tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-277799802024-03-13T03:45:36.845-05:00Do I look like I am kidding?Welcome to our busy, loud, chaotic life.Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00663732006006954966noreply@blogger.comBlogger50125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27779980.post-87354617192739609662010-03-03T11:11:00.004-06:002010-03-03T12:00:12.053-06:0099 things I ought to have doneIt's been way too long since I've been to my little blog site but I saw this cute little meme over at <a href="http://charitymom.blogspot.com">charity mom</a>. I'm a frequent visitor to this sweet blog & champion her charity and you should too! Anyway, I thought this would be fun & a distraction from my to do list so here it goes!<br /><br />99 Things I Ought to Have Done...<br /><br />Instructions:<br />Copy the list, bold the ones you've done (with explanations if needed), share with friends.<br /><strong>1. Started your own blog</strong><br /><strong>2. Slept under the stars</strong><br />3. Played in a band<br />4. Visited Hawaii <br /><strong>5. Watched a meteor shower</strong><br /><strong>6. Given more than you can afford to charity</strong><br /><strong>7. Been to Disneyland (land not world when I was a kid with Bernice & Aunt Dot, they were scared of ALL of the rides)</strong><br />8. Climbed a mountain<br />9. Held a praying mantis<br />10. Sang a solo<br />11. Bungee jumped (not in this life) <br />12. Visited Paris <br /><strong>13. Watched a thunder and lightning storm </strong><br /><strong>14. Taught yourself an art from scratch</strong><br />15. Adopted a child<br /><strong>16. Had food poisoning</strong><br />17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty<br /><strong>18. Grown your own vegetables</strong><br />19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France<br />20. Slept on an overnight train<br /><strong>21. Had a pillow fight</strong><br />22. Hitch hiked<br /><strong>23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill</strong><br />24. Built a snow fort<br />25. Held a lamb <br /><strong>26. Gone skinny dipping</strong><br />27. Run a Marathon <br />28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice <br /><strong>29. Seen a total eclipse</strong><br /><strong>30. Watched a sunrise or sunset</strong><br />31. Hit a home run<br />32. Been on a cruise <br />33. Seen Niagara Falls in person<br />34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors<br />35. Seen an Amish community<br />36. Taught yourself a new language<br />37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied<br />38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person<br />39. Gone rock climbing<br />40. Seen Michelangelo’s David<br />41. Sung karaoke <br />42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt<br /><strong>43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant (service men/women, without them knowing it is me, huge rush for me!)</strong><br />44. Visited Africa<br /><strong>45. Walked on a beach by moonlight</strong><br /><strong>46. Been transported in an ambulance</strong> <br />47. Had your portrait painted <br />48. Gone deep sea fishing<br />49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person<br />50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris<br />51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling <br /><strong>52. Kissed in the rain</strong><br /><strong>53. Played in the mud</strong><br /><strong>54. Gone to a drive-in theater</strong><br />55. Been in a movie<br />56. Visited the Great Wall of China<br /><strong>57. Started a business (call me for ALL your SCENTSY needs)</strong><br />58. Taken a martial arts class<br />59. Visited Russia<br />60. Served at a soup kitchen<br />61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies (used my Mt Vernon garage for county wide distribution 2 years in a row when my friend was cookie chairman)<br />62. Gone whale watching <br /><strong>63. Got flowers for no reason</strong> <br /><strong>64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma</strong> <br />65. Gone sky diving (will NEVER happen)<br />66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp<br /><strong>67. Bounced a check (oops)</strong><br />68. Flown in a helicopter<br /><strong>69. Saved a favorite childhood toy (katelyn's emma)</strong><br />70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial<br />71. Eaten caviar<br />72. Pieced a quilt<br />73. Stood in Times Square <br />74. Toured the Everglades<br /><strong>75. Been fired from a job</strong><br />76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London<br /><strong>77. Broken a bone (2 toes & a tiny bone in my foot right NOW)</strong><br />78. Been a passenger on a motorcycle <br />79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person <br />80. Published a book<br />81. Visited the Vatican <br /><strong>82. Bought a brand new car </strong><br />83. Walked in Jerusalem<br /><strong>84. Had your picture in the newspaper</strong> <br /><strong>85. Kissed a stranger at midnight on New Year’s Eve</strong><br />86. Visited the White House<br />87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating<br /><strong>88. Had chickenpox</strong><br /><strong>89. Saved someone’s life</strong><br /><strong>90. Sat on a jury</strong><br /><strong>91. Met someone famous </strong><br />92. Joined a book club <br />93. Got a tattoo <br /><strong>94. Had a baby</strong> <br /><strong>95. Seen the Alamo in person</strong> <br />96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake<br /><strong>97. Been involved in a law suit</strong><br /><strong>98. Owned a cell phone</strong><br /><strong>99. Been stung by a bee </strong><br /><br />.Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00663732006006954966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27779980.post-51931309853439643962009-02-24T23:47:00.004-06:002009-02-24T23:56:57.186-06:00Skylar is 4 eyed<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyy3FB-s_Hw8YLeI0IWIhOM_bCs9tflDtUp8pa9YIyjj3znLFzlzx1c3dXaMufSaNiSUKXbHrB8sKA_ZsYPtp73PdHTD9BUT0VJL5ZvhD1nyPptsZ-56zO7PP4MBi_dqmtM3pR/s1600-h/boston,+cheer+camp,+misc+2008-09+252.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyy3FB-s_Hw8YLeI0IWIhOM_bCs9tflDtUp8pa9YIyjj3znLFzlzx1c3dXaMufSaNiSUKXbHrB8sKA_ZsYPtp73PdHTD9BUT0VJL5ZvhD1nyPptsZ-56zO7PP4MBi_dqmtM3pR/s320/boston,+cheer+camp,+misc+2008-09+252.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306608018304190226" /></a>The little girl's teacher stopped me the other day & told me she thought she was having trouble seeing the board & had requested the nurse check her vision. I told her don't bother the girl is destined to be blind. Sure enough, she is on the same road as her brother & sister. Let me just make it clear, they didn't get that from me, I see fine...as long as I have my contacts in!Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00663732006006954966noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27779980.post-12916071722642506362009-02-07T01:43:00.001-06:002009-02-07T01:45:08.972-06:00retractionAfter reading the post below, Kevin says I shouldn't say "dump them off" so replace that with "safely deliver them to a higher level of care."<br />:)Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00663732006006954966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27779980.post-20990479148869150622009-02-07T00:26:00.007-06:002009-02-07T01:00:43.688-06:00I got a nice surprise!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTVn-ez46TJp5DmaCXURHMhvfAnsroUCdGruVWf0xrXZuJFKhJevz2wyInsnqydpllgZO2Cj1mPFJ-YRplhzIwoKUjOFDcIhRbY9UpVuPHt-u_8iPuqLWe88k6TmVSf_303LPL/s1600-h/february+2009+045.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTVn-ez46TJp5DmaCXURHMhvfAnsroUCdGruVWf0xrXZuJFKhJevz2wyInsnqydpllgZO2Cj1mPFJ-YRplhzIwoKUjOFDcIhRbY9UpVuPHt-u_8iPuqLWe88k6TmVSf_303LPL/s320/february+2009+045.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299940015507807634" /></a> It's a fruit basket! The biggest, prettiest fruit basket I have ever seen. Kevin called tonight to tell me because dispatch was making him go to the Terrell South station to pick up a fruit basket that a patient left me & Jason Starnes. I told him nevermind I would go get it, called dispatch & drove over. I was looking forward to getting the note. I didn't think much of the basket, thinking it was just a token little thank you. I was just excited to hear from this patient because I sincerely thought he would be deceased. Since they passed the HIPPA Law several years ago & patient privacy became a big deal, we are unable to call & check on patients after we leave them at the hospital. I always did that in the past & I really wonder about some of them after we dump them off. Anyway, I got there & look at this basket! It is massive. And the note, well, let me tell you, we made a difference. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTUva3lcF0TT3zbZNvOfJZsvlcm0fDXSjyZMqMlhNbmJkY1K5bi7TIcpBJcxtlLDyaBrI5vuvZtoaVpokunn1bl5uTXDsKrM1op9eszlmN3FakgJgmCbyluX2iX0aqKYZKSAs2/s1600-h/001.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 223px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTUva3lcF0TT3zbZNvOfJZsvlcm0fDXSjyZMqMlhNbmJkY1K5bi7TIcpBJcxtlLDyaBrI5vuvZtoaVpokunn1bl5uTXDsKrM1op9eszlmN3FakgJgmCbyluX2iX0aqKYZKSAs2/s320/001.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299944449722066578" /></a><br><br><br>I don't know how Jason feels but this sweet note will hold me a long, long time through lots of "I have had a fever all day but haven't taken any tylenol" or "I want you to take me to the hospital because you can get me seen faster" calls.<br><br><br>Anyway, we rarely hear anything from our patients after we leave them, it's nice to know we made a difference for this family.Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00663732006006954966noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27779980.post-78213270023772936332009-01-17T22:42:00.005-06:002009-01-17T23:24:41.834-06:00catching upI was going to write several posts to catch up but crap, I am so behind I don't think I will ever catch up. So how about some highlights? <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSOBA8XIDGAYvNYOq_KcJnqYl6Z-917-1zZGdy2PnBCadXpZ_bf6LaV0fuWAVPgxMSly7xQa66tnadrZjClRMtKnPSffMYJiA0NxFfC9aRIxf9zvGbeQdehQupqcMuGwqFV5AE/s1600-h/December+2008+002.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSOBA8XIDGAYvNYOq_KcJnqYl6Z-917-1zZGdy2PnBCadXpZ_bf6LaV0fuWAVPgxMSly7xQa66tnadrZjClRMtKnPSffMYJiA0NxFfC9aRIxf9zvGbeQdehQupqcMuGwqFV5AE/s320/December+2008+002.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292490676793216322" /></a><br><br><br> After the big slumber party, we had a cheer competition. Cody went with me to watch K8 and as you can see, he had a marvelous time....as did Bekah's dad...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSd2tIBtzw5TJovyfVzm7ZsRdSwKche6kKbq_MVzxc_U4VU450PzxFNsSYfUjM5yw0mVzy7zL3c_shR-O8dkcva0Oo_SEH6Obxop9ct_mDudChSOkPJuUoUPGNmUj4BcQrP33x/s1600-h/December+2008+001.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSd2tIBtzw5TJovyfVzm7ZsRdSwKche6kKbq_MVzxc_U4VU450PzxFNsSYfUjM5yw0mVzy7zL3c_shR-O8dkcva0Oo_SEH6Obxop9ct_mDudChSOkPJuUoUPGNmUj4BcQrP33x/s320/December+2008+001.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292492214494820610" /></a><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br> <br><br> We had a wonderful Christmas at home just the us and the kids. Santa, thanks to my wonderful direction, got us a WII. Skylar woke us up with the chickens and after the big unwrap she and Cody played WII for about 4 hours while K8 and I watched intently.><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFOWFzWpxxwd9hQb3RDFPvxh3X0mPoegR4tlz_-XKdDmDjx4O9yBHjUvCXRKJCOWgU1VxTp2wDXak21TBc20lOi3-SZ7A2clQLpDBrftsJA0FQzj_tQG_oZjTBR7WG3W0JuJOW/s320/December+2008+206.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292494780457216978" /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxhAbcuC676eWhD_uExq_oAjUySdOTVTCNtNwk08U-BCd9Ot7JItSICpsxrdyPFAts6_yimVh0glo-tf1Fy0sgcVYwusJk8H9n-86vMpac71S4gHZpZo5NmRVliqs6cLhXJ5Ib/s1600-h/December+2008+202.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxhAbcuC676eWhD_uExq_oAjUySdOTVTCNtNwk08U-BCd9Ot7JItSICpsxrdyPFAts6_yimVh0glo-tf1Fy0sgcVYwusJk8H9n-86vMpac71S4gHZpZo5NmRVliqs6cLhXJ5Ib/s320/December+2008+202.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292494781779505378" /></a>After Cody's turn, Katelyn had several hours, then Kevin, then JJ. All in all, I think Skylar had about 12 hours of good times on the Wii. Unfortunately for her, she was completely unable to move her right arm the next day. She did recover and just so you you won't nag me about my parenting skills or lack there of, <br />Wii time is monitored in smaller increments now. We completed the holiday with a traditional Christmas the following weekend with my in-laws, a relaxing News Years at home and a great long weekend at my sister's house in Edna. Everyone is back to school and work and the routine is back. Thanks for hanging with us and I promise to jot down our crazy times more often and keep all involved.Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00663732006006954966noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27779980.post-37754788829613427112009-01-13T23:35:00.009-06:002009-01-14T00:26:46.295-06:00I'm wayyyy behind so I will start here....<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIKpelFwwThTApG96U9Pzfi29j5JfDdjLcZBg96-hFLaSWulu7pg1MmUFBajQ4oH6APPjX1WjmSz7ukjwQzow78s6dfPkE_SDzGnNVGGeFWDcobbRLjbAjgtHBwDbCDQYN4sOu/s1600-h/December+2008+153.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIKpelFwwThTApG96U9Pzfi29j5JfDdjLcZBg96-hFLaSWulu7pg1MmUFBajQ4oH6APPjX1WjmSz7ukjwQzow78s6dfPkE_SDzGnNVGGeFWDcobbRLjbAjgtHBwDbCDQYN4sOu/s320/December+2008+153.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291021065534864834" /></a>Yes, we are still alive here in the Walukas house. November and December have flown by except for one night, December 13th. The longest night in history! We had a pajama slumber party for Skylar's 8th birthday. We had a pretty decent showing, can you guess how many? Let me just tell you we were wall to wall girls. We cleaned the garage, Kevin decorated just a bit with some 20 strands of rope lights, balloons, streamers and a disco ball. We put a heater, some tables, and a dance area, it looked like an 8 year old's disco/party room. They ate, they ran crazy and all my ideas were over by 9.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4vd0a54qpBwfGI1ZqELIEnivIQ5wJJFJYLANdF4tS13Dh2ui7FX-JCre7PKCbdAgcLNob6_4lzJhNZu5jawNs_ZJOSRCm8bZsJi-OMAv_G3cW-rbdktrn9qlhu5ZcG-l43eNB/s1600-h/December+2008+088.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4vd0a54qpBwfGI1ZqELIEnivIQ5wJJFJYLANdF4tS13Dh2ui7FX-JCre7PKCbdAgcLNob6_4lzJhNZu5jawNs_ZJOSRCm8bZsJi-OMAv_G3cW-rbdktrn9qlhu5ZcG-l43eNB/s320/December+2008+088.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291025223974004530" /></a> Thank God, Katelyn's friends showed up for the cake and ice cream with PARTY MAN HIMSELF, MR. JOSH HANKINS! Yes, that is a look of fear on his face but, he made a quick comeback and bless this guy, he was the hit of the party! He hosted a dance contest and sing off. Everyone had a great time and most importantly, he wore their little butts out! As you can see in the first photo with most of the furniture gone, they just barely fit on the floor with all their sleeping bags. Saturday morning we woke up way early and shuttled over to the school for the Breakfast with Santa extravaganza sponsored by the PTO.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEideaETstHcvzhiC_jTRfX4CXyWPmGb8mskqbX_iTIbJdHQq367tyciUMY-JIhQhq-Zp3BvAk0zMAbsrbsJxdsqh1SnBBwUG1mnPbJQfBAN9-7CtLeOhoDuyHp_pm9YLHin38Wl/s1600-h/scan0001.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEideaETstHcvzhiC_jTRfX4CXyWPmGb8mskqbX_iTIbJdHQq367tyciUMY-JIhQhq-Zp3BvAk0zMAbsrbsJxdsqh1SnBBwUG1mnPbJQfBAN9-7CtLeOhoDuyHp_pm9YLHin38Wl/s320/scan0001.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291027740802145922" /></a> The girls ate donuts, made tons of crafts and sat for this priceless picture with Santa himself! A great time was had by all. And yes, you counted correctly but let me spell it out for you, S E V E N T E E N, that's 17 beautiful little girls!!!!!!!Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00663732006006954966noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27779980.post-50590141173636913382008-12-10T18:21:00.002-06:002008-12-10T19:06:31.174-06:00firsts & lastsFIRST REAL BEST FRIEND: tie, Tammy Marshall, Kathleen Russell & Shannon West <br /><br />FIRST SCHOOL: Russell School, Mansfield<br /><br />FIRST CELL PHONE: Cellular 1<br /><br />FIRST FUNERAL: I think my great aunt's<br /><br />FIRST PET: Cindy Lou<br /><br />FIRST BIG TRIP: Disneyland with my Granny Bernice & Aunt Dot<br /><br />FIRST FIGHT: see first friend, Kathleen Russell kicks my a**<br /><br />FIRST CELEBRITY CRUSH: Peter Frampton<br /><br />FIRST KISS: P-John Christenberry<br /><br />FIRST TIME OUT OF THE COUNTRY?: mexico when I was a kid with my mom<br /><br />FIRST JOB: Lee's Supermarket, Mansfield<br /><br />FIRST MYSPACE FRIEND: Katelyn<br /><br />EVERYONE HAS THEIR LASTS:<br /><br />LAST PERSON YOU HUGGED: a patient's mom while ago<br /><br />LAST CAR RIDE: car, this morning on the way to work...ambulance, a few minutes ago<br /><br />LAST TIME YOU CRIED?: this morning<br /><br />LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED: Single Santa Seeks Mrs. Santa<br /><br />LAST FOOD YOU ATE: noodles<br /><br />LAST ITEM BOUGHT: tea<br /><br />LAST SHIRT WORN: this ugly uniform shirt<br /><br />LAST PHONE CALL: Robert<br /><br />LAST TEXT MESSAGE: Kevin<br /><br />LAST THING YOU TOUCHED: laptop<br /><br />LAST FUNERAL: Dad's<br /><br />LAST TIME AT THE MALL: last week with Mindi<br /><br />LAST TIME YOU WERE EXCITED FOR SOMETHING: <br /><br />LAST PERSON YOU SAW: this person I am working with<br /><br />LAST THING YOU DRANK: tea<br /><br />LAST PERSON THAT BROKE YOUR HEART: my siblings<br /><br />LAST TIME YOU WERE REALLY HONESTLY HAPPY?: not todayTracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00663732006006954966noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27779980.post-16632540845189352052008-12-01T12:57:00.005-06:002008-12-01T14:42:47.544-06:00Christmas memeChristmas Goodies <br /><br />1. Post the rules on your blog.<br />2. Fill out the questions below<br />3. Tag 5-7 people at the end of your post.<br />4. Pass on the tag.Have FUN!!<br /><br />1.Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate?<br />Hot Chocolate with lots of mini marshmellows<br /><br />2.Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree?<br />sit them out<br /><br />3. Colored lights on tree/house or white?<br />white on the tree and house<br /><br />4. Do you hang mistletoe?<br />If we have some.<br /><br />5. When do you put your decorations up?<br />Thanksgiving weekend<br /><br />6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)?<br />I don't know, let me taste them again....<br /><br />7. Favorite holiday memory as a child:<br />When I was small and we all gathered at Granny Todd's and Papaw's. There would be 30or 40 people there. Loud, loving and lots of love.<br /><br />8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa?<br />I woke up Christmas morning to find the toys out were the toys hidden in my mom's shower the day before.<br /><br />9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve?<br />no<br /><br /><br />10. How do you decorate your Christmas Tree? white lights, then little Santa Claus lights, tons of Hallmark ornaments mostly supplied by Granny Glenda (what will I do when I have to actually give them to the kids they belong to?), some pretty braided wood stars, special ornaments made by the kids and new this year, some red beads.<br /><br />11. Snow! Love it or Dread it?<br />Snow in Texas? very rare<br /><br />12. Can you ice skate?<br />Never tried.<br /><br />13. Do you remember your favorite gift?<br />I got a princess telephone with a note with my new very own number and the hookup date, December 26th when I was a teenager from my mom<br /><br />14. What is the most important thing about the Holidays for you?<br />remembering Jesus' birth and spending time with my family<br /><br />15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert?<br />not much on desserts<br /><br />16. What is your favorite holiday tradition?<br />We are having to make new traditions. <br /><br />17. What tops your tree?<br />a star of braided wood<br /><br />18. Which do you prefer giving or receiving?<br />both are funbut I love finding gifts that when they are opened that brings a sincere suprised smile and not the "oh you shouldn't have" smile. <br /><br />19. What is your favorite Christmas Song?"<br />it was a story called Small One on a Burl Ives Christmas album my mom had when I was a kid. I have searched for a copy and can't find it, I would LOVE to have a copy of that.<br /><br />20. Candy Canes! Yuck or Yum?<br />yucky<br /><br />21. What do you want for Christmas?<br /><br /><br />22. Do you attend an annual Christmas Party?<br />no<br /><br />23. Do you dress up on Christmas or wear PJs?<br />comfy clothes<br /><br />24. Do you own a santa hat?<br />yes<br /><br />25. Who do you normally spend Christmas with?<br />christmas day, my kids and kevin. my siblings & I started a new thing 2 years ago, the saturday before christmas eve we gather, eat and have chinese christmas. FUN! <br /><br />I'm not good about tagging people, but if you want to play, join us and let me know so I can come and read your answersTracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00663732006006954966noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27779980.post-1765860274264692612008-11-27T00:27:00.002-06:002008-11-27T07:05:41.022-06:00My girl's birthday.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1uKQVGEdhcvEkmoJ63lB502FDW-mdEyXZuzOIGKKUFYh6f6xI-RYuSLCdRNRZCU-9rb0P8ruEYDhC5pRuvr5Echj-p_n1sigsMtn0bosj191FZdDKHn7VAEllL9GuPD9gr6Tk/s1600-h/085.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1uKQVGEdhcvEkmoJ63lB502FDW-mdEyXZuzOIGKKUFYh6f6xI-RYuSLCdRNRZCU-9rb0P8ruEYDhC5pRuvr5Echj-p_n1sigsMtn0bosj191FZdDKHn7VAEllL9GuPD9gr6Tk/s320/085.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273310540032251410" /></a>Today my oldest little girl turns 18. Where has the time gone? I can't even begin to tell you what a wonderful gift she has been to me. She is kind, loyal, honest, strong, determined, focused, and smart, incredibly smarter than I was at 18. I can count on one hand how many times I have had to really discipline her, she does that to herself. She loves cheerleading, shopping, sleeping late, goulash, peace signs, dancing, coaching at twisters, her birthday on Thanksgiving day, her family, friends, JJ and me. She hates racism, liars, the left side of her hair, math, and cheese. So Katelyn, on this milestone birthday I tell you HAPPY BIRTHDAY and I wish that all your wishes come true and I humbly thank GOD for eighteen years ago giving me the gift of being your mother.Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00663732006006954966noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27779980.post-69066386137572722222008-11-21T22:03:00.005-06:002008-11-21T22:31:02.374-06:00One WordI saw this over at <a href="http://mamasonaplaydate.blogspot.com">mama's on a playdate</a> and it looked fun, so I copied it.<br /><br />One Word<br /> <br />I'm inviting you to join me in this one too. Put your answers in the comment section or copy to your blog and then leave a comment if you want to participate. <br /><br />You can only type ONE Word! Not as easy as you might think.<br />Change the answers to suit you and pass it on.<br />It's really hard to only use one word answers.<br />You can only type one word, on each line. <br /><br />Where is your cell phone? kitchen <br /><br />Where is your significant other? asleep<br /><br />Your hair? graying<br /><br />Your mother? gone<br /><br />Your father? troubled<br /><br />Your favorite thing? hugs<br /><br />Your dream last night? insane<br /><br />Your dream/goal? peace<br /><br />The room you're in? den<br /><br />Your fear? death<br /><br />Where do you want to be in 6 years? happy<br /><br />Where were you last night? home<br /><br />What you're not? skinny<br /><br />Muffins? yummy<br /><br />One of your wish list items? vacation<br /><br />Where you grew up? Mansfield<br /><br />The last thing you did? potty<br /><br />What are you wearing? clothes<br /><br />Your TV? ancient<br /><br />Your pet? spastic<br /><br />Your computer? distracting<br /><br />Your life? stressful<br /><br />Your mood? quiet<br /><br />Missing someone? Mom<br /><br />Your car? cluttered<br /><br />Something you're not wearing? makeup<br /><br />Your summer? good<br /><br />Love someone? yes<br /><br />Your favorite color? red<br /><br />When is the last time you laughed? today<br /><br />Last time you cried? today<br /><br />Looking forward to your answers,<br />TracyTracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00663732006006954966noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27779980.post-15076122501972880452008-11-20T22:47:00.002-06:002008-11-20T22:57:00.644-06:0044 things about me1. Do you like blue cheese? nasty<br /> <br />2. Have you ever smoked? very nasty, no<br /> <br />3. Do you own a gun? no<br /> <br />4. What flavor of Kool-Aid was your favorite? Tropical Punch, no, grape<br /> <br />5. Do you get nervous before doctor appointments? no, I cancel them before I get the chance <br /> <br />6. What do you think of hot dogs? got any chili and cheese?<br /> <br />7. Favorite Holiday Movie? Single Santa Seeks Mrs. Santa and the sequel, Meet the Santas with Steve Guttenberg and Crystal Bernard, I will have to dig those up and watch them this weekend! So good. <br /> <br />8. Favorite thing to drink in the morning? really, really cold milk, pulpy orange juice or tea<br /> <br />9. Can you do push ups? hahahaha, someone come help me up off the floor<br /> <br />10. What's your favorite piece of jewelry? I have several. all gifts.<br /> <br />11. What's your favorite hobby? blogging or scrapping if I had time<br /> <br />12. Do you have A.D.D.? I must, I just retyped this questionnaire so it would look better<br /> <br />13. What trait do you hate about yourself? fat<br /> <br />14. Middle name? Lynne<br /> <br />15. Name 3 thoughts this exact moment; some issues between kevin & cody, I need to clean & purge around this house before decorations come out & I REALLY need to go to bed <br /><br />16. What do you read in the bathroom? my Sunday school lesson, magazines, the novel I'm reading if I remember to take it in there<br /> <br />17. Current worry? Cody & Kevin<br /> <br />18. Current hate right now? Everyone thinking they would know what to do in my shoes and telling me what I ought to do instead of being supportive <br /> <br />19. Favorite place to be? almost anywhere with my family and friends, I'd love it to be the beach<br /> <br />20. How did you bring in the New year? sleeping<br /> <br />21. Where would you like to go? Mexican beach resort<br /> <br />22. Name three people who will complete this? not sure<br /> <br />23. Do you own slippers? somewhere<br /> <br />24. What shirt are you wearing? ugly white tshirt<br /> <br />25. Do you like sleeping on satin sheets? no<br /> <br />26. Can you whistle? barely<br /> <br />27. Favorite color? red<br /> <br />28. Would you be a pirate? no<br /> <br />29. What songs do you sing in the shower? none, I enjoy the quiet<br /> <br />30. Favorite girl's name? katelyn if she is listening and skylar if she is listening :)<br /> <br />31. Favorite boy's name? cody<br /> <br />32. What's in your pocket right now? eight dollars woo hoo<br /> <br />33. Last thing that made you laugh? Cody & Skylar playing basketball<br /> <br />34. What vehicle do you drive? VW Jetta<br /> <br />35. Worst injury you've ever had? broken heart<br /> <br />36. Do you love where you live? I do, would love it more if I had $$$ to finish the remodel<br /> <br />37. How many TVs do you have in your house? 4<br /> <br />38. I guess number 38 got lost :(<br /> <br />39. Do you have any pets? 3 dogs, an iguana, some fish, a turtle, a hamster, a bird and a husband<br /> <br />40. Does someone have a crush on you? my husband does, crazy man<br /> <br />41. Your favorite books? anything by Karen Kingsbury and Debbie Macomber<br /> <br />42. Do you collect anything? wrinkles<br /> <br />43. Favorite sports team? Canton Eagles of course<br /> <br />44. What song do you want played at your funeral? I Can Only Imagine by Mercy Me <br /> <br />Common girls, link this to your blogs and lets get to know each other better!Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00663732006006954966noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27779980.post-59443683974443321622008-11-18T10:43:00.004-06:002008-11-18T16:53:49.392-06:00Miss Vivi Jo Lester<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4plryxZltdhp3-OvTf9lcFkdbCP2WvArTWvIWZFXxhT99pa7NqifC3rjhVFDzHQ7XC1kbVqgHIKqAfEDMSHDUD-xJy4uYMWFw9C2KDuQp1tmoF6xzVBEg2QqTDfRmSpBjJaYf/s1600-h/lester+family_collage.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4plryxZltdhp3-OvTf9lcFkdbCP2WvArTWvIWZFXxhT99pa7NqifC3rjhVFDzHQ7XC1kbVqgHIKqAfEDMSHDUD-xJy4uYMWFw9C2KDuQp1tmoF6xzVBEg2QqTDfRmSpBjJaYf/s320/lester+family_collage.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270123820813322818" /></a><br /><br />I have a Mt Vernon friend, Kim Lester, that I have reconnected with through blogging. She blogs over at <a href="http://www.celebratingeverydaylife.blogspot.com">Celebrating Everyday Life</a>. She was raising her "first" batch of kids in Mt Vernon at the same time I was there raising my first "batch." She and her husband, Paul, adopted the most precious little boy from China last year. Max is adorable and will capture your heart if you read their blog. Recently, Paul and Kim have started another chapter in their family story to adopt a daughter, also from China. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidxMfeFaG2rtpn4wchr6nQSBYHMfuj9i0xXucCCJmASeljFVnc6sQQHiP0PEm_nXWgSWJpgxc7Ip5mjVmmhwOMa6-hEVOU5S81gDB0YaWr79arUXlxSzwqoEDIoSjGU_SeaEMS/s1600-h/Miss+Vivi.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 287px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidxMfeFaG2rtpn4wchr6nQSBYHMfuj9i0xXucCCJmASeljFVnc6sQQHiP0PEm_nXWgSWJpgxc7Ip5mjVmmhwOMa6-hEVOU5S81gDB0YaWr79arUXlxSzwqoEDIoSjGU_SeaEMS/s320/Miss+Vivi.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270126884416043314" /></a> <br />Tuesday, November 11th, Vivian Josephine joined Britney, Mark, Hayden, and Max to make Paul and Kim parents of five! God had a wonderful plan for this precious child and she will be loved to pieces. My purpose in sharing their story is two-fold. One, that you will be blessed by their amazing family and two, that you will pray as they prepare to travel home with Vivi on Thursday. Miss Vivi has horrible motion sickness and China to Texas involves a small amount of travel. ;) Please read and enjoy their story and keep them in your prayers as they travel. I LOVE this sweet picture of Vivi, coloring intently. And check out the bow. Kim is the queen of BIG hairbows. I have several pictures of Britney in the day when the bow was bigger than the girl!Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00663732006006954966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27779980.post-4084728366784476262008-11-13T14:21:00.003-06:002008-11-13T15:00:27.438-06:00Skylar and Dr. Carter's office<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4iKcBQXMw6cyi-fvDx4EZKn8NyaHgHrv6kFhjKaDGiXS7id1K5-lc9F01zilWA4sQ0lr2iqfLjTqso4NsYVbcXu_3r28gbO6qKWsFipO0LGABj8frw3npfy1mEZmcllAo1-nj/s1600-h/high+sky.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4iKcBQXMw6cyi-fvDx4EZKn8NyaHgHrv6kFhjKaDGiXS7id1K5-lc9F01zilWA4sQ0lr2iqfLjTqso4NsYVbcXu_3r28gbO6qKWsFipO0LGABj8frw3npfy1mEZmcllAo1-nj/s320/high+sky.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268241575118151058" /></a>We have had a couple of HORRIBLE dental experiences with Skylar. In light of this, her regular dental visits have suffered but with great thanks to our friends, Lorrane and Rebekah Epps, those days are behind us! We went several weeks ago and had an introduction visit with Dr. John Carter, a pediatric dentist in Tyler. She immediately, as did I, felt relaxed with him and his assistant Ms. Gail. Yesterday our girl had an appointment with them to fix a nasty cavity. As you can see, the girl loves the gas. She was giggling and wiggling like she wanted to bust a dance move to the music in her head and they were SUPERB with her. Other than the tingly, moderately painful feeling of the "pinches" wearing off last night our experience was wonderful. I can't thank Dr. Carter and his entire kind staff for changing how we feel about going to the dentist. Thank you Lorraine for sharing him with us! If only he would treat my dentist phobic large child, Kevin.Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00663732006006954966noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27779980.post-78234046743795040832008-11-11T22:29:00.004-06:002008-11-11T23:15:42.433-06:00Cheer Season<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCLVtHxMCf0s50_6vIvCiSM9RPUPu_vfNO77Ll32dNqtZolawkBiEUy0BYMgOUasxw9hGtT0yhHD6V2DuHmHHoPU9E9lcV5ECkv2_bD_I6UQlzqQnEAVB1PBYu8SyO18Jr44Rk/s1600-h/369.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCLVtHxMCf0s50_6vIvCiSM9RPUPu_vfNO77Ll32dNqtZolawkBiEUy0BYMgOUasxw9hGtT0yhHD6V2DuHmHHoPU9E9lcV5ECkv2_bD_I6UQlzqQnEAVB1PBYu8SyO18Jr44Rk/s320/369.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267624701471499314" /></a> This past Friday was Katelyn's last football pep rally and football game at <br />Canton. She has been cheering for Canton since the 7th grade. I hadn't really let myself dwell on that "last" thing so I was holding it all together rather well. But, obviously, Skylar had picked up on it being the "last" and had been stewing on it because when they went to sing the school song, I looked down and she was having herself a good cry. She said she doesn't want Katelyn to leave her. Well, that did it I was crying right there in the gym with her. So, if you saw me Friday at the pep rally, yes, I was crying as the seniors swayed in their circle singing Old Christmas Tree with the I love Canton High School words.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMiYHWpt6MeI8H8uXMW1xrkPvvGdzxINOfTwPpMf0U8b5VS8-eo_1oaqRv7UGPclbY7ndOabR0BilunQVoLloWYfogGV0OFfNgiYoCcIzbArogMnvDEkRN7r7Bh8IzMHHZUxdO/s1600-h/316.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMiYHWpt6MeI8H8uXMW1xrkPvvGdzxINOfTwPpMf0U8b5VS8-eo_1oaqRv7UGPclbY7ndOabR0BilunQVoLloWYfogGV0OFfNgiYoCcIzbArogMnvDEkRN7r7Bh8IzMHHZUxdO/s320/316.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267624500511022706" /></a>The sadness was short lived though because we are in the middle of competition cheer season baby and it was off to Denton for us on Sunday. The team is looking great and improving with every competiton. Sunday was a short day, we had to be there at 10 for Katelyn to coach the little girls, she competed early afternoon, we were out of there late afternoon and home at a decent hour. We have a couple weeks off and we are headed to Denton again on Skylar's birthday. Here's hoping for a win. Those kids deserve it, they work really hard!Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00663732006006954966noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27779980.post-55536087244755762132008-11-10T20:53:00.004-06:002008-11-10T21:19:44.774-06:00HAPPY BIRTHDAY CODY!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy8C0AnrfpKIPgFxI95IDp-T3fHdMRvrS6TQkbo1n9YjyWE_9P3hQEudPhm2fRQNviLLkV1QBptWKNPw1uPLYZPsjr3nIAqfI70ycN73tGTo32cC3TA8xkUn2I4xQVpvcsWFnX/s1600-h/cody.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy8C0AnrfpKIPgFxI95IDp-T3fHdMRvrS6TQkbo1n9YjyWE_9P3hQEudPhm2fRQNviLLkV1QBptWKNPw1uPLYZPsjr3nIAqfI70ycN73tGTo32cC3TA8xkUn2I4xQVpvcsWFnX/s320/cody.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267229392037911650" /></a>Today my son is 25 years old. I can't believe he is 25. It seems like just a short time ago that I was holding that sweet, tow headed boy in my lap, with his blanket, reading stories. I always heard that there isn't another love like that between a mother and child and this child proved that truth to me. There have been times when I could have strangled him with my own two hands but I can't imagine my world without him. When he is happy, my heart feels like it will burst and when he is sad, my heart has pain. Cody hasn't always made the wisest choices and is paying for those choices now but I know he is strong and he will succeed. He is a very introverted soul but I know inside his heart there is much love and a desire for a happy life. I pray this year brings him happiness and success. I just wanted to share my son with you on this very special day. I love you Cody. MomTracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00663732006006954966noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27779980.post-49190212598479731212008-11-10T11:09:00.003-06:002008-11-10T14:49:21.754-06:00value6 things I value:<br /><br />1. my faith, he sustains me<br />2. my family, dysfunction and all<br />3. my friends, a very eclectic bunch<br />4. my health, amazingly good for a fat girl<br />5. my job,I like the paycheck<br />6. my freedom<br /><br /><br />6 things I don't value:<br /><br />1. drama<br />2. lack of sleep<br />3. my time management skills<br />4. 911 abusers<br />5. being late, see number 3<br />6. two faced people<br /><br />6 people I'm tagging<br /><br />1. I'm a sad little blogger<br />2. I don't have any blogger<br />3. people<br />4. so if you read<br />5. my blog and want to be tagged<br />6. consider yourself taggedTracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00663732006006954966noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27779980.post-83041277997498679762008-11-04T22:01:00.002-06:002008-11-04T22:06:44.312-06:00RandomThis is the first 48 hour shift I have worked in a good while. I remember now why...I am tired and want to go home! We have been watching the election returns. Sad. Really really sad. Going to try and take my boots off for awhile and clear my head. Earnestly pray for our nation.Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00663732006006954966noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27779980.post-1258552242491937362008-11-04T11:48:00.002-06:002008-11-04T16:01:09.013-06:00Always late..that is a good description of me. Especially yesterday. I was an hour late for work thanks to the flat I had on the way to work. UGH! And then I completely missed my post yesterday. I was going to write this long, encouraging, it's your obligation as an American to get out and vote today blog but since I was at work it never happened. And since I am still at work it is just now happening, the short and sweet version. I do sincerely hope that everyone has used the gift we have been given and exercised your right to vote. And I hoped you voted the right way, my way ;)Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00663732006006954966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27779980.post-66747478378724826812008-11-02T20:43:00.006-06:002008-11-02T22:18:55.011-06:00Halloween, Senior night and Robert's birthday<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8q9ZEVNRaSXthiaEzFvtU8FszTVKDMO1hyphenhyphenzL2PrdCccoBXrIqIRXtg6qc-J_7XbbtNpC7vJoUMIWQyMCEYeLi-mD3W3Js_qH4IGYD7vfSRzTPRH4NWgbh3JWZXUgB6AndB8gJ/s1600-h/405.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8q9ZEVNRaSXthiaEzFvtU8FszTVKDMO1hyphenhyphenzL2PrdCccoBXrIqIRXtg6qc-J_7XbbtNpC7vJoUMIWQyMCEYeLi-mD3W3Js_qH4IGYD7vfSRzTPRH4NWgbh3JWZXUgB6AndB8gJ/s320/405.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264266101192618546" /></a> Here's a photo of our little Midnight Fairie! Halloween this year was messed up for us. Kevin left early to go deer hunting (yuck) and left me here all alone (do I get an awwww?) to handle the school party, the pep rally, trick or treating, giving out candy AND of all the dang football games to pick-it was senior night at the game. So I went to the party, raced to the pep rally, raced home and got the fairie ready, pawned her off on my friend Mindi for awhile, raced to the football field to escort Katelyn across the field, back to get Skylar, trick or treated awhile, handed out candy awhile and then raced back to the game to watch them get beat :( I was pooped but the fairie had a good night so I suppose that is all that matters.<br /><br /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpUAmpHE1UKo8eV0UwI-jZ3TiEzfgX8dfR_NIX9n12zlurkeDoKUmTiAfnwfsEz6QzxLLPDgdztB0a3Qdv_FQ9mJXjRUc4kcCcQ-LTBfUQLkDLhpaSlhcmU1AStNlNeRWusnr0/s1600-h/november+2008+022.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpUAmpHE1UKo8eV0UwI-jZ3TiEzfgX8dfR_NIX9n12zlurkeDoKUmTiAfnwfsEz6QzxLLPDgdztB0a3Qdv_FQ9mJXjRUc4kcCcQ-LTBfUQLkDLhpaSlhcmU1AStNlNeRWusnr0/s320/november+2008+022.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264268740040410130"/></a> <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQzmz1eJgZLAqsSpIAc6K6CTWXzliPcEF6F_Al23vkGx9cByzGJrago6eXtbMCOxPo2HQuCphAH0gkkrabaz3jBhyphenhyphenxoa-on2tLmgFwGbHzzjd5bj4Hcv99GZL-VsosJ167G8FP/s1600-h/november+2008+021.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQzmz1eJgZLAqsSpIAc6K6CTWXzliPcEF6F_Al23vkGx9cByzGJrago6eXtbMCOxPo2HQuCphAH0gkkrabaz3jBhyphenhyphenxoa-on2tLmgFwGbHzzjd5bj4Hcv99GZL-VsosJ167G8FP/s320/november+2008+021.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264268735403955602" /></a> Before the nasty tummy thing started Saturday I did my usual day after the holiday 6am half-price holiday restock at Walmart. The pickings were slim this year but I did get a few things and was home, back in bed by 7. That pretty much sums up the weekend, Halloween, senior night, the virus and half price sales but<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQp291SLg-pFk8sb1XsC1WgXfz0CjzUkm5MekaFZpz-jm_hZD4HoVVZ7l7yEuu-RdMhE5abB5Fb4gImhdY4ufEmLr-s6EA5tuJ7XkGhPIfbdnFnmo3GO6Ef6uQFeNuqKvPUFdl/s1600-h/april2008+076.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQp291SLg-pFk8sb1XsC1WgXfz0CjzUkm5MekaFZpz-jm_hZD4HoVVZ7l7yEuu-RdMhE5abB5Fb4gImhdY4ufEmLr-s6EA5tuJ7XkGhPIfbdnFnmo3GO6Ef6uQFeNuqKvPUFdl/s320/april2008+076.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264272487458191378" /></a><br />before I sign off tonight I want to tell my friend, Slobert, as Skylar calls him a wonderful HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!! And tell him that he is an important part of our family and we all love him very much and sorry we didn't celebrate this weekend but we will get it in soon. Oh and by the way................ YOU ARE OLDER THAN ME!Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00663732006006954966noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27779980.post-48520674068737261932008-11-02T14:47:00.003-06:002008-11-02T15:28:35.543-06:00My November 1st post, late....<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3u9pX7oBqBBBbxL-VYDivS149lVt7UR_VMGgHoKm1Uaahzb-ZIIi5CjjfZVXsXAX4iXj9ZS2Md-yzoPti_d8IbGyvUD-hjeYcqKUkm5dRhCxtHn5cpUILFYIzpta4-FmA5I-v/s1600-h/407.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3u9pX7oBqBBBbxL-VYDivS149lVt7UR_VMGgHoKm1Uaahzb-ZIIi5CjjfZVXsXAX4iXj9ZS2Md-yzoPti_d8IbGyvUD-hjeYcqKUkm5dRhCxtHn5cpUILFYIzpta4-FmA5I-v/s320/407.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264172842625028066" /></a> I missed my first day of my 30 days of posts challenge. I hope yall will forgive me, as you can see from the picture, these guys have been my friends for the last 24 hours and they have been quite demanding along with their friend stomach cramps. I'm just hoping they are gone before I start a 48 hour shift tomorrow and nobody else at my house comes down with it.Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00663732006006954966noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27779980.post-10416392703972677782008-10-30T23:23:00.003-05:002008-10-30T23:37:56.862-05:00I really am crazy!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ0L_ZiHrPUxeVUC-UyM-sJ59G29l665ADUPdWSn-UyHWK0bff-ipfNeZMKMiJuE0WGgSy_2ufD7j_90pDFW7Lm_U5sEqhD61eEmbmvvwjRVb7wQaSOWCC33dCv7X8J-KgL8KH/s1600-h/jennys_blog_header_(2).JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 146px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ0L_ZiHrPUxeVUC-UyM-sJ59G29l665ADUPdWSn-UyHWK0bff-ipfNeZMKMiJuE0WGgSy_2ufD7j_90pDFW7Lm_U5sEqhD61eEmbmvvwjRVb7wQaSOWCC33dCv7X8J-KgL8KH/s320/jennys_blog_header_(2).JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263172053039433554" /></a><br /><br />I am accepting the challenge from Jenny over at <a href="http://mamaonaplaydate.blogspot.com/">Mama's on a Playdate</a>. 30 days of blogging....oh my, can I do it? It'll be a breeze, I have all the spare time in the world. Don't you? Come on, take the dare with me. See ya Saturday, surely I can think of something to say the first day.Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00663732006006954966noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27779980.post-22605253024395166712008-10-29T17:18:00.002-05:002008-10-29T22:44:39.995-05:00childrenThere isn't any pain like the pain in your heart when your child makes stupid choices and hurts themselves.Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00663732006006954966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27779980.post-30821194881241506622008-10-21T17:32:00.002-05:002008-10-21T23:40:12.902-05:00My friend!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQf5Th3kO61CvtfJzmidEiW-gh2wMbZjJYrWe2q2V4PZCAa1eVrZcagcjDlaEjNTGnphqiQxLN42gsO4AaK35TbraUONVr15IH0T2_yQefOwu7SVO2OV22K_Tlmh-rOCyodtPy/s1600-h/lynn.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQf5Th3kO61CvtfJzmidEiW-gh2wMbZjJYrWe2q2V4PZCAa1eVrZcagcjDlaEjNTGnphqiQxLN42gsO4AaK35TbraUONVr15IH0T2_yQefOwu7SVO2OV22K_Tlmh-rOCyodtPy/s320/lynn.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259738790569299010" /></a> Last Sunday in Sunday school we had to share if we were still friends with anyone we went to school with. Sadly, I had to answer no and that has had me thinking about my friends and friendships all week. I am so very blessed with many friendships but my thoughts keep returning to my oldest, in more ways than one ;0 friend. Twenty five years ago I walked into the Party Barn Flower Shop in Mount Vernon to order yet another potted plant to send to a deceased great, great someone's funeral in my family. It was late summer, I was enormously pregnant with Cody, my feet were swollen and I just wanted to go home to my momma. As I approached the desk, the owner of the shop at the time, Dorothy Jordan was busy working on a beautiful casket spray and was having a SERIOUS cry. I'd done a fair amount of business there and sort of knew her. I asked if she was okay. Dorothy said she was fine, just really busy. She had two funerals to get done, her mom and sister that helped her were both home with a virus and her pregnant daughter had just called and she also had the virus. Her daughter just wanted her mom to bring her a sprite and some chicken noodle soup. Dorothy had to tell her I'm sorry, I just can't come. She helped me send a plant to my relatives and as I was leaving I told her I would take her daughter some soup and sprite if she would tell me where to go. Us pregnant girls have to stick together, even if we are strangers! I got the supplies and headed off to the address I had been given, walked up the walk and knocked. The door opened and there she stood. That was no stranger. That was the mean grumpy customer service person at my bank. Notice here that she is the mean grumpy one. Of course it was NOT me, I was the nice, gentle customer. I shoved the sack at her and hissed in my nice, gentle customer voice, here, your mother wanted you to have this stuff. She opened the sack and then stared at me, turned and bolted to the bathroom dropping the sack. I thought to myself, well crap, serves her right for being so mean. :0 I picked the sack up and walked in the house. Don't really remember what we said but twenty five years later, me getting that virus from her, five kids, a few husbands, an across the state rescue, the divorce of her parents, the death of my parents, some serious hard times of all kinds and my friend is still a phone call away. There are alot of things in my life that I am not sure of but one thing I know for certain, Lynn is a phone call away. She's been here in a couple of hours to keep the girls when I had the flu and she'd be here in a couple of hours with a shovel to help bury Kevin in the backyard if I need her. We are completely different souls, haven't ever nor will we ever agree on everything but I love her with a fierceness few would ever understand and I know she feels the same about me. I can look back on times when her hand was the ONLY thing that kept me above water. So, although I have lost touch with all of my childhood friends, God has dropped a perfect replacement in their place. I love Lynn Jordan and I am looking forward to the good and bad times of the next twenty five years!Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00663732006006954966noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27779980.post-44496518992963743312008-10-21T08:20:00.003-05:002008-10-21T08:37:07.326-05:00God, I am so gratefulI was just having an IM conversation with a friend in Afghanistan. Noah serves as a civilian government contractor there. I asked how he was doing and he told me okay, just missing stuff. I asked him what specifically he was missing that I take for granted. He told me grass and animals. Wow! This morning I came home from my 24 hour shift, walked across MY grass to get yesterday's mail, walked into MY house to be greeted by MY enormously happy to see me dogs and somewhat happy to see me kids and never once gave a thought to how lucky I am to live in a country with the freedom to take these things for granted. He also said he missed long, hot, uninterupted showers and good food. This 5 minute chat has changed my focus this morning. Wow! Grass, pets, showers and good food. All things I am enjoying this morning. Have a good day my friends and as you go through your day, give thanks for everything we have and ask blessings on our people serving for our freedom all over the world!Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00663732006006954966noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27779980.post-33136659747798098402008-10-10T02:29:00.003-05:002008-10-10T02:31:50.817-05:00I wanna win!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhREu3EUnjJehm7jHauvOS_6k8ZKevBaz-Yj-IqmiUvUIFk-0GA5OmA7VvAZ278S-ipGB0AUM3tIVIZy0m1SwD_-jp6sxo7qYJJjD5Q8HVK1IlxF3GhhiCbFzNKqKnOC_a2qpA5/s1600-h/crayon+profiler.png"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhREu3EUnjJehm7jHauvOS_6k8ZKevBaz-Yj-IqmiUvUIFk-0GA5OmA7VvAZ278S-ipGB0AUM3tIVIZy0m1SwD_-jp6sxo7qYJJjD5Q8HVK1IlxF3GhhiCbFzNKqKnOC_a2qpA5/s320/crayon+profiler.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255424186290640690" /></a>I wanna win! I really love to win. I never win. :( My blogger friend Tammy is having a special giveaway celebrating her new blog design. She is a very special lady as you can see from her <a href="http://tammy-mylifemyjourneymycalling.blogspot.com">personal</a> blog above. But do yourself a huge favor and check out her <a href="http://chrysalishouse.blogspot.com">ministry</a> blog below. This woman has climbed over mountains and is still climbing to reach the challenge God has laid before her. Read her blogs, enter her contest, but more importantly add her and her Chrysalis House to your prayer list!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp9lebxGQyGIx0V4knIX1dPWsYrybhYUlqXnio_t7seFC-yX7uR7NRtaXSoTUDsiVzUKNrLK_gT_QBiGL6T6lMaTLEdQLLy3EBGK86NN-1uMBkDSGy3mRQeUVU4AMATqVO-HDY/s1600-h/tammy.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp9lebxGQyGIx0V4knIX1dPWsYrybhYUlqXnio_t7seFC-yX7uR7NRtaXSoTUDsiVzUKNrLK_gT_QBiGL6T6lMaTLEdQLLy3EBGK86NN-1uMBkDSGy3mRQeUVU4AMATqVO-HDY/s320/tammy.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255424082253988194" /></a>Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00663732006006954966noreply@blogger.com1