121 – Sweetest Thing Ever!

This afternoon, I took Charlsie to another appointment… and afterwards, I asked her if she felt up to going to visit her sister in the nursing home.  She said she did, so off we went.  Dorothy will be 101 years old on December 2… Charlsie will be 92 on December 4.  There are only four of them left out of thirteen.  The youngest is 82!

It did my heart good to see them interact with one another.  I think it was quite possibly the sweetest thing ever.

I got some video and it is just precious.  Some of the things they talked about just cracked me up.  Charlsie was sure glad she got to go visit.  When we left, they just hugged one another and Charlsie said, “I love you VERY much.” 

Sweet.

120 – I’m Blessed! What Can I Say?

I got to spend the afternoon with Ms. Charlsie today… she had a checkup at the doctor so I took her.  I enjoyed listening to her and the doctor as he asked her questions and she answered him. He talked to her for over an hour, one on one… what doctor’s do that nowadays??  He loves how sharp she is at the age of (almost) 92.  I often wish I had tried harder to get to know her in our early years in this neighborhood…I would’ve had my kids over there to play and sit on the porch with them and listen to all the life stories they had to share.  But, I’m so grateful for the years we’ve gotten so close to one another.  She is precious to me.

Speaking of precious…

I got a pleasant surprise when I got my mail today…

 

Love that signature… and I LOVE those kids!!

Only 4 days left.

119 – Yummy!

Today after church, Tyler, Daisy and I went to Branson and had lunch at the Olive Garden.  This was (what was left of) our dessert (Zeppoli)… it’s my favorite!!

We had a fun day.  Have I mentioned how much I enjoy my kids?? And the fact that in 5 days we’ll ALL be together again?

Enjoy your Monday…

118 – Saturday With My Friday Night Peeps

I stayed home and did financial stuff this morning and then I spent most of my afternoon with Ms. Charlsie.  I love every minute with her… I seriously laugh at things she says or faces she makes for hours after I leave her.

Tonight we ate supper with Tyler and Daisy.  We had a waitress that seemed to forget everything she said she’d “be right back with”.  It was a loooonnnnngggg, but fun meal.

  What’s up with my bushy hair???

 

The perfect teeth people

Daisy got me this and handed it to me at supper tonight.  I thought it was just the sweetest thing!! One for me… and one for Isabella.

117 – Still Missing My Friday Night Peeps

I had another long and busy day today… I didn’t get home until about 7:30.  Dave was home when I got here (unusual for us) and we were both starved.  So we headed for town.  Since Chili’s was backed way up AGAIN we went to our favorite Mexican restaurant for some good eatin’!

 

Please be in prayer for "The Preacher” as he travels back from India this weekend.  Then he and Judy will be off to Texas to see about his mother who is in the hospital.

Our Houston countdown is now at 1 week.  One week from today, I will have all my chicks gathered… it may be in “the K’s” nest, rather than mine, but that’s just fine by me!

116 – Fun People

It was a long, busy day, but I got to spend this evening with some fun people.  I met Tyler, Daisy and Maddie at McD’s for dinner (Maddie chose).  Then we went to Jodi’s for a while.  Maddie had the best time finding all the outfits Jodi has accumulated over the years for her dogs.  She had Jodi put every outfit on poor little “Ava”.  I think Maddie thought it was like playing dolls. Ha!!

Jodi thought “Ava” looked evil with those eyes, so I’m posting this more photogenic picture of the little Chihuahua.  (Diva?)

115 - Not Quite Full Moon

The moon has been gorgeous!! I tried to get a good picture tonight, but I didn’t have much luck.  (See what I mean, Kale?)

Tyler made it back late last night (early this morning) from the East Coast… thankfully.  Lots of driving and one nervous momma – so I’m grateful he’s home safe and sound.

And our countdown to Houston stands at NINE days.  Oh the excitement!!

***I’m watching my DVR’d episode of Big Brother right now and I’m cracking up because Brendon got the POV!!! Haha!***

114 – Because It’s Day 114

You’re gonna have to forgive me.  Some days it’s hard to come up with a photo for this 365 day project!! So I’m just going to write about something that’s going on in our neighborhood today.

These signs were put up on our dirt road one day last week …

 

I was secretly hoping they would pave our dirt road. Ha!  No such luck.  But, today they put a fresh layer of “chip and seal” on our paved road.

It’s pretty bad when that’s the highlight of my day.

I was in my office the whole day, I worked through lunch and didn’t even go get my Subway sandwich.  (How I missed you turkey/ham with pepper jack!!)

After work, I took Izzy’s vaccination records to the kennel to get ready for our trip NEXT week, went to visit Ms. Charlsie for a while… and then I had to go get groceries.

Aren’t you glad you got to experience all the fun of my day with me??? I’ll try to take it down a notch tomorrow!

113 – Me and the Vet… We’re Like “This” and a “Big Brother” Review

I took this picture of Isabella this morning… I think she was checking the weather for me. Haha… look at her little hind quarters.

The poor thing has been SO itchy for a couple of months, but here in the last few weeks it has gotten out of control.  She keeps on licking and chewing on her paws and has just about made them bloody.  I did actually find a couple areas where she drew blood.  I have been really careful with her diet and have added some Omega-3s and Benadryl for some allergy relief.  But, so far nothing has helped.

So, we got in the car and headed for the vet’s office today…

Oral medication, an injection, shampoo, and a hefty vet bill later, we think it’s something (probably grass) that she’s coming in contact with.

I gave her a bath a little while ago and she is resting now.

Can you see her sore little paws??? Bless her heart. I hope she’s feeling better soon.

If you are NOT a Big Brother fan… you will want to quit me here.

I know that this is not going to be a popular opinion, but I am rooting for Brendon. 

Here’s my take. 

Yes, Rachel got obnoxious and was a little “rough around the edges”, but I really believe her and Brendon have been gunned for unjustly JUST because they had a show-mance.  They were open about it and didn’t hide it or try to game play with it, they just were honest about it.  They were perceived as being a “power couple” and were automatically gunned for.  What my Arkansas girl, Britney, has done is be completely dishonest to Brendon's face for the sake of game play.  That’s gonna bite her.  Matt is just sleazy with his ego and misleading the whole house that his wife has a rare disease (Ragan is gonna be SO upset when he realizes the lie).  I like Lane and Hayden just fine, but I think with all that Brendon (and Rachel) have gone through to stay in the game… he deserves it more than the rest who haven’t been targeted week after week after week.

That’s just where I’m at with the show… what do y’all think????

112 – This Is The Day…

This is the day … that the Lord hath made.  We had a great morning of worship today.

The Preacher is in India teaching at a Pastor’s Institute, but Bro. Richard brought a great message on wisdom.  Randy had great songs picked out!  I was in tears through most of the song service. It all started in the 2nd and 3rd verses of “As the Deer”:

You're my friend and You are my brother

Even though You are a king

I love You more than any other

So much more than anything

 

I want You more than gold or silver

Only You can satisfy

You alone are the real joy giver

And the apple of my eye

And then we sang, “The Love of God”… and “Days of Elijah”.  Loved it!

This is the day – that TJ Maxx opened in the 72653 zip code.  Need I say more?

This is the day – that David and I babysat ALL KINDS of cuteness…

We are either really GOOD or really BORING because within five minutes she looked like this…

Look at her little arm over her head.  Haha! Cute.

I am going on record here and admitting that I am going to be completely useless when I’m a grandmother because when I looked back in my rear view mirror and saw her little eyes starting to get VERY heavy… it was the cutest thing ever and I got teary!  Oh my!

Maddie introduced me to the world of Nick Jr.

 

She was so good with Izzy and Izzy was loving the attention…

When her momma got off work late this evening, we met up with her for a Happy Meal and a little fun.  (I enjoyed our visit, Daisy.)

This is the day – that Tyler went to New York City for the first time.  He was on Times Square when Daisy was texting with him tonight.  Lucky boy.  That’s a trip I’d like to take some day. (I’m praying for a safe trip home for y’all, Fester.)

It’s been a good Sunday filled with things that make me smile.

111 – Welcome to My Neighborhood

This is the view I have from my dirt road every morning when I walk Izzy.  Kale told me how to “stitch” the photos together to give you the complete panoramic view…

… it’s even beautiful with brown, brown grass.  I love it with the change of each season, though, and can’t wait for the trees to start turning this fall!!

* * * * * *

David and I went to a visitation for the mother of a friend of ours.  It was a sudden death, so it was very shocking.  I was so impressed with the number of people who came out to pay their respect.  (We walked through the line for two hours.)  She was obviously a woman who lived a life that not only pleased the Lord, but brought love, joy, kindness, and encouragement to others.  What a tribute to a life well lived and an inspiration to reach out and be the hands and feet of Christ for others.

110 – I’m Not a Morning Person

I am NOT a morning person.  Never have been.  They say as you get older you start waking up earlier.  Apparently, God doesn’t think I’m old all the way just yet. Ha!

But, if I were a morning person, I would definitely be into that thing they call sunrise! Morning skies are amazing!

109 – Dear Kale and Tyler

Dear Kale and Tyler,

Today is once again the first day of school.  I know it’s been four years since I got to take a picture on the front porch, but I miss those days -- on days like this.

I miss the excitement that came with the first day of school. New school supplies, backpacks, and matching outfits!!

And then you started getting too old for matching and you didn’t care so much about school supplies and backpacks. And then you left your momma and moved out into the great big world and are finding your own way.  I am so proud of you both… and pray for you daily that (despite all the parenting we did) you would be exactly who God has planned for you to be!

But, I still have moments that I just want to go back and have a first day of school with you again!

I love you,

Mom

108 – The Countdown

I have this on my mind a lot lately. We’re down to 16 days left!!!  It’s gonna be a fun trip since Kale and Kayla are just about to move in to their new house…we’ll probably be helping them move while we are there.  We’re SO happy for them.

Tyler is flying off with friends tomorrow to go to New Jersey and New York for the weekend.  Must be nice!

(It’s looking like it’s going to be a too quiet weekend for me.  A movie may be in order.)

Oh, and TJ Maxx officially opens this Sunday morning at 8 AM.  I don’t know WHY they chose that time since they know I go to church and all.  I imagine it will be a mad-house anyway.  They’ll have to wait (at least a few hours) to get into my pocketbook.

107 – Typical Tuesday

Today was a pretty typical Tuesday… I went to work and trained this evening.  So, I’ll just show you the deer that were in my yard this morning when I woke up.

 

I’ve been seeing deer just about every morning on my walk with Izzy.

Hey, Kale, did Daddy tell you about the SEVEN bucks we saw on the way to church Sunday night?  Seven of them, all with horns!!

106 – Pleasant Surprise (wink, Kayla)

I was in a meeting at church tonight when this popped up on my phone.  It’s from my favorite daughter-in-law…

Have I mentioned how much I love having a daughter?? Stuff like this does my momma heart good!!!

I love you, Kayla!

105 – Me, Myself, and I

I’ve had a word in my head a lot today.  It’s the word “I”…

Not “eye”.  But, “I”.

The first sentence in “The Purpose Driven Life” book is… “It’s not about you.”  So many times we only think of I, me, we, etc.

Sometimes we boast:

• I have done this…
• I have served here…

Sometimes we complain or make excuses:

• I can’t do that (or won’t)…
• I feel that…
• That hurt my feelings.
• I’m too tired to…
• That’s not my ministry…

I am afraid to fly.  Really.  I mean deathly afraid.  I flew twice on a small plane when I worked at Ranger… got scared to death… and decided I would never fly again.  But since then, I’ve made a couple of exceptions.  One to go visit my Goulet relatives in California (2006).  One to go on a family vacation (sans Dave) to Washington, DC (2009), and in less than three weeks, we will be flying to Houston to see “the K’s” (as Kelly creatively named them).

Today (like all of the sudden), I’m considering a mission trip to Nicaragua in November.  The thought of it hasn’t even occurred to me until this afternoon.  Finances would be an issue (that I know God can take care of).  Fear of flying would be a HUGE issue (that I know my Xanax can help with – HA!).  But, I’m also afraid to do something I’ve never done before. (I’ve even had the thought of the conditions and would I be able to wash my hair and use gel every day???? I don’t want to scare people off with my ungel’d hair!)

I haven’t even felt like God has called me to go, until I started telling Jodi that I feel like it’s something that SHE needs right now in her life.  I don’t think she would go, unless I do.  So, today it became a possibility in my mind.

I don’t want to let all the “me” things stop me.  I want to do what God would have “me” to do.  I want to please Him.  I’m not saying I’m going… it’s something I need to seek Him about.  After all, it’s not about “me”… it’s about Him.

I’d appreciate your prayers for me (and Jodi) that we will have clarity about what God would have us to do.