The fun of a "Guess"

Girls!

(Paige, Grace, Amy, Kaylee, Haylee Kate, Stashia, Debbie, Gentry)

We've got an abundance of girls in our family.
Yes, we also have some handsome guys in our family, but with the exception of two, it seems that a guy must marry into our mix to find a place among the girls.

Lil' Mama is pregnant with #3.
So what's your guess?

Will we continue with our string of Granddolls or will we add a "boy child" to the mix?  

What's your guess?

GIRL?

or

BOY?

*It will be July before we know Gender.

The Naughty Pig

Knotty Pig BBQ, 

a Tulsa tradition.

Not being one to forego tradition

Mister and I became the "Naughty Pig"

on our weekend trip to Tulsa, when we indulged.

Is there anything better than a  BBQ Bologna Sandwich?

Nope.

Nothing!

Strangest thing.  When we lived in Louisiana none of our friends  had ever heard of BBQ Bologna, let alone eaten any. 

So tell me,

Which state do you live in?
Have you ever eaten a BBQ Bologna Sandwich?

Can you find them where you live?

Variety is the Spice, and we're Spicy!

Such a variety of things happening during May.  We made another drive to Tulsa on Saturday to celebrate a brand new teenager, our youngest Tulsa granddoll.

Happy 13th Birthday, Grace!!

We began by eating dessert first!
Gave her the choice of The Cheesecake Factory, a local ice cream shop, or a yogurt shop she frequents.  Yogurt was her choice - chocolate with candy toppings..

Then we spent the afternoon shopping with her for clothes & makeup, before a stop at a HUGE video/game/arcade "The Main Event".  We finished the afternoon up with dinner at the place of her choosing, a restaurant along the river.  She ordered sushi (BLECH!) and ate every bite!...How well I remember the day she was born - I digress.

* * * * * * * * * *

This is sooo very random, but I have the need to share.  I've tried making my own Taco/Chili Seasoning Mix before but haven't found quite the right combination UNTIL last week.  Today I doubled the recipe and filled two containers with the mixture.  Bring on the Tacos, Chili, and even brown beans.  Love this stuff!  Found the recipe on Pinterest.  You may already make your own.  I'm often late to the party with things like this, but in case you're interested here is the recipe:

6 T chili powder

4 t ground cumin

3 t. paprika

2 t. garlic powder

2 t onion powder

1 t black pepper

1/4 t cayenne pepper

Mix together and store in an air tight container.  Use 2 T with 1 lb of meat. I put my mixture in an old spice container but a baggie would work just fine.

* * * * * * * * * *

When we bought this house last year we knew we wanted/needed to update the guest bathroom.  It's so frightening hiring a contractor when you're new to the area, but I think I'm about 24 hrs away from signing on the dotted line.  Wish me luck.  Yes, there will be before & after photos and I sure hope they're of the happy variety.

* * * * * * * * * *

Expecting guests next weekend.
Going back to Tulsa for yet another graduation.
Then, HK will be spending next week with us.
Stay tuned!

SURPRISE!!

Sometimes life brings little surprises.

Sometimes life brings big surprises.

Then sometimes life brings
BIG honkin', knock-you-on-your-butt
surprises...

It's true!
(Would HK and Lady GaGa lie?)

Little MaMa and Mr. Hubby
will be presenting us with a new grandbaby
for Christmas!

I admit I had to sit down when I got this surprise news.  Little Mama's health is quite fragile and tho this wasn't in their original plans, God has seen fit to bless them with yet another sweet baby, and who are we to not be thrilled with such a precious gift?!  Soooo, yet again, Bloggy friends, we are off and running with a very high-risk pregnancy.  

I'm lovin' me some Ephesians 3:20

"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...

Grandbaby #6!

Mama's Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up...

"Mama's don't let your babies grow up..."
Period.
Don't let them do it 'cause this is what will happen.

Your adorable, chubby cheeked, ballerina

will become a beautiful, smart, confident, capable, well-adjusted young adult ready to soar.

Congratulations sweet Kaylee.
Class of 2016
I love you!
So proud to be your YaYa.

Ok. Can someone hand me a Kleenex?  

I've got it!

I've got a bad case of it, "Flower Envy".

I recently took a walk through Woodward Park in Tulsa.  A feast for the eyes.  What is it about flowers that make women swoon? I dream of lush, big gardens that I can enjoy every time I step out my door, then I'm reminded that most things, including flowers, begin as "babies".

My "babies".

First Spring in this house.

Dreaming is free and unlimited.

Got any "babies" at your house?

Twice!

I've been to the hospital twice this week and that's two times more than I like.  I wasn't the patient either time, but I have such a "thang" about hospitals.  Guess I'm never gonna out grow that phobia.

Mom fell in the bathroom.
She said she simply toppled over backwards.  She smacked her head really hard on the tile floor.  She never lost consciousness but was quite shaken.  Mom's 86, so we thought we'd best go to the hospital to have her looked at.  Much to my surprise and my pleasure she checked out just fine.  Kudo's to a great ER doc that checked her out thoroughly.  Such a pleasure to get good care.

The nice lady who sits with Mom a couple of days each week, while I shop or have appointments, is in the hospital for her second knee replacement.  I wanted to visit, so Mister drove me to three different hospitals.  Yes, THREE, in order to find her.  Then, when I finally got to the right hospital  I realized I didn't know her last name.  I know, that's horrible!  I know all sorts of things about her and her life, but not her last name.  It's just never come up. Long story made short, I finally found her and we had a good laugh about the situation.  Only 24 hours since her surgery and she was doing GREAT!!

Don't you just love a story with a happy ending?

THE END

On Call

               Calling all hummingbirds!

As I See It

Isn't it a beauty?!

We've lived in our current house for 10 months and I finally got around to getting an electrician out to put another outlet into our garage so I can finally plug in the freezer!  Woo Hoo!  Big day here!

And, if it couldn't get any better (and it does),  I found 3 blooms on one of my tomato plants this morning!!

I saved the best till last!

This weekend we went to our little niece's Minnie Mouse birthday party.  She's a  whole two years old now.  "Linley", and her Mom and Dad were all dressed in Minnie Mouse tee shirts and her Mom had all sorts of Minnie Mouse party "stuff" to carry the party theme.  We've loved watching our 6'4" nephew morph into the sweetest, goo-goo-ga-ga Dad of his precious little daughter. Such good parents.

Sweet times.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * 

My blog isn't set up to allow me to respond to your comments, but please know I read them all and value you, my bloggy friends.  Perhaps I'll figure out how to re-work my blog to allow for that at a later date. 'cause so often I would like to "talk" with you.   Thank you so much for all your sweet words of encouragement on my previous post about my Mom.  You're the best!

I just can't hide it.

I want to be gentle, and say this quietly, "We've had our last freeze and our temps are OUT-OF-THIS-WORLD-BEAUTIFUL now.  Maybe I got a little loud.  Sorry.  I know many areas are having some bummer weather and still waiting for Spring, but it's arrived here and "I'm so excited!  I just can't hide it.  I'm about to lose control and I think I like it"!!

Marigolds to keep the mosquitos away.

If "they" can be believed.

Thriller - Geraniums

Filler - Begonias

Spiller - Sweet Potato Vine

"Herb", one of my favorite guys!

Parsley, Rosemary, Mint.

*All these plants have been potted now.
Does that mean they're "pot heads"?

Groan...I know.

These pots were white and used at Lil' Mama's wedding last year.  Let's hear it for a 10 minute spray paint job, and now they're black.

Kinda scrawny now but we'll revisit them when they've had time to grow bushy!

And of course I couldn't have gotten all of this done without my helper, "Mighty Murphy".  He didn't do much work but look at that suntan he's rockin'!

I've added a few things to my container garden since I took these photos.  So far, so good.  I decided to go entirely by containers.  The Oklahoma soil that we're on is beyond awful and I'm too lazy  busy to even think about amending the soil. 

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Those that follow me regularly know that I'm (along with my sister) the caregiver for our 86 yr old mother who is dealing with dementia.  I started not to write that, but the truth is there is no shame in dementia.  In all actuality Mom is doing very well.  She is physically healthy, and tho' forced (by the dementia) to live entirely in the moment.  Most of her moments are spent quite happily watching TV, enjoying a car ride, eating her favorite foods, and seeing photos and hearing stories about her grandchildren and great grandchildren who she no longer remembers.  Memories are important so we must savor them while they are ours, because there may come a time when they become out of reach.  At the same time, there is a lesson in simply being present and enjoying the now.  Hope your "now" is happy, be it sunny or snowy. rain or shine.

   ~Sweet Tea/deb

Reality Check

I had a surreal moment last week, one of those moments I know I'll remember forever...I had walked HK (our 3 yr old granddoll) to the park which is about a block from their house on base.  There were 8-10 kids playing around. At 5 pm each day the national anthem is played over huge speakers on base.  I was chasing after HK when the LOUD music began, but immediately my surroundings felt different.  I looked around me to see that all the "play" had ceased as each child stood at attention, facing the direction of the music, hand over heart.  A little ashamed, I quickly assumed the position.  The sky was blue, the sun was shining, and a gentle breeze blew my hair.  The little 6 yr old girl who was standing close by cut her eyes in my direction and said, "You know what that means?  It means the Americans are coming!".  I felt my eyes grow misty with pride.🇺🇸

Reality check:

There are sad/bad things that happen every day, but there is still quiet beauty and goodness that live among us.  And for that, I am thankful.

                    ********************************                    

Many of you have asked about our youngest daughter.  Many of you have prayed for her too.  Thank you so much!!  She is out of the hospital now.  She was in a private hospital, not a VA hospital (someone asked). They have yet to connect with a doctor who seems willing to run the needed tests to make a solid diagnosis.  They are trying to get an appointment with a different neurologist soon.  We believe finding a good doctor will be the key to her medical situation.  She has insurance, so can't understand the hesitance to run the necessary tests...Thanks for your on-going prayers & concern.❤️

Mmmmmmm

The mowers were here today which means I got to smell my favorite scent, "freshly mowed grass".  Mmmmmm.  The smell of Spring.  Spring comes early to the south.  That's just one of the things I love about this region.

But, as much as Murphy and I love Louisiana we're ready to go home.  We plan to be back in Oklahoma for Easter.🎈 H-O-M-E.

While I'm Away . . .

What was intended to be a 2 day visit in Louisiana has turned into a 2+ week stay.  Our youngest daughter is still hospitalized but the doctors are preparing to send her home soon.  No diagnosis.  No treatment.  Just pain meds.  The medical system is failing us.  I need to dwell on some happy thoughts so here are the some"bunnies" that are running the house (along with Mister) while I am away.

This little bunny is perched on the window sill

In the guest powder room so he gets a somewhat "captive" audience.

These regal rabbits sit happily on the dining room table, tho' there's not a single carrot to be found.

And this chubby bunny hangs out on the coffeetable. 

I asked who left all these Bunny eggs, but he's not saying.

Did you spy the pink bunny on the chair across the room?

                         ********************

Amidst the fun may we all remember why we rejoice..

Have a wonderful Holy Week.

Clap, clap, clap out your crazies...

It seems the monstrous rains that have dealt many Louisiana families a real hardship, are over.  The sun is out and I swear you can hear flowers opening and grass turning green.

This wigelia shrub has been beautiful but I just got around to taling a photo after it had passed it's prime, BUT, it you'll look to the left you'll see some beautiful bright pink blooms.  Doesn't that tickle your insides a little?  Spring.

This is my view from the sofa.  *smile*. Remember those days?  It's busy.  It's messy,.  It's tiring.   But you and I know a secret that young parents don't - This is sweet.  This is "prime  time".  This is a time you'll always remember with a smile.

I'm enjoying playing Mom to these sweet girls, though I admit I'm tired by the end of the day.  Being YaYa is an easier role, for sure.

"Clap, clap, clap out your crazies.

Jump, Jump, jump out your jiggles

Stomp, stomp, stomp out your sillies...."

Such a cute little song we sing

And maybe a good mantra for me to take home with me when the time comes.

And the beat goes on and on and on and on...

We made the drive to Louisiana last Friday, before the rains began.  It was no ordinary visit.  No siree this was a special occasion visit.

Ms. Hk was turning THREE!

Can you count those fingers?

She absolutely loved her big day of cake, ice cream and candles.  She totally "got it" this year.  There were also lots of presents then an outing to see Kung Fu Panda.

Of course I could not/would not/should not forget our chubby micro-preemie, Lady G.  This girl runs the place, she hollers and her wish is our command.  Some might say she's a bit spoiled but she prefers the term "high maintenance".

I wish I could end my post here, but there's more...Lil' Mama had another small stroke Saturday night.  Her husband and Mister took her for the ER run.  It was quite scary seeing her that way.  She is recovering at home.  Mister drove home Wed and I am staying in LA for at least 10 more days to help out while she regains some strength.  Lil' Mama is 21 yrs old.  She was totally healthy all her life until this last pregnancy when she came down with ecoli.  Since the birth of Lady G she has been plagued with bad migraines, epilepsy, and has had 2 small strokes.  We feel she's not received good medical care, so she continues to struggle...oh my, this is a long post.  If you've read all this you deserve a BIG KISS from  ______________ (you can fill in the blank)...BTW if you follow the weather you know that Bossier City is in the middle of torrential rain and flooding.  So very thankful the kids live on higher ground and are not affected, many are not so fortunate...Done.  Not another word.

Sweet.Sweeter.Sweetest.

I was out running errands and look what I saw all over town!

Spring has arrived very early in Oklahoma!

No one's complaining.

And, when I peeked into my front flowerbed

look what I saw - my Hydrangea bush.
I brought it from Louisiana and transplanted it here in the hot summer.  So happy to see it has made it through the winter..

Then, when I thought my day just couldn't get any sweeter, I made these great finds at Target! 60"x104" blue tablecloths, $5 ea.   Placemats $1.25 ea.  Perfect for my house!

May we all have many days as sweet as this one!

Murphy's Law

Meet MURPHY!
He's an 18 mo old mini Wienie dog mix.
(He tells me he's not offended being referred to as a Wienie dog, rather than a Dachshund, since it's so difficult to spell "Dachshund".)

He's a full grown guy at 10 lbs.

He's very sweet & docile and loves simply hanging out.

Standing guard.enforcing Murphy's Law as I worked in the garage.

Safe and snug in his new forever home.

I've never had a wienier dog before but I've learned quickly that when people see a Wienie dog they smile.

(Are you smiling?)

Does this surprise you?

I'm getting ready to make a big decision.
Actually, I've made the decision but am having problems making it a reality.  I.WANT.A.DOG.  Our last little dog (Schnauzer mix )went with Little MaMa when she got married last year.  She and our "Boudxy" had a special bond so she wanted him to live with her..  The good part is that we still get to visit and though he loves the activity of her busy household he's always happy to see us when we visit.  All the dogs I've ever owned have been rescue dogs.  I love the thought and they make great pets, but much to my naive surprise, it's very hard to rescue a dog these days.  

I went to the local animal shelter to find it filled primarily with boxers and pit bulls. It was a sad place because you and I both know that most of those breeds are not gonna find homes. There was row after row of  kennels filled with large, barking, dogs.  As I made my way through the large room of kennels I prayed all the doors were securely latched. It was actually quite intimidating. 

 I'm looking for a little house dog of some type, a small mutt would be just perfect.  When I inquired about them I was told that "they" went to specialty rescue organizations when they were found.

I've lost track of how many "applications to adopt" I've filled out for specialty rescue groups, humane associations, and various community shelters. Unless you've filled one out recently you won't believe all the questions they want you to answer.  I understand needing to know the basics but some of the questions are really invasive.  It seems there are more adopt-ers than adopt-ees. 

Does this surprise you?  

It does me.

So, dog-gone-it,

I guess there's nothing more to do than wait