Whee!!!!!

Well, if you know me well or have been reading my blog for a while, then you know that I am a very scheduled and structured gal.  I thrive on it but, as we all know, life can't always be scheduled or structured.  And, such was the case August 19th at 6:30PM.  My cell phone rang and it was our daughter telling us that her water had broken and she was being admitted to the hospital to likely have their 3rd little boy.  Now, you must know, that just 30 minutes earlier she had called me after she left the Dr. for her regular visit and all was well.  He told her he would see her the following week.  So, that helps you to understand the extreme shock when she called back in 30 minutes to say she was in the hospital.

And, the doctors had told her over a month ago that, given her history and high risk, that they would plan to put her in on Sept. 10th (her due date was Sept. 28th) and induce her labor.  So, our plans were to go to Oklahoma on the 8th.  Well, those plans just went flying right out the window.

Hubby and I were kicked back in our recliners to enjoy the evening and we jumped up and collected our thoughts and began preparing to leave early the following morning.  We just do not drive overnight anymore so we knew that we would not make it for the birth, but we did manage to get there just a few hours afterwards.

And, this my friends was our "first view" of little Case Harrison.

Just a very minutes after his birth he had to be moved to the NICU due to breathing issues.

  Since he was about 6 weeks early this wasn't too big of a surprise.  But, it doesn't make it any easier to see your precious baby with all those tubes attached to him.  

Bridget stayed with little Case every day and we would take the big brothers by to see him after we picked them up from school.  We all even managed to hold him with the tubes attached.  We had to be very careful but at least we could hold him.

Every day he improved and soon was able to nurse a little and had a feeding tube to supplement.

These two guys kept us on our toes and we were so glad that we could be there to help out.  We picked them up from school, made sure they had dinner, kept the laundry caught up (and they have lots of it).  I did some cooking and put it in the freezer for "one of those days."  Poppa managed to mow and weed eat the yard and when we left they were in good shape.  Of course, baby brother had not come home at that time.

But, yesterday morning around 10:00 AM this little guy was allowed to go home after being in the hospital for 9 days.  He looks like a little peanut in that big car seat.

Shortly after arriving home he got to try out his new swing.  Bless him, he's swaddled so tightly he couldn't move if he wanted to.  Things have sure changed from when his Momma was a baby.  All we mothers did at that time was put a blanket over them and somehow they all survived .  Guess someone figured out that swaddling was the "new way."  ~laugh~

And, when big brothers got home from school, they could not love on him enough.  They were so excited to all be home together and began this new journey with baby Case.

Meanwhile, back at home, our little Andi Kate was starting school for the very first time in Pre-K4.  She was beside herself with excitement!

And, her big sister was starting 4th grade.  Seems it was just yesterday that she was 4 years old.

And, this is what they look like each morning as big sister walks little sister into school.  So, so sweet!

Yes, it's been "whee" but thankfully the Lord always gives us what we need, when we need it and He definitely came through for us.  He granted us safety in travel and then supplied the energy we needed to go and be of help in this time of need for our daughter and her family. And, as the old saying goes, "man's best made plans mean nothing."  And, that's definitely true when it comes to a baby's birth.  But, we survived!

Have a great weekend!

Sunday Stealing's Questions

It's been quite a while since I linked up with the Sunday Stealing gals but thought today's questions were fun and decided to participate.

1) What do you enjoy about summer?

Well, summer is NOT my favorite time of year due to the heat and humidity but I do endure it.  I suppose I enjoy it because my Grans and daughter and DIL enjoy a nice break from school.  Otherwise I'm anxiously awaiting fall. ~grin~ 

2) Do you like snow? Why?


I am not a fan of snow.  A light dusting is okay and, thankfully, that's about all we get here in NE Louisiana.  If we got heavy snows it would completely paralyze us as we are definitely not use to big snows and in no way are we ever prepared for them.

3) What do you think about dogs?

Well, truth be told, I am not really a dog person.  But, Roscoe, our chocolate lab did get as close to my heart as any dog we've ever had.  The above photo was taken in 2008 and he wasn't much more than a puppy.  Sadly, 3 weeks ago we had to have him put down.  He had sooo many health issues and we had waited as long as we could for his well being.  It was a sad day.

4) Have you ever gotten lost?
Oh, indeed I have, more times than I care to remember.  GPS systems were made for folks like me.

5) What are your favorite type of socks?

I do love all the new designs on socks, both men and women's.  But, on the rare occasion that I wear socks, they are generally pretty basic.  I only wear them in the cold winter with boots and we don't usually have many cold days.

6) What is your favorite style of shoes?
I prefer open toe shoes and rarely wear heels over 2" - 2 1/2".  I am big fan of Vince Cumuto shoes.

7) What would you name your boat if you had one?
"The Bayou Belle"

8) What common misconception do you hate to hear repeated as fact?
I've heard so many times folks say, "The Lord won't put more on you than you can bear."  And, they say it as though it is scripture and it is NOT.  It is not in the Bible but what is  in the Bible is that the Lord will see us through whatever we may face if we are His child.

9) What was the last shop you went into and what did you buy?
I went into a cute little boutique here in our town on Friday afternoon with our 2 gran girls.  I bought one of them a cute pair of booties.  She was so cute in them and she wanted them so what else was I to do? ~big laugh~

10) What's your favorite thing to do to pass the time?
I enjoy trying my hand at design work on the computer, baking, making "no sew" throws and organizing anything that may need organizing.

11) What is a way to die that scares you the most?
Any illness or death that involves suffering. I've seen enough suffering in my life to know that I would like to escape it.  As far as death goes, I am not afraid of dying because I am certain of my future with my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  A most comforting thought in these perilous times. 

12) Travel or home body?
I LOVE home and the older I get, the more I love it.  I have certainly done my share of traveling and hope to do more but anything over a  4-5 hour car drive is too long for me.  I've never been a really happy car traveler but, again, the older I get, the worse that gets. But, our daughter and other family members live between 8-9 hours away and, as long as we can, we'll continue driving to see them. Any further and we'll be flying.  And, we all know the joys that flying can be. 

13) Have you ever gone to a Bingo hall?
Well, as a matter of fact, I have not and don't imagine that I ever will.

14) What is the longest plane trip you have taken?
Many moons ago Tommy won a trip to Spain through his work and that was a very LONG plane ride.  We've also been to Hawaii and Acapulco and they are pretty long as well.

15) Do you text more or call more? Why?

Text, for sure.  I would have never in a million years dreamed that I would become such a "texter."  But, it is such an easy means of communicating without really bothering someone with a phone call. They can respond at their convenience without having to stop and answer their phone.  I do think that texting can be a bother at times but, for the most part, I think it is most convenient.  And, love that you can text several folks at one time.

Have a wonderful Lord's Day!

Saturday 9

I've missed participating in the Saturday 9 for a few weeks so I'm glad to be linking up this morning. Although, I am totally unfamiliar with this song from the Gilmore girls.



Where You Lead (1971)

1) This is the theme of The Gilmore Girls, a TV show that ran  from 2000 to 2007. It recently enjoyed renewed popularity as a reboot. Were you a fan?
No I was not a fan. I've  never, ever even seen one episode.  I'm not a fan of sitcoms and if I remember correctly, this was a sitcom.

2) The show is about thirtysomething Lorelai Gilmore, her teenage daughter Rory, and her parents, Richard and Emily. The four of them had dinner together every Friday night. Who did you have dinner with on Friday? What was on the menu?
We enjoyed dinner with some friends at The Fish House.  It's hard to beat for a good, casual meal of either fried catfish,grilled or fried shrimp or crayfish (in season). 

3) Lorelai is outgoing and talkative. How about you? Are you seldom at a loss for words?
Yes, I would describe myself as outgoing and talkative.  While I seldom find myself at a loss for words, I do try to remember that the Lord gave us one mouth and two ears for a reason.  Sometimes it really is BEST if we listen and not try to think of the next word we're going to say. Folks can tire easily of incessant talking  but they seem to really appreciate a listening ear.

4) Rory dreamed of going to an Ivy League school and then becoming a broadcast journalist. When you were in high school, what were your ambitions?
Well, if I am totally truthful, it was to get married and have a family.  Going to college was rarely even discussed in our home and I am sorry about that.  I think college CAN play a real important part in kids lives.  Not that I think it is imperative, I do not.  But, I do wish that I had gone to college and had some of the wonderful experiences it can afford.  I have done just fine without it and I have done just fine in a 48 year marriage.  I didn't marry the year I graduated, but the following year.  I was still just a child but, of course, I thought I was grown.  Thankfully I married a very patient man that hung on and stood by my side as I grew up and matured. It certainly helped that he was 5 1/2 years older. ~grin~ 


5) Rory's grandfather (and Lorelai's dad) went to Yale and performed with the Whiffenpoofs, Yale's famous a cappella group. Have you ever sung in front of an audience?
More times than I can count.  My brother, that is 3 years younger than me, and I sang together for several years in our teen years.  He was quite the guitarist and we even sang for special events at times.  Then, until about 12 years ago I was known to sing solos and so enjoyed that.  I have sort of a Karen Carpenter type voice or perhaps I should say, I did have.  Acid reflux pretty much took my singing voice but thankfully it hasn't taken my talking voice. ~chuckle~

6) Rory's grandmother (and Lorelai's mother) Emily was very active in civic organizations and worked hard on the Hartford Zoological Society's Annual Silent Auction. Have you ever attended an auction? 
Yes, I have attended several silent auctions and just a very few regular auctions.  Regular auctions make me nervous. ~chuckle~

7) Alexis Bledel, who played Rory, went on to appear in Mad Men and The Handmaid's Tale. Of these three shows -- Gilmore Girls, Mad Men andThe Handmaid's Tale -- which would you prefer to binge watch?
Well, I've never heard of any of these, so I don't have a desire to binge watch any of them.  Besides, the only show I have ever binged watched and Hubby watched it with me, is Longmire.  What a show!!!!

8) Carole King originally wrote this week's song, "Where You Lead," for her Tapestry album. Do you have a favorite Carole King song?
I love Carole King and one of my favorites is "You've Got a Friend."  She has such a great voice and I enjoy listening to all of her songs. 
 
9) Random question: If zoo animals could talk, which animal do you imagine would be the rudest?

What an interesting question............I think I would say the monkey.  They are so all over the place and if they are behind glass they will come right up and press their face to the glass right in front of the guests.  I think they would not care whose business they got into and that they would bother me greatly.

A Bit of This and That

And, summer is winding down.  Schools are starting and everyone is getting back into their routines.  In our area, just about all the school systems start at a different time.  It sure makes it difficult if teacher's teach in one system and their children attend school in another.  In  Oklahoma, where our daughter and family live, ALL schools in the state start on the same day and have all the same breaks.  It sure makes sense to me but I don't get a vote. ~what a shame~

About once a year I will go to the deer woods with Hubby.  Tommy doesn't really hunt anymore but he still gets his stands ready and generally puts feeders out for the deer.  About 3 weekends ago he was going to check his stands and set off "bug bombs" to kill wasps and any other creepy critter that might have found a home in them.  I do.not.like for him to climb the ladders to his stands any more but he still does but very, very carefully.  It was an extremely hot day, mosquito's were awful and the only time we were comfortable was when we were  riding the ATV and the breeze was hitting out faces.  I just prayed the entire time that the ATV would make it back out without any mechanical troubles as it seemed to me that we were at the ends of the earth and no one would ever be able to find us.  Thankfully we made it safely back home.

Last week found us in the Atlanta area visiting Tommy's two sisters and their husbands.  We always have such fun together  and this time was certainly no exception.   "The sisters" and I are "die hard" shoppers and the sky is the limit and the possibilities endless in the area.  And, it didn't hurt that the sales were abundant since it's the end of summer. It was a win win situation.
While we busied ourselves with shopping, the guys  enjoyed hitting the little white ball around the golf course.  Everyone was happy and making memories.

These little sweethearts have been hanging with their CiCi the past few days and will be with me next week.  Their Mom's school started last week and they don't start until the 23rd and 26th.  We went to Wal-Mart the other morning and as I was picking up some groceries, Hanna Beth spotted these animal print dresses in the little girls department.  I thought they were so cute and they had sizes for both of them and I couldn't resist getting them.  AND, they were a whopping $5.88 each.  I mean, could they have cost any less.  They wore them all day the day we got them and if they never wear them again it was worth the fun they had in them that one day.  I thought they were so adorable!

Yesterday morning we enjoyed a big breakfast at our local Huddle House.  Other than it taking an extremely long time to get our food (which is very unusual in our experience) all was good.  I think they had some cooks that were just not on top of their game.  The girls love pancakes and enjoyed our time there.  

These big guys started to school on Tuesday.  Coleman was absolutely beside himself with excitement but that's really nothing new, he's pretty much excited about all of life.  Clancy is a big 5th grader and will have the privilege of having his Mom as his Math teacher this year.  She's a great Math teacher and he's a whiz in Math so they will make a great combination.  

And, this gal, well, she's hanging right in there and hoping to get about 4 weeks of school "under her belt" before baby boy #3 makes his arrival.  Her first day with students the a/c decided to quit working and it was only 100+ degrees outside.  It was not a good start but, bless her, she survived.

This little guy is "snug as a bug in a rug" and is scheduled to make his entrance into the world on Sept. 10th through  induction.  We're just hoping he doesn't decide to come earlier as that's about 2 1/2 weeks before his actual due date.  But, her Drs. did not want to take any chances and decided the 10th would be a good day for his planned arrival.  We certainly like the plan as that allows us to plan on being there for this big day.  The ultrasounds are so detail today that you pretty much know what they are going to look like before their arrival.  Amazing!  Of course, no hints as to his name but we do know it starts with a C.  They have always been very secretive about their babies names as they say it's the only surprise left since we know the sex.  So, there's no monogramming of initials before the birth. Again, I didn't get a vote on this decision. ~it's really fine, I just like to tease them about it~

And, that's the big news from here as we wind down our summer and await the arrival of our
 "icing on the cake." 

July Prime Purchases

And, once again, it's time for one of my favorite posts, Prime Purchases.  What did we ever do before Amazon Prime?  It makes shopping wayyyy to easy for sure.  Now for my July purchases.

OUTDOOR  PILLOWS


I put pillows on the benches on our front porch.  I have found that Amazon has the widest variety of pillows made out of the sunbrella fabric.  I loved these for the summer as they are  bright colors and it's birds.  I love, love anything birds!  I prefer the rectangular shape for the benches.  There are soooo many to pick from so if you are in need of indoor or outdoor pillows check them out.

AMAZON




BRIGHT POLKA DOT TREAT BOXES



I love to have cute treat boxes on hand.  These are the cutest and are great for cookies, candy or even a gift.  I simply tie a pretty ribbon on the handle and they are ready to give.

AMAZON




REKUCCI  DRESS


Do you need a really classy black dress?  Well, if you do, then look no further.  This is such a good looking dress for such a reasonable price.  The sheered waist is such a good look.  I don't wear a black dress often but there are definitely times that I need/want one, so I grabbed this one after my friend, Lisa, over at Coast to Coast recommended it.  And, if you would rather have it in another color, well, they offer it in many colors.

AMAZON



BEDSIDE  STORAGE ORGANIZER


If you are like me, you have all kinds of items that you like to have within a hands reach of your bed.  Well, look no further, these little caddies are so neat and hold so much stuff.   They tuck up between the mattress and box springs and I put a stripe of duck tape across ours to reinforce the hold and they do NOT move.  And, I have my bed remote, my hand cream, my kleenex, my notepad and pen and you name it. Items that I do not want cluttering up my night stand.   And, when the bed is made, it is out of sight.  It comes in 3-4 muted colors.  Check it out!

AMAZON


Okay, that's my Prime Purchases for July.  Perhaps one of them will be a Prime Purchase for you as well.  I enjoy sharing my "finds" and also enjoy hearing what others have found.  It's called "looking out for each other." ~smile~  

Until next time................make everyday count!

NOTE:  I'll be MIA for a few days as Hubby and I head to the Atlanta area to visit his two sisters.  See you when we return.

All About Me.........

I saw these questions on Facebook the other day and the friend that posted them was asking folks to answer them on their page.  Well, I think they are some pretty interesting questions and decided to use them for a blog post.  As they say,
 "inquiring minds want to know......."

1. What was the last food you ate?
Gourmet cheese toast, that's regular cheese toast with bacon bits sprinkled on top and toasted under the oven broiler.  So, so good!

2. Do you sleep with socks on ?

NO!  Now, on a cold winter's night I've been known to go to bed with socks on but they have to come off before I go to sleep.  They bother me.

3. Worst physical pain you’ve ever felt?

Oh, without a doubt, bladder spasms.  Thankfully it has been a VERY long time since I had these and hopefully I'll never have them again.

4. Favorite place you have been? 

Well, I have several favorites but  The Keeter Center in Branson, Missouri rates right up at the top of my favorites list.

We always stay in the Loft Room (pictured above).  They only have 12 rooms so you need to book  them early.  Everything about the Keeter Center is first class and they make you feel like family.

5. How late did you stay up last night ?

I am NOT a night owl for sure.  Last night I think I turned my lamp off at 9:50 and most all nights it is by 10:15.  But, I do start my day by 5:30.  I'm a morning person.

6. If you could move somewhere else, where would it be?

Hummm........if our kids and Grans were "on board" I would probably move back to the state of my birth, Virginia.  It is such a beautiful state but I doubt very seriously I will ever live any further than 25 miles from where I currently live. ~and that's the truth~

7. Who is your favorite sports team?

I am not much into sports but I'll stay true to my state, I'll be cheering for the LSU Tigers and the New Orleans Saints. 

8. When was the last time you cried?

I'm a "crier" from way back.  I think it was 2-3 weeks ago.  Crying is very therapeutic for me and when I cry I always feel better. 

9. Who took your profile pic? 

As I said, these questions were made for Facebook but I use the same picture on my blog that I use on Facebook and my husband took my picture with my phone.

10. Two of your favorite movies?

Pretty Woman and Chariots of Fire

11. What’s your favorite season?

It would be fall with spring running a close second.

12. If you could have any career what would it be?

I have always had a love for nursing and always desired to become one.  But, I never pursued it.  In all my years of care giving I sometimes feel that I have earned the designation.  I'm pretty sure I would have been a good one and perhaps in my "next life" that's what I'll pursue. ~my next life will be walking streets of gold~

13. What was the last book you read?

An awesome book on the power of prayer, Storming the Gates of Heaven.

14. If you could talk to ANYONE right now who would it be?

Oh, it would be my precious Momma.  She died very suddenly 10 1/2 years ago and not a day has gone by since then that I don't think of her.  I think our Moms are the only people that are interested in absolutely ALL aspects of our lives, no matter how mundane. She was my biggest fan and my greatest encourager.

15. Are you a good influence on people? 

I certainly hope so and I certainly strive to be and I do feel like I am.  I love people and I enjoy reaching out to folks to encourage them or minister to them as the need arises.

16. Does pineapple belong on a pizza?

For me, NO!  But, it sure seems that there are plenty of people who feel differently.

17. You have the remote, what show is on?

 To say I love Shark Tank would be an understatement.  I so enjoy watching the participants try to sell their product, service, etc. to the Sharks.  It is so, so interesting! I would venture to say that I have seen EVERY episode more than once.

18. Have you lived in more than one state, if so, which ones?

I have lived in Virginia, Arkansas and Louisiana

19. Last Concert you attended?

We went to the GospelFest in Branson, Missouri this past March.  Guy Penrod did a concert after the GospelFest ended.  He is such a great singer but that night,he did wayyyyy too much  talking and not enough singing.

20. Favorite type of food?

I would have to say Quesadilla and I'm sure that is very weird to a lot of you.  But, I do love them, all kinds of ways, plain, veggie, with meat and always highly seasoned.

So, now you know a little bit more about me and I hope you enjoyed reading my answers as much as I enjoyed answering them.

Have a great new week!!!!

Random Stuff

And, here we are and it's already August!  My goodness, time truly is flying by and they say, the older we get, the faster it goes.  Well, I do believe that to be true. ~smile~  And, speaking of getting older............

I was blessed to celebrate another birthday this past Monday.  My 67th!  I was celebrated by family and friends and I did, indeed, feel very special.  I am so grateful that I am still enjoying good health and well being.  It seems that every day I hear of someone else that is dealing with a life threatening or life altering illness.  I never want to take my good health for granted.  I thank the Lord daily.  Look  68, here I come!

One of the gifts I received for my birthday was this "cool" fan shown above.  I have seen handheld battery operated fans but never have I seen one such as this.  It is rechargeable through a USB port and it will last 5 - 20 hours depending upon which of the 3 speeds you use.  It will stand or can be held in your hand and let me tell you, it generates quite a breeze.  So, for all you hot blooded folks out there you may just need to purchase on of these.  They are the "cat's meow" and you can find it here.  I think it is likely the most unique gift I have ever received. 

These boys have continued riding horses almost every evening since we were there two weeks ago.  I  don't think I've ever seen any little boys that more "boy" than these two.  And, I am quite sure that their "soon to be born" baby brother will fall right in behind them.  Don't you just love Coleman's riding helmet.He's riding their oldest horse that couldn't buck if she had to, she can barely walk but Coleman loves that helmet and hey, if he somehow fell off, it would definitely serve him well.  They will both be starting school soon and their evenings won't be quite as carefree as it is now. ~shucks~



Many of you know that Hubby and I bought an adjustable bed last week.  I am going to use this space to give a review to those that may be interested.  The above picture is not our particular bed but ours is just like it except that ours is inside a bed frame.  We have a sleigh bed and the bed fit absolutely perfectly inside of it.  Our adjustable bed is by Serta and our mattresses are the I-Comfort series by Serta.  We wanted dual controls so that meant we had to get 2 twin XL mattresses.  We wondered how that was going to work with a split down the middle of the bed.  We have slept on the bed 8 nights and the split has not bothered us at all. 

The adjustable frame - The longer I use it, the better I like it.  I love being able to recline and read or watch TV without propping pillows.  It took me about 3 nights to find the perfect spot.  I raised the bed to a complete sitting up position the first couple of nights and that did.not.work.for. me. at. ALL.  It was to straight up.  I then lowered the incline to about half of that and kept my pillow behind me and it is perfect and so comfortable.  The pillow merely rests between my mid-back and the mattress.  There's no slipping and sliding.  I raise the bed a couple of inches when I sleep for my acid reflux.  I have not really used the foot incline yet  but that might be a nice feature sometime.  The bed also has a massage setting.  Hubby has used it a couple of times but I have not used it.  It has 3 settings and I think if you were really tired and achy that it would probably feel really good.

The bed linens - It is most interesting when it comes to the sheets for this bed.  It requires 2 twin XL, deep pocketed sheets and of course, the top sheet and blankets are king.  There are no sheet sets (at least that I have found) so each must be bought individually.  I ordered mine from Bed,Bath and Beyond as they sell individual sheets.  Changing the sheets are a bit challenging for me at this point but I'm sure the more I change them, the easier it will become.  The challenge is getting the fitted sheet on the inside corner.  Once that is done the rest is pretty easy.  I do have a neighbor that still uses regular king size sheets on her dual adjustable bed and she says it works fine.  I may give it a try because it would sure be easier.  She said the sheets have enough "give" that the bed will still incline to the point that she likes it.  

The I-Comfort mattress - It is a type of memory foam and Hubby and I were very skeptical because we have had a memory foam mattress before that we did.not.like.  But, that was 10-12 years ago and they have made so many improvements to them.  The I-Comfort has a cooling gel that keeps it from feeling so hot.  We do not seem to cave down into this memory foam and it is plenty easy to turn over, move or get up from.   It is made to keep the body in alignment and Hubby and I both feel like it does.  

So, there you have it, my opinion.  We are very happy and I imagine the longer we have it the happier we will be.

Have yourself a wonderful weekend!