Welcome to Wal-Mart

Now you know those happy little door greeters at wal-mart really do love their job....actually this story isn't about door greeters, but happy wal-mart employees....

Welcome to Wal-Mart....

Happy Birthday Don!!

Today Don is 34 years old!! Just wanted to wish you a happy birthday, Don. Hope you have a great day. Next time I'm in Alabama, I'll make you a cake. LOL!!

Here's a little something special for you....oh ye man of the woods.....I thought you might need a laugh today!!

My Project in Progress

This is just a few pictures so Mom and Laura can see what project I worked on all weekend and what the end result is. I'm not finished totally, as I said, it's still in progress.

See, when we moved from our other house, we sold all of our office furniture because frankly we were afraid that it would be too big for our new home. So, I have been relatively disorganized since our move. I've attempted some organization, but it seems to get out of hand quite often, so I decided to attempt this project to take up less space.

Since we moved here, our computer table has been Addison's changing table from the other house. But, it's been an interesting project so far.

I've not done any work yet with the cords, so they are still everywhere, as you can see in the photos. Here is some of the progress in pictures. And for the bulletin board projects you see, that's a unique $5 project with letters that I had stuffed away in my scrapbook bag, and they happened to work. I was so proud.

Addie's New Friend, Phoebe

I would like to introduce you to Addison's new friend, Phoebe. She talks about Phoebe every day and last night before she went to sleep she told me she wanted a pig in her yard. I think she had a little help on that request from her father! Yes, Phoebe is a little pot bellied pig owned by a friend of ours. This is Jenna and Addison feeding Phoebe "gapes"(grapes) - according to Addison

Our friend, Jenna, and her husband Joey, kept Addison on Thursday, and so Addison got to meet Phoebe. She told me 15 times at least within the 5 minutes after I picked her up how wonderful Phoebe was and that she liked her alot. They also have a dog, which Addison cared nothing for. We figured out that she likes Phoebe the most because she can't jump up on her or move very fast. At least Addison could escape from her if she needed to. It's an amazing thing what goes on in the head of a kid!

According to Jenna, pot-bellied pigs are the best pets to have because they don't shed, stink, or chew stuff. I'll just take her word for it......

Jenna and Joey said that Addison wanted Phoebe to go everywhere in the house she went as long as Addison was behind her. She didn't want Phoebe to come up behind her and "cold nose" her without any warning. As you notice, Addison is petting Phoebe at the back. I'd have never imagined that she could ever be so crazy over a pig, but I'm here to tell you....she loves her little friend Phoebe.

Just thought I'd let you know / see........ Actually, I also wanted to put the pictures on here so the kids could see a picture of Addison petting a pig, or for Mom, who will never believe it. LOL!

Happy Belated Birthday, Mikayla!!

I just realized something! I thought I had examined my list carefully of birthdays. Obviously I didn't. I just realized that I missed Mikayla's birthday. I don't know why I missed it, but I'm EXTREMELY sorry. I've had my head in a cloud for weeks anticipating NQC and now it's over and I've had a hard time concentrating on everything going on around me.

For this oversight, I apologize again and again. Her birthday was September 10th. I'm so sorry I missed you Mikayla....

Here's a birthday wish for you anyway......

Happy Birthday Jeremy!

Well, today is my dear hubby's birthday. He's 33. We're getting old! I remember when 30 seemed to be pretty old. Now it's very young!!!

Happy Birthday, Jeremy! I love you tons!

Here's a video clip for him. It's some of our absolute favorite comedians in the world.

We almost killed ourself laughing at them last week.

Pictures

There has been some inquiry about Mark's picture over to the side. The way you do that is to develop a sign-in with blogger, and there is a place to edit your profile there. You have the option to post your picture there. Just because you sign in with blogger, doesn't mean that you have to start your own blog, you just can sign in and it will let you have a "dashboard" of the blogs you follow. It's been a while since I've been to the sign in page, but there will be a blank photo sheet there, like is posted on the followers. Go in and insert your photo there.

To sign in to blogger, on the top right of the page it has the option to sign in. Develop your sign -in there. If you sign in through blogger, you don't have to choose the name at the end of the post. It automatically knows your name.

I'll be happy to answer any further questions. Just ask.

Taco Soup Recipe

Mom's Taco Soup Recipe for Aunt Linda

2 lb. ground beef

1 finely chopped onion

2 pkg. dry Ranch dressing mix

2 pkg. dry taco seasoning

2 cans kidney beans

1 can pinto beans

1 can Ro-Tel tomatoes

1 can diced tomatoes

2 cans Shoe Peg corn

2 c. water

Brown ground beef and onion and drain. Add to drained meat mixture the Ranch dressing mix and taco seasoning. Combine remaining ingredients (undrained) with meat mixture. Simmer for 2 hours. Serve over tortilla chips. Top with with sour cream, grated cheese and green onions if desired.

DELICIOUS...Mom made a pot when she was over here one day last week keeping Abby. We ate it 2 meals and I had a gallon Ziploc bag left over that I put in the freezer for another meal or two!!! This recipe makes a very large pot - great for company! I also like Mexican cornbread with it.

Laura

Easy Broccoli Soup Recipe

With cold weather coming on, I'm getting ansy for some good soup recipes. Here's one that Anita shared with me and I tried it tonight...it is WONDERFUL! Zach and Abby both loved it. It is so simple.

1 (14 oz) bag frozen brocolli florets (I used chopped so that the pieces would be smaller)

1 can (10 3/4 oz) cheddar cheese soup

1 can (10 3/4 oz) cream of celery

1 lb. Velveeta cheese

Season as desired (I used salt, pepper & onion flakes)

Cook broccoli according to package directions. Do not drain water. Then add can of Cheddar cheese, cream of celery and Velveeta cheese. Cook on low until Velveeta is completely melted. Stir frequently to prevent scorching.

If you want something fast and easy, this is perfect. I baked some Red Lobster Recipe cheedar garlic biscuits to go with it and it was a perfect combination. Anita says it tastes like Applebee's broccoli soup to her. Hope you enjoy it if you try it out.

Love to all.

Laura

Abby Update

We took Abby to her Pediatrician in Mobile today for a follow-up appointment. Abby continues to have a bad "croupy" cough but otherwise is doing MUCH better. Her lungs are clear - no wheezing in a couple days which is great. The doctor read through all of her notes from our family doctor and the notes from the er (the night she was admitted to the hospital last week) and after looking through all of it, her first words were, "sounds like she may have some asthma problems". She too said that asthma is not officially diagnosed until later because you cannot do the appropriate tests on a baby her age. She also said that she hesitates to diagnose and document an asthma diagnosis for insurance purposes. She used a similar term that the doctors at the hospital used, "Reactive Airway Disease". I found a really good article that describes it and I thought it would be better than my feeble attempts to describe it.

"Reactive airway disease is a general term that doesn't indicate a specific diagnosis. It may be used to describe a history of coughing, wheezing or shortness of breath of unknown cause. These signs and symptoms may or may not be caused by asthma.

Use of the term reactive airway disease in part reflects the difficulty in establishing a diagnosis of asthma in certain situations — such as during early childhood. Although it's possible for infants and toddlers to have asthma, tests to diagnose asthma generally aren't accurate before age 6."

The doctor wants us to continue with the breathing treatments that our family doctor had started (Xopenex) if she has any more episodes of wheezing and she also gave her another 5 day regimen of steroids. She hopes this will kick the cough. This is her 5th episode of croup/bronchitis since January (I thought it was only the 4th, but according to her records, we have taken her one more time than I remembered). We are praying for her complete healing in this matter. It is very unnerving to be 2 hours from a good hospital when she gets as sick as she did this last time. Small town life definitely has it's disadvantages at times like these!!!

I know that this is an Abby update, but Zach would like for everyone to know that he is also doing much better! He is standing over my shoulder trying to see which words he can read .

Sorry that this was so lengthy. We love you all.

Don, Laura, Zach & Abby

Does Anyone Know a Good Auctioneer??

And then there's this....

Here's Lola Again!

LOL!

Good News

Just in case you don't read the comments below every post, here's what the good news of the day is:

From Aunt Linda - My right arm is NOT inflamed and has been doing better for almost 2 weeks. So, the left arm is improving too! Thank you for your prayers.

From Johnna regarding Mikayla's blood sugar - We have been checking it 3 times a day since last Wed. We will go to the dr for follow up on Mon. It's been running 73 to 120's. It's only been high 2 times! Praise the Lord!

Abby will be seeing the pediatrician this afternoon. We'll trust for some improvement with that. Hopefully Laura will have time to comment here later tonight. If not, I'll talk to her and post it.

In the meantime, my house is a MESS from the busy week, so I'm headed to pick a place to start to put it back in order....then tonight we're off again to see Brian Free and Assurance. In case you haven't noticed, we're BIG fans of his. They have the tightest harmony in Southern Gospel these days. You'd think I'd have gotten my fill of it last week, but I could never get enough.

Oh, The Glory Did Roll!

This was the piece I attempted to load this morning and ran out of time. I dedicate this to my dear Aunt Linda and Mark. I have a feeling they will get right down excited over it. I thought it was too cute. Even if you don't care about what you see, it's a good toe-tapper to make you feel good.

Howz the arm?

Aunt Linda - Want to give us a word on how your arm is? I keep forgetting to ask about it. I'll post your update.

Mark - Want to tell us all about your new position and adjustment in Oklahoma?

Mom - Want to post an update on Abby? Laura's too busy right now.

Anyone else have anything they want to update us on?

It'll Be Better Soon!

OK, so I know that in the last few weeks my blog has kinda gone downhill....with all my talk about NQC and such. I've been so busy, I haven't had a chance to put much on here. I actually started to download something just for Aunt Linda and Mark this morning and totally ran out of time. I had it pulled up on my computer, but just didn't have a chance. I'll get it on as quick as I can.

Anyway, just writing to apologize for the lack of substance lately and offer a promise that I'll be back soon! I'm working today so I have limited internet access.

Until then, I'm game for something to post if anyone feels the URGE!

Toledo, OH

This (click) is what's making news in Toledo, OH these days.

Now, how would you like that??

The Blood of Jesus

This video is on here because I promised Mom it would be. This is her favorite song. This is the Collingsworth Family. I am including a picture of the whole family, but this song is sung by Mom, Dad, and the oldest daughter. Harmony among this family is unbelievable.

L to R: Phil, Phil Jr., Brooklyn, Courtney, Olivia, and Kim Collingsworth

The Greenes

This is the Greenes during the "Song of a Lifetime" showcase. They are singing "Hold On." I've been attempting to get this video posted for the past 4 days. I finally realized it was too big to put straight onto the blog. The only option was to put it on youtube. So...that's what I did. The first of it is a little rocky. I was trying to figure out the best place to put it over the people's head.

Make sure you have good volume, especially at the first of the video. They are then joined by the Hoppers at the end...since it's a little hard to tell because the video is a little fuzzy. Tony Greene and Kim Greene Hopper are brother and sister... which is the reason they are joined there.

I'm also in the process of uploading the Collingsworth Family to youtube. Will post that asap.

This is 3 weeks post surgery. Can't imagine singing as good as she/ he does that quick after such a major surgery. Every time they came to the stage, they were both helped to a great extent just to make it up the steps. Tony required someone to help him on both sides. Yet, to deliver so strongly....man, it was just awesome! Just the effort they put forth on stage spoke volumes, therefore they were very well received.

We're Back on Planet Earth

Well, the NQC "bliss" is over with, and we have landed back in Savannah, GA with a bang. Or a crash....onto the mattress. We are sooo exhausted. Me and my stupid self scheduled a dentist appointment for 7 am this morning. I got up around 6 and it took me a little longer to get ready than usual because of my zombie like stupor from exhaustion. When I walked into the dentist, I told the lady that I don't know what I was thinking to schedule such an early appointment but I may not act normal. Blame it on exhaustion.

And yes, I'd be exhausted all over again to have as much fun as I did this week. It was a very unique experience for me.

A few highlights I'll tell you about were
- on Friday night, Brian Free and Assurance sang. Their bass singer (Jeremy Lile) had not been with them earlier in the week because he had gone home to see his father who was dying of cancer. He called Brian Free on Friday afternoon to tell him he was coming back to the convention. They had buried his father earlier that day but said he looked forward to the convention all year and wanted to come. So, Brian Free told him if he was sure, that he was welcome. 45 minutes before Assurance hit the stage, Jeremy Lile arrived. The second song they did was a song featuring him. Apparently he either wanted to sing it or agreed to sing it. It's called "Save Me a Seat." He got to the chorus and was unable to sing through his tears a little bit. After he made it through the second verse, he was no longer able to sing. He just bowed his head and wept. They guys in the group ended up around him in a huddle. There was a standing ovation for it and not a dry eye in the building!! It was awesome. I simply don't have a clue how he made it through the first line.

- Also, on Friday, while we were walking through the expo hall where all the artist had all the products set up, Jeremy was coming from the bathroom and happened upon Ronnie Hinson. He called Gregg and we all headed over to see him. Jeremy and Gregg had their picture made with him. The Hinsons were their ALL TIME FAVORITE growing up. Actually, they inherited the love for the Hinsons from their father. So, after the photo, they both began singing "He Touched Me" and joked that they were not going to wash their hands or their clothes since they had been "touched" by the great Ronnie Hinson. After that encounter, they were ready to go home. The trip had been worth it by that point.

- On Saturday, Guy Penrod surprised a regional showcase by showing up and singing a few songs. He stayed from about 2- 10 pm. After he sang, he had a booth set up in the hall and stayed for autographs and pictures. He was extremely down to earth and humble. Jeremy and I also got our pictures made with him....It was around 9 pm when we got to talk to him. His booth was the only booth with barriers to control the lines around him. At one point there was approximately a 45 minute wait just to speak to him. It was pretty unbelievable.


- On Saturday morning, we attended the Cathedrals reunion...which they taped to be released in December. It consisted of Gerald Wolfe, Scott Fowler, Danny Funderburk, and Mark Trammell. They let Glenn Dustin (which is Legacy 5 / Scott Fowler's group's bass singer) sing the bass part. On some songs, Gerald Wolfe did, but for the most part, Gerald just played the piano. We learned that Danny Funderburk has had 4 strokes and an open heart surgery since the last time he sang with the Cathedrals, but he sounded great. He was a very humble man. Gerald Wolfe is hilarious. Mark Trammell's hair is completely white now. It was a very unique experience. When they started on "I Want to Thank Jesus" you'd have thought it was the real deal...well a few of them really were, but it was wonderful!

- The Greenes were just awesome....have I said that already???lol!! So was Collingsworth Family.

- We attended a Ken Davis showcase. I almost needed to be excused. It was hilarious. He was telling about the drive through the state of Kansas to go to their summer home in Colorado. He said he always tries to fly because he hates the ride so bad. He told about his 3 grand kids sitting in the backseat playing "I See it" through Kansas. He said all I heard for hours was "wheat" "wheat" "wheat" "wheat" "wheat" "corn" "wheat." He said that was until 11 pm at night and he heard one yell "cow." He said they hit head on a 2 ton cow in the middle of the road in Kansas. He said no one was hurt, though. He declared he'd never drive through Kansas again. He was absolutely a scream. He also did this piece.

- One of the other great things of the convention happened about 4 times while we were there. The Triumphant Quartet (who won quartet of the year, btw-by the way) sang a song that was in the nominations for the song of the year called "The Old White Flag." It's the song that says...."why don't you just wave that white flag of surrender..." Well, we had never seen them sing this song in person before, so we were totally unprepared for when they started on the chorus of this song, that thousands of people would start waving white rags and kleenex. It was pretty awesome. We forgot to bring a Kleenex the next two times we heard it, but I grabbed a white rag on the way out of the hotel for the awards on Saturday night because I knew it was going to be sung. So, I got to wave my white rag from the HILTON HOTEL on Saturday night during "Old White Flag." My sister-in-law, Jeana, who is not exactly a joker, got a mean streak that passed through her on the next song which happened to be the SLOWEST rendition with 6 verses to "Amazing Grace" by the Talley Trio that you ever heard. After they got through the 3rd verse or so, Jeana reaches over into my lap and grabs my white rag and starts waving it. We almost fell our of our seats with delirium. We were so tired and the slowest song on the face of the earth was the last thing we wanted to hear. I woke up the next morning about falling out of the bed laughing about it.

- Also, on Friday morning, we attended the All Star Baseball Game played by all the artist. The picture I'm attempting to post, is with Libby Perry arguing with the umpire. She was hilarious during this game. She's so short and she would hold on to the players clothes so she could hold them on base to attempt to get them out. It made for tons of laughs.

Anyway.....it definitely was one of the greatest weeks of my life. There's so much more. I may write more when I think of it, but I'll hush the rambling for now.

Later gators!

NQC Update

Oh my goodness!! This is the best thing ever. I've tried to download some pictures, but this connection to my computer is taking a decade to upload them, so I'll have to wait until I have some better internet access. So, I guess I'll have to be content to write just text stuff and not put anything interesting up.

Well, I'll hit the highlights....the Greenes are just awesome! That's all there is to it. Brian Free and Assurance are all that, too! My list of "easy on the ears" groups consists of Jeff and Sheri Easter, Karen Peck and New River, Talley Trio, Booth Brothers, Collingsworth Family, the New Gaither Vocal Band (OH YEAH!), and truthfully, there's so many, I simply can't remember them all.

Jeremy and Gregg fulfilled a lifetime dream tonight. They got to meet one of their heroes and Jeana and I didn't have to twist their arm too tight to get them to take a picture with him.....Mr. Ronnie Hinson. I'll post that picture as soon as I can.

Today we attended an absolutely amazing forum / showcase called "A Song of a Lifetime." It was hosted by Phil Cross and it was a sit down showcase with several songwriters. A few of the songwriters there who gave the story behind certain songs was Rodney Griffin, Darryl Williams, Mark Bishop, Jim Brady, Dianne Wilkerson (wrote the song that will probably win song of the year tomorrow night - "White Flag of Surrender"), Kyla Rowland (writer of all of Gold City's winning hits), Greg Day (writer of "Midnight Cry" - which he sang), and a few others that I wasn't familiar with. It was wonderful!!

After that, we attended the Piano Extravaganza hosted by Dino. It was interesting, although we ended up leaving to go eat just a little before it was over.

I've whooped and hollered and clapped and cried until I'm about whipped! It's been wonderful thus far.

I'm really looking forward to tomorrow night. It's kinda like the moment we've all been waiting for. It's the Singing News awards. I've received Singing News for many years and always made a checklist of who I liked on the ballots and sent a few in. I also always made a list of who I thought would win. Last year, we gathered around XM radio and listened to Janet Paschal host the awards last year.....giving anything if I coulda been there. Well, I'm here! I finally get to see the awards - Lord willing. I can hardly contain myself.....

I'll let you know how it goes.

Mark, tomorrow at noon, we are attending a Cathedrals reunion of Danny Funderburk, Scott Fowler, Ernie Haase, and Mark Trammell. I'm not sure if there will be other members, but we are especially excited to get to see it. I remember day you bought the acapella album by them...and how we were in such awe of them. Oh those were the days....

Anyway, we are all living a dream this week that we really never thought would come true. It's been wonderful.

Thank you so much Mom and Dad for making this as possible as you have. You have definitely played a bigger role in this than you can possibly know. It's been one of the greatest weeks of my life. I absolutely LOVE it!

Abby Update - from Barb

Good morning, loved ones! Thank you for your prayers for Abby. In case you don't know, she was rushed to Mobile via ambulance Wednesday evening. Admitted to USA Women and Children's Hospital with severe croup. Treated and released a little after 4 PM Thursday. Laura and Don grabbed a bite to eat and headed out of Mobile about 10 miles, stopped at Wal-Mart to get prescriptions filled - which took 1 1/2 hours. By the time Laura got back to the vehicle (where Don and Abby had stayed), Abby was again in respiratory distress. They turned around and returned to the hosptial where Abby was readmitted (same room as she had 1st time). Began treatments and is doing much better this AM. Spoke with Don and he said she had a much better night and was presently sleeping. No diagnosis of asthma (this is not a named diagnosis until the age of 2), because everytime this has happened it has been related to a viral infection. She was given a diagnosis of ARD (Airway Restrictive Disease). Please continue to remember her in your prayers as this will be an ongoing problem unless the Lord heals her. Don had the same problems as a child until he was 9.

Zach is doing better. Was able to go to school this AM. (Not that he WANTED to!) Addison is doing fine also. Has adapted well staying with Nana and Papa. Sleeping well at night. Has only asked for Anita twice, but was not distressed even then.

I love you all. Hope you have a great day! Again, thanks for all the prayers for Laura and family.

WOW!!

Well, we arrived at NQC yesterday afternoon. It has been AWESOME, and we've just attended one program. We have 3 on the agenda today. Everyone has sung great. There's been lots of fun and laughs and plenty of tears.

Why tears, well, you know I cry at the drop of a bucket anyway, but I'll have to tell you about the Greenes. I'm a big "Greenes" fan anyway....so I've been holding on to this story to post until I saw them with my own eyes! I've seen them before, but I was really anxious for this time. The Greene's consist of a husband and wife team, Tony and Taranda, and another guy named Jeff. I'll post pictures. Well, Tony was diagnosed with end stage renal failure a few years ago and has been undergoing peritoneal dialysis until he developed infections, then began hemodialysis. His only hope was a kidney transplant.

A few weeks ago, a letter was attached to their website. On August 25th, Tony and Taranda underwent surgery. Taranda, to give her kidney - Tony, to receive it. You can check it all out on their website. Taranda's letter is on page 6 of 13 for their updates.

Last night was the first night for both of them back on stage. Just walking on stage got them a standing ovation - and many tears. Then they sang "There's a Miracle in Me." That got a major standing ovation. Tony said that the doctors told them if they would have been born twins, there was not a possibility that they could have been a more perfect match for the transplant. They sang 2 more songs...."God Has A Better Plan" and "Hold On"....both of which fit the moment.

They got like a 5 minute round of applause. I was tickled pink to get to witness the moment....it was definitely the show-stopper of the night. People were even talking about it on the shuttle ride back to the hotel.

Gotta go. Will write more soon.....

Little Abby

Poor Abby has had a month of "issues." Bless her little heart, she just can't seem to get well.

The easiest way I can think of to keep up on this, is to post it here, and let Mom comment as much as she can any updates. I won't have access to a computer most of the day, so, since there's instant access to the comment section, this should be easy.

Just to inform / update you, since I was probably the last one to talk to Laura at 1:00 am this morning, Abby is in Mobile, AL in the Children's and Women's hospital. She was taken to the ER in Chatom last night for fevers and difficulty breathing. Chatom is a rural hospital, and after seeing two different doctors last night (which is a MAJOR miracle in and of itself) she was transferred to Mobile by ambulance for respiratory distress. Before leaving she received a shot of steroids and therefore her breathing was just a bit better before she arrived in Mobile.

The last I talked to Laura, the flu test was negative, and they were getting ready to run a "series of viral test" .......RSV, and other respiratory viruses, althought they had already given the diagnosis of croup. It does not help that Abby has been diagnosed with asthma, per her local family doctor. She does have lung problems anyway, so any little trigger seems to set her off.

Please pray for Laura and Don, as at this time, they need the comfort the most.

Abby seemed to be improving, although the doctor said it could get worse before she gets better...which is the reason they stayed in the hospital.

Haven't talked to her this morning, but will post again as soon as I hear something.

Funny.......

Ok. I checked my email in a hurry and felt the need to watch this video. Aunt Linda sent it to me this morning. It's absolutely a scream! I just can't wait for you to see it.



Now, you're excused to go use the bathroom!!

p.s. Aunt Linda, did you notice how quickly the comments came up? Like that better?

NQC Here we come!

Well, this week I will have the opportunity to fulfill a lifelong dream. Jeremy and I, along with his brother, Gregg and his wife, Jeana, are headed to the National Quartet Convention. It is where gospel groups from all around the United States gather for days and days of singing. I'm so excited. It's my favorite kind of music. We'll even get to attend a Gaither Vocal Band concert while we're there.

If I have time in the mornings or the evenings, I'll write a few posts or updates or pictures, for that matter.

If, in my absence, anyone feels the desire to write a post for me to put up, feel free to send it to my email and it will take just a few seconds to put it on.

We'll be leaving around 4 p.m. this afternoon to head to Birmingham, where we'll meet Mom in the morning and hand off Addison to her. Then we'll pull out afterwards and head up to Louisville. I'm absolutely ecstatic. I simply cannot wait!! Although, I know I must.

The New Deal!

At the beginning of my blog, I decided to moderate all of the comments to keep spammers away. I have temporarily removed that until I return....that way no comments have to wait on me before they get published. If there are no problems, I may end up leaving it off. I will continue to have the ability to erase comments if they are inappropriate. Since we've been at this almost 2 months with no problems, I'll just hope it stays that way!!

Nothing has changed in the way you post your comment, it should just appear immediately after you post it. So, make sure you're "spelling" is what you want it to be before you hit the final comment button!! LOL!!

I LOVE it!!

If you have about 20 minutes to watch this design, you will be totally amazed. It's the coolest thing. I could get so addicted to this show!!

Can You Spell??

Remember when we were homeschooling? Mom was always such a stickler about our spelling. She couldn't stand it when we spelled something wrong. Now, I'm the same way on my medical documents. It absolutely drives me crazy when people don't know how to spell. I guess it's the English phonics system have a tendency to be a little confusing!!

Happy Monday

I definitely hope your Monday is going much better than this!!

Sunday Ponderings

I decided to add a post today because I'm at home instead of at church. Addison has been sick with tonsillitis the last day and a half, so here we are. At home. At midnight last night, her temp spiked up to 103.6. We got her up, gave her Tylenol and Motrin, waited for her to cool down and then put her back to bed. It's one of those things that makes me a little uneasy.

I used to not really be that "paranoid" about fever until almost precisely one year ago today. I was sitting in a little one room apartment where we were living in the transition phase of our move between houses. I was sitting in my rocking chair holding her because she was not feeling well. She had been sick the day before, whining and just acting like she didn't feel good and then began running fevers in the night. Then they continued throughout the day. All I had at home was Tylenol - I was out of Motrin. For myself, Tylenol is not my favorite medicine to drop a fever. So, I had already called Jeremy and told him to make sure he brought some home. As I sat in the chair holding her I could almost feel her heat up like an oven. It was very quick and I thought to myself, "this is not going to be good." It was less than 5 minutes later I stood in the apartment alone holding a seizing baby with no ability to do anything to stop it or control it. I called the ambulance to come get us to take us to the hospital while I stood there holding her. The seizure itself lasted about 5 minutes. I was like a duck....calm on top and swimming like crazy underneath. Man, my insides were about to pound out of me. It seemed to go on forever!! Right before the ambulance showed up, she had quit, so they allowed me to strap her into her carseat and drive her myself. I drove in horrible traffic to the hospital with a "post-ictal" child. That's the phase after a seizure where there is no communication. Just blank stares and drooling. I remember the last light before the emergency room, she turned her head slightly and looked up at me in the rear-view mirror. You have no idea how that was such a relief to my weary mind.

Turns out it was just viral and would have to run its course and the seizure was caused by the rapid rate in which her temperature increased. It was really uncontrollable. Since that time, I have really been over cautious with fevers.

I wrote all that to lead me to what is the subject of my pondering today. Over the past few months, I've been really mulling over a particular scripture...I even shared it with my Sunday school class well over a month ago. You know, I've been thinking about the case of nerves that I had the day I've just written about and then the scripture that I've been mulling over and I cannot imagine the plight of the character of which the scripture refers.

The scripture reference itself is in Mark 9. It's the story of a father who brings his son to Jesus to heal him. His first complaint is that he has a spirit that won't allow him to talk. He's mute. The second complaint in today's terminology would have been the same symptoms similar to that of a seizure - except they were caused by a spirit. His father says the spirit that causes the convulsions causes him to be thrown into the fire and into the water...all with the intent to destroy him. I cannot imagine the father's emotions upon this encounter. It is documented that he has tears and that he begs Christ for compassion on them. I do not know what's it's like to have to deal with this day after day...but the feeling of helplessness that comes with such a problem was absolutely overwhelming.

I feel like I've come to Christ on more than one occasion in that position. Absolutely helpless. Broken. The feeling that the hopelessness in the situation might never end. See, when this man asked Christ for compassion on his son, he had already been witness to other miracles. He knew Christ was capable, just not sure he was willing. At least that's my interpretation of the scripture. See, Christ told him if he could believe in it, it was possible.....in other words, "If you believe your son can be healed, it's possible." This is where the problem was with the father and where the problem comes with us as humans. I've seen my share of miracles, just as this father had. Yet, when Christ told him if he believed, it could happen....yet the father's response was a contrite spirit saying, "down deep I believe, but my human tendency is to doubt. Please remove that. Please help me with this downfall."

I think more than one of us have been here multiple times in our lives. We believe it's possible, but doubt has a tendency to creep in and cloud our faith. I have situations I've prayed about and it seemed like I had the faith of a child....yet, somewhere in the mix, doubts began. I've had to pray more than once for God to help my unbelief.

My prayer today is, whatever the situation...."I believe, Help thou mine unbelief - Remove the option of unbelief from my thoughts and may I know that I'm completely safe in the hands of a very capable Christ."

I have a feeling on the way home that day that he became a father who was thankful he had been MAN enough to approach his only chance for healing and had been willing to admit he needed help. A broken and contrite spirit, God will not despise.

Just a few thoughts for today.

Happy Belated Birthday, Anita

Well, for those of you who know me well, it will come as no suprise that I am a day late to write something about the birthday girl...

First off, Anita, I am so happy that 30 years & 1 day ago, God saw fit to place you in this world. You are my hero. For as long as I can remember, I wanted to be just like you - the only area I didn't was probably the clothes. I would have NEVER put on that grey striped suit thing...Sorry. Other than that, yeah, I pretty much wanted to be JUST like you. I have always admired the way you stood so firmly for who and what you believed in. It didn't matter who you were with, you were always the same Anita. You always followed Mom's commandment of "Don't forget who you are", and if we were together, you made sure that I followed it too! You probably kept me out of a lot of trouble, you know. You have always been such a wonderful big sister. I like to think that God foresaw that I would have "issues" and not have a lot of close friends outside of family, and He knew that I would need someone that I could trust and never hold anything back from...I think He probably knew that I would need someone in my life who would be strong, level headed, smart, protective, honest, direct, and a million more things, so He gave me you - my sister, my best friend. I think He did a fabulous job!

I love you and hope you had a wonderful birthday!

Laura

"I know some sisters who only see each other on Mother's Day and some who will never speak again. But most are like my sister and me... linked by volatile love, best friends who make other best friends ever so slightly less best." ~Patricia Volk

P.S. Don sends his love and says that he is enjoying the blog. My man of many words... LOL.

The Whistle Stop Cafe

On the post below this one, I connected a link to the Whistle Stop Cafe (click). I am linking it again here. It's not to their website exactly, but it's a blog by the cook at the Cafe. She has a blog just like mine and you can sign in and follow her blog so you always have access to it. At about the middle of the blog on the right hand side, she has a list of all the items she has recipes for. All you have to do is click what you may be interested in and the recipe pops up. This is Savannah Country Cooking. There's even the recipe for fried green tomatoes on there. They look SO good!

For those who like good country cooking of the likes of Paula Deen, this blog is just what you've always wanted.

What a Day!

Just wanted to give a little summary of how wonderful my birthday was yesterday! It was a great day. Jeremy was off for the day, which was great, so we got to have a family day. Talked with Mom and Laura first thing yesterday morning, then Jeremy, Addison, and I got ready and went to lunch. We had lunch at the "Whistle Stop Cafe." It's really cool because you get to eat inside a renovated train car. That was great. I've been before and loved it, so we thought Addison would like that.

After we left the train, we went to the Wildlife Center (the "zoo" to Addison) to see the animals. She got to see the alligators, a fox (like Franklin's friend), a pack of wolves, some bison, eagles, owls, hawks, snakes. Then, they had a little "Georgia farm" sectioned off with wood fencing where she got to see a donkey, a HUGE red cow, a nasty pig, some sheep and goats, rabbits, chickens, turkeys, and ducks. It was a great little place to go. We all enjoyed that.

We left there and went to the Tybee Island beach. Addison had never been to the beach before and so I wanted her to see it. On the way to the beach, I saw 3 dolphins jumping in the adjoining rivers. Once we got to the beach, she and I walked up next to the water. She hated the sand, so I had to carry her. I stood her down beside me and waited for the water to come wrap around our feet. She was TOTALLY unprepared for that. She was utterly speechless. The grip on my hand from her got extremely tight. After the water had gone away, she looked up and me and said, "Hold me." So, we stood for a few more minutes to watch the white foam on the waves. I don't really know if she knew what to think about it. I told Mom and Jeremy..."if I took her to the beach in a pair of boots, she'd like it just fine." I don't know where she gets the lack of desire to have sand between her toes!! LOL! or salt and pepper as some people around this family call it! lol!

During the day, Jeremy made arrangements without my knowing to have my mother in law keep Addison so he could take me "out" for my birthday. I later found out that he had already made reservations for us to eat in downtown Savannah. I was rather impressed. So, we left and headed out for the evening. You'll never guess where we had reservations for!! Ruth's Chris Steakhouse. It was wonderful! Very elegant. The steak was fabulous- the best I've ever had, actually. It was really a great experience!! My dear hubby did a great job planning.

My dad called on the way home from Ruth's Chris to tell me happy birthday. He wanted to know if he should plan to take Mom there for a special occasion. I think he just wants to go!! lol!

And that's a recap of my wonderful day.....full of memories!

Workshop Update

Well, the theme for the retreat is "Staying Steady in a Changing World" - but Tuesday night was when I was informed that they had me scheduled for a workshop . . . of my choice. The other 2 that will be taking place at the same time of mine are dealing with 1)Sunday School and 2)Younger female adults. I was told that I would be having whoever did not fit in the first 2 - mainly the older (probably 40's and up)ones. So my thoughts of Parenting or Pastor's Wives went down the drain. Ones who need "parenting advice" will be in the "younger women" and all that attend my workshop will not be pastor's wives.

Laura and I attended a seminar in Montgomery, AL today. Got up a little after 3 am - left from Laura's @ 4:30. Jotted a few ideas down for the workshop while waiting. Possibilities of areas to cover are:
1. Changes in the elderly (physical and mental)
2. Preparation (areas of safety, advance directives, finances, nutrition, available resources...)
3. Options (assist. living, live-in help, NH...)
4. Nurturing (loved one and caregiver)

So, I'm collecting info. Thanks for the websites you guys have already sent. Great stuff. Pray that the Lord will help me get all my thoughts in line on this. Also, with the main message!

From Dad and Mom

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ANITA DAWN! Hope you're having a wonderful 30th. This time 30 years ago you were just over 1 hour old - and I was deliriously happy! Do you realize how HUGE I got carrying you? I looked ridicuous and couldn't even wear the size 9 shoes I had bought. But . . . I forgave you for all that the moment I saw you.

Little did I know that you were destined to be a nurse. It should have been a dead giveaway when I walked in the living room and there you sat with bandaids all over your ears. Said your ears were hurting. You've been making "hurts" feel better ever since.

Thank you for making it easy on me being a mom. You were always so compliant and gentle of spirit. Always wiser than your years - to which I contribute to your choice of mentors . . . even as a child you were so comfortable with adults and found their company interesting.

You've grown into a very wonderful young lady. Your talent for writing is the latest on the list of your talents - of which are many. Thank you taking the "mothering" role so serious. You're a great mother and Addison is blessed to have you. You and Jeremy were destined to be together. You make a wonderful couple. I'm so proud that both of you have such a heart for the things of God. You both are so willing to work for him without any praise or desire for the glory. You don't find many like that.

Again, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, sweetheart. May God bless you with a wonderful year. We, as a family, are proud to call you ours.

Love,
Dad and Mom

Happy 30th Birthday, Anita!

Here’s a great audio clip to make you smile. Hope it’ll post!

Aunt Linda

Note: click on "great audio clip" and listen to the box on the right of the screen. It's the only way I could make it work.

Got Any Ideas??

Ok. This is the deal. I am working on a project for Mom, (she's also working on it) but I'm attempting to recruit the help of the nurses (besides us) and intelligent thinkers in this family. Mind you, the subject of this matter may come as a suprise to you, being that we have been so successful thus far in accomplishing great things where this is concerned in our family. But it is a subject that we may be able to seriously get something accomplished if we put our heads together on the matter.

This is the situation....In October, ours truly, Rosie, aka, Barb, will be the guest speaker at a ladies' conference in Indiana. She is responsible for a workshop as well as another forum. The workshop she will be doing is on a topic of her choice. She has come to a decision on the topic and we are currently in the "gathering information" stage. I am asking that you offer as much information as you can possibly offer. Whether it be websites, pages of books, stories.....etc...... Then at the end of this stage, we will filter through it and combine the pieces of information into a presentation format. I will even post the final outline for the speech.

Ready for the topic??? It's......"Adult Children Caring for Elderly Parents." I'm also interested in outline points...like points that begin with the same letters, outline questions....in similar fashion to any lecture you might be having to listen to.

We have approximately 1 1/2 weeks to gather info so that Mom can begin putting the speech together, then begin the polishing. I'm extremely anxious to see the finished product. It will include handouts, also.

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but I'm here to tell you, it's not going to be long before we are going to have to take some of these steps to help the situation in our own family. Maybe this will help the development of different ideas of what steps might need to be taken.

Sometimes Medicine Just Isn't Enough!!!

Guess Squirrel doesn't know that with all that medicine that the twitching should stop within "2 point 5 to 3 minutes."

I'm hoping that someone was in need of a bit of humor today!!

Yummy!

If you're looking for a good supper idea for some time this week, I have 2 yummy recipes for casseroles that usually yield enough leftovers for at least once, maybe twice. These are 2 of my favorites and thought I might post them......

I actually plan to cook them tonight.

The first is:

Ritzy Chicken Casserole
- 2 sleeves of Ritz crackers (crushed)
- 1 can of Cream of Chicken soup
- 1 cup of sour cream
- 1/2 cup of chicken broth
- 4-6 boneless chicken breast (cooked and cut up)
- 4 oz melted butter

Mix butter and both sleeves of Ritz crackers together and set aside. Then, mix cream of chicken, sour cream, chicken, and chicken broth together.

Place 1/2 of crackers on bottom of 9x13 casserole dish. Place chicken mixture on top of crackers. Put other half of crackers on top of casserole.

Cook on 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

YUM!!

------------------------------------------------

The second is:ca

Hashbrown Casserole:

- 1 pkg of frozen hashbrowns
- 12 oz of cheddar cheese (grated)
- 1 stick of melted butter
- 1 cup mayo
- 1 large can of cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 small onion

topping:
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers
- 1/2 stick melted butter

Mix the top ingredients together in large bowl. Pour into 9x13 casserole dish. Top with Ritz cracker topping.

Cook on 350 degrees for 45 minutes.

YUMMY!!

True Story!

Have you ever wondered what this story (click) and this song (click) have in common?

This weekend my brother in law, Gregg, and sister in law, Jeana, attended the Family Fest in Gatlinburg, where gospel artist gather to have a weekend of concerts and entertainment. On Saturday night, Gregg text Jeremy to tell him that he had heard an awesome story by one of the artist, so I thought I'd take the time to share it with you.

If you will remember, a few posts ago there was a video with a song it entitled "Real Faith." The name of my post was called "Real People." For a quick memory refreshment, you can click on the link to the left and you can see the video again. The guy seated on the farthest left is the manager of that group - Brian Free. Hence the name, Brian Free and Assurance. Years ago, Brian Free sang with a group called Gold City. All of these groups fall in the musical genre of Southern Gospel, so if you're familiar, the name Gold City rings a bell.

Anyway, 22 years ago, Brian Free recorded a song with Gold City called "Only God Knows" which is the song that the link is to in the first paragraph. I can remember it from when I was a kid. I remember that's where the first stirrings of my opposition to abortion began.

This weekend at the Family Fest, Brian Free told the audience that recently he received a call from a lady who wanted to let him know that 22 years ago she heard that song. She said she was contemplating an abortion of her unborn child when she heard this song. She decided not to go through with it......I have no idea what the circumstance for her were.

He said that she called to let him know that the son she almost aborted was one of the 3 Navy Seals who killed the Somali pirates to save Captain Phillips after his capture......she just thought he should know!

Now you wonder why stories like this don't make the news. I guess they are too politically incorrect, right????

I needed a good story like that this weekend.....

Follow-up

Not long ago, I wrote a post called "Seasons." The thoughts that I wrote on that day were thoughts that I carried the entire time of the saga of the "Curious Ways of Ray Sue." Within days of writing that, Jeremy and I saw a video that expressed some interesting thoughts on the matter. I will be honest, at the time I saw it, I needed the Kleenex box. But it was so good, I thought I'd wait until everyone's emotions kinda settled back a little before I showed it. It's excellent!

These guys are known as the "Skit Guys." I am attaching two videos by them for your viewing and for your personal growth. Both of them have the potential and ability to make a difference in your life.

Here they are. I hope you have the time watch them both. The first is called "the Mourning Booth" and the second is called "God's Chisel." Enjoy.......

Pure Mean-ness!

One of my favorite past-times as a child was to kick back any chance I got on Sunday afternoons and read the Sunday comics. There was something about those colorful pages that just drew me in. I loved it. Well, as you well know, I occasionally check them out online since I don't "draw" the paper, as the old folks say. In other words, I do not get the Sunday paper anymore. Yesterday I found one that took me back to moment in time to a memory that mom and I have. It was a bright idea we had to play a trick on my dad. Just for meanness.

See, Mom and Dad live in the "sticks" in rural Alabama, so some of the things that we are accustomed to in the "city" are things that they don't know about. One of those things happen to be the little vibrating blocks that restaurants hand you to let you know when your table or your food is ready. In this instance, it was Zaxby's letting us know that our food was ready. Mom and I decided to hand it off to Dad since he was totally oblivious to what was bound to happen and the extent to which they vibrate. So, we were sitting at the table and Dad was kinda "lost in thought" not paying much attention, so it didn't take much convincing for Mom to place it in his back pocket of his pants. He sat down to converse with us...and we waited.....trying not to howl with laughter as to what was coming.

To make this long story short, we knew the exact minute the buzzer vibrated. He probably still has chronic bruises on his knees where he jumped. He turned around and looked at the seat for a second like it had something to do with what was going on in his pocket.

Then he realized what trick we had played.......


That's why this comic strip was so hilarious to me.! Just thought I'd share to start this wonderful labor day off to a smiling start!!!

Later gators!

This Lady Cracks Me UP!!

I have become extremely fond of this comic strip. Not exactly sure why, but she is just hilarious. Thought you might need the laugh, also.....

Happy Birthday Uncle Roy!

Happy Birthday Uncle Roy! I hope you have had a great day. I'm sorry I'm so late posting this. I didn't realize it was your birthday until I got on my computer later in the evening... (hat tip, Aunt Linda). I have a written list in my email of birthdays and I forgot to look at it. I knew there was one coming up, just didn't realize it was today. I apologize.

Hope all is well in Michigan. Give everyone hugs from us. Wish we could see you!

Much love from your family!!

Blonde Logic

We just LOVE blonde jokes!!

January - Took new scarf back to store because it was too tight.

February - Fired from pharmacy job for failing to print labels....."duh".....bottles won't fit in typewriter!!!

March - Got excited.....finished jigsaw puzzle in 6 months.....box said "2-4 years!"

April - Trapped on escalator for hours.....power went out!!!

May - Tried to make Kool-Aid.....8 cups of water won't fit into those little packets!!!

June - Tried to go water skiing.....couldn't find a lake with a slope.

July - Lost breast stroke swimming competition.....learned later, other swimmers cheated, they used their arms!!!

August - Got locked out of car in rain storm.....car swamped, because top was down.

September - The capital of California is "C".....isn't it???

October - Hate M & M's.....they are so hard to peel.

November - Baked turkey for 4 1/2 days.....instructions said 1 hour per pound and I weigh 108!!!

December - Couldn't call 911....."duh".....there's no "eleven" button on the phone!!!

What a year!!

Do you have a Friend like this??

I ran across this old Arabian proverb regarding a friend yesterday. I've thought of what a beautiful picture it paints of a true friend, and figured since I thought so much of it, I'd share it. It's just beautiful!!

"A Friend is one to whom one may pour out the contents of one's heart, chaff and grain together, knowing that the gentlest of hands will take and sift it, keep what is worth keeping and with a breath of kindness blow the rest away. "