Just Some Sentences

It's Wednesday and I did not go to work today. Why you might be wondering? Well, it's because of a couple of reasons...

I have a squirrel friend in my attic. Well he's not really a friend, he's very unwelcome in there. When I got back from traveling I had a lovely hand written note from my neighbors telling me that they've watched him...or her...sneak in and out of the attic all week long. So, since I'm a gal who lives by herself, and is very self sufficient/independent, I'm going to make the trek to Tractor's Supply to buy some hole patcher-upper. That pesky guy...or gal... has got to go.

I have an appointment with Dr. Bain, the ENT that I'm convinced I keep in business. If you have sinus problems, he's the man to see, but I'm getting tired of all of the "procedures" that have to be done to my poor sinuses. I'm sure I've had more things poked in my nose, than most people have had poked in their body over a lifetime. Today's "procedure" is no small task- he has scheduled 2 hours with me. We'll see if I can breathe out of my left nostril once he's done.

That leads me to my next thought. I've got a high tolerance for pain and when I'm in the middle of a procedure, I always go to my "happy place." But I always get anxiety thinking about the amount of pain that he's going to put me through and that's what drives me crazy. Here's to hoping that this goes smoothly with the least amount of pain possible....yea right!

I get to have lunch with Mrs. Tanya Flieller Bean today, yay! She's been my best friend forever and even though we don't talk every single day...or week, we still can pick right up like it was just yesterday. My dad calls her his other daughter. I love that woman to pieces and we'll be dining here at 11:30!

Now for the real reason why I did not go to work today. I'm sure you read this post and after my appointment with Dr. Bain, I'll be making the 5 hour drive up to Granbury for his memorial services. I don't know how to feel at this point. I'm actually fighting with the emotional cycle that I've experienced. Part of me is relieved and peaceful about his passing because I know that he is no longer suffering and that those who were around everyday until the end are no longer suffering. But on the flip side, I'm angry, saddened, confused, and hurt that a 25 year old man with a beautiful wife and daughter could be taken from us at such an early age. I guess God truly only takes the best. I don't know how well I'll be able to hold up for the next 2 days. If you find yourself thinking about me or my family, please say a prayer for us.

That is all I've got for now. Time to run to Tractor Supply.

Prayers for the day

As the saying goes, "When it rains, it pours." Well actually, I pray today that it would rain. Or pour. But that's not what this entry is about.

Please forgive me and bare with me because I have a heavy heart today and have found myself constantly praying for my cousin Tyler and Aunt Pat.

Tyler, 26 years old, has been put into a medically induced coma so that his body will relax and try to heal. He was born with only one immune system and as an infant, contracted Hepatitis C through a contaminated needle. In 2001, we got the news we were waiting for with his first liver transplant, but time and the disease has done it's damage on this life giving present. He now finds himself in need of not just a liver transplant but also kidneys. I pray for his continued strength to fight through this terrible disease. I pray for his wife Kristen, that she finds strength and leans on family when she needs them most. I pray for Jaydin, that she has a relationship with her father for many, many years to come.

I pray for the quick healing of Aunt Pat. After several days of severe stomach pains, doctors told her that she has ovarian cancer. Today, she underwent a full hysterectomy and exploratory surgery to make sure the cancer did not spread to other organs. I pray that she recovers fully and that the cancer has not done more damage.

Family means the world to me and I pray Heavenly Father that you continue to watch over my loved ones. Keep them safe, guide them, protect them, and hold them close in this time of heartache.

"And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do no keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him."

Matthew 6:5-8

Wordless Wednesday

With Love,

the children of Tumaini

The Agnese 508 Girls

It's been 8 years since we've lived with each other in the dorms of Incarnate Word- Agnese 508. It's been 4 years since we've seen each other.

Megan, Meredith, Amy, and Jordan.

I think it's about time we got together for dinner, don't you? Us too, but it's just not that easy anymore. You see, a while back, Megan was cleaning out her closet- literally- and found a jenga game that we used to play. The block that she found was a "homemade" block and read, "the person with the most unique underwear on doesn't have to drink." That block started the planning process of us getting together- on April 18th. You'd think that three 27 year olds, and one 26 year old wouldn't have that much going on, but today was the only day we could get together. What a blessing they are to me.

Amy- you haven't changed one bit...well, except your hair is shorter. When I think of you, I think of several things: sign language, falling asleep with the tv on, chuck taylors, super curly hair, very sweet and considerate. It's amazing that after 8 years you are just as caring as you were when we were in college. It doesn't surprise me that you are a nurse to the elderly. You've got a heart the size of Texas and a lot of love to give. Your smile makes me smile.

Meredith- as beautiful today as you've always been. The same caring, loving person that I invited over for Thanksgiving when your family went on vacation many years ago. It does not surprise me that you've become a wonderful mama to a beautiful little girl (about to be 2). You are passionate about being a wife to Chris and teach us how to be the same to the ones we love. You will be a wonderful teacher to your girls, and they will be as beautiful as you are- inside and out. Those long eye lashes and colored eyes- your girls will be heart breakers. We just need to keep them out of the trouble we got into while we were in college. There are many stories that we could tell that would make us blush, but we'll leave those to memories. I am confident your children will be as smart as you, especially with you as their teacher. It is such a blessing to call you a friend and I look forward to the day that our children will refer to each other as friends as well.

Megan- my best friend! Why we are friends only God knows. We've lived 7 miles apart our entire lives, but it took an elevator ride at UIW for us to meet. I think you'd agree that we couldn't be more different from one another, but for some reason that works for us. We've been through so much together and there isn't much time that goes by that we don't talk. I lean on you for things, you lean on me. You're always good for a laugh and every time I see your name on my phone, I'm sure you're calling to tell me about something crazy that's happened to you. You're my pussycat. How many people can call their best friend "pussycat?" I think that nickname came from some random bar we hung out at one night. It's always good to see your bedazzled, blinging self. I love you like a sister- always have, and always will. We'll be the ones living together when we're old, still kicking a bouncy ball at each other in our room and laughing until we pee our pants, or burn ear wax candles. You've grown so much in the last handful of years and I'm proud of the person you were, are, and have become.

Girls, God was smiling on us today as we smiled together. Until we can do it again, I'll be missing you!

Happy Mother's Day

Here's to the mom's that I spend the most time with-

I hope you have an awesome Mother's Day!

To the beautiful woman who brought me into the world (and swears she can take me out too), who lets me lay on her lap in anticipation of a new baby in our lives, who's not very good at taking pictures, and who, in her 40+ years of living, doesn't care much about what her hair looks like anymore....

The same woman who holds the hand of her youngest daughter to comfort her in the frustrations and pains of labor...

The same woman who watches over her newborn granddaughter with a watchful eye, carefully counting all ten fingers and all ten toes.

Here's to the sister who is now spending her first mother's day as a true mother to the most beautiful little girl, Ava Rae.

The same woman who's taught me more about being a mommy in her first four days of mommyhood than I could ever know.

I love you both and am proud to have you in my life!

Until I can be a mommy one day too...

C-Wayne Gang vs Wild Hog

32 seconds to bag the hog.

respectable time.

but not quick enough to win a belt buckle.

there's always next year.

we'll be back!