Our Life With Dylan

Like Pee on a Cat

2012-02-06T01:22:00.008-05:00

I have been visiting with Dylan and my family for just about a week. We have had a great time. I have been loved on, kissed on, hugged on, slept on, sat on, spit on, you name it. Everything but peed on. We'll get to that in a minute though.

While visiting, I have to bring my lovely new kitty Cami with me. We keep her in the 'big bathroom' and let her out several times a day to play. If she would be a good kitty, she could stay out more. We have to put Sugar, our house doggy, in the bedroom when we let Cami out because Cami tortures her. Can you believe this kitty is guilty of such things?

Neither can I.

Moving on.

Dylan has so many little routines. When it is potty time, he is all man. He will sit on the toilet for quite some time when "paper work" is required, yet barely does a hit and run when it's just number one.

The other day, it was a 2 in 1. He sat for what seemed like forever, then finished up with the water works. Having sent all adults out of the room so he could have alone time, he squalled for Nan Nan. She came when beckoned, naturally.

This time he would add a twist to the event.

Dylan: "Nan Nan, I accidentally pee peed on the cat!"

Nan Nan: "That's okay, Dylan. I will wipe her off. I know you did it on an accident."

She proceeded to pick up Cami and wipe her off with a wet one from the wipe box on the back of the toilet. She got her head, face, body, tail. She covered it all because she really didn't feel a wet spot.

"There," Nan Nan proclaimed, putting the befuddled cat down.

After ALL that rigmarole, Dylan slowly looked up at his Nan Nan and said: "Not THAT cat Nan Nan! THIS one!"

And pointed to the wooden cat that holds the extra toilet paper rolls conveniently beside the potty.

Nan Nan got another wipe and was able to find the wet spot this time.

;)

I mean, SERIOUSLY?????

2012-01-25T09:34:00.007-05:00

There are some people in bloggy world that Just.Need.A.Life. This one crazy lady has left me feeling like this:

Once upon a time, (like almost TWO years ago) these people found my blog by typing in 'against MckMam@' and made behinds of themselves and bugged me forever. There is STILL one lady that just wont give it up. My message to you:

Yes, I used to be a full on MckMam@ gal, and now I think she has lost her fruit loops. I still check her blog occasionally to see what craziness is going on, guess she is a little addictive, plus her kids are super cute, but I do NOT stalk people that may or may not like her. Sigh.

It has been brought to my attention that I am seemingly still trying to be like the MckLady. Apparently she and I both used the same line from Martina McBride's song around the same time frame. (My guess? She watched [on her TV] the same Grand Old Opry program I did and was equally inspired. Or unequally. Who cares.) For the final time, as I will not give this craziness any more attention whatsoever, I DO NOT try to be like MckMam@. (You just misunderstood me! LOL) Leave me alone.

Thank you! :)

Unreal

2012-01-21T03:10:00.003-05:00

I think I know why I always put off starting to blog again. It seems every time I try to start back up, something bad happens. I have come to realize, something bad is always going to be happening, you can either continue to blog or give up.

I am so devastated. (And I know I am always dramatic, but this is for real.) My friend Sonya, I have mentioned her many times on here, have traveled with her family on vacations, etc, received just about the worst news you could today. Well, technically, she doesn't know it at the time I am typing this.

She has Glioblastoma. The worst cancer of the brain you can have. She has a husband that has had 7 (no joke) heart attacks, and is left to where much more, if any, further heart surgeries are not possible. And she has a soon to be 12 year old daughter, Liian. Thank God Liian has 2 wonderful aunts who can help her if this does not end in a gigantic miracle. The words 6 to 9 months are no where near sinking in yet.

Sonya passed out at work and was taken to the hospital this week, and boom, here they are. I was with her sister, Rena, tonight and we kept finding ourselves just quitting talking, whatever we were saying, and muttering "I can't believe we are even having to talk about this."

We had it in our minds and were prepared to hear something not well about Sonya's husband, as awful as that may sound. But not sonya. She is literally the healthiest person I know. Exercises, eats right, a total fitness and health inspiration to us all. Now this. It is almost the one year anniversary of Breezy's death, we nearly lost another young girl tonight in a wreck, and Sonya had brain surgery.

God is great, but sometimes life ain't good.
But we do it anyway.
~Martina McBride

Please remember this family in prayer and for guidance for all involved.

November & December

2012-01-14T23:13:00.005-05:00

Dylan and I had one of our yearly photo shoots. He wasn't 100% thrilled with the adventure, but I still got some good shots of him.

He's a stinker but we love him!

Finally, December. What says a Christmas list like "Two REALLY big pillows!" Santa of course obliged.

Dylan also got a few things NOT on his list. A superhero costume and a generic Baby Jaguar from Diego. A real one was not to be found. Please don't tell him it's a fake.

We had a great year.

August, September & October

2012-01-14T22:41:00.006-05:00

In August, we made a trip to Aunt Woo Woo's in Louisville and went to the zoo. Dylan had a BLAST. It was just a weekend trip, didn't last nearly long enough for all of us.

We also made our yearly trip to the semi-local amusement park, Camden Park. Dylan rode his first roller coaster......

and had his first snow cone. He shared it with me.

In September, I quite possibly made a HUGE mistake and rescued a kitten from my parking lot. We all love Cami, but she really pushes her luck with me sometime. I am sure you will be hearing of her in the future. Dylan just loves her to bits.

October, family reunion time! I had to bribe Dylan to take this picture with Grammy's first cousin and Dylan's Great-great Aunt.

Dylan also fell in love with all things "Pirate" this month. He is often to be found in this attire.

And we celebrated Breezy's birthday by having a balloon release at my mom's. Dylan wad entranced by Breezy as well. His favorite two girls in the world: Breezy and her cousin Chelsea. Couldn't pick a better pair. We love and miss you so much Bree.

May, June & July

2012-01-14T22:19:00.005-05:00

Spring is still here in early May, and our neighbors hold a cook out. Dylan LOVES them. Well, so do we. lol He also loves their trampoline.

June comes, and spring has turned full summer. Poppy, Grammy, Momma Amy & Dylan came to Nee Nee's apartment and we all played out in my backyard.

Dylan hit a 'home run' and we all had a blast.

July the Fourth, we went to a park playground. We ate KFC and played until it rained us out.

One of my favorite pictures of Dylan of the year. Love this little boy!

February, March & April

2012-01-14T21:46:00.008-05:00

Just a little more than a week after the post in January 2011, our church and community lost a young girl that was very dear to many peoples hearts. I was devastated, so was Amy and everyone else I know. On February 8, 2011, Breezy Brewer took her last breaths after a horrible accident she was in with her first cousin, who was more like a brother. Actually, she had 4 brothers and sisters, and four cousins close as brothers and sisters, as she was being raised by her aunts after her mother died four years before her. The family has suffered greatly, and are a wonderful Christian family that would desire prayer still by anyone who may read this.

Later in February, Dylan celebrated his third birthday, Toy Story 3 style.

Lots of friends and family attended and Dylan got plenty of nice presents, and some cash too!

On came March. Dylan got to enjoy one of his Christmas presents on a warm day. He LOVES his lil green tractor.

In April, Dylan had a monumental experience. He went on his first flea market excursion with Poppy. The first of many, might I add. His first flea market purchase? A $15 vacuum cleaner. We never said he was normal. :)

I am back.

2012-01-11T07:11:00.009-05:00

I am back. For real. I will give some type of 'catch up' post, not sure what yet. But just thought I would let you all know. I am back and I am a real pathetic friend. I thank Brandi for bringing Mr. Daddy's illness to my attention. I had not read their blog enough in the last few months to even catch on that he was ill. I had legit reasons for taking a break from blogging, (computer issues and a tragic tragic death, more later) but I had no reason to quit. So, I am back.

To Nee Nee's We Will Go

2011-01-28T08:41:00.007-05:00

As mentioned earlier, Momma Amy, Poppy & Dylan came for a visit to Nee Nee's house. (AKA: They wanted Chinese) After they ate, they came to my apartment, which I had ready and waiting for out little Rebel.

He very quickly found the orange hat I had for him, however convincing him it was HIS took a little doing. Usually he wants to grab up everything in sight, but somehow he was concerned with 'bothering' my hat.

Those feelings quickly vanished.

Love this profile shot. Looks just like me as a little one. Those moments are getting fewer and far in between. *sigh*

He quickly loads up my bathroom shelf thing with some of his little toys Nee Nee keeps tucked away for him here in her closet. He calls it his 'walker' and treats it as so. He even bends over a little and looks just like a little old man.

It still has those toys in it. I have been "Lazy Nee Nee" since they left. Oh well.

Cheesing it up just one more time in his "Future Rebel" t-shirt. Love his new head tilt. Although when you are trying to get a 'serious' shot it can be rather annoying.

And what's a visit without a good nap? We ALL took one, lol, and Dylan looks just oh so comfy piled up on my bed, doesn't he?

After they left, I crashed again on the couch, because being the best Nee Nee there is around takes lots and lots of energy.

Momma Amy and I have lots of planning and preparing to do, for Dylan's Toy Story THREE Birthday Bash next month. It will be here before we know it! So far I already have "Sheriff Woody Stars" to use in making keepsake name tags. I love this theme, I must admit. I was worried I would be "Toy Storied Out" by now, but no where near it!

So, To Infinity And Beyond!

Hopefully By Tonight!

2011-01-27T14:41:00.005-05:00

Poppy, Momma Amy, and, most importantly, Dylan are on their way to visit dear old Nee Nee (who has been neglectful and at some times not able visit them in a while) after they get finished eating Chinese. So, HOPEFULLY, I will have a new post filled with lots of tidbits and pictures by tonight, and some bloggy fodder for a few more. February is a VERY triply happy month for our sweet little boy boy, and Momma Amy and Nee Nee have LOTS up their sleeves!

I have been running around "Dylan Proofing" the house. Hiding my exercise ball that he likes to play "gladiator" with. Putting away all charger cords, etc, that I can randomly leave laying on the counter, etc, without fear of a little 2 year old losing for me. Moving my coffee table center piece so as to make a perfect play table. You know, just the norm. Oh, yes, and lets not forget about hiding the cheese and the butter. You know, not the norm.

So, toys are out where they always are (when Dylan is on his way, anyway) crayons and paper are ready, and there is a new orange and blue baseball cap 'hiding' in my new entertainment center (from Cuzzin Robyn!!) for the little nosey booger to find for himself when he arrives. Can you tell it has been a while since I have saw my one and only nephew? Didn't think so.

O Holy Night Cow

2011-01-06T10:41:00.007-05:00

Poppy, Grammy, Momma Amy and Dylan went to a 'live' Nativity Scene.

They didn't have a cow amongst their animal crew of 2.

Dylan was not happy.

So they took him to a 'fake' Nativity Scene, with Baby Jesus and everything

And THEY had a cow, so all was right in the world.

Dylan with his favorite gifts

2011-01-01T09:19:00.005-05:00

T-Shirt Time!

2010-12-30T11:00:00.004-05:00

You all have NO idea what a shirt like this would mean to me!
LOL
:)
I love my family......... at times!

Blue Christmas Sugar Cookie Icing

2010-12-29T09:28:00.003-05:00

Needless to say we had a lot of sticky blue fingers (ten to be exact) and some blue lips and teeth to go with them. But, oh, how he loves the icing! He actually ate some of the cookie this time, as shown in the first picture. He is growing up so fast! lol

By the way, I was ~~annoying my sister~~ making a joyful Christmas noise by singing all sorts of Christmas songs, including Blue Christmas, ALL Elvis-ed out too, you should really hear me :) and that was one my sis particularly didn't like. Of course it was Dylan's favorite and he even went "Eww-woo-woo-eww-woo" ALL on his own at exactly the right places in the chorus before it was over! Gotta love this kid! I forgot he was an Elvis fan. Hound dog used to be his all time favorite. Good taste, little fella.

Uncle Dyl

2010-12-26T20:42:00.000-05:00

Doesn't this face look as sweet as can be? Don't let him fool you. He is our adorable little Dylan by day...

...And Mob Boss 'Uncle Dyl "Pickle" Smitty by night.

Yes, folks. We have our own little gangster. He takes his job oh so serious, too.

Mess with him and you get "iced."

(Especially if he headbutts you in the nose while you are playing a rambunctious game of "Let's BOX!" in the bedroom with Poppy! We are still not sure if it was broke or not!)

As Christmas Day Approaches....

2010-12-23T09:20:00.006-05:00

As Christmas Day approaches, I have so many feelings and thoughts. I am so thankful to be able to spend it with my family, God willing. Something we oh so take for granted.

I was in such a complaining, negative mood the other night. I was just sure this Christmas was going to be "pointless and ruined." (And I don't mean any of this on the Heavenly scale of things, about our Lord or the reason for Christmas in the first place. I am speaking on human terms here.) Tonette was not coming in for sure, we didn't know if Aunt Willie was coming or not. Dylan had to be at his dad's until 7 pm Christmas Eve, and it is really up in the air as to how many days he will have to be gone after Christmas. We find out for sure Aunt Willie cannot make it in for sure due to impending bad weather. My sugar cookie icing recipe SUCKED (sorry mom) and nothing seemed to be going right. Christmas was going to be a failure this year, I had decided. (Despite the fact that everyone else in the family was still going to be there, we DID get Dylan the times we were hoping for, etc and so forth. I was in serious pout mode.)

Then I saw a video, heard a song that was written especially for my friend April and her situation she has found herself in. (I am not going into full detail here for many reasons, but bear with me.) You see, her 10 year old daughter was murdered this summer. By a driver that was DUI. Her mother was also nearly killed, and her niece was also in the vehicle to witness all this. The song, titled after her daughters name, was beautiful. Gut wrenching. So on the spot it had to come from God. It left me.... speechless. But with a desire. Well, a desire stronger than I had before I heard the song.

I graduated with April. From Kindergarten through 12th grade we knew each other. We sat together at Skyler's funeral only a mere year and half before her own daughter was to have hers. April's mother comforted Skyler's grandmother, being close friends. They had no clue they would be in the same place merely months later. Who could know?

My desire. I got sidetracked. I have such a burden for April. Have had one since I first learned of the accident when I was in Ohio with friends. But these last couple of weeks, it has been even stronger. I know there are no words that can be spoken by me to help ease her pain, to make this first Christmas without her little girl any easier whatsoever, but I know who to tell my words to. The one who can ease her agony. The one we have Christmas for in the first place. I ask anyone who may feel led to join me, please pray for April and her family this Christmas season.

Oh, how I want to share more, but my words could never tell their story. They have had so many people using them for attention for their own blogs, to make them feel better for helping someone, etc. I do not want that at all. That is why I am not even saying the daughter's name. God knows it. My facebook friends probably know it! My reason for this post is not to tell her story, but to ask for prayer for her mother.

And please, no one mention 'my big heart' or anything in the comments. I do not mean this rudely. I wasn't even brave enough to go to the candle light service they held for her while we were at church camp. I 'couldn't face it' but April had to live it. Enough rambling. Time for prayer.

**Just after I hit publish on this and went to my facebook, I chatted with April. I know I mentioned it above, but she is in dire need of a miracle, an intervention that only God can bring her. Once again, I ask for prayer for my friend.

Happy Birthday Momma Amy!

2010-12-18T10:00:00.004-05:00

Happy Birthday to you....

....Happy Birthday TO you....

....Happy BIRTHDAY Dear MOMOOOOO!!!!

Happy Birthday To YOU!!!!!!!!!!

And Many More.......

Just in Time for the Snow

2010-12-18T09:18:00.001-05:00

"Dylan, look at Nee Nee so I can get a very cute picture of you in your new snow bibs!"

"Dylan! Aunt Woo Woo wants to see how adorable you look! So does Net Net! Come on, Sweetie!"

"Dylan, really. Look at me. This isn't funny. Just let me take one picture."

"Dylan Smith, move that hand and let me get a REAL picture of you right now!"

"Thank you!"

"Now, was that so hard?"

SEEMINGLY!

Susie's Real Motives Revealed

2010-12-15T23:49:00.000-05:00

One of Dylan's greatest joys in his sweet little life right now is none other than a good visit with his Doo Doo. Little does he know, she may be his Doo Doo now, but she was our Susie FIRST. Momma Amy called her Sue Sue, if I recall correctly. I am sure I all but called her Ursula, as my mother was a HUGE advocate of phonics her first child-go round. (She scarred me for life, really. Who cares if "You were in the top reading class in Kindergarten and technically couldn't read! You can thank me for that!" I can also thank you, dear mother, for barely being able to simply say TREE at the age of 30, instead of "Tah-Tah-Tah Tree. T says Tah." Moving along.) Not sure what Tonette called her and obviously Sharon called her Mom, our dear old Susie has had no choice but to put up with all her nieces and now great nephew for long time periods cause we just loved her so much and she wouldn't say no to our visits!

Recently I put some pictures on my laptop from Susie's SD card, and something was revealed to me. Now, I admit, we have done some doozy's to poor little unsuspecting Dylan in the past, (Buzz Lightyear jammies and a stiff blue ducky raincoat)

but Susie has once again out shone us. Here is what I found lurking on her SD card. Yes, Susie uses Dylan as an outlet for her hat, and I use the word hat loosely, obsession.

A JEFF GORDON hat? Seriously? You know we are Earnhardt all the way. Sheesh.

Mixing up a batter of meanness?

Just because Woody has on a similar one doesn't make this hat okay from Dylan's point of view.

Lowell & Hardy? The Rat Pack? The guy from silent movies whose name is eluding me at the moment?

Just don't turn him loose in the river!

Sadly the fact that our 2 year old boy is pushing a baby doll in a stroller is not what is wrong with this picture!

It's the fact he is doing it with his Hanes on his head!

All jokes aside, being at Aunt Susie's house has ALWAYS been the happening place to be. Without her, who knows how all us yahoo's would have turned out. Our creativity would certainly NOT be the same, that is for sure!

Love you Doo Doo!

T-Shirt Time!

2010-12-10T10:08:00.005-05:00

Okay, I am soooo stealing this from Natalee, but at least I am giving her credit, right?

Once a week, I will post a t-shirt that I find amusing and just have to share with you all. Natalee always does it on Wednesdays, I will be lucky to get it in twice a month, so here goes my first t-shirt for It's T-shirt Time!

Running Away With Our Manger

2010-12-10T08:10:00.017-05:00

Right after Thanksgiving, Dylan got to help Grammy with something he has never done before. He helped her put up the Nativity Scene that we have had since I was a very little girl. Poppy and I got the house ready (as ready as it is gonna get, anyway) with the icicle lights on the front peak and the garland and bows on the porch banister a few days ahead, so all that was missing was some lovely plastic people that hopefully wont blow away in the winter wind.

Dylan has more than one book about Christmas and the nativity scene and such. He knows all about the star in sky, the shepherd's, Baby Jesus. He was so excited to help Grammy with the great feat of placing the manger in our little front yard.

As a matter of fact, he was so moved, he decided to......

wait for it.....

pray for them all!

Yes, Everette Maynard (my Papaw) lives on, folks. Dylan prayed for ALL members present.

He thought of this all by his own little two year old self. We thought it was the sweetest thing ever, but we also had to hide our giggles at him too. He was SOOOOO serious!

After they got everyone arranged and lit up, and after all the picture taking was over (we thought) we announce we are finished and Dylan is ready to wrap it up. He promptly grabs an arm full of sheep and heads inside!

"Wait!" Grammy yells and so begins the conversation of how the sheep will NOT, in fact, be too cold outside no matter what and that they need to stay with Mary & Joseph, etc.

Well. Dylan concedes, puts the sheep back in the place he originally chose for them and once again, we think all is well and we turn to go in.

But not without Baby Jesus, it seems! (FYI: He also comes by this honestly, as well. My Great Aunt Jo had to knit Baby Jesus a blanket so I could wrap him up in it all nice and warm before I would leave him outside when I was young, as well. Cause the hay didn't cut it, you know. We are either too concerned or weird, and I choose too concerned! LOL)

Guess he wants to take the "Christ" out of Christmas! (Sorry, couldn't help myself!)

Once again, Grammy's logic won out, and Baby Jesus stayed with his crew out in the front yard. (So help one of the animals if they knock something over.)

Grammy fixed the spotlight and here you have it:

Dylan LOVES it all lit up. He is too young to realize we are not at all related to the Griswolds.

Every time he goes anywhere, he has to come in the front way (instead of how we normally go in through our garage) just so he can look at everything. Someone has to make him go and so far he has left the manger in peace.

Since we had to leave the candles up for a couple months last year, wonder how long we shall remain festive this year with the nativity? Time will tell!

Bloggy World, I Seem to Have a Problem

2010-12-07T08:28:00.003-05:00

Okay, for three days now I have tried to upload some really adorable pictures of Dylan being his cute ole self, and to show you all the amazing/unusual things this child comes up with! BUT..... I pick the pictures I want to upload, press upload, then................

Nothing.

I waited as long as 20 minutes last night trying to give it ALL the time it needed, but that little green line would not make the full trip across the screen. I even tried one picture at a time, etc, and nothing worked. I do not know if blogger is having issues, if I am having issues, or what is exactly the deal.

Tuesday is my 'busy day' so I will have to wait until this evening to try to figure out what is going on and how to fix this. Sad, I actually am trying to post and now my pictures wont work. :( And this story needs the pictures to go along with the story.

So, cross your fingers, eyes and toes that I can find a solution (or update or whatever!) to this problem.

But I TRIED.......

2010-11-30T00:42:00.001-05:00

Okay, I am getting a jump start on my new T-shirt thingy which technically starts on Wednesday, but here goes. Dylan in one of my most favorite T-shirts that he has ever owned.

The only way I could get him to stand still was to play with a broken rattle.

Hiding from me under the kitchen bar counter at Granny's / AKA Aunt Woo Woo's house.

Isn't he a little stink?

An adorable little stink, though, I must say!

"Oh, Woe is me!"

"Fine, take the doggone picture. But you can't make me smile!"

Oh how I love this rotten little boy!

Again

2010-11-20T20:07:00.008-05:00

Backtracking slightly, here are a few pictures from Dylan's revisit to the semi-local amusement park that he absolutely loves. This time, it was only Susie, Poppy, Dylan and myself who went along for the ride. The rest of the peeps couldn't make it for various reasons. So, here goes.

We went back to the park again.

We all rode the train again. Dylan waved at people that couldn't see him.

We rode the carousel again, and of course he looks scared in this picture, but he loves it.

Dylan rode the little horse and cart again. More waving. This time people could see him!

He also rode the little battle ship thingies that you could pretend shoot from again.

Is that Poppy breaking the rules and picking up Dylan over the fence instead of letting him go out the "OUT" gate? Didn't think so!

Poppy also rode the Sky Lift again. Which is so ironical if you know Poppy. He is, um, how shall I delicately put it, all but afraid of his own shadow, but yet he will ride the second most shoddy looking ride at the park. He puts it in the same "safe" category as the TRAIN. Men. Wonders never cease.

Dylan had a buddy this time around when he rode the bumper cars again. She found him charming, tongue sticking out and everything. She was absolutely adorable.

Four of five more trips on the cars, again, and we were about ready to go home. About.

We had to stop and smell the roses first.

And then we stole one.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Wordless Wednesday

2010-11-17T12:04:00.006-05:00

Revival.

Our church.

11 saved so far.

God is good.

*LOVE how the kids are watching*
**There are many more lined up behind those visible**

P.S. I plan on some MAJOR getting up to speed tonight. I need to run this blog right or I will sure regret it in the future. I know I have posted countless times about getting it back up and running, but I fail. My goal is to set no limits, just post when I can, but still strive for "often." This blog has been wonderful for our family, and I want to keep it that way.

~~~~~Sigh.

2010-10-17T00:46:00.004-04:00

Oh how we have grown.......

2008

2009
(Sorry for quality, original not on this computer)

2010.......

Is it just me, or is that stone step perhaps getting smaller?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~Sigh.

At least we got two years worth out of his "Gossie boots." And two photo shoots, of course.

As Promised.... Photo Shoot 1

2010-10-16T01:10:00.013-04:00

I FINALLY figured out how to use Photobucket's slide show, (I know, I know, it is easy as pie, I have NO IDEA what took me so long to get it rolling.) My computer has not been at it's 100% best, and I feel a visit to Dr. Best Buy is in our very near future. I do not think it is a virus, but a problem that the computer has had, um, since I have had it. (And you wonder why I can't even grow bamboo.) Something about the back up. (And YES, I did exactly what it would say, but for some reason that was not good enough for Mr. HP.) Moving along to the real purpose behind this post. The Fall Photo Shoot, Take I. HOPEFULLY this works. If not, you may hear me screaming from wherever you are. You have been warned. :)

~~Okay, SCRATCH ALL THAT!~~

I on the absolute brink of giving up. Surely to goodness there has to be ONE STINKING SLIDESHOW PROGRAM that won't "crash" my simple as pie blog! Slide, which is what I have used since beginning bloggin, no longer works for me, and neither has anything else I have tried, EVEN PHOTOBUCKET!!! What I have done is provided you with a link to the direct slideshow on Photobucket. There has to be an easier way. I shall try to find it. Help, Anyone?

Click thumbnail for the slideshow.

"Sneak Peak"

2010-10-09T23:53:00.007-04:00

Okay, I haven't got the slide thing going yet, so I am moving along for the moment and will share some of Fall Photo Shoot (Part I*) below. Here are some that DID NOT meet our usual standard of gorgeousness Dylan usually portrays in our shoots. Ahem.

Grammy was our props lady, and did her very very best, and I thank her so so much. (Hence the Part I) *We will try it perhaps one more time with my usual props lady, Aunt Susie, and when Dylan is in a better mood than he was today.

Til I get the "real" ones edited, here are some outtakes.

And we're off to a rip roaring good start.

Perhaps feeling some Irish roots and doing a little jig?

I must say Sir Mickey was by far the best participant in today's little snap fest.

Actually, I love this one. He is showing us that he is, in fact, a "bad boy" and is growling. We were saying, "Sit on the step... blah blah blah... You are such a good boy we know you can... etc.." and he would make this face and say, "No I not. I a bad boy. GRRRRRR." Yeah, he's that rotten!

We ended the picture taking when he threatened to call Aunt Susie on us, the equivalent to 911 in his little world.

Like I said, hopefully there will be a Part II. Thank you Grammy and Poppy for your involvement today. I will have the "real" pictures up when I edit them. Happy Sunday!

Bad Nee Nee

2010-09-30T23:49:00.009-04:00

No need to explain for the ump-teenth time about not blogging. Stuff happens a lot. Blogging isn't part of that "stuff" obviously. I have a fabulous slide show to fix as soon as I find something as quick and easy as "Slide" was, because I have to change because we kept getting "script errors" every time I would use that particular program. Oh well. I shall do my best to get it up this weekend. It is of Dylan and the ENTIRE crew at a local amusement parks that the little kiddo's just love. (He has actually been twice this year. He remembers each time specifically, though, because he is growing up faster than you can ruin a hair do in the rain.)

He has also met and fallen in love with Mr. Walt Disney. Well, not Mr. Disney himself, but the movies. Lion King. Lion King II. Buzz and Woody. Piglet's Big Movie. Um.. I think that is it, but he REALLY loves them! lol

Here are a few (pitiful, our living room light and my camera HATE each other and I cannot seem to find the right formula for a decent picture in that room) pictures of him enjoying The Lion King.

Getting settled down to watch some hyenas.

Yep, there they are!

"Hey! This one looks like Grammy when she first wakes up!!!!"

Just taking it all in....

Church Camp Time Again

2010-08-15T01:16:00.020-04:00

It has been that time of year again.... time for our yearly church camp.

We all load up and head for the hills for 4 days.

This year it was particularly hot and slightly dry

but that didn't stop the craw-dad experience one little iota.

Nope. Not at all.

See?

Dylan picked out a bunk for which to place his lovely new sheets on

and actually spent his first night ever at church camp!

He also went for a super fun ride in his stroller with Cody, given by none other than Sarah Rachel, who is doing very well at the moment.

He was so excited he could barely look!

He met the love of his life (up to this point, anyway) Abby

and fell madly in love.

He wooed her for some major lovin's and pat-pat's

and we all "Oohed" and "Awwed" appropriately.

Then he went swimming in the big pool with Momma

looked oh-so-adorable in his new swimwear

and also hung out for a bit in the baby pool.

Aunt Susie and Uncle Troy came to visit one evening also.

Dylan was oh so wore out after swimming

but that didn't stop him from stealing Sonya's cheese crackers.

The big kids played corn hole

much to the boredom of Cullen.

We had hula contests

and more swimming to do as well.

Didn't he look so adorable?

Then it was time for the big Pixie Stix vs. Mean Machine game the kids play every year.

Cullen throwing some love out to the sidelines.

Dylan is on the side lines for now, but watch out cause football runs deep through his veins.

Will he be a tough old Mean Machine player, or will he help the girls out in their moment of distress and be a Pixie Stix quarterback like his cousin BJ and help save the day for them? We'll have to see!!!

We had daily devotionals at the shed.

The little ones actually behaved themselves!

Oh how I love this scrunched up face!

Some of the kids taking it all in.

Time for some more fun and games.

Then came the campfire

followed by skits and songs, like "Gray Squirrel" feature below:

Then we lit our candles one by one

and sang our way out of the forest, lifting our voices up in praise with the song of

"This Little Light Of Mine" which is a beautiful and fitting way to end the night every year.

That and some good old fashioned sleep.

Can't wait until next year!

Foto Friday

2010-07-23T06:33:00.003-04:00

Wordless Wednesday

2010-07-21T00:14:00.000-04:00

Welcome to Wordless Wednesday! Hope you are having a great week!

Not Me Monday!

2010-06-21T02:33:00.010-04:00

Welcome to Not Me Monday! Brought to us by MckMama, enjoyed by many.

It was not me who just got excited when I realized I do have a "new" picture of Dylan to post today when I thought I did not. That would be silly.

This is not Dylan all crashed out at Nee Nee's after VBS the other night.

It is not me who has STILL not responded to my lovely bloggy friends like I have intended too. Rachel, Julie, Terri, Brenda (jane), Cuzzin Robyn, Alva Mae, Aunt Woo Woo, etc, I am so thankful to all of Dylan's fans and for the interaction we have through the bloggy world. I just haven't shown it very well lately.

It is not me who just ate four (technically five if you count the raw one) cinnamon rolls at 2 something in the morning. That would be ridiculous.

It was not me who gave Dylan a hair cut/trim this past Friday before he went to his paternal side of the family (cause they always cut his hair if it is "too long" to suit them) and he did not love it AT FIRST. Then he did not get a better look in the mirror and break out in a screaming fit of NO NEE NEE CUT BABY'S HAIR! for about 5 solid minutes. It was not him who went back into said screaming fit at the mere mention or recollection of said haircut. We have not laughed about this until we cried. I am not (perhaps for real!) ever cutting his hair again.

Dylan's favorite new phrase is not "Hold this." as he hands you whatever he is carrying, from something small like fuzz to something as large as a broom.

Dylan did not point out just about each and every single coal truck, super large truck, work truck, etc, as he looked out the window at KFC the other night when we were having an early Father's Day dinner with Poppy. There is only about a gazillion vehicles that Dylan puts into the category of "Big!!!!!" and he shouts it like it is the first time he has ever saw a big truck each and every single time.

It was not Grammy that I caught Sunday driving "all the way" around our town (which took all of 30 seconds, if that) so she would pass a certain parking lot with two "bigs" parked in them and they would be on Dylan's side of the car, so he could more easily see them. He is not that spoiled or rotten.

It was not me who nearly ran off the road honking at Chester Sunday night as he traveled home in his "big" truck and I traveled back to my apartment. I had not been looking for him cause I knew I was gonna pass him, and still basically missed him anyway, then nearly ran off the road looking in my rear view mirror. I mean, it's just Chester and he has only drove a "big" truck for like 20 years, so I am TOTALLY used to passing him by now. Ahem.

It is not me who GET'S TO GO SEE THE PHILLIES NEXT TUESDAY and is counting down the minutes!!!!!!!!!!! They play the Cincinnati Reds in Columbus, and Sonya & her family and I are traveling there to cheer on the Reds/Phillies. (Me the Phillies, them the Reds.) I do not have a special shirt made for just this occasion. I do not have secret plans to kidnap one Mr. Chase Utley (okay, okay, I really DON'T) and take him back home with me. Nope, Not Me!

It is not me who cannot wait to see Toy Story 3 this coming weekend. I can't believe I didn't get out to see it opening weekend. Not me!

It is not me who is down to one fish (Jacob) and said fish is not about to drive himself crazy circling the tank like that fish in Finding Nemo who lost her reflection when the tank got dirty. It is not me who plans on getting him some tank-mates tomorrow, if doesn't go crazy by then.

It is not me who is out of "not me's!"

Happy Monday everyone!

VBS for Dylan!

2010-06-18T12:45:00.012-04:00

This past week, Dylan went with his Nee Nee to a near by church that was having Vacation Bible School. This church is right beside where Sonya & Lillian live, and Lillian usually goes to their VBS in the summer as well as our own church's, so Dylan and I tagged along one night. He had a blast!

Putting in the "BOYS" offering with Sonya.

Don't you just love his pirate hat?

This is one of the twins, Jessie. Josh is being shy beside her. I just love them. They are so adorable.

Dylan in his class, reluctantly giving back his pencil.

Take 1 of MANY in an attempt at a group shot!

Josh, the other twin, not feeling very photogenic at the moment.

This is what Dylan did when I yelled, "Show Nee Nee your teeth!" which USED to produce a smile!

Music class. Dylan was not too impressed. He did, however, enjoy dancing with Lillian's class. I didn't get a picture, though.

On to more snacks and crafts.

"I DO NOT want you to take my picture AGAIN, Nee Nee!"

Mr. Grumpy pants! And can you believe that one of the old ladies helping with crafts had the guts to tell me "He didn't fix his ship exactly right...." She can be thankful I was at a visiting church, or they might have needed to lay hands on me or something, after I got finished "laying hands" on her. Idiot. He's TWO. I think his ship is divine, which I told her.

Everyone (well, about 75% of everyone) doing the final dismissal for the night.

Dylan had a blast, but unfortunately only got to attend that one night. Hopefully he will get to make it to more at Silver Creek when we have our VBS.

Happy Friday!

Wordless (mostly) Wednesday

2010-06-16T15:15:00.015-04:00

Welcome to Wordless Wednesday, where it is seemingly impossible for me to keep wordless.

Here are the pictures that were supposed to go with my Not Me Monday story, but I didn't get them uploaded in time. (big surprise.) I also am fully aware I missed True Story Tuesday, I have no excuse. I am just still a little brain locked.

On to the pictures.

Here are Edward and Jacob, my two lovely new fish. Of course, they are named after America's favorite vampire and werewolf from the Twilight series. Edward is the white one. (duh)

Here is my attempt to take a picture of Gary the Snail (yes, Lillian named it after Sponge Bob) but he is a bit ~~shy~~ hard to focus in on because the stupid camera wants to focus on everything BUT Gary.

And here is poor Bella. The trip home was too much stress for her, and she didn't make it through the night.

Here is Edward crying some tears over that. (Okay, I KNOW that is awful! The poor fish died, but Allison pointed out Edward's "tears" to me, where we had spilt tank water on the pin!)

Here is where I stabbed Lillian while we were making brownies.

Here is my lame make up "gift" of painting her nails. (I know, I am just too kind, aren't I?)

Here is my Sweet Dylan showing off his new Buzz & Woody flip flops after church.

And here is Dylan showing off his gorgeous triple crown he inherited from his Papaw Maynard. Curly hair AND a triple crown.... boy does Sue B. have her work cut out for her!

Happy Wednesday everyone!

Not Me Monday

2010-06-14T14:05:00.008-04:00

Welcome to Not Me Monday brought to us by MckMama!

First off, it is not me who keeps forgetting to write my post as the week goes along so I actually remember all the great stuff I did not do during the week.

It was not me who finally has some fish for her once bare fish tank. Lillian, Allison & I did not name them Jacob, Edward & Bella. Bella has not already died. (NO, we did not kill her! LOL) Jacob and Edward do not appear to be "buddy buddy" which leaves me not believing one of them should be Edwina or Jacobina or something.

It was not me who accidentally "stabbed" Lillian with the knife I was cutting the brownies with when we had our little sleepover with Allison the other night.

I did not weakly make up for it by painting her nails oh-so-cool.
It was not me who bought Dylan another pair of flip flops (like he needs more shoes) just because they had both Buzz and Woody on them. I just couldn't resist.

It is not me who gets to see Baby Boy at my apartment today! Woo Hoo!

It was not me who went and bought the dog a pill at the vet, then promptly turned around and left it on the counter, causing the gal behind the counter to have to chase me down to the parking lot.

And it is not me who tried to put together a shelf for my bathroom, but saw all the pieces that looked so unfamiliar and decided to wait until perhaps another time!

Well, I'm not (for real) on such a roll today, so that is it. Happy Monday!

Letters of Intent

2010-06-11T13:56:00.009-04:00

Welcome to Letters of Intent! Brought to us by none other than the fabulous Julie. She rocks. Check it out.

This is my chance to complain, whine, brag, etc. about a particular company/event/person/etc. that I am upset with, pleased with, you get the picture. You know how much I like to do ALL the above, so I look forward to my precious letters. Here goes.

First, my letter of thanks.

Dear family, friends, God, prayer warriors, and such,

Thank you from the depths of my heart for all the help, support, lending of vehicles/time/etc that all went towards my move. Seriously, I do not know what I would have done without you all.

To Mom and Dad, thanks for letting me stay back at home when I got sick and for putting up with me these past years. Thank you for all the love, prayers and support during this moving (and pre-moving) process. You have no idea how much it means to me.

To Amy (my sister) and Dylan, you are welcome to come visit, (especially Dylan) and drink "blue" all day long and such. I can't wait to hear Dylan beg "I wanna go to Nee Nee's house!" (That may be a way's off yet, but a gal can hope, can't she?)

And to Sharon for my surprise house warming party with all the neighbors while Aunt Willie, Tonette and Carol Jo was in, thank you. Even though I forbid such a thing, it was very nice! I even enjoyed it! Thank you Neighbor Amy, Andrea, Sue for all coming down with the rest of our family (Susie, Sharon, Mom, all the fam, ya know) and joining along in our festivities.

Cuzzin Robyn, thank you for the lamps I use in my living room. I will think of how bright a light you have been for the Lord during your cancer journey when I see the bright lights shining from the lovely fixtures. Plus, they are beautiful!

Carol Jo and Tonette, Thank you so much for running all over town to get gifts and such for the party. I am sorry I kept running in to you every where you went, making it slightly difficult for you to buy things and keep all the party stuff a secret. You rocked. (And I SOOOO needed a crock pot, Carol Jo. It was just about the only thing I didn't have! Whoo hoo!)

Sonya and Kim, I don't even know where to begin. You both opened your homes to me to let me begin my "transition phase" before I actually found an apartment so it wouldn't be so difficult on me to leave home all at once when everything went through. (aka: Miss Dylan like CRAZY!) I know it is hard having someone extra around at times, even if it was only weekends, etc, and I appreciate it so much. Sonya, the mattress was truly a god send. I didn't know what on earth I was going to do. (besides sleep on my blow up mattress! lol) And surprising me by fixing that desk they were going to throw away from where you work, helping me put together furniture, carry things, etc. You rock. You are a rock. Kim, I would have been an even more emotional mess without you and your family keeping me laughing, crying (the good kind, you know) and just plain old keeping my mind off things. You get my "craziness" and can help me get a grip. So can Sonya. Thank God for you both.

To Otis Lynn and Lyle, thank you for helping with assembly line also! It was hard work putting that chest together, and you all never lost your cool with all the directions, thousands of pieces, etc. Lyle, you even figured out what on Earth that little spindle was for that no one else could!

To Lillian, Thank you for being so excited and happy for me. It lifted my spirits to know you cared so much.

To James, Thank you for bringing me that tv, for taking Otis & Sonya's truck to my parents house and getting a huge load of stuff and helping me load and unload it. That one piece alone was a total gut buster. I appreciate it so much. Not only the physical labor, but for being there for me during that time and driving around with me while I was freaking out! lol You helped me ways even I don't understand. I am a hard chick to handle, lol, and you keep hanging in there, sweet friend. Thank you.

To Tonette, Lillian & Allison for all being my overnight guests so far, Thank You! It is nice to be able to have people over instead of always being the one who tags along. To amy, Dylan, etc, get your butt's down here!

To Uncle Troy for fixing my windshield wipers (not move related, but TOTALLY necessary!) I am so grateful. I would be stuck with not being able to drive in the rain (which we have had a lot of lately) and that stinks.

To Chester, Thanks for the toaster. I shall think of you when I toast. LOL. If I don't forget.

To God for making all of this possible to begin with and for being there for me when the electric went off, when I had no hot water, for just plain being there, thank you.

Sincerely,

New resident of Apt # 20
Lisa

I guess this should have been a Thank you very much post instead, but I figured a letter was more "appropriate." Plus I wasn't home all day yesterday! lol

Well, dear friends, Happy Friday. I am so sorry if I have left anyone out, as I am sure I have, because my memory rocks like that! Oh yeah, the prayer warriors! Thank you. Anyway, anyone else I forgot, please forgive me and know I am just loony, not ungrateful! I love you all.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-06-08T23:17:00.007-04:00

Welcome to Wordless Wednesday!

Happy Wednesday! See ya tomorrow!

True Story Tuesday - Celtic Heart Attack

2010-06-08T15:29:00.004-04:00

Welcome to True Story Tuesday brought to us by Mr. Daddy & Rachel at Once Upon A Miracle. Check it out!

Okay, Aunt Willie doesn't know I am doing this, as a matter of fact, she doesn't even know all of what happened. Just read.

The other night, I was on the phone with my friend Kim, and I get a beep. It is my Aunt Willie, so I get it, of course. I can immediately sense something is "wrong" I think, by her voice.

Aunt Willie: "Are you in the living room?"

Me: "No, I am in the bedroom." To myself: Oh lordy, what is wrong. She is crying.

Aunt Willie: "Do you have the TV on?"

Me: "No, there isn't one in this room." To myself: What great tragedy is happening in Louisville as we speak and is all over the news and we are missing it? Has Myrtle Beach been blown away by a hurricane? (Tonette was there) Has terrorists attacked again?

Aunt Willie: "Do you know the Celtic women, you know, who sing?"

Me: "Um, yes....." To myself: Did they all die or something horrific happen to them?

Aunt Willie: "They are singing Amazing Grace on KET and I think it is the most beautiful I have ever heard it sang. It is AWESOME!"

Me: "I bet it is, they sing so beautiful."

Aunt Willie: "Oh, it is over, I waited too late to call you. They are just so amazing...."

Me: "I know." To myself: DO YOU KNOW YOU JUST GAVE ME A NEAR HEART ATTACK, WOMAN? I thought something life or death was going on, not "just" (and I say that lightly cause Amazing Grace IS awesome) Celtic Woman singing their rendition of Amazing Grace. Good grief, I think I am gonna pass out.

Aunt Willie: "Well, I will let you go.... just wanted you to hear it but waited too late...."

Me: "Okay, Aunt Willie. Love you and talk soon ..... etc."

Me clicked back over to Kim: "MY AUNT JUST SCARED ME TO DEATH ABOUT AMAZING GRACE! I need a minute to catch my breath....."

Kim: "Um.... Okay...."

I will never see Celtic Woman and think of them the same again!

And you didn't even know I was totally freaked out, did you Aunt Willie? LOL

Okay, y'all... No one pass out here...

2010-06-07T03:27:00.009-04:00

Okay, everyone. Don't pass out or anything medically terrible or whatever, but... GOOD NEWS!!!!!

OUR LIFE WITH DYLAN is UP and RUNNING FULL TIME AGAIN!!!!!

I was going to spend a couple of weeks playing catch-up, but decided that would just put me farther behind, so I will hit a few high points (and fill in a couple of blanks and very nice stories later, but aren't really relevant to what is going on in OUR lives at the moment) and move along.

At first I was going to blame it all on Dylan's less and less photogenic moods lately....

But then he had to go and prove me wrong while his Aunt Woo Woo, Net Net, & Jo was in visiting by smiling so doggone cute.

Here is the whole crew of us (minus me) eating dinner (just like last year) with Cuzzin Robyn! We ate too much, stayed too long, and was way, WAY too loud! In other words, IT WAS GREAT!

Dylan is speaking in 4 to 8 word/syllable sentences, and sometimes when he is mad, he rambles entire speeches, we just don't quite catch it all. He is growing leaps and bounds. Learning rapidly, learning his ABC's with the help of Big Bird and Baby Bear (who I HATE with a passion.... Baby Bear, not Big Bird. Sesame Street gal here. Even got the Bert and Ernie earrings to prove it.) He can climb on and off his BIG HEE HEE (Aka big bouncy horse) ALL by himself so Trigger has been temporarily put out to pasture.

He thinks he can drive, stands up on his battery operated four wheeler to ride it (stands on the seat, of course, not just where your feet go) and is going "poop poop' and 'pee pee' in the potty..... sometimes. Sometimes in the chair. You get the drift. No more bottle. Doesn't even ask for it. Has developed a deep love for "choc MOOK" (chocolate milk) and Yogo Bits.

Thomas the Train has become more of a prominent character on our TV (you're welcome, dear sister) (Not that I promised to NOT ever buy him any Thomas trains or anything...... Just saying....) Dylan even found a package of "big boy underwear" with Thomas on them ALL BY HIMSELF and announced "Thom go home with Baby" and it was so, of course.

If possible, he has his Poppy and Uncle Troy even more wrapped than before. All he has to do is smile, whine, or let a tear roll down his cheek and all is fixed to perfection in his little world.

Oh, yeah. On the serious side, Momma Amy had her gallbladder taken out this past Friday (Poor thing wants to be just like me, its sad, really ;) ) and is doing quite well for all she has been through.

And me........

Well. I moved. Out. All by myself. (With the help of friends and family, of course, but all by myself as in living alone.) I wasn't even too scared the first few nights (COUGH COUGH) or anything. I now live about 45 minutes away (which is not far at all in country time. Seriously, my dad drives to the town where I live just to eat at their KFC because they have the buffet. No kidding. So, Our Life With Dylan WILL continue, but the pictures may be emailed to me from momma Amy (sniff sniff) since I am not around as much anymore. (Of course I am at my mom's kitchen table as I type, but I really do go to the apartment most of the time..... just here for the little sis's surgery.... and to see Dylan... and to wash clothes... and to ...... well, let's rephrase that to I am in an active moving status.

All is well, God is good, and Dylan is asleep and I should be too. Much more to come. Back on track FOR REAL this time!

Oh, bloggy friends and world, how I have missed you!

No, We Weren't Abducted By Aliens....

2010-05-03T21:12:00.005-04:00

I have admitted repeatedly that I am slacking TERRIBLY as a blogger lately, but this is getting ridiculous. I get a big fat F. I shall try to make it up to a C this week. We shall see.

Benji is home. Technically, it was good news. Everything had returned to its previous state as far as infection and abscesses go, but NOTHING had gotten worse, and a few things the doctors were expecting to find were not there, and that was the good part!

Benji made it to church Sunday, although he looked like he probably should have stayed home and rested, but it was so inspiring. If he could have made it to church that day (with no fever, etc. I don't believe you should go when you CAN NOT go) there is no excuse for many of the misses that many, including myself, people do regularly from church because we are "tired" or such. Like I said, I am just as guilty. It was amazing to see the strength radiating off him. True, he looked weak in body, but he was not weak in spirit.

Thank you God for this glorious, continuous miracle that is Benjamin Patrick.

Urgent Prayer for Benji

2010-04-26T12:05:00.000-04:00

I know it has been a long time since I updated on Benji or his family, but I have tried to update as I feel led. I have honestly meant to give an update before now, and share some of what has been going on, but as you all know my blog process has been "under construction" so to speak.

No time for rambling or catching up at the moment, sadly, as I must cut to the chase. Benji is in Cleveland Clinic having surgery RIGHT NOW to remove MORE infection that just will not clear up and abscesses that will just not seem to go away, and after that the doctor will begin exploratory surgery. The family was told "not to expect good news."

Benji has shared that he has received the call to preach. (I will share more on this later) Benji is trusting in God to take care of him. It may not be how WE would think he needs taking care of, but I KNOW there can be a better life for Benji here on Earth. I believe his time doesn't have to be shortened by his Crohn's because God has ALL power over such things, and God knew this was going to happen long before that first test came back with a negative report. God has had his hand on Benji all along, and we ask for guidance today for the doctors who are operating, for peace and strength for the family and for healing, peace, spiritual, mental, physical strength for Benji to help him through this part of his journey. And please also remember Sweet Sarah, as she had to be left at home with her grandmother and other close family, because she does not do well with having to be separated from her family at times like these, but it was not possible for her to go.

I will update on Benji's condition as soon as I know something. The family is grateful for, and requested, all your prayers.

Wordless Wednesday ...mostly...

2010-04-21T17:27:00.007-04:00

Welcome to Wordless Wednesday.... where I try to keep it wordless. Ahem.

So what has Dylan all cracked up

and in a tizzy?

Why, Nee Nee's rockin' new do' of course!

Courtesy of Amy (from Eclipse{the shop not the book/movie} NOT my sister Amy... tee hee...) with whom I am VERY pleased.

"Lord, Thank you for keeping Nee Nee's hair from turning purple. Amen."

For Generations....

2010-04-15T20:49:00.016-04:00

For generations, over one hundred plus years, our family has had several traditions. I know we focus mostly on the farming and such in my Papaw Everette's life, but he was something else, too. And so was his daddy, Charlie. And so was MY daddy. Sadly, since my paternal grandpa Benny died at age 66 when my dad was 5, my dad isn't sure if his dad was one or not, and I am not calling his 85 year old first cousin just to find that particular piece of information out right now. Uncle Troy was one. Dylan's grandpa Larry was one. Dylan's dad was one, briefly. And as proud of this heritage as we are, hopefully Dylan will never have to be one. What is this horrific/wondrous thing we are talking about?

A coal miner.

With the recent deaths of the 29 miners at Upper Branch Mine near Whitesville, WV, I have struggled with forming this post. I have wanted to do a post on this before, but just hadn't got it together. But I still feel that it is important.

This is not a "political" post or whatever, really, I just want to enlighten the rest of the world a little about coal mining and all this "clean coal" garbage the government is preaching right now. Trust me, the government has severe ulterior (aka MONEY) motives for all this "Going Green" stuff. Don't get me wrong, YES coal mining could be safer. SHOULD be safer. There was no reason those gas levels should have gotten so high undetected. There is no excuse for some things. In an unreal reality, it has came a LONG way in 100 years. Other jobs should be safer. So should logging. So should oil rigging jobs. So should SIMPLY WALKING DOWN THE CITY STREETS, for crying out loud. EVERYTHING can be safer, better, etc. But don't let the politicians fool you. They are not purely concerned for the environment, or for the people and miners alone, either. "Cleaner Coal and Safer Coal" sounds nice, but what it means is NO coal, NO jobs, NO electricity,and total dependency on foreign countries for things, cause we all know we (Americans) aren't going to windmills and solar panels that cost an absolute fortune just to use MINIMAL appliances, let alone run all the gadgets we use to today. Don't be fooled into believing all this stuff can just magically happen. Like my good friend's shirt proudly states, "Sure you can trust the government. Just ask the Indians."

Like I said, and then I will get off my soap box and on to the pictures, I am NOT AGAINST SAFER MINING. Just the opposite. Just don't believe everything you hear on the news. It isn't the truth. They tell what they want too. I am not saying the "government is out to get us" or whatever. I am not even anti-government AT ALL. We have the potential to have a fabulous government. Have, I say. And YES, those deaths of those miners were tragic and could have been avoided. YES, the mines should be responsible. NO, coal mining shouldn't quit because of it. Disagree with me? That is okay. Are you prepared to quit driving 'just because' thousands of people die every year in car accidents? Are you willing to not fly because planes crash? Of course not. Just proves there is a right way and a wrong way to do everything, and everyone makes mistakes and could/should do things better. Okay, stepping off the box, and going back in time.

My Papaw Everette as a coal miner somewhere in the hills of wild, wonderful West Virginia.

His old mining light, which attached to his hat (not the light in the picture of him, though) that was fueled by carbide, hence the name Carbide Lamp.

The lamp with the hat after Poppy used it for a few years too, hence the "new" stickers.

Close up.

Side view.

Back of the hat, with a "new" Joy sticker.

Dad had to put HIS initials in it because the other men at the mines were always trying to take it or buy it from him cause it was such a great hat.

Dad's picture taken for a mining book. He was a little plumper then, lol, because he had been on a buggy for a few years and hadn't done severely hard labor. But he paid his dues. He has no hair on his knees from all the years crawling the floors of the earth. He has been thrown through the mines until he hit a wall (of coal and rock) when he picked up some live wires in a puddle of water, he can't hear very well. He may have black lung. By the grace of God he didn't lose his life in the many years he spent underground.

This is Dad's hat.

His light, which you filled the battery with water to keep it from burning up (don't ask me how it worked, it makes no sense to me! lol)

His little blue face mask that was meant to help keep coal dust out of his lungs.

Most of that is just dust from the garage, lol.

A picture of all our mining "memorabilia", including Dad's coffee thermos, but minus his bucket (which I couldn't find) that I used to go through every evening when he got home to get the left over goodies out of, in case he didn't finish all his cakes that day!

This used to be perhaps a life or death decision: Union YES or NO. (And don't let the size of the stickers fool you for which side dad was on! LOL) He would never officially tell me, because it went from life threatening to JOB threatening, but let's just say Unions were TOTALLY necessary at ONE POINT in coal mining history, but not anymore. Just saying!

Dad and some of the men he worked with last, getting ready to head up to the mines to go underground.

Unfortunately, I do not have any pictures on my computer of Uncle Troy in the mines, but he surely paid his dues too.

My life, our life, YOUR life, wouldn't have been the same with out men like these.

Wordlessfull Wednesday

2010-04-14T19:23:00.012-04:00

Okay, Aunt Willie ( and neighbor Amy and anyone else who was wondering ) Just WHERE did Dylan go that he had never been before?

Now, to most people, this will not be very exciting, but to us it is historical.

So where is this?

Well, yeah, the barn. But he has been there plenty. So where else did he go?

Where do these (much sturdier than they look) wooden stairs go?

Why, the hay loft of Papaw's barn, of course.

Being guided by his Uncle Troy, Dylan took his first trip through the barn loft.

Papaw and Granny would have been so proud.

He wasn't scared one bit.

Can't say the same for Susie! She wasn't too thrilled with this idea, even though she knew it was safe.

Okay, so maybe this particular climbing wasn't the smartest thing he could have done.....

or this... (he isn't as close to the edge as it seems. Tricky photography.)

But Little Boy Boy was enjoying himself SO much!

But, as the old saying goes, all good things must come to an end

And Dylan left with promises of coming back.

He even waved bye to his picture snapping Nee Nee.

Can you believe I went up there? Me neither! Only for pictures of Dylan in the loft would I do such a thing! :)

Not Me Monday!

2010-04-12T00:42:00.005-04:00

Welcome to Not Me Monday! A chance to tell the world just how ridiculous you really are! Hosted by none other than MckMama. Check it out.

Oh, my dear bloggy friends. How I have not missed you. Oh so bad. I literally cannot wait to get back to some serious bloggy business.

Oh, where to begin.

It was not Dylan who sent his (thankfully stuffed, not plastic) Woody doll flying through the air like Buzz Lightyear and knocked Chelsea in the head, causing him to not get taken out of church for a "spanking" for the first time EVER. Nope, not Dylan.

Chelsea & Breezy did not erupt in giggles when I explained to her what in the world happened, cause all she felt was "thud" then saw Dylan getting whisked away. Me, Sonya & Robert were not barely able to contain our giggles until Grammy had Dylan out the infamous glass doors. (You know the ones.... where you get drug through when you get in trouble in church!)

It was not me and Neighbor Amy who started a new thing for Dylan (to add to the huge list) of things he loves to do that aren't necessarily easy on the adults around him: Pass him back and forth over the fence so he can look at all her kitty cats and doggies. Nope, not me and Neighbor Amy.

It was not Dylan who went somewhere he had never been before the other day, and it will not be my Wordless Wednesday pictures. (Oh, you will be so not excited Aunt Willie!)

It was not my dear sister who had the biggest "duh" moment since my Magnum P.I. moment the other night while baking a Betty Crocker desert. On the back, it gives "Tips from Betty" about how to spice up the recipe and such, and Amy was reading it aloud, knowing FULL WELL it was a Betty Crocker product, and she did not exclaim sarcastically but seriously unknowingly, "Whoever Betty is......"

Mom and I did not nearly die laughing at her. Um, gee.. Betty CROCKER maybe? Duh.

It was not me who stole an egg out of a 3 year old's basket at church last Sunday so Dylan could have one more to hunt. He did not miss out on the little kids hunt and only find two eggs, (don't worry, he got the full deal the day before) so I snuck one of Hannah's when she wasn't looking and hid it for him repeatedly because all he had was green plastic eggs and he didn't seem to notice his numbers really weren't growing. Nope. I would never steal Easter eggs from 3 year old little girls that are even NAMED after me (Hannah Alise - pronounced A-leese) I would never stoop that low. Ahem.

It was not me and my sister who went to the movies Friday night and only seriously argued like ONCE! Can you believe it? This is the girl that has thrown knives at me, pulled my head back WHILE I WAS DRIVING so I couldn't even see, you name it. We did not survive Applebee's AND the Last Song. I am not amazed!

It is not me who is closing down shop and heading for bed, cause I have a FULL day ahead of me tomorrow.

Happy Monday everyone!

Spring Is Here

2010-04-10T21:13:00.003-04:00

Oh, I Forgot Something..

2010-04-07T21:06:00.002-04:00

Okay, SERIOUSLY

2010-04-07T20:57:00.003-04:00

Okay, this is getting ridiculous. I know all Suddenlink people are not responsible, and the "responders" in our area came out and did their thing like they were supposed to, but guess what. I have not been taking another extended bloggy vacation. You read that right. (And apparently I am severely addicted to the Internet because I am having MAJOR withdrawal.) We have been with out phone and Internet for EVER it seems, yet we still have tv, like last time. (Thank God.) Sooooo, we have had a little "spurt" of Internet and phone this evening, so I thought I would take the chance to pop this up in case we loose signal again (which is what keeps happening) and can't post all I have planned to later.

I plan on perhaps getting a hold of Tina the Suddenlink lady and begging for some help, because at this point my parents are going to "un-bundle" our 3 in 1 Suddenlink deal and go with AT&T for phone and keep Suddenlink for television and Internet (oddly it works when you have phone with AT&T and Internet through Suddenlink, must be the phone line, beats me) and we really do not want to do that, but going for weeks without a phone (not even counting the Internet) and still getting billed for it is getting a bit annoying. Forget the bill part, it is just getting annoying to play "Do we have phone and Internet today?" every stinking day.

So hopefully I will be able to update shortly. If not, Friday evening I will find a wi-fi spot and check in, if all goes as planned.

Miss you, Bloggy friends!

Should be "Wordless Wednesday" but....

2010-03-31T18:52:00.013-04:00

Seems like I am not the only one who has been taking bloggy vacations lately.. so has Wordless Wednesday. So, since it isn't technically Wordless Wednesday and I can't link up, I guess I don't technically have to be wordless, right?

Sooooooo... You THOUGHT this was what Mr. Potato Head was supposed to look like, am I correct?

You were sadly mistaken.

Even Dylan thinks he looks silly!

"Don't I look stylish?"

"Okay, okay, Nee Nee. I will put the glasses on the right way if you let me look at the pictures on the camera. Sheesh!"

"Well, I didn't promise to KEEP them that way!"

Not Me Monday!

2010-03-29T14:09:00.007-04:00

Welcome to Not Me Monday! A chance to not tell the whole world what didn't happen lately. Join MckMama for some confessing of the things you most certainly did not do.

First off, it is not me who is BACK in bloggy world, hopefully full force! We shall see!

It was not Grammy & Momma Amy who thought they were just going to do a "quick change" in the parking lot of Golden Corral only to find out that Dylan had a mini-explosion in his pull up causing them to strip him nekkid and scrub him down while standing on a blanket in said parking lot. Nope, not Grammy & Momma Amy.

It is not me who STILL hasn't fixed the birthday slide show of Dylan's bday party, nearly ONE ENTIRE MONTH after the party. I am SOOOO on top of such things.

It was not me who got carried away with the ~~Hatfield/McCoy~~ UK vs WVU Feud this past Saturday only to have to eat crow at our church's dinner they had instead of the wonderful spread of food laid out before us. UK did not play like a bunch of pre-schoolers and let WVU stomp all over them. And (Sorry SRC) it is not me who thinks that perhaps some tampering was done because UK really should have won if they had played like they could and should have. I mean, Cousins on the bench for what seemed like most of the game with ONLY 3 fouls? What the heck, coach? I admit UK played poorly, and WVU was popping out 3 pointers like blowing bubble gum, don't get me wrong SRC, but we so should have won but hey, it only took you guys 51 years to not get to that point, right? LOL Okay, sorry, I am not done ranting / whining / complaining about that. Go WVU.. cough cough.

It was not my fellow blogger (and long time family friend) SRC who got so excited she posted like 50 facebook posts about the gleefulness of the outcome of the game. It did not SOOOO crack me up. I would have done the same thing, S. And then she did not even wait one stinking day to apologize for being one of "those" fans. I would have at least waited til Monday, S! LOL Cause being one of "those" fans can be fun sometimes!

It was not me who proudly took my Chester's little UK Wildcat figurine to church on Sunday to show I was still a proud UK-ian, lol, only to be greeted by my friend Marsha with "I figured you would need a hug after last night!" LOL We did not have so much fun with it.

It was not Dylan who, during church, discovered Lillian Kay up front when she went and sat somewhere else after sitting with him for quite a while, to announce "AH HA!" like he had pulled a rabbit out of a hat, at the top of his lungs of course, causing the row of teenagers behind us to burst into giggles.

Dylan does not have to go for a 2 day over night tomorrow. I am thrilled beyond measure. GAG.

I also do not see my new therapist Toddddd again tomorrow (and no he does not spell it that way, that is the emphasis I put on it because I am still a little un-thrilled about having a new counselor) and have to read a chapter in a book he gave me before I forget. Yippee. Can't wait. LOL I also wasn't a little behind at our last meeting. (Behind as in butt, not as in needs to be caught up.) Sorry Toddddd. Working on that. (For real! lol)

And I guess that wraps up my NMM for today! Hope everyone has a great week and I will post some pics of Baby Cakes when I get them uploaded!

Still here...

2010-03-18T13:14:00.002-04:00

Sorry, everyone for the lack of blogging this past week, and part of last week too. After the Internet got fixed, it seemed like one thing after another just kept happening, and blogging just had to take the back burner for a little while.

I feel guilty about this, because I know a few of you really like the updates on Dylan, etc, but I may be MIA for another week. Just have to get some things lined out, and it is draining me.

There, Nee Nee has admitted she isn't perfect. :)

Letters of Intent

2010-03-12T18:21:00.016-05:00

Welcome to Letters of Intent, brought to us by none other than dear Julie. Write letters you wish you could really send (or really send them) and wait for the magic to happen. If nothing else, you feel better for venting your frustrations, bragging on whoever, or whatever you write about. Let me begin. Warning. It ain't purdy.

Dear Dr. S.,

YOU SUCK!!!!

Why did you over radiate my dear, sweet Cuzzin Robyn (pictured below with her hubby James at their church's Valentines Dinner where they won couple #1) to where she may possibly shine like a glow worm?

Hmmm? What do you have to say for yourself? I wanna know. Real bad.

For weeks, Cuzzin Robyn walked by this lovely quilt to a room for you to give her radiation.....

....at this new machine which YOU DID NOT KNOW HOW TO FREAKIN' OPERATE PROPERLY so you calibrated it wrong causing you to over radiate her by a "fraction" (whatever a "fraction" means in over-radiation terms. Can we have some numbers and percentages here, please?)

Well, thank goodness she had this comfy bean bag thing to lay on while you were roasting her organs and breast tissue and nerves. (*snort*)

Dr. S. had three physicists look at it and another radiologist and they "think" she'll be just fine.

How "thoughtful" of them.

Not only did he miscaliber the machine, he also he got very close to the nerves that control her left hand and as of now there is no way to tell about permanent damage yet because of tingling still from chemo in her hands and feet. Not only that, like that isn't enough, this over radiation has caused her skin to be where she {warning men, sensitive words} cannot have her nipples reattached. I guess us "lowly" women shouldn't worry about things as unnecessary as nipples and just be thankful for all they can do, but lets remove a man's package with promises to fix it all back just so, then tell him, "Ooops, you don't get a couple things back cause I miscalibrated a machine! Sorry!" and she how THEY would react. Yeah.

Cuzzin Robyn sees 3 other doctors in H-town, Dr. M, Dr. C & Dr. F on Monday for a more detailed report. Dr. F said Robyn has second degree burns due to the over-radiation. Dr. M, the doctor who preformed the surgery, should have her records from Dr. S by then because she sent for them when she found out. This is basically "just a double check up" to make sure that Dr. S knows what he is talking about when he says everything should be okay. We want more than that, thank you. (Well, more that is earthly possible.)

Dr S., you took an oath. Just because you confessed (which I am sure you had to in attempt to cover your tail since you did this to FOUR other people also) doesn't mean you didn't mess up or shouldn't be reprimanded because you made a huge error.

This is Christopher, Robyn's son. (Ain't he a doll?) See all these lovely ladies he is with? Yeah, there not gonna be happy when they find out what you did to his Momma, Dr. S.

See, this was one reaction caught on camera.

So Dr. S, Chris, me, all us crazy White's, and all these lovely ladies just might have to hunt you down and go bananas on you. Not a threat, just saying what might or might not happen.

(Put me and Cuzzin Linda together, and NO PROMISES as to what may or may not happen. Just sayin.)

Not only is Chris and his ladies upset, but look at what Daisy has to say:

Yeah, I would feel about "this big" after a balling out like that too.

But Dr. S., Robyn has a GREATER PHYSICIAN. I have the faith to believe that her Great Physician was watching over her and that he has caused you no extra harm, Sweet Cuzzin Robyn, and whatever Dr. S. did God can bring for your goodness and His glory, but Dr. S. is STILL responsible. We trust and know whatever happened, God had his hands on it, no matter what the doctor did.

Look at that face. Would YOU wanna be responsible for making it frown? Me neither.

Hope you sleep like you are on a bed of rocks,
Cuzzin Lisa

Thank You Very Much

2010-03-11T15:06:00.004-05:00

Okay, it is official ( I think ) that our internet/phone is fixed!!!! Thank you Greg, and all the other Suddenlink peeps, for getting right on that. Today, our road has had suddenlink trucks going up and down them like crazy, and that has proven to be a good sign! (Did you all catch the comment from the Suddenlink Lady? First Professor Wonder, now Tina from Suddenlink, I am starting to like this! Rachel and Julie have SOOOOO rubbed off on me! Yippee!)

On to Kmama and her weekly therapy of Thank You Very Much. Love. It.

To the girl at Big Lots who eyed over the shirt/camisole I was purchasing, then TOTALLY sizing me up to announce that "I had better keep that receipt just in case this don't fit," Thank You Very Much.

To the girl at Big Lots who eyed over the shirt/camisole I was purchasing, IT FIT, Thank You Very Much. Where would you like me to return that receipt?

To Cuzzin Robyn for absolutely cracking me up with her FOUR comments about the Sperm donor and all and then ends up apologizing (cause she is nice like that), Thank You Very Much (for real) cause I was totally CRACKING UP. Hilarious.

To the little kid at the studio yesterday for annoying me to the point of tricking you out of the room for good only to make me feel guilty (slightly) about it, Thank You Very Much. To James and Lyle for laughing at me and telling me how awful I was and making me feel even worse, Thank You Very Much. (No one was complaining cause he didn't come back, now, were they? lol)

To Sonya for the pork chop dinner (with MASHED POTATOES -had to be there joke-) Thank You Very Much, for real. It was quite tasty. Even with the potatoes!

To the walmart at Lo---a for NOT putting the Cosmo magazine with" 50 Things to do Naked" BEHIND the little covered up magazine holders where you wont see them if you are perhaps checking out with a guy only to be embarrassed to death when you can't seem to help yourself and quote the "catchy article title" out loud only to have to face said guy and check out with him and proceed on your trip with him while pretending to have NOT just said "50 Things to do Naked", Thank You Very Much. I wasn't caught off guard at all, had a PERFECT answer ready for the "WHAAA???" look I got, and it didn't cause one single embarrassing moment. (** cough cough ** We ALL know that ain't true! LOL)

To Kmama for hosting this lovely therapy, Thank You Very Much!

Happy Thursday and I hope to get the slide show up soon!

Awww... feels good to be back in bloggy land!

HoustonSuddenlink, We Have A Problem -- Please Read Bloggy Friends

2010-03-09T15:32:00.002-05:00

Okay, I literally sit in Wendy's "hot spot" wifi parking lot and type this (as of course someone pulls in beside my very 'unique' parking spot as to NOT attract a neighbor, no biggie, I am GREAT at ignoring people) to let our little blogging world know that Our Life With Dylan has NOT in fact fallen off the face of the earth, but our internet service (and phone service) has. Well, every once in a while we get a few minutes of phone/internet, but we don't know what in the world is up yet. One dude was there today, and he was like, "Um, I think Greg is gonna have to fix it." Well, come on down, Greg, cause we sure are ready for ya!

SOOOOO, I am just popping this up here so you know where I/we are and that I still plan on doing a photo slideshow of the party for you Robyn & Brenda (jane) who couldn't make it.

Sigh. The weird 'neighbors' are starting to get to me. I shall hopefully be back soon.

Not Me Monday

2010-03-01T12:53:00.006-05:00

Okay, first off, let me say that I am at the local library and am DEFINITELY having "technical issues" with the bloggy world. Don't know what the deal is, but apparently here in the library at Bedrock they are not up to date with programs necessary to open more than one page at a time. I understand the need for extra security precautions, blah blah blah, but SHEESH, ONE PAGE?

Moving along.

Welcome to Not Me Monday brought to us by MckMama. A chance to tell the world just how stupid you really are not.

It is not me who is sitting in said library just minutes after leaving the dentist to have not one, not two, but THREE teeth filled today and feel like Joan Crawford after another dose of Botox gone wrong.

It is also not me who thinks I perhaps have a piece of SOMETHING from my mouth debris in my left eye, and it is not driving me crazy.

It was not me who FINALLY met an ADULT, not just a teenager or 20-something year old, who appreciated my "I Drive Like Edward Cullen" sticker as I entered the library and we most certainly did not talk about that little hunk of a fella. I am not practicing up on my "cougar" skills.

It was not me who stomped around in boots and the whole "get up" Saturday to put balloons up in frigid weather and snow for Dylan's second birthday party. He did not love his Nee Nee's efforts, and watch me from the window.

It was not me who almost fell in the driveway, thought I was safe and no one saw me, only to have my sister open the door and yell, "I SAAAAAAAAAW THAT!" at the top of her lungs.

It was not Dylan who immediately threw his BJ football at our Neighbor Amy (not to be confused with Momma Amy, even though Dylan now calls Neighbor Amy "Nother Momma" cause he is so stinking smart to know they have the same first name) as soon as he opened it and nearly dislocated her knee cap. We're talking about a nano second before that football was put to use.

It was not Aunt Willi and Tonette who finally have 'names' from Dylan. "Woo Woo" is not Aunt Willie, and "Nette" is not Tonette. We do not all officially have names. Even Carol Jo. She is "My Jo." (Cuzzin Robyn will have to have a name, too, ya know!)

It is not me who keeps forgetting to send Cuzzin Robyn the documents I found on our Great-grandmother from ancestry dot com and the census stuff concerning her birth and travel from Hungary. I do not plan on making that a FABULOUS True Story Tuesday very soon. It isn't funny, but novel-worthy. So amazing. Of course, while I am thinking about it and would actually remember to SEND the stuff, I am not at the library where I do not have access to said documents.

And, finally, it is not me who is going to try to link up and get the NMM code thingy despite the one page thing at the library. I may or may not succeed.

Happy Monday!

Guess Who's the Big 0-2!

2010-03-01T00:52:00.010-05:00

Why, Dylan, of course!

He even has a shirt to prove it!

Practicing before the party with his ears he borrowed from Tonette (AKA: Nette)

Doesn't he look so stylish?

We decorated everything that stood still, of course!

Dylan and Momma!

Present opening chair! :)

Time for the Mickey Mouse cake!

Blowing out candles with Poppy.

Shew, being "2" is HARD WORK.

Don'tcha just love Dylan's SECOND balloon bouquet? (We do, and so does Dylan) Thanks Ben, Brenda (jane) and A for the "boons!" Dylan has bopped them like crazy! Sugar is scared of them (of course) but Dylan LOVES all his "peeps" in the bouquet: Thomas, Bob & Larry, Clifford, Mickey, he doesn't really know the Transformer, but he LOVES it anyway!!!! This shall once again provide a good two weeks worth of fun for him, and torture for Sugar!

Happy Birthday Dylan!

Letters of Intent

2010-02-26T13:05:00.003-05:00

Welcome to Letters of Intent brought to us by Julie at Foursons.

First of all, let me address I realize I didn't do a Tell Me Thursday, and I sincerely apologize. I had a HORRENDOUS Thursday, and to be honest, blogging was the last thing on my mind.

The picture was of some of the Mickey Mouse decorations for Dylan's 2nd birthday this Saturday. More pics to follow, of course.

Moving along.

Dear Black Shadow of Dylan's Birthday Events,

Neener, Neener, Neener.

Everyone (well, almost everyone, don't know if Cuzzin Robyn will be here, sniff sniff) has made it here come snow or high water. So, there. And my bad news (all is "well" just life's drama) yesterday was softened majorly by being surrounded by loving family and friends. So, there again. Even if I did also lose my cell phone yesterday and found out it was ran over and destroyed in front of Food City, I am calm, cool, and collected. (Yeah, right. Please don't "out" me, Rachel!)

Thanks for leaving, Nee Nee

Dear Wendy's of Ptsville,

Why on God's Green Earth have you let your restaurant become the "meeting place" for social workers and such with kids that have been taken away from their very neglecting parents? (Maybe this happens everywhere, but it has just recently began "around here in the sticks.") The last five times I have been there, I have had to endure "family visits." (I don't mean "endure" like whining on my part, I mean like suffering and sadness.)

I was sitting there, eating my incorrectly fixed chicken sandwich, trying not to complain, trying not to cry cause of my life drama, just trying to mind my own business, and here comes this woman and two men and sit right behind me and my sister. They are talking about drugs, etc, and parties, whatever. I don't really care, their business, I just tune them out, etc. They are all excited about some upcoming "shipment" that sounded very questionable.

I am thinking, "These idiots, rattling on like this in public...." blah blah blah.

THEN IT HAPPENED.

Here came two social workers (like has happened the last three times I have been at this Wendy's) with three of the most adorable, gorgeous little kids you have ever saw, that come running up to their mommy & daddies, and "Mommy missed you!" "Can't wait to get you back!" crap followed, and I JUST LOST IT.

I (um, kinda loudly) exasperatedly sighed, threw up my hands, and said "I CANNOT TAKE THIS TODAY!"

My sister said something, I didn't hear her, (sorry for leaving the tray, sis) I was just over the edge with these druggies and their poor children, and literally couldn't handle it.

I went to the car and left my sister to finish eating with the dope heads who have no intention of trying to get their poor, innocent children back. I just couldn't bear to witness it. I literally could not.

So, Wendy's, PLEASE don't let that happen there. I understand they have to meet "somewhere" but please not where I have to witness these tragic events. You are lucky I was having a horrific day or I probably would have had words with the parents and called them on their crap and told the social workers what they were saying and ended up in jail because of fighting in Wendy's. So, I know you what hate for that to happen, as would I, so can you PLEASE make them take it somewhere else? Thanks.

Sincerely,

One seriously disturbed customer.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-02-24T15:50:00.005-05:00

Time for Wordless Wednesday! Join along. Here is my weekly contribution.

Come back tomorrow for Tell Me Thursday!

Not Me Monday

2010-02-22T16:19:00.006-05:00

Time for Not Me Monday brought to us by MckMama! Join along.... or just read mine.. whatever floats your boat!

It was not Dylan who sat on the potty, read the ENTIRE "potty" book, dribbled about 2 miniscule drops of pee, and called it "done" the other night and thought he had "went" and got to flush (his reward, cause he loves it!) and do the happy dance. It was not me who did not let him flush it anyway.

It is not Dylan that is going to turn TWO YEARS OLD this Friday. Two years since his birth have not flown by in warp speed zone time. I am so not in denial.

It was not me who chased BJ down all over Ft. Gay, Dunlow and Lost Creek to get one little black and red Nike football signed by Dylan's favorite sports hero. It was not BJ & Laura who said they would try to make it to his party this weekend and give him the ball in person, and BJ did not immediately put in on his little pocket schedule thingy. Dylan will not freak out (with happiness) if BJ is able to make it and give him the gift himself.

It was not me and Grammy who was talking with Dylan about Aunt Willie was going to come, Tonette was going to come, Carol, Robyn, BJ, etc. to his birthday party at Grannys, and had to QUIT IMMEDIATELY because he wanted to go to this great sounding shin dig NOW, not understanding, um, it ain't time yet! LOL We are not (for real) mentioning it again until at least we know Aunt Willie is on her way! LOL

It was not me who finally got my Harley Davidson license plate put on my car, along with my stickers "I Drive Like Edward Cullen...Twilight..." and Butterfly in memory of Skyler put on my windows. It has not FINALLY quit snowing (don't know the forecast for this week though) enough for me to accomplish this.

And, on a final note, it was not Dylan and me who curled up in the "Invisible Chair" and took a 2 hour nap the other day, to which I did not wake up to a crick in my neck, that was OH SO not WORTH IT!

Happy Monday Everyone!

Battle of the Blogs

2010-02-22T16:12:00.002-05:00

Time for Battle of the Blogs Part II brought to us by none other than Rachel & Julie. Go to either of their sites to join along.

This weeks choice: Which superpower would you choose and why? Invisibility or Flying.

I choose invisibility. Hands down. Scared to death of heights. Need I say more?

For all the fun, check it out and vote cause they are keeping count!

Happy Monday

Letters of Intent

2010-02-19T14:44:00.010-05:00

Welcome to Letters of Intent, brought to us by none other than the wonderful Julie. Check it out!

First off, let me say that Julie's letters are SO rubbing off on the blogging world. Not only has she, Rachel and a few others got some attention, refunds, etc., with their Letters of Intent, they are just bringing good luck charms to the rest of us. This past week, Professor Wonder from Wonderworks in TN found my Not Me Monday blog entry about our visit there and commented on it. I shamefully admit it tickled me pink like a little Easter bunny, but, hey, I am lame like that.

Okay, on to my letter.

Dear "Black Shadow" of Dylan's Birthday Events:

Um, GO AWAY!

Not only is it still snowing by leaps and buckets, but half of our family has became ill since invitations went out. Carol Jo had to have stint work done, (she also had to miss last year due to high blood pressure. I am getting a little suspicious. She CAN just say no, ya know? lol) Tonette has had an 'incident' at the AT&T store (I will post on that later) and Poppy perhaps has a broken rib and WILL NOT go get it checked out. ("There's nothin' they would do, anyway." Well, yeah, but they could see if you had any more INTERNAL INJURIES!) Momma Amy is getting sick just eating baked chicken (she has terrible Acid Reflux) but I tell you what, "Black Shadow," our Baby Cakes is turning the BIG 0-2 next Friday, and we are gonna party Mickey Mouse Style with whoever is able to drag themselves here.

(Let me just throw out this tiny bit of info: If you DID NOT (OR DO NOT, Brenda (jane) yours is in the mail today) get an invitation, YOU'RE NOT INVITED. SORRY. RE: The "Other side of the gene pool." And this is ALL Nee Nee Lisa talking here, so don't be hating on my sister for anything I said. I fixed the invitations, so take it up with me if you have a problem, not my sister. She has nothing to do with this. You wanna have him a party? Go for it. {although it does cost a little money, cough cough} You get him 2 days, plan it then. Moving along.)

I have full faith that Tonette, Aunt Willie, Carol Jo, Cuzzins Robyn & Linda, Poppy & all of us, Susie & Troy, Sis & Chester & Dylan's favorite boo-woos will be there, along with just a handful of other special peeps, so we will have one big shin dig with mouse ears and all! Can't wait!

So, "Black Shadow," you can leave now, and don't let the door hit ya on the way out!

Sincerely,

One Mousie Nee Nee Lisa

Favorite Foto Friday . . . A Day in the Life...

2010-02-19T14:01:00.006-05:00

Welcome to Favorite Foto Friday brought to us by Hannah at Me-Me & Monkey's Big Adventures. Join along!

This week's theme is A Day in the Life..... So here is Dylan, just stomping around oh-so-stylishly in his cowboy boots, pajamas, and new "boo-woo" hat from TN to the beat of his own drummer!

Happy Friday!

True Story Tuesday - Orange ya glad I was there?

2010-02-16T17:54:00.017-05:00

Time for True Story Tuesday! Join in on all the fun with Rachel and Mr. Daddy at Once Upon A Miracle.

Okay, this is a biggie. One I was saving for a ~~rainy~~ snowy day, and I think this never ending winter is the perfect time to tell of my near death by snow tubing.

Yes, snow tubing.

Our church's youth group had went to Winter Place to go skiing, snowboarding, tubing, etc. I went with the skiers but chickened out and didn't ski, then decided to try my hand at snow tubing. I would like to say it went better, but it didn't! LOL

I kept waiting to try to find my own actual pictures from this lovely event, scan them and use THEM to help tell my story, but I have given up and went to Winter Place's website and google images. Oh well. Come arrest me.

We went to Winter Place. We took a bunch of kids. I was supposed to be an "adult" and help supervise, keep up with kids, offer help, etc. No biggie, right? Right.

First off, I chickened out on the skiing lessons, but I was there as GREAT moral support for everyone else! I came in handy in picking up dropped ski handle thingys, etc. Moving along. Time to go snow tubing.

Surely I can handle this, right? Hop on the tube, hook up to the line, ride up the hill....

See, just like this, only when we were there I only remember one lane. Perhaps they have upgraded because my memory NEVER fails me. *ahem*

My then-boyfriend was also along on the trip, as he was a youth counselor also. He was mister big and brave (SNORT SNORT) and had no problem going down the hill at all. I had slight hesitation. Can you blame me? I'm scared of roller coasters, for Pete's sake.

Well, I opted for the "safe" way to ride, butt down as apposed to belly down, and took off, just seconds after TD.

What a rush! It was great. So glad I did it.

Until this happened: I reached the end and DID NOT STOP and seemingly became froze to my tube because I couldn't roll off either.

My back was to the end of the hill, and I could not judge how fast I was going or even where I was in regards to the DROP OFF straight ahead.

Okay, this isn't actually the drop off, but this is what it FELT like.

I saw trees. Then they cleared. I thought I was good. Nope. I go airborne, hanging on for dear life.

Did I mention there was an interstate directly below me? Yeah. I75 if I am correct.

But thankfully there was something I didn't know about. You saw that right above. Orange safety netting. I am thinking "Alright! I am saved!" Then I think, "Isn't that kind of flimsy?"

I was right in both respects. It saved me, but it was flimsy as well. Like it already had holes in it flimsy. Like my LEG went through one of those holes in it flimsy.

So here I am, hanging with one leg dangling over I75 and one crumpled up under me, screaming at the top of my lungs. By this point, by then-bf TD has noticed I am missing. (Isn't he a doll? I was only gone about FIVE MINUTES!) He asked the guy at the little shack where you are supposed to roll off if you haven't stopped yet if he saw anyone "roll" by lately, and he was like, "Yeah, but I thought YOU would go get her? Didn't you?"

Um, NO he did not. He STILL did not. He did manage in all his panic, bless his heart (snort), to walk to the edge of the drop off while the young, buff ski dude goes OVER THE HILL to PULL ME OUT of the orange mesh from which I hang, yelling for my life as traffic flies by below me.

So Mr. Ski Saviour gets me, the tube and himself up the hill in about 3 seconds flat, and that is all it takes for me to realize that TD KNEW I WAS OVER THE HILL and DID NOT COME GET ME. He claims to this day he didn't know where I was and thought I chickened out, but I don't buy that for a minute! LOL (actually I do, I was just ticked off and embarrassed to death!)

Not only did he NOT come get me, he was UPSET at me because he still was spouting something about the chickening out thing.

Dude, they just pulled me out of a net. I. DID. NOT. CHICKEN. OUT.

Not only did that relationship not last, (we are friends though, despite his lack of ability to rescue me, I just don't put my life in his hands!) I NEVER snow tubed again. Do you blame me? I didn't think so.

Happy Tuesday Everyone!

Update on Cuzzin Robyn

2010-02-15T11:01:00.001-05:00

I am FINALLY getting around to letting you all know the latest (and I do mean LATEst) update on Cuzzin Robyn.

I have recently found the wonderful world of Facebook, and have chatted some with my dear Cuzzin a few times. I FINALLY got around to getting a little quote straight from the source on how she is doing now that all the treatments are over and she is on the last laps of recovery!

Here ya go!

"Robyn:
LOL...am i being interviewed...rofl

the official statement is that everything is over and i'm happy...

reconstruction will be in summer

skin is healing

i want to go back to work

am feeling great

am bored

lol"

And there ya have it. Ain't God good? Yeah, I thought so too.

Not Me Monday

2010-02-15T05:24:00.004-05:00

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

This Monday, I have several non-confessions. First I will start with this weekend, then I shall back track a little.

It was not me who took my laptop with my on my travels this weekend, then proceeded to FORGET to do my Letter of Intent AND the Saturday Scavenger Hunt thingy. I NEVER forget to do bloggy things. *ahem*

It was not me who watched Titanic with Sonya and James (& Lillian for about 5 minutes) for the 1,495 time and STILL cried at certain parts of the movie. (I am over the "Rose and Jack" stuff, but some of those scenes are just too sad, ya know?)

It is not me who has some "Police Magnum" pepper spray thanks to James. I'm telling ya, Mr. Daddy is EVERYWHERE.

This was not my room in the lovely cabin in Tennessee when I went with Sonya & her family.

This was not the cabin, nor the hot tub, nor the front & back porches.

This was not the Magi Quest, where Sonya, Lillian & I did not play glow in the dark Pirate Golf (with our new boyfriends), do a laser game (think robbing a bank without touching the alarms. Yeah, I failed big time.) and sing and dance our way through the mirror maze.

I did not sneak and take a picture of this guy simply because I know a guy named Doug who would LOVE for this to be his professional job, if only he got the same pay he does as a radiologist.

I do not even know where to begin on the Wonderworks thing, it was just so awesome.

This is not the ceiling.

I did not take this picture of complete strangers in the hurricane thingy cause I wanted a full body shot from the outside of the thing.

Lillian in the Hurricane thingy with us.

Lillian was not a little afraid of the Bed of Nails.

But she did not rock at the bubble making station.

I did not nearly have a panic attack in the little space thingy like the one the first dude in space went up in (or whatever it was called!) and come flying out of there like I just landed on Mars.

Sonya and Lillian did not rock climb the wall. I did.

It was not cold.

This is not beautiful snow covered mountains in Virginia somewhere.

I DID NOT (for real) get one, single shot of the lovely smokies this trip. It was not too rainy/misty/snowy to get a good horizon picture.

This is not us all (except Lillian, who was taking the pictures) when we got home. Don't we look lovely? And Cruz didn't even go! (James was beside me, but he is a little camera shy. I am not totally cruel and take and post pictures of people who don't want me too. Only sometimes.)

And to finish off the weekend and my post, I did not help Cruz get a little up close and personal with a bottle of Aquafina on Monday at Otis Lynn's studio (where we were all hanging out) and nearly scare him to death. I did not sneak up behind him while he was playing some instrument and singing and was lost in his own little world and "insert" said bottle in a totally private, never do that to a man from behind place and actually feel sorry for him at the total look of fear and surprise on his face. He did not scream like a 3 year old girl and say, "I thought I'd been had!" LOLOL We did not all nearly collapse laughing at the situation. I (probably) will never do that again. ;)

Happy Monday!

I Heart Faces - I Wanna Dance

2010-02-15T02:12:00.012-05:00

This week's theme at I Heart Faces is I Wanna Dance! and I have just the one. I am SO glad I haven't actually got the Pigeon Forge pictures up yet, because this is hands down my favorite shot of Lillian at Wonderworks, THE most fabulous "upside down attraction" in TN.

I know the photography details aren't perfect, or whatever, but I just love the magical look about it and the look on her face: sheer bliss! In the "Wonder Dome" your dancing and movement caused the lights and floor scenery to change, and the music was great, and it was just amazingly fun!

Favorite Foto Friday.... Love is...

2010-02-12T02:12:00.005-05:00

Welcome to Favorite Foto Friday! Join along and share in this week's theme: Love Is....

To me, Love is not performing major bodily harm to your sister no matter how bad you want too.........

...........especially since she gave me this great nephew!

Come back for Letters of Intent!

True Story Tuesday

2010-02-09T21:55:00.004-05:00

Welcome to True Story Tuesday! (I know I am late, of course..) Head over to Rachel's and Mr. Daddy's place, Once Upon A Miracle, to see everyone else's stories.

I admit, mine is brief today, and not really all that hilarious, but funny to me and probably a few others who know of my "Mr. Hottie Magnum PI Daddy" fiasco/obsession. Yeah.

So you know I just went to Tennessee, and we went to all kinds of really cool places, I will give you the low down later, but being true to "Crazy Lisa" fashion, I will give you this quick little tid bit.

No matter where I go, I cannot get away from Mr. Daddy, it seems. Well, at least THINGS that REMIND ME of Mr. Daddy.

Just trying to do a little 80's TV trivia. One I actually knew!

This is the outfit I will get if Mr. Daddy decides he's not "too old" for another yard ape running around. :)

Don't worry, Rach, I only know one person who looks like Magnum PI, so I can't help but keep referring to Mr. Daddy when I am reminded of Mr. Selleck!
Happy (Late) Tuesday and stay tuned for more fun this week!

(Plus some pictures of Dylan. I recently noticed I needed to update some new pics of Baby Cakes. I have been sliding on that part. After all, it is Our Life With Dylan. I could through in a few more pictures of him now and then! I shall try to do better! But he is getting harder to photograph these days...........)

PhotoHunt: Average

2010-02-06T04:00:00.003-05:00

Welcome to Photo Hunt by tnchick. Check it out!

This week's theme is "Average" and it was hard for me to pick something. "Average" is too simple, almost. I need something more complex! Anyway, this is what I came up with.

Happy Saturday!

Dylan wanting to go to his "Doo Doo's & Dah Dah's" house, and EVERY DAY,wish for him, there fore average! LOL

Slide Show

2010-02-06T00:01:00.001-05:00

A lovely winter slide show for your enjoyment while I am in Tennessee... Did I already Mention that? Just checking!

Favorite Foto Friday: Kiss-Kiss

2010-02-05T10:00:00.001-05:00

Welcome to Favorite Foto Friday! This week's theme is Kiss-Kiss, so here ya go!

Poppy getting some lovin'!

Happy Friday!

The Wonderful World of Technology

2010-02-05T09:53:00.003-05:00

I guess I just wanted to pull a "boy scout" move and Be Prepared, but if I had been thinking, I would have known Otis Lynn would have had his laptop and I would have Internet access. But this way my pre-scheduled posts probably make better sense than typed in between outlet shopping and the Upside Down Museum. (Wait til you see the pictures, if you haven't been there.) I just realized that I left instructions on the blog to blame my sister for no link ups, then left without telling her to link me up! Sorry about that, Momma Amy, and sorry Kmama for missing you yesterday. I'm linking up now! LOL

Aunt Willie, we went to a Bass Pro shop yesterday, and Lillian and I ran around like we were from New York City or something and took pictures of everything! It was awesome. The big huge catfish LOVED Lillian. It was so cute. I bought a fuzzy blanket, cause who can go to such a store and NOT buy something? Mr. Daddy, I have a picture ESPECIALLY for you. Just wait. ;)

Cuzzin Robyn, I didn't call you because A) I was supposed to hurry because I had a gazillion things to finish before leaving, and truly B) I was afraid if you didn't feel like coming out, you would push yourself. We WILL plan a lunch or something VERY SOON! I DID think about you, though.

Well, I am not sure what we will get into today, or if I will have a chance to pop in again and say "Hey" from Tenn., but I will try. Happy Friday Everyone!

P.S. We had one FULL hot tub last night! We spilt out a good 8 inches of water! But it was worth it!

Letters of Intent

2010-02-05T00:01:00.002-05:00

Welcome to Letters of Intent! Brought to us by Julie! Join along!

Dear Other Side of Dylan's Gene Pool,

We are SO onto your games, and we are SO not playing! Beating us to the punch and claiming him on your taxes when you haven't even paid CHILD SUPPORT? How low can you go? Sadly, this year you will probably "get away with it" but as my good friend Rachel says, "God'll getcha." You can count on that. Besides, you guys aren't the only ones with "tricks" up their sleeves. Idiots.

Do you really expect us just to take this laying down? For Dylan's "Dad" to draw more money on his income taxes than he has EVER given to Dylan in his lifetime? Guess what, brothers and sisters, it ain't happening. No more Mister Nice Family.

Well, FOR DYLAN'S SAKE, and DYLAN'S SAKE ONLY, we are not going to break any laws or anything crazy we might would normally do under these circumstances, but just don't think this one is 'sliding by off the radar" so to speak. We are through with your games. This is a CHILD. C.H.I.L.D. He is not a money token you can decide to cash in when ever you jolly well please. You haven't messed with Dylan for MONTHS and then suddenly the last two months have been "all about the baby..." Why we didn't see this coming is BEYOND me. I guess you were being CHRISTIAN about it, since you do claim to be Christians, and probably are, but are setting a TERRIBLE example of how to be one, to put it mildly. No wonder people think so poorly of Christians. Look what examples we set for them. The Bible says we are to be a peculiar people.... meaning DISTINCTIVE FROM ALL OTHERS, TO STAND OUT AS WHAT YOU ARE, not appear WORLDLY like them.

Ripping off your kid is worldly no matter how you slice it, folks.

So, until this is "resolved" or whatever happens about it (and maybe nothing, unfortunately, but that will have to be okay too) I pray heaps of conviction and guilt on you for using your child for money you will not even provide him with.

Sincerely,

One ticked off Nee Nee

UPDATE on Benji

2010-02-04T02:46:00.000-05:00

I don't mean to leave anyone hanging with Benji's condition, but I am typing this Tuesday night in preparation for my trip. Benji came through his second surgery and the doctors called it "successful." So hopefully Brave Benjamin can begin a recovery path very soon. I will update on him when I return next Monday. Please keep the family in your prayers, as it can all turn on a dime, seemingly. Thanks so much.

"Thank You Very Much"

2010-02-04T00:01:00.003-05:00

Welcome to "Thank You Very Much" brought to us by the one and only Kmama. Check it out!

To Dylan's "other side of the gene pool," THANK YOU VERY MUCH for sucking up to us lately and then sneaking and claiming Dylan on your taxes when IT WASN'T YOUR TURN! (Butt wipes.)

To Dylan's "other side of the gene pool, will you at least leave us alone now, THANK YOU VERY MUCH!

To all the people (most of whom I did not know) who made some type of comment about mid-life crises or some type of reference to "lost youth" when they saw me getting out of my lovely new car, THANK YOU VERY MUCH. (Sheesh, you would literally think I was the only "old" person of 29 to ever have a sporty car. I just attract weirdo's. It's in my blood.)

To the "Geek Squad" who could not help even me, THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

To Suzy who HELPED ME, THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

To Sonya & her family for letting me tag along on the Tennessee trip, THANK YOU VERY MUCH! I am so excited! (And also already there. This is scheduled!)

To Dylan for bashing me in the face with a toy Black and Decker hammer, THANK YOU VERY MUCH!

To Sue B. for getting Dylan said hammer for his birthday last year, THANK YOU VERY MUCH! (Just kidding Sue!)

To the sales lady who asked me "Are you sure this is the right size?" when I was purchasing a hat for my friends kid, THANK YOU VERY MUCH. I am quite aware that a kid size hat WILL NOT fit my head. Stupid people kill me.

To the Pepsi man at Walmart for nearly killing me with a mountain of 2 liters, THANK YOU VERY MUCH. ( I mean, dude, I was so standing there for like 3 minutes before you turned the corner, so how could you NOT see me?)

To my Walmart Photo Account to magically switching to another Wally World and having me make a trip to W-son unexpected to get Lillian's "Edward" picture, THANK YOU VERY MUCH. I spent more on gas than I did the stupid 8X10 picture.

To the girl I saw at the mall for pretending she didn't know me (when we didn't even like each other in high school) THANK YOU VERY MUCH OH SO FOR REAL cause I HATE those "OH! How have you been? Blah blah blah..." conversations when neither people really care anyway.

To Kmama for hosting this lovely carnival, THANK YOU VERY MUCH!

Do you hear that?

2010-02-03T12:15:00.001-05:00

Do you hear that?

It sounds like music of some sorts.......

Country music.......

Like it is calling my name..........

Playing my song.........

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHH!!!

It must be TENNESSEE calling for me, since I am going to Pigeon Forge for a long weekend with Sonya & friends, and they are already playing my song!

(Remember that old corny commercial "Come to Tennessee! We're playing YOUR SOOOONG!" Somebody? Anybody? Oh, well! I do!)

So I will say "Hello" to Dolly for ya and hope the South wins again if we visit the Dixie Stampede (the South has won EVERY SINGLE TIME I have ever participated. Think it's rigged? Nah.....) and watch out for coons and bears and other creepy wild life that may be lurking around our cabin. I will also try not to spend too much money shopping at the outlet malls. *cough cough* It is supposed to rain and/or snow just about the entire time we will be there, but I hope it doesn't dampen our spirits too much. I have my handy dandy ~~notebook~~ little umbrella all wrapped up in a zip lock bag in my purse so I won't be caught off guard (cause you know I am so sweet I melt, right? lol)

I have all my posts scheduled, and have given my sister instructions to link me up to everyone, so if it is messed up, blame her! LOL Say a prayer we stay safe and don't lose anyone! lol (Not that that has ever happened or anything.............)

Oh, yeah, I won't be able to answer anyone back until Monday, so don't think I am being Bloggy Rude by ignoring comments. I just wont be here to see them until then. But please, comment away, and I shall catch up! We love comment love around here!

Wordless Wednesday

2010-02-03T00:01:00.002-05:00

Welcome to Wordless Wednesday. Today I am not gonna be fully "wordless" because I am not going to do a "Tell Me Thursday" and just explain it all here.

Take a look at this lovely cemetery (the one in Pburg, Brenda (jane) that is 'downtown' on the hillside just past that Toyota car lot) and see if you notice what caused me to do a 180 and park in a parking lot and wait for no traffic to get this shot.

Look a little closer.

Yes, you see correctly. Two big bright orange and black "FOR SALE" signs on this pair of individual mausoleums.

Sorry, Grandpa and Grandma. Guess they needed the money! (LOL I ~~hope~~ am sure they aren't in use!)

Happy Wednesday!

True Story Tuesday

2010-02-02T04:21:00.003-05:00

Welcome to True Story Tuesday! Brought to us by Rachel and Mr. Daddy at Once Upon A Miracle.

In light of my bringing up all the "Brenda's" we have in our life, I decided to dedicate this post to Brenda (jane) and tell some funny old stories from when I was a kid and we all run around together for ballgames and such. (She doesn't know I am doing this, and hopefully she will still speak to me!) (P.S. Brenda (jane), Mom wouldn't tell me any really juicy stories, so you are basically safe! LOL)

When Brenda (jane) {but I will just call her Brenda from now on in this post} first met my mother when her daughter A and I were in kindergarten, she thought my mother was a total snot. LOL. My mom (and myself) has a way of coming across like that if you don't know us cause we can be loud and, well, snooty. But when Brenda locked her keys up in her baby blue Bug and mom drove her home to get the spare set of keys, it was history in the making. They had an instant bond that I don't think shall ever be broken. Here is my montage of memories including Sweet Brenda (jane) and A.

Once, my cousin Chester followed a car he thought was Brenda all the way home from W-field and was thinking to himself, "Man, that Brenda drives like a crazy person. I'm gonna tell Rosemary she shouldn't let Lisa ride with her." To Chester's surprise, it was MY DAD driving our almost identical car home from work earlier than he usually got home for some reason, but Chester still told mom he thought it was Brenda and we all laughed at him "warning" mom about Brenda's driving skills. We still joke about it, actually.

Once all the mom's was supposed to go on a Girl Scout hike with us daughters, but barely any moms showed up cause they made the men do it! Mom went, but Brenda didn't, and Mom spent the day with Ben, Chuck, Ron, Glenna & Rema plus a bunch of screaming girls. Why mom was surprised Brenda didn't show up is beyond me. Even I could have called that one at the age of ten.

Speaking of Girl Scouts, during one of mine and A's meetings, Mom and Brenda were politely told to either behave or go outside. They went outside. :)

Once, while leaving an elementary school ball game, which Brenda's daughter A and I cheered at, Brenda went out one exit and my mom the other. Some idiot attacked Brenda because she had her confused with someone else. My mom tried to get there, but it was over before she did, or that lady would have been REALLY hurting!

A had beautiful blue carpet. She went with some family members shopping to get accessories for her bedroom to match her lovely hue because her mom was going to shampoo the carpet and that put A in the mood for some new stuff for her room. Apparently Brenda used a little too much bleach in the mixture, cause it stripped the carpet of its hue except for under the bed, where she didn't shampoo. A was really ticked off! I tried not to laugh in A's presence, but it was hard.

A and I used to plan to tape the at-least-one hour one sided phone conversations that our mothers were famous for, and then play them simultaneously when we were together so we could know what the were REALLY talking about. We never got away with it. We always got caught by the loud "CLICK" of pushing the record button.

Both Brenda and Mom were honored with daughters whose "socks hurt their feet" so bad we would cry and throw hissy fits every morning. They were blessed, what can you say?

Brenda and my Mom got the principal, Ms. Sumpter, who was really quiet normally, to totally unwind when they took our class bowling somewhere. Everyone was jealous because Ms. Sumpter had never been overly friendly with anyone. Yeah, Brenda and my mom rocked like that.

You know those Vick's things you stick up your nose and "SNIFF" the good vapors and get some relief? Well, A had one at school, and was carrying on and over exaggerating and sniffing like she was dying, etc, but would sit instantly still when the teacher turned around leaving me totally cracking up. I got PADDLED over that, and A got a way scott free! LOL She rocks like that!

When my Papaw died, right after high school graduation, Brenda and A came down to our house and came in my room. Mom was out at Granny's, and Brenda WOULD NOT let me go call her, even though I knew Mom would be FURIOUS at me for not calling to say Brenda was out here. I was more afraid of Brenda being furious for me actually calling, I guess, since I wasn't able to slip away and call mom! (Yes mom was mad at me! LOL)

And, the best for last, {well, the best one I am gonna share ;)}one night coming home from a ball game in elementary school, a tree had fell in the road on Turkey Mountain, and it was a BIG tree. It was either try to move the tree or drive ALL AROUND THE OTHER WAY to get home, which took forever out here in the boondocks. So mom and Brenda decided to play "Let's Move a Tree" and all they succeeded in doing was giving these two men on the other side of the tree (who did not offer to help, either) the show of a life time. Brenda fell on her butt when her hand slipped off a branch she was pulling, totally hitting the road with a splash (cause of course it was pouring the rain) and we still ended up having to drive all the way around, with Brenda's wet butt and all!

Just so you know, Brenda, I would take your wet butt (or A's) ANY WHERE it needed to go, day or night! We love you so much! You have been a part of our life forever, and even when we don't see each other, it makes no difference in how we feel because some things DO last forever.

So here's to you Brenda (jane) {and A}. May you always be a part of our story. If we HAD to pick a "Brenda" to ditch, like mom said in her comment, it surely wouldn't be you.

I Heart Faces : My Story In Photos: Places I Love

2010-02-02T00:01:00.002-05:00

Welcome to I Heart Faces. This week's theme is "My Story In Photos: Places I Love"

I am breaking the rules (and not linking up because I am doing so) by not having a face in my picture. (I know what you are thinking, "What is the point of this post?")

Well, to tell you about a place that I love with a picture I borrowed from the Internet. Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. We spent many a year vacationing there in the summer as a family, and I have several great memories there. And not so great ones. (Like falling in the creek while looking for rocks {like we don't have creeks and rocks around here} and then my parents making me sit in an ice cream parlor they loved while I froze to death just so they could eat their favorite ice cream in Tennessee. Thanks for that.) We hit Dollywood, Dixie Stampede, The Comedy Barn, you name it. I still have a Magnavox tv I got there for my 13th birthday at the Magnavox outlet store. It still works, too.

Once again, back to the point of this post, come Thursday, this will be similar to my view:

Although I don't know if there will be any snow left ( I hope a little on the tree tops at least ) or if it will all be rain by then ( I PRAY not ) but I am going to Pigeon Forge with my friend Sonya, her hubby and daughter, and perhaps a couple more folks to a cabin for the weekend.

All I really know about the cabin is it is really nice, is 2 stories, has a hot tub, and basically that is all I need to know (except that I do have a bed to sleep in, electric, running water, etc. Not a real cabin! lol)

I will more than likely do a slide show when I return next Sunday, so maybe by next Thursday I will have that ready for you!

And don't worry, I have scheduled my posts for while I am gone. If it will only work.

Happy Tuesday!

UPDATE on Benji

2010-02-01T01:25:00.001-05:00

Well, things have taken a slight turn for the worse it seems for Benji in Cleveland. The antibiotics didn't do the trick the doctors were hoping it would, so he will be having surgery tomorrow to drain some more infection from his body and have more drainage tubes put in. They are going to scrape the abscessed areas and his intestines in efforts to remove all infection, and I am sure this will be very painful, but the doctors believe it is necessary to get the infection out of Benji. As you can imagine, Lowella told my mother she feels worlds away from him right now, and I cannot imagine what they are feeling. Benny is with Benji, of course, and Benji is old enough to understand why his mother can't be there, but I am sure that doesn't take the place of her actually being there, for all involved. Please lift them up in their time of need, and please pray that ALL the infection possible can be removed, unless God has a bigger plan that we cannot see at the moment in action. This has happened so quickly after his other surgery and no one was expecting it. Apparently Benji's doctors did not follow through with some antibiotics that there were supposed to, but even so this is so fresh on his young body. They are hoping to enter the same places they did with the original surgery, and not cause any new entry points (that could become infected, etc) so we are praying all goes well in that area too.

Lord, please just be with them right now, and give Benji and his family Your peace and comfort that only You can give. Amen.

Instead of Not Me Monday.......

2010-02-01T01:20:00.003-05:00

Okay, remember like 2 months ago when I said I was going to steal MckMama's "things I have said" post idea but never published it? Well, here it is. (Yeah, I am SO known for my punctuality. ahem.) Instead of "Not Me Monday" by MckMama, I am kinda stealing another type of post she occasionally does. I shall title it "Things That May or May Not Have Been Said Around Here Recently" and no I do not intend to "steal" it permanently or claim to make it my own. I just always wanted to do this!

So, here are some phrases, words or conversations that may or may not have been said around here lately. (Obviously they have been said, mostly, but let's just pretend we're normal for a minute, 'kay? Thanks.)

"Dylan, Do NOT get on your pony nekkid! You will hurt yourself." Pause. Crying from Dylan. "See?"

"HURRY! HURRY! Pick up that 'insert nerve pill name here' before Sugar (our doggie) gets it!" (she thinks anything dropped to the floor is automatically hers.)

"No, Dylan, you cannot wear a bra." "Yes, Doo Doo (Susie) probably has on a bra right now." "No, Poppy does not have a bra on. He doesn't even have a shirt on."

"Hurry and record your daddy coming down the hillside in case he falls!"

"No, Dylan, Nee Nee is watching JC sing right now. You can watch Bye Bye Bye later. It's on in just a minute." "Because Nee Nee likes JC better than Justin, that's why."

"I'm fine, I just can't move! Hurry and come get the baby!"

"I wonder what kind of family they think we are?"

"If I had known it was you that came in (the bathroom at McDonald's) I would have KEPT on singing!"

"I can't believe we didn't know Lance was g.ay."

"It's not everyday you see your psychiatrist at the Disney Store!"

"No, sweetheart. That sticker didn't say a bad word. It said "Let's FuNk" like lets get our groove on! Play that funky music, white boy, ya know?" (she didn't know) (And yeah, that was reaching, but flea markets are good for lovely not-child-appropriate stickers and such on display right beside the religious ones. I was caught off guard.)

"Dog, I'm gonna throw you out the window." (It wasn't Sugar, and I didn't throw it out either.)

"Okay, who scratched a "W" in my leg while I was asleep?"

"Don't worry, James, I TOTALLY knew I almost drove off the rail road tracks back there." (He didn't believe me, either... for some reason!)

"I seriously need my Ricky fix." (Long Story, but funny to ME.)

Me: "I wish I was on the MckCruise." Dad: "The Mark what?"

Me: "Hurry, hurry! Put your glasses on and look........ NOW! Doesn't that kid look JUST LIKE Itty Bit?" Mom: "If Itty Bit is missing, we know where he is!" Me: "I hope for Rachel's sake Itty Bit doesn't act like THAT."

"Latisha, quit scratching your butt while you walk. At least stop and let me kinda hide you so you can get the itch and get it over with."

"I'm so glad you are married cause that was gonna sound like the lamest pick up line EVER."

"Girls, quit arguing over the end of a movie neither one of you have saw! I MEAN IT! Bella picks Edward in the end of the series anyway, so there!" (I would never ruin the Twilight series for 2 ten year olds. ahem.)

"Mom, your last few comments have been so totally 'up to date' as far as computer lingo goes. Where'd you learn to type like that?"

"Hurry, you guys! Get in the car! I just knocked over ALL our plates!"

"NO! MY BIKE Nee Nee!" (One of Dylan's longest declaration statements as of yet!)

"Dylan, that is not your knee. You only have two knees. That is your.... um... your.... well... your other knee." ( I gave up and saved that one for a later date from either Momma or one of the menfolk.)

"THOSE ARE GIRL COLORED SHOES!" "Green, Dad? Really?"

"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" as I clicked 'YES' on the stupid IP thingy.

"Mom, where is that picture of all y'all laying down with your feet in the air and your butts (with pants on, of course) showing? I wanna send it to S."

"Dylan, Sugar DOES NOT want any more cheerios right now, okay? SO QUIT THROWING THEM ON THE FLOOR!"

"I'll cook some potato soup if it will hush you up."

"You really do know when every light in the house is on."

"Is your mom STILL on the phone?"

Mom: "WHAAAAAAAH!" as Dylan flipped her recliner into 'recline position' without any forewarning.

"Amy, I told you NOT to tell Dad I was eloping in Tennessee instead of just going with Sonya. Don't spoil my surprise!" (NO, I am NOT eloping, but I LOVE teasing my dad!)

And with that note I will finish this edition of "Things That May or May Not Have Been Said Around Here Recently" and wish everyone a Happy Monday!

(Besides, if I were to "steal" MckMama's "Thing" I would DEFINITELY have to work on the name. It is WAY to long for a bloggy button! I cannot keep up with OTHER PEOPLE'S weekly stuff, let alone start my own! LOL)

UPDATE on Benji

2010-01-31T15:01:00.003-05:00

I spoke with Lowella last night, and Benji has been admitted into Cleveland Clinic until perhaps Monday. They staff did a CT Scan that revealed that the abscess HAD returned to about half of it's original size, and a new one was beginning. They were able to lance the new small abscess, and the doctors have pumped Benji FULL of antibiotics to help with the inflammation of the abscess. They did not send Benji home with the proper medications to begin with, so all this could have possibly been avoided, but we will just trust that this is all part of God's plan for Benji. This way the new abscess was removed, anyway. Who knows what that could have prevented. Benji's excruciating pain has been relieved, but has been replaced with extreme nausea from the overload of antibiotics. But, overall, all are pleased that the pain is relieved and the situation is being taken care of. The nauseousness can be worked with easier, at least.

Even though I am sure she is still wishing she could be there and such, you could hear some peace in Lowella's voice. That lets me know prayers ARE getting through. Please continue to pray for Benji's well being, nauseousness, and healing path with hands from Earthly doctors as well as the Great Physician. Lowella thanks you all for your prayers and words of encouragement.

Photo Hunt 198 : Spotted

2010-01-30T02:10:00.009-05:00

Welcome to Photo Hunt, brought to us by tnchick.
This week's theme is "Spotted" and I kinda pushed the line on the theme, but it works as a way to sneak Dylan in with a few pictures I have been meaning to post. So... without further ado, "Spotted."

Dylan "spotted" the NEW SPIRALLY LIGHT BULBS BEFORE he noticed the TWO BRAND NEW WINE COLORED RECLINERS. Seriously. He is obsessed with light bulbs, and heaven forbid one blows that he notices and we change it without him here. He will go on and on about it FOREVER. lol ( He's just a little weird like his Nee Nee in that way! ) Notice how he is pointing up towards the ceiling fan?

Finally checking out the new recliners.

Rocking his BOY "doll doll" Bobby. He is a great dad in training.

So the old recliner? It spent the night on the porch ( cause we are all redneck like that ) until Dad can burn it, so the kitties didn't waste a "good night's sleep" in the dog house with Dutchess when they had the chance to sleep on real furniture.

Happy Saturday!

Okay, Okay... I just HAD to go find one of Dylan in his Halloween costume that I am pretty sure didn't make it on the blog for some reason. His Dalmatian costume was my first thought at the theme "Spotted" but I have already posted so many pictures of him in the suit. But, here is one more! "Spotted: Part II"

UPDATE on Benji and Sarah

2010-01-29T16:07:00.002-05:00

Benny has taken Benji back to Cleveland this morning. They fear his abscess is returning, which would not be a good thing at all. They just removed one. Benji is having a very hard time with his appetite and getting the nutrition he needs. He has absolutely no appetite at all, and can only force himself to eat a small amount without becoming sick.

Lowella and Sarah had to stay home this time, as Sarah has been ill and vomiting some. Of course, in an emergency, Lowella will do what is necessary, but for now home is where she is, with their sick little girl while Benny is with their sick big boy. It is traumatic on them all. Please keep these sweet children and their parents in your prayers. Separation at this time is very difficult for a mother and a father from their children.

I had planned to stay a night with Lowella and Sarah if in fact Benny & Benji had to go to Cleveland, but we are expecting some major bad weather in our area tonight and tomorrow and now I am not going to be able to do that in part due to the weather. With a heavy, wet snow coming in, gas and electric could go off, etc, and Lowella will have her uncles to help them at her grandmothers house, but they do not need an extra person in the way. Please pray the weather will be as light as possible because no electricity, etc, just makes everything worse.

Lowella had the night shift last night, and has been trying to rest some today, when I spoke with her briefly, but had not been able to sleep. Please pray that God will grant her the peace she needs to at least rest her body to keep herself as strong as possible, and for Sarah's recovery of this virus and a healing prevention from Chron's as well.

Letters of Intent

2010-01-29T15:46:00.005-05:00

Welcome to Letters of Intent, brought to us by none other than Julie. Head on over for other great letters.

Dear Impatient, Simple, Independent, Impatient Nee Nee Lisa,

I am so proud of you for going to Best Buy (with Kim and Allison) and getting you a lap top "all on your own" (with a list from Cruz, that is) and for making some tweaks and adjustments that made it right for me. That was great. You will need this laptop for a long time to come, as Internet classes will eventually be in you future at some point, plus you can use it as a TV when you get your apartment and are saving up to buy the TV you want. (I have the money to buy the TV I want NOW, but I am trying to be a big girl and SAVE up and buy it. Sigh. The trouble with being single, no kids or dependants, and just a few bills to pay. NOT. {which the bills will go up when the apartment becomes a reality, but I will definitely learn to manage, which is the point.} Thank you God for all your blessings! Moving along.)

NEXT TIME JUST WAIT 30 FREAKIN' MINUTES FOR YOUR SISTER TO HELP YOU, AND MAYBE YOU WONT CHANGE YOUR BRAND SPANKING NEW LAP TOP'S IP ADDRESS!!!! (Who even knew that was possible? Especially at the 'doings' of an Nintendo DSi?)

Seriously, all was well in your wi-fi world for about 20 minutes, maybe 30, and as soon as you ran into a little trouble fixin' up your DSi to wi-fi, you JUST couldn't wait when your sister offered to help as soon as Dylan went to bed. See what happens when you get impatient and just start trying to fix it by trial and error? ERROR. BIG TIME.

The computer is not "tore up" but I can't get Internet (so what's the point, right? lol) since it wont work with the router until I get the IP thingy fixed.

Rednecks + Technology = TROUBLE
Except I didn't expect it to be because of ME!

Sincerely,

Impatient, Simple, Independent, Impatient Nee Nee Lisa

Tell Me Thursday Friday PLUS Favorite Foto Friday

2010-01-29T13:06:00.011-05:00

Welcome to Tell Me Thursday! (yesIknowIamlate) A chance to explain those funky Wordless Wednesday photos.

Here is this week's Wordless Wednesday picture:

What was I doing typing something about Edward Cullen over and over, you ask? Why, trying to find a font,style and size to have an "I Drive Like Edward Cullen ...Twilight..." sticker put on my......................................

NEW CAR!!!!

Yes, ladies and Mr. Daddy, I am the proud owner of a new used 2002 Mercury Cougar. Here is the back right view:

Here is the back left view:

And since this was my attempt at the front view:

Here is one just like it (minus the palm trees) that I found on google images, sun roof and all:

Oh, to have had this car when I was 18. I probably wouldn't be alive and breathing to tell you anything about it! It goes up to 150 mph (no I haven't had it that fast) and when asked "How fast can it go from 0 to 60?" I simply answer, "Fast." ;)

Brenda (Lee), one of my BFF's who used to cruise with me regularly, {We have WAY too many "Brenda's" around here: Brenda (jane), Brenda (gail), I have an aunt Brenda, a cousin Brenda, etc. LOL} and I would have rocked the plaza at P-ville for sure. Oh, lordy. They shouldn't even sell these things to anyone under 25. (I say that since I am 29, you know! lol)

The car is in EXCELLENT used condition, low mileage, one owner, GREAT PRICE, blah blah blah. I am pleased as punch. I wasn't looking for this much of a "sports car" but this is what God dropped in my lap, so I say "Bring it on!" and try not to have a mid life crises a wee bit early. (Which may prove to be hard since I have already had several guys ask to drive, look at the motor, etc, EVERY WHERE I go to get windshield wipers, stickers made, etc. Ahhh..... of such is life! LOL

Of course, one ~~dumb~~ charming 20 year old little fella burst my bubble when he said, "A 'Cougar' driving a Cougar......'cept you're ALMOST too young to be a 'Cougar' though."

"ALMOST?" Thanks a lot, and NO you cannot drive.

(Cougar: Rich, hot older woman who loves to date younger guys.)

Thanks. Thanks for also not mentioning too poor, not hot enough, blah blah blah.

{I just Wikipedia'd "Cougar" and found out due to MY AGE I technically am a "Puma", a "Cougar in training." Next time I shall be prepared with said info. :) }

On a side note that has nothing to do with "Cougars" or "Pumas" at all (ahem) this is the picture I am having made into a birthday card / mini poster for MY friend (not Rachel's friend) Sonya's daughter Lillian. (Sorry, Rach. Can't get over the "Sonya" thing!) Do you think she will like it?

Shoot, I like it! LOL ....calming down my "Puma" energy..... just breathe in... breathe out.... THERE.

Happy ~~Thursday~~ Friday and come back shortly for my Letter of Intent by Julie.