DAFFODILS!

UPDATE

2009-09-10T19:39:00.000-07:00

I am trying to make a slide show of vacation, instead of posting pictures separately. So please bear with me. I am getting there. Hopefully I will post soon. Please come back in a couple of days and I should have it done. Thanks.

OH! CANADA! and NIAGARA FALLS!

2009-09-05T20:38:00.001-07:00

Well, as I promised, I am finally posting our vacation pics. I am going to post them in
sections. This is the first section, which is from the begining. On our way to Canada, then
Niagara Falls we had what looked like storms all the way to Michigan. Pretty menacing
clouds to say the least.

Then we were going to stop by Garden City, so Tom could see the place he was born. He
has never been back and wanted to at least see the place.

We spent the night in a town called Canton. Our motel was right across the room from an
IKEA Store. One of Joi's favorite stores, thus the pic!

Finally, destination reached. The hopsital where he was born!

Detroit City the "Motor City" casino and motel!

Last pic in downtown Detroit. This was of one of the car companies (sorry, cannot remember which one). It is a beautiful building.

Next section will be an island park you take a bridge too from downtown Detroit. Those pics hopefully tomorrow.

Transitions Lenses Photo Contest

2009-09-02T18:05:00.001-07:00

Transitions Lenses Photo Contest

2009-09-02T17:52:00.001-07:00

Hey everyone! Look above! I entered Tom's picture in this Transitions contest when he bought his new glasses, never figuring anything would happen. Well, we came home from vacation and his picture won for that week and he will get $25.00. He is now entered for a $10,000 prize based on voting and celebrity juding. So, please, if you will, click above and go vote for Tom! When you enter the requested information, then view the pictures, he is page 7 of 119 and you will see him in a boat, on the lake, holding up the big bass he has just caught, with a thumbs up! Help us if you will and THANKS TO ALL in advance!

HOME AGAIN, HOME AGAIN!

2009-08-29T00:15:00.000-07:00

Well, just got back from vacation! Canada and Niagara Falls! It is 2:16 a.m. Saturday morning and I am getting ready for bed. Therefore, return this weekend and I should be posting some vaca info and pics!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!!!!

2009-08-18T20:26:00.000-07:00

I was going to put this on earlier in the day, but forgot until now. So better late than never! I am sending these flowers from my garden to you mom. Enjoy the pics! I hope you had a wonderful birthday today. We all love you very much.

BEDROOM REDO!

2009-08-11T19:24:00.000-07:00

Well, I finally did it! After 31 years of my old bedroom outfit (YUCK!), I convinced Tom (well, sort of) that we needed a new one! Well, convince is not the proper word for this little purchase, but he finally let me do it! I am so happy with how the bedroom now looks! It is a complete change of pace...finally!!!!!!!! I know he likes it too, I can tell. Actually he even admits it, but, he still thinks it was unnecessary. He did not see anything wrong with the old one. Only, that the dresser had about an 8 inch oblong spot, right on the top in the middle, where everyone could see, a big bad bald spot where someone (named Joi) spilled finger nail polish about 22 years ago, tried to wipe it up with a kleenex, then took their fingernails and scratched it up. The chest of drawers has two broken drawers, that were wood glued back together (let's just say, an ex-husband had a temper). I never had a night stand, but scarfed a little cabinet someone was going to throw away and used it! So, therefore, don't you agree.....I deserved a new bedroom outfit!!!!!! Well, I know I agree! What do you think....before....or....after?

Before

After

Before

After

Well, I know that I LOVE IT! Still a few more little touches to make, but it is pretty much finished.

BETTER LATE THAN NEVER!

2009-08-08T21:55:00.000-07:00

Mom & Aunt Nora on Metrolink, ready to walk!

Joi and Dave

The Survivor Procession!

A VERY EMOTIONAL DAY!

Everyone but me, of course,

I'm taking the pic!

A very moving and awsome

site! Just look at the walkers!

Survivors being greeted at the Finish Line!

Lunch with all, an end to a perfect day!

Well, I promised a new blog, and here it is. I am really late with this, but at least I getting around to posting it. We went and walked the Susan B. Komen "Walk for the Cure" again this year in June. My Mom was able to walk this year and she walked as a "SURVIVOR"! We all walked with her to celebrate her accomplishment and courage along with her sister a breast cacner survivor also, my aunt Norma Adams, and her daughters, Donna and Veronica. Me, my daughter Joi and her husband, David was along for the celebration! The day was and extremely nice day, compared to the hot day last year. We made it there early this year for the "survivors" procession and the little celebration thereafter. It was a very emotional experience for all. We hope to do this every year. We invite everyone and anyone to come along for the celebration. In fact, we encourage all of you to join us next year! Please enjoy the pictures of our great day!

I HAVE BEEN LAX!

2009-06-17T19:08:00.000-07:00

Well, sorry, but I haven't been on here for awhile. Hopefully I will be changing that soon. I do plan on putting a post regarding our Komen Walk for the Cure this past weekend with pics. So stay tuned. I will try to do better. My mom and daughter have been after me for not keeping up. So they have spoke and I have listened. I'll be back!

COBDEN

2009-04-10T19:00:00.000-07:00

Tom & Billy's Big Catch
Colorized pic of Bald Knob
View of Cross missing panels
Pic of lookout cliff
Look close-cross thru spot in trees
Colorized version of pic
Cuz Christy!
Christy by the cliff!
Another colorized pic!
Billy & Christy's Home

Well, another trip! Tom and I went down to Coben, IL to see my cousin Christy and her husband Billy last weekend. Tom and Billy painted and went fishing. Christy and I shopped!!!!

We also went to Kevil, KY and seen their daughter and granddaughter (she is a cutie!). It rained quite a bit, but Christy and I managed to take a ride on the 4 wheeler and go visit her mammaw/my aunt Dooie. We also went for a ride on Sunday, while Tom and Billy were fishing (for the 3rd time!), to the lookouts to see Bald Knob Cross and take some pictures. It is really sad about the cross. It is losing the panels off the frame (as you will see in one of the pictures) and you can see through it. It used to be solid white and you could see it up on the top of the hill, bright and shining for all to see. The church's in the area are trying to collect money to repair the cross. The pics aren't some of my best, especially since the sun was in front of me and me shooting right into the brightness, therefore the pics are washed out. I took some liberties and on a couple of pics in photo shop and colorized it slightly. We all had a blast, hope you enjoy the pics.

HOT SPRINGS, ARKANSAS

2009-03-09T19:08:00.000-07:00

Garvin Woodland Gardens

The Hot Springs!

Deer in front the neighbors house

Gulpa Gorge

Hot Springs Natl Park Hot Water Fountain

Quachita Lake, Mom & Linda standing on

the Blakely Dam

Anthony Chapel

Three Sisters Daffodil Hill at Garvin Gardens

Overlook in Hot Springs Village

Well, here are a couple of pictures from a trip taken to Hot Springs Village, Arkansas last week by me and mom. We went to visit friends Lynda, Alex and their son Alan. They moved from this area a couple of years ago to Hot Springs Village. Mom and I took Amtrak to Little Rock, AR last Wednesday night and returned Sunday morning. We went to the Garvin Woodland Gardens, of course to see the daffodils blooming! We went to the lookout in the village and the National Park, to see the hot spring itself and Bath Row (massage and baths-they are wonderful!, but could not talk mom into going), shopping in the souvenir shops, to eat on Hamilton Lake at Fisherman's Wharf (broccoli salad that was wonderful!), crystal hunting in the Coleman Crystal mine (yes we found several!), sight seeing, and hunting for bambies! All in all a wonderful 3 days! Enjoy the pics, we enjoyed the trip!

SUNSET!

2009-02-17T19:07:00.000-08:00

Tom and I went shopping Sunday, then came home to let the puppies out. We then decided to take a little trip out to Horseshoe Lake to let the puppies take a walk and me take pics of the sunset. To back up a little, the previous day on our way home from C-ville, the sunset was beautiful! A great big orange ball in the pink and blue sky! This of course was the first day after the full moon, therefore it is really pretty. On that note, we decided that maybe this night would be just as beautiful. Not really, but sunsets are sunsets and most of them are beautiful in their own right! See for yourself! (of course, I had to add a couple pics of the puppies too!)

WEEKEND TREK 09'

2009-01-20T18:34:00.000-08:00

Bald Eagle near the Mississippi River

Small young buck along the Berm Highway

Frozen waterfall down the bluff
along the river road

New Lighthouse in Grafton

Another eagle! One of mannnny pics!

Well we did our annual trip up the River Road the past 2 weekends to see the eagles and the deer! We tried out our new christmas presents to boot! I tried my new Nikon digital camera and Tom tried his new tripod and scope! We also used our new TomTom gps to find our way. We went up the River Road, across the Hardin bridge, to Winfield Dam. Then we stopped in Brussels to eat at the old Wittmond's Hotel ---yummmmmie! Their blackberry cobbler was terrific! Then we rode the Brussels Ferry back across the river, stopped in Grafton at the new Mourings Winery, listened to music, ran into friends Cindy & Todd, sat and talked awhile then went on our merry way last weekend. Then this weekend, we just went up the River Road again, to Grafton, got a soda and Paradise donut holes (not quite the same feast as the previous week), then back down the road, took many many pics, of course!, and back home again. We love doing this each January. The river freezes up north and the eagles always migrate down this way to the Alton river area. I hope you enjoy the pics!

!!!!! HAPPY NEW YEAR !!!!!! 2009 !!!

2009-01-03T22:18:00.001-08:00

Of Course the 2 brats! Koty & Gizmo

Top Row - Shane, Tom, Clint & David
Bottom Row - Connie, Sharon, Bud, Ashley & Joi
(Ashley is Clint's girlfriend)

Shane's girlfriend- Holly and her daughter Bella

I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year! From our family to yours "We wish you a healthy, happy and prosperous 2009!

12 Days of Christmas!

2008-12-23T21:38:00.000-08:00

I heard this song on the radio the other day and liked it, but did not know who it was done by. Then the next day I heard the announcer say it was by a group called "Straight Up No Chaser". I searched you tube and viola! Here it is! Go see for yourself and let me know,. What do oyou think? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=28GUU1YbP_E

MERRY CHRISTMAS

2008-12-21T15:36:00.000-08:00

A NOTE TO SAY MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL

FROM OURS TO YOURS,

BY THE GLOW OF THE TREE,

OUR HOME IS DECORATED FOR ALL TO SEE!

THE PUPPIES ALL SNUGGLED UP IN THEIR BOWS,

Well, a poet I'm not, but you get the pictures! This is a blog card to wish everyone a Very Merry Christmas! I hope everyone has their decorations up, presents bought, wrapped and under the tree! I still have to wrap, but I also still have 3 more days. I still have a list of things to do and I am slowly marking each item off of the list. So, please, everyone have a save, happy and very Merry Christmas! Love Tom, Connie, Koty & Gizmo!

MERRY CHRISTMAS

2008-12-13T04:45:00.000-08:00

Isn't this a great picture! It is a car magnet! I am going to order one, but I have to order 25 to get 1! I am going to see if anyone else wants one. They are $3.00 a piece. Is anyone interested in buying one of them. If so, please let me know. If I get enough orders, even if it is not in time for this year, I would order them and get them to everyone by next year. As you know, I feel very strongly about the message this magnet is spreading! Please ask other people you know, and some of you, you know who you are, please ask others (that do not have computers) if they would like one. Again, just let me know. Then when I get enough orders I would order them for everyone. The total order has an $83.00 total, which includes tax, therefore I cannot order alone, that would be a pretty costly magnet. I seen one yesterday while shopping and took the website address off of it. They are about 4 to 5 inches square I would think. Thanks!

MY NEW TOY...

2008-11-19T18:10:00.000-08:00

Well, it is that time again! YEP indeedy....Christmastime is here, well at least for me it is. I know, I know, I am a little early, but who cares! I love Christmas! I usually wait until after Thanksgiving to put up my tree, but this year Thanksgiving comes late in the month, cutting my weeks short and my weeks become very busy from here on out. Therefore, Tom and I put up the tree this past weekend. As for my new toy...well...I bought it on sale after Christmas last year. I couldn't wait to try it out this year! Tom, of course, thought it was a stupid idea, that I wasted money, it wouldn't work, etc. etc. etc., but when we hooked it up, turned it on...VIOLA! He LIKES it! I do too. Well, enough already I will tell you what it is. It is a rotating Christmas tree stand!!! Excited? I am! Plus, it works, Tom even likes it, Mom and Dad liked it and I LOVE IT! This way I get to see all of my ornaments, not just the ones on front! Plus, when Tom was putting on the lights, he just turned it on and the tree rotated itself making the light job a little easier. Yes, I know, you all think I'm nuts, but oh well, I LOVE CHRISTMAS! I took this video to show you all what I am talking about. I hope some of you like it too!

MERRRY CHRISTMAS...EARLY!

I'M BACK! FINALLY!

2008-11-18T17:23:00.000-08:00

The new rug on top and below is the old one

These are both the old look

I Picked the 2 on the Right!

New look brown and old is blue

New look-brown & old was blue

I know, I know. I have been gone for awhile. I have a good reason, sort of. Part of the time, I was just busy doing other things (like hooking up the new turntable to the computer and downloading the first 14 of approximately a couple of hundred albums for our Ipods), downloading approx. 30 C/D's for a friend to download onto her new Ipod, just to tired, or the last 2 weeks...I have been messing with my stupid computer! It seems that everytime I go into one of my main programs, it is missing the exe. file, will not work, locks up, etc. etc. So I have had to trouble shoot my Kodak, Norton, ITunes and Excel programs, erase and download a couple of them again, and do fixes on the other 2. Not my idea of fun!!!! and it was of course, hours and hours and hours, well you get the picture!!!

Finally, last night I got my Kodak program to work again, therefore the last post about My MOM!!!!! WHOPPPEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Now, I am back in the grove, hopefully. With Thanksgiving, then Christmas coming, things will still be hectic, but I am going to try to keep up with my blog again. That is if this thing called a computer cooperates!!!

Now for the answer to a question posed to me from my last blog...Yes, I picked out the shades for my bathroom lights! I did not happen to pick any of the shades that I had previously posted, because I found a new one at Home Depot that I liked. I took some before and after pics (which, as I said above, I was just now able to download as of yesterday), therefore I am posting the pics today. I still have a frame on each wall to fill with a pic of my own and I have a couple of ideas not yet completed, and I have already made some changes that are not reflected in these "old" pictures, but hopefully you will get an idea of what I have done so far. Let me know what you think.

Glad to be back! Hope you will continue to read. See you soon!

!!! SHE DID IT !!!

2008-11-17T14:07:00.000-08:00

She's done! Mom has made it to the end of her year long journey! A year ago this December, mom went for her yearly checkup, was sent for a mammogram, a biopsy was performed, then a double mastectomy and 7 lympnodes removed, she had her port inserted, went through 6 chemotherapy treatments, and as of Friday, November 14, she finished 33 radiation treatments! The only things left to do now...go to the doctor December 12, start taking a pill once a day for the next 5 years, grow back her hair and know that she is a SURVIVOR, all the way!

I know she is very happy to be done with the long journey. We, her family, Dad, Tom, Me, Dave & Joi, have been with her all the way, tried to support her the best we could during all of the trials and have had to just stand by and watch helplessly as she went through this long journey. I can say, without a single doublt, that we are all extremely proud of this beautiful, wonderful, loving woman that we call, wife, mom and mawmaw. She has BEAT IT, SHE IS DONE and

SHE HAS KICKED CANCERS BUTT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Therefore, CELBRATION! And that we did! All of us took Mom out Friday night to celebrate and took her to Cracker Barrel (her favorite restaurant) for dinner. Then Saturday, without her knowing what or where, Joi, Dad and I took Mom to a tea house called Jospehine's, went shopping and then took her to the Alton Belle (to do a little gamling!) for the day! We came back home and met up with Tom to eat dinner! Mom says that she had a great time and is starting to finally feel human!

As a reminder to all you women out there, please, please please, check yourselves monthly, get your yearly mammogram and IF you feel a lump, get it checked out IMMEDIATELY!

I have included a couple of pictures from this weekend to show you Mom's Celebration!

PICK A SHADE

2008-09-24T18:52:00.000-07:00

A B

C D

E F

G H

J K

L M

N O

R S

Ok, here's the scoop...I am redoing the bathroom. Tom and I went shopping, found a rug we liked and decided to buy it. Of course, it did not match the rest of the bathroom, so...I just have to redecorate it now. I am getting there, but have a way to go. I took before pics this time (I know, I don't believe it either), and once I'm done, I will show before and after pics (I'm so glad I remembered to do this for once). But I have a dilemma, I am having trouble picking new glass shades for my light fixture. So here are just a few that I like (I deleted some of them), so what do you think? (I have posted a copy of the rug too...and an FYI, I went with the chocolate brown and teal colors in the rug). My fixtures are silver, my walls, floors, cabinet, tub, etc. are all white. Excited to see what you pick. Thanks for you help in advance.

WHAT A KLUTZ!

2008-09-23T19:48:00.000-07:00

Yup...that's me! What was supposed to be a walk around the park with my daughter and us taking my 2 puppies, Koty and Gizmo, well......it turned into a "really graceful FALL! for me!" We actually walked about 1 block, turned a corner, got to an alley and whoops...down I went. There was an alley with the exit in concrete, rocks all over the concrete, my foot hit the rocks, they acted like marbles and you guessed it! Down I went. Nothing broken, but a goose egg on the arm, a rock & bruise in the left hand and down on my knee right on a rock! Graceful, yikes, NOT! Sore, and aching all day...yyyyyeeeeessss! siree! So gimpy for a couple of days, and I think I keep my walking, for now, at Club Fitness on the treadmill (no rocks!)

ACHY BREAKY HEART!!!!

2008-09-07T10:32:00.000-07:00

Is he good lookin or what?!

Wow! Friday morning I was at work, received a phone call from Joi, and found out that Billy Ray Cyrus may be coming to Park Grill in Granite City within an hour. Me being at work...I was trying to find a way to get someone to go see him and take pics for me! Well low and behold, I was working the early shift for Chuck (he works this weekend) and he was home! I called, he went, he seen, he took pictures and brought them to me! He even shook Billy Ray's hand, then shook mine (you know, to transfer the goodie feel!). Oh well, I know not everyone likes Billy Ray, but I do! I have now tried to see him, up close and personal, 6 different times, like at Fan Fair, Duquoin Fair, etc. Next year, I am joining his fan club and each year after, until I get to Fan Fair, go to his personal party where he holds his meet and greets. I never have been signed up the years I go, or I am signed up too late to get tickets! NOT ANYMORE! He was here in GC and I missed him!!!! But... for those who like him like I do! Enjoy the pics, my great friend CHUCK, brought back to me!

!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOI !!!

2008-09-01T21:33:00.000-07:00

THIS IS A BIG HAPPY BIRTHDAY WISH FOR MY WONDERFUL DAUGHTER! I LOVE YOU WITH ALL MY HEART AND HOPE YOU HAVE A FANTASTIC BIRTHDAY! I CANNOT BELIEVE YOU ARE 26 YEARS OLD TODAY! "YOU ARE MY SUNSHINE!" AND YOU ARE MY HEART. I LOVE YOU! LOVE MOM AND TOM

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM! HAPPY ANNIVERSARY MOM & DAD!

2008-08-24T19:37:00.000-07:00

MOM CELEBRATED HER BIRTHDAY 8-18-08, BUT SHE WAS STILL SICK FROM CHEMO. WE PLANNED ON TAKING HER OUT THIS WEEKEND, BUT SHE WENT TO PEORIA WITH HER SISTERS TO SEE UNCLE LESTER. SHE WAS SUPPOSED TO LEAVE EARLY SATURDAY AND, I THOUGHT, BACK SUNDAY NIGHT. INSTEAD SHE LEFT LATE SATURDAY, AND IS NOT DUE BACK UNTIL TOMORROW. SHE LEFT ON HER ANNIVERSARY AND DAD HAD TO WORK! GO FIGURE! THEREFORE, I HAD PLANNED ON HER READING THIS TONIGHT, WHEN SHE GOT HOME, BUT ALAS...SHE WILL HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL TOMORROW. KIND OF HARD TO SEND THIS TO SOMEONE, WHO IS NOT GETTING ON THE COMPUTER LATELY AND THEN, NOT HOME TO READ IT! BUT CONGRATULATIONS TO BOTH OF YOU, MOM AND DAD!! WE LOVE YOU WITH ALL OF OUR HEARTS AND WISH YOU MANY MANY MANY MANY MORE YEARS TOGETHER AND MOM...MANY MANY MANY MANY MORE HAPPIER BIRTHDAYS TO COME!!!!! LOVE YOU!

LIFE AS I KNOW IT! (PART 3)

2008-08-19T19:43:00.001-07:00

Well, It has taken me a while to get back to this, but believe me, I have my list! So here goes:

51. Watching my daughter get crowned "May Day Queen". She looked like a Hawaiian princess out on the gym floor with her halo (she wanted a crown!) Oh well, she still looked beautiful and I was so proud of her!

52. Watching Joi graduate from Granite City Senior High School!

53. Seeing Yellowstone for the first time when I was young and then seeing it again last year with Tom. It is an awesome place. Each turn, hill, etc. is more beautiful than the last!!

54. Seeing the "GRAND TETONS". What can I say but "MAJESTIC!"

55. Going to Branson with Sherry Burris and spending the week, renting a boat (we neither one knew how to drive, or how to find our way around, so we just drove it back and forth in the area we rented it!) But, we had a GREAT time!

56. Seeing Joi's face when she came around the corner riding her first go-kart!!!PRICELESS!

57. Going to London with Joi and several of her friends and families. I never thought I wanted to go there, but I would go back in snap. We also seen the city of Bathe (the Roman Baths) and Stonehenge. Joi and I got to see a stone beach, not sand, but round stones. We seen foot paths (sidewalks), car parks (parking lots), minded the gap (watched our step), see the lieu's (toilets), and many many other fun memories which would take forever to write down.

58. Parasailing for the 1st time in Key West, then going again with Joi in Myrtle Beach and again in Panama City Beach! WHEW!

59. Having a surprise birthday party thrown for me by my best friend "Nanette", including being picked up for work that morning by...SURPRISE..a knock at my door, a driver informing me that my ride was here to take me to work and Joi to Happy Day. None other than a gold limousine (Joi was not too sure about it!) Then, well, not so much, but the cop, well I mean the stripper she supplied for the birthday party!

60. Taking my helicopter ride, FINALLY AFTER 3 trips to Hawaii and 3 attempts, around the island of Maui and the Road to Hana and Haleakala Crater!!!!!!! WHAT WORDS CAN I USE TO DESCRIBE SUCH BEAUTY!

61. Joi and I going across the Royal Gorge Bridge to ride the skylift (which we did not do, because the electrical lightening which was on its way), but the whole time dad telling us we were not going, but he would not step out on to the bridge-----he is afraid of heights!!!!!

62. Going to Elephant Rocks and Johnson Shut-ins for the 1st time with Tom. They were beautiful and so close to home! Who knew?!

63. Learning to drive and ride John and Cindy Miller's SEADOO in Panama City Beach. Then having Cindy come barreling in to the shore, yell and me to come on the other Seadoo, followed her out and we rode along beside a pod of DOLPHINS and their babies for a long time!!!! WHOOOPPPPEEEEEEE AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!

64. A couple of years ago, Tom and I went up along the Great River Road during the winter to see the Eagles and boy did we see the EAGLES. The frozen river and the sounds it made really was awe inspiring too.

65. Receiving my high school diploma.

66. Watching Joi graduate college and having David there too, no less! BONUS.

67. Getting to see Tom parasail with Shane in Panama City Beach.

68. Walking out on the Chain of Rocks Bridge across the Mississippi River.

69. Seeing the Moose and its baby in Yellowstone.

70. Seeing the momma black bear and her 2 cubs in the Tetons, cross the highway right in front of our car!

71. Watching ALL of my daughters several dance recitals (little miss bossy...she knows what I'm talking about!)

72. Buying bikes a couple of years ago and riding the MCT trails with Mom, Dad, Joi, Dave, Tom and me!

73. Seeing Cumberland Falls in Kentucky, last month on vacation. It is actually only about 5 to 6 hours away and it is a smaller version of Niagara Falls!

74. Seeing a COMPLETE-DOUBLE RAINBOW going with Sherry Burris up to Alton Square to pick out a dress to be her bridesmaid. It was enormous and beautiful! God is a wonderful painter!

75. Last but not least until the 4th and final set....... Riding the small motor boats with Joi in Myrtle Beach. We had a blast!

You know what, while thinking up this list and remembering all of these things that I have seen, done, witnessed, lived, etc. I realize over and over again just how wonderful my life has been, how blessed I am, how beautiful this world is and that I have the most wonderful family and friends. I love you all and thank each and everyone of you for being in my life and giving me wonderful memories, whether mentioned above or not. I thank God for my family every single day! Of course, I have to add a picture, but look at the rainbow I captured with my cell phone camera a couple of weeks ago going towork at 6:00 a.m. (it was actually a double if you look close, plus I could only capture one side. It was actually a full blown rainbow. Where is a panoramic camera when I need it!)

2008-08-18T19:17:00.000-07:00

DUCHESS OF DISTINCTION
Your home is quite a masculine environment, but it's nonetheless comfortable, with an air of maturity: you enjoy the good things in life, and that includes the furniture and furnishings you like to have around you. What could look quite conservative is, in fact, seriously sleek.
Living Room
Playboy, gent, aesthete - your living room is a shrine to bachelorism. The masculine look finds its apogee in the bachelor pad, and at the heart of every bachelor pad is the living space, with its sharp lines and a hedonistic approach to life that's all about having fun and very little to do with mundane chores. This is the lifestyle of a Gatsby or a 007, and the fact that both are fictional characters says it all: this look is about illusion and seduction and a dash of hustler chutzpah. This is a look that can't take clutter: rustic accessories can work surprisingly well, giving the room a rugged aesthetic -- it's the rough with the smooth, the grit to the mill. Rich, dark colours are generally bold and inviting but can be overwhelming by day, while leather is smart and tactile. After pottering about in the garden, your living room's somewhere to put up your feet and take a well-earned rest.
Bedroom
Your bedroom has that classic look that never goes out of style. Sleep is fundamentally important to our well being. In busy towns and cities, noise can often hamper a good night's sleep. Soft furnishings really do absorb sound, and touch is such an important sense in the bedroom, from crisp, linen sheets to wool or even sheepskin underfoot. Elegance and relative simplicity are keynotes in your bedroom, using rich, chocolate browns to create a warm and cosy escape from the rest of the world.
Dining Room
You're a modern maverick, a supremely elegant entertainer. At home, you have a fresh, contemporary dining style that is versatile and achievable on almost any budget. Keeping the basics simple, try using colour or picking something a bit unusual to add character and to give the dining area some definition. Good design and quality materials can really lift a place setting. When it comes to entertaining, you're pretty casual and relaxed.
Home Office
You have a place for everything and everything has its place. Decorating your home office to reflect the spirit and personality of the rest of your home really does make all the difference - especially when it comes to sitting down and sorting out the filing! The modernist adage that form should follow function is nowhere better demonstrated than in the home office: keep things simple and add your own sense of style by using a splash of colour or a single, well-chosen decorative piece.

Well I did the test! Masculine!?! Oh, well. I took it twice, picked out some different items and both times came out the same. Do you agree?

!!!! ELVIS !!!!!

2008-08-15T18:37:00.000-07:00

Yes, the "King of Rock n Roll", Elvis Presley! Just an FYI to all you ELVIS Fans! Elvis is putting out a new album! Can you believe it! Yes, you heard me right! A new album! Well, at least new technology is making it happen. Remember when they had Celine Dion sing with Elvis on the American Idol Gives Back Special? Well, they are at it again, but this time, it will be a re-release of his 1957 "Elvis' Christmas Album". The Jordanaires will still be doing the backgroud vocals and are rerecording them currently. I clipped the article out of the paper and I will be buying the album! I already have the album & c/d currently, but just take a gander at who will be singing with him: "Blue Christmas" with Martina McBride, "Here Comes Santa Claus" with LeAnn Rimes, "Merry Christmas Baby" with Gretchen Wilson, "White Christmas" with Amy Grant and I'll Be Home for Christmas" with Carrie Underwood. Others to be on there will be Wynonna Judd, Sara Evans, and Anne Murray!!! I know I'm excited how about all of you?!! I know, contain yourselves!

AM I A DOG GROOMER, OR WHAT!?

2008-08-10T18:45:00.000-07:00

GIZMO BEFORE
KOTY BEFORE
KOTY AFTER
GIZMO-1/2 WAY DONE-He got tired and jumped up and run away-notice one side 2-legs are done, the other is not! hehe
GIZMO DONE

Well, I did it! I gave the puppies haircuts! Yep, I took the plunge, dove right in and gave both Koty and Gizmo their haircuts! I kept thinking about saving $75.00! Then I thought, I can do this, what could be so hard? Well, 2 days later and 4 1/2 hours total, I got them both done, even clipping their toenails (this part, much to Koty's dismay!). But whew, they are both done now. Need I say, I did okie dokie, if I must say so myself. I need to even them up some, but I think I will give them a couple of days rest before attempting this part. Of course, I have pics of the little darlings. What do you think?

!!!! HAPPY ANNIVERSARY- JOI & DAVE !!!!

2008-08-09T08:17:00.000-07:00

Well, it is 3 years today! Congratulations you two! I hope you are as happy today as you were that day in "HAWAII" (just think we were in Hawaii 3 years ago today, on the beach in Makena Cove, with the ocean and the sand and...oh I forgot I am posting a blog-better get back to it). Sure wish we were all back in Hawaii. But to the point, Happy Anniversay from me and Tom. I hope you two have a wonderful day! We love you both and are glad to have David as our son-in-law. Just look and drool again! You do not know just how happy it makes me that you are both so happy. Again, I Love you both!

BACK FROM VACATION!

2008-08-02T08:49:00.000-07:00

Lincoln's Boyhood Home National Memorial, Lincoln City, IN
Tom-Being Superman-Metropolis, IL

Tom-Scoping out the Natural Bridge
Natural Bridge State Resort Park, Kentucky

Nada Tunnel-At the End of the Red River
Gorge Scenic By-way which goes around the Daniel Boone
National Forest, Kentucky. It is 12'x13'x900'.

Overlook Restaurant-Sits on Ohio River in
Leavenworth, IN-looking towards Kentucky

St. Meinrad, IN-AbbeyChurch, the town people call it their castle

Of course, me visiting Santa in Santa Clause, Indiana

Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, Cumberland Falls, KY

Lake and Falls in Natural Bridge State Park

Tom & me on the Skylift up to the Trail for the Natural Bridge

Fort Doneldson, Dover, TN

Exact size replica of the Parthenon
from Greece, in Nashville, TN

Big South Fork Natl Park, Kentucky/Tennessee

Cumberland Gap Tunnel goes from
Cumberland Gap, TN to Middlesboro, KY

Tom and me at the top of the Pinnacle
Overlook for the Cumberland Tunnel.
We are in Virginia at this point!

Well, it wasn't the vacation we had planned, which was to go to Colorado and the mountains, but mountains we did do! We decided just to do a 4 day road trip covering Tennessee and Kentucky. Now this may sound weird, especially since we by-passed Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, but all in all it was a great time and we seen miles of pretty scenery. Of course, you know me, I took some pictures (well, 482 digital and 3 rolls of 35 mm to be exact). And, of course, I am posting some of the spots here for all to see! Go see for yourself! If you like small mountains, the cumberland mountains are very pretty and really "not so small" when you are driving them (well, that is "Tom" was driving them). So take a look at what our past 4 days presented to us! It was VERY HOTTTTTTT!!!!! We did some hiking (not as much as we would have liked to, because of the heat). It really is some very pretty country. We plan on returning sometime in the fall, because of the colors the trees will be. We seen pictures in some of the places and boy, it sure does look pretty at that time of year. All in all, a very nice and pleasantly surprising 4 days, which took us from Illinois to Kentucky, Tennessee, Kentucky again, Virginia, Kentucky again, Indiana and back to Illinois. WHEW......1460 miles!!! Most of which were off of the main highways and on 2 lane back roads...Tom likes them best! Well, we had fun and we are home safe and sound.

AM I OLD OR WHAT?!

2008-07-24T20:59:00.001-07:00

Can you believe it? I am 52 years old now! WOW! Time sure flies when you are having fun! Just a little note to say "Thank You" to everyone for their birthday wishes! Phone calls all day, e-mails, My space comments, cards, balloon, cake, gifts, dinners and bowling the other day, ALL GREATLY APPRECIATED! Thanks again, love you all!

Just a couple pictures of some of my flowers blooming today. Aren't they pretty? The white hibiscus are around 10" across. They are big! My water lilies are blooming like crazy! I have my friend, Lynda Matveychik, to thank for these beauties! She gave me her plant when she got rid of her pond. Then last but not least, the pond! Koty enjoying it and getting a drink!

MONEY, MONEY, MONEY, MONEY....MONNNEY!

2008-07-21T20:27:00.000-07:00

Well, finally, I am back. I don't know why, but my computer has been locking up alot lately and I have not been able to do any posts, download pictures, etc. But today, I guess it felt nice and decided to let me get on. So...to explain my title "Money...", did anyone watch Dateline NBC the other night? Well, I did! It was a show regarding the monies the State of Illinois has in their possession for people they cannot find. You know, such as accounts that closed and the money was turned over to the state, tax refunds, etc. Dateline found a couple of the people and surprised them with checks as low as $600 and as big as $873,000+. Wouldn't that be great! Well, I didn't believe it, therefore I went to the website Datelinemsnbc.com and looked up several names. Well, guess what! I found 2 of my relatives on the list! I have told one of them so far and have not contacted the other one as of yet. Therefore, this is just a little note to everyone to go check it out! http://www.treasurer.il.gov/programs/cash-dash/Owner/Owner.aspx Maybe the State is holding money for you, you never know!

And kudos to my daughter's post regarding my birthday! We had a great time bowling. We are not good by any means, but we try hard and have fun doing it! I love them all!

Just a BLOG.

2008-07-09T19:41:00.000-07:00

Took mom for her blood count check today and everything was A-OK! They told her that the new drug "AMEND" (spelling?) that they are giving her, makes her feel weak longer, but takes away the sick nausea feeling. She's not sure she likes the trade off. Her next chemo is set for July 23 and this is her 4th trip! The doctor will re-evaluate her after this trip and decide whether she stops or goes on 2 more treatments. But, like we all told mom, even if you have to do the 6 trips, you are at the top of the hill, 3 down and 3 more to go! So down hill from here. So keep them prayers a coming, we appreciate each and every one of them.

On the way to her 2 doctor appointments yesterday, Betty Brooks took mom in mom's van and they had a little fender bender. Everyone is ok, just the back bumper on the van has a few ouchies. Some guy in a truck, on wet pavement, could not stop, ran into another car and pushed it into mom and Betty. Dad went and got his second injection in his back (out of 3) yesterday and when he stood up, took a few steps and boom! down he went, his legs gave out! But, he is OKIE DOKIE TOO! So all in all an eventful day, but everyone is ok. Oh, fyi for all, the injections are for his sciatic nerve going down his leg, which is causing him alot of pain. It seems like the injections are working. He has one more to go.

Oh, yeah, I cannot leave out the puppies! They go for their yearly shots tomorrow. Boy, will they like me tomorrow! NOT! I guess everyone has to see doctors! And last but not least, me! I go to the dentist next Wednesday for a 3 hour trip. Two teeth have to be prepared for crowns. YUCK YUCK YUCK YUCK, well you get the picture. So far, Joi, Dave and Tom are all doing great. I AM NOT ONE BIT EXCITED, AT ALL. Well, so much for the catching up. Hope this catches everyone up on our family and that everyone else is doing good and having a great summer!

OUR YARD, AGAIN!

2008-07-07T19:51:00.000-07:00

Well, I took more pictures of the yard...again. Hey, I just cannot get enough! I love watching all of it grow. Moving it around, changing the looks each year with colors, different plants, trying different kinds, etc. I liked these, hope you all do.

MY NEW WALL!

2008-07-07T00:57:00.000-07:00

(Oh Yeah, I forgot to tell ya, the four round plates in this picture were what was above the TV previously.)

Well, better late than never. I wished for these picture ledges at Christmas time. I received the money to purchase these for Christmas. I just could not bring myself to pay the $30 plus shipping. But last week, Mom and Joi went to Joliet and went to West Elm to shop, Viola, I got my shelves minus the shipping. Therefore my new Wall! I was going to take before and after pictures, but I fogot to take the before pics prior to Tom removing everything from the walls. So, as a result I only have the "after" pics. Joi will know the difference, but I doubt anyone else will remember the before. Hope you like! (I seen it done by Nate on the Oprah show and loved it!) I wanted the ledges lower, but had to go higher due to the "big" TV. Oh Well, I still like it.

FINALLY! BRAGGS REUNION PICS!

2008-07-05T14:25:00.001-07:00

I Hate Computers! especially when they do not work correctly. I'm sorry it took so long to get these pictures posted, but my camera and my Kodak software was not "talking to each other", go figure! But, I got it fixed, got the pictures downloaded and viola! Here ya go!

BRAGGS REUNION

2008-06-29T04:45:00.001-07:00

Well, it is that time of the year again! It is 6:45 a.m. and I am up and ready to be picked up to head to the Braggs family reunion. I will take some pictures and post a few in a couple of days. You get to see some of the clan! See ya then!

WHAT A SCARE!

2008-06-25T17:51:00.000-07:00

Well, tonight I had a great scare! I was at Wally World and was at the check out counter ready to pay for my purchases. I swiped my card, swiped again, again, again, the cashier swiped, then again, again, me again, then after 8 swipes and 8 declines, I started to get a little worried. Since no one was behind me and I had just spent over an hour in the store to pick out my purchases, I asked If I could call the bank regarding whey they wee declining my ATM card. I dialed the phone, told the customer service rep my problem and was put on hold several minutes-hence again-the worrying began. The woman returned to the phone, transferred me to ATM department and then BOOM! she informed me that there was a "critical alert" placed on my card this morning. When I asked why, well, you could have knocked me over with a feather! I was informed that the Florida authorities contacted my banking institution and informed them that my ATM card number was one of over 100 numbers that was found on a man that they arrested today and have incarcerated now in Florida. WHEW! She informed that they would issue me a new card, the number was no longer a valid number and my account was OK, nothing had been put through on it! WHAT A SCARE! Needless to say, I was sweating like a little pig and shivering like it was 10 below zero in the room! I wrote a check, packed my goodies and off I went. I got into my car and called the lady back, just to make sure I heard her right and everything was OK. Just and FYI to all of you----I did not lose my card, I do not use my ATM card on the Internet or give my number to anyone. What I was told, is that when you make any purchase from anywhere, that company is "NOT" supposed to keep any of your information overnight, once their transaction goes through, they are supposed to erase all daily transactions information. Some companies are lax or non-compliant with this, therefore "hackers" get into those systems and obtain all the information they need to sell to more than eager buyers. I thanked "Karen" profusely and the institution for taking care of this situation for me. So from me to all of you.....PLEASE, please, please, watch your accounts! KUDOS to my BANK!!!!!!

Life As I Know It (Part 2)

2008-06-24T18:36:00.000-07:00

Going on my first canoe trip after my senior year with my high school friends, it was great!
Picking daffodils at Easter with both of my grandmas.
Watching my daughter do the backstroke in swim lessons at the YMCA.
Showing up at my daughter's house and finding it was a surprise 50th birthday party for me, thrown by her and David! WOW! 56 of "MY" friends and relatives were there for me, and some had to drive a while to get there! WOW AGAIN!
Hearing Joi say "momma" the first time.
Going to Knott's Berry Farm, missing my dogs, having pictures hidden in my suitcase, driving 2 hours to get the pictures, bring them back, ordering chalk pictures drawn of them and having them shipped from California to home. THEY WERE GREAT. They look as though they could come to life.
In Gatlinburg, going up the ski lift with Mom and Aunt Dooie, both of which were ooohoohing because their legs were hurting from the heights & Joi, Nanette and I laughing at them.
Watching Joi's 6th grade graduation program, with Emily and Rachel.
Seeing the ocean for the very first time!
Driving up to Fern Cliff campsite, the trailer all set up, a campfire going and Jimmy Buffet playing on the radio, then having a wonderful "License to Chill" weekend with just us girls, Cindy, Ellen and Me.
Watching Joi ride her bicycle in the parking lot, and hitting the only thing (a telephone pole) within 20 feet! (Trust me...it was hysterical, just ask David)
Picking up a new poodle puppy, taking him home and leaving him with mom, which she fell in love with, even though she hates dogs. He ended up being "Dino", named by mom, after who else? her fav at the time "Dean Martin".
Walking in to Anderson Hospital ER, after the longest 12 mile drive in my life, and seeing my daughter and she was OK!!!!!!!!!! That was the best site EVER!
Seeing the Washington Memorial, over and over and over and well you had to be there!
Watching the faces of the girls at Joi's surprise 13th birthday trip when they found out that Six Flags was not our destination, but an overnight-in a motel-float trip the next day trip. Then seeing how much they enjoyed the entire trip.
Eating Watermelon Sherbert in Lahaina, Maui on my first trip to Hawaii.
Seeing my daughter get ready for her first Dare Dance.
Driving through Dogwood Canyon and Cedar Creek with Cindy and Ellen, beautiful!
My first slumber party, Betty Brooks checking up on the parents for Cindy to come (finding out the parents were some of her bowling friends), the ride to get pizza in the old Edzell and dad scaring the crap out of Mary Tolan, it was great!
Getting my first collie, Lady.
Keeping one of her puppies and a great dog, SHANE!
Finding a wet muddy little grey mutt, on top of a snow mound, with a leash and collar, at a car wash, with the biggest black eyes, our Dodger Dog!
Seeing my current puppy, Koty right after she was born and looking like a baby pig, but finally getting my first Shih Tzu.
Going to see a small Shih Tzu, free for the taking if we wanted it and finding the most loveable little puppy, GIZMO.
Seeing Joi getting ready to go to her senior prom.

Well this is my second 25, stay tuned, I still have 2 more parts! I challenge my friends reading this to do their list of 100. It really is kind of fun, looking back and remembering all of these wonderful moments of time in your life! Come on everyone, let's see your 100, e-mail me & other friends if you do not have a blog.

08' CANCER WALK

2008-06-22T19:24:00.000-07:00

Aunt Linda getting her pie!
and eating it!
Veronica, Aunt Linda & Jane
Veronica taking pics
Mom & Aunt Norma
Joi and David
Donna, Veronica & Jane
Nanette and Michelle
David & Joi
Aunt Linda & Jane
Donna taking pics!

MOM & AUNT NORMA

LOOK AT THE SEA OF WALKERS!
Here are some pictures from the cancer walk. It was awesome! Everyone had a great time. It is a great experience to see the ocean of walkers all there to support the "Race for the Cure". I hope to you each and everyone of you there again next year, plus anyone else that would like to join us. We all went out for lunch at O'Charley's after the race and someone, we won't say who, told the waitress that it was Aunt Linda's birthday. The waitress gave her a "delicious" piece of caramel pie. After lunch we went shopping at Garden Ridge. All in all, it was a great day!

Life As I Know It (Part 1)

2008-06-18T14:53:00.002-07:00

Well here it is finally, Part 1-the first 25, of my 100. These are a list of 100 things that were worth doing in my life and reflecting upon them. I also hope these events are those that pop up should my life flash before my eyes. Here's my partial list! And, these are definitely in no particular order. I was tagged by my daughter, Joi, and challenged to do this and as I promised in an earlier blog, here goes...

Riding with my dad on his motorcycle when I was young (not sure how old, maybe 6th or 7th grade), sitting in front of him and him scaring me half to death by letting go and letting me steer!
Watching my daughter being born and not realizing at that time just how much I would love that little girl!
Watching my mom go down the "Big Slide" by Grants store (yes, I am old) and when she got to the end and it should have stopped her, she just kept on going out into the parking lot! We all laughed our butts off, but I don't think she thought it was as funny as we did.
Singing songs with my dad and mom on trips, especially the trip to California and all the way there and back we sang, "I Wanna Go Home", "Abilene" "Six Days on the Road" and "Cottonfields Back Home".
Seeing Disneyland, in California, for the first time and getting my Mickey Mouse ears with my name embroidered on the back. (Remember the Mickey Mouse Club with Annette Funicello!)
Swimming with the Dolphins the first time in Panama City Beach, WOW!
Getting my first car at my 16th birthday party and it had a big red bow on the hood. It was a 1968 Black Barracuda with black interior, hemi head hookups, Big Daddy Glassback "LOUD" mufflers, a 383 engine, and did I mention...IT WAS A down right FAST MOVING MACHINE...whew! When you floored it, it played like the Roadrunner, wound up, hesitated and "beep beep" away it flew!
Winning $1,000 from WIL 92.3 and purchasing a package trip to Hawaii for $499 (can you believe the price) for 6 days, 5 nights motel & round trip airfare and going with Aunt Dooie.
Trying to surf at Waikiki Beach and getting up!, only to jump off since I didn't know how to steer the board or where the brakes were. OH, did I say, I GOT UP!
Getting to go to a Kelly Clarkson/Reba McIntire concert, and who better to go with, MOM & JOI!
The many many trips to Aunt Dooie's cabin in Tennessee and sharing the time with my cousin Christy, running down the hill to the boat dock, boat riding, swimming, checking the fish lines with Uncle Shelta in the a.m. when it was still dark and him answering my questions for hours (especially when he tried to point out the little dipper in the sky, I know at least a 1,000 times...and I NEVER DID SEE IT! Not even to this day have I picked it out), eating fish...well at least to me it was...I ate Aunt Dooie's hush puppies!
Learning how to swim, via my dad fastening me in a life jacket and pitching over the side of the boat! This encountered much protest from my Aunt Dooie and Aunt Elva might I add. But I showed him, I got to where when the boat slowed down, they had to keep a close eye on me, because I got to where I would then just jump out of the boat!
Watching Joi play on a basketball team.
Getting up on Saturday mornings when I was little, finding where my clothes had been laid out for me by my mom, and where she left me a quarter for the corner store to buy an entire sack of penny candy and walking up to Aunt Dooie's for the rest of the day until mom got off work.
Taking Emily Douglas with us to Panama City Beach and watching her and Joi out in the water talking, giggling and planning their futures.
Seeing the rest stop area in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Don't knock it until you see it! It is on the Colorado River and I could have stayed at that spot for several days, much to my family's dismay.
Watching my dad fall on the slippery rocks in the river down by Gatlinburg, after he just got done yelling at me and Joi to be careful. He was in his jeans, and Joi and I cracked up! (just a side note---he did NOT get hurt.)
Hearing "I Love You" the first time, from Tom laying on a blanket, by the lake, in Belle, MO, where we were visiting his mom and Leroy where they lived back then.
Watching Joi, David, Jessica Worthen, and others at the donkey basketball game, their senior year. This was the first one I had ever seen and it was hysterical. Mom and Betty Brooks were laughing so hard, they were just as funny as the game.
Watching Cindy Brooks, which was my best friend back then, play softball with Petrillo's Team.
Joi's surprise 16th birthday party to Chicago! Mom and I took, Joi, Lauren Miller, Emily Douglas and Rachel Means to Joliet, stayed at Aunt Alice's house the 1st night, then Aunt Alice, Cathy and Sammy joined all of us the next 2 days in Chicago, for sunning at the beach, shopping the Million Dollar Mile (not sure of name), the Navy Pier, dinner at DeBevec's, the harrowing taxi ride, and Shed's Aquarium, not to mention the sweet deal of a room the girls had (compliments of Cathy)!
My first time getting up on water skies and finding out that they were trick skies at that. I never could make it up on normal ones.
Being at my daughter's wedding on Makena Cove, in Maui, Hawaii, with both entire immediate families and numerous friends in attendance! Watching her include her dad, my dad and Tom to walk her down the aisle.
Seeing my daughter "WAVE" in the homecoming parade! (inside joke)
Getting married to Tom, on Panama City Beach, Florida, 9-27-00. This being a couple of days after one hurricane and a couple days before a new one was coming.

Whew, done with the first 25! Stay tuned, I will post the 2nd part soon.

Life As I Know It (Part 1)

2008-06-18T14:53:00.001-07:00

!!!!CMAFEST08!!!!

2008-06-17T18:35:00.000-07:00

Well, what can I say but WHOOHOO! CMAFEST08 was great again this year! And, this year Mom and I had company, Aunt Linda. I think I can say without any hesitation that Aunt Linda Loved it! The first night started off with a fly over of 4 USA fighter jets! Then Phil Stacey sang a knockout version of the National Anthem. Each night started with this fly over, a great line up of artists and music and then each night ended with fireworks! Aunt Linda got to see Dwight Yoakum, Josh Turner and Jeff Bates, what else do I need to say?! We went to the Opryland Hotel and took pictures, shopped at the Opry Mills Mall, ate at Demo's (great food!) and seen & heard alot of Country Starz! Some of who were Sugarland, Trace Adkins, Taylor Swift, Kellie Pickler, Faith Hill, Sara Evans, Miranda Lambert, Ashton Sheppard, Carrie Underwood, Jessica Simpson, Alan Jackson, Dwight Yoakum, Keith Urban, Kenny Rogers, Billy Ray Cyrus (WHOOHOOO for me!!), Little Big Town, Phil Stacey, Bo Bice, Keith Anderson, Chuck Wicks, Darryl Worley, Bucky Covington, Jack Ingram, Randy Travis, Rascal Flatts, James Otto and many many more. Well, enough of me going on, so enjoy some of the above pics!!! and the Sugarland video below (just click on the white arrow/triangle to start the video). ENJOY! as we did.

UPDATE-CANCER WALK

2008-06-17T18:12:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm a little late with this, but my computer has been down more than up for the past week. I am typing this fast, just in case it decides to lock up again! We are all meeting between 7:45 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. Saturday morning at the Cracker Barrel in Caseyville on Highway 64. We will then go to the Fairview Heights Metrolink Station and take the train over to downtown St. Louis. It was brought up to use the Emerson Park Metrolink stop, but the last time we tried that stop, we could not get on the train. Hopefully everyone will be able to make it! I will have all the shirts for all at that time.

Just a note to all...Mom had her 2nd Chemotherapy treatment last Wednesday. She has felt pretty rough since them up to today. She is starting to feel a little better. Tomorrow, Joi is taking her for her blood test. Her hair has pretty much gone by the way, but she is still beautiful to all of us! We love you MOM! She has the best attitude during all of this! Here is a pic of her enjoying herself with Aunt Linda at CMAFEST08! I am adding a post after this one about CMAFEST, so stay tuned!

More bad news...Uncle Cletis has to have more surgery for the bladder cancer. We want to ask everyone to add him to our prayers also! We want to give him our support along with Aunt Norma, Donna and Veronica. We love you all!

CMA FEST 2008!

2008-06-12T19:13:00.000-07:00

Well, I know I am kind of late posting anything, since we have been back since Monday at 5:00 p.m., but I have been tired! I had to work Tuesday morning at 3:30 a.m. and I have still not caught up on my sleep. Therefore, tonight, I am going to post this small post and put in a larger one this weekend. WE HAD A BLAST! Aunt Linda's first time and she got to see her guy, DWIGHT YOAKUM!!! WHOOHOO! I got Carrie Underwood's signature and some good pics (will show later) and mom got to see one of her honeys, ALAN JACKSON (of course, his wife was there too!-she was signing her new book-which of course, mom had to buy and get signed also!) So here are at least 2 pics until I can get some rest and put in a new post.

P.S. Yesterday, Wednesday, June 10, was mom's 2nd chemo treatment. She did excellent! Today she felt a little weak, but no nausea, had an appetite and was up and around! Way to go mom! We love you! Keep up the prayers, we appreciate each and everyone of you and your prayers!

P.S.S. Joi challenged everyone to put in their list of 100 things in their life. I am currently working on mine Joi and will be posting them shortly. Stay tuned...

FAN FAIR HERE WE COME!!!!!!

2008-06-04T14:04:00.000-07:00

Well, it is 4:06 p.m. on Wednesday, June 4, 2008. I am putting the finishing touches on my packing and waiting for Tom to get home, so I can say good-bye! We are going as far as Cobden, Illinois tonight and bunking with & picking up Aunt Linda, then on our way tomorrow morning. It is a girls weekend and it is alot of fun (sure wish my daughter was going!...STOP ROLLING YOUR EYES JOI!). I kind of love my daughter and would like her along, she doesn't really like country music, so we (kinda) understand. I Love You Joi! So got to go, be home Monday, June 9, afternoon sometime. I will fill everyone in at that time about our FAN FAIR weekend! P.S. Billy Ray Cyrus will be there again!!!! WHOOOOOHOOOOO!!!!!!!

OUR LITTLE RETREAT!

2008-05-31T08:39:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone! I have not posted for a couple of days, too busy with work, working in the yard, errands, etc. But I thought, per a request from a friend, that I would post a couple pictures of our yard and show you the hard work Tom & I have been doing. These are pictures from last year, because the plants are not fully grown yet this year. I hope you enjoy seeing and browsing thru our little retreat! I know we sure enjoy it!

08' JACKSON FAMILY REUNION

2008-05-25T13:13:00.000-07:00

Well, another reunion has come & gone! We all got to see each other, catch up on current news in each others lives and renew our family connections. We had a moment of silence for those that are no longer with us, Aunt Ceil, Aunt Elva, Butch, Uncle Clarence, Uncle Gene, WE LOVE & MISS EACH OF YOU VERY MUCH! So now, just let the pictures do the talking! See ya all next year! I will add more pictures later, Mom's computer is not wanting to let me download anymore at this time!

THE HISTORY OF MEMORIAL DAY

2008-05-24T18:00:00.000-07:00

By Steve Paul Johnson, May 11, 2004
By the end of the Civil War, Americans came to realize the most devastating event in the history of the United States. It is estimated some 620,000 Americans were killed. Nearly everyone in the country had known someone that was killed during the war. While the Union side came to be known as the victor, both sides came away feeling devastated. Memorial Day was originally conceived as a day to memorialize the solidiers who lost their lives in the Civil War. It was first called "Decoration Day", in reference the decorations that were laid on tombstones, and hung from buildings.
The first time Decoration Day was first started is not exactly known. Officially, the date is known as May 30, 1868. However, the practice of memorializing Civil War dead, and decorating their graves goes back earlier.
The earliest known evidence of such observance goes back to various women's auxillary groups in the North and South, when ladies organized events to honor their war dead by decorating graves. The earliest recorded event took place on April 25, 1866 in Columbus, Mississippi when a group of women formed an association to decorate the graves of civil war soldiers, starting with those who died in the Battle of Shiloh.
The towns of Macon, Georgia, Columbus, Georgia, and Richmond, Virginia all claim to be the birthplace of Decoration Day, having first celebrated it in 1866. The town of Boalsburg, Pennsylvania claims to have celebrated the first Decoration Day in 1868. Carbondale, Illinois claims to have celebrated it first on April 29, 1866. In all, some 25 cities claim to be the birthplace of Decoration Day, most of them in the South.
To settle the dispute, President Lyndon Johnson issued a proclaimation in 1966 naming Waterloo, New York to be the official birthplace of Memorial Day.
The origins of Waterloo being the birthplace of Memorial day goes back to Henry C. Welles, a town druggist, who apparently conceived the idea in the summer of 1865 by mentioning it to a friend. Sometime later, he mentioned it again to General John B. Murray, a civil war hero, and plans were finally put in place to organize an event, which was held on May 5, 1866. A similar event was held again a year later on May 5, 1867.
On May 5, 1868, General John A. Logan, the first commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, proclaimed May 30, 1868 as the official day for decorating the graves of civil war dead. The town of Waterloo, New York, as well as several other towns joined together to celebrate the first official Decoration Day on that date. Interestingly, Logan was the guest speaker at the decoration event that took place on April 29, 1866, in Carbondale, Illinois. It appears that experience led to his proclaimation.
Why Logan chose May 30th as the official day is also interesting, since the prior Decoration days in Waterloo were held on May 5, and the earlier Decoration event in Carbondale was on April 29. A possible explanation to this goes back to a french emigrant woman named Cassandra Oliver Moncure, who in 1866 organized a Decoration event in Virginia and picked May 30th. She explained that May 30th is the "Day of Ashes" when Napoleon's ashes were returned to France from St. Helena.
By the end of the 19th Century, cities all over the country were celebrating Decoration Day on May 30.
In 1971, Congress and the President passed a law that officially coined the name, "Memorial Day" and officially marked the last Monday in May as the official day. Many of the Southern States, however, have adopted their own dates:
Mississippi celebrates "Confederate Memorial Day" on the last Monday in April.
Alabama celebrates "Confederate Memorial Day" on the fourth Monday of April
Georgia celebrates "Confederate Memorial Day" on April 26.
North and South Carolina celebrates "Confederate Memorial Day" on May 10.
Louisiana celebrates "Confederate Memorial Day" on June 3.
Tennessee celebrates "Confederate Decoration Day" on June 3.
Texas celebrates "Confederate Heroes Day" on January 19.
Virginia celebrates "Confederate Memorial Day" on the last Monday in May.
On December 2000, Congress passed the National Moment of Remembrance Act, which created a new commission, the "White House Commission on the National Moment of Remembrance". It's goal is to "promote the values of Memorial Day by acts of remembrance throughout the year and to encourage Americans to demonstrate their gratitude by giving back to our Nation".
- Steve Paul Johnson

2008 SUSAN G. KOMEN WALK FOR THE CURE!

2008-05-22T20:06:00.000-07:00

As of right now, I have registered everyone for the 10th Annual Run/walk on June 21, 2008. It is $25.00 per person. Joi and I will pick up all the t-shirts prior to the race at St. Clair Square and have them for everyone by race day. Mom and Aunt Norma will get pink survivor hats and t-shirts as well. Race Day Schedule is

6:30 a.m. Race day Registration Opens

6:30 a.m. Survivor Pavilion Opens

6:30 a.m. Team Photos begin

7:25 a.m. Survivor Procession

7:55 a.m. Aerobic Warm up

8:40 a.m. Wheelchairs Start

8:45 a.m. 5 K Runners start

9:00 a.m. 5 K Walkers Start

9:15 a.m. Fun Walkers Start

10:00 a.m. Awards Ceremony on the Main Stage

Awards will be presented to the First Place male, female, wheelchair and breast cancer survivor. The website is www.komenstlouis.org, if anyone wants to go look at everything. Cannot wait to see everyone there!!! WAY TO GO!

WOOOHOOOO!!!! & WOOOOOHOOOOOO!!!!

2008-05-21T19:39:00.000-07:00

On the Light side:

DAVID COOK WON!!!! YIPPPEEE!!!! We picked the winner on my vote site too!! WE ARE GOOD!

On the serious side:

Mom had her 1st chemo treatment today, all went well. As of typing this, 9:41 p.m., I just spoke with Mom and as of yet she has not got sick. She is just tired. WOOHOO! She had a rough start, because they check your blood first, her red blood count was down and white count up. This means she has infection somewhere, but she did not feel bad or have anything she knew of. We had to wait for them to notify the doctor and to get his "go ahead" on the chemo. Once he said yes, they had to prepare her medicines, and she had 2 people in line ahead of her. Once they started, she had a leak, therefore it took longer than it should have, but all in all, I think it went great for her. She said that she didn't even feel it when they put the needle into the power port, that made her happy (NO IV!) SO WAY TO GO MOM! WE LOVE YOU! and GOD, WE LOVE YOU AND THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING!

P.S. No one answered me regarding the cancer walk, therefore we will be signed up by tomorrow. (I know I said tonight, but I forgot that I had to watch the 2 hour American IDOL! I forgot it was on tonight.) Entry is $25 per person again this year. Joi and I will pick up the t-shirts again this year. We cannot wait to see everyone there this year! It really is awesome!

IT'S TIME...FINALLY

2008-05-20T20:11:00.000-07:00

Well, the day for Mom's first chemo treatment is finally here. She begins tomorrow morning at 10:00 a.m. Joi and I will both be with her and stay with her through the entire treatment. We are hoping that she will not get extremely ill, as the doctor said, "I will be very surprised if she gets sick with the vomiting and nausea." We are praying for that result! I know mom has to be dreading this, but she is staying strong (a little snippy at times...just kidding mom!), as she had been through the entire process, which began in February. It has been a long road for her, but hopefully she is at the top of hill and starting downhill now. I know she still has a long road ahead of her, but we will all be there with her, along with the rest of all of you. Again, heartfelt thank yous is not enough for all the support from all of you, our family and friends! Keep the prayers coming! THANK YOU AGAIN! Love Bud, Sharon, Tom, Connie, Dave and Joi

P.S. Mom gave me everyone's information for the cancer walk today. I will be signing us up tomorrow night. I still have a couple of people left to get information from and answers of whether they are walking for sure. So far I have, Sharon, Connie, Joi, Norma, Donna, Veronica, Linda, Jane, Brenda, Nanette and Michelle. If I have forgotten anyone, someone please let me know. If anyone else wants to join us, or knows someone that may want to join us, please tell them to come join us for the day! It is for a great cause, it makes for an awesome and inspiring day!

My Mother's day-even though it is late to be posted!

2008-05-18T09:26:00.000-07:00

This is everyone that I spent my Mother's Day with. I went out to eat at Texas Roadhouse with my family, then we went shopping and on the way home we went by Horseshoe Lake. I, of course, had to take pictures! Then my stepson, Shane, came by to see me. Oh, I cannot leave out the babies, Koty and Gizmo were there too! Love you all!

CONTRATS 08 GRAD MICHELLE!

2008-05-17T16:21:00.000-07:00

Congratulations Michelle, you finally made it the Big Graduation Day, May 16, 2008! WAY TO GO!

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY MOM!

2008-05-10T20:37:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day is a great day to let you know how much I LOVE YOU! We all love you, Dad, Me, Tom, Joi and David! (Koty, Gizmo and Niko Too!) You are terrific and the best mom in the world! I hope you have a wonderful day! Your loving daughter, Con

MY COUSIN SHELLY

2008-05-09T05:32:00.000-07:00

Shelly just got back to my Aunt Linda's after having emergency surgery! She was coming in to visit for awhile to help with her allergies and had an ulcer erupt on her! From what Aunt Linda says, she is doing ok, pretty sore and still some other problems, but let's all pray for her speedy recovery from her surgery and that she knocks out those allergy problems! This is a big hello to you Shelly and to let you know we are all pulling for you and praying for you to GET BETTER!

MAY DAY CAROUSEL

2008-05-07T05:17:00.000-07:00

Congratulations Michelle! It took me awhile to get the pictures off of my camera (I have 1500 on my card, so it took me awhile, they didn't want to load), but I finally made it. Last Friday night, my mom and I went back to good ole Granite City High School for the May Day Carousel. Nanette's daughter, Michelle, is a senior this year and was picked to be in the maypole dance! Michelle you looked beautiful! So congrats to her and her pending graduation, which is in a couple of weeks! So way to Go! You finally made it! Michelle, I will also take this opportunity to wish you a Very Happy Birthday, May 10th! May you dream big, live happy and reach the goals you pursue. You have the world at your feet! Enjoy this time in your life and Good Luck, from myself and Tom.

NEG-A-TIVE!!!!! WOOOOHOOOOOO!!!!!!!!

2008-04-30T18:33:00.000-07:00

YUP! You heard it...the Pet Scan results were negative! We are all very excited. We went to lunch @ Steak-n-Shake and celebrated! I am sorry I am posting this so late, but after the doctor appointment we went shopping...what else! Went to eat dinner, came home and had several phone calls prior to getting to my computer. But what great news for mom and all of us. We are very grateful to God for answering all of the prayers! What all this means is that now she has to undergo the chemotherapy, radiation and a pill "Arimadex (spelling?) for 5 years thereafter. Per Dr. Popovic, they do all of this is for prevention and to cure her completely. As he explained, a dot of ink made by just placing an ink pen on a piece of paper could be a cell containing thousands of cancer cells and not be spotted on a Pet Scan, therefore the treatment is to kill anything that small and make her completely cancer free!!!! So like Joi says, Mom is ready and willing to "Kick some CANCER BUTT!" Prior to starting chemo, on May 16, mom has to go to a chemo class and Dad, Joi and myself have to all be present. May 21, is scheduled for her first chemo treatment. Chemo is to be 4-6 treatments, depending on how mom's body reacts and handles the treatments. Dr. wants her to have at least 4, preferably the entire 6. Instead of 3 medicines mixed for the chemo, she will only have 2. This being because testing has found that the 3rd medicine is actually not needed. Before they can begin chemo, mom has to have an outpatient procedure scheduled with the previous surgeon, Dr. Harris, to have a port placed inside her shoulder. This port will allow them to administer the medicine straight into her veins without risk of collapsing her small veins in her arms. Chemo sessions will last approximately 4 hours each, and to our surprise, Dr. Popovic says that she will probably not get nauseated or have the vomiting. He said he would be surprised if she did have any of the vomiting, etc.(this was good news to mom...We hope it works as he thinks it will). He says she may feel a little bad, fatigued, etc., but nothing she cannot handle. Yes, she will lose her hair, therefore DOORAG time! Mom and I already went out and she bought a pink breast cancer hat, khaki hat and a pink & black bandanna to start her collection for items to wear at this time. I told her that maybe her hair will grow back in dark, curly and thick! (I have heard of this happening, really!) The chemo treatments will be every 3rd week. And as a side note, he planned the treatments to coincide with Fan Fair and her best week will be the week of Fan Fair so she can have the best possible chance to feel good and attend! I will just push her around in a wheelchair if need be, since she wants to see Carrie & Alan, you know...Underwood and Jackson! Then, once the chem is done, she gets to rest for 4 weeks. At which point, then the radiation starts. The radiation is used to pin point the area where the tumor actually was in the chest to make sure that they get that area thoroughly. After radiation is finished she will begin taking the pill Arimadex and continue taking it for 4 years. But as mom said a couple of days ago "bring it on, get it started and lets get this over with!" She is a fighter, she has had a great attitude, she seems to be healing wonderfully, has a family that loves her dearly and supports her 500%, and wonderful friends that love her! We cannot not say it enough...THANKS TO EACH AND EVERYONE OF YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT! IT MEANS A GREAT DEAL TO ALL OF US! Mom says "Thank you!" for all the cards, flowers, t-shirts, telephone calls, prayers, etc. etc. etc., she appreciates each and every one of you!

BAD NEWS FOR TOMS FAMILY

2008-04-30T07:26:00.000-07:00

I am beginning to think all we get lately is bad news. Yesterday, Tom found out that his brother, Randy Phillips, has leukemia. It is a slow kind of leukemia, but the doctors missed diagnosing if for some time. Tom did get to talk to Randy last night and he did sound pretty good Tom said. He was in the VA Hospital, but they sent him home until Thursday. He then goes back in to St. Louis University or Barnes for a three week set of intense chemotherapy. If this does not work, they will begin looking for bone marrow matches. Please keep Tom and his family in your prayers also. Randy needs your prayers!

As for mom, we are heading out to her oncologist in about 2 minutes. Keep up the prayers and we are expecting to receive great news! Joi and I will post an update as soon as we can after mom's appointment. Believe in those prayers! We love you all! Thank you from the bottoms of our hearts!

MAWMAW

2008-04-24T18:44:00.000-07:00

Ok, another update. Mom goes back to the surgeon tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. for her post op appointment and to make sure all is going ok. Hopefully he will release her to drive! I think she is probably feeling cooped up, I know she hates being without her wheels! As for the Pet Scan, it is scheduled for Monday, April 28, 2008 at 11:30 a.m. @ the CAM building at Barnes. Remember, we want her results to be NEGATIVE!!! So keep them prayers coming! We find out the results of the Pet Scan on Wednesday at 10:40 a.m. I will update everyone at that time. Thank you to each and every one of you for your thoughts, prayers, calls, flowers, visits, etc. etc. etc!!! We appreciate everything!

MORE MAWMAW NEWS!

2008-04-21T17:38:00.001-07:00

Well, more news. We all went to the oncologist today with Mom for her 3:40 p.m. appointment. She is seeing Dr. William Popovich. He seemed like a very up front, no nonsense kind of doctor. First things first, she is being scheduled for a Pet Scan this week at Barnes Hospital (previous one done several years ago at Barnes, therefore they will have one to compare to). Appt. 4-30 at 10:40 a.m. for the Pet Scan results (the Pet Scan is to see if there is cancer anywhere else in the body). If the Pet Scan is positive, she will just take a pill, Rimaden (spelling ?). If it is negative (the one we are praying for), she wil have to have a port put in (for the chemo) and undergo 4 to 6 treatments of chemotherapy. Each treatment consists of 4 hours, which consists then of one treatment every 3 weeks. Therefore chemo will last from 12 to 18 weeks depending on number of treatments. Once the chemo is finished, she will undergo radiation in the chest area. After this is done, she will then take the pill as above, Rimaden. I know, it seems that praying for negative results which then puts mom through more pain, etc., but that is the way this stuff apparently goes. On a good note, Dr. Popovich said that he would be very surprised if the results were positive, plus as I have told you all along, God is awesome and she is going to be ok! Keep that army of prayers a coming!!!!

As my daughter said, SHAKE, RATTLE & ROLL!

2008-04-18T19:07:00.000-07:00

Can you believe it!? Joi is upset because she missed the earthquake! I know, she is my daughter, but... I myselft do not think they are fun at all! I was at work this morning, I heard a rumbling noise, thought it was an unusually loud bus, then a loud crash, thought it was a bus with a stuck accelerator running into the buildin I was sittting in & right behind me. I was sitting in a desk chair, with rollers, my feet on the legs of the chair up off the floor, therefore when the crash happened, YUP! my chair was sent, with me in it, crashing into the desk in front of me. I grabbed the desk and my chair was doing the Watusi!! I looked out the dispatch window in to the lounge area and the walls were doing the HULA! Not my idea of fun. My next thought, EXIT STAGE LEFT! Then all went quiet. My heart was on 90 million beats a minute for about the next hour. My dear daughter, be glad you missed it. I hope to never feel another one, EVER! Then I got to feel the aftershock, enough already! Hopefully no one had any damage. Looking at the news online, seems there was quite a bit of damage in different areas. Hope if you did, you had earthquake insurance. Well, let's hope tonight and from here on out thinks are alot more SOLID!

ANGEL

2008-04-14T18:02:00.000-07:00

Well, I hear Uncle Lester went home. Mom is doing great, both emotionally and physically. I took her shopping again today, she bought a couple of new shirts and a capri pant to match a top I picked up for her the other day. She is doing really good. We are just waiting for the April 21 appt. for the oncologist to see where we go from here. Lynda, my friend, sent pictures of her son's house to me today, whew! I cannot imagine losing everything in a fire. I know my Aunt Linda can empathize with him. I have offered help, with some spare blankets, dishes, etc. and she is going to let him know. Hopefully we can help him in some way. Well, Susan G. Komen foundation did their kick off for this years walk the other day, therefore we can sign up at any time. I will post the information when I get the time to go over it all. This year I hope we have alot of walkers, to support our survivors- Aunt Norma, Aunt Dooie and My Mom! So lets go girls (and boys too!). I felt that with all the bad news lately and the losses of some loved ones, Aunt Ceil, Aunt Elva and cousin Darlene, that we all need an angel on our shoulder, therefore, I am asking God to send an angel to all. Ask and ye shall receive....Love Connie

Hello there!

2008-04-13T09:48:00.000-07:00

Well, I haven't been around for a couple of days, but I have been very busy. As you can tell from Joi's blog, we went with mom to her post-0p appointment, got her staples and drains out, Dr. Harris said she was doing excellent, excisions looked excellent and scheduled her appointment with the oncologist. She will be seeing Dr. Popovich up in Maryville by Anderson Hospital on April 21, 2008 at 3:40 p.m. We will find out what she needs to do from here. All of us will be with her on her entire journey! She is going to do great, just like she has so far. I went with Tom Thursday, for his colonoscopy, and he passed with flying colors, worked Friday 11am-8pm, Sat 5pm to 2am and today I go in in about an hour from 1pm to 10pm. So not much time, to be on the computer, but I promise, Joi and I will keep you updated on everything going on. I last heard that they were going to keep Uncle Lester until today. Once I find out more, I will let everyone know on that also. I also got more news today from my friend Lynda Matveychik, her son Allen is living in a rental house in Mitchell and it apparently caught fire and he lost just about everything. So lets keep all of these people in our prayers! God has a lot of work to do, but boy is he an awsome God and extremely overqualified for the job!! Thank you to everyone, always!

NEWS-UNCLE LESTER

2008-04-08T19:07:00.000-07:00

Well, I am posting this for my mother to everyone. Uncle Lester is in the hospital in Peoria. She said to tell all that he is in the hospital that he is always in. He has pnumonia, he is on an IV and oxygen. The doctor put him there to keep an eye on him. He was yelling through the phone at mom about having on "her" IV and "her" nose thingy, so..she says he is ok, he is just there so they can monitor him. If you want to call him, he has his cell phone with him, or at 309-677-7494. Per Dion, they said he would be best in the hospital and are keeping him a couple of days. He will possibly come home on Friday. Please pass it on. Thanks. to all.

IT PAYS TO COMPLAIN.

2008-04-05T13:37:00.000-07:00

Recently I held myself up in bed with my elbow while turning over one night. My sheets just ripped to shreds. This upset me, since the sheets were only approximately 2 years old, were king size sheets that when purchased "on sale" they were still $79.99. I bought these after Christmas to match the comforter set I received for that Christmas. The entire set was from Kohl's and made my Martex. I was upset because they acted like they were dry-rotted. Therefore, I looked Martex up online, wrote an e-mail regarding the above and sent it, not really thinking anyone would even answer. I explained to them I still have sheets my grandma gave my mom, which are still in good shape and that these were pretty expensive to be ripping like this in only 2 years, plus the fact I changed these and didn't use them all the time. Within about 4 weeks I received an e-mail asking me to send them the sheet and if they felt it was the manufacturer's fault, they would replace the sheet. I knew that a new sheet would not match my old one's (because I only mailed in the fitted sheet-the rest were ok.) WELL!!! to my SURPRISE!!! yesterday I received a box in the mail and inside that box was 2-king size pillowcases, 1 king flat sheet and 2 king fitted sheets by Ralph Lauren all in matching patterns. They are not my exact set, but believe it or not, they are actually pretty close to what I previously had!!! As my daughter would say WHOO HOOO!!!!! MARTEX is no longer, from what the woman told me, it is now Westpoint Home, Inc., and it apparently now owns RALPH LAUREN, Westpoint Home, Inc. you ROCK!!!

MORE NEWS REGARDING MOM.

2008-04-05T10:53:00.000-07:00

Sorry that I have not been on sooner, but I am down sick with "viral sinusitis", whatever that is. I cannot even go see or help my mom at this time, all of this is landing on Joi and Dad for right now. I cannot see her until I am on the medicine for 2-3 solid days per my doctor, per mom's doctor-they do not want anyone to see her that is even slighlty sick. Therefore I have to relay to all what Joi has told me. Mom went home yesterday, Friday, and is doing very well. She surprised the doctor by how well she was doing. He also informed them that the test results on the lymph nodes was positive for 2 of the 7. This means she will have to undergo chemotherapy. She goes back to Dr. Harris this Wednesday and I guess we will find out what happens from there. Hopefully I will be ok by Monday to see Mom and then I will give everyone more updates. Joi did put and update on her blog (http://daveandjoi.blogspot.com/) Everyone's prayers for mom are very much appreciated by all of us. God Bless all of you for everything.

MOM IS OUT OF SURGERY

2008-04-02T19:25:00.000-07:00

Well it has been a very long day! Mom had to be at the hospital at 10:45, first they said they were starting on her at 12:00, then they called and said 1:00, then they called and said they were actually starting at 2:00. The surgery was finished at 7:00 p.m. It took 5 hours (doctor said to allow at minimum 4 hours). He came ans talked to us around 7:20 p.m. said she went through the surgery wonderfully. He did not see any cancer on the chest wall. He did however feel several swollen lymph nodes, took tissue samples and they will be sent to the lab. We should hear about these within 2-7 days. They could just be swollen from reaction to the biopsy. If they are cancer, she will have to have chemotherapy. But we will wait and see on the results. Whatever the case may be, as I have said before, she is going to be OK! She may have to go through some things, but again she will be OK! I worked this morning from 3:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m, and have been sick all day, getting worse as the day rolled on, therefore this is very short. I am going to bed and plan to stay there all day tomorrow to get better, so I can help with mom. Joi is off tomorrow and Friday, therefore, hopefully I can get better. Do not want to make Mom sick. Please keep her in your prayers, as you all have been, and with all our wonderful family and friends, she will pull through better than before. We love and appreciate each an everyone of you. Thank you for the bottom of our hearts!

WHAT ARE SISTERS FOR?

2008-03-29T19:19:00.000-07:00

Well, I will tell you...LOVE & SUPPORT! As everyone knows, I do not have any sisters, or brothers for that matter, but today I did see first hand what sisters do for sisters. My mom's sisters, Brenda and Linda,my dad's sister Louise "Aunt Dooie" and Jessica (Aunt Brenda's grand-daughter) came up from Cobden, IL to surprise and spend the day with my mom. They wanted to spend the day with her and give her their support for this upcoming week and her surgery. Mom's other sisters, Aunt Betty-had originally planned to come, but the unfortunate circumstamces of this past week did not allow it. Aunt Norma-could not come, but is coming up for the surgery on Wednesday, along with all the above again. What a great show of support for my mom. I love them all and want to tell them that I appreciate them all more than they will ever know. Thank you all. I also want to tell all of the rest of our family and friends that their show of support, love and prayers is also appreciated more than they will every know.

You are all the best!!!!

MORE BAD NEWS

2008-03-26T18:35:00.000-07:00

We received bad news that my cousin, Darlene, passed away yesterday, March 25, 2008, from a massive heart attack. She was 56 years old and would have turned 57 on October 22 this year. Aunt Betty is her mother and my mom's oldest sister. Darlene was the second child of 5. Our prayers go out to Aunt Betty, Uncle Hollie, Betty Ann, Scott, David, Pam her brothers and sisters and especially her 2 sons, Will and Joel. May God be With All of You at this time. Love Tom and Connie

HELLO

2008-03-25T17:53:00.000-07:00

Well, hello everyone! I hope this finds everybody doing just fine today. Not really much new going on here. The flood waters are going down, no snow today, little bit warmer, no rain, kind of windy,...WHERE IS SPRING? I keep waiting for it, it is not showing up! Now they are calling for rain tomorrow, rain Thursday, Friday, Sunday,... WHEW! What do you think of the new dolphin picture? I LOVE IT. I found it yesterday just browsing on the internet. So, of course, I just had to show it off to everybody. This is fun, it is like having a daily journal, that everyone can read. Koty is having problems with her ears again, just like Niko. What are we to do with these puppies. Gizmo has to have his teeth cleaned, just like Niko did. Dogs! But we love them. Tom lost his cell phone, therefore we had to reactivate my old one, with his old phone number. Plus this week, I'm human, my hours were 6-3 yesterday and 8-5 Tu-Fri this week! YIPPEE! Well, I hope each and every one of you had a great Easter. Gold Bless you all!

MOM'S SURGERY

2008-03-24T19:05:00.000-07:00

Just a note to let you all know that mom's surgery is scheduled for Wednesday, April 2, 2008 @ 8:45 a.m. Thanks for all the prayers. Keep them up! Will update everyone when we have more information.

HAPPY EASTER!

2008-03-22T23:14:00.000-07:00

Well, it is that time of year again and Easter is here! To me it is a time of rebirth, spring, new beginnings, etc! I hope this post finds everyone healthy and happy. It does not sound like we will be having beautiful weather, but that is ok, because we know with Easter's arrival that the nice weather is on its way. Start watching for the crocus, daffodils, tulips, bud's on trees, rose bushes budding, birds chirping, grass growing and much much more wonderful things happening all around you. Didn't God do a wonderful job on this earth?! It is beautiful and it goes through a rebirth everyyear! Please enjoy some of my pictures that I think show some of this beauty. I hope you enjoy them, enjoy your Easter and your families! Again, HAPPY EASTER to all, from Tom, Connie, Koty & Gizmo

MARCH-DAFFODILS!!!

2008-03-18T18:30:00.000-07:00

Well, as everybody knows, I love daffodils and I collect daffodils! In fact, I collect anything and everything that has daffodils on it. They remind me of both of my grandmothers. When I was a little girl and we went to Cobden during Easter, both my grandmas would take me out in their yards, help me pick a bunch of daffodils and send me home very happy with my flowers. This is why I love them so much and March, well it is the month for these beautiful flowers to pop up everywhere and show us all their glory. I just recently found out that my cousin also loves this same flower and her myspace has them displayed all over it. She sent me the picture I attached to this post. Thank you Shelly. I checked my yard today and yup, they are on their way. I don't know about anyone else, but I just think they are beautiful and signal spring is on the way! What a wonderful reminder of my lost loved ones. So here is to my Grandma Minnie Jackson and Grandma Nellie Braggs, I love and miss you both!

FINALLY!

2008-03-17T18:53:00.000-07:00

WHEW! I worked for about 3 hours yesterday and 1 hour today, and I finally replaced my visitor counter! Not sure why it disappeared, where it went, etc., but it was gone! It was not easy to replace and would not go in to the design as before. When I was checking on how to insert the counter I found that there are alot of people having this problem. Apparently the templates have been updated, from what I have found in my research. Therefore I had to add it to the sidebar. It is not exactly what I wanted, but for now... It will have to do the trick. I'm just happy I finally figured it out! It was driving me nuts! (I know not a far drive.) So there is the reason I have not posted anything in the last couple of days. I had to reset all my colors, layout, counter, etc.

Just a note to everyone, after mom's doctor appointment on Friday, March 21, I will post the new information regarding her upcoming surgery. Right now, she has been sick for the last couple of days and would not have been ok to go thru with the surgery on Wednesday anyway. Therefore, we appreciate all the prayers, thoughts, cards sent to mom, etc. from everyone. Thank you.

NOTHING IN PARTICULAR.

2008-03-12T19:53:00.001-07:00

Well, just a note to say hi to everyone and thanks for reading my blog. I am having fun with it, glad my daughter talked me in to doing one. It is a great way to keep everyone posted on things going on, sharing ideas, etc. Nothing new to report on mom as of yet. The surgery is tentatively scheduled and as a result, I will wait until things are definite and I will post the information as soon as I can after receiving the information. Also, a note to all, I will try to contact everyone after the surgery, but in case I do not call everyone right off the bat, I do plan to put in an update on this blog as soon as I get home from the hospital that day. So keep in touch, keep reading and glad to hear comments from everyone! Like I said before, this is really pretty fun!

MARCH 7, 2008 - MORE SERIOUS NEWS

2008-03-07T21:12:00.000-08:00

Update on Mom's biopsy results, as some of you already know from me, have read Joi's blog, or you may not know, dad, Joi and myself all went with my mom to her doctor's appointment today. The doctor gave her the bad news that her breast biopsy results were diagnosed as cancerous. Mom will be having a double mastectomy within the next 2-3 weeks. At that time, the doctor will perform the mastectomies and he will take out lymph nodes and check them for cancer. If the nodes are cancer free, then all mom will have to recuperate. If the nodes are cancerous, then she will have to undergo chemotherapy and radiation. The doctor seems to be hopeful, as the lymphatic tissue he removed from the breast and her blood, all tested cancer free. Our prayers are that the lymph nodes are cancer free as well. We love her with all our heart and want her to be around for a long time to come. We feel God is taking care of her and leave her in his more than capable, wonderful, loving hands. I love you MOM! Dad, Tom, Joi, Dave and myself all love you more than you will ever know. Our family appreciates any and all prayers for mom.

We received additional bad news...my dad's sister, Elva Stauffer, passed away last night. If I am correct, she was 91 years old. We love her and her infectious laughter and wit will be missed. The visitation is Sunday, March 9, 2008 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm, at Elias Smith Funeral Home in Bethalto, IL. The funeral is Monday, March 10, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. Don & Rick may you have God's peace at this time and know that we are all praying for you.

CMAFEST 2008!!!!

2008-03-05T19:31:00.000-08:00

Well, June will be here before we know it and the CMAfest will come with it. Last year mom and I went by ourselves, previous years we had Aunt Alice Jackson and Betty Brooks along for the fun. This year we have a new addition, AUNTIE LINDA!! She will get to go see all the great artists, get up close & personal, maybe some autographs, music, music, music!!! If anyone is wanting to come along and join the fun, just let us know. It really is alot of fun. It is June 5, 6, 7 & 8, we come home on the 9th. If you want to look at any other information you can go take a look at www.cmafest.com/ The more the merrier. I cannot talk my daughter in to going, it is just not "her scene". Take a look at the artists that have signed up to appear so far this year...

Rodney Atkins

Faith Hill
Alan Jackson
Jewel
Miranda Lambert
Kellie Pickler
Sugarland
Taylor Swift
Josh Turner
Carrie Underwood
Dwight Yoakam

HERE WE GO AGAIN!

2008-03-04T19:39:00.000-08:00

Well, Sunday had a high of 78 degrees, Tom even went fishing for about an hour (I was home sickly with the flu!). Yesterday was around 66 degrees and wet. Today! Well, you guessed it, stay around a day or so and the weather will change, that is what they say about the St. Louis area. Boy, are they right! Today we had snow, sleet, ice, rain, snain, more snow (up to a foot in some areas), school closings (just ask Dave and Joi), messy highways, accidents on the roads, cars in a ditch, etc. etc. etc. Work was NOT FUN! Big change from day to day, wouldn't you say?! Plus, they just said more snow is on its way, OH BOY, I'm excited...NOT! Well, anyway, I couldn't pass up the photo ops, so enjoy. P.S. Sorry I haven't been on for awhile, but as I said before, I have been sick since last Friday.

CANCER WALK

2008-02-26T19:08:00.000-08:00

Ok everyone, here is the date for the cancer walk in St. Louis this year. The site does not have any other information available at this time. I will update everyone as they update the site. This is just an FYI for everyone to mark the date, or check with to see if they will be available to make it. Hope everyone can make it again. We do have a good time!

OK, I NEED HELP, WHICH LOOKS BETTER?

2008-02-24T17:22:00.000-08:00

I am wanting to put one long shelf across an entire wall, like I seen on Oprah-a room Nate did, to place pictures and collectibles on. I like both of these, but am having a hard time picking out the ones that would look the best. So what do you think?

AIN'T THEY CUTE!

2008-02-24T17:00:00.000-08:00

I was downloading pictures from my camera and messing around with them and they were so cute, I thought I just had to share them with you all. Koty (the princess-she thinks) is the solid white spoiled rotten shih-tzu and Gizmo (the handsome little boy) is the one with more brown on him. The tall guy in the middle, well I think he is cute too, and you all know him, Tom-my wonderful husband. Like I said, ain't they cute?!

ENOUGH!

2008-02-23T17:11:00.000-08:00

Well, I don't know about anyone else, but I am sick of this bad weather! I want spring to come! I know you can do it Spring! Just come on and get here! At least today it was sunny, cold, but the sun was out. I need the sun, I think it helps and makes everything cheerier. I know all my relatives down south are proably really feeling this about now! So here is a pic that I can look forward to. My yard blooming!!!

Blog savvy!

2008-02-15T20:57:00.000-08:00

Well, how do you like the music? Me Too!!! I did it all by my lonesome! And boy did it surprise me when it worked, I mean it really works! I thought about it, browsed the site and viola! There is was, I read it, got confused, read some more, got more confused, tried to follow directions, got lost, read some more, followed more directions an VIOLA!!!! Plus, I finally got a myspace. Not really sure what my address is, so cannot post it right now. Not really sure how to get around the site, use it or anything else about it. But I did get one, and I have FRIENDS! my daughter, my aunt and my cuz!!! So I guess I am doing something right, I just don't know what. I don't know how to post anything yet. I downloaded the IM, but don't know how to use it either, so bear with me. I'm trying! But I do feel happy about being able to figure it out, eventually that is. So hope this finds everybody doing great! I got off at 8:00 tonight, therefore it is getting late and gotta go. I'll leave this picture for everyone, a very peaceful site. At the Tetons. Enjoy. I HOPE EVERYONE HAD A GREAT VALENTINES DAY!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!

2008-02-13T19:17:00.000-08:00

WELL, I WOULD LIKE TO WISH ALL MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS A VERY HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY! I LOVE YOU ALL!

Mom the Roses are for you, I love you!

Joi, of course the star gazer lilys are for you, I love you!

MY SPACE???

2008-02-12T17:53:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I'm a dumbie, but how do you sign on, or see, or become a friend, etc. etc. etc. on my space? Could somebody please help me?! My Aunt Linda e-mailed me her site address, but I couldn't figure out how to do anything. It says you have to be accepted as a friend. HOW DO YOU BECOME A FRIEND? You have to sign in to see her site. When I sign in, I go to my fake site. SO HOW DO YOU NAVIGATE MY SPACE??!!?!?!?!?!?!? Somebody PLEASE, HELP ME!

STL Today Post Dispatch Reba & Kelly Review!

2008-02-11T19:55:00.000-08:00

Reba McEntire/Kelly Clarkson
By Daniel Durchholz
SPECIAL TO THE POST-DISPATCH
02/08/2008
On its face, Thursday’s Reba McEntire/Kelly Clarkson concert before a sold-out crowd at St. Charles’ Family Arena seemed a study in contrasts. Here was superstar singer and actress McEntire, exuding country cool in jeans, boots and a rhinestoned top. Next to her was pop/rock singer and 2002 “American Idol” winner Clarkson in black pants, bare feet and a black t-shirt that read “Ruled by Dread.” If not for the lights and the dozen musicians behind them, they’d have looked like a well-maintained mother and her punk-aspiring daughter on their way to the mall. But both are powerhouse vocalists with enough mutual admiration to warrant a tour that reprises their 2007 appearance on CMT’s “Crossroads” program and their earlier duet that capped off Clarkson’s winning season on “Idol.” The dynamic between the two has never wavered: Reba’s the master and mentor, Clarkson her more than slightly agog pupil. The nearly two hour show found them both onstage throughout, singing each others’ songs, trading vocal lines and backing each other up. It was odd seeing Reba rock out and even play a little air guitar during Clarkson’s numbers such as “Ms. Independent,” “Never Again” and “Since You’ve Been Gone.” But she more than held her own and even schooled the younger singer a bit on Clarkson’s “Idol” hit “A Moment Like This.” Clarkson, meanwhile, thrilled to singing with her hero on her own “Beautiful Disaster,” the gorgeous Patty Griffin hymn “Up to the Mountain,” and some of Reba’s many hits, including “The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia,” “Still,” “Is There Life Out There?” and “Fancy.” At one point, McEntire pointed to Clarkson and off-mike, mouthed the words, “She’s good.” She was right, but it wasn’t necessary for Clarkson to reciprocate. Reba’s classy presence and perfect vocal performance spoke for themselves. As encouraging as it is of late to see the Family Arena score increasingly good bookings, it’s fair to ask whether they can handle shows that sell out. Many fans on Thursday were subjected to a pre-show traffic jam that lasted nearly as long as the show itself. The parking lot overflowed and cars were forced to park in fire lanes, across the entrance/exit lanes and along the road outside the venue. It must have been a shock to some to be looking for a nice country/pop concert and get a nasty Woodstock flashback instead.

Diamonds are a girls best friend! Help Me Choose!

2008-02-11T19:19:00.000-08:00

Well, with Valentine's day coming up, I began thinking about something I have wanted for a long time, a diamond cross necklace. They are not cheap, but I'm worth it right?! Well, maybe on my 10-year anniversary, but still, I am trying to decide, which one I like best! There are actually 3 I like, but I cannot find a picture of the one at Hudson's, but I did find pictures of the other 2. Therefore, I am posting these 2 and describing the 3rd one. Go ahead and leave comments to help me out!

The 3rd one is-- a single line of round diamonds on each line of the cross (this is the most $). The diamonds were very clear and very bright, and the necklace was plain and very pretty. Now look at the other 2. What do you think?

WHOPPEEE!

2008-02-08T05:36:00.000-08:00

Well ladies and gents, the concert is done and over! and WHEW! WHAT A GOOD ONE! Reba and Kelly Clarkson done outstanding, both of them did. I do have to say though, that Kelly can out sing Reba. Now don't get your panties in an uproar if you are a Reba fan, because I am too! I have always thought Reba is excellent, especially since one time, long ago, I heard her sing acapella and blew me over, but still... Kelly out sings her. Kelly has finally learned how to drop down a octave on the ends of her songs, instead of pushing her voice, sounding scratchy and them loosing her voice by the end of the night, IT WAS FANTASTIC! I am so glad we went. Plus they had the comedian, Melissa Peterson (the one that played Barbara Jean in the "Reba" TV show) open for them and she really did a good job. We can't say enough about the bad parking lot for the St. Charles Family Arena, but all in all WHOPPEEEE, I'd do it again. Oh, yeah, did I tell you Kelly and Reba sang my favorite song of Kelly's... Well yes indeedy they did- "Beautiful Disaster" (as some of you may already know), this is my ringtone on my cell phone. Well, gotta go! Mom and Joi are waiting, for "A shopping we will go!" I would post a picture of the concert, but they are all on mom's camera, bummer.

NO MORE SNOW!

2008-02-03T09:35:00.000-08:00

Well, we got the SNOW! That dirty 4 letter word and 8.4 inches of the stuff! But yesterday was pretty nice, even kind of warm. I went around wearing just a sweatshirt. Pretty good with 8 inches of snow on the ground. Now just keep your fingers crossed that it doesn't snow by or on Thursday night, remember I have my favorite femme's concert coming up and I don't want to miss it or for it to be canceled. Two times is not a charm! (Joi was going to take me to see Kelly Clarkson, she even got tickets, but the concert was cancelled.) So keep your fingers crossed for me! I am ready for spring and for Daffodils!! My friend Lynda is asking my mom and myself to come down to Arkansas and see Garvan Gardens for Daffodil Days! This is a big MAYBE on my list of things to do. Depends on the days and if I can get off. As everyone knows, I love and collect daffodils, so here's to them.

SNOW YUCK!

2008-01-31T18:10:00.000-08:00

I HATE SNOW! I REALLY REALLY DO & IT JUST KEEPS ON A COMING! 7 ADDITIONAL INCHES EXPECTED TONIGHT ON THE THE 1 1/2 INCHES WE GOT TODAY! I HATE IT! THAT'S ALL FOLKS! NO MORE WORDS TONIGHT!

SNOW! NO NO NO

2008-01-30T17:54:00.000-08:00

Well, here we go again! Not only are they saying we will get snow by Friday night, but I have heard we could get 6 inches or we could be dumped on like New York was previously! Up to 4 feet, depending on if the storm blows through or stalls over us. They say it is building up in the gulf just like it did before it dumped on New York! NONONONONONO! I HATE SNOW! I do not want any snow! I want summer! I have plans next Thursday night and I do not want any snow to mess up my plans! My daughter, mother and myself have tickets to go see Reba and Kelly Clarkson! I am looking so forward to this concert, therefore NO SNOW! Mom and I seen them together in Nashville last year at Fan Fair, see pic. They were great there for one song, seen them on CMT crossroads and it was great, so expect the concert to be great also. Do I sound excited? Yep I do, cause I am. Help me keep the snow away!

Weather

2008-01-29T18:29:00.000-08:00

Wow! Are we having some strong winds or what?! What they say about the St. Louis area is true, "If you don't like the weather, stick around a couple of days it will change." A couple of days? Who are they kidding! Today when I went to lunch @ noon it felt like it was around 70 degrees, by the time I got off at 5:00 p.m. the wind was gusting up to 60 miles per hour, it was snowing and felt like it was in the teens! This was all in about 5 hours! I think they said we hit a record high for the day. I won't be surprised if we end up hitting a record low, especially with the high winds, low temperature, it should produce really low wind chills! BBBRRRRRRR! Well, enough of that. Gotta go, but I will leave you with a picture to match! It is from around Christmas, but who cares, it fits. Stay warm!

EAGLE DAYS!

2008-01-27T09:14:00.000-08:00

Well, we were going to go look at the eagles again today, but for some reason Tom changed his mind. We went last weekend and seen about 20 or so, and are they beautiful and big! We went up through Hardin, crossed the Hardin bridge and ended up in a real small town called Hamburg. The picture I posted is from the parking lot at the Brussels Ferry up by Grafton. The mayor of Hamburg told us about going to a town called Winfield, MO where he seen several hundred eagles, which was our intended spot for today. Instead, we are going to Bandanas to eat, with my favorite people, my family.

Trying It Out!

2008-01-26T22:50:00.000-08:00

Well, here I go! My daughter says I should start my own blog and that it is very simple. So, I have decided to try it. I enjoy looking at the pictures she posts and reading her little snippets she puts in, thus the reason I'm giving it a try.

This is my husband Tom and myself in front of Yellowstone Lake this past summer. Boy was it beautiful! Well here goes, the start of my own blog page.