My precious Kennedy...

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A milestone to honor and remember...

Happy 55th Anniversary Pap and Gram!
We love you!

On July 16, 1955...55 years ago today...two special people committed to each other and to a marriage that has stood strong all these years!

Obviously I wasn't even thought of at that time...but this marriage and the commitment these two wonderful people made to each other...began a journey that would shape and influence the lives of many people along the way.

I am thankful for their commitment to God and to each other. I am thankful that they were committed to raising a family and teaching them the importance of serving God. I am thankful for so many things about them...but right now I am most THANKFUL that God has allowed me to have 35 wonderful years with them and that my children are getting the opportunity know these wonderful people!

Daily Devotional Thought...

Many people in my "circle" of friends are going through some difficult situations....I found these words a little while back and saved them in my "Keep" file so I could reflect on them in the future.

These words are good for all of us to consider and remember...but there are a few special people in my life...and you know who you are...that are dealing with difficult circumstances. All I know to say right now is .... Just hold on, Sister!". In some ways this simple phrase has become a little "secret code" for me and others I know that say it. However, it has become more and more meaningful and not just a simple phrase to me over the last 6 or so months. It has become a heartfelt expression...and I know when I hear it being said to me...I finally understand the true depth and the love that is meant for me when some good friend tells me to "Just hold on, Sister". Four simple little words...but to me...so much MORE!

My heart goes out to all of my friends that are dealing with difficult situations...and I wish I could take away the difficulties and the emotional roller coaster they are riding on during this time. Even as much as I can encourage them, pray for them, and let them know how much I care....God can do so much more! Aren't you thankful that we serve a god that loves and cares for us...and can provide the ultimate comfort during difficult times? I am!

So, just hold on Sisters!

Master of the Wind

My boat of life sails on a troubled sea.

Ever there’s a wind in my sails

But I have a Friend who watches over me

When the breeze turn into a gale

I know the master of the wind

I know the maker of the rain

He can calm the storm

Make the sun shine again

I know the master of the wind

Sometimes I soar like an eagle to the sky

Among the peaks my soul can be found

But an unexpected storm may drive me from the heights

It may bring me low, but it cannot bring me down

Let Jesus calm your storm

Make the sun shine again

He is the Master of the Wind.

Update #8 - Indiana Summer

This house is way too quiet therefore I am getting very sleepy!

Quick update on Gram for the day: Took her to get a scan done today and they found one valve/artery not functioning correctly...this time on the opposite side then before. I don't know all the medical terms and proper way to describe it....but basically, she will have to have some work done with a laser later on this month to hopefully help to get the blood flowing more like it should be which in turn will help with her swelling problems.

She has one more appt. next week and then I am hopeful I will be able to come home for a bit and be at camp with the kiddos! I need to try to stay and be at this appt. because will be the first step to me being able to get her into a diabetes specialist or at least find out which direction we need to go next with her diabetic issues.

She felt some better this morning and by afternoon, I could tell she was worn out. Today it was just me and her. Pap stayed home and worked in the garden and told us to go on and spend some time together. So we did! :)

She always has several places she wants to go when we go to town...but usually we make it to 1-2 places and then she is out of steam. Today was no exception...but at least she got out a little bit. However, before her appt. I took her to the one store she wanted to go to first and I turned into the human clothes rack! I pretty much stay with her if she ever feels like going to a store because I am afraid to leave her alone for very long. After I was holding about 10 items....I was teasing her and she said...Pap said to go and get me a few things. I just laughed and was happy that she was in good spirits this morning.

I am thankful for everyday I get to spend with her and it was nice to just have some down time today.

Update #7 - Finally, a little more positive update

Today started out to be a much better day for Gram. We got out of the house a little today and she did pretty good...but it didn't take long to wear her out. I knew she would probably over exert herself this morning...but also knew she wanted to get outside of the walls of this house...so off we went. The afternoon and evening were a little tougher. She didn't feel so great and rested on the sofa. However, she finally did eat today. She ate a whole PB & J sandwich...which is more than I have seen her eat in a couple of days...and the fact that she actually wanted it was wonderful! I didn't even have to say...YOU NEED TO EAT! So, that was good! Tomorrow will probably be a resting day...if I had a guess. Friday we go back to the doctor for a couple of tests.
She is still nervous about taking the new heart meds. that the cardiologist prescribed after all this mix-up with the wrong medication being given to her. I am hopeful that I can get her to start on it in the morning.
Good night everyone! Thanks for all your prayers and kind words!

Update #6

I love this picture! I love that Gram is actually smiling...because lately I haven't seen too many of those smiles from her. She hates to have her picture made...and I might be put before a firing squad if she finds out I posted this here...but I will take my chances!

Today was a little bit better day...as far as how Gram was feeling. It started off sort of bumpy but by dinner time she was some better. This morning she was so shaky and she told me her insides just felt like they were jumping around. Her blood pressure was not normal today when I took it. However, it wasn't ever high enough that it really made me nervous.

After yesterdays little escapade with the pharmacy, she was nervous about taking any of her medicines. I tried to reassure that she still needed to take them. So, she took everything but this new medication...so that was acceptable to me. In the morning, she will take her first dose of the new medicine she should have been taking all along.

I sent an update out about yesterday and didn't really have the time to go in depth...still don't because I am falling asleep at the keyboard. :) However, let me try to explain and give it an ending.

I will try not to confuse you too much since the story started out a little complicated.

I took a written script for Imdur to the pharmacy on Friday afternoon...handed it to the pharm. tech and continued my shopping while waiting for the script to be filled. When I had the few grocery items I needed to get...I went back picked up the medicine, talked with the pharmacist about side effects, checked out the label, and then went to checkout and get home.
All of the info on the information sheet was correct or so it seemed and since I didn't actually know the name of the generic of Imdur...I trusted that I was taking home the right medicine to her.
When I got home, I explained it all to her and told her how many times a day to take it, etc.
So, all was well...or so I thought. I won't go into all of the symptoms that she started exhibiting and had for several days...but something wasn't right and I knew it wasn't right! I knew I had to go pick up another script on Monday...because I forgot it while I was over there the first time. So, I thought I would just wait and ask a couple more questions when I went back to the pharmacy. I never even dreamed that I would hear it was the wrong medicine!
I went on over to the pharmacy and told them I needed to pick up B-12 shots for Gram. The lady asked me..."Do you want to pick up both of them now?" I told her there should only be one to pick up and then asked her what the second one was. She stated that the
doctor had called in a script for Imdur (a heart medication). I said I already have picked that up and she has been taking the medicine. She said, "No, he called it on on the 26th (which was the day she had the heart cath. done) I corrected her and told her that the script was written on that day...but I had physically handed her a written script for the Imdur on Friday.
At this point, my heart started racing. I pretty much knew when she said what she said, that there was a problem. I went on to explain that she had been exhibiting unusual symptoms the last few days and I needed to get this straightened out. She asked me to wait and she went to talk to the pharmacist.
I'm standing there waiting at the window, and I hear a bunch of chatter between the tech. and the pharmacist. Then, I hear...."Well, she should be alright." I sort of lost it when I heard that! I quickly told him that she wasn't alright!

I could feel my face getting hot and I had a horrible feeling in the pit of my stomach. Instead of receiving Imdur (the prescribed medicine) they had sent me home with another lady's blood pressure medicine. Gram's name and this lady's name are exactly the same except for one letter. This lady's last name was Hall and Gram's last name is Hale. The pharmacist came back and talked with me and apologized. Basically, he just said he would be happy to call the doctor or if her symptoms got worse and she had to go to the ER...just tell them to feel free to give him a call. I assured him that I would!

So basically, what was happening was that she was taking TWO blood pressure meds. a day because they gave the wrong medicine to her. No wonder she couldn't hold up her head and was walking like she was drunk!

To me, this is totally unacceptable! I called the cardiologist first thing this morning and that is when the nurse told me that what she was given was one of the strongest blood pressure meds. that is given to patients and that she needed to stop taking it immediately. (I think...Clonidine is the name of the medicine that was sent home with me at first) I talked with her a little bit and she said that if Gram would have continued to take it...the results would not be good! I am supposed to monitor her blood pressures now and there are things to look for and if something isn't right we are to call immediately. Lesson learned: You can't bet that I will be paying even closer attention in the future with scripts she has filled.

Well, I have already made this lengthy enough and I am sleepy...so I will close for the evening.
Once again, thanks to all of our family and friends for their prayers and concern! It means so much!

Where did the day go?

This day has flew by...before I knew it, it was 10 o'clock and time to start the nightly rituals of bath, story, prayers, etc. Whew!
We are 1 hour ahead here in Indiana as compared to back home in Alabama... and I am not really sure if the kiddos or I have really fully adjusted to that yet.
I am sitting here listening to Parker humming and trying to fall asleep...such a sweet sound from a precious little boy! Don't know what I would do without my Parker-man! There is never a dull moment and it makes everyday so much brighter! Love you Parker!

Update #5 - What would you do?

Let's play a little game called "What would you do?"

What would you do if someone you love so deeply is struggling with her health and you can look at her beautiful face and want to do something that would take it all away for her?
Answer: You would wear your knees out praying each day.

What would you do if your gut instinct told you something just wasn't "right"?
Answer: You would get on the telephone and make a call to the cardioligist to get an appt.

What would you do if you went to the pharmacy to pick up a prescription and while you were there you had a couple of questions about the new heart medicine you had filled on Friday?
Answer: Obviously, you would ask the pharmacist about the reason the number of refills was wrong and the dosage was wrong on the prescription you picked up on Friday.

What would you do when you find out that you were sent home with the wrong medication and a that this sweet lady that you love so much had already started taking it thinking it was her medication? (By the way, after talking with the doctor and the pharmacist....if she had continued to take it.....could have been fatal for her)
Answer: You would feel your face starting to burn like fire and you would tell that pharmacist that he had some explaining to do!


Needless to say....this was exactly what happened here over the last few days. There is a lot of details that I left out....and frankly, at this point I feel my blood pressure rising again as I am typing this....so I will stop here for now. But I feel more than comfortable saying that this is not over yet. I have to call the doctor's office back this afternoon and see what he wants me to do next. More details later!

Hopefully, each night I will get to continue to provide updates here on the blog instead of Facebook. It is so much easier this way!

Keep praying for Gram! Love to all of you!

Funny stuff...

Men Are Just Happier People-- What do you expect from such
simple creatures?


Your last name stays put.

The garage is all yours.

Wedding plans take care of themselves.

Chocolate is just another snack.

You can be President.

You can never be pregnant.

You can wear a white T-shirt to a water park.

You can wear NO shirt to a water park.

Car mechanics tell you the truth.

The world is your urinal.

You never have to drive to another gas station restroom
because this one is
just too icky.

You don't have to stop and think of which way to turn a
nut on a bolt.

Wrinkles add character.

Wedding dress $5000. Tux rental-$100.

People never stare at your chest when you're talking to
them.

The occasional well-rendered belch is practically expected.


New shoes don't cut, blister, or mangle your feet.

One mood all the time.

Phone conversations are over in 30 seconds flat.

A five-day vacation requires only one suitcase.

You can open all your own jars.

You get extra credit for the slightest act of
thoughtfulness.

If someone forgets to invite you, he or she can still be
your friend.

Your underwear is $8.95 for a three-pack.

Three pairs of shoes are more than enough.

You almost never have strap problems in public.

You are unable to see wrinkles in your clothes.

Everything on your face stays its original color.

The same hairstyle lasts for years, maybe decades.

You only have to shave your face and neck.

You can play with toys all your life.

Your belly usually hides your big hips.

One wallet and one pair of shoes one color for all seasons.

You can wear shorts no matter how your legs look.

You can "do" your nails with a pocket knife.

You have freedom of choice concerning growing a mustache..

You can do Christmas shopping for 25 relatives on December
24 in 25minutes.

No wonder men are happier!!

Spring Cleaning...

I have no idea what has motivated me to tackle some of the projects that I have been putting off FOREVER!!! But, I have started "cleaning" around this house, in the garage, and even cleaning up files and folders on my laptop. I have not actually started the "deep cleaning" process of washing windows, cleaning baseboards, washing curtains....etc. Right now I am just trying to clear clutter and feel organized again. Last night I was going through old emails and files...and I ran across a folder where I have kept funny or interesting emails sent to me from friends and family.
So, I thought I might take a few days and share some of these with you all! Hope you enjoy!

Most of America's populace think it improper to spank children, so I
have tried other methods to control my kids when they have one of "those
moments."
One that I found effective is for me to just take the child
for a car ride and talk.

They usually calm down and stop misbehaving
after our car ride together.

I've included a photo below of one of my sessions
with my son, in case you would like to use the technique.
Sincerely,

A Friend

Happy Easter! Hope all of you have a great day and enjoy spending time with your family!

You are loved...

One of my favorite hymns...

In the dark of the midnight have I oft hid my face,
While the storm howls above me, and there's no hiding place.
'Mid the crash of the thunder, Precious Lord, hear my cry,
Keep me safe till the storm passes by.


Till the storm passes over, till the thunder sounds no more,
Till the clouds roll forever from the sky;
Hold me fast, let me stand in the hollow of Thy hand,
Keep me safe till the storm passes by.

Many times Satan whispered, "There is no need to try,
For there's no end of sorrow, there's no hope by and by"
But I know Thou art with me, and tomorrow I'll rise
Where the storms never darken the skies.


Till the storm passes over, till the thunder sounds no more,
Till the clouds roll forever from the sky;
Hold me fast, let me stand in the hollow of Thy hand,
Keep me safe till the storm passes by.

When the long night has ended and the storms come no more,
Let me stand in Thy presence on the bright peaceful shore;
In that land where the tempest, never comes, Lord, may I
Dwell with Thee when the storm passes by.


Till the storm passes over, till the thunder sounds no more,
Till the clouds roll forever from the sky;
Hold me fast, let me stand in the hollow of Thy hand,
Keep me safe till the storm passes by.

Dedicated to the man I love....he thinks there is nothing like some good bacon!

Just because...

I love this man! Shane, thank you for ALL the help you have given me and for being such a great dad and husband! The children and I are blessed beyond measure in so many ways...but you are one of our greatest blessings! I could not do this without you and I am so thankful you are willing to take on whatever comes our way! Love you so much! Thank you for loving all of us so much!

Best Buddies...

Above is a picture of Pap holding my dad, Danny....probably taken around 1957. Too cute! Below is a picture of Pap and Parker....it just don't get any better than this! Warms my heart!

Across the miles...

All around this world I've traveled
Through it all I've come to find
The ties that bind can come unraveled
I've had to face some lonely times
But when I'm tired and feeling low
Oh what a comfort it is to know

Across the miles there's someone praying for me
Across the miles there's someone on their knees
Lifting my name to the Lord above
In joy and pain I can feel the love
And see you smile
Across the miles

Life can be so complicated
Walking through it on your own
When kindred hearts are separated
It gives love a chance to grow
And even though I'm so far away
Oh I'm reminded every day

Across the miles there's someone praying for me
Across the miles there's someone on their knees
Lifting my name to the Lord above
In joy and pain I can feel the love
And see you smile
Across the miles

-Karen Stayley

Don't wait...

I do not know what tomorrow holds, but I know who holds tomorrow!

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?" (Matthew 6:25-27).

Take advantage of the beautiful day that God has given us and show others Christ living in you! Tell those special people in your life how much you love them and how special they are to you...don't let the time slip away!

So meaningful...

This song is one of my new favorites. I am not sure how I stumbled upon it today...but I did and I am so glad I did! We have so many people that we love that are struggling and going through very difficult times in their life and this song is such a great reminder to all of us to remember to pray in the good times and the bad!

If you want to hear the song, you can go to this site: I'll Pray for You .

I'll Pray for You

I saw an old friend at the market, standing in the checkout line,

She began to share her story, then I told her mine,

It was clear we both knew heartache so before I turned to go,

We made a simple promise, that would lighten both our loads

I’ll pray for you, you pray for me,

And together we’ll touch heaven from our knees,

Anything can happen in His name when we agree,

I’ll pray for you, you pray for me

What a privilege and an honor to know that God is there,

and to have His full attention, any time and any where,

sometimes when we’re talking, conversation turns to you,

as your name and needs are mentioned, God lifts my spirit too

I’ll pray for you, you pray for me,

And together we’ll touch heaven from our knees,

Anything can happen in His name when we agree,

I’ll pray for you, you pray for me

Barbara Huffman & Marcia Henry / Christian Taylor Music / BMI
a division of Daywind Music ( admin by ICG)

Great find...really fun for the kids!

Kennedy got a set of this for her birthday and it is really neat! If you have little girls that like to do crafts and like girly things...this is the way to go.
It is pretty easy to use and the instruction sheets take the kids step by step through the design process. Give it a try!

Ode to Chick-fil-A

Happy Birthday Sweet Girl!!!

Some days I just can't believe how fast time really passes. It really does just seem like yesterday in so many many ways.

From this precious baby...

To this precious child...

Happy 7th Birthday Kennedy! We Love you so much!

It's the simple things in life...

Another one bites the dust!

Kennedy pulled another tooth! She is getting good at this and doesn't want me to even come close now when she has a loose tooth! (That might have something to do with the fact that Gram pulled a loose tooth during Christmas Break without telling Kennedy that she was going to do it....hint...hint) :)
It had been loose for a little while and she came home on Weds. telling me she was sad because she couldn't even eat her rice krispy treat at snack time....because it hurt her tooth to try and bite into the treat! Well, I knew then that the tooth was ready to come out. Kennedy LOVES rice krispy treats and if she didn't eat it at snack time....that was a sure sign.
So, we ate supper and went on to church that night. After class was over and we were all sitting in the auditorium...during the time that the invitation was being given...she YANKED it out! She was so excited and started trying to get sweet Mikayla's attention (she sits in front of us at church). It was a fun night and so funny to see how excited that she was about loosing her first top tooth! She had fun the next morning drinking her juice...she said..."Mama, look the straw fits in the spot where I lost my tooth!" Needless to say, she is having lots of fun being a snaggletooth this week!
Hard to believe that all of the kids are just GROWING UP sooooo fast! I can't believe that this little precious will turn 7 yrs. old on Sunday! I know it is inevitable....but I am selfish about my babies!

Happy Birthday Gram!!!

Family faces are magic mirrors.
Looking at people who belong to us, we see the
past, present, and future.

- Gail Lumet Buckley

Happy Birthday to a very special lady! We wish we could be there with you to celebrate! Love you sooooooo much!

Can you relate?

Strong Woman vs. Woman of Strength

When I decided to get back to blogging and to use it as my "journal" of sorts...one thing I wanted to make sure I included was a section that would help me to be better at setting time aside daily for personal Bible study. I think it is safe to say that many of us "plan" or have a goal to make time to read our Bible's daily...but in all honesty, I know for me...it doesn't always go as I plan. Even as much as I like things to be on a daily schedule and my lists to all be in order (yes, I am a major list maker)...sticking to an organized schedule hasn't been so easy over the last year.

I will admit that the majority of my reasoning behind doing this daily is to benefit me and improve the amount of time I spend reading and studying God's word and the principles found in it. I know that I have learned over the years that the best study method for me is writing and repeating the information I need to learn.

This section of my blog is strictly for growth. Spiritual growth, growth as a wife and mother, a daughter, a friend...however you want to apply it to your life. I won't claim that everything posted here will be a masterpiece...because it won't be. However, it will be a scripture, poem, or a thought that I came across in my own study and wanted to share with others.

Last night came across this poem in a book titled Worthy Women written by Mary Alice Wilhelm. She could not give credit to the original author because it was a poem that she had found somewhere on the internet.

I have read this book before and decided to start reading back through it again. I am sure I had read this poem before...but I guess I never really paid as much attention as I did last night.

Strong Woman vs. Woman of Strength

A strong woman works out every day to keep her body in shape...
but a woman of strength kneels in prayer to keep her soul in shape.

A strong woman isn't afraid of anything...
but a woman of strength shows courage in the midst of her fear.

A strong woman won't let anyone get the best of her...
but a woman of strength give the best of herself to everyone.

A strong woman walks sure footedly...
but a woman of strength knows God will catch her when she falls.

A strong woman wears the look of confidence on her face...
but a woman of strength wears grace.

A strong woman has faith that she is strong enough for the journey...
but a woman of strength has faith that it is in the journey that she will become strong.

I loved reading this poem and must admit that it made me a little emotional...but more than that it gave me a little kick in the pants...which I needed so badly! I plan on posting this somewhere in the house where I can read it DAILY to help me remember that strength does not come from myself but from God!

Happy Birthday Shane!

Happy Birthday to an awesome guy!
Thanks for being such a great husband and father!
We love you bunches!

It's been a long time coming...

but I am finally back to blogging. After a very long break...I am ready to tackle this again! I am forgetting too many important things and not keeping a very good record of all the things happening with my precious kiddos at this age. (That might have something to do with my age...but I didn't think memory loss was necessarily a problem when you are only 29)
Blogging helps me record a lot of moments....and acts as my journal....and one of the greatest benefits is that I can save everything I write about for many years to come. (This is thanks to my wonderful husband who remembers to always back up files and pictures on my laptop)
I also owe a HUGE thank you to Diana over at Custom Blog Designs. She worked with me and created this beautiful blog very much to my liking! She does beautiful work! Thanks again Diana!

I will be here...

Valentine's Day is past and gone for this year. Today I realized that I never even took the time on Sunday to tell my valentine how much he means to me everyday of the year! So I am dedicating this post to my wonderful husband and hoping that the lyrics to this song show him just how much I love him and treasure our marriage. I love you Shane!

Tomorrow morning
if you wake up
And the sun does not appear
I, I will be here
If in the dark
we lose sight of love
hold my hand and have no fear
'Cause I, I will be here

I will be here
When you feel like being quiet
When you need to speak your mind
I will listen
And I will be here
When the laughter turns to cryin'
Through the winning,
losing and trying
We'll be together, I will be here

Tomorrow morning
if you wake up
And the future is unclear
I, I will be here
As sure as seasons
are made for change
Our lifetimes are made for years
So I, I will be here

I will be here,
And you can cry on my shoulder
When the mirror
tells us we're older
I will hold you
And I will be here
To watch you grow in beauty
And tell you all the things
You are to me
I will be here

I will be true
To the promise I have made
To you and to the One
Who gave you to me

I, I will be here
And just as sure as seasons
are made for change
Our lifetimes are made for years
So I, I will be here
We'll be together
I will be here