shananagins

Happy Mother's Day!

2010-05-08T07:41:00.000-05:00

I can't believe I finally got this peony to bloom. I dug it from Mama's yard back in 2003 and finally found the right spot for it. Mama had about 5 of these plants that were planted by her clothes line. She never did a thing to them and they always were so pretty when they bloomed. I wish I knew the story behind them. I'm sure she dug them up from someone's garden. I love having a little piece of someone else's garden in my yard. You can't help but think of that person every time you see that special plant. Thank you, Mama!

Today the boys would be TWO years old

2010-04-12T21:35:00.003-05:00

This is the reason that I wanted to go to the beach. My sweet boy's birthday is the day after mine and I just wanted to get away from it all. I just wanted to be where I could think of them and smile or cry. When we woke up this morning, we wanted to walk on the beach one more time before we packed up and left. The boys were the first thing I thought about when I woke up. I shared my plan to write their names in the sand with Dicky & he volunteered his toothbrush for the job. The sand was so cold on our feet when we made the trek down toward the ocean. I wrote Happy Birthday first and we quickly snapped a picture before the waves totally washed it away. Dicky wrote his birthday wishes next and we snapped several more pictures. While I was waiting on him to finish up, the tears started coming... While I know they are in a better place of peace and total happiness, I get selfish & feel sorry for myself and wish they were here with us. At least someday we will all be united with them again.

Spring are you here yet?

2010-03-28T13:40:00.000-05:00

After breakfast this morning, Dicky & I did a quick walk through the Botanical Gardens and found a few things blooming. I hope this is a sign that Spring is here! When things are blooming and growing I always feel there is hope. Hope for happiness, strength and peace. Thank you God for giving me Spring!

Abby & Loni on Matter's of Faith ABC 33-40

2009-08-23T20:37:00.003-05:00

baby it's hot outside

2009-06-19T20:27:00.002-05:00

shuwee - it has been so HOT! i am so dissatisfied and spoiled. always waiting on the weather to warm up or cool off. i didn't think it would ever warm up enough to swim. i was wrong. it was 99o when I got off work today! the pool was so nice this afternoon. i don't think i've ever started a pool season where i didn't have to get used to the water before i went all the way under. Today I just walked in and enjoyed. Bella floated with me for a while on the raft until she got bored with it. Ahhh - summer is here :)

So sad about my flip-flops : (

2009-06-15T22:19:00.002-05:00

When I logged on to my blog tonight the background was all distorted and crazy looking! AAAAKKKK! I hated to lose my sandy flip-flops header that I have had so long that I've forgotten where I got it... but I couldn't stand to have a "neck-ed" blog. I really miss my flops though. should have tried re-booting

Thinkin' about my boys

2009-06-12T20:06:00.002-05:00

Today Brody and Braden would have been 1 year and 2 months old. I can't believe it's been so long since I saw them. I think of them everyday and wonder what they are doing. Are they still tiny or are they learning to walk? What color is their hair? How much do they look and act alike? What makes them smile and giggle? How do they favor their mom and dad?
I can't help thinking about them. I'm reminded of them everyday when I see other babies. I'm thankful that someday I'll get to see them again and all my questions and emptiness will vanish. Love you to the moon and back boys!!!

Blessed

2009-05-10T06:57:00.002-05:00

Happy Day to "Mothers"! Whether you have physically birthed children or helped raise a child, it doesn't matter. We influence and make a difference in the lives of the little ones around us.

I am blessed with two extraordinary children. If I had known that these two would turn out so well, I would have populated the world with more strong Herrens! Vance and Abby are so different, but their values are the same.

Thank you, God, for giving me these two wonderful children. They are my world and I love them so much! Thank you for my grandbabies, Brody and Braden. They are forever in my heart and soul. (When I think of them, that Fannie Flagg book titiled, "Can't Wait to Get to Heaven" always pops in my head and makes me smile.) Thank you, God, for my mother, grandmother and mother-in-law. Their influence has molded me into the person I am today.

"Her children rise up and call her blessed." (That verse always makes me giggle.)

WELCOME TO ARBY'S

2009-03-02T17:30:00.003-06:00

My friends and I hate when the Arby's crew yell's at you when you walk in the door - BUT it's worth it for a free sandwich, right??? Click here and print a coupon for a free (with the purchase of a drink) sandwich. Hurry!!! The coupon expires March 9th!

I'm thinking Arby's now, are you?

A favorite Uncle

2009-02-08T16:45:00.007-06:00

Jerry Hinton, a favorite uncle of ours died recently. His wife, Eula Mae planned a very unique memorial service to honor Jerry. I will miss him at the anual "Christmas pickin", but I'll mainly miss his dry sense of humor that was like no other!

Here are a few photos from the service at Leeds UMC and then the scattering of his ashes at Lookout Point - Horse Pens 40. Here's a link to other photos of Jerry.

http://
HINTON, JERRY, of Leeds, Alabama was born May 13, 1936 in Birmingham, Alabama. He grew up in Irondale, where he was a member of Irondale United Methodist Church and attended Shades Valley High School. He served in the U.S. Army from 1959-1961. He retired from Boggan Carpet Installation. He had lived in Leeds since 1962 and was a past member of Leeds Lions Club and served as club secretary for 3 years, he was a charter member of Alabama Bluegrass Music Association, and a member of the Alabama Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame. He was a NASCAR and ice hockey fan, a football fan for all of Alabama's schools, but everyone knew that Auburn was his favorite. Mr. Hinton was preceded in death by parents, Thera and Norman Hinton; and his sister, Fay McCoy. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Mae Hinton; sister, Norma Jo Bass (Buddy); brothers-in-law, Huston McLendon (Alice) J.L. Herren (Martha). A memorial celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at Leeds First United Methodist Church. At sundown we will present his ashes back to the earth and to the Lord from Lookout Point at HorsePens40, where he encouraged so many to appreciate the beauty of God's earth and to enjoy bluegrass music and where he marked trails for visitors to enjoy. He selected this as his final resting place because it was so special to him. On Friday, February 6, 2009 friends are invited to share memories, photos, food, and Bluegrass Music here at our home. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Leeds First United Methodist Church or Alabama Bluegrass Music Association. P.O. Box 220 Leeds, Alabama 35094. Kilgroe Funeral Home, Leeds Directing.
Published in The Birmingham News from 2/5/2009 - 2/6/2009

She's 30!

2009-01-05T11:43:00.003-06:00

Dear Abby,
30 is not so bad. Really. Happy Birthday!!!
Love,
Mom

georgia

2008-12-22T11:34:00.002-06:00

georgia is my mini schnauzer that has been the puppy love of my life for the past 10 years. she was not liked by everyone because she was not the friendliest dog and was so darn "vocal". our georgia died last Wednesday at the ER vet. she had been sick for several months and was just not her self anymore. you could tell she didn't feel good and that something serious was wrong.
i miss her terribly, but i'm so glad we got another puppy to help fill the void of losing two of our puppy dogs this year.
it's strange to be so attached to something that is not human. you feel like an idiot, crying over losing a pet, but they become such a part of the family that the mourning just comes.
i know i'll be just as sad when we lose "white dog" and the new puppy - but hopefully that will be a few years down the road.

Would you believe...

2008-12-14T20:55:00.002-06:00

Would you believe... that White Dog had a puppy????

Would you believe.... thatI bought this baby from a lady at Wal-Mart???

Taking names - please help me name her!!!! I wanted Ava, but I was out-voted by the men in the house.

Happy Anniversary Baby!

2008-12-06T12:36:00.002-06:00

I've got chu on my mi...hind! I love this man! He has put up with me and my shannagins for 34 years. He is the most patient person I know. Nothing ever shakes him. Nothing comes along that he can't see some blue sky somewhere. I am the luckiest woman in the world to have snagged him so many years ago. Please shoot him an email at richardherren@hotmail.com and let him know that his wife loves him very much. I want his mail box filled up ladies! Thanks!

a simple Christmas

2008-12-05T10:08:00.003-06:00

With money being tight for everyone this year, our family has decided not to exchange gifts. It's really given me time to focus more on others that are less fortunate than us. Last night I went shopping with the girls to buy clothes, etc, for Lisa B. Lisa was on the wish tree at HealthSouth and is sponsored by Gateway. I hope she will love the clothes, makeup and jewelry we bought her. She's 15 years old so we really could have used a young chick's perspective! I think we did alright despite our handicap.

I've also been told about this couple that just found out that daddy's cancer is back and it doesn't look too good. My heart melted and I had to send them a little something. They are Christians so there is assurance of eternal life, but they are so young and just starting their family. I want to see them grow old together.

Happy Friday all!

Dang! I still look like Lucy Ricardo!

2008-12-01T17:20:00.004-06:00

I've colored it again with a light golden brown and I still get firetruck RED!
Tonight or tomorrow I'm going to add some highlights to the madness to see if that will give me neon orange stripes!

Girls just wanna have fun! Right?

Lucy Ricardo is alive!

2008-11-30T09:19:00.000-06:00

Ok, it's not really Lucy, but gosh my hair is RED now! This is what happens when you go shopping for hair color with your gorgeous, naturally red-headed daughter! There is no way to have her color! I will have to color over this, but I just needed to document so I won't forget that I can't be a natural looking red-head! Back to Wal-Mart for me...

Interview tomorrow!

2008-11-25T16:33:00.003-06:00

Got a call to interview with Protective Life Corp tomorrow morning at 9:30. I hope it works out that we like each other. I'm so tired of looking. Looking for work has been more than a full time job and so frustrating! As Christa would say - maybe I'll get a Thanksgiving miracle! Whoot whoot!

UPDATE - Interview went well. They are looking to hire someone in January. They will get back with me next week to let me know what the next step will be.

2008-11-22T13:17:00.002-06:00

Ab and I went to see Twilight yesterday afternoon. It was good, but didn't seem as intense as the book. I was disappointed in the heavy white make-up that Carlisle and Jasper wore. It was fun though and I'd probably go see it again, just because. The best part was when I had to break for the restroom. I came back and couldn't find where I was sitting before!!! It was hilarious! I couldn't see a thing - only shapes of people staring at me! I knew somewhere Abby was laughing her head off at me! I finally just sat to the side and some nice young man came and escorted me to my correct seat! That just proves that I should be eligible for a senior discount! Gotta love old people - they are so funny.

tomorrow I'm fully severed!

2008-11-20T06:56:00.002-06:00

tomorrow will be my final severance payment from DHC. YIKES! i'm still applying for everything, but no luck yet. when i do finally get back to work, i'm going to be really tired! i'm like a baby with my days and nights mixed up! i think i'm driving the hubs crazy with the hours that i'm keeping. i'm not sleeping any during the day, but i seem to be able to stay up really late. i'm saying, really late... even the dogs are begging me to get some normal hours!

the hubs is flying to one of my fav cities today :(. i so wish i could have gone to chicago with him!!! i know it's freezing there, but i just love wandering in and out of the stores. we keep saying that we will go back someday during the spring or fall when the weather is nice. it's just a great city with LOTS to see and do.

i'm excited that Twilight is so close! i don't think i'll be going to the midnight show, but i'll definately be seeing it before the weekend is over. ahhhhh - Edward and Bella.....

i've set up shop on Etsy now. i hope to get the rest of my "bazaar" items posted today. some of my peeps are tired of checking back and only seeing 5 things!

got to take GA back to the vet today... poor pup can't seem to get well. i hope it's not something serious!!! i don't want any more trauma!

Sushi Bug

2008-11-14T07:27:00.004-06:00

We miss our little Sushi! We have been a 3 dog family for so long it seems strange and boring with just the 2. I've made a little slide show of Sushi on the right. She was such a sweet doggy - always a puppy at heart.

Thanks for the reminder!

2008-11-04T08:32:00.007-06:00

Still no job. I look every day on the "www", but see the same things that are posted by recruiting companies as "eye candy". (They don't really have those jobs available, but just want to draw you in so they can help you...) I have two more severance checks coming and then it's just me and unemployment checks. I'm not really a worrier until I feel threatened. I will wait and fall apart when I don't have money to pay bills.

I'm on a mailing list for a local scrapbook store called The Scrapbook Princess (http://thescrapbookprincess.blogspot.com/ ). Paulette always begins her Newsletter with a scripture quote. Thank you for reminding me not to worry, Paulette! Y'all go visit her store. It's small, but totally PACKED with scrapping goodness!!! I have a 50% off coupon - email me if you'd like one.

"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

Speaking of worrying - DON'T FORGET TO VOTE TODAY!!!

a few "highlights"

2008-10-23T09:48:00.000-05:00

highlights are in the hair and I like it much better. next time i'll add more highlights -i was just a little scared this time.
i've been so busy lately -still looking for a job, working on a Christmas card workshop, working on my Bazaar items and doing all of this with one of those dumb sinus colds! my voice sounds like i'm a chain smoker right now!
i can't believe it's fall already! leaves are coming down like rain today. i haven't been outside yet, but the wind is really kicking out there. i suppose the swimming pool cover will be put on this weekend. i hate when the pool is shut down...looking at a green cover is not as relaxing as hearing the fountain and looking at that pretty blue water.
i think i'm going to meet the girls for lunch today. i'm in sort of a funk and being with them always picks me up. so thankful for the girlfriends!!!

Saving money?

2008-10-14T07:39:00.006-05:00

I colored my hair yesterday! Doesn't look too bad but I'm hoping with some highlights it will lighten up. Going over to Abby's tonight to let her put in the highlights. Thank goodness for daughters!

Here's a pic of the hair before highlights. Hey - saved myself salon price of $90 for color and highlights. Sorry local salons!!!

Today was...

2008-10-02T21:05:00.006-05:00

very enjoyable. Abby took off work so we could go to the Southern Women's Show. She wanted to see Jon and Kate (plus 8). We started out with a lovely lunch at Gatherings in Trussville. They have the most delicious Strawberry Pretzel Salad.

Left there and arrived at the BJCC - parking was $7, tickets for the show were $9 (each). We walked around with our free plastic bags from Chik-fil-a and tried to avoid the vendors begging us to register for giveaways. We left after about 2 hours.
Notes from the show:

We didn't get to see Jon or Kate - the seating was inadequate for the crowd.

Mothers of multiples were everywhere (I guess they wanted their kids to see more kids?)

Our rewards from the show were: a bunch of flyers, a fingernail file, a couple of magazines full of advertising, a pen and I had one shiny fingernail where a foreign guy demonstrated a buffing product he was selling.

Things we did not buy were: the Weight Loss Patch, Dark Chocolate with no caffeine, dips, sauces, cookware, a Christmas sweatshirt, fake pony tails, knock-offs, sleep system beds, tazers, pepper spray, jewelry, crazy clothes, crazy shoes, frilly socks, leggings, fudge, Avon, Mary Kay, Clinique, Estee Lauder, stationary, fight breast cancer blinkie buttons, henna tattoos, body wraps.................................

I did enjoy a free cup of Blue Bell vanilla ice cream. They served it with those cute little flat wooden spoons.

Please remind me that I'm supposed to remind Abby that we aren't going to the SWS next year.

negative

2008-10-01T15:27:00.004-05:00

Abby just called - she's not pregnant.
JEHOVAH-JIREH: "The Lord will Provide." Gen. 22:14. God always provides, adequate when the time comes.

Correcting my thinking and getting out of the funk!

2008-10-01T07:32:00.004-05:00

I've learned a few things lately. Being overwhelmed with failure leads to depression. I've gone through so many different possibilities as to why I was one of the ones chosen to be "downsized", but haven't been able to come up with a satisfying answer.

Today I have decided that it really doesn't matter. I know that losing my job was not my fault. I can walk away knowing that I did my best. I got TONS of experience that I would not have gotten otherwise. I made some good friends.

Today I'm going to try new things. I will find a really interesting job with a good group of people.

"The greatest mistake you can make in life is to continually be afraid you will make one."
Elbert Hubbard

It's about time!

2008-09-30T08:58:00.001-05:00

It's about time that I signed on with Close To My Heart! I took the plunge and now I'm not sure what I'm going to do with it. I got so much "stuff" in the consultant kit, but I want to use it wisely to get the most out of it. Anyways, I'm working on putting together a Christmas Card workshop for the Pinkys and friends. I'll post some samples later, but here are some of the paper selections that I'll be working with.

Country Song or it Ain't?

2008-09-21T10:51:00.008-05:00

Two thousand and eight started out great.
Grandbabies on the way who could ask for more?
We were expecting twin boys, Braden and Brody
watching them grow was a beautiful thing.
They made an early entrance in to this world
so tiny, so sweet, too small to survive.
Born the day after my birthday
I'll always remember
holding their tiny hands, ironing their smocked gowns,
tears of goodbye and I'll see you soon.
With hearts still heavy our attention was diverted
when dad complained that he was in pain.
We rushed him to the ER
scared of the unknown.
Prayers, tests, Prayers, surgery
Thankful, so Thankful to have him home again!
Summer was wonderful
relaxing by the pool
flowers were planted
finches and hummingbirds entertained daily.
I have a nice job that keeps our bills paid,
but long to be free to do what I please.
I didn't see it coming
I thought I was an asset,
but I was mistaken
and not needed at all.
Downsizing, downsmizing whatever...
I'm "free" now
Isn't that what I longed for?
Days are getting cooler
Fall is sneaking in
our dogs love this time of the year
Except...
one dog isn't as perky as she used to be.
Sushi is struggling to get up the steps
one day she just stops and can't walk at all.
Her legs are all stiff and won't bend right.
She spends her days laying down
unable to sit up or beg for a treat.
She's still alert and has her "right" mind,
her body is broken and can't work anymore.
What do I do with this helpless pup of mine?
I'm torn between keeping her with me right now
or giving her up to a forever nap.
Life is filled with surprises and such
it's good that we can't know the future in advance
whether happy or sad we are equipped to cope
through faith and family and friends
Who would have thought that a silly sitcom
would have such a relevant title to me?
One Day at a Time, I'm taking it
One Day at a Time.

2008-09-13T00:19:00.004-05:00

Hey yall! Lookie here at this FUN Christmas event that my friend Virginia is planning. (If Virginia is involved, you won't be disappointed.) I think I hear some sleigh bells ringing???

"Join us at Wrapper's Delight for a weekend long crafting time, fabulous classes, make and takes, prizes, and much more!"

Hope to see you there!
Visit http://scrapetcevents.blogspot.com/ for more information!

Croppin Day - 08/23/08

2008-08-24T17:48:00.001-05:00

Who: Me and Abby
Where: my dining room
What: picture frames for Brody and Braden

Oh, What a Night!

2008-08-21T20:10:00.002-05:00

Who: Shan, Christa, Jennifer
What: Girls Night Out
When: August 18, 2008
Where: Sips 'n Strokes
Why: Umm??? Seemed like a good idea.

The night started out great. I picked up Christa and Jennifer from work and we headed for Fox and Hound for dinner (Christa had a BOGO!). Dinner was good. We were giggly and excited about going to paint "Funky Girl" at Sips 'n Strokes.
After we ate we headed for class. We decided to leave our purses in the car since there isn't much room in the classroom and some of us were afraid we would get paint on our bags. We paid, found our seats, squirted our paint, made another trip to the car to get Christa's drink and put our credit cards in our purses.
We had so much fun painting our masterpieces! Christa was nervous at first, but she quickly jumped in and gave "Funky Girl" some color! As we were getting closer to the car, I realized that my passenger window looked funny - no, it was busted out! We found out later that you should never leave your purse in the car. I don't know how many people had to let us know that, after the fact. We we were all dumb butts and we knew it. Anyways, the thief only took Christa's purse.
Jennifer and I felt really bad for Christa as she was giving her report of what she thought was in her purse to the police officer. It was really sad and unbelievable that such a fun night could end so "pooty".
Enjoy the pics of our fun night! And remember - NEVER LEAVE YOUR PURSE IN THE CAR...

Alternative Weigh-in

2008-06-21T07:34:00.002-05:00

We had to take GA (georgia) to the vet yesterday.
Symptoms: weak, lack of appetite, difficulty breathing, weird lumps and bumps had been developing all over, coughing, etc.

My diagnosis: cancer of the throat, congestive heart failure, fluid in her cancer ridden lungs and pancreatis.

At the Vet: she had a fever, her heart and lungs sounded fine. He was going to let it go as just an infection and treat her with antibiotics. Oh no...I knew she was much more ill than that. I wanted blood work done. Blood work was done and revealed that she had an infection... guess I'm just an over-reacting "mother".

Back to the weigh-in part - the scales at the vet are so cool that I decided to weigh in. (we quit paying for WW...too expensive and we think we can continue on our own) Anyways, I'm down to 165! I wonder if I could start bring my weigh-in card to the vet each week and have them mark it for me???

Oh, BTW, GA started feeling better after just one dose of the antibiotics and pain meds...she's barking loud and shriller than ever! Yea!

Vacation Crop

2008-05-25T12:32:00.004-05:00

I brought more scrap supplies than I did clothes for the trip to Clemson! My plan was to scrap while Dicky was in his conference meetings. Most people would feel sorry for me being "stuck" in the room all day - but I had such a good time. I only got these 5 pages done, but it was so much fun spending all that time doing what I love!

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Clemson, SC

2008-05-25T12:01:00.004-05:00

We just got back from a trip to Clemson University. Conference for Dicky - scrap time for me! Here are a few pics from the trip.

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Attitude

2008-05-23T22:01:00.002-05:00

There once was a woman who woke up one morning,
looked in the mirror,
and noticed she had only three hairs on her head.
'Well,' she said, 'I think I'll braid my hair today.'
So she did and she had a wonderful day.

The next day she woke up,
looked in the mirror
and saw that she had only two hairs on her head.
'H-M-M,' she said,
'I think I'll part my hair down the middle today.'
So she did and she had a grand day.

The next day she woke up,
looked in the mirror and noticed
that she had only one hair on her head.
'Well,' she said, 'today I'm going
to wear my hair in a pony tail.'
So she did, and she had a fun, fun day.

The next day she woke up,
looked in the mirror and noticed
that there wasn't a single hair on her head.
'YAY!' she exclaimed.
'I don't have to fix my hair today!'

Attitude is everything.

Be kinder than necessary,
for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.

Live simply,

Love generously,

Care deeply,

Speak kindly.......

Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass...

It's about learning to dance in the rain.

Have a Blessed Day!

Rainforest Tourist Attraction in Pigeon Forge

2008-05-11T22:00:00.004-05:00

Yes, we fell for it. We wanted to see this attraction in Pigeon Forge for a long time. We finally were able to work it in to our plans in May...

Enjoy the show below and save some money! : )

Time Bomb???

2008-04-27T15:31:00.001-05:00

I had to take Dicky to the ER Thursday night. He was having severe pain in his left arm, but no other typical "heart attack" symptoms. By the time we got to the hospital, the pain had eased up and was almost gone. He agreed with me and Vance that he should go ahead and get checked while we were there. Nothing showed on the EKG, x-ray or blood work that linked his pain to a heart attack. Because Dicky has a few factors that make him high risk, we took the ER doc's advice and stayed overnight for observation, more testing and a consult with a cardiologist in the morning. The night was uneventful and Dicky was feeling fine Friday morning. The cardiologist suggested that he have an arteriogram to just make sure there wasn't any blockage. The plan was if any blocked arteries were found that they would put stints in during the procedure. About 20 minutes in to the procedure the cardiologist came out and said there was blockage and stints were necessary. One artery was 90% blocked another was about 99% blocked. There are a couple other areas that are 40 to 50% blocked. Three stints were placed in the 90 - 99% blocked areas. The other blocked areas will be watched. They do not put in stints unless you have at least 70% blockage.

It's Saturday and we are home now. Dicky is sore and sleepy, but that's normal for what he's been through.

Things to be thankful for:
going to the ER even though the heart attack symptoms were not all there
staying overnight to hear what the cardiologist advised
accepting the cardiologist's advice to have the arteriogram
skillful hands and eyes of the surgeons
the surgeon was able to place all stints needed (there was a possibility that they may not be able to get them all in which meant that we would have to go through the arteriogram again)
no heart attack
support of Dicky's Dad, Vance, Abby and Cary in the waiting area
kind, attentive nurses and nursing assistants

Please pray for a no complication recovery for Dicky. He's too good a guy for us to lose this early!!!

coping

2008-04-18T08:44:00.004-05:00

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Braden and Brody's Birthday - April 12, 2008

2008-04-16T07:44:00.013-05:00

My beautiful grand babies came in to the world early and were not able to survive. I know that God helped us through this by letting us see perfectly formed babies. All toes and fingers were accounted for. A little light colored hair was coming in (it was going to be red, of course). Their tiny ears nose and lips were absolutely beautifully formed. Every feature was so detailed and intricate that we tried not to miss anything about them. I held their tiny hands and tried to see any features that linked them to their mommy and daddy. Abby noticed that they had their daddy's "crazy" toe! It's as if God gave us something to smile about as we looked over their little bodies.

Braden Lee was born at 12:45 a.m.,weighed 15 1/2 ounces and was 11 inches long.

Brody Lee was born at 12:48 a.m., weighed 13 ounces and was 10 inches long.

While God did not allow us to love and spoil the boys, I know that He will be doing this for us until we can be with them. Maybe Granmaw and Meemaw and PawPaw are loving on them. I'm not sure how this works, but I know that since God's love is greater than ours that they are definitely being loved and cared for.

I know God has other plans for Abby and Cary. We will have to be patient and wait to see what He will give us to love on!

Welcome Spring!

2008-03-23T18:16:00.002-05:00

I'm so glad things are blooming again. This Carolina Jasmine is taking over my deck, but I love it.

ww

2008-03-15T12:33:00.003-05:00

DH and i have started Weight Watchers together. i hate watching what i eat. i just want to eat when and what i want. i guess that's why i've gained 40+ pounds since i last did WWs...

Weigh-in is tomorrow! i hope we have lost some pounds!

mini local vacation

2008-03-15T12:30:00.000-05:00

a few vacation days

2008-03-15T11:45:00.004-05:00

march 12, 13 & 14 No work - all play!

Day 1 - visited a familiar landmark to all Birminghamians. not even going to say what, but you will recognize his lovely features in the pics.

also worked in a visit to the Botanical Gardens. plan was to find a lovely swing and just swing, look at the sky and relax. of course we had to walk to the Japanese Garden area to see if the cherry trees were in bloom (they were not). we did find a lovely swing which i was truly enjoying until i looked at DH's face and realized he was bored silly. snapped a few pics of some tulips and left.

Day 2 - movie day - i had picked out 10 movies that are currently out that i thought we should see. DH picked a dud..."10,000 B.C.". it was ok but not a must-see.

Day 3 - lovely thunderstorms abounded so i got to pick the movie for the day. i chose "Spiderwick Chronicles". we both agreed that this one was much better than Tuesday's flick. (popcorn almost got us though...don't know how many points movie popcorn is, but we were strong and did not succomb to that lovely smell. it usually smells better than it tastes though.)

today is Saturday and i'm feeling like the vacation is over. still a little rainy out so i think i'll attempt to do a little cleaning today.

never really thought much about the subject of lobotomies...

2008-02-10T15:11:00.000-06:00

i spend an hour traveling to work and back home Monday through Friday and enjoy listening to audio books rather than the radio or cds. i listen to all kinds of stuff - usually fiction romance, sci-fi or whatever else gets my attention at the library. i just finished listening to what i thought was fiction, but turned out to be a biography by Howard Dully called My Lobotomy. i don't think i'll ever use the term lobotomy to be funny again. i have been totally blown away by this book. this man describes his life from childhood to adulthood. he was given a lobotomy at the age of 12, because his step mother could not control him and his father was too complacent to object. the lobotomy did not "work" to the step mother's satisfaction so she talked his father in to giving him up as a ward of the state. it's amazing that this man turned out so well. he is in his 50s now and is doing well. i would love to meet him personally and just give him a hug. he worked with Sound Portraits on a documentary of his life which aired on NPR in Novemeber 2005. take a listen - it will take you out of your comfort zone and make you think a little.
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5014080

There are TWO of them!

2008-01-13T08:47:00.000-06:00

Abby and Cary are having TWINS! I am so excited for them (and me). Babies to arrive in August!

happy birthday, abby! January 5, 1979

2008-01-06T21:11:00.001-06:00

You look maavalus hun!!!

friends

2008-01-06T20:54:00.000-06:00

Christa, April, Sheila, Jennifer - these girls are the best. They have enriched my life through laughter, tears, prayer, work, play and many other ways. I hope I can be as inspiring and supportive to them as they are to me.

Pinky's Rule!

Preggers!

2007-12-16T22:26:00.000-06:00

The test done on December 11th confirms that Abby is preggers. She was 5 weeks! It's still too early to brag, so I must be patient. At least there is a weekly visit to the doctor so we can get frequent updates. Here's a picture of the embryos before they were put in place.

My girl

2007-12-02T19:52:00.000-06:00

Today was a sweet, emotional day, but this is not about me. My Abby had two of her fertilized eggs put in to place today. She is so brave! She has been preparing for this day for several months! I can't even imagine how she must feel. Now she has to wait... She will find out if she is pregnant on December 11. I have to remind myself that God is in control and knows what the outcome will be. Say a prayer for her and Cary as they wait.

Maids a waitin' and waitin'...

2007-11-07T21:02:00.000-06:00

My friend Kurt (middle groomsman) sent me these photos of his friend's wedding. The next photo explains why the odd looks on their faces....

Pretty Maids a Waitin'

family

2007-11-06T21:04:00.000-06:00

i love this photo!

i'm not sure what the circumstances were for the photo, but i imagine that they may have been celebrating the return of my dad from WWII. my brother ed was around 2 when daddy was able to get back home. those are my mother's parents and her sister in the photo as well as the family home (still located on Martinwood Circle in Huffman) in the background.

(left to right standing) Pawpaw, Ed, Mawmaw, Mama and Daddy

(kneeling) Aunt Itara and her husband.

i didn't come along until 10 years after this photo!
i miss my parents and grandparents. i never knew my mother's sister, but she is always smiling and looks so happy in all the photos i've seen.

i was blessed with good parents that loved each other.

my girls

2007-11-03T21:59:00.000-05:00

these are
my girls.
they are
dogs.
i think of them as children that i don't have to send to daycare when i go to work.

georgia

sushi

brooke (a.k.a. white dog / honkey)

I've been a mother for over half of my life...

2007-10-29T20:54:00.000-05:00

Today is my 1st borns birthday. Vance is 31 today. He is a northern baby and a southern child. Enough about him - 31 years ago at the young age of 20, I became a mother! There really isn't a good time to have a child. If you have them young, as I did, you don't know what the heck you are doing and really don't realize that this is a life you are shaping and molding. If you have them later in life, when you are more mature, you know too much and worry about everything! I'm glad I had my children when I did. They really turned out pretty good, but I can't take the credit for that. They had a super dad and a heavenly father to watch over them.

Happy Birthday, Vance! I'm sorry I had to whack you so much with a wooden spoon when I was shaping and molding you. I'm sorry I overreacted when you scared Abby with the rubber snake. Remember, it was your daddy that made you eat all of that spaghetti till you threw up. Sorry about slamming the trunk to the car on your hand - you were smart to take the keys away from me to unlock the trunk.

You are a terrific person and I love you very much!!!

Kitty Litter Cake

2007-10-28T17:13:00.000-05:00

Serving Size: 24

1 (18 oz.) box spice or german chocolate cake mix 1 (18 oz.) box white cake mix
1 pkg. white sandwich cookies
1 large box vanilla instant pudding mix
12 small tootsie rolls
1 litter box (preferably a NEW one!)
1 plastic scoop
green food coloring

Preparation:
Prepare cake mixes and bake according to directions (any size pans). Prepare pudding mix and chill until ready to assemble. Crumble white sandwich cookies in small batches in blender, they tend to stick, so scrape often. Set aside all but about 1/4 cup. To the 1/4 cup cookie crumbs, add a few drops green food coloring and mix using a fork or shake in a jar.
When cakes are cooled to room temperature, crumble into a large bowl. Toss with half the remaining white cookie crumbs and the chilled pudding. You probably won’t need all of the pudding, mix with the cake and “feel” it, you don’t want it soggy, just moist; gently combine. Put mixture into clean litter box.Put three unwrapped Tootsie rolls in a microwave safe dish and heat until soft and pliable. Shape ends so they are no longer blunt, curving slightly. Repeat with 3 more Tootsie rolls and bury in mixture. Sprinkle the other half of cookie crumbs over top. Scatter the green cookie crumbs lightly over the top, this is supposed to look like the chlorophyll in kitty litter. Heat remaining Tootsie Rolls, three at a time in the microwave until almost melted. Scrape them on top of the cake and sprinkle with cookie crumbs. Place the box on a newspaper and sprinkle a few of the cookie crumbs around. Serve with a new pooper scooper.

sunday

2007-10-28T10:04:00.000-05:00

My friends are in church and I'm trying to decide where to go for lunch. There are procedures or rules that should be followed when going out to lunch on Sunday.

Rule number 1 - It is the Lord's Day so you need to walk quietly and try not to sin.
Number 2 (Michelle likes number 2, so I have to make this one good) Take a shower.
3 Try not to get mad or wait too long to leave to eat - this will cause you to sin.
4 You have to leave the house by 11:00 (earlier, if possible). Some of the local churches start early. You have to watch out for these people. They are your competition. They cause traffic to back up because they usually have a policeman directing traffic. This is a problem because the policeman will always favor the ones that are coming out of the church parking lot. You can get around this by pulling in to the church parking lot and going back out with the policeman directing. (I personally haven't tried this.)
Do not go to the obvious "Sunday lunch" restaurants. A bad choices would be Cracker Barrel or any restaurant that has a buffet.

More later, I have to go wake up everyone so we can shower and get on the road!

Time

2007-10-27T15:33:00.000-05:00

After a long week at work, weekends are truly a blessing, but on Monday morning don't you always get asked "what did you do this weekend"? I usually can't remember what I did, unless it was something tramatic that stands out like being in an accident. As I see it, there are several ways to use your time so that you can give a good and interesting report on Monday.
You could spend time cleaning and doing the things around your house that would make your mama proud, but who wants to hear about that on Monday??? If I chose to use my time wisely today, what would that mean that I should do? Should I spend my time vacuming or washing clothes? I can easily get the dog hair up by just walking to the fridge and back to the computer with socks on. I can solve the "nothing to wear" delimma by doing a little shopping on Sunday so I would have something to wear to work on Monday.
If I chose to spend my time being creative, I could get a little TV in, as well as satisfy my need to create and I would have something to bring to show and tell on Monday.
What about spending time foolishly? Would I feel like a fool if I chose to spend my time foolishly??? I wonder what I could do that would count towards spending my time foolishly? Hmmm, let me think (hands should be in the prayer position and tap your pointer fingers on your lips - this is good for pondering an idea or thought. my friend JOH taught me this).