Weekend Edition

 I have been asked several times this week about my blog and why I haven't done an entry lately.  Well, well, well, can I just say that I have had very little time for blogging.  Blogging is a real source of joy for me and I miss it terribly, but there are just times when it has be way down on my list of priorities and now is one of those times.  So, I hope all my faithful followers will stick with me and not give up on me as I try to find balance in my life at this time.


First, let me give you an update on Daddy.  He has had somewhat of a set back since my last update in that he lost what strength he had regained in his feet and legs.  He had gotten to where he could bear some of his own weight and actually move his feet a little.  But, that is not the case now.  Of course, that is discouraging to all of us.  He has maintained his lower arm strength and the ability to move his hands and fingers.  He continues to feed himself, operate his TV remote, shave and open and turn on his Kindle.  These are all huge and while he is very slow with these acts, he is able to do them and we rejoice in that.  He is enjoying visitors more and seems to be adjusting more and more to the reality of his condition.  

Secondly, I mentioned me trying to find balance.  That is my struggle right now.  I realize the need in this because Dad's condition is what it is and we will be dealing with it the rest of his life.  I struggle with guilt if I am in town and do not go and see him everyday.  Now, this is self inflicted guilt, he has certainly not made me feel guilty in any way.  I truly do not know how I could do any more than I do and missing a day or two a week would be a nice break.  I'm going to try and begin missing a day ever so often and I'm sure, once I do it a time or two, it will get easier.  The thing is, if I am not at the facility visiting him, I'm often tending to his business affairs.  That should get less in the weeks ahead but for now, it is all consuming.  Yes, life is indeed a balancing act and I haven't been doing a very good job lately but hopefully in the days ahead, I'll get it figured out.

Thirdly, my little Princess spent the day with me recently and she found the empty laundry basket and a plastic bowl to be so entertaining.  Isn't it amazing how kids can have all kinds of toys but the ones they seem to enjoy the most are just simple household items.  She is such a bright spot in our lives!

Fourthly, our little Prince will be 3 years old on Sunday. Just seems impossible!

Fifthly, Hubby and I will be headed to Las Vegas Sunday morning.  We will be attending a convention and will work in a little fun in the process.  I hear that Barry Manilow is there and I may have to check out tickets to see him.  I do love me some Barry! ~smile~


Meanwhile, thanks for stopping by and please continue your prayers for Dad.  We know that without your prayers and God's wonderful grace, we could not make it.  He gives us just enough for each day! Blessings my friends!

Hodgepodge Wednesday

 Okay, can you hear my excitement?  I mean, it has been 3 months since I've been able to participate in Hodgepodge Wednesday and I have missed it terribly.  So, I am thrilled to be back with you girlies and so appreciate Joyce hosting us each Wednesday.  

 1. Do you like chili? Red or white? Beans or no beans? Spice or no spice? Toppings?  Oh, yes, I'll take chili anyway you want to give it to me.  There is ONE exception  and that is no grease!!! We definitely eat our fair share in the fall and winter and I usually make red chili, with beans and a little spicy with grated cheese on top and NO grease!  LOVE it!! 

2. Red~Orange~Gold...your favorite fall color? Well, I can't pick a favorite out of those because I like them all equally because it takes all three colors to make fall as far as I'm concerned. ~smile~

3. Who did you idolize when you were growing up? I loved Shirley Temple and always enjoyed watching her movies.  Just too cute!  I intend to buy some of her movies for my little Princess when she gets a little older.  I think all little girls today would be much better off  with Shirley Temple as their idol rather than Hannah Montana. Sorry, but that's how I feel. ~grin~

4. When was the last time you did something 'arts and craftsy'? Share please. Well, I'm scratching my head and I cannot remember the last time.  I use to do all kinds of "crafty stuff" but not in recent years.

5. What's a place that makes you really nervous?It's not really a place, but anywhere there are large crowds such as stadiums or arenas.  Makes me what you might call antsy. 

6. Horse back riding...yay or nay (neigh?) It would be a neigh for me.  Horses are mighty big animals and they scare me a bit, just don't enjoy being upon their back.

7. What is your favorite cliche? I have a bazillion but one of my favorites is "the apple doesn't fall far from the tree." 

8. Insert your own random thought here. Since my Dad became ill in June I have been taking care of all his business affairs.  It has not been the easiest task for sure.  I've had to fax his POA more times than I care to count and then folks still try to make it difficult for me to talk to them about his affairs.  Yesterday was one of those days that I wanted to just jump off of a bridge.  I mean really, if you have the proof that I am indeed his POA, just tell me what I need to know, do what I need for you to do, and you and I will both be very happy.  I will say that the local folks that I have had to deal with on his behalf have been more than helpful and easy, easy to deal with.  It's those folks that don't know me from Adam that have caused my blood pressure to skyrocket. ~giggle~

See you for more Hodgepodge next week!

Miscellany Monday

It's Monday and that means that Carissa is hosting Miscellany Monday.  What fun and I'm so glad that her "creative self" came up with this meme for us to enjoy. It's a great way to begin the week!

ONE - We had such a good time with this little fella last week.  He is a happy, happy boy and truly enjoys each day to the fullest.  And, the best part is that he enjoys spending time with his Poppa and CiCi.  I still can't believe he's about to be 3 years old on Oct. 2nd.  It truly stinks that his Dad and Mom moved him 12 hours away. ~smile~

TWO - My precious Daddy continues to make progress.  I am truly amazed and have felt such a relief these past days as I've seen this improvement.  God is so good and as I've said before, He has really shown me what little faith and trust I often have in Him.  It seemed impossible to me that Dad could ever be any better, but nothing is impossible with God.  He loves to "show out" in impossible situations.  We're hopeful the progress will continue because he still has such a long ways to go. I must remember to "keep calm and trust God."

THREE - We are big on soups, stews, gumbo and chili.  With this nip of fall in the air, my thoughts are turning to these and cornbread.  All the grilling of summer can be replaced with the "pots of" this and that.  Think I may have to make a "pot of" something today.  

 FOUR - Both my daughter and DIL are teachers.  I've always had a special place in my heart for teachers but I really do now.  They both take their jobs seriously and are "tops" in their field.  My daughter teaches 4th grade and my DIL is in Special Education.  The above photo is of my daughter's desk as she begins a new week.  She has everything organized and ready for the week.  Little fairies do not come and do this for her (she wishes they did). She is usually  in her classroom on Sunday afternoons making copies and getting all her "ducks in a row" for the week. Hats off to our teachers that are making a difference in lives every day.

 FIVE - I have just found out about Zulily. It is a website with good deals on all kinds of items, but the one I love the most is the little girls clothing.  I mean, could they be any cuter?  I have more fun buying for my little Princess and it is rare for me to pay full price for any item of clothing that I buy for her.  So, I was excited to find another source for "good deals." 

A happy week is wished for each of you!

Update on Daddy : Encouraged

Yes, we are encouraged!  In just two short weeks we have seen slight improvement in Dad's condition.  It's hard for me to wrap my head around this fact, but what a "spirit lifter" it has been.  We began to notice improvement about 8 days ago and each day brings a little more encouragement.  He is able to feed himself  if his food is cut up and his tray is set up for him.  He can hold his electric razor and shave and he can brush his teeth.  In Physical Therapy he has stood between the parallel bars supporting himself for about 1 minute.

Last Saturday the aides transferred him into Sybil's car and she took him riding for a little while.  It was basically his first outing since June 9th.  He enjoyed getting out and seeing "life outside the facility." 


Of course, we have no idea what the future holds as far as his improvement/recovery goes, but we are trying to dwell on what we do know and not what we don't know.  We know that the Lord has answered the prayers of the many precious souls interceding on Dad's behalf and we rejoice in that.  We know that He has been with us this far and He will continue to be with us, supplying us with what we need as we need it.  


My faith and trust has been tested beyond belief these past 3 months, but I hope that I am a stronger testimony to Him because of those tests.  I still have no idea as to what the Lord is up to or what His purpose is in all of this.  But, I continue to lean on him as I praise Him and thank Him for the encouragement He has given us these past few days.  


We continue to covet your prayers as we "go forth." Daddy still has a long, long ways to go.  Blessings to you all!

Fall is "Bustin'" Out All Over

What a beautiful week it has been!  Cooler temperatures and the feeling of fall have lightened my heavy heart. I love the change of the seasons, especially the fall and the spring.  They are my favorites!

I always enjoy doing a little decorating inside and out and this week found me doing just that.  I like for our front and back door to have a warm and inviting look and I thought these pretty sunflowers achieved that.

Front door

Back door

 I do small touches inside in the kitchen and some type of table scape on the dining table.  I use to do a whole lot more, but have found as I get older that "less is more." ~smile~ And, the truth of the matter is, the less I put out the less I have to put up.  It's a whole lot more fun to decorate than take down and put up. ~grin~

The kitchen island

The kitchen table

The dining table

 I try to do my fall decorating to cover through Thanksgiving.  I use to do some Halloween decorating and then Thanksgiving, but that is more work than I want to go to, so now it's "killing two birds with one stone."  Oh, my, guess that really makes me sound old.  Well, we just won't touch that right now.

I did this post ahead of time because Hubby and I are in Dodge City today visiting our daughter and her family.  You know, Clancy's Momma. ~smile~ We arrived yesterday and will be here until Tuesday.  We have not seen them since the first of June so we are glad to be here.  We will celebrate Clancy's 3rd birthday this weekend.  It will be a little early, but he'll never know the difference in this weekend and Oct. 2nd. Seems it was just yesterday that we were celebrating his birth.

Oct. 2, 2008 I became a CiCi

 I'm linking up with my two favorite Rachel's today. One at Home Sanctuary  and one at Finding Joy.  Go check them out! I promise you will not be disappointed!

Autumn is a second spring where every flower is a leaf.

Update on Daddy - No One Knows But the Lord

 It's been about two weeks or more since I have done a "blog update" on Daddy.  Again, I wish that I could tell you that it has been a steady improvement since he returned from LSU Medical Center.  But, the sad, sad truth is that Daddy has not improved at all.  

As I said in my last entry, the Drs. told us that Dad's condition is chronic and the Drs. simply could not say if there would ever be any improvement or if he would live the rest of his life being pretty much helpless.  We know that the only person who knows this is the good Lord himself.

This has been a very hard "pill" for all of us to swallow.  It has caused Daddy to ponder the end of his life pretty much on a daily basis.  We have had some of the most heart wrenching conversations with him, but, as hard as they are, we count them a blessing.  

Yes, Dad's bags are packed and sitting by the door, awaiting the Lord's arrival to take him to his eternal home.  Now, we know that only the Lord knows when that will be and we are all trying to make the most of the remaining time that he has, whether that is two weeks, two years or five years.  And, we know that the Lord could still do a miracle in his life and restore him to some type of function.  And, we know that ultimately Daddy will be healed, if not on earth, then in heaven. 

Even though we know all these things, it does not take away the sadness in his heart and our hearts for the sad condition of his body.  He cannot so much as scratch his nose, you could pretty much label him "helpless."  On some days his sight is such that he can hardly recognize anything and some days his hearing is greatly compromised.   Yes, it is very sad. Of course, we are all so thankful that in spite of all that he has lost, his mind remains just as sharp as ever.  What a blessing!


Brian came  week before last and spent a couple of days with  Daddy and Joel left yesterday after being here a few days this week.  Seeing them  was such a boost and it's at times like this that we wish we were all more closely located.  But, we are making it work.


We do not know God's plan for the days ahead, we strive to not be discouraged, but it is so hard.  We thank you so much for your continued prayers as they are all that we have to hold on to.  It is still  hard to believe that on June 9th our world was forever changed but praise the Lord, He is still on His throne and He promises to never leave us or forsake us. 

Blessings to you!