GREAT TIME

We are home and we had a great time. Went to the Landing the first night and ate at Garfields. Had steak and shrimp, a few drinks, then looked around at the landing. Our hotel was nice and we went back and watched movies. Lon checked out the pool because that is what he wanted to do on Thurs.. We ate breakfast together and then he went to the pool and I went shopping. I didn't find the exact stamp I was looking for but I bought 3 and some zebra scrapbook paper for Gma. I went to 2 of the 3 outlet malls, the old 5 and 10 store downtown, some other shops down the main drag. Got back to the hotel about 3 and went swimming for an hour. Then came back to the room, took a shower and went and had our picture made. It was fun and I think Lon even had fun. We went back to Garfields for supper and then drove around the strip. Came back and both of us were tired so we turned in early. Got up this morning, had breakfast and then went to the Titanic museum. It was good, since I like anything about the Titanic but it is sure OVER PRICED. We then went to the damn, by the fish hatchery, took a back route and went through like towns and Rockaway Beach. They are still wanting a casino to come in there and I hope they succeed. It would be closer than Boonville, Kansas City or St. Louis. We ate at a restuarant there and then headed home. Picked up Maggi and she was really glad to see us. Came home and unpacked everything. Doing laundry now and Lon is on the deck with a guitar playing. So we had a good get away but now we are back to the every day struggles. Think I can handle them a little better now.

WIDE OPEN SKY

There is a tiny hanging down cloud which could form into a tornado. Lon took this picture in the spring. I feel sort of like that cloud trying to form into a tornado now. Lots to get done and have to have the energy and wind to accomplish it.

Had a heck of a day at work. Then went to Bolivar to draw up Gma's shots and then ran by to see Dawson and Sarah and then to the store to get ice for the cooler. Then home and I searched for papers that I have to fax in the morning to Meg's school. They didn't get them in early summer when I faxed them. Good thing it didn't take me long to find them. Now I am taking a little break and then will finish up the packing and stuff for tomorrow. Have to have everything ready and the things that can be loaded in the car loaded, because Lon won't know what to get. Typical man. Anyway, just ready to get away. My expectations are not set too high for a wonderful time. Because in the past when I do that I just get disappointed. I just want adequate and anything above that will be great. We would have been leaving for Oregon tomorrow if Gma hadn't had a crisis. That was something to look forward to, but plans change just like life changes. And we will try to go to Oregon next summer.

Can't believe that you girls haven't posted anything. Sarah told me that the were all very emotional. So when I get back I won't post one with emotion. I will post something funny or off the wall. LOL

The lord will watch over us and keep your fingers crossed it doesn't rain down there. Lon wants to lay by the pool and jump in every so often. That's his relaxation.

Way to go Mego

Kudoos to Mego for getting the job at the bank. You get to leave your back breaking, stupid people job at Wally World and move into the world of finance and banking. Good for you. And I sure hope that instructor is CONSERVATIVE! About time you find one on such a liberal campus. Dad was sooooooo glad about that.

Buffy went to Bolivar to see Gma after classes yesterday. Uncle Dan and Aunt Pat were visiting her also. Lon took the 29 over to show Uncle Dan and they went cruising. Everyone that reads this today call Gma and remind her that this is SHOWER day. Hopefully she will follow through with her schedule like she said she would.

Monday was a typical crazy day at the clinic. And today is a full moon so you know what that means. All the wackadoos will be going crazy. Trying to get ready for a vaccination inspection tomorrow. Everyone is on pins and needles about that. I have been through it so many times that I know exactly what they are looking at. At lunch today I will go through the charts with the lab tech and show her what they are looking for. Take a working lunch so I get an extra hour so that I won't have to burn so much ETO time. There is a method in my madness.
When Buffy was here last night she went shopping at the Mom grocery store. She had a whole laundry basket full of goodies. Plus, a skillet and pan and she took her griddle. Next when she has time she will get what she wants from her room so I can get it cleaned to do crafts and such in there.

Gma is so excited that Amy, Des and Zek will stay with her at Christmas. You know that means I will need to bust my butt soon to get the white bedroom and little bedroom cleaned up. Will face that challenge in Sept..

We have birthdays next month. Aunt Bunny, Amy, and Sheree. And then there is our anniversary.

I packed our clothes last night and will pack all the other stuff tonight and in the morning. Can't wait to get away. Guess it is so stupid to be excited about going to Branson. But, it isn't the place it's just some R&R I need. There is a rubber stamp store down there that I have put on my MUST DO list. Like I need another stamp like I need a whole in the head but Christmas cards will be due soon and I have something in mind and need a certain stamp.

Talked with Sarah last night. Everything there is fine.

The old clock says it is time to take my shower, get my scrubs on and get to work. Got the scrubs laid out last night. Think Maggi has been sleeping on them. Crazy dog.

Forecast is calling for rain Wed and Thurs. Sure hope that it doesn't so Lon can lay by the pool in his swim trunks (Hey girls it's his short shorts )!

LOVE to all that read this. Till next update.....HUGS & KISSES.....................................

Taking a Break

LIKE THE WILD HAIR DO? THAT IS MY HAIR THINKING ABOUT GOING BACK TO WORK!



Megan is right. This blog is good for me. It is Sunday night and back to work tomorrow to heal the sick and take care of the well children. We even have a cirrcumcision to do in the morning, so that will break up the ordinary routine stuff. Gotta put my tired old body to bed and get some rest. The alarm will ring at 4 and the day will begin. It is a shame that B-town has a lot of things but no where to get your nails filled on Sunday. What's up with that? Are they crazy or what? So, guess I will have to do it after work. Then that puts me home later and messes with my game time. Also have to pack tomorrow night. Won't go to Gma's tomorrow night but will go on Tues.,since we leave Wed afternoon. Finally got her to get cleaned up today and she admitted she felt better. Gave her orders to shower every other day. Felt like getting really cleaned up myself today. Put earrings in every hole in my ears and a necklace and dress on. Did my hair and makeup. Dad ask me who I was meeting and my response, "My mom and possibly my dad." Guess he thought I looked hot. WOW he actually noticed. He is out mole hunting now. He mowed the yard and found a new mole hill. I think he must be a rare breed to hunt moles. Gets out there with the hose and a hoe and goes after the little critters. In my eyes that is a man with too much time on his hands.


The clock is ticking fast. How come it ticks fast here but at work it sometimes seems to drag. I haven't quite figured that out. Maggi is telling me it is time also. She needs her beauty rest. Poor old girl. She is really getting gray in the face. She just can't quite get use to having an empty house. She sure sticks with Dad during the day. She never gets excitied about going with me on work days. But on the weekends she thinks she needs to go. She will when fall weather comes and it is cooler in the car. God bless you my children. Thanks for reading my blogs. Love and kisses to my whole family whether you are close by or far away. I hold you dear in my heart.

The 2 oldest daughters

Lisa, Mom and Sheree

Here I am with my step-daughters 2 years ago at Christopher's high school graduation. I don't like the word step, so I will just say daughters. When I married your dad I took on a role of being a mom. Not the one who gave birth to you, but hopefully another Mom that you can turn to in time of need or when you need to talk. I love you like you are my own. And I love your kids like real grandkids.

Lisa, Dad and I are proud of you and how you have turned your life around the last 2 1/2 almost 3 years. You have progressed and got rid of so many demons that affected your life. Glad that you are in church and spending so much time with Trinity. You have a better job now and are doing great. Keep up the good work.

Sherre, Dad and I are equally proud of you. Your plate is full handling the problems with the boys. We may not always agree with the choices you make concerning them, but we support you on those choices. We think Kasey is a fine man and has taken on a huge responsibility being a dad to teenagers. Something Dad had to do with Meg and Buffy. And for giving us a beautiful granddaughter to love.

Girls, I love your dad very much and try to take the best care of him that he will allow me to. You know he is head strong and doesn't always think about his health. Our home is your home and you are always welcome. Just wanted you both to know that.

Belly's in Front

This was taken over 2 years ago when Amy, Sarah and Sheree were pregnant with Zek, Dawson and Portia. I do believe that I have a fine looking group of daughters. And now Sarah has a belly again with Carson. I just smile every time I look at this picture. I even have it downloaded on one of my games I play. They are smiling and happy, just the way a mom wants it all the time. Even though they don't always see eye to eye or agree on what the other one might do they are sisters. And the little ones are cousins. I might sound like a bragging mom, but when you have girls that make you proud and try their best then it is a right and priviledge to brag and boast. Girls, someday when you are old and I am long gone, I hope you remember the good things and the laughs we shared. Remember me as the Mom who was crazy and funny and stupid at times, that loved you so very much. And I know I embarass the heck out of you once in a while, but it's because I love you. So, when you are old and your kids are grown, you can embarass them. Just a cycle and part of life.

PHOTO TIME

Hopefully this year we can all look good in our Christmas picture. It seems no matter how hard I try I never look good. Plus when you have a large family getting everyone to smile and show their good side is hard. And, if there is not someone that is not family to take the picture and you don't have a tripod and timer then someone is left out. So this Christmas, we are going to have a GREAT group picture and everyone is going to be able to be seen and look good. We are only all together once a year so we have to make it count. By the way Megan, what is up with eatting or drinking in almost every shot. Are you kin to me or what?

Little Miss Portia showing us her talents on the keyboard. She is checking the settings carefully to give us the best volume possible.

Here is Zek and Dawson their first Xmas. We got them guitars that play music and even made a back drop for them. For their 2nd Xmas we got all 3 keyboards and drums.

Papa Lon the music man. He has a good influence on all the grandkids to get interested in MUSIC!

Music is a lanuage in itself. Even the big grandkids have musical abilities. Chris, Ryan and Zach play the guitar. Trinity has a beautiful voice and has competed at school. Papa is sure proud that they all like music. Zek gets it from both sides because his Grandpa Al is very musical.

And the best part about musical instruments is that Mammy and Papa can buy them and then send the grandkids home with them. What a wonderful present for their Moms and Dads.

GIVE THEM A SPOON AND PAN

My boys and their toys that Mammy comes up with.

Since they were little I have given them a pan and spoon. They caught on really quick that if you turn the pan over and hit it with the spoon it makes noise. Who needs store bought toys when you can take something out of the cabinet and let the boys play and use their imagination. They mix up soup, put things in the pan and use the spoon to take them out and offer us bites of the soup. For a while we said yum when we took a bite, but the game now is to act like we are throwing up after taking a bite. It gets a real laugh from the little men.

10 cent firemans hat

Bridgette I luv you!

Zek Dawson Portia

Papa and I went to the swap meet one Sunday and all we bought was a ten cent fireman's hat for the grandkids to play with. Mammy taught all of them to put it on and put their arm in the air like they are ringing a bell and say "Ding, Ding, Ding". Don't know if it is more fun to watch them or to see Mammy being silly. Dawson doesn't mind wearing it, but Zek and Portia weren't too thrilled. Had to shoot fast with the camera. Bridgette is a family friend and sort of our adopted granddaughter. She liked wearing it. After having the hat for a while we discovered that there were 2 of them stuck together. So we got 2 for ten cents. What a deal!!!!!!!! Thought that these pictures would make cute scrapbook pages. Mammy loves her grandkids. Couldn't tell could you?

Ovarian Cancer Survivor

I look at these pictures and it is hard to

remember losing my hair, going through the chemo and then getting my hair back. One good thing about it was there was no shaving the underarms or legs. It wasn't such a shock because before I started the chemo I had my hair cut really really short. After the first treatment it came out. I sat at the table and could just pull the little short hairs out. Sarah was here and she couldn't stand it. When I had pretty much pulled it all out she took the razor and shaved the rest off. I tried wearing wigs but that was hot and itchy so I just wore all types of bandanas. That got old and at home I just went bald. One Sunday I went to get a paper and half way there I remembered I didn't have a bandana on. I went to the store anyway. Got a lot of stares but no one asked a question.

BUT, the best part is I am cancer free and a survivor for 5 years. It was a great day when they took the port out and my hair returned. As soon as it got long enough to bleach out I did so. Who wants that grey and brown hair. Not this old broad. God sure must have had a plan for me because most ovarian cancer patients don't make it. It is the silent killer. Praise the Lord I am here today and healthy and going strong. The only effects I have from the toxic waste (chemo) is muscle and joint pain and I don't have the energy I once had. It just comes along with the ride of chemo.