Red Sequins and Glue

It's almost 11 PM and I just finished the last "bling bling" on the GO RED FOR WOMEN t-shirts that I sold. I have glue all over my hands and everything I have touched in the last hour. I will post pictures of them later but they turned out cute and I think they will be a hit. I think I will be able to donate about $ 300.00 to the AHA on behalf of all the great people in the 'ville! Don't forget to wear RED on Friday and show your support.

However, I guess I won't be wearing my cute T-shirt on Friday. I decided it was time to see a new cardiologist that would approach my "case", heart disease, a little more aggressively. Two heart attacks in 4 years is more than I ever planned to have! I just wanted to see what someone else might think and see if I was on the right "page" so to speak with my medications. I love Dr. B and he is very kind but there were just some things with the hospital that he is affliated with that I was a little uncomfortable with. Anyway, it was time for my yearly check up so, I scheduled an appointment with a new cardio that I had recommended to me by my primary doctor. And, I had some cardio testing last week. NO wasting time here. The old treadmill, a dye and contrast study and an echocardiagram. I went back yesterday for the results. The Dr. never really said he saw anything but he wanted to be precautionary and take a more aggressive stand this time instead of waiting until I do have a heart attack. He said he wants to " look around". I APPRECIATE THAT! So, Friday morning at 7 AM I report to the hospital for a heart procedure called a cardiac catherization/angiogram. I have had 2 of these before but they were on an emergency basis and I was a little unconscious! But, I remember enough to know I didn't want to do it again. It is a weird place. It's very dark. It's cold. VERY COLD. There are alot of technicians, doctors, and nurses in there and they are all talking loud and calling out what they see and number to chart and injecting dye in me, and scuffling around. At least that is what I remember. I remember it was hard to breathe. When they are working that little "tube" through your heart they tell you that you will experience that breathless sensation along with other things. I am so claustrophobic that I dread that the most. If they see any blockages or dissections as before they will STENT me again. I asked what the record was on stents because I don't want to be the record holder! If they do have to stent then I will spend the night in the hospital. Otherwise, I will come home about 5 hours after the procedure. My kids are all coming. I told them it was totally NOT necessary but I got 3 very loud and boisterous, "MOTHER!" Of course, I am very happy they will be here to keep their daddy and their grandparents entertained. Poppi tends to get in trouble if pretty nurses are around. I have a feeling the waiting room will be full of my loving "peeps" family and friends and that gives me alot of comfort. I just hate I can't go out there and visit with them too! My babies will even be there. My son, the coach, even got someone esle to coach his team Friday night. I finally beat out a basketball game!

So, whatever you do or wherever you go on FRIDAY......please WEAR RED and whisper a prayer for me. I am not whining or feeling sorry for myself. I know there are alot of worse things and I totally know that GOD is in control. I am sure of that. More sure of that than anything I have ever known.

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

Wisdom Passed Down

My BFF, Tawana was talking lovingly about her mom the other day. She was explaining to me how so many things that her mom told her from the day she was born had made an impact on her. It made an impact on how she raised her own children. Just simple little comments that nest in the corners of your mind to be used when needed. For instance. When she would complain that she couldn't do something her mother would remind her that "you can do anything you have to do." There is no choice.

There is another comment of hers that has rung true to us for years. We have used it on our own children when needed. When something bad happens, be it heartache, pain, childbirth, worry, dread or whatever, Tawana's mom's words came to us. "It'll be over in a minute." I still used that one often. When I am up against something I don't want to face I just remember, "It'll be over in a minute." And it usually is. And it seems I am always up against something!

She instilled the love of the Lord in my BFF too. Tawana possessess the qualities of a wonderful Christian woman that continually encourages others. And her mother passed on alot of wisdom to her. Lots of knowledge and experience. And unconditional love. But, her wisdom I depend on alot. It's so nice to have smart friends.

She says her mom was just a simple woman. I don't think she was simple at all. I think she was very simply wise.

Recognize These Days?

This has been circling around for awhile and I don't know who wrote it. But, I can certainly identify with most of it. It's amazing how the times have changed for us all!

TO ALL THE KIDS WHO SURVIVED the 1930s, 40's, 50's, 60's and 70's !!

First, we survived being born to mothers who smoked and/or drank while they were pregnant.

They took aspirin, ate blue cheese dressing, tuna from a can, and didn't get tested for diabetes. Then after that trauma, we were put to sleep on our tummies in baby cribs covered with bright colored lead-based paints. We had no childproof lids on medicine bottles, doors or cabinets and when we rode our bikes, we had no helmets, not to mention, the risks we took hitchhiking.

As infants & children, we would ride in cars with no car seats, booster seats, seat belts or air bags. Riding in the back of a pick up on a warm day was always a special treat. We drank water from the garden hose and NOT from a bottle. We shared one soft drink with four friends, from one bottle and NO ONE actually died from this. We ate cupcakes, white bread and real butter and drank Kool-aid made with sugar, but we weren't overweight because, WE WERE ALWAYS OUTSIDE PLAYING!

We would leave home in the morning and play all day, as long as we were back when the streetlights came on. No one was able to reach us all day. And we were O.K. We would spend hours building our go-carts out of scraps and then ride down the hill, only to find out we forgot the brakes. After running into the bushes a few times, we learned to solve the problem. We did not have Playstations, Nintendo's, X-boxes, no video games at all, no 150 channels on cable, no video movies or DVD's, no surround-sound or CD's, no cell phones, no personal computer! s, no Internet or chat rooms........WE HAD FRIENDS and we went outside and found them!

We fell out of trees, got cut, broke bones and teeth and there were no lawsuits from these accidents. We ate worms and mud pies made from dirt, and the worms did not live in us forever. We were given BB guns for our 10th birthdays, made up games with sticks and tennis balls and, although we were told it would happen, we did not put out very many eyes. We rode bikes or walked to a friend's house and knocked on the door or rang the bell, or just walked in and talked to them! Little League had tryouts and not everyone made the team. Those who didn't had to learn to deal with disappointment. Imagine that!!

The idea of a parent bailing us out if we broke the law was unheard of. They actually sided with the law! These generations have produced some of the best risk-takers, problem solvers and inventors ever! The past 50 years have been an explosion of innovation and new ideas. We had freedom, failure, success and responsibility, and we learned HOW TO DEAL WITH IT ALL!

The quote of the month is by Jay Leno:"With hurricanes, tornados, fires out of control, mud slides, flooding, severe thunderstorms tearing up the country from one end to another, and with the threat of bird flu and terrorist attacks, are we sure this is a good time to take God out of the Pledge of Allegiance?"

It's Up To You

CHECKLIST

1. Wake Up!! Decide to have a good day. "Today is the day the Lord hath made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalms 118:24

2. Dress Up!! The best way to dress up is to put on a smile. A smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks. "The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at outward appearance; but the Lord looks at the heart." I Samuel 16:7

3. Hush Up!! Say nice things and learn to listen. God gave us two ears and one mouth, so He must have meant for us to do twice as much listening as talking. "He who guards his lips guards his soul." Proverbs 13:3

4. Stand Up!! For what you believe in. Stand for something or you will fall for anything.. "Let us not be weary in doing good; for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good..." Galatians 6:9-10

5. Look Up!! To the Lord. "I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me." Phillippians 4:13

6. Reach Up!! For something higher. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, And He will direct your path." Proverbs 3:5-6

7. Lift Up!! Your Prayers. "Do not worry about anything; instead PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING." Philippians 4:6

GOD ANSWERS KNEE MAIL

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

GREAT CAUSES

In a world where everyone seems skeptical of "money" raising organizations it's nice to know that there really are things that we can do to make a difference even though it may seem small in the scheme of things. Research is a MAJOR and INTEGRAL part of the medical field. I believe that progress in treatments and cures of many diseases is in part due to the men and women who educate themselves to be a part of research teams and projects. But, it all boils down to the $$$$$ and the little people ( like you and me ) who can make it work. We may not have a microscope or know what to do with it. But, we can raise awareness and spearhead events that may only raise a small amount but somewhere along the line it goes in the big account where it can make a difference. I truly believe that God is pleased when we do this. I know that this should not substitute for other committments like our tithing and caring for our families but I know that if we can make a difference then we should.

Of course, the American Heart Association and the March of Dimes are near and dear to my heart. LITERALLY. Find somewhere today that you can make a difference. And make your pennies count. If you don't have pennies, then offer your prayers. My tiny and precious grandsons, Brock and Brody, were born prematurely almost 4 years ago and didn't survive. Their little lives will always be a part of ours. If you have a second, hop over to my daughter, Ashley's blog and read her post today. And watch the video. And prepare to have your heart touched.

TIP # 4 - FIND SOMETHING YOU BELIEVE IN AND SUPPORT IT.

Rambling and Squinting

The second of my eye procedures is done! I am glad I only have 2 eyes. Hopefully, the procedures will correct the problem and I'll be as good as new. Except I didn't know anything was wrong to begin with. That is why it is an important thing to get your eyes checked regularly. I could have eventually developed glaucoma and / or lost my sight.

The little red dress you see in this ad is the logo for GO RED FOR WOMEN. In essence, red signifies POWER and energy. The dress is easily recognized as one of those "sweet" little number we wish we could all fit in and have in our closet. Last year the shirt I designed was a red t-shirt with a giant silver heart in the center. I added a "little rhinestone" bling to the center as a thank you to those who bought a shirt. I didn't put any writing on it thinking that they could be worn for other things like Valentines, etc. And they have been. I always seem to see someone wearing their GO RED shirt. But, this year I am doing them a lttle differently. They are going to be white with the red dress logo on them and the only writing will say, "BLESS YOUR HEART".......my bling bling will be on the dress. It won't have all that other writing on it that you see above. I just couldn't find a good picture of the dress. I already have gotton orders from school and church....tomorrow the city offices will order and the banks, the clinics, and the hospital and soon the entire 'ville will be supporting AHA! I can't wait. So, I'll be VERY BUSY once the TSHIRT shop tells me the shirts are ready to pick up. I have my glue and rhinestones ready.


TIP #3 .....CHOLESTEROL. Always have it checked as part of your routine health check up. KNOW YOUR NUMBERS. Your total cholesterol should be below 200. The bad cholesterol - LDL - that is included in that count, should be below 70 - 100, for people at risk of heart disease. The HDL should be around 50 or higher. Ask your doctor what is right for you, personally. Then keep record of it and compare it each year. There are lots of options to lower your cholesterol. It's best to take care of it before the doctor tells you to!

HABITS

I have alot of BAD habits. But, we won't go into them all here. One of the worst things I think I can admit to is losing stuff. ALL THE TIME. I know my kids are smiling now. I guess misplacing my keys would be the # 1. However, over the past years I have gotton into the habit of dropping them in a basket in the corner of the entry way when I enter the house. That way they are waiting for me when I leave again. Or plan to leave. I call that my landing pad. Or launching pad. Anything that needs to go with me on the next trip out goes into that basket. It has worked great. Until this morning. I am dressed for church. My Bible is in the launching pad basket along with other things to go to church/town. But. Where are my keys? I have spent the last hour rummaging through everything I have touched in the last 24 hours. Pockets, jackets, purses, bags, baskets, cushions on the furniture. No luck. So while Sunday school is in progress, here I sit. I have left a message for someone to come get me but I am not looking forward to a scowl. But, where are they? I HATE LOSING STUFF. My mind the most of all.

HEART TIP # 2

It's all about exercise. Not necessarily working out at the gym everyday but even spending 30 minutes walking to get your heart rate up. The heart is a muscle and it needs exercise to be healthy. It needs exercise to repair itself after a heart attack. So, walk, walk, walk. Maybe I need to walk the 5 miles to church.

LOVE YOUR HEART TIP

TIP # 1

Get regular check ups...........

Whether you are sick or not. Call them well checks, if you must. But, every year get one. The whole works. Know your family history. Know what genetically is in your family. Make sure your doctor knows. It really matters.

Take a list of questions with you to the doctor.

I BIT IT OFF

This was one of my working rooms for
t-shirts last year. Over 200 of them!

Again. I bit off more than I can chew. I said I wasn't going to do it again. But, it always happens in a moment when I feel invincible. I think that I can pull it off. Calls and emails fly and it's too late to back out. But, the problem is that the MINUTE I have already "bit", I am in over my head. Orders for T-shirts are coming in already. The guy has ordered my artwork for the decals. I have my design ready. Tuesday when the local businesses open up I'll be there with flyers and order forms. I need to make an appointment to see the mayor to proclaim our town RED that day. Then the fun begins. I am pretty sure this year I am going to draft me some helpers. Surely, the local girl scouts could use a project. Or the prison down the road has someone who needs to do community service. Or first grade could take a field trip to learn about sorting by size. Or maybe I'll do what I always do. I call my mother. Yeah. That's it. I'll call my mother.

HEART FACT FOR THE DAY: Know your blood pressure and cholesterol numbers. Keep a yearly chart of them for comparison. Ask your doctor if he thinks they are in a healthy range. Tomorrow I'll give you the ranges that are safe and healthy. If you haven't had them checked in a while......make an appointment NOW. This was part of my problem........and overlooked.

GO RED DAY.........Friday, February 1st. LOVE YOUR HEART. One day a year, what you wear is a matter of life and death. Support the AHA. And GO RED. And bless your heart.......for more sign on to http://www.goredforwomen.org/

LOVE YOUR HEART

Last year I was very involved in the GO RED for women HEART DAY. It is a day sponsored by the American Heart Association in an effort to inform women ( and men ) about heart disease. This is a day that is set aside each year to raise awareness, money for research, and to help motivate people to be responsible and empower them to make healthy lifestyle changes or choices. I sold specially decorated RED t-shirts and donated most of the profit to the AHA after I paid for the t-shirts. What started as about 10 t-shirts turned inton over 200. It turned into a monstrous project but was fun in hindsight! It is sneaking up on me this year as it is the first FRIDAY in February. Which is 16 DAYS FROM NOW! If you don't hear about it then MARK YOUR CALENDAR for the first Friday in FEBRUARY and wear RED. Tomorrow I need to start planning for t-shirts!

Some things you may not know about heart disease that I have learned since being diagnosed in 2001:

*** it is the # 1 killer of women

***more women than men die every year of heart disease

***one in three women has some form of heart disease

So, in the next few weeks you'll be learning some things from me about this killer disease. Who knows? I may get you healthier too.

A LATE WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

ON YOUR MARK

GET SET...............GO

Somewhere tonight Heather is hopefully full of carbs, feet rubbed down and all blessed, running gear all laid out and ready because in the morning at 5 AM the gun sounds for the beginning of her second marathon in Houston. The families all have rooms reserved downtown by the starting line so that everyone can be close by when the race begins. Whisper a prayer for all these "friends" as they head out to finish what what they have been working towards all year in training. Pray that everyone's ankles hold up and that everyone is feeling their tip top best. What a great feeling to see the finish line ahead! We are planning to watch via computer. GO HEATHER. We love you.

Somethings In My Eye

I think I have mentioned before that I do not have normal medical conditions occur to my body. For some reason the jokers who control the medical issues always seem to find humor in giving me rare and unusual things that cause Dr.'s to throw their hands up and say...."hmmmm this girl is weird." We already knew that.

At my normally scheduled vision check last month all I wanted was a new pair of contacts and a prescription for some new glasses. But, oh no. It can't be that simple. Now, I had to have a new diagnosis to add to my already bulging file. So, the newest is this. I have acute narrow angle glaucoma. Here is the low down on it.

Acute narrow-angle glaucoma occurs suddenly, when the colored portion of your eye (iris) is pushed or pulled forward. This causes blockage of the filtration angle of the eye, where the trabecular meshwork allows outflow of fluids. When internal eye structures are blocked in this way, your eye's internal pressure (intraocular pressure) may spike and possibly damage the optic nerve that transmits images from the eye to the brain.

How dangerous is an acute attack of NAG? An attack of this type of glaucoma is an emergency. Untreated, it may cause blindness in a day or two. And I said, "WHAT?????"

How is an acute attack of NAG treated? Narrow Angle Glaucoma is treated with a laser. In this office procedure a small drain hole is created in the iris, the colored part of the eye. The hole is of microscopic size. The operation is painless. Laser and non laser glaucoma surgery may be required to reduce the internal optic pressure. In an iridotomy, a laser is used to create a hole in the iris to enhance the drainage passages blocked by a portion of the iris. In addition to laser treatment, eyedrops are administered to lower the pressure.

The goal of treatment is to reduce intraocular pressure as soon as possible.

SO. With that being said let me say this. They make it sound painless. They make it sound quick. They can say all these things because it is not THEIR EYE. Of all the the procedures I have had I dread this one the most. I really don't dread it for the pain, there is no pain. It is just the idea of someone poking around in my eye. It better be painless. I am having my left eye procedure on Monday and then will schedule my right eye the following week if all goes ok with the first. They won't do them both the same day for reasons that are scary. 'Nuff said. Take care of your eyes, I tell you. Get regular eye check ups too. I might never have known this. Hopefully, I'll be as good as ever. And that wasn't too good. And hopefully, my eyes will still be brown!

Well At Least It Finally Has a Name

I read the coolest article the other day that, had I not known better, I would have thought it was written about me. The article was describing a "syndrome" that I have that I didn't even know had a name. Of course, now when I want to explain it, I can't find the article to relay it to you. So from the best of my memory I'll highlight the basics of the article in my own words.

It is called the nesting syndrome. Not to be confused with anything you have ever read on "empty nest syndrome". This is not the same. This deals with a decorating "gene" that you are born with, I believe. People who suffer the nesting syndrome are called nesters. Nesters are a group of people, usually women, who find comfort and tranquility in creating spaces within their home, offices, outdoor areas, or wherever they spend alot of their time, that define who that person is. In other words, wherever they are their personal stamp is on that area. Or as in my case, ALL over my area.

Nesters frequently have the same characteristics as other nesters that have identified themselves with this same syndrome. Some of these include but are not limited to:

Excessive furniture rearranging to create new and more practical looks. Any time you visit the home of nester you are likely to find things in totally different locations as they were before. Artwork included. Especially knick knacks.

Knick knacks. Nesters love collections. They collect things that, to them, have very personal meanings. Nesters are always looking for new ideas, new themes, and other ways to display their treasures.

Magazines. Nesters crave magazines. They can entertain themselves for hours and hours with a decorating magazine or a catalog. It doesn't even have to be a new magazine or catalog. New editions, however, are reason for nesters to hyperventilate with excitement. Don't bother me when the new issue of Country Home comes out. Nesters also like to cut out of magazines.

Folders and files bring total excitement to a nester. They love to color code and they love to file things. This filing usually takes place in a basket.

Baskets, baskets, baskets. Everywhere. Things are filed in baskets, piled in baskets and sometimes lost in baskets. Everything from plants, to papers, to any arrangement used for decorating. Or as I like to think of it.....discreetly placed in baskets.

Pillows. Nesters love pillows and lots of them. Of course they must be arranged in a certain fashion for full decorating impact.

Candles. These are essential to a nester. They are everywhere and in all types of soothing fragrances to infilitrate the home with a pungent memory of a food, a season, or a place. Mostly cinamonny/pumpkiny/spicy smells. As in my case.

But, nesters are not necessarily clutterers. Things are neatly organized within the nest. Things are stored in jars, bins, or as mentioned above baskets.

If you have ever looked at the intricate way that a bird builds his/her nest you would understand this. I'm totally a nester. Totally. Do you think you are?

Things I'll Never Grow Tired Of

IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER

1. The smell of freshly bathed babies. ( all ages )

2. Sitting with my family at church

3. Chatting about nothing and everything with my children.

4. A roast lunch at Mother's 16. Singing harmony

5. Good hair days 17. GOOD movies

6. Girl's TV night 18. Pumpkins, fall, and fireplaces

7. A massage 19. Floating in the pool for hours

8. Clean sheets 20. A new outfit

9. The beach ~ anytime. 21. Skin products

10. L'Oreal BLACK mascara 22. Purses and totes

11. Olive Garden salad 23. Manicures

12. Laughing so hard it hurts 24. Snuggling with my grandchildren

13. Being with my sisters 25. Forever friends

14. Blank notebooks 26. A clean house

15. Candles 27. Odd numbers

It's the Truth Too!

ACTUALLY. I did not make ONE resolution. It was pointless. I could have made a list just like the previous ones over the last few decades but honestly....

Other people did make resolutions for the New Year and unfortunately they included my name in with theirs. One of them being.....I am now starting a walking program with someone. Of course, I am totally doing it for their benefit.

My son told me to keep my posts 'bulleted' for his easy reading, so here goes.

***My uncle's surgeries and my long term care with him in the HUGE and mean city is only a memory. He is still recuperating but getting better everyday and ready to return to his own home. Sometime I'll tell you all about that experience. BUT, for now.

***My BOOKWORM program at the library with Tawana is going great. We both love it and have really developed a group of kids. We are in demand. Maybe we'll do a video! As long as we love it and can find a good children's book, we are there. The library gets us anything we want. Books, crafts, music, whatever.....all we have to do is ask. They foot the bill. So, every Wed. morning we show up for an hour and then have lunch together. It's great.

*** Heather runs in the Houston Marathon again this year. Her big race is Sunday morning. I am very proud of her dedication, determination and her constant discipline to practice! She is amazing. I think we need to rename her the streak! Even when she is not running she is. She is the ultimate volunteer. She is Sunday school teacher, room mother, car pool mother, babysitter, helper, "never say no to anyone" girl. She is constantly on her way to church, school, practice, dance, the field, or the gym. She is an extraordinary mother and wife. Her family knows it too. Luckily, Troy can help when he is not working crazy shifts. And he always does, without complaining. He just goes with the flow. They are a most admired couple. But, for the most part. They are always on the road. Rooster and Lulu are constantly in motion. Growing up too fast, if you ask me. R is into all sports...ALL of them. He is amazing and excels in everyone. L loves to dance and is soaking up Kindergarten faster than the teacher can teach. She is writing up a storm. Creative writing basically where she sounds things out and spells them like she thinks they should be. It's a great writing procedure and I love to decipher her notes. They are growing up for sure but will always be my babies. Even when Rooster is with the majors and over 6' tall. And Lulu is the best snuggler.

*** Ashley is launching a new business. Her website is up but not quite to her perfection yet. She is starting a photography business in the Houston area. I know she is going to do great. She has worked very hard, been practicing alot as an assistant "shooter" and done things on her own all trying to build up her portfolio. Ashley, just like we all have always known, was born to be a mother. She has blossomed in every area of her life with Possum's birth. She lives, breathes and makes this mother thing look so easy to newbies. BA is working hard at his new job and traveling alot. He seems to really like his job but like everything he does, it is full speed. He wishes he could be home more, I know. He is a very hard worker too. Just becoming parents this year they are adjusting to alot of new things. Possum is growing like a weed. 9 months already, can you believe it? She is absolutely beautiful. So smart. And nosy! She is in everyone's business all the time. She'll turn around at a restaurant like she is joining the next table and listening. She is beautiful and has been such an answer to SO many prayers. I have loved watching her and her parents fall in love with being parent/child and this family thing. Can you visualize BA talking baby talk? I have seen it with my own eyes. My "big ole" football player son in law can goo goo ga ga with the best of them. The bigger they are the harder they fall in love too. This family is always keeping me entertained.

***Mitch finally had a day off. But, not before the weekend before Christmas. The AHS WarEagles were one game short of the STATE playoffs. The defeat even came in overtime when each team only has one possession of the ball. It just wasn't enough time for another score. It was disappointing for them but they have nothing to be ashamed of! They had an awesome football season. I am so proud of Mitch. He had a great professional year and even the HeadCoach told me that Mitch was an amazing young man, husband, father and role model for the kids. I could have told him that myself. This year they became new parents too. They learned alot about balancing career and family. It's not easy. JD has so many mixed emotions about her career. She is such a dedicated employee yet had no idea how much she was going to love being the mother to Tiny Princess. She wishes she could just win the lottery and never have to work. I wish so too. She is an amazing mother. She tries hard to keep Mitch "in line" too. You know what a job that is! Just joking, Mitch. But, honestly, I could never have EVER hand picked such a wonderful precious daughter/friend. And Tiny Princess? Oh my. She is trying to crawl and I can't imagine what that little bit will look like walking. She babbles and bubbles and coos. What a beauty. Honestly, I am not kidding. And so happy and good. I hope that life always comes so good for her.

So over the holidays you can imagine how wonderful it was to have them all snuggled with me at home. We had so much fun and so many laughs. The babies entertained us all and their big cousins were the perfect babysitters. It's so hard to be so far away from them all. I wish they could all just be close enough to squeeze on a daily basis. Camp Neena is already registering. And I can't wait.