LEST YOU THINK I AM A LIAR.....

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IN OTHER NEWS...... I have the sweetest friend who lives on the edge of a beautiful place called SINGING WOODS. It is peaceful, tranquil, full of love, animals roam, and snow falls quietly. But, right now it's anything but tranquil in her heart. She is fighting cancer in the fight of her life. Yet, sometimes she is so courageous in her posts you forget that she is fighting. I think she is brave but she doesn't. She says she is scared. She says that she tries not to feel sorry for herself. She says she worries about her family and their place in all this madness called cancer. But, I say to her........."Hey ! It's alright to feel all those things. Hey ! It's alright to be scared and mad and have pity parties. It's ok. " I think that those things, those emotions, are what makes a true warrior and fighter. Because she has the strongest emotion of all on her side. LOVE. She shared this award with me today along with some of her other friends. Love you DEENA. Please pray for her everyday!

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One of my sweet daughters left today with 5 of her dear friends for a girls weekend to Savannah GA ! They were so excited. They have all kinds of plans including having lunch at Paula Deen's restaurant ! They know they will be in line for hours. They are a special group of girls. Pray for all the daddies left caring for the kids! I know my grandbabies and their Daddy have lots of plans ! SWEET DADS!

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Some of you have asked about my mom. She is doing much better everyday. Still a few little problems with getting back some energy but hey.....I have that too! Thanks for all your prayers.

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Oh, and little Av is feeling much better too. She is back to her happy little self. Mean old teeth. Little J thrilled her mom by saying "Mama" today. OH......it's the simple things all along, isn't it?

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My joys today:
Waking up and not having to go anywhere!
My family......
A sunny day
HGTV
Hot coffee
Plans to clean and energy to do it
Supper already ready to pop in the oven
HEALTH inside and out
Going to the gym later
Getting an award from Deena

I started out to the library this morning as is my usual Wednesday morning routine. When I got closer to the turn I noticed a lot of "activity" in the area. I mean come on. This is a one light town and if more than 2 cars are on the same street we call it a crowd. Well maybe not quite that dramatic but anyway. I knew right off what it was. I was disgusted!






You see, they are filiming another movie in MY town. A major one too. There are 2 very well known stars in it and one is a hunka hunka hunka. But, no names for now. Anyway. I thought to myself ...."Who does he think he is that we just bow to him! I can't even believe it." Aren't they just normal people after all?










Our police force was even out in full gear! We get excited over the little things here. Road blocks were up and all. Full uniform. Serious faces. I was not amused.

Evidently filming had started. "WHO CARES???" , I thought. For the last several weekends there had been all kinds of movie agents/casting people in town. Lines surrounded the city hall. My daddy and uncle even went and stood in line for an audition. And, my uncle got a call back! Children and pets were last weekend. Someone's dog got picked to be in the movie. Plus, numerous children in town got selected for extra parts. So the excitement was already brewing.

Camera crews were everywhere. People strolling along looking important.












Before long the word was out. All of a sudden this was similiar to the scene I saw. Not really but ..........







Then before I could park in front of the library my cell phone rang. It was Becky and she was hysterical. She was on her way to lunch, going the normal way, down a normal street, to have a normal lunch. She stopped at the road block and was disgusted at first like I was to be inconvenienced by stardom. When all of sudden she looked up and directly in "spitting" distance from her window he stood. HE WAS JUST STANDING THERE. He was a real human. He smiled. All dressed in full Navy dress blues holding an officer's cap. And her mouth fell open. He was between takes walking to the next scene sight with the movie directors.

I admit it. As friends we tend to get caught up in excitement together. Becky's excitement is contagious too. SHE SAW HIM! And I didn't. She even got a picture! OK. Since I have gotton home I have loaded my car with my camera and binoculars. I never could stand up to peer pressure.




I am sure by this time next week we will all be sitting in the middle of the block in neighboring yards looking similar to this.

"A BOY IS ALL GOD HAS WITH WHICH TO MAKE A MAN"

Twenty six years ago tonight I know right where I was and what I was doing. I was still in disbelief that I had a newborn son. I was propped up in the hospital bed gazing into the eyes of my newest little angel. A beautiful, bright eyed little boy who had already filled my heart to the brim with love. Who would be coming home to complete me as a mother and join his 2 sisters, in making my life a most enchanted one. After all these years have flown by he holds his own little child, and maybe now he has a glimmer of how much I love him. He has given me so many happy memories, so many years in the bleachers, so many laughs, so many jokes, so many bright spots in a dark world, so many proud moments as a young leader and child of God. He taught me much more than I think I ever taught him. It's not easy being a parent. But, that night 26 years ago all I could do was sit and stare at him. All in blue and all snuggled in my arms. If I could have a basket of wishes, one would be to recreate that night and make time slow down just a little. Happy Birthday Mitchell! I love you.

Somebody feels bad tonight. Even a bath with all Neena's kitchen utensils couldn't brighten up these eyes. Four teeth are coming in at one time! A runny nose and fever made her feel so bad along with that. It's look like a snuggle night. I can't wait.

I heard some rustling around on the deck this morning and looked through the door to see a little wren with a string and some mossy stuff in her mouth. I'm not sure but I think it is the same little "family" that finds my decorative bird houses a great place to live. I didn't go out for fear I'd frighten her off but I plan to investigate later. I love the thought that my little outdoor houses make a safe place to raise some babies! It looked like she actually chose the Texas boot house this year. GOOD CHOICE.

NO LIE

I admit it. I was feeling a little down one day. It seems like everyone had been sick. All the transitioning at church.....people moving.......searching for a new preacher.......Late winter blues......taxes........Life seemed hectic. Rushed. CRAZY. Which is really a normal day for me. I made myself drive into town to the post office to get my mail. Which usually means, I collected the last few days compilation of bills, mail order catalogs from places I can't afford, and junk. But, wait. I had a card that said, "DEAR BOX HOLDER....YOU HAVE A PACKAGE." OH... I said to myself. And promptly got in the line of our 1 window post office to collect. I got GOOD MAIL! My very first GOOD MAIL. Do you think I could wait until I got the 4 miles back home to peek?

It was so official to see the precious note from Holly. I was so excited. She is one of my D's BFF'S. And she is P.R.E.C.I.O.U.S.
Well, when I got all the way home, I worked for hours to set this up. Seriously, I did....but I am mental like that. Everything kept toppling over when I would get it just right. But, it was way too cute not to share. This girl is super talented. She MADE these cards that I will hate to send off. Everyone was "Oh this is my favorite." They were all my favorite! You know?
And then there was chocolate. Not just any chocolate either. Dark chocolate is HEART HEALTHY. Did you know that? Not, thigh healthy. Just heart healthy.
And then she reminded me of the real reason to live. In these cute little fortune cookies. What a day. Thanks Holly. I love you!

Home Is Where the List Is

I started to make a list of the things I need to accomplish this week. But, the list got long and I got discouraged. Again. It seems like the days are filled with too many "have to's" and not enough "want to's". We'll see how many I am able to cross off the list by noon. Being the world's biggest procrastinator doesn't help the situation. How do you get things done when you don't even know where to start?

1. I believe that if anything is worth doing, it would have been done already.

2. I shall never move quickly, except to avoid more work or find excuses.

3. I will never rush into a job without a lifetime of consideration.

4. I shall meet all of my deadlines directly in proportion to the amount of bodily injury I could expect to receive from missing them.

5. I firmly believe that tomorrow holds the possibility for new technologies, astounding discoveries, and a reprieve from my obligations.

6. I truly believe that all deadlines are unreasonable regardless of the amount of time given.

7. I shall never forget that the probability of a miracle, though infinitely small, is not exactly zero.

8. If at first I don't succeed, there is always next year.

9. I shall always decide not to decide, unless of course I decide to change my mind.

10. I shall always begin, start, initiate, take the first step, and/or write the first word, when I get around to it.

11. I obey the law of inverse excuses which demands that the greater the task to be done, the more insignificant the work that must be done prior to beginning the greater task.

12. I know that the work cycle is not plan/start/finish, but is wait/plan/plan.

13. I will never put off until tomorrow, what I can forget about forever.
this list borrowed from someone but very fitting

Anybody Else In?

I am ready for a day of pampering .
Anybody else?

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

This was the nursing staff I had after I got home on Friday. Don't I have it so good? I was never out of their sight.

It doesn't get any better, I tell you.

JUST a note from all my "wearing RED" "good cause supporting" "PRAYING warrior, friends from around everywhere. Four thirty AM came early but it's now seven PM and I am HOME. Initial reports were very good. I didn't even get to wear my sweet new comfy jammies. GREAT I'll enjoy them tonight.

My "procedure" is over and I am even home. There was not an additional stent added. Which right now is great. It was a long day but I understand I slept through most of it while my grown children, grandchildren, parents and dear friends entertained each other watching movies, laughing, visiting the hospital snack bars, and back and forth to my room! Poppi got in a few good naps all snuggled on the couch. Hubby kept a bedside wait with me and I am so grateful for him. The kids all got here last night so we were up late. Mitch came ALONE with baby Jaxon ( 6months old) after he got off work. We laughed because they unloaded with a "dirty diaper" and an ice chest FULL of frozen breast milk. I know JD ( her mommy ) is totally missing her today and it was a great sacrifice to let them come. They'll see her tomorrow though.

The doctor's final words to hubby and me was, "your heart looks great considering what it's been through." He said that he did see about 40% blockage in on of the arteries but it was not sufficient at this time to go through a more major surgery. He is still concerned about the breathlessness feeling I have been having and we will follow up on in the next weeks. I came home wearing a holter monitor which I have done before. It is a continous computurized EKG for 24 hours straight. Anytime I feel something weird I am supposed to push a button and hit a key describing time/place/activity/sensation. Pretty cool. He says we will get to the bottom of some of this and I think he meant it! For that I am glad.

SO, thanks for all your prayers especially. For thinking of me today. For my gal friends who supported me today wearing RED. My precious JD and the entire ACU LADY WILCAT softball team has been praying for me all week and wore red ribbon armbands at their tournament this weekend. I even got a picture of a blonde beauty princess who even supported a tag with my name on it! I am totally honored for that.....plus a huge crowd of her employees there wearing red. For privacy I won't share the pictures but they made me SMILE. I have gotton emails and cyber hugs ever since I got home tonight. I am so thankful.

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.