Apartment Living... New Projects

In between working, blogging, keeping the grand children... and anything else I can't remember; I found my new projects.   Love it when things start to come together.  

A home with memories hanging on the walls, is a home full of love.

This is the latest addition to my living room. Tabitha came up with the idea, and my plans are to put the pictures of Texas Blue Bonnets in the frames.  I wasn't to sure if I liked it or not.. maybe the white frame is throwing it off some how, just not to sure.   Then I came across this: 

"Creativity requires courage!"  ~  by Tomas Kinkade.

Like a Lady...

No matter what I am do throughout my day, making it a point to watch people around me, is top on my list.  There is a question I asked myself day after day, upon seeing  young ladies in anything other, then their very best.  I am not sure when ' bearing it all ' became  practical attire for ladies {nevertheless wearing your night gown to the local grocery store}, even speaking in the manner of a cell mate, in public no less.  

What happened to the days when mothers told their daughters to "Act like a Lady"?  Where Manners were taught daily.  Grooming was part of every day life.  And self worth had great meaning.  As parents, was pass on what we are taught, to our children.  Little girls are taught proper manners, and boys are taught how to become a gentleman.  When watching people, I am saddened at some of what I see and what I hear. 

My Blessing.. 28 years ago today...

Here I stand, just as I did 28 years ago today.  So, maybe not "just as I did".  Back then I was in Florida, married, and had my first baby.  Oh, and alot thinner, but the best part of me was brought into my life on April 30th..

The good Lord above knew what he was doing, when he blessed me with my first child, a daughter.  I hadn't known the meaning of love, until I held her in my arms for the first time.  Words could never come close to the feeling of pure joy, happiness, and the feeling of being complete.  

I knew the second I looked at her, she was going to do great things.  Her love of life, family and friends would take her far.  As my Pride and Joy grew, her caring loving direct personality shined through.  People who met Tabitha, couldn't get enough of her.   

Ever Thine. Ever Mine. Ever Ours...

All eyes are on the big wedding tomorrow.   I can understand why, Princes Dianna first child to get married, her eldest son, couldn't help but wish she were here to see it in person.  Makes the big day, bitter sweet doesn't it?  

"It's all about the dress" some say, waiting to see what the dress will look like or how much it might have cost.  Even if it was fancier then some one who married in the past, like a celebrity or someone famous.  "The guest list is very important, it's a social event" has been said as well.  Who is invited tends to tell people how social or important the bride/groom or their families are, if a particular person made the "A List" as if the "Wedding" was about a guest.  Not getting an invite tends to make people think, there is bad blood or some scandalous invent happened between said families.  Oh the joys of talk.  

Forgetting all about the big picture; the most important part of any wedding are when the Bride and Groom say their vows to each other.  That is the only thing, truly important about any wedding.  Two people united as one.  Married.   

Through a web site sent to me by Kevin, I read about the Royal Wedding Dresses, and learned they were made with a message for the people.  I would have never thought, but when turning blood into Royal Blood before your people... it makes sense. A little.

Supersize?.... NO !!

To say the weather these past two day is crazy, is an understatement.  It has been down right scary.  Monday the storms were pounding the Dallas area, and Tuesday the storms pounded the Waco area.  Now, if it were just rain, ask and Texan and you just might hear  "Come on with it . We need the rain." 

Now, I dont mind rain, in fact sitting on the balcony want watching the rain is no problem at all..  it does become a problem when high winds {60 plus} are factored in, and when Central Texas is on high alert for in coming Tornadoes.  Yes, this is a problem.

As the Supercell moves in, Texas is covered in a dark blanket.  Warnings and Watches are announced on T.V. and radio alike.    This storm is packing quite a punch. 

Babit, Eggs, and Candy. It's Easter...

"On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,

The emblem of suffering and shame;

And I love that old cross where the dearest and best

For a world of lost sinners was slain."

Easter Sunday was, I can't even put it into words.  Our church service, was:  Moving.  Needed.  Humbling.  A much needed reminder for all who attended, where our thanks every day should begin and end; in the glory of the Lord.  

After the service, the youth group leader and pastor Vivian put things into motion for the children to hunt Easter Eggs.

Jayla could not wait to get started, and I am sure the same feeling was felt though out each child who waited as well.  

Plastic colorful Easter Eggs were hidden {in plain sight} for all the children to find.  Each member of the church brought enough eggs for their child to hunt, some brought extra.  Then all the Easter eggs were put together, and placed in the grassy areas of the church.  Seeing all the colors in the green grass was so pretty.  Then the youths were split into groups. 

A Bucket Load of Fun...

The weekends I am off are the greatest, because there is nothing like just standing back and watching the grand babies.   So long as no one is in danger, and an adult is steps away, what damage can a 4 year old, a 2 year old and a 1 year old cause.  Humph, maybe I shouldn't ask that two loud...

Our morning began at 7amish... Tabitha was late bringing Eli over, and Ashley didn't get started with the girls until about 9am... Sleeping in sounded like a wonderful idea, except Eli and I had other plans. 

In order to distract Eli, I took him on the balcony for the Great Bubble Display.  He loved it, I'll say it a hundred times over, the best money I have ever spent...

 

Don't you just love the surprised expression on his face?  His eyes are so wide, and his eyebrows are lifted up.

The Little Girl's fight...

There is nothing sadder then a sick child.  Fever.  Cough.  Runny nose.  With the underlining cause being, Asthma.  My youngest grand daughter has Asthma.  The slightest thing can trigger it. 

 Poor little Arianna.  She did not want the mask on, so this was the next best thing. She sat there, taking in the only medication that will open up her lungs, and make breathing easier. 

There is a story I would like to share with you.. A little girl who, thus so far, has surpassed everything a physician has told her and her family...

The baby was born early, her little fingernails weren't fully developed yet.  Her mother, was seeing the OB/GYN often, getting hormone injections while she was pregnant, in hopes that her baby's lungs would mature, be strong enough for when her daughter arrived.  There were so many complications during the pregnancy,  when it came to the point where bed rest was the only answer to ensure a full term pregnancy, she knew this child would be her last. 

Projects and Missions...

Until you walk a mile in another persons shoes, you will never fully understand what they go through. 

My son is back on dry land.  Why does it seem like the "Short Missions" last just as long as the "Long Missions"?  Could the concept of time be escaping me?  Could very well be.  During this Short Mission, I kept myself as busy as possible.  To keep from going crazy.  Shopped with Tabitha.  Visited with the grand babies.  Check emails until the sun came up.  Sat on my balcony watching the stars.  There just isn't any resting, during Missions.  

So, I worked on projects.  One being, James birthday present.  I purchased one of those digital frames, like the one above.  Tabitha and I loaded an 8MG card with family photos, and added it to the frame.  I filled a glass jar with M&Ms, James loves M&M {The peanut ones}, and waited to mail out his gift.  His birthday was spent while on a mission, so his present wouldn't arrive until he got home.  I also worked on a collage of 4x6 photo frames for the living room. 

Good Friday ~ Holy Friday...

Day of Thanks.  Reflection.  Hope. Praise. Good Friday or some know it as Holy Friday.  Which ever you prefer, it is a day to Give Thanks.

up UP and AWAY....

I am not a money spender.  Well, not on myself anyway, but today I stood back and admitted; " This is the best money I ever spent".  It wasn't anything fancy.  No new bedroom suite {Although I am still looking}, not a dining room table {and I so need to get one}, Nope, not books {But I did buy 2 last week}.  This is the best thing on the planet of the earth.   Not one single sticky soapy finger.  No huffing and puffing.

Just take a look...

   "Bubbles Neya" 

History of Family...

When looking at the bigger picture,  the phrase "The ties that bind" ring clear.   I woke this morning with something already on my mind, maybe it came from a dream I dont remember having or, it could have been on my subconscious already.  It could quite possibly be a message for me this morning.  At 5:45am, you would have found me headed to the kitchen in search of fresh coffee, but that isn't was woke me.  The words "I knew you even before you were born" popped into my head; it was these very words that woke me from a sound sleep.

There I was thinking about the birth of my family.  When I have looked back before, the association of when members of my family were born, always stuck out.  The similarities in each generation is equivalent to the next.  Almost a mirror of the ones before it.    Let me try to explain:

In 1960 my mother had her first child, a boy, who was born in Sept. One year later, she delivered her second child, a boy, who was also born in Sept.  Each boys birthday is 1 year 9 days apart.

My mothers sons...

The first of my mothers children to have a child was my sister Marry Ann.  Her first child was a girl, born in May.  Her second child, also a girl, was born in March.  Is the fact that both her children were born in months beginning with M,  comparable with the first?  

My sisters daughters...

Huh? PSVT? What's that...

As life often throws lemons, we continue to make lemonade.  OK, so maybe not lemonade I don't care for it very much, but we do face it head on.   

Ever heard of PSVT?  I didn't either, not until today that is.  It stands for Paroxysmal Supra-ventricular Tachycardia, now Tachycardia I have heard of... irregular heartbeat ~ Fast.  PSVT  is a term, and condition, I will learn all about.  The causes, treatment, prevention, all the ins and outs.  Welcome to the family PSVT... yeah, welcome.  

So, what a better way to learn about something then to research it... With 2 ER visits on Saturday, a Dr visit today, and an ECG {Electrocardiogram} tomorrow.. we will have enough knowledge as a family, to make the necessary changes. So, just what is PSVT anyway?

On my journey of research, I came across this website :  http://www.medicinenet.com/paroxysmal_supraventricular_tachycardia_psvt/article.htm

  

"What is paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT)?

Normally, an electrical signal is generated in special pacemaker cells in the upper chamber (atrium) of the heart. This impulse causes the atrium to beat in a coordinated fashion and push blood into the ventricles (the lower heart chambers). The electrical signal continues to a junction box between the atrium and ventricle (the AV node), where there is a slight delay. This allows the atrium to contract and send blood to the ventricle. The signal continues throughout the ventricles and causing them to beat and push blood to the body.

In paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT), abnormal conduction of that electricity causes the atrium, and secondarily the ventricles, to beat very rapidly. It is paroxysmal, because the rapid rate can occur sporadically and without warning. It may last a few seconds or many hours. Often the PSVT resolves before the patient reaches a healthcare provider. The abnormal conduction pathways may occur anywhere in the atrium or around the AV node.

Kolache Heaven...

When you can't get to West,  the next best thing is when West comes to you.   

 
My mouth was dancing.   Heart was racing.  The mind took over, and I had to try another, and another.  The only next best thing, well.. it seems the next best thing has escaped me.  I can only say.. this will not be the last time.

There will be more...
A little of this one, and that one..
Maybe Amanda is right, A Pharmacy field trip..
for lots of things.

As I walked into the pharmacy Thursday afternoon, I was directed to the long counter along our wall.  Two pink boxes awaited my arrival.   Inside the boxes ~ Heaven.

Kevin had stoped at his fravorte Kolache place.  It seems there are many in West Texas.  What ever bakery these came from, is front running with me. 

Late night rumble...

It is no big secret that I am not a fan of storms.  OK, maybe you might not have know that, but I'm not.  Not at all.  Through every storm, I go through the same routine. 

Sit in front of the T.V. and watch the news with bugged eyes. 

 
What direction is the storm is moving?  What can I expect?  How fast is the wind blowing with the storm?   

Ever try to figure out where a storm is, or where it is headed; when you have never heard the names of the towns the news guy is talking about.  Nerveless.. at a time of panic, you can't remember which way is North or South.  

Where The Wild Flowers Grow...

Fields of color. 

Two scared little girls. 

An adventurous young man. 

Three adult ladies.  

And a baby.

Remember when I couldn't wait to get pictures of the grand babies in a field of Blue Bonnets?  We {Tabitha and I} made plans to get everyone together, the girls dressed in their Easter outfits, I wanted a picture of myself in the wild flowers.  It sounded perfect.  It does sound perfect.  Right?  But, nothing ever turns out the way we plan.  There is the story...

The sun is shining, there is a breeze, all the children are in a good mood.  The only thing that happened that wasn't suppose to, was on the way to Italy; I got off at the wrong exit.  Soon though, I corrected the problem and was back on Interstate 35, and behind Tabitha's green car.  We arrive at our location, and the vision is breathtaking, an ocean of Blue Bonnets awaits us.

Everyone knows how the "power of suggestion" works, right?  On our journey to the Blue Bonnets:

25 years ago today ~ God blessed me with my son....

Twenty -Five years ago today I was blessed with my second child, a son.  A new meaning to life began, and the joys of having a boy was endless.  We named him James, and with every touch he gave, every time he  smiled, every word he spoke; was music to my ears.  He found wonder in everything he did.  Looked at the little things in life, with the gift of understanding.  Never taking one second of his adventures for granted.

April 14

Holding him warmed my heart.  Made my family complete.  More times then not, gave new meaning to the word "bottomless pit" ~ oh yes, James could eat.

 2 1/2 - 3 months

Sticky Little Fingers...

I grew up in a house with 5 {including myself} children.  If something went missing, or was moved out of place, my parents would ask "Which one of you took my ____", or "Who drank all the Pepsi?", even "Anyone know who moved the _____?" ; my parents often heard "Not me" and "I don't know".  It came to the point where my mother started saying "Must have been Casper." quite often and there were times she told my father "Don't ask them, you already know Casper did it."  For the longest time, I thought there must have been someone else in the house.  Just who the heck was Casper? 

While Ashley planned out her big surprise for Bruce, I was visiting with Arianna.  Know the days when keeping your camera close by will pay off?  Well, this was just that sort of day.  Casper stopped by often today. 

I was busy in my bedroom after Arianna and I ate lunch, checking out the latest blog postings to see if new pictures were posted by my sons ship when Arianna walked into my room and said:

"Neya, I ont ike it" 
Stunned I asked "You don't like it?"
"No. eat dogs" 
Confused I asked "You don't like it and you want to eat hot dogs?" 
"Ess" she replied and then turned toward the door and said " 'mon " 
So I followed her

Precious Little Miracle...

There can never be enough said about Spring. Aren't you just loving the weather?  Not to hot  ~  not to cold; and the wind is blowing just right.  Wild flowers are sprouting up everywhere, Blue Bonnets are adding color where once was a blanket of white, and the sweet sound of hummingbirds are lingering in the air.  

Come to think of it, hanging  from my balcony will be a hummingbird feeder come Wednesday.. hope to see lots of  little colorful birds.  In a few short weeks Peter Cotton Tail will be leaving eggs and chocolate for happy children, and Easter will be celebrated by all {I started a blog about Easter already}.   There is nothing like walking into a store and seeing pretty little Easter dresses and handsome outfits for little boys.  Just check out what my mother sent for her great grand babies.. Man do I ever love Target...

Saying it with Pictures...

I have been working on a project the past few days {it is finished} and I would like to share it with you tonight.  There is one thing I find so important right now, and that is support.  Something that is all to often forgotten.  With these photos, I intend to show just that; support.  Of course when the possible Government Shutdown came into play, it pushed me even harder to put this together.  My plan. to have the book mailed to the 8 Marines I have adopted, and show them, WE {America} support everything they are doing, everything they have done; and that they are not forgotten.  Something tells me, the photo book wont stop with just these 8 Marines... I am sure, the books will find its way into the hands of many troops.  That is what I am counting on anyway. 

I hope you enjoy them...

What happy faces.. and can't go wrong with the Yankees..

Big brother and little sister showing their support...

History in small places....

West Texas ~ Where you been all my life !!

From talking with fellow coworkers, customers and just plain ole listening in the break room, I have learned a few things:

1 ~ I must have been hiding under a rock for the last 2 years!!

When I arrived in the Pharmacy yesterday.. We got on the subject about West {West TX} and the food of this small town.  Why I haven't ventured into the small town and embark on the Kolache's of West Texas, is far beyond me.  They just sound so yummy for the tummy.  When talking to Kevin {a fellow coworker, and one of the most informative persons I have met} he asked "Do you like ham?" , "How about fruit?".  Just his questions alone had my mouth watering.. "Yep." I answered  "I like blackberries, blueberries, raspberries,  pineapples, apples... All fruit except the Melons, and Lopes family."  But the sound of listing the juicy fruits had my heart fluttering and my taste buds screaming.  OH, my goodness... Look out West Texas, I am coming. 

2 ~ I am missing out on some darn good food.!!  

In the hopes of not living under a rock, I reached my fingers across my keyboard and hollered out to Google.. A little internet research.  The real prize winner is going to the shop that makes the best Kolache... The Village Bakery.. 

A man named Wendel Montgomery opened it in 1952, and it has been a local favorite since that time.  From what I learned online, it is still run by his wife today {keep in mind, I haven't researched this personally}. there is nothing like a family run eatery.  Besides, just look at the place, I love the rustic look.  

Lifes suprises...

Not a day goes by that I am not amazed by my grand children.  No matter what it may be, my mouth is often being picked up from the floor.  On April 3rd, Garrett {the eldest grand child} was Baptized.  First came the shock a few weeks ago when he stated it was what he wanted, sessions with the pastor came next {because Garrett is young, just 10 yrs old}, and when the pastor seen that Garrett was indeed ready for this step in his life; the date was set.  

"Let the little children come to me, 

and do not hinder them,

for the kingdom of heaven

belongs to such as these."

Matthew 19:14

After the morning service, Garrett was called to the front of the santuary in preperation for the next step in his life of faith...

 He said a few quick words to his mother, as he collected the items he would be Baptized in, and the towel to dry off with..

Waiting for Daddy...

I don't think it's a secret that I love to read.  Seems there aren't enough book selections for me, once one is finished, I'm ready to pick up another one.  There is one book that hit home for me, and I finished it today.  The Shack.  Words wouldn't be enough to describe the book.  Alot of people have told me they couldn't read it, yet there was no way putting it down was an option; entranced would fit me perfectly.  Walk through the door at work, and you would find my head in the book. At any table in the break room during lunch,  reading was how I spent my hour.  Before the sheets would even touch my tired body, sitting in a chair in my room with the book in my hand came first.  So easy for me to relate to  Mack and the pain he felt, longing for answers, searching to find peace; hoping for some type of understanding in the senseless murder/death of his daughter.  

Take a trip with me, and you will better understand what I am talking about..

A wish come true...

Goggle photo

We live in a world where little girls {and even some big girls} dream of finding their Prince Charming.  Disney has built million and even billion dollar attractions to help bring our fairy tale dreams to life.  From movies, theme parks, costumes, right down to a wedding location.. our fairy tale is transformed right before our eyes.  Have you ever looked into planning a wedding at Disney?  They set everything up for you, the cake, carriage ride, invites, hotel.. it is all in the bag with Disney.  Quite wonderful if I may add.  I looked into it 10 years ago, when Cody asked Tabitha's hand in marriage.  Even a payment plan ~ very affordable.  When we were blessed with Garrett, he became our number one. 

Today was about making dreams come true.  I made sure it was all planned out on my end.. and everything fell into place perfectly.

Of course, it all began at work.  

April 2nd was marked on the calender. Outfits were being made.  A man and woman were carefully picked.  Who would supply the animal, and get said animal to the location, was taken care of.  The stage was pretty much set, all I had to do was bring three guest.  

And that I did. 

Days before I painted a picture in the minds of two guest.  Each time we came together, a little more of the day ahead was shared.  A movie was purchased.  Child eyes watched as they sat on the end of their seats.  The stage at home was set.  Now to just sit back and wait until the day arrived. 

Where is YOUR voice...

I wasn't going to even blog about this, or how I would approach the subject without it sounding like a bashing session.   But, we need change.  By "WE", I mean all of us.  Every single person who walks the face of earth.  It is time for us to stand up and take action.  Be accountable.  Have a voice.  Do the right thing. 

Have you ever seen that show "What would you do", actors in malls, restaurants, on the streets; pushing the limit to see if America will stand up and defend the weak.  The one who is being abused.  It might be a child, a woman, a man, the elderly, a man or woman getting into a car attempting to drive while drunk.  All of this done, in public places.  To see the reaction of the people.  Who will step in and protect the unknowing.  Sure, most of us would step in if someone on the street was being attacked, or I like to think most of us would.  If a child was being taken from the local shopping center, you would step in; right?  How about if a man or woman was getting into their car,  you notice they were drunk; there is a child in the back seat... Would you step in, talk the parent out of driving?  I am a talker, and pretty hard headed.  So, I know I would do what ever it would take to prevent someone from being the victim.  It makes me mad to hear a man belittle a woman. Or a mother get short with their child.  Even a father, who might have had good intentions by taking his child to the park; but who has jumped into a lengthy conversation with a friend, and never sees that his child has wondered away from him.   If we aren't looking out for each other... then who is?  When does it end?  Where does it stop?