Fun times yesterday. Mom was able to spring from rehab for a few hours and come see the great-grandkids. I think it was really good for her. She is doing so much better. The kids were really wound up and had so much fun just running around in the good weather we finally had.

Mike and I are leaving for a quick trip to Washington D.C.today. He has to make his appearance at a show so we thought we would take advantage of the time and see some sites. It's been a long time since I've been in D.C. Hopefully I can check out the holocaust museum and the Viet Nam Wall. Mike needs to get away and sort some things out. The stress of the job is almost unbearable for him right now. Not sure where it will end. But I know it will work out for the best, one way or another.

We handed off the Rendezvous to Kerri and Eric yesterday. That really makes me smile!

Taking Mom to the heart doc today. I am trying to stay optimistic hoping I hear that she is right on track with her recovery. Not sure that is true. Once again, I am trying to live one day at a time. So glad Mike will be home more this week, I need him for support.

I am really enjoying walking. Up to 4 miles a day. Got some new shoes so I'm ready to rock 'n roll.

Can't believe it's the middle of May and I turned my heat on and lit my fireplace this morning to get the chill off. crazy weather!

Went to church with Kerri and the family yesterday. Wonderful sermon at the Mt. Vernon Presbyterian church. Great art show by the kids too. Pickle accidentally painted the back seat of Pap's car with his super hero cape he made in children's church. Uh-oh! Never a dull moment.

Wonderful week-end.

"Why did this have to happen?" I hear her ask this questions as I look across the hospital room. My mother, once young and vibrant, always there for me now frail and scared. She called me Thursday morning early and asked in a weak voice if I could come help her. She just couldn't get herself to breakfast. She couldn't get herself out of her chair. To our shock she had experienced a heart attack some time ago and now she was suffering from four blockages. How was she still here? No wonder simply answering the phone had been a struggle. Why did this happen? It's just life, that's the only answer I had for her. I'll never forget hearing her tell her doctor, "you see, I know the Lord and whatever happens is just alright with me." It happens because things happen on a journey. This is just a journey, it's not our destination.

Well, it's true, we never know what a day will bring. Mom is in the CCU, has at some point had a massive heart attack and has two almost complete blockages. She's a tough little lady. I'm not sure why she is still with us except that it once again points out that God is really the one in control not our weak bodies. She is getting wonderful care and the doctor looked at me and said. "I strongly believe you have to have a beautiful heart to have a beautiful smile and your mom has a beautiful heart." Wonder what today will bring? Whatever it is, I want to smile.

I had a very good week. That's not always true when Mike is gone but I made some progress getting through a strange time that I have been experiencing. I accomplished some practical things, spent time with family and accomplished some personal things that needed to be done. I feel more centered than I have in a while. I've done some soul searching and realize that I am more in love with the people in my life, (God, husband, family) than I ever have been and that realization brings about a real peace. I am truly a blessed woman and I am so glad that those blessings don't depend on what I have done, they are just mine for whatever reason. I thank God for all He has given me, I truly don't deserve it.

Yesterday was one of those rare days that seemed to go on forever. I couldn't understand why, most days fly by in a blur. I know why now.....thank goodness it is finally Thursday again. They can start playing basketball again. I felt lost, no where to go. BUT, it's Thursday and here we go again. I know, you're asking me what I'm going to do when it's all over for the season. DON'T! I can't think about that right now. Hopefully the weather will break and I can be outside doing something summery. Until then... let the games begin again. I love college basketball. GO BUCKS! (What if they lose you say? I can't hear you!)

It is unbelievable. All four of Kerri's kids have strep. Even baby Cora. It has been such a tough winter and it seems they have had everything imaginable. But never fear, spring is still going to make her appearance. It won't be long. Yesterday was very nice and we are going to get the mustang out this week-end. That is a true sign of spring. We went to Mikey and Nicole's for dinner last night. I wandered around the yard and had flash backs of me playing with chalk on that driveway as I watched my grandson. I went in the work shed that dad built and I sensed him there, piddling. They are really enjoying the house and it makes me happy that the family memories are continuing in that place. I am so blessed with beautiful memories. It is a real gift.

We had such a good time marking Cora Jean's first birthday. It was a great party and she is such a little sweetheart. Just thought I'd share a few pics of the day.

I am in Indianapolis In. enjoying the Big Ten basketball tournament with my husband. OSU plays again at 1:40. I am hoping they win. While getting ready I was watching the news scroll across the bottom on the t.v. screen. The devastation of the tsunami is horrific. People missing, property gone, earthquakes, nuclear power leaks. Sounds like a nightmare but it's real. As I stood there reading "AND IN OTHER NEWS" came across the screen. "the N.F.L. has not met their deadline.....yada,yada, yada! REALLY? Are you kidding me? I'm already sick to death of it. The only thing that saddens me are all the "little" people that depended on the nfl for their income. Do the players care? Do the owners care? I won't even take the time to answer that. Trust me, I will get along just fine without the nfl this fall.

What a good week-end. We celebrated Cora's 1st birthday. What a little darlin'! I just don't understand why time must travel so quickly. She looked adorable in her little tutu and boy does she eat up the attention. She loves people. God has such a good sense of humor, giving my introverted daughter a little girl that already loves to be the life of the party. She will definitely make life interesting. Then today, Mike and I went to the last OSU b-ball game. Can't believe the regular season is over. And what a finish!! So much fun. Sorry NBA, you don't even come close to the excitement of a bunch of college kids, playing their hearts out. All from so many backgrounds playing for the love of the game. There's just nothing like it. Now on to the Big 10 Tourney and yes, Mike and I are going. We bought tickets to all the sessions, the entire week-end full of b-ball. So looking forward to it. Then bring on the madness. March madness.... the most wonderful time of the year. And this year we just might win it all, at least it should be a good ride.

I guess that's what life is all about... always having something to look forward to. What's after March Madness well, golf of course and the beach and more birthdays!

This precious little thing is turning "1" tomorrow. What a wonderful gift, the unexpected kind... the best kind possible. She has already filled our lives with more joy than any of us deserve. Happy Birthday Cora Jean. Nana loves you.

This precious little thing is turning "1" tomorrow. What an absolute gift she is, the unexpected kind, the best gift you can have. She has already filled our lives with more joy than any of us deserves. Nana loves you precious Cora Jean.

It's been a looooong winter! I keep telling my self spring is just around the corner. I think we have earned the right to have a really nice spring. Often our springs are so short and rainy and we jump right in to summer. I would love a nice, sunny,warm, open up the windows because there's no humidity, isn't it nice we got a quick spring shower for the tulips type spring. asking too much? I don't think so. Hopefully the Big 10 Tournament and March Madness will be enough to make the time pass til that beautiful weather arrives. And it will, hope "springs" eternal!

Well, sick again. I haven't been sick for soooo long and then twice in a few short weeks. Both times, Mike is out of town. I think I'm on the downhill side of it. Looking forward to Monday, and getting back in the swing of things. Seems like just when I'm ready to get on a roll and get some things accomplished I get interrupted. Next Sunday we will leave for Tupelo Ms. for just three days but I am really looking forward to seeing a friend I haven't seen since we lived in Chattanooga. Wow, that was about 25 years ago. It will be fun to catch up with her.

We will soon be celebrating Cora's first birthday. I can't believe how quickly this first year passed. She is absolutely adorable and has stolen everyone's heart.

Not quite sure what is happening to OSU's great season. Two losses now. You just never know from game to game this year. So many really good teams, not really great ones. March will be fun.

I guess that's it for my thoughts today, sorry so random.

I don't like it when hubby is gone, don't like it at all. After all these years, you'd think I would get used to it but no. However, I have learned that the right frame of mind and plenty of projects makes it somewhat easier. We are going to redecorate our powder room and I am trying to purchase the new items. Overwhelming to say the least but fun too. I also have a scrapbook to finish but I am relying on someone who will remain nameless for some pics that I need. This might be the first one not completed for the birthday party. I know, I know... not the end of the world. I'm having dinner with friends tonight so yes, I am staying busy. Unfortunately market has started with some difficulties but with a lot of prayer and phone pep talks we'll make it. I'm so glad that after 36+ years of marriage, I still miss him.

Back again from Puerto Rico. A very nice week but I can fill my days up with hammocks and poolside for just so long. I love coming home and yesterday we filled up the house once again with beautiful, adorable kids. We finally took Trey for his promised birthday lunch. We enjoyed Five Guys burgers and Graeters at Easton. He is such a fun kid. He seems to be holding on to the little giggle that makes him so endearing. He loves it when Paps picks on him and he loves to pick back, always trying to get one up on his funny Paps. It is really fun to take one at a time and have the time to move in close and really talk and really listen. I often say that I wish they would just stop growing, it is happening so quickly right before my eyes. But.... there is something really exciting about watching and wondering who they will become. One thing for sure, nobody has grand-kids like MY grand-kids!!

Now the sad news. Yes, it happened. We all knew it would. OSU lost to Wisconsin. They gave up a huge lead. I'll just say one thing - Jordan Taylor. Hope they are ready for Mich. St. Hopefully we can win out. Soon it will be selection Sunday and March Madness!! Yes!! Go Bucks.

Cold Sunday morning. Austin was at the emergency room again and with Daddy gone, it was stressful on Nicole, so I was on the phone with her a lot. He's fine after another steroid treatment. He even told his mommy (at two o'clock in the a.m.) " that was fun!" He was telling the nurse about his "baby Coya". I don't know how many furniture markets I have lived through, but I still don't like them. They are the biggest necessary evil in my life. But....once more, I will persevere! February would be brutal if it wasn't for my wonderful husband taking me to Puerto Rico again. I am so looking forward to the sun and sand. I need to find a good book to take and update my i-pod.
I really do have a lot of projects to accomplish, Cora's book not being the least of these. Can't believe she will soon be a year.

We are in the dark days of winter and it is turning out to be a tough one. It hasn't hit our home yet (knock on wood) but my poor daughter has had more than her share. She is the only one in the family that hasn't gotten some sort of illness yet. I really hope they can get past this soon. It ha been far too long since I have seen them and tomorrow is the last basketball game for Riley and Trey. The latest casualty is Riley and he is so upset at the prospect of missing his final game. I worked for hours today trying to find the right house for our beach vacation. Hope we made a good choice. As I look out at the snow and cold, I remind myself that before we know it we will be at the beach once again. Sometimes as I get up in the morning, light the fireplace, turn on the winter lights in my dining room and prepare for another day, I feel a little overwhelmed at how quickly each new day rolls around. I feel as if I am in a very strange chapter of my life. Not bad, just different. I really can't put my finger on it, sometimes I just wonder if I am doing enough with my days to make them count. I hope I leave something behind that has some eternal value.

December 29th, 2010. I turn 58. Amazing. Amazing that I'm 58, it's hard to wrap my brain around that. Amazing that I have been blessed with far more than I deserve. An amazing husband that makes me laugh and always has my back. An amazing daughter that has such a huge part of my heart and blesses me with a smile that lights up my life. An amazing son that has the art of making me laugh just seeing him walk into a room. Two children that I could not be more proud of and all the while they literally make life worth living. You really don't want me to start talking about the grandchildren. Just suffice it to say that I really don't need Christmas or birthday presents... I have 5 that make any gift look trivial. I am still blessed with a mother that has loved me unconditionally all my life. I can't forget my sister who becomes dearer to me with each passing year. A son-in-law and daughter-in-law that love my children and are sharing life with them in a beautiful way. Yes, I am amazingly blessed far beyond what I deserve.

I have a very special song that reminds me of my grandkids everytime I hear it. It's called "You Make Me Smile". The highlight of my Christmas was watching the boys as I played each of them their own DVD made up of pictures that I have taken through the years. Thanks to my friend Jen for doing all the techy stuff I could have never done. I will have pictures playing in my mind of each of them for the rest of my life. Hopefully this is something they can carry with them as they grow to remind them of how much they made me smile. Yes, we had another beautiful Christmas and I'm looking forward to another wonderful year with the unbelievable family that has so blessed my life. Happy New Year.