four seasons in Arkansas:
1. Summer
2. Still summer
3. Christmas
4. Almost summer

Yea, I know

2010-09-08T19:46:00.005-05:00

I do not know what the deal is with the picture. I tried to make it smaller. I tried to include me and Philip on it. We will just ssay this is in honor of Andrew's 19th birthday which is Friday. Yay, me, for I did all the work. But if you click on my "baby" you can see me and Philip, I am so sporting my Chrome dome!
I was told I do not update enough. My excuse? I have cancer. I use it to try to get out of a whole bunch of stuff. It's starting not to work. Dang. Guess I've milked it for all it was worth (milked, breast cancer, get it?). My hair is coming back. Almost long enough not to wear a wig or do rag. I tried it one day going to Sonic, but the little carhop 'bout dropped our order. I find myself having to go back in the house after a head covering when we are going somewhere because I never wear anthing at home. My hair is coming back WHITE. Kaye says it's gray, I say no, blonde, we compromise that it has chrome highlights. Works for me. At least I have hair again. Still haven't made up my mind about reconstruction. Have pain just from wearing fiberfill prosthesis so I don't think I'm ready for real fake boobies just yet. Big decision. No that was not a boob joke for those of you who know mine were huge. Philip loves to rub my head. So does hubby. They tell me it feels like a build a bear animal.

Headlines

2010-08-19T08:45:00.002-05:00

Our local paper had the following headline: PC (which stands for Poinsett County) man dies in shooting". My 13 year old says, "I see the computer guy died". Nuff said.

Chemo update

2010-06-04T06:40:00.003-05:00

Sorry I haven't been around much. Chemo has kicked my butt so hard I can't even find it. If there was a side effect, I had it. And some they didn't have, too. One thing they don't tell you and I think it should be MANDATED that they do. It is one of the most terrible side effects ever. YOU CAN NOT EAT CHOCOLATE . And you don't even want it. IT'S NOT FAIR. But I have lost 23 pounds. Haven't weighed in 2 weeks so it could be more. I am not happy.
On the good side, yes, I can still find one, check out my friend at clay and wattles. She is our local mayor's wife and one of the nicest people you will ever meet. She made me some banana bread and it is SO good. Very moist. And it's MINE. I would have posted a pic if I had thought about it, before it disappeared...

Jeremiah 29:11 and other stuff

2010-04-27T08:18:00.003-05:00

I thought I had easy trivia, but no, apparently not. Disassemble? NO DISASSEMBLE was from the movie Short Circuit. No winners on the boobies prize. Kaye has seen the prize and can attest to its loveliness. And I even gave the name of the movie in my last post Back to the Future. I mean really people, come on! This one is SIMPLE. Had chemo again yesterday and it started kicking butt on the 100-plus mile drive home. I could barely make it in the house. Hair is almost gone. Thinking about shaving it just to get it over with. If u touch it, it falls out. My oncologist told me yesterday that after 4 rounds of what I am taking now (adriamyicin and cytoxan) I would be changed to a different drug. 80% of people on it have NO SIDE EFFECTS! So I have 2 more treatments before I get to it. Gave away all my bras. Guess Clayton was glad because I stuck them in his clothes so I wouldn't have to look at them. Losing the hair is much harder than I thought. I have probably cried more over that than the boobs. And I have ALWAYS, MY ENTIRE LIFE, threatened to shave my head because my hair was so thin and baby fine. Well, well, just look at me now. I was asked to participate in a clinical trail yesterday. They want me to walk 6000 to 8000 steps a day to see if moderate exercise will improve the outcome of treatment. I said sure, sign me up. Got a free pedometer out of it. Hurt my feelings when, after spending 8 hours at the hospital and walking from one end of creation to the other, I only went 2184 steps. This might be harder than I thought. Because I really have been sedentary since surgery. I attended a cancer survivors dinner a couple of weeks ago and spoke at it. Our local Relay for Life event is this Friday and Saturday, it goes all nite, and I have been asked to speak there, also. So, maybe, God is revealing part of his plan for me. I hope so, because I would really like to know. Philip bought me a "cheering up gift". It was really supposed to be for Mother's day, but he said I needed it now. It is a metal wall hanging with the following inscribed on it, "For I know the plans I have for you, saith the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future". Jeremiah 29:11. I think that says it all.

U want what?

2010-04-20T21:16:00.003-05:00

Philip asked me to buy him two books. Now what mother could turn down a request to buy her science fair winning, medal receiving for solo performance, child down when they want educational materials? Turns out he really wanted four. One on chickens, ok I get that one. One on bird watching because "I really have always been interested in it". One on CHEMISTRY and lastly, a PHYSICS book. Thinking about changing his name to Albert (einstein, that is). I didn't even know what to say. So I just bought 'em. I don't think we have any bomb supplies around, but I know where there are a LOT of old cars if he is trying to build a time machine to go back to the future.

Continued

2010-04-16T23:05:00.002-05:00

I saved this for its' very own post. In my goodie box, there was a homemade card from Joanna's baby. He had drawn a picture of his farm and told me to get better. IS THAT NOT THE SWEETEST THING? HE should get an A for art, an A for compassion, an A in every subject he has, and a vacation day! I keep it handy and look at it often. That simple drawing and sentiment means more than anything Hallmark could ever come up with. Thank you J!

EB

2010-04-16T07:24:00.002-05:00

That would be Easter Bunny, the big guy himself. Sent me my very own goody box in the U. S. of snail mail. I was so excited. I knew it would be filled with the goodness of all things chocolate. Now, in this instance, I must say, that I knew this Easter Bunny had a different persona he operated under. Not to give away any secrets or anything, but it would be Joanna from Bugs in my teeth. It was my much anticipated GRAND PRIZE that I had worked so hard to win and I was ready for me some chocolate. But I did not rip into the box. I savored the moment as I knew I would savor the chocolate inside. Course, I had to go to the kitchen and find a knife to cut thru the industrial strength packing tape first. As I sawed thru the massive tape mountains, a delicate scent began to waft from the box. Let's just stop here and take a moment. THE BOX. I have never seen such ingenuity. This child had completely disassembled (disassemble???? NO DISASSEMBLE!!!) a wood fire starter box, turned it inside out, and re taped it to use for shipping. I will pause for you to absorb this or rofl.....Where was I? Oh yes, wafting scent....it was not the mouth watering aroma of chocolate, but a much more delicate, almost powdery fresh scent. I wondered? Does Joanna's house smell this way? And with all those boys, wonder what she uses that works so great. As I pulled open the flaps on the box, I knew that I too could achieve this freshness. It came from the scented tampons included in my prize. (Insert silence, crickets chirping here). I made the mistake of starting to snicker (no there were no snickers) over the thoughts going through my nose and this proved to be a deadly mistake. For you see, I was the recipient of a cruel, cruel, anomaly. The tampon box I received....DID NOT WORK! When my boys heard the laughter and giggles, they of course had to investigate. Now I will admit, this COULD, PERHAPS, MAYBE be just a little my fault. I will admit the only jokes around here being cracked have been cancer ones and some people in the house don't think they are funny.....It's not me...ANYWHO...they came running to see what was going on and immediately zeroed in on my tampon box full of chocolate. I should have taken a picture. The blue and yellow box was defenseless against the invading horde, kinda like when Aunt Flo is giving you a rough one, and paused for nary a second in the quest for absconding with their chocolate of choice before I beat them back with my trusty backscratcher (hey, it was in reach!). I pointed out the first line of defense to the enemies, er, my boys, and told them they were reaching into a tampon box. Andrew's reply? "SO? IT'S CHOCOLATE" You know, that just might be my child. Willing to do just about anything for some good chocolate. Now, let's see who paid attention. To be entered into the drawing for the fabulous fiberfill boobies, find that movie quote and name that movie! By the way, NOBODY has said anything about my new background. And I was so proud (sniff, sniff)...

Hurray for chemo

2010-04-01T21:02:00.004-05:00

Got a good report from my surgeons. I am finally well enough for them to make me on appointment with the oncologist. Think about it. How bad is it when a step up is chemo? But that is where I am right now. Just ready to get on with it! I have always wanted to charge in and get things done. At school, if the teacher asked for volunteers, remember those good old days,I was the first one with their hand in the air. Usually the only one. I would get more nervous the longer I had to wait so I just wanted to get mine over with. Same thing. Poor Clayton. He had his bubble burst today. He was under the mistaken impression that the chemo would just be a one time thing. He did not realize it could be a multi month ordeal. The shortest course I personally have heard of anyone taking is 3 months. His cousin had 42 treatments (at a cost of $5600 EACH). But we aren't doing any quotes like "love is never having to say ur sorry". So I am really ready to find out how mine is going to run. Thought we had an appointment tomorrow, there was a cancellation, but dr. decided she would take off. OH WELL. They are trying to get me in Monday. Originally they said April 21 but pushy me, trying to get an earlier appointment!

NOW, just let me say I am sorely disappointed in my two readers. Check the comments on previous post. Do you mean to tell me that y'all just SKIM my post? You don't hang on every word, eagerly anticipating the next word? THEREFORE, i gave a VERY EASY trivia question. You just have to find it...

trivia

2010-03-29T21:10:00.002-05:00

For all those, one, maybe two, who are holding their breath and racking their brain to come up with the trivia question answer...Tremors 2. Sorry there were no winners! Oh well, the prize will just keep growing. I can keep stuffing fiberfill into those fake boobies lol. Have a check up Wed. at UAMS. How bad is it when you are hoping that you are well enough for chemo? Chemo would be a step down the road, at least in the right direction, instead of heading backwards. But, GGGEEEZZZ. The bright spot in this would be that we have discovered a good chinese place on Cabot, right outside Little Rock, so I have a date with hubby before appointment, for lunch. We take the good where we can get it, ya know?

Im still here

2010-03-22T14:53:00.003-05:00

Havent been online much due to the pain. Joanna, one less thing was Forrest Gump. And winner winner chicken dinner would by Guy Fieria, whose autographed pic I have. Clayton was on Diners, Driveins and Dives.
AND I CANT BELIEVE I WON! Yea for me! Keep waiting for the mailbox to tell me "I got mail". I know it's lame but gotta work with what I got. TOok a shower and found out why the pain is so bad. Incision goes from almost middle of the chest around and under the arm to the backside of the "pits". Yes, it is the pits. Been eating pain meds like m and m's. Stuff aint working. Going to get the drains out Wednesday. THey run from uner the breast, thru chest, down arm almost to elbow. And u can feel them. Feels like a garden hose inside. So glad I can share all this "critical, need to know information". (Joanna I will send u some chocolate if u know what movies that is lol)
Don't y'all love how this rambles around? I may go back and read these sometimes when I am sane, or at least not under the influence. For now I will just thank all my readers for sharing my ride.

BOOBAGE

2010-03-17T12:23:00.002-05:00

Kinda like tonage. I pause while you laugh or roll your eyes. I'm just saying...had a double mastectomy on 2-27. Both of them. Now, tomorrow, I go back for revised mastectomies. On both of them. Just how much boobage do you have that you can have double mastectomy done twice? The story of my life. If it can happen, it's gonna happen to me. But seriously, my surgeon was trying to leave my skin for reconstruction. That way I could just get my implants after chemo and not go thru the months of restretching what was already SSSTTTRRREEETTTCCHHHEEEDDD. No, that is not an exaggeration. But do to lack of circulation, the skin has died and now has to be removed. So after this additional surgery, there will be chemo. Then another surgery for the expanders. When that process is over, another surgery to remove expanders and insert implants. Then one more to reconstruct the nipples--which my breast dr. says my plastic surgeon makes beautiful nipples. Just thought that was funny. She says they look much better than the real thing. On the upside, they will put my port in for chemo during this surgery, so, one less thing (joanna--name that movie). Gonna give a shout out to the plastic surgeon. He will only accept cancer survivor patients. Will not do cosmetic surgery on anayone else. Thought that said alot about his character. Alot of people talk the talk but that is an example of walking the walk.

Peeps rock

2010-03-15T19:33:00.003-05:00

You have to check out this blog. In addition to being hilariously funny, this has got to be one of the greatest people on the planet. I only know her thru blogging. We have never met or chatted, although we do fb. This person, WHO DOES NOT KNOW ME, took the time to get a card and SNAIL MAIL it to me because she knew what I was going thru. Is that not just AWESOME?! She totally rocks. Sometimes, the people we don't know treat us better than the ones we do...

Time Flies

2010-03-11T13:57:00.002-06:00

Gees, looks like I haven't posted in a long time. Guess time flies when ur having.... Have another surgery scheduled for the 18th. The skin my surgeon left for reconstruction has died so it must be removed. Called a revised mastectomy. Oh the joy. They gave me some fiber filled boobies to wear and they are so much fun. My kids say I look weird, ie, they are too big. But actually they look pretty good on my body size. Just not real sure I want some the size of these bad boys. They aren't that much bigger than the ones God gave me, they just stand up and salute. I feel like they are looking at me. Does anybody know what I am talking about? Mine were 48 years old. These are SO NOT. On to other things... My baby won the Northeast Arkansas District Science Fair at Arkansas State University. He was entered in Junior Computer Science (that would be for jr. high school). Yes, I am one proud momma! He developed a video game. What can I say? I told y'all he was smart! Also, the band director was bragging on him, that he could be a professional tuba player and that he wanted him to compete. He only picked up a tuba for the first time in August, and has had no musical training of any kind. Anyone priced a tuba lately? We won't be buying one. They cost more than my biopsies!

D Day

2010-02-24T22:56:00.002-06:00

Well, tomorrow is D day. Or maybe I should say D minus day. Having the surgery to remove both breasts. Dread it. Big time. A friend walked up to me in Subway and asked me had I ever seen a mastectomy. I told her no and I was probably more scared of that than anything. She said, "Come on". She took me in the bathroom, AT SUBWAY, and proceeded to show me her mastectomy scar, which was only a couple of months old. I was floored that she would do that. It helped so much. It really wasn't that bad. At least now I'm not afraid to "look". As for the rest, one day at a time...

Plastic Surgeon

2010-02-19T04:53:00.002-06:00

Had a pre surgery appointment yesterday. I do NOT understand these people who say they are addicted to plastic surgery. I was not a happy camper. First thing he tells me is he will see me in 4 or 5 months to start the procedures. ProcedureSSSSS? Maybe I'm just naive but first, I thought three months, max, and u go have some new puppies popped in, the end, you are through. OH NO. A month after surgery I start chemo. When that is done, I can go get extenders. For those of you who know all about this feel free to skip ahead. When I get "extenders" I go every week or two and have more saline injected until they get "big enough". At this point he tells me he will have to use the biggest ones they make on me, gee thanks, and that they will hold about a liter of fluid EACH. Holy saltwater batman. Am I gonna slosh when I walk? When they are finally "topped off", I get to set around with those for a couple of months. THen comes the second surgery where these will be removed and the implants put in. And not just implants. CADAVER SKIN. Because my skin will not be thick enough after mastectomy to provide good coverage. eeeewwww. I didn't ask him to make sure it was from a Christian as I wanted all of me going when the rapture happens (I did tell Clayton's surgeon that about his bone graft, though). Figure the boobs will be "left behind" anyway. Anyhoo, wait 4-5 months before getting started, 4-6 months to fill er up, 2 months with full extenders, get implants, and 6 months after that before nipple reconstruction via a skin graft. Once more, eeewww. That sounded painful. And if I want to wear fake ones during all this time, they cost four freaking hundered dollars A PIECE, price does not include pocket bra to keep them in place. If anybody out there has some they aren't using anymore....

Six Truths of Life

2010-02-09T11:30:00.001-06:00

Six Truths of Life

1. You cannot touch all your top teeth with your tongue.

2. All idiots, after reading the first truth, will try it.

3. And discover that the first truth is a lie and feel superior because
they
can do it.

4. You're smiling now because you're an idiot.

5. You soon will forward this to another idiot.

6. There's still a stupid smile on your face.

I apologize about this.

I'm an idiot and I needed company ...
And now I know you have a sense of humor and some teeth.

results

2010-02-08T16:28:00.000-06:00

I have breast cancer

Long Weekend

2010-02-06T15:13:00.001-06:00

How to stretch your weekend to an eternity? Have three breast biopsies done on Thursday and they tell you the results will be back Monday or Tuesday...

Insurance

2010-02-01T17:29:00.002-06:00

When Clayton went on long term disability, the price of cobra to continue our insurance was $1400.00 a month. I will wait while u all recover. Needless to say, we did not purchase said insurance. Went to the breast dr. today. He offered to treat me for free. The hospitals he works at however, he said, would not accept me as a patient. So I left with nothing done. Ain't that a kick in the pants? Don't qualify for any time of aid because we make too much. That's a laugh.

Things to do...

2010-01-30T15:31:00.004-06:00

In Arkansas during a snow,ice storm. Go outside and try to unscrew the hose from the faucet. This is best performed by the hubby. Break faucet off. Make sure it is almost dark when you do this. Go into bathroom and decide you can fix it by cutting into the bathroom wall. Do it. Go outside in the twilight and sleet/snow, to find correct tools. Using hacksaw, beginning cutting pipe in wall. ELECTRICIY GOES OUT. By this time it is completely dark. And cold. And we are all electric. And I have a hole in my bathroom wall, and a broke pipe, and water cut off...And we can't get out our drive to get stuff to fix it, even if the store is open, because it is solid ice. I didn't even leave footprints.

C

2010-01-27T22:01:00.001-06:00

That would be the big C. Doc says both breasts. Going to breast surgeon Monday. I'm waiting on biopsies before I accept it.

Manogram

2010-01-25T22:09:00.002-06:00

What can I say? Looking forward to tomorrow. NOT

pics

2010-01-23T20:57:00.004-06:00

This is my sister Vivian, we call her BB on the left, me and sis Bev. In the other pic is our mom. Everyone calls her cricket.

SIL Kaye took pics for us Christmas when my other sister was up from Florida. We have not had any family photos made since Easter 19--something. My oldest sister died in 1986 and it was several years before she died, so probably around 1980 or so. Any way, thought I would give y'all a look see.

update

2010-01-21T21:54:00.002-06:00

Doctor visit today. Diagnostic mammogram scheduled for Tuesday morning. Job--who cares. Cardiologist visit scheduled for Thursday, but I may cancel it, depending on Tuesday. Dr. says come back to him 24 hours after mammogram for results but that "it has to come out regardless". Lots of blood tests, anemic (well, after all the blood they took), possible b12 deficiency, among other things, will find out later. Just a beautiful day in the neighborhood. On the uupside my husband took me to lunch for Chinese.

Perspective

2010-01-20T21:43:00.002-06:00

You can always rely on God to put stuff in perspective for you. Take for instance the previous post where my job was advertised in the paper. No biggy. Doesn't matter. Especially when dr. tells you to find a cancer doctor, hands u a pamhlet, and tells you u need a brain scan...

huh?

2010-01-14T20:43:00.001-06:00

AT work this afternoon, we had an influx of people wanting to fill out employment applications. Said there was a job in the paper they wanted to apply for. I bought a paper after work. It was for my job. News to me. What would you do?

work

2010-01-04T20:11:00.003-06:00

Tomorrow I get to teach class. An energy conservation class and a budgeting class. Administered thru the ARRA program envoked by our President. HHMMM. They don't give you the material to teach. You are supposed to come up with it by yourself. Yeah right. I could teach dc a thing or two or three about budgeting and energy conservation. Arkansas style.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

2009-12-26T15:25:00.005-06:00

Hope everyone had a safe and happy Christmas. We did. Lots of visitors to Arkansas. Nephew Johnathon is home for 11 days before beginning his second tour in Afghanistan, cousin Leslie and family down from Colorado for a quick visit, and sister BB from Florida, whom I haven't seen in over a year, is in town. SIL Kaye was kind enough to take some family photos for us. Go to her blog and see them here.

Bambi

2009-10-27T05:59:00.001-05:00

They killed Bambi in my backyard. Go on over to hubby's blog to see the proof.

This, too

2009-10-22T09:05:00.004-05:00

We have eggs that are due to hatch on Halloween. Philip wants to know if after they hatch, ON HALLOWEEN, can he put up the Christmas tree. Yes, they, the tree and incubator, both occupy the same space. What do you think? I can't remember if he put it up before Halloween last year or not. This is what happens when you don't have trick or treating to look forward to. I know the outside decorations went up in the middle of October. FYI, I published this 3 times and had to go back and edit because I didn't run spell check.

Post?

2009-10-22T09:04:00.000-05:00

Does it count as a post if you change your background? I think so.

1st chair

2009-10-11T19:18:00.001-05:00

My baby made 1st chair for tuba in band. I am so proud. He is, however, the only tuba player....

Domestic Goddess

2009-10-05T18:46:00.003-05:00

I think the title says it all. In case u are in doubt, just let me say this. I AM 48 and FREAKIN' HORMONAL. Ok. Everyone should have the picture by now. That being said, I decided I wanted pie. Good pie which means homemade. So I decided to make a couple of coconut pies. I do not let people know I make coconut pies. It is a secret. I have never made a bad coconut pie. Until today. Put the pie crusts in the oven and apparently, did not poke enough holes in them because they puffed up like puff pastry. I deflated them while still in the oven. Proceed to filling. I scorched it. BAD. I was trying to pick the black stuff out of the filling. I was mad because it was taking too long to cook so I decided to turn the heat up under it. I really shouldn't have tried to make pies. It just hasn't been a good day. Next comes the meringue. Genius that I am I am standing there beating the crap out of the whites when I realize the humidity is so high, there is no way it is gonna fluff. FINE. Make Clayton get a cookie sheet to put the pies on because I overfilled them and I know they are going to run over in the oven. Tried to nip that mess in the bud. Tell hubby to stand there and watch them, like toast, just brown the tops. He asks are they supposed to be on fire.....

How do you know

2009-09-22T18:30:00.002-05:00

I have asked many people this question. How can you tell if buttermilk has gone bad. I learned the answer today. The hard way. Just thought I would share it with you. For your own personal knowledge. If you get all your cornbread ingredients mixed up, reach into THE BACK (very important) of the fridge to get the opened buttermilk before you open the new one, pour the rest of the container of buttermilk into your ingredients, open the new jug to pour in some more, look down and their are LARGE amounts of gray green MOLD in your cornbread, you can pretty much figure out it is bad. Nuff said. P.S. This is also a good diet plan to follow. Promises to take away any and all appetite for a LONG time.

yes, i know

2009-09-08T20:31:00.002-05:00

I haven't posted in quite awhile. Just really haven't felt like it. Am now homeschooling our oldest under the direct recommendation from his Dr. So to all y'all who say I was wrong before to take them out of school, (insert raspberry). nanner nanner boo boo to you. I was RIGHT and you were WRONG. Oh, I feel much better now. Said child, my oldest baby will be 18 Thursday. I don't like it. I have to take him to sign up for the draft. Yea, yea, I know they aren't doing that now and may never again, but I still DON'T LIKE IT. It's a momma's prerogative. Now I got that Bobby Brown song stuck in my head....it's my prerogative....I'll leave it here with you to get stuck in your brain.

Knowledge is power and money

2009-08-25T20:13:00.002-05:00

OH the things that I have learned. Have you ever thought about where Easter eggs come from? I found out. Just scroll down and look at the picture of the bunny and hen. I'm gonna send it to Cadbury's. I just haven't decided whether to take the riches in dollars or chocolate. They are gonna have to buy me off, big time. Once people learn you can grow your own Cadbury eggs, hey we are talking big deal here. I think we are going to start a breeding program and put these wondrous creatures on Ebay.

Sequel

2009-08-22T22:10:00.003-05:00

To see what happened AFTER the previous shots, check out hubby at his blog.

Wanted: Female

2009-08-22T17:34:00.003-05:00

rabbit, that is. I'm sure I will get some hits from that title. We worked in the yard this afternoon. We sat in the yard enjoying the wonderful cool weather. I noticed the rabbit smelling the chickens, just like dogs do. I won't get graphic. I looked at Clayton and he said yeah, he does that all the time. Watch and he will lay his head on them. Well, I thought that was kinda strange. Clayton went in the house and I sat and fed leftover strawberry cake to the animals. Watched the rabbit lay his head on the back of the chicken AND START TRYING TO GET BUSY. Chicken walks off and ignores him. I thought, naw, I didn't just see that. Happened at least 6 or 7 times before he gave up. Clayton comes out of the house and I tell him what I have witnessed His response? We gotta get him a rabbit. Maybe I should help them out with this breeding and sell it to the National Enquirer. Or Ripley's believe it or not. Oughta be some money in it somewhere. Because I am not getting paid enough for this stuff!

200th post!

2009-08-21T14:32:00.004-05:00

My 200th post. I know y'all are all waiting anxiously for the 200 things you just don't know about me. Ok, here goes:

I just got a new pool!
My husband has had a spinal fusion and looks like another one may be in his future.
I quit my job to take care of him.
He spends more time with his chickens than with me.
I didn't number these so you would have to count and see if there are REALLY 200.
I like doing stuff like that.
Kaye has not killed me yet.
I am left handed.
I have a dry, warped sense of humor.
I LOVE monster movies
Godzilla is my favorite monster
I watch every single Christmas special that comes on tv.
After reading the Left Behind series twice and fighting for them at the library, I bougt my own COMPLETE set off ebay.
I am a cat person but not in the house!
I do not care for dogs even outside
I cannot grow plants, not even silk ones.
Sometimes in blogging I do not use a period.
Speaking of periods....we won't go there.
My anniversary is Nov 8.
I will be married for 23 years.
I'm not counting these so I don't know how many there are so far.
I LOVE the beach.
I am a Christian first, a Baptist second.
Southern through and through.
My dad died 10 years ago.
My oldest sister died 23 years ago in a house fire.
Youngest of 4 girls.
There are no granddaughters on my side of the family. Only grandsons.
Country girl all the way.
we now have 30 chickens
have a rabbit that thinks it's a chicken--even sleeps in the roost and eats their food.
have 4 ducks that think they are chickens.
have a small hen that thinks it's a duck.
The ducks, small hen, and one guiena (sp), have formed a barnyard GANG.
We don't have a barn.
Two white ducks, two blue ducks who all sleep with the chickens
One white duck is the lookout. He always goes first. Little later, hear come the other ones (gotta get that on video).
Yes, they roam around free in the yard during the day with our 3 cats and go into their pen at night.
I love to sing.
I have a very strong Christian faith.
My husband and I met because his grandmother died on Christmas day and my sister died on New Year's day.
I am related to Princess Di. Have geneology from Time magazine to prove it.
And I can do THE WAVE (not football), too.
I am left handed (did I say that already)?
I can eat with chopsticks.
I was 30 when my first child was born.
35 when the second was born.
Everybody has probably stopped reading by now.
I had to go to the post office today and pick up 60 quail eggs hubby dear bought off ebay.
currently hatching 12 cuckoo murans (sp?)
Hatched 12 quails about a month ago.
Thinking about blocking ebay.
Forensic file FREAK! Youngest son told dad he better not make me mad because I could hurt him and get away with it.
Have read all the Harry Potter books, more than once.
Terrified of green tree frogs. They gross me out.
Love the fall.
Have put my Christmas tree up before Halloween.
Do not want grandkids.
Put my family before myself always.

I could keep going but nobody has probably made it this far. Kaye, don't count them. Sandy, don't count them. Emma, don't count them...

Jason's going down

2009-08-18T16:14:00.003-05:00

Another one of those nobody knows it exists videos. These are alot of fun. This time BIL Jason, who is the youngest of the family of 5, I am married to the oldest. Anyway he LOVES to pick at people. Nephews decided it was payback time...

PS

2009-08-17T19:11:00.004-05:00

I am available for weddings, funerals, parties, etc. It will probably be a solo gig, though. I don't think Kaye will perform in public with me. This is Johnathon, in whose honor we were swimming. Starts training for redeployment in the fall.

Inaugural Party

2009-08-17T09:44:00.001-05:00

We had our inaugural pool party this weekend. Everyone seemed to have a good time . It was nephew John's b'day. He came back from Iraq Christmas and will be leaving on his second tour soon. Seemed like a good time for a party. So here are the pics I have been promising of the pool with people in it. Hope you enjoy. We did!

That would be me lurking in the foreground with shades on. Philip is next to me.

Look out American Idol

2009-08-16T19:33:00.003-05:00

SIL Kaye does not know this exists. I may not live after she sees this. I think my burial insurance is paid up. We had the discussion that we are TOO OLD to audition for American Idol. I do not think the world should be deprived of this great talent. And so I present, never before seen, Kaye and Dianne, in concert.

MY LIFE

2009-07-28T14:50:00.001-05:00

Don't cha just hate it when your SIL goes to FL for vacation and you don't get to go....So NICE PERSON that you are, you agree to feed her animals while she is gone for the week....and YOU HAVE TO GO BUY DOG FOOD because she only left enough for two days....Don't cha just hate it when that happens

Family pic

2009-07-19T20:41:00.002-05:00

Thought I would put a new family photo up. SIL Kaye took this on my birthday. She tells me I should blog about how when i was a kid, I never had orange juice until I was in the 4th grade, and other things taken for granted these days. Maybe. My 200th post is coming up and that is an idea I am consider, along with the 200 things you just have to know about me. HA! Just kidding.

Pool

2009-07-14T12:25:00.005-05:00

Well, I apparently got out of the pool and dried off. Here is the promised picture, however, the deck is not quite finished. Clayton took this as my photography skills are sadly lacking. Maybe some pics with actual people in them one day...no promises, though.

Weekend update

2009-07-12T21:36:00.002-05:00

I have had a wonderful weekend. Saturday, SILs Kaye, Nicole and I went on a road trip to Tunica to the outlet mall. Serious shopping was done. Some excellent sales. The one store I wanted to go to had closed but it was not a wasted trip. We hit the seafood buffet for supper (that's what we call the nighttime meal here in the south). WE ATE FOR TWO HOURS. Crablegs mostly, but hit the chocolate fondue pretty hard, too. Eating crablegs is some serious, hard work, so you should plan on staying awhile. We did. From 5:30 to 7:30. At least we got the earlybird special price. Of course, the scenery (aka, other customers around us) changed about three times while we were there. But all ya'll know you can't eat alot when you are having conversation. That's my story and I'm sticking to it. On Sunday Kaye decided to grill. She is getting ready for vacation and decided to clean her freezer out. I was still so full from the night before I didn't eat alot. But it was all good!

Job Position Filled

2009-07-08T21:02:00.001-05:00

Gotta give a HUGE shout out to my BILs and Big Johnny for building our deck. I actually got to go swimming today in our new pool and could get in and out! Will wonders never cease. I promise pictures...as soon as I get out of the pool...

Job opening

2009-07-04T18:31:00.002-05:00

The position of favorite BIL has been vacated. Applications are currently being accepted for the top dog.

Insomnia

2009-07-04T03:33:00.002-05:00

So what do you do in Arkansas at 3:30 in the morning? Apparently, not much. Pretty boring. Even the bugs have gone to bed. No frogs croaking, or mosquitoes buzzing, or crickets chirping. No one even on facebook. Just the endless drone of the air conditioner and fans whirring. You would think that I would be bored to sleep. But no....There are clothes in the dryer waiting to be hung up. Clothes in the washer waiting to go to the dryer. Dishes waiting in the dishwasher to be put away. But I don't want to wake anybody up around here. I will just sit and enjoy the solitude. School starts in six weeks. Aaahhh, fall....

Arkansas summer

2009-06-27T22:22:00.002-05:00

It is 10:oo at night. June 27. And the heat index is 100. So far, there is only about a foot of water in the pool. Cold front is on the way. I figure it will get cold about the time I get to swim.

Hello, again

2009-06-27T10:11:00.001-05:00

Yes, I am still here. Haven't gone anywhere. Just haven't felt very blogworthy lately. However, things are starting to stir here on the homestead. Hubby dear ordered more chicks and ducks. You may remember his blue one got eaten by coons and he had to get THREE to replace the one. He is currently on the phone with little brother Tim who is my new favorite BIL. He has scraped concrete and yard, finally the pool guys came and installed us, (YEA!), looks like at least 4-5 days to fill the joker up. Gotta remember to call the water company and beg for mercy. Anywho..they are on the phone designing the pool deck because SOMEBODY got steps for the pool, not a ladder, so her big butt could get in and out. And you have to have a deck to get into the pool. TIM, DID I TELL YOU THAT YOU ARE MY FAVORITE BIL? Just checking....i need my deck...

A nudge from God

2009-06-15T18:49:00.002-05:00

Ya know how you go through those really stressful times in your life...How you wonder why me...When you think you can't take anymore...When you feel persecuted....And you look at the sky and ask, "Why me?" or "How much longer?" or maybe even "Now would be a good day to come take your children home?" Ever had one of those days, weeks,.... And then God smiles, gives you a little nudge, you look around and he has taken care of things for you. People reap what they sow. And you smile back and says, "Thanks, Dad, I knew you had my back." I had a day like that. Does wonders for your spirit.

Wednesday, I think

2009-06-10T17:46:00.003-05:00

I really enjoy word verification Wednesday, so feel free to play. In other news, I took the rest of the week off. I'm just pulled in too many directions. I also submitted my two week notice yesterday. Enough is enough. Coming home from work should not involve xanax and tears. I will look for another job when Clayton gets well. I need to be here.

Summer Plans

2009-06-09T21:44:00.002-05:00

I'm going to do my imitation of SIL Kaye, from her last summer post: I'm getting a pool, I'm getting a pool. Pictures when I actually get it installed!

Downers

2009-06-06T21:51:00.002-05:00

Clayton is not doing that well. He is having a lot of pain and now dealing with depression and his nerves are shot. So are mine. He fell earlier in the week and did not tell me until I got home from work. I feel like I really need to be home with him and it is stressing me out. The numbness in his foot is better but the weakness in his legs has gotten worse. Very hard for him to stand and he falls backward when he is trying to walk. The boys are helping all they can and I love them so much. Also feels like they are getting the short end of the stick. They are only 17 and 12 and are wonderful kids. But they are still kids. I wish I didn't have to be the grownup. I'm tired of it and wish I could take a time out for just a little while and be the kid. I know God never gives us more than we can bear but I wonder if maybe he doesn't have me confused with someone else right now.

Mini update

2009-06-04T06:40:00.003-05:00

We are at home and hanging in there. I go to work to get some rest. All you ladies know what I mean. Clayton is in a LOT of pain. Has finally agreed that maybe he needs to take more of his meds than he has been. He doesn't like to take anything and is paying for it right now. Followed Dr. orders and removed bandages while in the shower last night. He must have been feeling pretty good 'cause he was walking around the house making the kids look at his scar and grossing them out. He enjoyed that. Gotta get your jollies where you can.

Home Again

2009-06-02T17:20:00.001-05:00

Dr. said 4 day hospital stay. They let Clayton come home the next day. Could not believe it. Dr. came in, said pull his drains and he can go home. We wasted no time. Didn't want him changing his mind. Clayton had just about changed his by the time we got home, though. About an hour drive and he was feeling it. We are so thankful it is over with, now just wait for healing.

quickie

2009-06-01T22:13:00.003-05:00

A very quick update on Clayton. Surgery went great. Thank you for all your prayers. Dr. said nothing unexpected, exactly as planned. Downer: looking at at least 6 months for recovery on nerve damage to left foot and leg. As long as 2 years. We will see. Clayton won't put up with that. I know him too well. Just glad it's over with and want to BRING HIM HOME!

Surgery

2009-05-31T18:05:00.002-05:00

Clayton's spinal fusion is scheduled for 7:30 Monday morning. We are so ready for it to be over with. I have gotten use to him being at home and don't look forward to the next four days without him. But I can't stay at the hospital the entire time and leave my boys here alone for days on end. So I will be burning up the highway between here and there. Please keep us in your prayers. I will post an update whenever I can.

WHY WHY WHY

2009-05-30T00:02:00.000-05:00

Why, Why, Why?
Why do we press harder on a remote control when we know the batteries are almost dead?
Why do banks charge a fee on 'insufficient funds' when they already know there is not enough money?
Why does someone believe you when you say there are four billion stars; but have to check when you say the paint is still wet?
Why doesn't Tarzan have a beard?
Why does Superman stop bullets with his chest, but ducks when you throw a revolver at him?
Why do Kamikaze pilots wear helmets?
Whose idea was it to put an 'S' in the word 'lisp'?
If people evolved from apes, why are there still apes?
Why is it that no matter what color bubble bath you use the bubbles are always white?
Is there ever a day that mattresses are not on sale?
Why do people constantly return to the refrigerator with hopes that something new to eat will have materialized?
Why do people keep running over a string a dozen times with their vacuum cleaner, then reach down, pick it up, examine it, then put it down to give the vacuum one more chance?
Why is it that no plastic bag will open from the end on your first try?
How do those dead bugs get into those enclosed light fixtures?
When we are in the supermarket and someone rams our ankle with a shopping cart then apologizes for doing so, why do we say, 'It's all right?' Well, it isn't all right, so why don't we say, 'That really hurt, why don't you watch where you're going?'
Why is it that whenever you attempt to catch something that's falling off the table you always manage to knock something else over?
In winter why do we try to keep the house as warm as it was in summer when we complained about the heat?
How come you never hear father-in-law jokes?
And my FAVORITE.......
The statistics on sanity is that one out of every four persons is suffering from some sort of mental illness.
Think of your three best friends -- if they're okay, then it's you..

Old People Part Two

2009-05-29T03:46:00.000-05:00

I ran across this and thought it went so well with the previous post, just had to share!

Signs That You Are No Longer a Kid(or even close to it!)

You're asleep, but others worry that you're dead.
Your back goes out more than you do.
You buy a compass for the dash of your car.
You are so proud of your lawn mower.
You sing along with the elevator music.
You would rather go to work than stay home sick.
You constantly talk about the price of gasoline.
You enjoy hearing about other people's operations.
You consider coffee one of the most important things in life.
You no longer think of speed limits as a challenge.
People call at 9pm. And ask, "Did I wake you?"
You answer a question with "Because I said so!"
The end of your tie doesn't come anywhere near the top of your pants.
You know what the word equity means.
You can't remember the last time you laid on the floor to watch television.
Your ears are hairier than your head.
You talk about "good grass" and you're referring to someone's lawn.
You get into a heated argument about pension plans.
You have a party and the neighbors don't even realize it.

Ya'll know these are funny. Go ahead and admit it, be old with me. You get away with more!

Old people post

2009-05-28T18:01:00.000-05:00

While thinking about my day and what I wanted to share, I realize it was an old people day. Most of it was spent at various doctor offices. We started out a little after 7 on the way to Jonesboro. I had to drop off office stuff at the home office from the outlaying counties and from there the games were on. I had called the dr. I was going to so that I could get special treatment (I know ya'll wish you were me, sorry Kaye!). Stopped there and got blood drawn. Took Clayton down to the Surgical Center to get his presurgery tests done. HE was not a happy camper. Usually, I am the hard stick. As a belated birthday gift to me, they drew all the blood they needed with one stick. Amazing. Not so with hubby dear. He claims they "dug around in one arm", could not strike red gold, so started farming the other arm. Poor baby, all this done while I (GASP) SAT IN THE WAITING ROOM. Nobody was there to witness his misery. From there, back to finish my appointment, where the EKG machine decided to give up the ghost. After they got me all hooked up. So they got to remove all the leads and replace them with different ones for a different machine. They removed half my skin. As a matter of fact, they just were not nice at all to me today. Even the dr. was pissee. Chewed me out over all kinds of things that I thought were fine, like my cholesterol...A1C...EKG...he really got on my nerves. Disagreed with me when I told him I was having significant leg swelling...told me I was WRONG when I did the unthinkable and told him how certain medications were affecting me. He started getting my death-kill (Clayton's term) look. He finally had enough sense to get up and leave the room before I could find a weapon. It's raising my blood pressure just thinking about it.

The Mystery of the Disappearing Shoe

2009-05-27T21:50:00.003-05:00

Andrew goes out on the front porch last night, comes back in, gets the flashlight, goes back out, comes back in, fussing. One of his shoes was gone. My kids have a bad habit of leaving their shoes on the porch instead of wiping off the mud before they come in. We have a HUGE problem with coons, they are always killing our chickens, have had 4 kittens disappear, got Clayton's blue duck, and come onto the porch to eat the cat food. Andrew keeps a watch at night and shoots them, we have set out traps. Andrew decides a coon has taken his shoe. They often abscond with the cat's dishes, so Andrew accuses them of the shoe theft. Dad says, we will find it in the morning. I get up and go to work. Notice something big, black, and dead in the road. Pass it. Stop. Back up. Get out and get Andrew's shoe. It was about a quarter of the mile down the road. In front of the "pet motel". Apparently while your pets are boarding there, they get to take field trips. And collect souvenirs. Or maybe they took it for a tent and campout. He does wear a size 13. Or a boat. We've had alot of rain here lately.

Because....

2009-05-23T15:09:00.000-05:00

Because you need the full day of events here are more pics from later.

This is the pizza party that followed the family pictures. As you can see, food figures prominently in all our events. So, let's recap here. Lunch at Don Jose, followed by an appointment to get my hair done for the pictures at 4. Pictures at the park, followed by pizza party at 6. Yes, we did have cake. A friend at Pizza Hut also made me my very own cinnamon sticks and chocolate sticks, covered in Hershey's syrup. The cake was fantastic. And very pretty, mint green with icing flowers covering a moist yellow cake. YUM. Have seen a preview of the photos and they turned out really well. Can't wait to share them!

HOT New Chick Video!

2009-05-22T14:51:00.005-05:00

I know all y'all have been waiting with baited breath for my birthday pics. Clayton did you one better and took video. Video is from Don Jose, of course. These are some of the greatest guys you would ever want to meet. We always have a blast when we are there. A family of 15 brothers and sisters own the Wynne, Forrest City and Jonesboro restaurants.
My kids were embarrassed to be there. I loved it. Philip said it was payback for his birthday. It was just the four of us at this celebration. I think I make the hat look goooood.

May 17, 1961

2009-05-17T07:49:00.003-05:00

Happy Birthday to ME! I am 48 today. Yep. I admit it. I always say it beats the alternative. Now, this is y'alls cue to leave me a comment telling me, "You don't look that old!". Play along people.

Guess Who

2009-05-14T18:13:00.001-05:00

Notice I changed my background? Guess who it's for. NO TELLING KAYE!

Happy Mother's Day

2009-05-10T00:51:00.001-05:00

I want to wish all my friends a Happy Mother's Day. There are some people who say they aren't a mother because they did not give birth to the children they are raising. Bull hockey. There are others who say they are mothers when in fact they are only egg donors. It doesn't matter if you've carried a child under your heart, but that you carry that child in your heart. Love to you all.
Proverbs 31:28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.

Letters from school

2009-05-09T08:29:00.002-05:00

Who hasn't received that dreaded letter from school....the one you aren't really sure you want to open.... the one you sit there and look at and say now what? Here is mine:Happy Mother's Day to me.

My Boys

2009-05-05T20:41:00.004-05:00

Here are my boys latest school pictures. Andrew is in the 11th, on the right and Philip in 6th, on the left in the stripe shirt. I am so proud of them. They are really good kids. They are doing a good job taking care of Dad while we are waiting for surgery (June 1).

What more could a mom ask for? Well, maybe a clean room....I know I'm dreaming there. Kaye will be taking family photos next week, ON MY BIRTHDAY, no we aren't commemorating the event, but maybe I will post some. Only if they make me look THIN, I don't mind looking my age but let's leave the wide angle lens at home. Gotta give a big hello to my long lost cousin I found on Facebook. I never go on there, just did it for another cuz and sister, but she popped up and I haven't heard from her in years. So HEY SUSAN! Hope you enjoy the ride.

BVC That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. Romans 10:9

Judge me?

2009-05-04T20:46:00.001-05:00

But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self. I Corinthians 4:3

Tattoos

2009-05-03T17:25:00.001-05:00

You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print (tattoo) any marks upon you: I AM the Lord. Leviticus 19:28

BVC

2009-05-02T19:03:00.001-05:00

And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Matthew 1:21

Wolverine

2009-05-01T21:21:00.002-05:00

Andrew wanted to see the new xmen movie, so we went. I have not really gotten into the Xmen movies but this one was totally excellent. Yes, there were a couple of cuss words in it. And yes it was extremely violent. But I liked it. That probably means the critics will hate it and everyone else. I always walk to the beat of a different drum.

BVC And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

And how was your day?

2009-04-30T00:12:00.000-05:00

Short version: Alot of teeth gnashing over something nipped in the bud. Boss nipped it with an email. Nuff said.
BVC: And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. John 8:32

Moral Dilemna

2009-04-29T04:54:00.001-05:00

OK, taking an unofficial poll. I have a situation at work that I don't exactly know how to handle. My problem? I have to sign off on a lie. I do not want to be a party to this. But I know if I say anything the higher ups will just tell me I can't prove it. So what do I do? the christian thing to do. the only way I can live with myself and work with her. What would you do?

BVC: What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31.

Happy Thoughts: I received a blessing today from a 73 year old lady whose home had been damaged by breakins. We were able to get her home repaired thru a partnership with the Methodist men in our area. She called me today to thank me for helping her and said she knew God had put me there to help here. I lost sight of that today. I'm glad God brought it back to me.

Smartimus Mouthititus

2009-04-28T05:32:00.001-05:00

I sometimes suffer from smartimus mouthititus. You know that condition when things just pop out of your mouth before your brain is engaged? I have worked hard to overcome this debilitating illness and have done a remarkable job overcoming it. Until my recent relapse. Phone rings at work. Conversation goes like this:
ME: (company name) Can I help you?
Person on other end (POE): Yeah, what do I need to apply?
ME: You need the income of everyone in your household.
POE: Ain't nobody in my household
ME: (attack of involuntary smartimus mouthititus) Well, there's got to be someone in your household. You called. There's at least you.
POE: SILENCE
Glad my boss is in a different office...miles and miles away....

BVC: Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him. Proverbs 22:15.

Kitties

2009-04-27T20:43:00.001-05:00

You can see our new kittens here. I haven't named them yet, but am leaning towards Larry, Curly, and Moe. They are two males and one female--she could be curly. What do you think? No, there are no giveaways to the winner. Well, maybe I could share some secret family recipes....or just family secrets.

Flat

2009-04-27T06:31:00.002-05:00

We do not have enough animals here on our wildlife refuge. So yesterday Philip and I went and picked up some kittens a friend was giving away. She had 5, but was keeping one. We left with the other four. Picked one up for SIL Kaye and we kept three. They are 8 weeks old and adorable. On the way home I hear a sound like a VERY large cat scratching cardboard. Philip says, what was that. I said I don't know (yes, I did, just didn't tell him) but I am driving as far as we can get. Made it a mile or so more when I hear the unmistakable thump, thump, thump. Ya'll know the sound. The flat tire, it ain't moving no more, sound. Wonderful. Yes, I went "the back way" (does anyone besides people in the South say that?) down the gravel road, cut across the levee. You know those good ol' country roads. So, who do you call when you are in the back of nowhere, with a flat, and a husband with two ruptured discs? You call your BIL. Gotta give a shout out to Jason. If ya'll are ever in the area and need a wrecker service, be sure and call Butler Wrecker and Towing. As we sat waiting, two pickup trucks and one four wheeler passed us by, never slowing down, much less offering help. Philip decided he could get the spare on the ground, so he started that. Btw, I drive an Expedition. I have changed a tire on a small car, when I was much younger, but I don't think I could have managed this. Jason showed up and changed our flat, which I appreciate SO MUCH. Guess I will have to make him so peanut butter candy. Wonder if I could talk Philip into making it?

Bible verse challenge: The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Psalms 27:1

Baptist entertainment

2009-04-26T08:34:00.001-05:00

A lot of people think there is nothing to do in Arkansas. A lot of people think us Baptists don't know how to have fun. I would just like to say they are wrong on both accounts. We had a Baptist church fellowship here in Arkansas last night and did what we do best. We ate. Fish. Catfish if I need to point that out to anyone who thinks there is another kind of fish. FRIED. The only way we serve it in the South. And it was really, really good. Along with the fried hushpuppies, fried pickles, fried jalapenos stuffed with cheese, fried cheese sticks, fried fries, you get the idea. Yes, we did have vegetables that were (gasp) actually NOT fried. That would be slaw and onions. Topped off with ice cream for dessert. Doesn't get any better than that. Now, today, we get to eat, again, at MIL's house. A nephew is turning 18. Wonder what she will have? For family gatherings, we usually do not fry everything. Too many people. So usually it is grilled or hams. Yes, that is plural. There are quite a few of us. Big family by Arkansas standards but as I know from some of my bloggy friends, not by Utah standards:).

Bible verse for today: Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. Proverbs 31:10

Naked Men

2009-04-25T05:58:00.001-05:00

HA! Guess that got your attention. SIL Kaye told me I HAD to share this. Niece MM said recently she had night vision, get the story here. I told K not to let here look over here on our hill because she would see the following: Broke back hubby grabbing his gun, running outside, not totally in the buff, but with only his black boxer briefs on. No shoes, no shirt, just glow in the dark white skin. Reason? The motion sensor light went off in his chicken area and he just knew something was trying to get them. Oh, about 9 or 10 pm. Thank the good Lord that you cannot see any of our property from the road. Kaye said, "Can you say redneck?". I told her, just don't let MM look. Anyone remember the Ray Stevens son, The Streak? Living it.

Bible verse of the day: If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven. and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. II Chronicles 7:14

Cigna strikes again

2009-04-24T06:00:00.003-05:00

More insurance drama. When we last checked, hubby was denied his surgery, ought to be working....yada yada yada. Cigna has now decided since they denied all that, he doesn't need his short term disability check either. Well isn't that lovely. He might not need it, seeing as how he can't walk enough to go spend it anywhere (do not point out he can shop online. I am trying to break him from that.) but everybody else would like to see it. Like the electric company, the mortgage holder, the water company, phone company, you get the picture. So for two days I have been trying to convince Cigna he does indeed need it and he is disabled. He does need the surgery. He has two ruptured discs. Dr. office said I didn't need to do anything. They had it all under control. And they will let us know what we need to get paid BEFORE surgery. What do they want me to pay with? I really like movie quotes...."Show me the money".

Bible Challenge Day 4
Be not thou envious against evil men, neither desire to be with them. Proverbs 24:1

PM

2009-04-23T17:39:00.003-05:00

You heard the saying be careful what you wish for? I will be very careful of the Bible verse I post tomorrow. Today was a trial and test. Kinda like if you pray for patience, you don't get it. But God will send you the necessary trials to learn it.

Insurance update

2009-04-23T06:47:00.002-05:00

Well, heck. Doesn't look like there will be any fireworks to watch, no games to entertain us. Spoke with Dr. Ricca's office yesterday. Seems the insurance snafu was all their fault. They coded wrong. Said Clayton just had low back pain, not two ruptured discs. No entertainment from them. Guess I will have to look elsewhere. Day Three Bible verse: Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.

Grilling Husband

2009-04-22T08:41:00.002-05:00

Hubby cooked supper for us last night. I so appreciated it! He told me he messed up. I asked what did you break? what did you burn? what did you tear up? None of the above. He just thought he cooked the wrong meat. He got stuff from the freezer instead of what I had thawed in the fridge. I said no problem. That's ok. Walked by the grill. There was my lovely roast I had bought and was looking forward to having one evening with brown onion gravy and mashed potatoes. And that wasn't even what he thought he had cooked wrong! I do not often buy or cook roast and was looking forward to it. And yes, he had to burn it to get it done. Hope he enjoys it...all week long.
Bible Verse Challenge: I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: II Timothy 4:7.

Bible Challenge

2009-04-21T20:24:00.005-05:00

I am picking up the gauntlet thrown down by my 14 year old niece. Check it out here. Here is my verse for the day MM: For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; Romans 1:16
SIL Kaye said I needed to share my witness for the day. Here it is. While at work today, a lady came in for food pantry. She said (and I quote) "I can tell by looking at you that you are saved". Was that just awesome or what! She wanted to talk to me about some personal issues in her life and how it would affect her getting into heaven. Her mother had told her she would not go to heaven because she would not speak to her sister (who had slept with her husband). I told her my belief was that you only got to heaven by being saved and that you could not lose your salvation by not associating with someone who had hurt you deeply. I told her to pray for herself to be able to deal with the situation and eventually forgive them. That does not mean that you have to hang out with them but God will give you grace to deal with it. Now, I know a lot of people will not agree with me, but that is what I believe. So, how was YOUR day?