Birthday Party Time.....

We are getting ready to celebrate the birthday

of the cutest 6 year-old EVER this afternoon.....

 

 

 

His birthday is not actually until Tuesday,

but we are celebrating a couple days early.

 

Actually, we will probably celebrate all week.

 

=)

 

I can't believe this sweet, green-eyed boy will be 7.

 

It seems like yesterday I saw him

on the ultrasound for the 1st time.

 

I loved him before I met him.

 

Literally.

 

He has brought so much joy and laughter to our Family.

 

There are not enough words to tell

you exactly how much I love this boy.

 

I'm sure there will be pictures to follow.

 

This week is Thanksgiving.

 

I'm so excited.

 

Those of you that know me, know it is my favorite holiday.

 

I. LOVE. IT.

 

Mainly, because it is Christmas,

without the emphasis on presents.

 

It's about being together, enjoying

each other and being thankful for it all.

 

Yes, we should be thankful everyday,

but it's not everyday we all get to be together.

 

I hope you have a wonderful week, Blog Friends.

 

Love you MUCH!

 

 

 

=], 

A Dangerous Stupid Decision.....

Last Saturday we were in Auburn with our oldest daughter when we got the phone call every parent fears.

Our youngest daughter, Kylee, who had stayed home with my Mother-in-Law, had been in a wreck.   I have to tell you, that 2 hour drive home was, no doubt, the longest ride of my life.   Turns out one of her passengers decided it would be funny to pull up the emergency brake while they were going down the road.

Not only was it very stupid, it was very dangerous.   Pulling up the e-brake caused the back tires to lock up.   Kylee lost control of her car, went off the road and flipped, landing upside down in a ditch.

Thankfully, all 4 of them walked away unharmed.

It totalled Kylee's car.

  It literally makes me sick to think of the what ifs.   Had it not turned cold, the top would have been off.   They were wearing seat belts.   There were trees on both sides they barely missed.   I am so thankful they are ok.   But I would not be true to my Blog Family if I told you I'm not a tad bitter about the whole thing.   Maybe, a lot bitter.   I know the one that pulled the e brake didn't mean for them to wreck.   Like I said, it was a stupid decision by a 16 year-old.   But, they could have all been killed and we could have all been planning funerals this week.   Thankfully, we weren't.   Love you MUCH!     =],

That Is Always A Good Thing.....

As soon as I got off work Friday, we loaded up
 and headed to Auburn to spend the weekend with Haley.

 

 It was nice having all the kids together

laughing, talking, and doing their usual thing, acting crazy.

There was a time, when Haley and Kylee
were younger, I thought they would never be friends.

I'm so thankful, now, they are not only friends, they are close friends.

That makes my heart smile!

=)

 

Having Haley at Auburn makes going to the games so much more fun.

 

I'm not gonna lie, it's really nice having

an apartment in Auburn so we don't have to

fight the traffic, rushing home after the game.

 

My beloved Tigers finally won,

which was just gravy on the weekend.

War Eagle!

 

I took my camera, but left my camera card at home.

 

Really smart, huh?

 

Yeah, I thought so, too.

Never fear, I did take a few with my BlackBerry.

Haley and Hayden

 

 The Gang!

Jordan-Hare Stadium

I was sad I didn't have my camera since
it was Haley's first game as an Auburn Student.

 No sense crying over spilled milk.

That's what my Mom would say.

Anyway, moving on.....
 

Hayden loves him some Tiger Walk.

 

He was hoping to get a high-five
 from Aubie, but that didn't happen.
 

There were a couple of very "blessed"
young ladies, wearing low cut dresses,
standing directly across from us during Tiger Walk.

When Aubie came through, those young ladies,
and those young ladies alone, had his undivided attention, lol.

You can't blame Aubie, they were really cute.

Hayden did get a high-five from
Coach Gene Chizik so that made it a little better.

 

Aubie is the #1 reason Hayden loves Auburn.


Aubie

I mean, what is not to love about Aubie?

He is, by far, THE best mascot, EVER!

 

Reason #2 Hayden loves
Auburn would be the Policemen.

Believe me, there are a lot of them when
you combine the Auburn Police Department, the
Alabama State Troopers, and the Lee County Sheriff''s Office.

 

 

#3 Reason.....

The Band.

The Auburn University Marching Band

I have an Auburn University Marching Band CD
Hayden always wants to listen to when we are in my car.

 

And, last but not least, Reason #4.....

Football.

My Beloved Tigers

 

Yep, in that order.

 

Hayden says, if he can't be Aubie
when he grows up, he's gonna be a policeman.

 

I just love that boy!

=)

 

 We'll be heading back to Auburn
 this weekend when we host LSU.

After Auburn, LSU is, and has always been, my 2nd favorite team.

I LOVE the Auburn - LSU Game!

It's also a night game.

A night game means cooler temperatures,
tailgating all day with friends and family, and a big crowd.

There's no doubt Jordan-Hare
Stadium will be electric with excitement.

It also means, I get to see my girl, again.

That, Blog Friends, is ALWAYS a good thing!


Love you MUCH!


=],
 

Sweet 16.....

I can't believe my baby girl is 16.

 

It seems like just yesterday, I missed
my period for only the 2nd time in my life.

(The other time being when I was pregnant with Haley)

 

It seems like yesterday, I was in deep
denial about being pregnant and had a good
 Friend telling me the whole time I was pregnant!

(Remember Tiffeney? I was on the pill, for crying out loud!)

 

It seems like yesterday, I was holding
that sweet 8lb 2oz baby girl for the first time.

 

It seems like yesterday, she started walking.

 

It seems like yesterday, she was
almost kicked out of daycare for biting.

 

It seems like yesterday, she was on the
sidelines cheering at pee-wee football games.

 

It seems like yesterday, she started kindergarten.

It seems like yesterday, she got braces on and then off.

 

It seems like yesterday, she got boobs.

 

It seems like yesterday, we
were wearing the same size shoe.

It seems like yesterday, she started High School.

16.

My Baby Girl.

My Outgoing, Outspoken Girl.

My Funny, Without A Care in the World Girl.

My Beautiful Gift from God.

Sweet 16.

Happy Birthday, Kylee Brooke.

You are the BEST surprise EVER!

I am thankful God knew I needed you and
had greater plans for me than I had for myself.

He's smart like that!

I Love You MUCH!



=],
 

It's a Really Big Deal.....

Got my Haley moved to Auburn.

 

She's already started classes and is settling in nicely.

 

I miss her like crazy!

 

I really miss our late night time.

 

She and I would usually stay up later than

everybody else so that was our time just to talk and be together.

 

I really miss that time.

 

Did I tell you I miss my girl?

 

I got my season tickets in the mail 

this week which always makes a girl happy!

 

6 days until kick-off!

 

Those of you who know me know I

love football, especially Auburn Tiger Football.

 

I mean, I REALLY love Auburn Football.

 

I love everything about it.

 

This year I have one more reason to love home games.

 

I get to see my girl!

 

I am so excited and can't wait for the first home
game which is September 15th, in case you were wondering.

 

She is coming home Labor Day

weekend so I get to see her then.

 

And yes, I am doing the Happy Dance!

=)

 

While we are on the subject of Auburn,

we had a Tailgate Party at work Friday.

 

Aubie, our beloved Auburn Mascot and

Big Al, Alabama's Mascot were our Guests of Honor.

Where I come from, that's a really big deal.

I don't think there is another rivalry like Alabama/Auburn.

 

It was such a fun day for our Patients, Employees and Families.

Hayden came so he could see Aubie.

He LOVES him!

 

Nothing makes me smile like seeing him smile.

I love this boy.

How precious is this?



This time next week I'll be talking about football.

6 days until kick-off.

Have I said that?

I hope you all have a wonderful week, Blog Friends!


Love you MUCH!


=],
 

Looking at the Bright Side.....

From the moment you have kids, you start preparing them for life on their own.     Now, that's probably not what you're thinking about as you're trying to keep them from sticking their fingers in the light sockets, or as you are teaching them to look both ways before they cross the street.     All the life lessons, all the moments of encouragement, all the words of wisdom and all the prayers lead directly to this moment.   Haley moves to Auburn tomorrow.   

   It really is bittersweet.   I know, without a doubt, God has amazing plans for her life.   I am so excited for her and the journey that lies ahead.   I can't wait to see where life takes her, and the people she will meet along the way.    I am so sad she is leaving.   From the time she was born, she has never lived any other place.    Like I said, bittersweet.    A good friend told me, it could be worse, she could be moving to Bama instead tomorrow.   I'm just looking at the bright side, Friends.     Love you MUCH!     War Eagle!     =],  

Random Weekend Ramblings.....

 First things first, my Mom's surgery went well. In fact, extremely well. After being on voice rest for a week, she was finally able to talk for the first time Thursday. Her voice sounds fabulous and we are extremely thankful! _________________________________________ Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within usEphesians 3:20_________________________________________  I sang yesterday at New Season Assembly of God for their Women's Conference. We had both great music and a fabulous speaker.  Thank you, Jerilyn, for inviting me. I had a great time. _________________________________________  The rest of the weekend has been spent on the water with the Family. We've fished, rode the boat, ate some really good food, and laughed. Especially laughed. A lot! I love my Family and I'm so thankful we are close. I can't think of anybody I'd rather hang out with than The Cousins. We've also had Hayden this weekend. It wasn't our regular weekend, but since my Brother didn't get him, we did. We want him any time we can get him and it certainly was a pleasant surprise to have him 2 weekends in a row! He's had so much fun! He definitely has a love for the water, just like our girls. Pool water, river water, it makes no difference to him. I just happened to take a few pictures of the cutest 6 year-old EVER yesterday. I'm sure you're shocked. =) 

 It makes my heart happy to see him smile. _________________________________________   It's gonna be an exciting week. My good friends are welcoming their baby boy into the world Wednesday. Well, it will be Wednesday, unless he decides to come sooner. I can't wait to meet Bryson. I love him already! _________________________________________  There may be a Road Trip in our future. I LOVE me a Road Trip! I REALLY love me a Road Trip if it's with The Cousins. Hopefully, those plans will be finalized soon. _________________________________________  Have a great Sunday and a wonderful week Blog Friends!   Love you MUCH!  =], 

For These Things, We Are Thankful.....

Was my last Blog update really February 25th?

Wow!

That is pitiful.

I could sit here and tell you all the reasons
why I haven't blogged, but I will spare you.

I will tell you we recently bought a new river lot.

The weather in North Alabama has been nothing less than perfect.

River Lot + Beautiful Weather = All my free time.

Maybe, just maybe, I have a few pictures for you.

=) These were taken with my cell phone so they are not the best quality. I apologize.      Crappie yours truly caught.  =)
 The cutest 6 year-old EVER caught his 1st fish of 2012
This is what you will normally find me doing.
Friendly neighborhood Game Warden came for a fishing license check. Never fear, we all had them. =)  
My Ahhhhhh-mazing view. =) It takes my breath away. I can tell you, besides Home, this is my 2nd favorite place. Can't wait to get the jet skis in and REALLY enjoy the water. The only problem with spending all my free time there is there is no internet service. I mean, really, isn't that the whole purpose? To get away from everything? I admit, it is nice, but I could update Gracie more often if I had it. Just sayin' Ok, now for an update on my Mom. We were referred to UAB and went there today. The left vocal cord is still paralyzed. If you'll remember, there was a questionable tumor in the neck. The Radiologist that read the CT said there was a tumor. Our local ENT said there was no tumor. The ENT at UAB confirmed there is NO tumor WHATSOEVER. That was the best news of the visit. As to what has caused the paralysis, we still do not know and probably never will. It has been diagnosed as Idiopathic. Meaning, it just happened. No cause. No explanation. It could be from the Remicade infusion she received in early November. It could be from a virus. The main thing we know, it is not from anything bad. Those have been ruled out. What happens next? April 5th she is havingsurgery to inject the vocal cord. This is a temporary solution. It will give her relief of her symptoms anywhere from 4 to 6 months. There is a chance the vocal cord could "wake up" on its own. We won't know that until the temporary injection wears off. It will be awesome if it does. If not, at that time, he will do a permanent treatment. We are hoping and praying it will wake up on its own. If not, we will do whatever we have to do. I felt really good after today's visit. I won't lie, I still want to know the cause. Quite honestly, I will always believe it was the Remicade infusion. However, there is immeasurable comfort knowing it is not from a tumor. Even though we don't know the cause, there are plenty of things we do know. There's no brain tumor. There's no chest tumor. There's no neck tumor. There has been no stroke. There's no myasthenia gravis. Yes, she may be facing surgery. Yes, it may be a temporary fix. BUT..... For these things, we are thankful.  Thank you for your prayers.  Love you MUCH!  =],

What's Next?.....

This has been an eventful week.

Let me bring you up to speed with my Mom. We saw the Neurologist Wednesday. I REALLY liked her. She said, in a lot of ways, Mom does present as someone who's had a stroke. Except. All of her tests have been normal. The CT was normal, the MRI was normal and the Carotid Doppler was normal. Basically, you can see it in person, but you can't prove it on paper. Does that make sense? She's also testing her for Myasthenia Gravis. She said that's also a possibility. Basically, we've had 4 different Doctors give us 4 different opinions. Mom is very frustrated, tired of not feeling well and tired of going to Doctors. It's the not knowing that frustrates me to no end. No matter how bad the problem, just tell me and we will come up with a plan to deal with it. But, here we are, once again, waiting on results.  What's next? Depends on test results. I also took Haley to the Doctor this week. Her hemoglobin and hematocrit were a bit low. Plans are to recheck it in a couple weeksto make sure it's back up where it's suppose to be. Mississippi Cousin came for a visit this week. It was so good to see her and have Dinner together.  We sure have missed her since Cowboy Charlie up and moved her to Mississippi. Yep, all your fault, Charlie! =)  She is happy though, and we do like to see her happy. =) But we do miss her, and are selfish. At least, we admit it. The other Cousin has pneumonia and spent all day in the ER yesterday. She is some better today after getting IV antibiotics, steroids, and breathing treatments. This is the first weekend in FOREVER we have not spent together. Cousin, I am having withdrawals. You have GOT to get better and SOON! While the girls slept in this morning, Hayden and I ran errands. We had a good time just running all over town together. He makes my heart smile. Really big. We, of course, ended up at Walmart. While the Chick checking out in front of us was buying yoga pants, I was in line eating popcorn chicken. What is wrong with that picture? Nothing, if you ask me. =) Let me tell you a funny..... Ok, we recently purchased a piece of property. We had to go to the Attorney's office to sign the paperwork and close the deal. There were 5 of us seated at a conference room table. No shocker, I was at the head of the table. To my right, was the Attorney, Seller A, Seller B, and Hubby, directly on my left. All sitting around a table. All looking at each other. The Attorney told us he needed to make a copy of our drivers license. No problem, I have that right here, in my purse. Let me get it for you. That's what I said. Sounded easy. Right? Wrong. I reached in my purse, and grabbed my wallet to get my license. Well........... I didn't just pull out my wallet. A panty liner, that seemed as big as a pool float, fell out on the table. OMG! Really? Yes, really! Did I tell you I was the only girl in the room? Yeah, I was. What did I do? There were only 2 things I could do..... Pick it up and Laugh. I did both. Oh, there was a 3rd thing..... Call Cousin. I did that, too. =)  I say it all the time, you can't make this stuff up. Such a true statement. Also, a BIG Shoutout to the Texas Cousin for running her 1st 5K today! Congrats, Cousin! =) She's running a 5K and I'm eating popcorn chicken in the line at Walmart. I am in need of an intervention. I am not kidding. Oh, I meant to tell you, if you tried to call me or txt me this week, and I didn't respond, my Blackberry was being contrarya couple days so, there is a good chance I didn't know you needed me.    Love you MUCH!   =],

Some Answers, More Questions.....

We saw the Ear, Nose and Throat Doctor, Dr. C, today to get all of my Mom's test results.

If you'll remember, she was diagnosed,
2 weeks ago, with a paralyzed Left Vocal Cord.

He ordered CTs of the Head, Neck, and Chest, which were done last week.

I'd like to tell you we saw him today and he told us
exactly what was wrong with her and what he is going to do to fix it.

He didn't.

In fact, I left with as many questions as I had when I went.

Maybe more.

The CT of the Chest and Head were both negative for tumors.

The CT of the neck, however, showed a 1/2 inch lesion on the left side of the neck.

The Radiologist said a malignancy could not be ruled out.

Dr. C reviewed the CT images, and just shook his head, saying nothing.

A Nurse brought a TV in the room so Mom and I could watch, and once again, he put the scope up her nose and down her throat to look at the area in question.

He looked.

And he looked.

And he looked.

And he just shook his head.

He said he still didn't see anything. Nothing other than a paralyzed left vocal cord.

He did say it is possible for a lesion to be "hiding."

But. He doesn't think that is the case.

He stands by his original diagnosis.

He thinks she's had a stroke.

Despite a negative CT scan.

They have ordered some additional testing.

She had a MRI of the Head this afternoon.

It will give us some extra details about what is happening in there.

He also referred her to a Neurologist.

He did tell me he would send us to UAB for a 2nd opinion if I wanted him to.

I do, but I don't think there is really any point right now.

Let me clarify, I don't want to go to UAB
because I think Dr. C. doesn't know what he's doing.

I have confidence in Dr. C.

I trust him. I just need answers. CONCRETE answers.

If I could get those answers at UAB, I'd go.

I have some answers; I have more questions.

So, the wait for results has started all over again.

Love you MUCH!

=],

Waiting Room Thoughts.....

Here I sit, in the waiting room of our local hospital, with a gazillion other people. My Mom has already been called back. Thank God for small Miracles. They are doing a CT of her brain, neck and chest now. Next is the Modified Barium Swallow. Have I told you how much I hate waiting? I hate waiting. It does give me a lot of time to think though. I just have a lot of random thoughts going on in my head today. Like, here I am, sitting still in this waiting room and my mind is in a whirlwind. It is not a good thing, by any means. I never said it was. But it's the truth. I have a mind full of "What ifs?' I have ran every possible scenerio over in my mind. From the worst to the best, over and over and then over again. Let me just tell you, I have COMPLETE faith in God. Don't mistake my mind wandering for some sort of doubt. It's not. But, I won't lie.  I am worried. I am afraid. BUT...... That is my weakness. My failure. My fault. Not His.  It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed. ~Deuteronomy 31:8~  He will not fail us. No matter the situation. No matter the problem. No matter the diagnosis. He will NEVER fail or falter. Let's face it, it's easy to remember that when all is well, and times are good. It's really easy for me to type those words this morning. I just hope and pray I remember them. Thank you for your prayers, Blog Friends.  Love you MUCH!  =],

Good News, Bad News.....

Good News and Bad News at Gracie's house this week....

Bad news first.....

Since my Mom's pneumonia in November she has continued off
and on to be breathless, hoarse, and at times, able only to talk above a whisper.

Of course, we all, including her Doctor, were thinking because
her pneumonia was so bad it was just going to take some time to
get completely over it and this was just lingering after effects of it.

However, since it persisted, he sent her to an Ear Nose and Throat Doctor.

She saw him Tuesday and got some extremely upsetting news.

Her left vocal cord is completely paralyzed, and he thinks she's had a stroke.

She is not to talk, completely resting her voice.

Her vocal prognosis is unknown .

He said her voice may come back and she may be able to
talk somewhat normal again, but she would never be able to sing again.

We are hoping he is not right about the singing part.

Singing is a HUGE part of our family.

She is having a CT of the head, neck and chest, along with a modified barium swallow Monday.

They are looking to see if she has indeed had a stroke, or if
there are any signs of a tumor that may be causing the paralysis.

There is a slight chance it is a virus that has attacked the vocal cord.

To be honest, I just need to know what it is.

I hate not knowing.

It drives me insane.

If you know what the problem is, then you can deal with it.

When you don't know, you feel helpless.

At least, I do.

I am worried, I won't lie, but I am hopeful.

Please say a prayer for my Mom.

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we
ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us
~Ephesians 3:20~


Now for the good news.....

My oldest daughter, Haley, received her acceptance letter from Auburn this week.

She will transfer to Auburn this Fall
and will major in Electrical Engineering.

She has such a brilliant mind.

I am so proud of her.

I can't wait to see the plan God has for her.

Without a doubt, it will be amazing.

Last week I was wearing flip-flops everywhere.

Today, we've had snow flurries and are under a hard freeze warning.

Have I ever told you I hate cold weather?

I HATE cold weather.

I'd rather be wearing flip-flops.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend.


Love you MUCH!

=],

Dinner and a Show.....

In case you were wondering, I had a fabulous birthday!

Even though I had to work, my amazing co-workers made my day extra special.

I got tons of txts, calls, facebook messages, cards and presents. =)

We celebrated by having Dinner with the Cousins and I had yet another birthday cake.

The Cousins thought it would be funny to use trick candles.

Just picture me trying to get the darn things blown out.

It was not a pretty sight. In fact, the more I tried to blow them out, the bigger the flame got.

Everybody in the restaurant was looking at us, lol.

Cousin's Hubby, BFF, was trying to sprinkle them with water.

Haley was asking where the fire extinguisher was.

Truth is, we really almost needed a fire extinguisher!

Seriously, it looked like a blow torch.  I was trying really hard to blow them out.
 But all I could do was laugh!
 That was the "After"

It was hilarious! I'm sure the folks at the restaurant had no idea they were going to get Dinner and a Show! It was a fun day. Hope your week has been good, Blog Friends. We're only a few hours away from Friday! =) Friday ALWAYS brings a smile to my face. =)  Love you MUCH,  =],

Happy Birthday 2 Me......Tomorrow!

Let me just start by saying, I have THE best daughters, EVER!

They baked me a cake tonight for my birthday, which happens to be tomorrow.

     Isn't it awesome?!?! I was SO impressed. Keep in mind, they are 15 and 20.
Here are the candles from the top. 


They made me laugh! I always told everybody I was 29 until Haley turned 20.

Then I decided I probably needed to add a few years. Ha! =)

They also gave me this.....  Haley's art + Kylees's poem.
I'm sure you can't read it, but this is what is says.....

Happy Birthday Mom!
May every second, minute, hour, day and year of your life
be filled with the kind of comfort, security, and happiness
you give unfaillingly to me.
Happy Birthday, Mom!
Without you, there would be a gaping hole in my life,
an emptiness that only your love can fill.
Thank you for all that you do, for
the extraordinary person you are.
Happy Birthday, Mom!

Yes, I cried.

I love them more than any of you could ever imagine.

I am so blessed to be their Mom.

So, Happy Birthday to me tomorrow!

It has been an amazing 41 years!
Love you MUCH! 
=],