Grandson
Liam
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Thankful Days of November
Thankful for my children because they are creative and I steal their ideas!
My blog has been about Blessings, so mentioning things I am thankful for this month really include many of the blessings I have written earlier.
I had a big birthday this year, I am not talking about the age thing but more about appreciating the years and experiences along my journey of "Passin Through"
I am decades old and when talking to a family member yesterday we did speak a lot of how we understand much more about our parents now. I guess it will be this way with my children when I am gone. If I have one very huge regret is the way I treated my mother. I loved her so much but she did drive me mad at times. I know she must have had patience like Job. I said lots of words that can't be taken back, did things I wish I could change, and as bad as I was the more she loved me! I believe if I had committed murder she would have tried to convince everyone including God the person needed to die. It was not a healthy way to raise a daughter, now see here I go again. I am thankful God gave me to my mother, I really did admire her and after my dear Shannon died I understood why she acted the way she did since she lost her firstborn son also. My mother loved her children and was always telling us how much. She adored her four grandchildren that were born before she passed away. I am almost as old as my mother when she died.
Being thankful isn't hard for us that have been blessed with so many good things and times. It makes me feel guilty sometimes when I remember those less fortunate. There are so many with so little. I pray this year thanksgiving will be an opportunity for us with so much to help someone without.
Beautiful day here, it seems like fall is doing its best to hang on and keep old man winter away!
My blog has been about Blessings, so mentioning things I am thankful for this month really include many of the blessings I have written earlier.
I had a big birthday this year, I am not talking about the age thing but more about appreciating the years and experiences along my journey of "Passin Through"
I am decades old and when talking to a family member yesterday we did speak a lot of how we understand much more about our parents now. I guess it will be this way with my children when I am gone. If I have one very huge regret is the way I treated my mother. I loved her so much but she did drive me mad at times. I know she must have had patience like Job. I said lots of words that can't be taken back, did things I wish I could change, and as bad as I was the more she loved me! I believe if I had committed murder she would have tried to convince everyone including God the person needed to die. It was not a healthy way to raise a daughter, now see here I go again. I am thankful God gave me to my mother, I really did admire her and after my dear Shannon died I understood why she acted the way she did since she lost her firstborn son also. My mother loved her children and was always telling us how much. She adored her four grandchildren that were born before she passed away. I am almost as old as my mother when she died.
Being thankful isn't hard for us that have been blessed with so many good things and times. It makes me feel guilty sometimes when I remember those less fortunate. There are so many with so little. I pray this year thanksgiving will be an opportunity for us with so much to help someone without.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Silver Linings are Blessings!
I love the rain in the summer! Especially, this summer. It has been like a desert here for weeks, more like Arizona instead of Arkansas. No rain for weeks gave us dead grass and the trees are almost without any leaves,
I always think about the rainbows God has blessed me with. A few years back when I was especially troubled God gave me a triple rainbow!
I think it is interesting how we always appreciate the good weather, good times, etc. when things have been bad for a long time. Much of the time we stay busy and don't notice all we are given.
When I had cancer and lost my hair it did not bother me. Friends did not believe me because they know me and are very aware of my fault of vanity. Actually, it was a blessing not to have to worry about my hair. My husband would rub my head and tell me how little and pretty it was. Not being able to see where to stop the make-up was a challenge and my head was cold. Most days no make-up and my man's orange hunting toboggan solved those issues. No hair on my legs to shave, see blessings galore!
Spending the past weeks ill and in the bed most of the time made me sad, nervous, lonely etc. But the infection got better each day, my home health nurses were awesome, friends from far and near showed up to help. They cleaned, cooked, brought lunch and dinners. My kids all came to help at different times and ways.
For the first time in years I feel rested! I have not been suffering from Fibromyalsia at all!
Try to see the good with the bad it sure helps to get through most things life throws at us!!
I always think about the rainbows God has blessed me with. A few years back when I was especially troubled God gave me a triple rainbow!
I think it is interesting how we always appreciate the good weather, good times, etc. when things have been bad for a long time. Much of the time we stay busy and don't notice all we are given.
When I had cancer and lost my hair it did not bother me. Friends did not believe me because they know me and are very aware of my fault of vanity. Actually, it was a blessing not to have to worry about my hair. My husband would rub my head and tell me how little and pretty it was. Not being able to see where to stop the make-up was a challenge and my head was cold. Most days no make-up and my man's orange hunting toboggan solved those issues. No hair on my legs to shave, see blessings galore!
Spending the past weeks ill and in the bed most of the time made me sad, nervous, lonely etc. But the infection got better each day, my home health nurses were awesome, friends from far and near showed up to help. They cleaned, cooked, brought lunch and dinners. My kids all came to help at different times and ways.
For the first time in years I feel rested! I have not been suffering from Fibromyalsia at all!
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
The blessings of family, neighbors, friends when ill
Most people know how I feel about handwashing and bacteria. After all I am the manager of Microbiolgy at a hospital. I read reports from CDC before most doctors have any idea of the lastest scare. The increase of infections due to Staph is not something people are unaware of. June 11 I noticed a red spot the size of a dime on my booty. It did not look like an insect bite. It did not seem infected. I did clean it and used triple antibiotic cream just in case. In less than 24 hours this spot bacame a boil as big as my fist. I felt terrible, started running a fever and decided it was time to get to a doctor. I will not get into all the stupid things that went wrong. Just one point I will make, when you are real sick take someone with you to the doctor. I was admitted to the hospital 72 hours after going to a walk in clinic. I was septic (means blood poisoning) So blessed to have my daughter, Andie come and stay at the hospital with me. I was admitted on Wed afternoon and by Saturday night released to go home. Andie took care of getting me home and she and her husband stayed the week. I kept feeling terrible with fever. The kids took me to see my real doctor on Thursday, he is not in my insurance net work so I had been taken care of by a hospitalist. Since a surgeon was never called to consult about the abscess and no follow up ultral sound done this Dr was very upset, He wanted me back in the hospital for a surgeon to decide to remove this abscess. He did add another antibiotic to hold me over until the surgery. The surgery was done on Tuesday evening. I stayed in the hospital until Friday evening. I have been receiving home health care since, Two IV's daily and a wound vac attached to the surgery site.
The many prayers from friends and families have been very appreciated. Sarah and Ryan sent me a care package from Nashville and a sweet card that Liam even signed! Stacey and her family have been over to help. My neighbors and some church friends have been here. The best was two of my friends from Siloam Springs made the long trip to Greenwood with food . They cleanned my kitchen and spent most of the afternoon with me. I got some lovely flowers from another friend in Siloam. Several lovely cards from as far away as Virginia. I needed the rest but now appreciate my job. I will be so happy to get back on my feet ASAP. I am blessed with much. God is good all the time.
The many prayers from friends and families have been very appreciated. Sarah and Ryan sent me a care package from Nashville and a sweet card that Liam even signed! Stacey and her family have been over to help. My neighbors and some church friends have been here. The best was two of my friends from Siloam Springs made the long trip to Greenwood with food . They cleanned my kitchen and spent most of the afternoon with me. I got some lovely flowers from another friend in Siloam. Several lovely cards from as far away as Virginia. I needed the rest but now appreciate my job. I will be so happy to get back on my feet ASAP. I am blessed with much. God is good all the time.
Monday, July 4, 2011
July 4, when JuJu was a kid
HOME MADE ICE CREAM
BARBE QUE CHICKEN
TATERS BAKED IN THE COALS
FIRE WORKS
COUSINS
SPRING LAKE
I was visiting with my brother yesterday about the wonderful blessing we grew up with, this being our father's talent for cooking. The fourth of July celebrations we experienced were all filled with lots of great food.
We both know the Walker secret BBQ recipe. I have never had better. I am going to make some this fall this is a promise. His ice cream was wonderful also Until my freezer croaked I made ice cream in the summers. Never had a bite left.
My cousins would usually show up on the fourth. I remember going to Spring Lake in Yell county early in the morning. The lake was spring fed and was cold except on the fourth when it would warm up due to the big crowd.
By the time we returned home the water melon we had filled up on at the lake was gone.We were starving and the wait for the chicken and ice cream was nothing but pain.
I never remember my dad in a hurry with the exception of driving fast, I never remember my mother doing a single thing at a slow pace. Since daddy was cooking the food it would not be ready soon. But man was it worth the wait. He had someone custom make his BBQ smoker grill out of a old cast iron wash pot. It had legs and was used to heat water by building a fire under it. Dad had a frame to hold it with wheels. Looked sort of like a cart. He filled it with charcoal , a grill was placed on top and there was a big heavy lid, too heavy for me to open when I was 10. The men would be cranking the ice cream freezer. I never really understood why once the handle was stuck and the cream was frozen why we were not allowed to open it and dig in. This frozen ice cream was salted down again and a heavy quilt was wrapped around it for at least another hour. It was a great moment when the time was right and the first mouth full of ice cream was tasted.
It was just wonderful and I always ate it too fast and wound up with brain freeze!!
Soon after dinner the fire works came out along with the lightening bugs! We had so much fun chasing each other with fire crackers, The cousins usually stayed the night with us. We were always going to stay up all night , however I never remember that happening. I do remember falling asleep listening to the whippoorwills calling out from the woods.
Those were the best of times and the years have flown by way too fast. I am thankful for the blessings of growing up in the south with good food and fun cousins.
BARBE QUE CHICKEN
TATERS BAKED IN THE COALS
FIRE WORKS
COUSINS
SPRING LAKE
I was visiting with my brother yesterday about the wonderful blessing we grew up with, this being our father's talent for cooking. The fourth of July celebrations we experienced were all filled with lots of great food.
We both know the Walker secret BBQ recipe. I have never had better. I am going to make some this fall this is a promise. His ice cream was wonderful also Until my freezer croaked I made ice cream in the summers. Never had a bite left.
My cousins would usually show up on the fourth. I remember going to Spring Lake in Yell county early in the morning. The lake was spring fed and was cold except on the fourth when it would warm up due to the big crowd.
By the time we returned home the water melon we had filled up on at the lake was gone.We were starving and the wait for the chicken and ice cream was nothing but pain.
I never remember my dad in a hurry with the exception of driving fast, I never remember my mother doing a single thing at a slow pace. Since daddy was cooking the food it would not be ready soon. But man was it worth the wait. He had someone custom make his BBQ smoker grill out of a old cast iron wash pot. It had legs and was used to heat water by building a fire under it. Dad had a frame to hold it with wheels. Looked sort of like a cart. He filled it with charcoal , a grill was placed on top and there was a big heavy lid, too heavy for me to open when I was 10. The men would be cranking the ice cream freezer. I never really understood why once the handle was stuck and the cream was frozen why we were not allowed to open it and dig in. This frozen ice cream was salted down again and a heavy quilt was wrapped around it for at least another hour. It was a great moment when the time was right and the first mouth full of ice cream was tasted.
It was just wonderful and I always ate it too fast and wound up with brain freeze!!
Soon after dinner the fire works came out along with the lightening bugs! We had so much fun chasing each other with fire crackers, The cousins usually stayed the night with us. We were always going to stay up all night , however I never remember that happening. I do remember falling asleep listening to the whippoorwills calling out from the woods.
Those were the best of times and the years have flown by way too fast. I am thankful for the blessings of growing up in the south with good food and fun cousins.
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Blessings, my daughters!
The mother of three daughters, now all grown up. I still catch myself wondering where did the time go?
It seems only yesterday Stacey was a little girl. Now she is a successful engineer, been married to Scott for more than 20 years and the wonderful mother of Tori, age 13, and Austin, about to be 11. My first daughter was born a few days after I had my 18th birthday. She was very active before she was born. I felt like she was doing flips and jumping jacks 24/7. When she was born the activity level did not slow down. Today she can get more done in 1 hour than most people do in one day! She has and is a blessing to me and the rest of our family and those that know her. I appreciate all the times she helps me with decisions or listens when I need to vent.
Stacey was my baby for almost fifteen years. In August of 1984 I had, Sarah Elizabeth. We named her after her sister, Stacey Elizabeth. Sarah has always called her Sissy.
Sarah was a precocious baby, gifted with language at a very young age. She was what I call an old soul. It seems she was not a baby very long. She was speaking sentences on her first birthday. She grew fast and was big for her age with long hair. It seemed she was born with poise and presence. When Sarah was only two her older brother, Shannon , barely 19 was killed in a terrible accident. I have felt a lot of guilt because of the terrible grief and despair that kept me from being a good mother for Sarah. God's grace does cover so much for Sarah was never a problem. She was always well liked with tons of friends and an excellent student. She enjoyed helping the younger kids at school. She went on mission trips with our church. I heard many people say that Sarah has a special gift working with children. All I know is she is a wonderful young lady, she has been a wonderful mother to Liam born 6 weeks premature. She manages a Star bucks store and does a great job. Sarah lives all the way to Nashville. I enjoy the times we spend together. I am thankful to have been blessed with my Sarah Beth.
Then along came baby girl number three. Andrea Jeanne, was a surprise. She is almost 20 years younger than Stacey and five years younger than Sarah. She is the only child I have ever known with multiple imaginary friends. Andie was born joyful. I remember her giggles before she could talk. It is hard not to smile when thinking about Andie. She makes everyone laugh. She is now almost 22 and is focused on school. She is planning on becoming a nurse. I know she will be a wonderful nurse, her gift is compassion.
One of my prayers is that these three sisters will someday have a strong bond. I hope they will want to spend time together, that they will know how much they are loved by me. I have people tell me often what a great mother I am to have such three great girls. I just don't feel like any credit is due. I think God, in his mercy and grace was able to fill in the gaps. He knows my heart and answered my prayers. I prayed for many years my daughters would not make the same mistakes as I, and would have wonderful Godly husbands, would be healthy.
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I continue to pray they walk with Jesus and for their protection from the evil one.
Thanks to the Lord God Almighty, my three daughters are my treasures!
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It seems only yesterday Stacey was a little girl. Now she is a successful engineer, been married to Scott for more than 20 years and the wonderful mother of Tori, age 13, and Austin, about to be 11. My first daughter was born a few days after I had my 18th birthday. She was very active before she was born. I felt like she was doing flips and jumping jacks 24/7. When she was born the activity level did not slow down. Today she can get more done in 1 hour than most people do in one day! She has and is a blessing to me and the rest of our family and those that know her. I appreciate all the times she helps me with decisions or listens when I need to vent.
Stacey was my baby for almost fifteen years. In August of 1984 I had, Sarah Elizabeth. We named her after her sister, Stacey Elizabeth. Sarah has always called her Sissy.
Sarah was a precocious baby, gifted with language at a very young age. She was what I call an old soul. It seems she was not a baby very long. She was speaking sentences on her first birthday. She grew fast and was big for her age with long hair. It seemed she was born with poise and presence. When Sarah was only two her older brother, Shannon , barely 19 was killed in a terrible accident. I have felt a lot of guilt because of the terrible grief and despair that kept me from being a good mother for Sarah. God's grace does cover so much for Sarah was never a problem. She was always well liked with tons of friends and an excellent student. She enjoyed helping the younger kids at school. She went on mission trips with our church. I heard many people say that Sarah has a special gift working with children. All I know is she is a wonderful young lady, she has been a wonderful mother to Liam born 6 weeks premature. She manages a Star bucks store and does a great job. Sarah lives all the way to Nashville. I enjoy the times we spend together. I am thankful to have been blessed with my Sarah Beth.
Then along came baby girl number three. Andrea Jeanne, was a surprise. She is almost 20 years younger than Stacey and five years younger than Sarah. She is the only child I have ever known with multiple imaginary friends. Andie was born joyful. I remember her giggles before she could talk. It is hard not to smile when thinking about Andie. She makes everyone laugh. She is now almost 22 and is focused on school. She is planning on becoming a nurse. I know she will be a wonderful nurse, her gift is compassion.
One of my prayers is that these three sisters will someday have a strong bond. I hope they will want to spend time together, that they will know how much they are loved by me. I have people tell me often what a great mother I am to have such three great girls. I just don't feel like any credit is due. I think God, in his mercy and grace was able to fill in the gaps. He knows my heart and answered my prayers. I prayed for many years my daughters would not make the same mistakes as I, and would have wonderful Godly husbands, would be healthy.
Thanks to the Lord God Almighty, my three daughters are my treasures!
Monday, May 23, 2011
May 23, 2011
Last night a terrible tornado hit Joplin, Missouri, this happened about 6:40 PM. St John's Mercy Hospital was hit the hardest, Over 130 deaths and hundreds not accounted for. The hospital is part of the Mercy System I work for. My heart goes out to all those hurting, those homeless, the ones that have lost everything. If I had the money I would give a fortune to help them.
On the way home from work it was like driving through a flood. I am thankful for a bigger car so being swept away was not a concern. I bought a get well card to send to Peepaw, he has been very ill. I was thinking about going to visit him this past week-end. I did not want to cause additional stress for him or Betty. I prayed for him last night and again this morning.
when I got home this afternoon I noticed my phone had two messages. Jesse passed away about noon today. I spoke with Stacey for a few minutes and was told Andie did not know yet. I did tx Sarah and she responded she was ok and Andie knew.
Peeps was one of my favorite people. He was always very good to me. The day my husband moved out Jesse came in the kitchen crying. He gave me a big hug and told me he was so sorry.
He has been sick since last summer. I went to visit him twice when he was in the hospital, took him chicken and dumplings and fried apples.
I am glad he got to see Liam the two times he was here,
He was a wonderful grandfather to my kids , Even after the divorce he went to Austin's ballgames. I will miss him very much.
Rest In Peace dear Peeps.
JuJu
On the way home from work it was like driving through a flood. I am thankful for a bigger car so being swept away was not a concern. I bought a get well card to send to Peepaw, he has been very ill. I was thinking about going to visit him this past week-end. I did not want to cause additional stress for him or Betty. I prayed for him last night and again this morning.
when I got home this afternoon I noticed my phone had two messages. Jesse passed away about noon today. I spoke with Stacey for a few minutes and was told Andie did not know yet. I did tx Sarah and she responded she was ok and Andie knew.
Peeps was one of my favorite people. He was always very good to me. The day my husband moved out Jesse came in the kitchen crying. He gave me a big hug and told me he was so sorry.
He has been sick since last summer. I went to visit him twice when he was in the hospital, took him chicken and dumplings and fried apples.
I am glad he got to see Liam the two times he was here,
He was a wonderful grandfather to my kids , Even after the divorce he went to Austin's ballgames. I will miss him very much.
Rest In Peace dear Peeps.
JuJu
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