My parents have been looking at houses in Corsicana and the market there is worse than here in Beaumont. It is pretty bad here since Hurricane Rita. If you find a house worth looking at, they start at 80 to 90 thousand and then you have to be careful which neighborhood it is in. So.....we have been looking here and they have been looking in Corsicana.
They called me several weeks ago concerning a house that they loved the outside. It had just come on the market and was 66,000, which is somewhat lower than most. It was only two bedroom and 1 bath but the yard was exceptionally nice and pretty. After they got inside though, things changed. The floor was pier and beam and there were many soft spots in the flooring, which they thought would have to be replaced. I explained that often pier and beam had soft spots.
The next thing I knew they had shut the door on that house. I talked with my dad and suggested they get an inspector and have him look at it and then give them a ball park figure on what it would cost to fix everything. He was pretty despondent stating that after the inspector in Lubbock, he wasn't so sure that was a good idea. I assured him that not all inspectors were like that! I also suggested they could give a really low bid and if it was accepted then they would come out ahead and could fix whatever problems there were. He said he didn't know what he would be bigging against! I told him that was the idea of bidding!
At any rate, they were not going any further with that house. I wrote an e-mail to my sister that night suggesting that I thought mother and daddy were waiting for God to "drop a house in their laps for just what they wanted in price and size."
You can imagine my amazement when I received an e-mail the next day from my sister. "Call mom and dad and ask them about the house that God dropped in their lap."
I called and sure enough, God did drop a house in their lap. They were out looking at houses and eating lunch when they got a call from their granddaughter. They knew a man that was selling his mother's house, but had no information on the size, shape or price. They could call him. They did and he had a key and would meet them to see it. It was in a good neighborhood, close to church and Walmart! It was 3 bedroom, two baths. It was in pretty good shape. The bathrooms were good. The kitchen sink would need to be replaced. You can always brighten by painting and they would want to carpet the house. So, how much? Dad and the owner were in the back bedroom looking around when dad asked, "how much you want for the house?" The man hem hawed around and told him all about when the house was built, what had been done to the house in recent years and that he really didn't want "to take anyone." He finally said, "I guess about $40,000." Daddy pulled out his checkbook and said, "I'll write a deposit check for you right now." The man smiled and said, "No, a handshake is good enough for me."
Needless to say, we are all so thankful for an answer to prayers and for God dropping a house in their lap. I am going to Corsicana this weekend to help paint and prepare for move in. They close on Wednesday! Thank you Lord for your richness and grace and for answering our prayers. All is good in the world!
Monday, April 23, 2007
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
PARENTS ARE MOVED!
Well, my parents are moved to Corsicana. It was a full week, full of packing, saying goodbyes and tears! But it was a good week. My parents have done really well. It was hard for them to say goodbye but I think they know in their hearts that it is for the best! They are safe and sound in my sister's house and starting to look at houses. They will probably have to buy a smaller home than they had, but I keep trying to tell my mom, why not? It will be less to keep clean!
Save for the four years in the army, my dad has spent all his life in Lubbock. He was born there, lived there for 84 years. That has to be hard. My mom was born in Oklahoma and raised in Pampa, Texas. She married my dad when she was just 15 years old and they moved to Lubbock shortly after that, (when he was released from the service). All their friends, the church, their lives have been in Lubbock. When my sister and I moved away, it was hard for them. Many of their friends have died and all the siblings have died, at least on my dad's side. So, there is not much left in Lubbock for them except for church family and they were always complaining about things there. I am praying they will be happy.
I want to be happy when I am older. My parents seem to complain about so many things and unhappy at times that I have made it my goal to be a happier older person. My friend, Mark's parents are so happy. I know he gets frustrated with them at times, but for the most part, they are happy. They attend Highland and were greeting last Sunday and just seem happy! I want to work on being happier and more positive. I tend to be like my mother and I am determined to change things.
Thanks to all for the prayers for my family and I ask that now the prayers be that they find a home very soon that will fit them and be financially workable for them.
Save for the four years in the army, my dad has spent all his life in Lubbock. He was born there, lived there for 84 years. That has to be hard. My mom was born in Oklahoma and raised in Pampa, Texas. She married my dad when she was just 15 years old and they moved to Lubbock shortly after that, (when he was released from the service). All their friends, the church, their lives have been in Lubbock. When my sister and I moved away, it was hard for them. Many of their friends have died and all the siblings have died, at least on my dad's side. So, there is not much left in Lubbock for them except for church family and they were always complaining about things there. I am praying they will be happy.
I want to be happy when I am older. My parents seem to complain about so many things and unhappy at times that I have made it my goal to be a happier older person. My friend, Mark's parents are so happy. I know he gets frustrated with them at times, but for the most part, they are happy. They attend Highland and were greeting last Sunday and just seem happy! I want to work on being happier and more positive. I tend to be like my mother and I am determined to change things.
Thanks to all for the prayers for my family and I ask that now the prayers be that they find a home very soon that will fit them and be financially workable for them.
Friday, March 02, 2007
My Uncle Jack
Uncle Jack was an icon when I was young. Everyone said I was just like him, that I should have been his daughter. When my mom told me I was as ornery as Jack, I took that as a compliment, given the fact I didn't know exactly what she meant. I was too young to understand it was not a good thing.
Uncle Jack was one of my favorite uncles. My dad was the 12th child and so there were many to choose from. But somehow, I connected with Uncle Jack. I remember when he lost his youngest son. I hurt for him. I remember the day he was at our house and I spilled a whole container of sugar on the floor. He was astounded that my mom didn't yell at me! We just cleaned it up. I thought it was odd that he was so astounded, but he only had boys. Maybe he yelled at them for everything! I remember going to his place of work and asking him to buy something I was selling for the high school band. He bought two! I remember when he asked me to speak at his Bible Class at his church. This was a great honor for me as it was speaking on Mother's Day about mothers. (This was also such an honor in that I would never have been allowed to speak to an adult class at my own church, but I could go to his! Strange thinking, but never the less the way it was.) He was so proud to have me there and I was proud to be there!
I tried to go see my Uncle Jack everytime I was in Lubbock. The last time I was there, remember the snow and ice storm?, I was only able to call him as I had a plane to catch. He was in the hospital and my dad thought it perked him up to talk with me. I had planned to see him in a couple of weeks when we go to Lubbock to move my parents.
This is good, as now there is nothing in Lubbock, no immediate family to hold mother and dad there.
Uncle Jack has given me some special things of his wife's; a scarf, a bottle of perfume, a promised watch when he found it. He also gave me some stories for my genealogy search of the Christian family. Uncle Jack promised me his plates on the wall. These were plates I remember as a child of him and his wife, Nola. Someone made these for them, gluing fabric and painting a face on the plate. One visit, Jack had me put my name on the back of the plates to designate that I wanted them. I hope to see them again. But I will always have my memories.
Uncle Jack went home on Wednesday. I'm glad for him, but I long to hear his raspy voice say one more time, "hello there."
Thank you for your love Uncle Jack. I always felt special and that maybe somehow I was the daughter you never had. Blessings on you and yours. I love you Uncle Jack!
Obituary from the Lubbock Avalanche Journal Newspaper:
John (Jack) Berlin Christian
John (Jack) Berlin Christian passed away on Feb. 28, 2007. He was born on Nov. 2, 1913 in Weatherford. He is preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Nola Sanders, and a son, Richard Lynn Christian.
He is survived by two sons, Ronnie Christian of Stanton, Jerry Christian of Lubbock, and a brother, George Christian of Lubbock. He is also survived by five grandchildren, nine great grandchildren and one great-great granddaughter.
Jack was employed by South Plains Electric Coop for 40 years and known as Mr. South Plains Electric Coop. He was a member of St. Luke's United Methodist Church for 47 years, and a resident of Grand Court of Lubbock for the past six years.
A private graveside service is scheduled on Saturday, March 3, 2007. Pastor Bracken Christian, Jack's grandson, will officiate. Arrangements are under the direction of Sanders Funeral Home.
The family suggests memorials to First United Methodist Church in Midland and Family Harvest Church in Lubbock.
The family will receive visitors at Sanders Funeral Home, 1420 Main Street in Lubbock, between 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Friday, March 2.
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
GOD IS WORKING
My sister and I have been working on our parents to move. They live in Lubbock and we both live in other parts of Texas. My sister recently moved to Corsicana to be near their daughter since my BIL had to retire from preaching. They moved into the country into a cute house they had to completely redo. The previous owner rented the house and the last renters produced meth. Needless to say, sheetrock had to be completely redone as well as updating the kitchen with new cabinets and updating bathrooms with new fixtures. It is really nice for them and they like living in the country.
In January, when my parents came down to see me, they loved T & C's house, not necessarily where it was, so far in the country, but liked the house a lot. Of course they didn't see it in its meth days so reallly couldn't appreciate all the work that had been done. Since we have been talking to them about living closer to one of us, they looked at a few houses while in Corsicana and drove around the town. While here at my house, they were a little disappointed in Corsicana, saying they really didn't like what they saw, so they were just not sure they should sell their house and move.
I suspected they would go back to Lubbock and think of every reason not to put their house on the market. When I called them last week to see how they were doing, boy, was I surprised!! Someone had just left looking at their house. They had put their house on the market two days before and someone was already looking at it. I could tell they were a little surprised by the quickness of this. They called that night, almost sounding in a panic that these people had come back to look again and was offering a contract. We talked about it being the first contract and if it was not what they thought they should get, then don't accept it or make a counter offer.
They made a counter offer and it was accepted. Now the panic really was setting in. Here they have sold their house and what now? So talking with my sister, I began to pour over the possibilities here in this area. Of course, I don't know why I bothered. My mom has stated in no uncertain terms that she does not want to move to Beaumont. She does not like Beaumont and never has liked Beaumont! But I perused the net anyway and unfortunately since Rita, housing is prime here. For the price range house they need, either a house has been damaged by Rita and needs a lot of fixing up or it is in the wrong neighborhood, somewhere I would not put my folks. There were possibly two or three that might work in a pinch.
My sister and BIL began looking as well, but housing is even more in demand in Corsicana. To get anything comparable to what my parents have in Lubbock they would have to pay twice what they would get for their house. This just wouldn't work in my parents thoughts. But.....remember God is working in all this!
Last Friday, late at night for my parents to be calling, they called to say T & C had found a house, a trailer house no less. I am thinking what? My mother living in a trailer house, I don't think so! But to my surprise, my parents are actually excited about this place. It is on three acres of land, about three miles from T & C right off the main highway. C said it has a front porch, a side porch and lots of large trees. It looks great from the road. The trailer is a double wide and is an older trailer, but in pretty good shape. They may want to update the kitchen and baths but it is in move in condition. The people selling knows my neice's husband and is willing to sell for thousands less than if they put it on the market. It is a real steal.
So, it looks like my parents will be closing on their house in March, we will go out and help move them and Lord willing, they will store their stuff in one end of the trailer, move in with my sister and work on the trailer to update it and then move in.
This is a big step for my parents as my dad was born and raised in Lubbock. Except for a short time during the war when he was in the service, he has lived all his life in Lubbock. There are several surprises including that but also, my mom living in a double wide, living in the country, living in a town they were not sure they liked!
I have been praying for peace for mom and dad. I wanted them to feel a sense of God's peace about all this. I wonder if what I said to them when taking them back to Lubbock had anything to do with this. I told dad it came down to priority and what was more important to them, living in their beloved house in Lubbock or being closer to their children? This would make the difference in what they did. When I said this, neither one said anything. I believe God is working on their hearts to realize they need to be nearer their children as they age and their bodies give out.
Please continue to pray for peace for my parents and pray that God continues to work all this out to His glory!
In January, when my parents came down to see me, they loved T & C's house, not necessarily where it was, so far in the country, but liked the house a lot. Of course they didn't see it in its meth days so reallly couldn't appreciate all the work that had been done. Since we have been talking to them about living closer to one of us, they looked at a few houses while in Corsicana and drove around the town. While here at my house, they were a little disappointed in Corsicana, saying they really didn't like what they saw, so they were just not sure they should sell their house and move.
I suspected they would go back to Lubbock and think of every reason not to put their house on the market. When I called them last week to see how they were doing, boy, was I surprised!! Someone had just left looking at their house. They had put their house on the market two days before and someone was already looking at it. I could tell they were a little surprised by the quickness of this. They called that night, almost sounding in a panic that these people had come back to look again and was offering a contract. We talked about it being the first contract and if it was not what they thought they should get, then don't accept it or make a counter offer.
They made a counter offer and it was accepted. Now the panic really was setting in. Here they have sold their house and what now? So talking with my sister, I began to pour over the possibilities here in this area. Of course, I don't know why I bothered. My mom has stated in no uncertain terms that she does not want to move to Beaumont. She does not like Beaumont and never has liked Beaumont! But I perused the net anyway and unfortunately since Rita, housing is prime here. For the price range house they need, either a house has been damaged by Rita and needs a lot of fixing up or it is in the wrong neighborhood, somewhere I would not put my folks. There were possibly two or three that might work in a pinch.
My sister and BIL began looking as well, but housing is even more in demand in Corsicana. To get anything comparable to what my parents have in Lubbock they would have to pay twice what they would get for their house. This just wouldn't work in my parents thoughts. But.....remember God is working in all this!
Last Friday, late at night for my parents to be calling, they called to say T & C had found a house, a trailer house no less. I am thinking what? My mother living in a trailer house, I don't think so! But to my surprise, my parents are actually excited about this place. It is on three acres of land, about three miles from T & C right off the main highway. C said it has a front porch, a side porch and lots of large trees. It looks great from the road. The trailer is a double wide and is an older trailer, but in pretty good shape. They may want to update the kitchen and baths but it is in move in condition. The people selling knows my neice's husband and is willing to sell for thousands less than if they put it on the market. It is a real steal.
So, it looks like my parents will be closing on their house in March, we will go out and help move them and Lord willing, they will store their stuff in one end of the trailer, move in with my sister and work on the trailer to update it and then move in.
This is a big step for my parents as my dad was born and raised in Lubbock. Except for a short time during the war when he was in the service, he has lived all his life in Lubbock. There are several surprises including that but also, my mom living in a double wide, living in the country, living in a town they were not sure they liked!
I have been praying for peace for mom and dad. I wanted them to feel a sense of God's peace about all this. I wonder if what I said to them when taking them back to Lubbock had anything to do with this. I told dad it came down to priority and what was more important to them, living in their beloved house in Lubbock or being closer to their children? This would make the difference in what they did. When I said this, neither one said anything. I believe God is working on their hearts to realize they need to be nearer their children as they age and their bodies give out.
Please continue to pray for peace for my parents and pray that God continues to work all this out to His glory!
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
THE REASON
The reason the elliptical rocks is this. I started using it last week on Wednesday morning. The first time I used it, my heart pounded out of my chest. I was short of breath and knew I had to heed the heart rate advise. So I checked my heart rate and checked the RPM and took note. The first time, I was going about 30 RPM and my heart rate jumped to 135 real fast and I could only do about five minutes.
Okay, the cool thing is that I found if I do about 20 to 25 RPM I could keep my heart rate in the zone of 99-124 easily. The first couple of days I did five minutes and then moved to 10 minutes and then on Saturday did 12 minutes. My heart rate would creep up if I was not careful to keep the RPMs down and I usually had HR of about 125. But no soreness, no shortness of breath, doing okay ~ just slow and easy so there is no excuses.
Today, I jumped on the elliptical. I checked my heart rate first, 89. Okay, get up to 25 RPM. I was watching TV and after about 3 minutes I looked down to notice I was doing about 33 RPM. UHHHHHH! Better check my heart rate. 117! What? Could this be right? Well, I will continue a while longer and check it again. After 7 minutes, RPM of 30 to 35 and HR 118! This is wonderful. I am not choking for breath, I am using more calories and I can go longer. So at 15 minutes, I checked again and the highest HR was at 118 and I was doing about 33 RPM for at least 12 minutes. That is so cool!
I am determined this time! I even called Tollie to report to him! That is a real first, because before (as I have posted before) if I share all this with anyone, it seems to jinks it. But not this time! Thank you Lord! I will succeed with great health this time!
Okay, the cool thing is that I found if I do about 20 to 25 RPM I could keep my heart rate in the zone of 99-124 easily. The first couple of days I did five minutes and then moved to 10 minutes and then on Saturday did 12 minutes. My heart rate would creep up if I was not careful to keep the RPMs down and I usually had HR of about 125. But no soreness, no shortness of breath, doing okay ~ just slow and easy so there is no excuses.
Today, I jumped on the elliptical. I checked my heart rate first, 89. Okay, get up to 25 RPM. I was watching TV and after about 3 minutes I looked down to notice I was doing about 33 RPM. UHHHHHH! Better check my heart rate. 117! What? Could this be right? Well, I will continue a while longer and check it again. After 7 minutes, RPM of 30 to 35 and HR 118! This is wonderful. I am not choking for breath, I am using more calories and I can go longer. So at 15 minutes, I checked again and the highest HR was at 118 and I was doing about 33 RPM for at least 12 minutes. That is so cool!
I am determined this time! I even called Tollie to report to him! That is a real first, because before (as I have posted before) if I share all this with anyone, it seems to jinks it. But not this time! Thank you Lord! I will succeed with great health this time!
Monday, February 05, 2007
ELLIPTICALS ROCK
Well, not too many moons ago, I started an exercise program on my Tony Little Gazelle and was so proud that I had done a week's worth of working out on it. It didn't last! I had to put the Gazelle in the garage and then I had an excuse not to use it.
My folks were here in January and after a week with them, I have resolved to get in better health. My dad was in pretty good health, albeit heart surgery and anyuerism surgery many years ago, yet in pretty good health for an 83 year old man. This past year was hard on my dad. He had a pinched nerve in his neck and had to have back/neck surgery. He had been affected by numb hands and loosing the use of his right leg. The surgery stopped the progression but he is slowly getting back the use of his leg. He has to use a cane or walker to go anywhere, but he still keeps going!
My mom on the other hand stopped moving many years ago. Mother has been obese since I can ever remember. She tried many diets, pills and just never seemed to conquer her obesity. She really quit moving years ago, only doing things in the house and occasionally runs to the grocery store. Oh, yes, she also has congestive heart failure which makes any moving now hard to breath. Now her problems run the gamut of hurting knees, ankles, and her back really bothers her a lot. Watching her and my dad, I realized what I have to look forward to and made the decision to do something now!
My aim is to get healthier. Right now, I just want to get moving!!!!
We have been doing our homework and I told Tollie I need to not have any excuse. So I don't want to join a health club. We talked about a treadmill for our bedroom. Okay, now we are talking more -- convenient, handy -- so we do our homework. Get on line and start looking. Cost is pretty high for a good one. We go to Sears and try out every machine on the floor. They have a good selection. We try an elliptical. Uhhhhhh, my knees hurt right away! Go to the next one. It is designed different. Hey.......this feels okay. Look I can do this! I like this. This is pretty cool. Tollie tries it.
We have a distinct disadvantage to getting something we both can use. I am 5' 2", eyes of ......no they are green, but he is 6'. What feels good for me, doesn't always work for him! He gets on this Horizon RE 7.6 and he likes it. It feels good for him as well! Wow! We go home and do more homework. (We have learned in our 37 years of marriage that we don't make a large purchase on the spot. We always go home and discuss and research and pray and think and sleep and then decide!)
The internet tells me that an elliptical is better for joints. No pounding, no jerking and really better for older people. Well, that's us! The cost is about the same for treadmill and elliptical, maybe slightly less for the quality and bells and whistles. I will have no excuses. The weather will not be a factor. I don't have to go anywhere except to the closet to get my shoes on. I can make time during the day, even several times a day for this! I can read or watch TV while doing it. Yep, looks like a winner.
We bring it home, put it together. Oh and one other plus, it doesn't take up as much room as the treadmill would have and is quiet! So.....six days later, I have started out slow and determined! I told Tollie I don't want to get so sore I can't walk, so I have started out doing five minutes the first few days and today I just did 12 minutes with about seven minutes in my target heart rate. I feel looser and am proud of myself.
You see, I don't care how I look or how much I weigh as much as being able to get around and do the things I want to do!!!! I love working in the yard, but the last few springs have been harder and harder to do the things I love. I have grandchildren who need me to swing and play and be there for them.
Lord willing, I will continue with no excuses! Afterall, I don't go to work until 1pm so I have all morning to do several workouts. Did I say I really like my new toy?
One more thing, you have to try out the ellipticals. The ones I had used at the gym in years past and others at the store were designed differently. This one has the mechanism in the front and the footprints are side by side. On some, I felt like a frog trying to move! My short legs don't allow for wide widths or long strides. This one is perfect for me and the good thing Tollie is liking it as well. Happy health to you today!
Monday, January 29, 2007
WORKING, BUT NOT WORKING
Here I am at work, but not working! Every been there? You are at work, but there is not much to do so you look like you are working and try to stay busy. I really like it better when I am busy. The day seems to fly by and I don't have time to take a Butterfinger snack bite from my candy jar and eat it and then feel guilty. But I am working, having another hour to look busy!
I have had some strange long-time-ago connections lately. I think I mentioned it in another post but a couple of weeks ago I had a phone call from a High School classmate. We were in band together. I have not talked to her in 37 years but she called me the other night and we talked for 1 1/2 hours! Can you believe that? I can't. Anyway, she talked more than I but I found out things I did not know at that time and she said things I didn't even remember much. At any rate, there are several band members talking and wanting to have a reunion, so we have set up a group in Yahoo and think we will plan a band reunion for next year. It will include several years of members. If you are from Lubbock, Texas and went to Coronado High School and played in the Mustang Band from 1968 to 1972, then you may want to go to Yahoo and go the Groups and look under Music, and High School Bands. There is a group called piggysband that you can leave a message and let us know how to contact you. Donna will be organizing a list for contacts.
Then I ran into (and I mean I literally ran into) a woman. She knew she knew me and I knew I knew her, but we were both struggling to figure it out. When I finally mentioned Tollie's name, she lurched across the aisle and hugged me so tight. She had gone to church with us a few years back and as I think back now, I remember her mother and her and the things going on at the time.
And then a few days ago I finally connected with a friend who had moved from our area years ago and we had kept in touch through e-mail for a while, but lately had lost contact. I thought I had made contact finally but the mail came back. I dug through and got out an old e-mail and took the chance. Sure enough, she e-mailed me back. Her boys are grown now and married and we both feel so much older than we really are! Anyway, it was good to re-connect with her and catch up.
I read today concerning the Garnett church in Tulsa and the history. I did not realize that Garnett had declined so much in the last few years, declined at least in numbers. It sounds like to me they are growing in faith and what "church" is really all about. It was an interesting read. Here is the link to let you in on the article "We Don't Do Megachurch Anymore"
http://www.christianitytoday.com/le/2007/001/1.49.html
I think you will find it interesting as well.
Gotta run and actually do some work. Hope your day is going well.
I have had some strange long-time-ago connections lately. I think I mentioned it in another post but a couple of weeks ago I had a phone call from a High School classmate. We were in band together. I have not talked to her in 37 years but she called me the other night and we talked for 1 1/2 hours! Can you believe that? I can't. Anyway, she talked more than I but I found out things I did not know at that time and she said things I didn't even remember much. At any rate, there are several band members talking and wanting to have a reunion, so we have set up a group in Yahoo and think we will plan a band reunion for next year. It will include several years of members. If you are from Lubbock, Texas and went to Coronado High School and played in the Mustang Band from 1968 to 1972, then you may want to go to Yahoo and go the Groups and look under Music, and High School Bands. There is a group called piggysband that you can leave a message and let us know how to contact you. Donna will be organizing a list for contacts.
Then I ran into (and I mean I literally ran into) a woman. She knew she knew me and I knew I knew her, but we were both struggling to figure it out. When I finally mentioned Tollie's name, she lurched across the aisle and hugged me so tight. She had gone to church with us a few years back and as I think back now, I remember her mother and her and the things going on at the time.
And then a few days ago I finally connected with a friend who had moved from our area years ago and we had kept in touch through e-mail for a while, but lately had lost contact. I thought I had made contact finally but the mail came back. I dug through and got out an old e-mail and took the chance. Sure enough, she e-mailed me back. Her boys are grown now and married and we both feel so much older than we really are! Anyway, it was good to re-connect with her and catch up.
I read today concerning the Garnett church in Tulsa and the history. I did not realize that Garnett had declined so much in the last few years, declined at least in numbers. It sounds like to me they are growing in faith and what "church" is really all about. It was an interesting read. Here is the link to let you in on the article "We Don't Do Megachurch Anymore"
http://www.christianitytoday.com/le/2007/001/1.49.html
I think you will find it interesting as well.
Gotta run and actually do some work. Hope your day is going well.
Sunday, January 21, 2007
All Families are Dysfunctional!
I have come to a realization lately that all families are dysfunctional, including mine. It is just in degrees. I have found in the last few weeks that my family is just as dysfunctional and maybe to a degree that I had not known before.
My parents were here for a week and while I enjoyed having them here, I was ready for them to go home and allow me to get back to my routine. Yet, as I am typing this I am so near to tears. It seems that after everyone left, I am lonely and tired and out of sorts. I don't really know what to think, except I keep thinking of the things I should have discussed and talked about and what I would have said if they had said this or that! So my mind keeps working and working until I get so tired I can't think anymore and then something else pops up that I should have said!
It is a vicious cycle. I know Tollie gets tired of hearing my whining, especially after I confessed that I want to be more positive. You see, my mother is a very negative person. She whines and complains about everything. I see myself much like my mother and I want to be a more positive person. However, today was hard to be positive. Water is at the top level of the eyes and comes out at any given moment. There was no accapella music at church. My question then is, "have we given up on accapella and will have no more?" We are having more and more Sundays with just instrumental worship. It is as "they" have said! And then Tollie says we will eat with a group, and it turns out to be all the "other church" members and I feel a little intruding! "Our group" went someplace else and it made sense that we are still two churches trying to call ourselves one. Who are we kidding?
So, positive was not my strong point today. It may not be tomorrow either, but I will continue to work at it. This then makes me think of Dr. Laura who says don't try, just make it happen. Positive will happen tomorrow, if it kills me!
I go back to work tomorrow and I am certain that will help in getting back to a normal routine. We had a great time with family and with everyone back where they belong, we can all get back to routines.
My parents were here for a week and while I enjoyed having them here, I was ready for them to go home and allow me to get back to my routine. Yet, as I am typing this I am so near to tears. It seems that after everyone left, I am lonely and tired and out of sorts. I don't really know what to think, except I keep thinking of the things I should have discussed and talked about and what I would have said if they had said this or that! So my mind keeps working and working until I get so tired I can't think anymore and then something else pops up that I should have said!
It is a vicious cycle. I know Tollie gets tired of hearing my whining, especially after I confessed that I want to be more positive. You see, my mother is a very negative person. She whines and complains about everything. I see myself much like my mother and I want to be a more positive person. However, today was hard to be positive. Water is at the top level of the eyes and comes out at any given moment. There was no accapella music at church. My question then is, "have we given up on accapella and will have no more?" We are having more and more Sundays with just instrumental worship. It is as "they" have said! And then Tollie says we will eat with a group, and it turns out to be all the "other church" members and I feel a little intruding! "Our group" went someplace else and it made sense that we are still two churches trying to call ourselves one. Who are we kidding?
So, positive was not my strong point today. It may not be tomorrow either, but I will continue to work at it. This then makes me think of Dr. Laura who says don't try, just make it happen. Positive will happen tomorrow, if it kills me!
I go back to work tomorrow and I am certain that will help in getting back to a normal routine. We had a great time with family and with everyone back where they belong, we can all get back to routines.
Friday, January 19, 2007
Chicks Are In the Coup
Well, everyone is back home. The original plan called for us to trek to Corsicana on Saturday and everyone would come back to Beaumont except for me and I would drive mother and daddy back to Lubbock on Sunday. But.....the weather would not allow it. There was too much chance of ice and snow on the roads and we decided not to take a chance. So....I came back to Beaumont with everyone else.
As we left Corsicana, we were on FM 3194 tooling along and all of a sudden I noticed the water in the ditch to my right was rising. I then lost sight of the center stripe and I called out to the girls to hang on just as a wall of water came up over the windshield and blinded us. There was water on the road and because it was getting dark, it was hard to see. It scared the living daylights out of me! I hung onto the steering wheel and tried my best to keep the van on the road. All I could think of was, "please stay on the road." The guys were in Jamie and Paul's car behind us and they too hit the wall of water, but fortunately had seen it happen to us and were able to move over some and better prepared for it. For miles, my foot shook and I could not talk. I was really shook up over it. Later, Jamie drove and bless her heart, it rained all the way Conroe. It was strange that at Conroe and just past, it started getting hot in the van. I turned down the heater and again had to turn down the heat. It then dawned on me and I rolled down my window to find it balmy, probably 60 degrees. No need for heat! We had left Corsicana in about 34 degree weather and had passed through the front. It had not reached our area yet. When we arrived at J & P's, it began to rain again. It was an odd chain of events.
On Tuesday, we took Mindy and Trent back to Houston for their flight. Tollie & I then started up 45 to Corsicana where the plan was for Tollie to take me there and then return back to Beaumont. As we got to Conroe and further north, it was raining hard and began to change to ice. By the time we got to Corsicana, our wipers were iced over and it was getting colder. I cried thinking of Tollie driving back through all that in the dark. We talked and talked and finally he decided to go on to Tyler and work there before heading back to Beaumont. It really worked out better as he was able to get all the work done that he needed to and won't have to return to Tyler next week!
We watched the weather all Tuesday night and waited until about 10 am before heading out to Lubbock. We weren't sure we would not have to turn around and come back. But I found a truck not speeding and going a reasonable speed and being careful so I followed him. When he changed lanes, I changed lanes. When he braked, I braked. I was able to go a decent speed and yet able to watch for trouble spots. We arrived in Weatherford and stopped to eat lunch. By this time, the rain, sleet and snow had stopped. We finally had some dry roads and were able to proceed all the way to Lubbock. It was amazing to see the trucks, trailers or motor homes lying on their sides in the middle median of I20. I guess we counted about 9 from Abilene to Sweetwater. I have never known of a time when an accident happened and they just left them there. But they did this time. I guess the weather was too bad to even try to attempt to clear the wreckage. We made Ranger Hill okay and Post Hill okay. Those were my two concerns and both were fine.
When we got to Lubbock, we read in the paper on Thursday morning that a new snow storm was headed that way and I was ready to get on the plane to come home. Made it home fine and let me say I am just road weary today. I find I just want to sleep! My bed and my shower felt great today!!!!
I just talked with my parents and they did get some snow in Lubbock today. It was not as much as they expected or had been predicted. Sometimes, I wonder about these weather men and where they get their information!
Since I am road weary, I think I will close for now and just end with telling you that we had a great visit with my parents, with my children and with my family. Since this visit, my new interest in changes for myself are to be more positive. I even told my kids that I want to work on being more positive! I will explain more on that later!
As we left Corsicana, we were on FM 3194 tooling along and all of a sudden I noticed the water in the ditch to my right was rising. I then lost sight of the center stripe and I called out to the girls to hang on just as a wall of water came up over the windshield and blinded us. There was water on the road and because it was getting dark, it was hard to see. It scared the living daylights out of me! I hung onto the steering wheel and tried my best to keep the van on the road. All I could think of was, "please stay on the road." The guys were in Jamie and Paul's car behind us and they too hit the wall of water, but fortunately had seen it happen to us and were able to move over some and better prepared for it. For miles, my foot shook and I could not talk. I was really shook up over it. Later, Jamie drove and bless her heart, it rained all the way Conroe. It was strange that at Conroe and just past, it started getting hot in the van. I turned down the heater and again had to turn down the heat. It then dawned on me and I rolled down my window to find it balmy, probably 60 degrees. No need for heat! We had left Corsicana in about 34 degree weather and had passed through the front. It had not reached our area yet. When we arrived at J & P's, it began to rain again. It was an odd chain of events.
On Tuesday, we took Mindy and Trent back to Houston for their flight. Tollie & I then started up 45 to Corsicana where the plan was for Tollie to take me there and then return back to Beaumont. As we got to Conroe and further north, it was raining hard and began to change to ice. By the time we got to Corsicana, our wipers were iced over and it was getting colder. I cried thinking of Tollie driving back through all that in the dark. We talked and talked and finally he decided to go on to Tyler and work there before heading back to Beaumont. It really worked out better as he was able to get all the work done that he needed to and won't have to return to Tyler next week!
We watched the weather all Tuesday night and waited until about 10 am before heading out to Lubbock. We weren't sure we would not have to turn around and come back. But I found a truck not speeding and going a reasonable speed and being careful so I followed him. When he changed lanes, I changed lanes. When he braked, I braked. I was able to go a decent speed and yet able to watch for trouble spots. We arrived in Weatherford and stopped to eat lunch. By this time, the rain, sleet and snow had stopped. We finally had some dry roads and were able to proceed all the way to Lubbock. It was amazing to see the trucks, trailers or motor homes lying on their sides in the middle median of I20. I guess we counted about 9 from Abilene to Sweetwater. I have never known of a time when an accident happened and they just left them there. But they did this time. I guess the weather was too bad to even try to attempt to clear the wreckage. We made Ranger Hill okay and Post Hill okay. Those were my two concerns and both were fine.
When we got to Lubbock, we read in the paper on Thursday morning that a new snow storm was headed that way and I was ready to get on the plane to come home. Made it home fine and let me say I am just road weary today. I find I just want to sleep! My bed and my shower felt great today!!!!
I just talked with my parents and they did get some snow in Lubbock today. It was not as much as they expected or had been predicted. Sometimes, I wonder about these weather men and where they get their information!
Since I am road weary, I think I will close for now and just end with telling you that we had a great visit with my parents, with my children and with my family. Since this visit, my new interest in changes for myself are to be more positive. I even told my kids that I want to work on being more positive! I will explain more on that later!
Friday, January 12, 2007
THE TREK BACK HOME
We leave tomorrow morning. We are traveling from Beaumont to Corsicana. Then on Sunday, we go from Corsicana to Lubbock. I keep hearing about the weather. There are storm warnings and it could possibly be icy and even snowing.
I am asking for prayers. Prayers that the roads will be clear and I can take my parents back to their home. Then I need prayers that the airport in Lubbock will be open and I can travel back on Monday to my home and see my baby daughter and her new husband for a day before they leave to go back home.
Our visit has been good. We have had some laughs, some tense moments as in all families, but good conversation. I am sorry that we have not had the type of conversations we use to have or that I would like to have but I am afraid to have these days. I don't like conflict and I am certain, it would resolve to that eventually, if these type of conversations were started. So we keep them inside and don't talk about certain subjects.
It is hard to see your parents getting older. It is hard to see your parents having to rely on others for their day to day activities. It is harder to see your parents have no more day to day activities, than getting up and getting dressed!
I need one more prayer, by the way. For the last six months or so, my sister has been talking to my parents about moving to Corsicana to be closer to them. I would love this as this would not only give them family close by, it would put them closer to me. My sister showed them a house or two last week, but now my parents are discouraged and thinking that they will not move. They may just be talking. But I need prayers that God will lead them to the right house and they will move. I would really like them to move. But I certainly want what is best for them.
I am asking for prayers. Prayers that the roads will be clear and I can take my parents back to their home. Then I need prayers that the airport in Lubbock will be open and I can travel back on Monday to my home and see my baby daughter and her new husband for a day before they leave to go back home.
Our visit has been good. We have had some laughs, some tense moments as in all families, but good conversation. I am sorry that we have not had the type of conversations we use to have or that I would like to have but I am afraid to have these days. I don't like conflict and I am certain, it would resolve to that eventually, if these type of conversations were started. So we keep them inside and don't talk about certain subjects.
It is hard to see your parents getting older. It is hard to see your parents having to rely on others for their day to day activities. It is harder to see your parents have no more day to day activities, than getting up and getting dressed!
I need one more prayer, by the way. For the last six months or so, my sister has been talking to my parents about moving to Corsicana to be closer to them. I would love this as this would not only give them family close by, it would put them closer to me. My sister showed them a house or two last week, but now my parents are discouraged and thinking that they will not move. They may just be talking. But I need prayers that God will lead them to the right house and they will move. I would really like them to move. But I certainly want what is best for them.
Saturday, December 30, 2006
Thursday, December 28, 2006
MORE CATCH UP
And I don't mean that red kind that you put on French Fries!
I mean the kind where I give you more information than you ever wanted to know! I have not blogged in so long there is lots of information out there that you know nothing about.....and probably could go all your life and not care that you didn't know. But! I want you to know! So here goes!
My first catch up news is what is going to take place in the next two weeks. My parents, who live in Lubbock, are coming to see us! That is exciting and unusual. Unusual for several reasons. They have never liked that we live 10 to 12 hours away! My mother doesn't like Beaumont and they are getting on in years and their health is not real good right now, so this is monumental.
My dad had to have neck surgery in 2005 for a slipped disc. He had lost use of his right leg and could not feel anything with his hands. The docs told him they could not return his health but could help it not get any worse! Great news you don't want to hear! None the less, it has taken a long road to recovery and he is still working on it. He still walks with a walker, mainly for stability so he doesn't fall! The feeling in his hands is better and he can do for himself more than he was able to do. He is like the pink bunny, he just keeps on trekking and working on getting better.
My mom's health has not been great for many years. She has congestive heart failure and has been obese for most of her life. At least, as long as I can remember. The sad part is I am a lot like her. I am also obese and try to remind myself of her woes, but I still have trouble getting the weight off. Enough about me though. My mom had a set back when my dad had his neck surgery. While dad was in the hospital, we (my sister and I) had to put mom in the hospital as well, for anemia. She was on three different medications for her blood thinning and they got it so thin she was "bleeding out!" In other words, you could touch her arm and she would bruise. It was so bad, the ER doctor was mad at her doctors and said so! and they would not let her out of bed, even to pee because they said if she were to fall, she would die! It was pretty serious. In fact, the day before, she had passed out in dad's hospital room and was feeling so tired. We all chalked it up to stress, but found out we were all wrong!
The saddest part of this story is after I got mom home. I had to take my sister to Abilene so she could go home the day my mother was released from the hospital. I did not get to talk to the doctor so after we got home I was quizzing her on what the doctor said. They released her without giving her anything for the anemia and said to come back to see them in two months! What? No medication, no iron, no tests before then? What do you mean? I was livid. I called the doctor's office and had trouble talking to anyone. But I persued and finally talked with a nurse. When I explained it all, she understood my anger. Because I was leaving town over the weekend, she wasn't sure she could give me an answer. Fortunately, she called me back the same day and we had medication! I shudder to think had I not been there, what would have happened! My mother is from the generation that if the doctor does not say anything, you don't question it. He is the doctor afterall!!!!
The next saddest part to this whole story is that I had to come home. I was having company for Thanksgiving. May not seem important to you, but my potential new son-in-law and his mother were coming! I had to be home! So I left dad in rehab at the hospital. (And he didn't want to be there!) And left mom at home by herself, trying to get back to the hospital. Problem in that because of her heart condition, she can't walk a long way without shortness of breath. But they would not consider moving! In fact, my mother became quite depressed in the hospital because she was afraid they were going to have to move! They have no family left in Lubbock and they are alone, except for church family and friends. What do people do without church family?
Anyway, to finish up this post, my sister will fly from Dallas to Lubbock next week to drive mother and dad to Corsicana, where she lives. I will then drive from Beaumont to Corsicana and pick them up and bring them here for a week. There will be about three days where they will be here as well as Trent and Mindy. We will then all go back to Corsicana and my family will come back to Beaumont while I drive mother and dad back to Lubbock and hop on a plane home the next day! Whew! I am tired just thinking about it! But excited my parents are coming, they will get to meet Trent and sad at thinking this may well be the last time they will be in my home!
At least, they are talking of selling their house and moving to Corsicana. They will not look at houses in Corsicana until they sell their house. When they return in January, hopefully, they will put the house on the market. As I understand it, they are boxing up as they clean out and are making plans to move! That is encouraging. I never thought they would leave Lubbock. My dad was born there, I was born there and they have never talked of leaving. I think they know with their health and age (in their 80's) they really don't have many choices. This is the best.
So I ask that you pray for them. Pray for their health, pray for their safety and pray that their house sells quickly. While you are praying, add our visit on your list as I think things could become potentially sticky as we will be forced to discuss our church situation! More on that tomorrow!
I mean the kind where I give you more information than you ever wanted to know! I have not blogged in so long there is lots of information out there that you know nothing about.....and probably could go all your life and not care that you didn't know. But! I want you to know! So here goes!
My first catch up news is what is going to take place in the next two weeks. My parents, who live in Lubbock, are coming to see us! That is exciting and unusual. Unusual for several reasons. They have never liked that we live 10 to 12 hours away! My mother doesn't like Beaumont and they are getting on in years and their health is not real good right now, so this is monumental.
My dad had to have neck surgery in 2005 for a slipped disc. He had lost use of his right leg and could not feel anything with his hands. The docs told him they could not return his health but could help it not get any worse! Great news you don't want to hear! None the less, it has taken a long road to recovery and he is still working on it. He still walks with a walker, mainly for stability so he doesn't fall! The feeling in his hands is better and he can do for himself more than he was able to do. He is like the pink bunny, he just keeps on trekking and working on getting better.
My mom's health has not been great for many years. She has congestive heart failure and has been obese for most of her life. At least, as long as I can remember. The sad part is I am a lot like her. I am also obese and try to remind myself of her woes, but I still have trouble getting the weight off. Enough about me though. My mom had a set back when my dad had his neck surgery. While dad was in the hospital, we (my sister and I) had to put mom in the hospital as well, for anemia. She was on three different medications for her blood thinning and they got it so thin she was "bleeding out!" In other words, you could touch her arm and she would bruise. It was so bad, the ER doctor was mad at her doctors and said so! and they would not let her out of bed, even to pee because they said if she were to fall, she would die! It was pretty serious. In fact, the day before, she had passed out in dad's hospital room and was feeling so tired. We all chalked it up to stress, but found out we were all wrong!
The saddest part of this story is after I got mom home. I had to take my sister to Abilene so she could go home the day my mother was released from the hospital. I did not get to talk to the doctor so after we got home I was quizzing her on what the doctor said. They released her without giving her anything for the anemia and said to come back to see them in two months! What? No medication, no iron, no tests before then? What do you mean? I was livid. I called the doctor's office and had trouble talking to anyone. But I persued and finally talked with a nurse. When I explained it all, she understood my anger. Because I was leaving town over the weekend, she wasn't sure she could give me an answer. Fortunately, she called me back the same day and we had medication! I shudder to think had I not been there, what would have happened! My mother is from the generation that if the doctor does not say anything, you don't question it. He is the doctor afterall!!!!
The next saddest part to this whole story is that I had to come home. I was having company for Thanksgiving. May not seem important to you, but my potential new son-in-law and his mother were coming! I had to be home! So I left dad in rehab at the hospital. (And he didn't want to be there!) And left mom at home by herself, trying to get back to the hospital. Problem in that because of her heart condition, she can't walk a long way without shortness of breath. But they would not consider moving! In fact, my mother became quite depressed in the hospital because she was afraid they were going to have to move! They have no family left in Lubbock and they are alone, except for church family and friends. What do people do without church family?
Anyway, to finish up this post, my sister will fly from Dallas to Lubbock next week to drive mother and dad to Corsicana, where she lives. I will then drive from Beaumont to Corsicana and pick them up and bring them here for a week. There will be about three days where they will be here as well as Trent and Mindy. We will then all go back to Corsicana and my family will come back to Beaumont while I drive mother and dad back to Lubbock and hop on a plane home the next day! Whew! I am tired just thinking about it! But excited my parents are coming, they will get to meet Trent and sad at thinking this may well be the last time they will be in my home!
At least, they are talking of selling their house and moving to Corsicana. They will not look at houses in Corsicana until they sell their house. When they return in January, hopefully, they will put the house on the market. As I understand it, they are boxing up as they clean out and are making plans to move! That is encouraging. I never thought they would leave Lubbock. My dad was born there, I was born there and they have never talked of leaving. I think they know with their health and age (in their 80's) they really don't have many choices. This is the best.
So I ask that you pray for them. Pray for their health, pray for their safety and pray that their house sells quickly. While you are praying, add our visit on your list as I think things could become potentially sticky as we will be forced to discuss our church situation! More on that tomorrow!
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
Pictures from Christmas 06
Having grandkids is so much fun!!
Emma liked what Piggy and Pops got her!
Ashton got a new CD to listen to from her parents.
The Goebel Family.
We missed you Trent and Mindy but looking forward to seeing you in a couple of weeks.
Merry Christmas!
We have had a great Christmas. We spent Christmas Eve with the kids, J & P and the grand babies! Only they are not babies any more!!!! Ashton and Emma were anxious to go home and get to bed! Wonder why?
We ate some snacks, watched Cars on TV, our free digital channel we get, but are not sure why we get it! We just enjoy it and don't ask questions! They left about 7:30 pm and Tollie and I enjoyed an evening by the fire!
Christmas morning brought early rising for us. Tollie and I both woke about 4 AM and not able to go back to sleep! I think we took too long a nap yesterday, but we laid and talked and then turned on the TV. We watched the large Baptist church's Christmas program which happened earlier in the month and they always televise on Christmas Eve. Anyway, we finally both went back to sleep and slept till 8:30. We got up, got dressed, exchanged presents. I must have been a good girl. I got a new set of earrings and necklace, in my birthstone! Tollie got a new tote for his expensive 3ccd camera.
We packed the car and were off to Sour Lake to be with the kids. We arrived to a house full of holiday smells. They had cooked the turkey all night. It looked great! We finished the preparations for lunch and enjoyed a great meal, together. Mindy called from Missouri and we enjoyed visiting with her while we ate. It was almost like having her there with us. Wish she could have been, with her new hubby, Trent. But they will be here in two and half weeks. We are anxious and excited about them coming!!!
We opened presents from the girls and the girls opened their presents from us and their parents. We laughed and enjoyed the time, taking pictures! Ashton got each of us a mug that said appropriately, "Sweetest Grandma", or "Greatest Grandpa", or The Best Mom", and "The Best Dad". She was so excited about giving us all our mug.
We then watched a movie, "The Invincible" about Vince Papali, football player. It was good. Dad and I then came home and I sat and got warm and drank hot chocolate and dad cleaned the computer room!
Tollie and I both are determined to clean each room of the house and purge old things that we don't need any longer. We have way too much stuff. So we are in the process.
Hope you had a Merry Christmas with family and enjoyed the quiet of the day, knowing all the while the glorious birth of our Savior!
We have had a great Christmas. We spent Christmas Eve with the kids, J & P and the grand babies! Only they are not babies any more!!!! Ashton and Emma were anxious to go home and get to bed! Wonder why?
We ate some snacks, watched Cars on TV, our free digital channel we get, but are not sure why we get it! We just enjoy it and don't ask questions! They left about 7:30 pm and Tollie and I enjoyed an evening by the fire!
Christmas morning brought early rising for us. Tollie and I both woke about 4 AM and not able to go back to sleep! I think we took too long a nap yesterday, but we laid and talked and then turned on the TV. We watched the large Baptist church's Christmas program which happened earlier in the month and they always televise on Christmas Eve. Anyway, we finally both went back to sleep and slept till 8:30. We got up, got dressed, exchanged presents. I must have been a good girl. I got a new set of earrings and necklace, in my birthstone! Tollie got a new tote for his expensive 3ccd camera.
We packed the car and were off to Sour Lake to be with the kids. We arrived to a house full of holiday smells. They had cooked the turkey all night. It looked great! We finished the preparations for lunch and enjoyed a great meal, together. Mindy called from Missouri and we enjoyed visiting with her while we ate. It was almost like having her there with us. Wish she could have been, with her new hubby, Trent. But they will be here in two and half weeks. We are anxious and excited about them coming!!!
We opened presents from the girls and the girls opened their presents from us and their parents. We laughed and enjoyed the time, taking pictures! Ashton got each of us a mug that said appropriately, "Sweetest Grandma", or "Greatest Grandpa", or The Best Mom", and "The Best Dad". She was so excited about giving us all our mug.
We then watched a movie, "The Invincible" about Vince Papali, football player. It was good. Dad and I then came home and I sat and got warm and drank hot chocolate and dad cleaned the computer room!
Tollie and I both are determined to clean each room of the house and purge old things that we don't need any longer. We have way too much stuff. So we are in the process.
Hope you had a Merry Christmas with family and enjoyed the quiet of the day, knowing all the while the glorious birth of our Savior!
Friday, December 08, 2006
Having Trouble with Pics
Finally!!!!! I got the pics on here!
The Christian Church in Pilot Point, Texas
The inside of the church at rehearsal.
Mindy in her dress at the store!
Mindy in her dress back at the house, modeling for her dad
The Christian Church in Pilot Point, Texas
The inside of the church at rehearsal.
Mindy in her dress at the store!
Mindy in her dress back at the house, modeling for her dad
CATCHING UP!
First, my apology is two posts down. It is done, it is published. I can move on now.
Then, here is a quick catch up on almost a year of happenings. When I last left you, back in March of last year, we were so happy that our daughter, Mindy had found happiness in Kansas City, doing her internship and that she would graduate from UT in May. Tollie and I planned a trip to Missouri in April so that we could spend some time with her and her beau, Trent. The plan was to go to Tyler for Tollie's usual monthly work run and then leave Tyler on Thursday and go to Missouri, staying until Monday and coming back then. It would be a short trip, but a good one.
We were happily surprised two weeks before our planned trip to have a phone call from Trent on April 7th, the day before Easter. Trent called to ask for Mindy's hand in marriage. Jamie was here that night and we were shouting and screaming and dancing around, so excited! Trent took Mindy the next day to a special place for them and proposed. She, of course, said yes and they planned to be married sometime in June.
This changed the whole reason for Tollie and I going to Missouri. Now we were on a mission, to make plans for the wedding that would take place in five weeks! That's right, they would be married on June 2nd. Since we had the date, we had to decide where, how it all happens and what to wear!
However......as we planned to leave on Tuesday.......
During the night, Tollie woke with his heart fluctuations. We went to the ER about 4 AM and there remained until Wednesday morning. It was so frustrating. Tollie thought we would go to the ER, they would give him medication and we would be on our way to Tyler. Tollie had a nightmare and when he woke up, his heart was doing its thing! He has atrial fibrillation and occasionally his heart gets out of sync. When this happens, they give him medication in the vein and it clears up almost immediately.
But this time, the ER doctor wanted him to have some tests. We told her this was not the first time and please call his cardiologist. On Tuesday afternoon, as we were still in the ER because they had no beds on the floor, we were told he was being admitted. When asked again, we were told his cardiologist was called. He was to have a cath the next day.
My heart began to fluctuate!!!! I figured our trip to Missouri was out. Tollie was put in a room
5:30 on Tuesday evening and I kept wondering where Dr. Brady was!!!! I went home to get a good night's sleep and got to the hospital early Wednesday morning. Our family doctor, Dr. Vardiman came by to check on Tollie and we told him we had not seen Dr. Brady yet and we had plans to go to Tyler and Missouri. I told him I thought it was caused by the nightmare (I had looked up on the internet about his condition and it stated that sometimes it can be caused by nightmares!) Dr. Vardiman agreed with me and he said he would sign him out! But.....he wanted us to see Dr. Brady before he left town.
The dear nurse, who could not believe we were leaving without tests, called Dr. Brady's office and they would see us as we left the hospital! Of course, we found out at the office that they never got the message Tollie was in the ER!!!!! ARGHHHHHH! Believe me, the next time I will call Dr. Brady's office myself and make sure he knows he is there! Dr. Brady had no problem with our traveling and scheduled a nuclear stress tests for later in the month! Yeah!!!!! we were on our way to Missouri by way of Tyler!
Our trip to Missouri was fruitful. Mindy knew she wanted to get married in North Texas. It would make it convenient for both sides of the family to travel, but not too far for anyone. They also decided to have only family, close family at the wedding. This was a big decision as that meant no close friends, no aunts, uncles or cousins. We would have two receptions, one in Missouri and one in Texas. That is where everyone could come to celebrate with the Bride and Groom.
Our search began for a church. We Googled and found a pretty white church in Pilot Point, Texas. It was a Christian Church but our efforts proved fatal as we could not reach anyone that day. The next day, I got on the phone to the church of Christ preacher and asked him if he knew how we could contact someone at the Christian Church. Fortunately, he was good friends with a member there and the rest is history. We were able to use the building. We made this decision solely on the outside looks of the building. We assumed the inside would work. Later, Ms. Wood sent us pictures of the inside. It was perfect. We didn't even have to decorate.
Our next priority was a dress. Lavonne, Mindy and I went to Kansas City on Friday in search of the perfect dress. We went to about four stores and nothing was working. There were some pretty dresses, but to stay within my budget and what she wanted, we were not having much luck. We stopped at a place downtown not knowing we needed an appointment. But they allowed us to look anyway and Mindy found a dress she liked, but Lavonne and I both knew it was not the dress. Mindy then announced she would just have to come back later to Kansas City and look more. It was at that point that I lost it. Here I was sitting on a bench, beside my daughter's to be mother-in-law, blubbering! Mindy was wondering what was wrong with me and I told her I would be alright, knowing all along it was a lie! I was suppose to be with her when she found her dress!!! I was the mother of the Bride!
Mindy suggested we go to another place we had on our list, but my hopes were diminishing as it was getting close to 5:00 and this place was across town. On our way, we called to ask the times and they again said they worked with appointments. I explained that I was in town only that day and thank you. She asked me to hold and came back saying she would take us ~ they were open until 8 pm. My spirits soared. I knew this was it. We would find the dress or I would be greatly distressed!
The clerk was a great young lady. She asked Mindy a couple of questions and brought out her most popular dress. Mindy tried it on and it was pretty~ we all liked it. She then said to wait a minute, she had one other in mind. She came back with a two piece dress. First she put on the skirt. Then she started putting the top on Mindy and I could tell by her eyes, this was the dress! It was absolutely beautiful. She beamed as she looked in the mirror and it fit her like a glove! No alterations were needed. So.... how much? Because it was "off the rack", it was well under our limit!!!!! Thank you God! It was perfect.
We were well on our way to the perfect wedding. We had the place, the dress and knew who was marrying her (I mean the preacher!) and when. Now, there was only the smaller details to finish up. It was a great trip!!!
I will continue next week on the wedding itself.
Then, here is a quick catch up on almost a year of happenings. When I last left you, back in March of last year, we were so happy that our daughter, Mindy had found happiness in Kansas City, doing her internship and that she would graduate from UT in May. Tollie and I planned a trip to Missouri in April so that we could spend some time with her and her beau, Trent. The plan was to go to Tyler for Tollie's usual monthly work run and then leave Tyler on Thursday and go to Missouri, staying until Monday and coming back then. It would be a short trip, but a good one.
We were happily surprised two weeks before our planned trip to have a phone call from Trent on April 7th, the day before Easter. Trent called to ask for Mindy's hand in marriage. Jamie was here that night and we were shouting and screaming and dancing around, so excited! Trent took Mindy the next day to a special place for them and proposed. She, of course, said yes and they planned to be married sometime in June.
This changed the whole reason for Tollie and I going to Missouri. Now we were on a mission, to make plans for the wedding that would take place in five weeks! That's right, they would be married on June 2nd. Since we had the date, we had to decide where, how it all happens and what to wear!
However......as we planned to leave on Tuesday.......
During the night, Tollie woke with his heart fluctuations. We went to the ER about 4 AM and there remained until Wednesday morning. It was so frustrating. Tollie thought we would go to the ER, they would give him medication and we would be on our way to Tyler. Tollie had a nightmare and when he woke up, his heart was doing its thing! He has atrial fibrillation and occasionally his heart gets out of sync. When this happens, they give him medication in the vein and it clears up almost immediately.
But this time, the ER doctor wanted him to have some tests. We told her this was not the first time and please call his cardiologist. On Tuesday afternoon, as we were still in the ER because they had no beds on the floor, we were told he was being admitted. When asked again, we were told his cardiologist was called. He was to have a cath the next day.
My heart began to fluctuate!!!! I figured our trip to Missouri was out. Tollie was put in a room
5:30 on Tuesday evening and I kept wondering where Dr. Brady was!!!! I went home to get a good night's sleep and got to the hospital early Wednesday morning. Our family doctor, Dr. Vardiman came by to check on Tollie and we told him we had not seen Dr. Brady yet and we had plans to go to Tyler and Missouri. I told him I thought it was caused by the nightmare (I had looked up on the internet about his condition and it stated that sometimes it can be caused by nightmares!) Dr. Vardiman agreed with me and he said he would sign him out! But.....he wanted us to see Dr. Brady before he left town.
The dear nurse, who could not believe we were leaving without tests, called Dr. Brady's office and they would see us as we left the hospital! Of course, we found out at the office that they never got the message Tollie was in the ER!!!!! ARGHHHHHH! Believe me, the next time I will call Dr. Brady's office myself and make sure he knows he is there! Dr. Brady had no problem with our traveling and scheduled a nuclear stress tests for later in the month! Yeah!!!!! we were on our way to Missouri by way of Tyler!
Our trip to Missouri was fruitful. Mindy knew she wanted to get married in North Texas. It would make it convenient for both sides of the family to travel, but not too far for anyone. They also decided to have only family, close family at the wedding. This was a big decision as that meant no close friends, no aunts, uncles or cousins. We would have two receptions, one in Missouri and one in Texas. That is where everyone could come to celebrate with the Bride and Groom.
Our search began for a church. We Googled and found a pretty white church in Pilot Point, Texas. It was a Christian Church but our efforts proved fatal as we could not reach anyone that day. The next day, I got on the phone to the church of Christ preacher and asked him if he knew how we could contact someone at the Christian Church. Fortunately, he was good friends with a member there and the rest is history. We were able to use the building. We made this decision solely on the outside looks of the building. We assumed the inside would work. Later, Ms. Wood sent us pictures of the inside. It was perfect. We didn't even have to decorate.
Our next priority was a dress. Lavonne, Mindy and I went to Kansas City on Friday in search of the perfect dress. We went to about four stores and nothing was working. There were some pretty dresses, but to stay within my budget and what she wanted, we were not having much luck. We stopped at a place downtown not knowing we needed an appointment. But they allowed us to look anyway and Mindy found a dress she liked, but Lavonne and I both knew it was not the dress. Mindy then announced she would just have to come back later to Kansas City and look more. It was at that point that I lost it. Here I was sitting on a bench, beside my daughter's to be mother-in-law, blubbering! Mindy was wondering what was wrong with me and I told her I would be alright, knowing all along it was a lie! I was suppose to be with her when she found her dress!!! I was the mother of the Bride!
Mindy suggested we go to another place we had on our list, but my hopes were diminishing as it was getting close to 5:00 and this place was across town. On our way, we called to ask the times and they again said they worked with appointments. I explained that I was in town only that day and thank you. She asked me to hold and came back saying she would take us ~ they were open until 8 pm. My spirits soared. I knew this was it. We would find the dress or I would be greatly distressed!
The clerk was a great young lady. She asked Mindy a couple of questions and brought out her most popular dress. Mindy tried it on and it was pretty~ we all liked it. She then said to wait a minute, she had one other in mind. She came back with a two piece dress. First she put on the skirt. Then she started putting the top on Mindy and I could tell by her eyes, this was the dress! It was absolutely beautiful. She beamed as she looked in the mirror and it fit her like a glove! No alterations were needed. So.... how much? Because it was "off the rack", it was well under our limit!!!!! Thank you God! It was perfect.
We were well on our way to the perfect wedding. We had the place, the dress and knew who was marrying her (I mean the preacher!) and when. Now, there was only the smaller details to finish up. It was a great trip!!!
I will continue next week on the wedding itself.
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
IN ALMOST A YEAR!
It has been almost a year since I have posted to this blog. I have thought about blogging again, but what really pushed me today is that I have received posts on my blog, even without blogging!
So.....I decided it is time to start posting again. Hope you all out there will enjoy reading about my life, my troubles, my hopes, my dreams and my happiness. The first thing I will do.....tomorrow....is to post some pictures of my daughter at her wedding last June. Yep, Trent and Mindy got married in June. We had a whirlwind time but lots of fun. I will tell you all about it. It was great having that to do and enjoy after what Rita did to us in 2005.
Right now though, I have to get to the store. I am working part time, more part time than I use to and I have to go to work at 1:00. So any shopping I need to do has to be done in the morning.
BTW, I will post my apology this week as well! That is of necessity for myself. See you guys! and thanks for stopping by!
So.....I decided it is time to start posting again. Hope you all out there will enjoy reading about my life, my troubles, my hopes, my dreams and my happiness. The first thing I will do.....tomorrow....is to post some pictures of my daughter at her wedding last June. Yep, Trent and Mindy got married in June. We had a whirlwind time but lots of fun. I will tell you all about it. It was great having that to do and enjoy after what Rita did to us in 2005.
Right now though, I have to get to the store. I am working part time, more part time than I use to and I have to go to work at 1:00. So any shopping I need to do has to be done in the morning.
BTW, I will post my apology this week as well! That is of necessity for myself. See you guys! and thanks for stopping by!
Thursday, March 09, 2006
MARCH!
Before I even begin reading the blogs today, I determined I would blog.
It has been awhile and I keep meaning to write my apology. I have started the draft for that and will post it one day! Until then, I will update a little.
I am working full time right now. The person who took my place when I retired, quit. She didn't give two weeks notice and because of that, I stepped in. It has been very draining. I like the work, but it has been almost two years since I worked the job and now I have to think so much and stand on my feet for most of the day. I am just not use to that. I am working there in parts three days a week and still doing my other job for the other two days. It will come in handy when we need the money, but I really don't like working full time.
I think I am lazy at heart! Well, I guess it really is not lazy because there are so many things I like to do and keep busy. But I just like my own time and use of that time. I think that has more to do with it. I want to do what I want to do when I want to do it. Do I sound like Paul in the NT or what. Anyway, I have so many projects going and started and needed to be started. It is my goal to finish two big projects this year. I have started a sampler with cross stitch with peacocks that I have been working off and on for now about five years. I need to finish it! And then I have also started a bluebonnet quilt. It shouldn't take that long to get finished putting together. But it will take a while for the quilting, so I need to get going on it. But then there are a few other projects I have going and need to finish first.
We also have a craft show for the Russia missions and I need to get going on planning and working that. I have several projects for that to work on. So, you can see that working full time really crimps my style in doing what I want to do.
I hope you have a great week and get to do what you want to do!
It has been awhile and I keep meaning to write my apology. I have started the draft for that and will post it one day! Until then, I will update a little.
I am working full time right now. The person who took my place when I retired, quit. She didn't give two weeks notice and because of that, I stepped in. It has been very draining. I like the work, but it has been almost two years since I worked the job and now I have to think so much and stand on my feet for most of the day. I am just not use to that. I am working there in parts three days a week and still doing my other job for the other two days. It will come in handy when we need the money, but I really don't like working full time.
I think I am lazy at heart! Well, I guess it really is not lazy because there are so many things I like to do and keep busy. But I just like my own time and use of that time. I think that has more to do with it. I want to do what I want to do when I want to do it. Do I sound like Paul in the NT or what. Anyway, I have so many projects going and started and needed to be started. It is my goal to finish two big projects this year. I have started a sampler with cross stitch with peacocks that I have been working off and on for now about five years. I need to finish it! And then I have also started a bluebonnet quilt. It shouldn't take that long to get finished putting together. But it will take a while for the quilting, so I need to get going on it. But then there are a few other projects I have going and need to finish first.
We also have a craft show for the Russia missions and I need to get going on planning and working that. I have several projects for that to work on. So, you can see that working full time really crimps my style in doing what I want to do.
I hope you have a great week and get to do what you want to do!
Monday, February 27, 2006
I APOLOGIZE!
This is my apology. I apologize to my husband for not being the person he married!
Now, that may seem a little strange to some of you. I have been married to the greatest husband a wife would ever hope for. We have been married for 36 years. My love today is more tender and deeper than all those years ago.
I am not the person he married both physically, emotionally, spiritually, and intellectually and any other way I could not think of. I don't think I am suppose to be! But.......my apology comes mainly from the physical standpoint.
You see, I was a young, slender, long blonde haired beauty to my prince charming. Life has a way of changing all this over time. Having babies can change a woman's body to proportions she never dreamed were possible! Three pregnancies with two resulting children can do things, both physically and emotionally to scar and weigh up on a person. That is where my apology lies.
I apologize to Tollie for not being the physical beauty he married! I have allowed my laziness and control issues and fneed to comfort with food to disrupt my ability to stay physically attractive! I have done this. I am the one responsible for not walking, not exercising, not watching what I eat, but eating whatever I want and watching it too closely! I am the one who has decided everyday that I get up to eat and eat and eat.
I am trying to change this. As Dr. Laura would say, no don't try, just do it! So....I will do it! I am being conscious of everything that goes into my mouth and making decisions, better decisions, I hope. Again, I am trying to be realistic and eat some of the things I like, but not all the time. We will see where this gets me and who is really in control ~ me or food!
But there you have my apology. Since I have not written a blog in so long, I am not sure if and when Tollie will see this. But that is okay. It was more for me than for him. I needed to say it and I think he will want to hear it. So.....stay tuned!
Now, that may seem a little strange to some of you. I have been married to the greatest husband a wife would ever hope for. We have been married for 36 years. My love today is more tender and deeper than all those years ago.
I am not the person he married both physically, emotionally, spiritually, and intellectually and any other way I could not think of. I don't think I am suppose to be! But.......my apology comes mainly from the physical standpoint.
You see, I was a young, slender, long blonde haired beauty to my prince charming. Life has a way of changing all this over time. Having babies can change a woman's body to proportions she never dreamed were possible! Three pregnancies with two resulting children can do things, both physically and emotionally to scar and weigh up on a person. That is where my apology lies.
I apologize to Tollie for not being the physical beauty he married! I have allowed my laziness and control issues and fneed to comfort with food to disrupt my ability to stay physically attractive! I have done this. I am the one responsible for not walking, not exercising, not watching what I eat, but eating whatever I want and watching it too closely! I am the one who has decided everyday that I get up to eat and eat and eat.
I am trying to change this. As Dr. Laura would say, no don't try, just do it! So....I will do it! I am being conscious of everything that goes into my mouth and making decisions, better decisions, I hope. Again, I am trying to be realistic and eat some of the things I like, but not all the time. We will see where this gets me and who is really in control ~ me or food!
But there you have my apology. Since I have not written a blog in so long, I am not sure if and when Tollie will see this. But that is okay. It was more for me than for him. I needed to say it and I think he will want to hear it. So.....stay tuned!
Friday, February 24, 2006
TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE
My last post was shocked to see that February is already here and now I am writing a post at the end of February?!? Where did it go? I am going to lunge in and out of here for today. I have to catch up and my life is going to get crazy in the next few weeks.
I have a few request! Please pray for a young married couple whom we are mentoring. They are in the depths of misery at this time and need prayers for prayer warriors. God knows them and their needs and names are unneccesary. Just pray for a young couple we know.
Secondly, please pray for me in the next few weeks. The parts manager who took my place several years ago, quit. The biggest problem is that she quit when her boss just had a brain tumor removed and then had another surgery last week to repair some nerve damage. It was not very kind of her to put all this on him when he is home recuperating. So.....that means I am filling in until a replacement can be found. Also, pray that a replacement has been found. I gave a name, called a friend and she responded with an interview. It may all work out very well and then I will be training her rather than working. But she will have to give two weeks notice and I will be working some then.
Thirdly, pray for my next post. I had stated in my last post that I would write an apology. I am now wondering if I have not posted because of that statement! I think there is an underlying fear of that post. But I will push forward.
Have a great weekend. It is suppose to be rainy all day and it is already overcast and cloudy.
I have a few request! Please pray for a young married couple whom we are mentoring. They are in the depths of misery at this time and need prayers for prayer warriors. God knows them and their needs and names are unneccesary. Just pray for a young couple we know.
Secondly, please pray for me in the next few weeks. The parts manager who took my place several years ago, quit. The biggest problem is that she quit when her boss just had a brain tumor removed and then had another surgery last week to repair some nerve damage. It was not very kind of her to put all this on him when he is home recuperating. So.....that means I am filling in until a replacement can be found. Also, pray that a replacement has been found. I gave a name, called a friend and she responded with an interview. It may all work out very well and then I will be training her rather than working. But she will have to give two weeks notice and I will be working some then.
Thirdly, pray for my next post. I had stated in my last post that I would write an apology. I am now wondering if I have not posted because of that statement! I think there is an underlying fear of that post. But I will push forward.
Have a great weekend. It is suppose to be rainy all day and it is already overcast and cloudy.
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