Life After 50

Bad Blogger, bad,bad Blogger

2014-02-10T11:07:00.002-06:00

Oh goodness, I have been such a bad Blogger. There, I said it. I can't believe how I have neglected this. I truly wanted this to be a reflection of my life, something I and my family could look back on and remember what was happening in our world.

From the looks of this blog site, life has been pretty boring since right before Christmas. Yes, that is the last time I took time to write here. I was so frantic, trying to get everything ready for the kids to arrive. And they arrived and it was such a whirlwind of activities, well of course there wasn't time to write.

They all left on Friday and I woke up very sick on Saturday. Sick enough that I went to the Dr. for medicine. Severe upper respiratory infection, antibiotics and 2 weeks later, I was feeling well enough to accompany Ed on a business trip to San Antonio. We had so much fun! We took a Segway tour of Downtown San Antonio with friends, had some wonderful meals and lots of laughs. Thankful we did, because it all went down hill from there....

Ed started feeling bad on Sunday, another gall bladder attack. Fortunately he was a little better on Monday and we made our way home. Things were pretty good on Tuesday, but Wednesday I woke up with some now all too familiar symptoms. Lupus had reared it's ugly head once again. And then things got really bad. That pesky gall bladder started acting up again on Thursday and Ed was at the beginning of a two and a half week long nightmare. He toughed it out over the weekend and. I wasn't much help since I was down with a flare. We mostly just lay in bed and were miserable together. With the exception of Saturday, when we frantically pulled the house together for a second look by prospective buyers. More on that later.

And in the midst of all this, my Grandmother passed away on Friday the 17th. Needless to say, we were both too ill to make the trip to Tennessee for her funeral on Monday the 20th. She was my last grandparent and I was unable to be there to say goodbye.

On Monday, Ed finally decided to go to the Dr. They did some blood work and said they would call
in the morning. When he had not heard from them by 10 am, he called them. The nurse called back
and said, "You have a lot going on! Dr. Jennings wants you to go directly to the hospital and be admitted." And so it began.

The gall bladder was not a happy camper and since misery loves company, it got the pancreas very angry as well. Very, very angry. Which then got the liver upset. And that liver was so angry about everything, he turned Ed a not so lovely shade of yellow. Take it from me, it was not a flattering color for Ed. He was diagnosed with Acute Biliary Pancreatitis, extreme dehydration and jaundice. He was in a great deal of pain and was immediately connected to all sorts if IV's. He was a pretty sick boy. This was Tuesday, January 21st. His Lipase numbers were over 9,000. Should be around 100. Like I said, he was pretty sick. By Friday the 24th, his numbers were much better, but some new problems were appearing. He was not sleeping and becoming very confused. On Saturday, the confusion was much worse and he was becoming paranoid. He felt like his heart was pounding, so I checked his pulse. It did not sound very good to me, so I called for the Nurse. She agreed it wasn't right. They began to look for what was causing this and thought he might have a pulmonary embolism and/ or a
brain bleed/stroke. He was moved to ICU and things went from bad to worse. A
Neurologist was called in and another MRI was scheduled. Thankfully, there was no embolism or stroke/bleed. He was started on meds to help him sleep and they did nothing. Finally on Tuesday the 28th, he was given Haldol and after 5 days of not sleeping, he slept for 3 hours! Not much, but a good start. He slept some that night as well. Still sporadic, but at least a little. The problem was that he couldn't have the gall bladder surgery as long as he was still altered. He improved a little each day and finally on Friday the 31st, he was able to have surgery. But in true Ed fashion, there was a complication and another Dr. had to come in and do an ERCP procedure to move a stone blocking the duct to the small intestine. We were so thankful to have that behind us after all he had been thru.

Saturday was the day we had been promised for discharge, but Ed's liver enzymes were over 1000, when they should be around 30. It took some persuading and promising to come in for more bloodwork on Monday, but he was finally released! We couldn't get out of there fast enough! We
were so thankful to finally be home and sleeping in our own bed. While he is still recovering and we
have numerous Dr. appointments in our future, he is so much better and that is enough for now.

2014 has been challenging so far, to say the least. We have quite a few changes happening in our family. Remember that showing I mentioned earlier? We have sold our house! We will be moving to Tulsa and into Ed's parents house for the time being. Very mixed emotions about that, we know we are doing what is best for Ed's parents, it is just going to take some adjustment on all of our parts. But we have prayed about it and know this is the path God has planned for us.

Whew, I am exhausted just getting all of this out. And there is so much I didn't cover. Christmas was
wonderful with all of our babies here with us. Bittersweet, as it turns out to have been our last Christmas in this house. But wonderful, none the less.

Will try and do better in the future, but make no promises. The next few months are going to be busy to say the least.

Please pray for us all....

They're coming......

2013-12-13T09:48:00.001-06:00

One week from today, yes, you heard that right, ONE WEEK!!!

They will be here. The Boston Babies and the Cincinnati babies. The OKC baby doesn't get here until Tuesday. I have one million things to do before they arrive. Anyone want to place a wager on how much I actually get done?

Don't bet on me people, that would be a losing bet for sure.

Let me count the ways...
Oh forget it, there are too many to count and I have to get busy.

Because they are coming.
And I can hardly wait!!!

Merry Christmas!

It's been a while

2013-10-01T09:15:00.000-05:00

Today is October 1st. I have been absent from my blog for quite a while.

With good reason I assure you. Many , many good reasons in fact.

There have been numerous trips to Boston, Cincinnati, Tulsa and even Hawaii.

And we added to our family! That's right, we have another precious grand baby in our family, Miss Caroline Kai! More on her later.

I have been feeling pretty good, a few small flares, but nothing I can't handle. I am thankful that my health hasn't kept me from enjoying my family and traveling. I realize how blessed I am to be able to do all the things I do.

Our house is still on the market, that is a whole 'nother story folks. It has been a frustrating experience, but I know that there is a plan and I just have to have patience.

So, the most exciting event of the past few months is the birth of our 4th grandchild, Miss Caroline Kai Poynor. She is absolutely precious and already 3 weeks old! Caroline was born on September 9th at 9:25 am, weighing 7lbs 4 oz and 21 inches long. I was able to spend 3 weeks in Boston with the Poynor's, helping out,cuddling this sweet baby girl and entertaining her big brother. Oliver is a great big brother and when Caroline cries, he says " Don't cry Carywine, I'm here, I'm here." It is just the sweetest thing.

Our next big adventure will be our family vacation in California at the end of the month. 7 adults and 4 babies, 3 and under.

Pray for me.....

My name is Connie

2013-06-01T14:09:00.000-05:00

Hello, my name is Connie and I am an addict....

My drug of choice?

The Pioneer Woman's Salsa...

That's right, I am addicted to this salsa. I make it 2-3 times a week and when that jar starts to get low, I start getting very anxious.

I start checking to see if I have cilantro, limes, tomatoes and Rotel. If there is anything from the recipe missing, I have to go to the store immediately and replace it in my pantry.

I told you, I am an addict.

And I am not ashamed to introduce others to my world. My husband, daughters, sons-in-law, no one is spared.

Just yesterday I made converts of my brother, sister-in-law and two of my nieces.

They are now hooked. I don't regret it one bit... They actually thanked me! That's how good this stuff is!

If you haven't had any, I am so sorry. I know you must feel something is lacking in your life and I guarantee, this will fill the empty spot.

Try it, I promise you will thank me and be a Pioneer Woman convert in no time at all!!

I will save you the trouble of googling it, here is the link to my addiction!

http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2010/01/restaurant-style-salsa/

My work here is done.

My baby brother

2013-05-22T09:52:00.001-05:00

My little brother Doug is a Battalion Chief for the Edmond Fire Department in Oklahoma. He has been on the job for 23 years now. During this time he has responded to countless emergencies and unfortunately has seen his share of disasters. He was on the scene, searching through the rubble after the bombing in OKC. I can't begin to imagine what he has seen and dealt with during his career.

Monday he drove south to Moore and his team was assigned to Plaza Elementary. Below is something he shared with us.

Thanks everyone!! I have to share a quick story and a lesson I a 23 year veteran of the FD was reminded about this morning by a new recruit we just hired with 3 WEEKS on.

Yesterday afternoon we responded to Moore and got our assignment to go to Plaza Elementary School to assist with search and rescue. Once there, the new recruit was simply assigned to start cutting 4x4 posts into 2' sections. That's it, just cut as many 2' sections as you can with the lumber we had to use as cribbing. Mind you he is standing in front of a horrific scene and his job was to cut boards that will be used to support weakened concrete. At first he thought surely there is something more I can do. However, this morning when we returned to the station and we gathered as a group to debrief. It was then that he shared his story and the task he was assigned. He also shared that at first he was aggravated about his assignment, but finally it hit him, his portion of the mission was to produce cribbing that would be used to keep responders and victims safe. His portion although seeming trivial it was a small part of a huge effort to provide comfort and closure to a lot of people.

Long story short, not one first responder can do their job without the support of every Oklahoman. Whether it be getting involved in local government, volunteering at a local charity or donating goods or money, it takes a team to be successful. A Oklahoma team I'm proud to be part of!!

Doug generally keeps his feelings pretty well hidden, he has never really talked about what he saw at the OKC bombing site with me and doesn't like a lot of attention for what he does. It is his job, he loves it and that's enough.

But, I am his big sister and since our Mom is no longer here to brag on him, I am going to. He probably wishes I wouldn't, but I just can't help myself. I am so very proud of what he does on a daily basis. He is a good man, husband, father and brother. His chosen career has meant he missed out on some things with his family. But that's ok, he was out there helping other families. We all make sacrifices, but our First Responders very often make the ultimate sacrifice, as witnessed recently in West, Texas.

So, if you love a First Responder, give them an extra hug today. We all get a little complacent and forget what they do for us, until something like Moore, Oklahoma happens and reminds us.

Thank you for all you do Douglas,
I love you,
Sis

Praying

2013-05-21T08:58:00.000-05:00

My heart is broken for the people of Moore.

Praying for all those affected by these horrible storms...

For Sale

2013-05-13T14:40:00.003-05:00

Well, we did it.

Our house is officially on the market.

Not going to lie, just a little scared about this. I have always felt very confident in our other moves. I am sure I will get there with this move, just not quite there yet.

But I know God has a plan and I have to trust that everything will happen as it is meant to be. As one of my darling daughters (Alissa) said, Everything will be fine in the end, if it isn't fine, it isn't the end....

Hope she is right.

Home

2013-05-01T11:54:00.001-05:00

Home

It has been six weeks and four days since I was last home.

So much has happened, I really don't know where to begin.

But here goes...

We left on the 16th of March for a weekend in Bristol TN and a Nascar race on St. Patrick's Day. We had a great German meal in Knoxville on the 16th and then drove into Bristol on the 17th. It was a great time and a good race. We spent that night in Pigeon Forge, TN. It sure has changed since the first time we stayed there in 1978! And the hotel we stayed in was much nicer as well.

The next day was the 18th and our 36th wedding anniversary. We spent the day driving to Cincinnati so that I could be there with Kari for the birth of our third grandchild. Ed flew out the next day for Atlanta and back on Thursday. He left that Sunday to come home and we began our wait.

And we waited...from winter...

To Spring, we waited....

And waited.....

Finally on the 8th of April, things began to happen and at 8:25 on April 9th, sweet Lovella Ruth was born!! She weighed 7lbs 10 oz and was 20 inches long. And very overdue!! Kari was a trooper and made it thru without any medications.

And just over 24 hours later we were home.

My favorite quote of the day was when Eli was told it was a girl, he asked if it was a squirrel! I hope he wasn't disappointed.

It was a whirlwind after that, taking care of two little ones, a house, dog and new Mommy. On the 25th, Alissa, Brek and Oliver came in for Eli's 2nd birthday party. Ed, Kaci and Lovella arrived the evening of the 26th and we partied on the 27th. The days went by so quickly and soon it was time to take Alissa, Brek and Oliver back to the airport. And then it was time to say our goodbyes...

After 6 weeks, I was ready to be in my own house, but I was not prepared for how difficult it would be to say goodbye to my babies. I lingered as long as possible and for the first time, Eli was crying as we left, begging us to not leave. Oh my goodness, my heart was breaking. This is just so very hard and I don't know if I will ever get used to it.

Thank goodness for Skype....

Now, it is time to get busy and get this house on the market so that we can sell it and decide where we are going to go next.

Wish me luck!

It's a ......

2013-04-04T23:08:00.001-05:00

GIRL!!! We got the wonderful news yesterday from Alissa and Brek, we will be welcoming a precious baby girl into our family in September! So very excited for them and all of us.

Of course, we are still waiting to find out what we will be getting from our sweet Kari. Bless her heart, she would take after me in the pregnancy/giving birth department. Today, she is 41 weeks and 4 days pregnant... with no end in sight. Praying that tomorrow will be the big day. It would be so special for this little one to be born on my Mother's birthday.

But regardless of when this baby comes and whether it is a boy or a girl, it is going to be so loved, nothing else will matter!

Counting my blessings....

Countdown and some good news

2013-03-19T20:11:00.000-05:00

We are in the final days (we hope) of Kari's pregnancy! Made it to Cincy yesterday and have gotten settled in for my stay. Eli was very happy to see Nonnie and Pops when he woke from his nap. Mommy had to go for a quick Dr. visit to check on Peanut #2, so Pops and I stayed here with a sleeping Eli. We had lots of fun before Pops had to leave for his flight to Atlanta. He will be back here on Friday for a few days, maybe more if we can get this baby to cooperate. Otherwise, he will go home and come back when we have a baby. Which I don't think will happen for a few more weeks. But who knows, maybe this little one will surprise us and come on time or maybe even a little early.

On another note, wonderful news to share, we will be getting another sweet grandbaby in September! Alissa, Brek and Oliver will be welcoming a precious addition to their family. We are so excited. I can hardly believe we will soon have four grandchildren. God has truly blessed our family and we are all so very thankful.

One month

2013-02-25T11:16:00.000-06:00

Really, one month? Since my last post? Really?

I have been busy you guys. On the road busy. Thousands of miles busy.

All for the love of my babies.

'Cause we know there isn't much I wouldn't do for my babies.

I would even go out in public looking like this...

And this is at the in-between stage, before it got really gross! Seeing my doc on Thursday to find out if it is Lupus gone wild or what. It started as two little bumps, normal lupus rash for me and then just exploded. But, it didn't keep me from my sweet Eli, nope, just slapped a bandaid on and headed northeast. As they say, ain't no mountain high enough...

This is the calm before the storm you guys. I have about four weeks (hopefully) before I head back to Cincy and a precious new grandbaby. Kari is 36 weeks today! How crazy is that? This pregnancy has just flown by and we are all so excited to find out what this little one is. Mommy and Daddy opted to be surprised, which is really fun. Sure, it is easier if you know as far as shopping and decorating goes, but you just can't beat that element of surprise!

I also have to get this house decluttered and ready to put on the market. Which means I really shouldn't be sitting here right now and typing. Really, I shouldn't....But, I am and I just can't get motivated to do all I need to do. Time is not my friend these days and if I don't learn to manage it better, we will still be sitting here in this partially decluttered house six months from now.

Must get to work!

Now!

A good man

2013-01-25T11:24:00.000-06:00

A good man left this world Wednesday night.

He was my Uncle Clayton.

He was a father to me for the first five months of my life, until my own father came home from overseas. My Dad was in the Navy, so Mom and I lived with Aunt Mary and Uncle Clayton until Daddy came home. Aunt Mary sat out in the waiting room with all the Dads, waiting for me to be born, since my own father was on a ship in the middle of the ocean, thousands of miles away.

Uncle Clayton loved to tell the story of how he would get me to eat liver when I was very anemic by offering me a sip of tea and then putting a spoon full of the nasty stuff in my mouth. Truth be told, it probably kept me out of the hospital. But I still hate liver.

Uncle Clayton was 92 years old and until he had a stroke a few months ago, he still drove, fished and gardened. I think when he couldn't do those things anymore, life just wasn't going to be much fun. And while I am sure he didn't want to leave my Aunt Mary or his children and grandchildren, it was time for him to leave this world and go on to a place where the fish are always biting and the gardens grow year round.

I know my Mom and many others were there to welcome him when he went to his Heavenly home. I am sure it was a joyous reunion, one I hope we will all experience some day.

Goodbye Uncle Clayton, we will see you again one day.

I love you.

Endings and Beginnings

2013-01-06T14:04:00.000-06:00

Another year has come and gone. So many milestones in this past year. Eli had his first birthday, Oliver turned two, Ed's parents celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary, we had our 35th, Alissa and Brek's 10th, the ten year anniversary of my Mother's death, what would have been my parents 55th wedding anniversary and so many more.

We made trips to Boston, Cincinnati, Aruba, California, Oklahoma City and Branson. I finally saw the Grand Canyon after all these years of driving past and flying over it. Saw the beautiful aspens in Colorado and so many of Ed's favorite places on our drive to Cali.

We had our first Lightner-Poynor-VanHoose family vacation and it was a huge success. Our next trip is already booked and being highly anticipated.

We found out we will be adding to our family this year. Baby V will arrive late March-early April. Looking forward to another sweet baby to cuddle!

We have had some challenges as well. Ed's dad is struggling physically and mentally. We had to close his business and are in the process of selling everything. It was very difficult to see all of his hard work come to an end.

We have some big changes coming in our life as well. It seems we will be moving back to Glenpool in order to help Ed's parents. We don't know where we want to buy or build, so we may move in with my Mother-in-law for the time being, until we sell our house and find somewhere to live. She needs our help and it just seems like the right thing to do for now.

I have had a few more Lupus flares this year. Sometimes I actually forget I have it and then it reminds me with a vengeance. Hoping and praying for a healthy 2013.

I am looking forward to what 2013 holds for our family. We have been so blessed and I am very thankful.

Yesterday

2012-12-15T09:36:00.000-06:00

Yesterday I was sad because I wanted to celebrate my parents 55th wedding anniversary with them.

I was feeling sorry for myself because my Mother died 10 years ago, 3 months before my parents 45th anniversary.

I was being self centered and self-pitying...

And then, I turned on the news...

Dear Lord, I am so ashamed.

I pray this is a wakeup call for us all. That these precious babies and heroic adults lives will not have been lost in vain. We don't know what drove this young man to this awful act, but Lord, please help us to recognize the next person with these evil thoughts before he gets this far.

I don't know what it will take. I do know, we have to keep guns out of the hands of people who are going to go out and do these evil things. We have to find a way to appease those people who feel they MUST have their guns to be real Americans and still keep mentally unstable people from killing our children.

Lord, we need your guidance now. Please be with the families in Newtown, Connecticut. Comfort them as only you can.

Amen

12-12-12

2012-12-12T10:29:00.003-06:00

Thinking of what might have been....

2 weeks

2012-12-11T13:59:00.000-06:00

2 weeks, that is all that is left until Christmas. Really? 2 weeks? Of course it doesn't help that I lost over a week to Lupus...Guess I have to learn that when I go and play, I will have to pay.

But I really enjoyed my trip to Cincy and Waxahachie, so I guess being down for 10 days is just the price I will have to pay. It was worth it to see my sweet Eli, so many of my Waxahachie kids and their parents

And now I have 2 weeks to get ready for Christmas. Decorations are still in the attic, don't have a tree, still need to buy presents....how will it ever all get done? And what if it doesn't? The world won't end...

Unless you believe the Mayan calendar of course, in which case, it won't matter at all, will it?

So, today I am going to remember some past holidays.

Because sometimes, the past is so much more pleasant, than the present...

Alissa 1980

I made these dresses, they wore them and still love me!

We had some really big trees!! Wish they were all here to help me decorate this year!

Thankful

2012-11-27T11:48:00.000-06:00

What a week we had!

It started on Tuesday with a trip to Tulsa to see Ed's parents. Donald is doing pretty well physically, but unfortunately the memory and confusion issues are getting worse. But he seems happy and is adjusting to his new surroundings pretty well. Lovella is doing better as well, seems more rested and not quite so stressed.

Kaci met us in Glenpool and then we all headed to OKC where the cooking and baking commenced. At least that is what I did. Ed and Kaci painted her dining room while I cooked...and cooked... and cooked! It turned out to just be the three of us for dinner, my Dad decided not to come, but it was a very good meal and everyone left the table stuffed! We had dessert with Doug and his family later that evening. So good to spend some time with them all.

Friday was a shopping/travel day. Ed and Kaci were up at 0 dark thirty, I chose to sleep. They had Kaci's Christmas tree purchased and home before 7am! We were supposed to leave that morning to drive to Texas, but Ed decided to put Kaci's Christmas lights up for her, so I did some cleaning while he was on the roof.

And then it was off to Texas to see our sweet Oliver!! And of course I was so busy playing, I failed to take any pictures of him!! Bad Nonnie!

Saturday was a busy day, mani/pedi's with Alissa, Cindy and Mandy, lunch and then time to get ready for the wedding of two very special people. It was like a family reunion of sorts, with so many of my "kids" being there. I haven't had so many hugs, kisses and "where are the rice krispie treats" in years!! I did manage to get a couple of pics, but of course not as many as I would have liked. Here are a few...

The Groom, one of my sweet boys

A sweet kiss from my sweet boy!

The Bride and Groom's first dance

The wedding was just beautiful and I hated to leave. Who knows when I will get to see all these kids and their parents again?

Sunday was our last day with Alissa, Brek and sweet Oliver. We also were able to spend some time with Dr. and Mrs. Cope as well as Somer, Ryan and little Miles. And then it was time to make that long drive home...I think I cried all the way to Dallas...Thankfully I have my next trip planned to Boston already and that is what keeps me going.

This is my shopping/recuperating week, since next week I have to report for Federal Jury Duty in Ft. Smith. I have to be available for 60 days, but should only have to spend a week of actual duty. Bad news is I have to be there and ready to go by 8 am every day....Guess they didn't get the memo that I am not a morning person! I will have to leave the house by 7am to get there and find parking and still be on time...Did I mention I am NOT a morning person? I schedule all of my appointments for after 1pm. I don't do mornings people! And yes, as I type this at 11:44 am, I am still in my pj's.

Don't judge me please...

Picture Perfect Post

2012-11-09T14:38:00.000-06:00

All about pictures today. As a 35 year anniversary gift, the girls gave us the gift of photography. Here are a few of the pictures.

Enjoy!

New life

2012-10-23T09:05:00.003-05:00

Yep, that's right, Eli is going to be a big brother!! A little sooner than his parents had planned, but aren't surprises wonderful?

So, come late March, early April we will add precious grandbaby number three to our family!

This Nonnie is so very blessed.

Funafornia!

2012-10-01T18:01:00.001-05:00

We did it!

We had our first family vacation with our daughters, sons-in-law and grandsons.

And it was a wonderful success. You know it has been a great vacation when after a week together, no one is ready to leave.

We swam, played in the ocean, built sand castles, had surfing lessons, flew kites, took family photos, went to the San Diego Zoo, celebrated birthdays, remembered my Mom on the ten year anniversary of her death and so much more.

We all want to go back to "Funafornia" as Oliver calls it.

And we will, that is for sure!!

Remembering

2012-09-11T12:45:00.001-05:00

Today I am remembering....

And doing that brings feelings of joy and sorrow.

It helps to remember, but it sometimes hurts so very much.

Today I will focus on the joy and try to push the sorrow away a little.

God has given us a beautiful day to rejoice in and that is what I choose to do.

Today....

Rebirth

2012-08-22T14:14:00.002-05:00

I heard something the other day that really resonated with me. It was on some tv show, can't remember which one right now. Probably because I have been watching a lot of tv lately, since that is about all I feel like doing. August has not been kind to me, well actually the end of July was pretty rough. So rough, that after driving all the way to Boston for sweet Oliver's second birthday, I missed it! I was so sick on his actual birthday, I pretty much slept the entire day. Probably due to the fact that I was up most of the night very sick at my stomach and all that goes along with that ailment. Alissa was sweet enough to bring Oliver by for a few minutes that evening after they had dinner. So I was able to see his precious little face, even if it was from a distance. Didn't want to take a chance on what I had being contagious, even tho I was pretty sure it wasn't. The ride home was a real joy, as you can probably imagine.

Have I mentioned, I hate Lupus?

But I digress....

Back to what I heard. I don't know if it is an actual quote or just an old saying. It wasn't credited to anyone, so going with, old saying. It went something like this...

They say you are born twice, once at your birth and again when your Mother dies.

I had never thought of it that way, but it is so true. I really believe I had a rebirth after losing my Mom. It changed me in ways I never thought possible. I grew up, when I thought I was already grown. I matured and became so very thankful for things I had taken for granted for far too long. I am still working on things, but then I am not yet 10 years old in this new life without my Mom. But I will be, soon. The 10th anniversary of her death is rapidly approaching and I am already dreading it. The only thing making it the least bit bearable is that I will be with my girls and grandbabies on the date. I know they will do wonders for my mood and it is exactly what my Mom would have wanted for me. So, I won't visit the cemetery that day, I will sit by the ocean, watch the seagulls and enjoy my family. I will miss my Mom that day, just as I have every day since she left us and will continue to do everyday until we are all together again.

And I will continue to grow.

Thank you Nora

2012-06-27T09:41:00.000-05:00

10 years ago, my mother was 61 and facing terminal lung cancer. I was living in Texas at the time and called one evening to check on her. I asked what she was doing and she said she was watching a movie, I asked which one and Mom tried to describe it to me. She finally got so frustrated trying to tell me that she said, "Oh, Connie, you know, the one where the girl pretends to have the "organism"! I got so tickled and said "Mom, has it been so long, that you have forgotten what they are called?" We had a really good laugh, which was much needed at that time. I lost my Mom in September of that year, but each and every time I think of this I smile. So, needless to say, When Harry Met Sally is my very favorite Nora Ephron movie. Rest in Peace Nora and thank you for your work and wonderful memories.

Happy Father's Day

2012-06-19T12:38:00.000-05:00

It happens very rarely these days, but Ed and I were both able to see our Dad's on Father's Day this year.

Donald was released from the hospital Friday night, back to the Rehab center in Glenpool, so we visited him there. He was in good spirits and hopefully he will be strong enough to return home very soon.

Then it was on to my Dad's house. Daddy is still getting around pretty well, some days better than others. But that doesn't stop him from working in his beautiful garden. He had this table full of tomatoes waiting for me when I got there and believe you me, they were delicious!!!

Love you Daddy and Donald!!!

So close...

2012-06-12T11:17:00.000-05:00

I am soooo close to 40 pounds lost, I can almost taste it. I just want to finally hit that milestone, so that I can move on to the next big one. So, with that, I have finally returned to my arch nemesis... the elliptical. Those of you who know me, know that I hate to exercise more than I love food. I would truly rather starve than exercise. But calorie counting needs a boost, so yesterday I got back on and gave it my all...for 15 minutes. Hey, it's a start! 40 pounds, I am coming for you, be afraid, be very afraid!!