As things stand now

Yes we did!

We watched them load everything in our house (except for a twin bed, a blow-up mattress, and a recliner) into their GONORMOUS truck and haul it away.  We're basically living in our empty house while our "stuff" vacations in storage somewhere in Garland, TX.  We're waiting to get a closing date on the soon-to-be-ours house in Oklahoma.  No definite date on that yet.

In the meantime we've been spending a lot of time with our sweet HK.  Little Mama could sure use your prayers right now as she struggles with a very difficult pregnancy.  She has a nasty ecoli infection that has spread to one of her kidneys.  It seems when she's not in bed she's at the doctor's office.  She was hospitalized for 4 days last week.  This is only week 15 of her pregnancy.  The med's she really needs can't be given to her because it would endanger the baby so she will continue on suppressant med's until she delivers. She also has developed gestational diabetes.  She's in the midst of a very daunting physical struggle..  Please add her to your prayers.  I thank you so very much for this.

I think the delay on our move has been a blessing in disguise, as Lil' Mama's not up to wrangling a two-year old right now.  I just can't say enough good things about our new SIL.  He is a gem - a great husband and father .  "Thank you, Jesus"!

Please pray for the health of Little Mama and for the unborn child!  

Thank You! Thank you!

Eighty Six.

Happy Birthday, Mom!

86 yrs. young today!

Our Louisiana family gathered Saturday evening for dinner at her favorite place, Olive Garden.  We had a wonderfully attentive waiter.   In the middle of our meal he handed Mom the dessert menu and told her to choose anything she wanted, free-of-charge.  She chose cheesecake with strawberry topping.  The minute he sat that BIG piece of cheesecake in front of her she immediately pushed the rest of her meal to the side.  There are few things Mom loves more these days than a good dessert!  Did I mention just how much I love my Mom?!

So blessed!

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

Mom is gonna spend a month with my sister and her family while we make the move.  She seems comfortable with the thought of moving and I anticipate that she'll do just fine.  She is an amazing, strong woman!  The Matriarch of our family!

TWO WEEKS.

It's such a bizarre feeling to realize
that in TWO WEEKS this house will be empty and we will no longer be living here.  Not just here in this house, but not even in my beloved, adopted home state of Louisiana.  Out of here! Oklahoma bound! That's where we'll be.

I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to live here.  I've loved the weather.  I've loved this house.  I've loved my Louisiana friends.  I've loved this season of our life.  I think anytime you close a "season" of life it's a little sad, especially when you're of a certain age and realize there are far more seasons behind than there are ahead.  Still, I'm looking forward to the next season and what it will bring.  God-willing we'll get to spend a lot more time with our Tulsa granddolls before they become completely grown up.  I also see lots of "girl time" with our oldest daughter in my future (since she'll only be an hour and a half away).  Have I mentioned just how fun and feisty she is?! My Sister and her family will also be close at hand, as well as our funny Son-in-law! And,  I'm hoping I'll be blessed with some new friends in our new area.

And then there's always the fun of "nesting" into a new (to us) home.

Life is a journey isn't it?

TWO WEEKS.
Then a new season.
Stay tuned!

Once again

I've been thinkin' and that can lead to all sorts of places, and today it led me down a nostalgic path.  I was thinking about times past.  Waaay past.  Would you like to hear some things that happened a very long time before I was "Sweet Tea"?  High School days. I told you you it was a very long time ago.

I once dated a very handsome young football player who was an "older man" - he was a Senior while I was a Junior.  He was quite the handsome guy.  Oh, I think I mentioned the handsome part before.  *wink*   We went out a couple of times.  I was nervous and giggly.  He was cool and far more "street wise" than me.  I found him fascinating and a little mysterious.  There were really never any sparks between us, rather, just a couple of fun dates.  Still, it's fun to reminisce.

There was another young guy, yet again, a year older than me.  He had reddish hair and blue eyes.  He blushed easily and was soft spoken.  He had a car and drove me home from school several times.  I thought we were just friends, until some friends told he he "liked me".  I was clueless until then.  I stopped accepting his offers for rides home from school at that point.  I figured it was easier to avoid him that it would be to say no if he asked me out.

I always replay these scenarios in my mind on Memorial Day.  How could I have known I was in the presence of a true hero when I was with each of these young guys. You see each of them was drafted into the military and sent to Vietnam upon graduating from high school.  Neither of them came home to see another Oklahoma sunrise or to reconnect with old high school friends.  Gone to soon.

Robert Tuell and Gary Dasher.

"Thank you for your sacrifice."

*This is a repeat of my post last year on Memorial Day.  I remember them "once again".

In the meantime. . .

Where to begin since I've been so lax with my blogging lately...Life since the wedding has been a whirlwind, but a "good whirlwind".  We've sold our house...We've bought a house...And now we're getting very close to the move.  It's bittersweet, but I'm trying to focus on the "sweet".  This move will put us much closer to our family in the Tulsa area.  Sweet!  And the fact that I think I'm gonna really enjoy our new (to us) house never hurts either.

In the meantime. . .

I enjoyed seeing my little rose garden

in full bloom, for the last time in this yard.

And I've been spending lots of time enjoying

our sweet little HK, who turned 2 in March.

My heart has over-flowed with joy watching the funny newly weds begin their journey together.  They are so happy and I love the way "Daddy" has stepped into this special role with HK.  I've watched him closely and there's no doubt that he loves both my girls with all his heart.  Knowing that their little family is off to a fantastic start makes the move easier for me and Mister.  Even though we will miss them terribly, I know they are gonna be just fine. 

Spending as much time as possible with my
Bossier BFF is also something else

I'm trying to do.  I love this sweet friend
and am gonna miss her like crazy!

Now, before I get completely sappy I've got to show you the view out the back door of my soon-to-be-home.

You KNOW how I love all things "green".

The yard also has room for me to garden.

AND

the move will put us within 2 hours

of our Tulsa family.

I will have the opportunity to spend lots more time with our 3 Tulsa grands, before they are completely grown up.  That's a BIG plus that puts a smile on my face.
AND
I'm looking forward to spending time with our oldest daughter and her hubby, as well as my sister and her family.

I.Am.One.Blessed.Woman.

"BRIDE" (the magazine)

Look whose photo (upper left corner)

ended up on the "BRIDE" website.  

You can read about it Here.
Go "Little Mama"!

WOW!

We were really surprised by this.

.

The Twilight Zone

"You are traveling through another dimension, a dimension not only of sight and sound but of mind. A journey into a wondrous land of imagination. Next stop, the Twilight Zone! "

Picture two teenagers talking in the hallway of their high school between classes.  Now let time fly by and imagine (que Twilight Zone music) that they reconnect on FB and plan to have lunch after not seeing each other since that last meeting in the high school hallway.  Now they've both raised families and are now Grandmothers.That's exactly what happened.

Still teenagers at heart.

This friend now lives in Texas and I live in Louisiana.  She came to my town for an appointment and we arranged to meet for lunch.  It was like no time had passed - doesn't that sound like The Twilight Zone to you?  Had a great lunch with her and her husband.  

Sweet.Sweet.Time.

MARRIED!

Just a few words to go along with the photos.  BTW, all the photos are snapshots taken by friends.  You can be sure the professional photos will follow when we get them.

Praise God!  The day was PERFECT!!

Sunny and *73 degrees!

This was Lil' Mama's dream to have

an outdoor Garden Wedding.

We're so thankful we didn't need

to move it indoors because of "weather".

The happy couple!

After they were pronounced "man and wife" they 

recited the "Parents Pledge", (Pledging to lead, guide, nurture, and discipline HK with a heart of love, etc.) which was quite moving.

HK was brought forward for this part

of the ceremony.

Look how our family has grown

through the years!

Our  DIL (on the left) and our daughter (in the middle).

I could not have done all the things we did for the

wedding without their help.

Then there was my "Bestie",

right by my side during the wedding day doing what Besties do.

And look at how our Granddolls have grown!

So blessed to have them participate

in the wedding.

No time to linger as HK is here while

Mom & Dad are on their honeymoon.

We are a happy family!

Laugh or Cry?

Look at the weather for Saturday.
We wanted sun.  Looks like we'll get it.
Now we need the temps to rise.

? ? ? ? ?

Planning an outside wedding

is an adventure.

* * * * * * * * *

Ah.  Do you smell it?
Nothing says "Spring" quite like the scent of self-tanning lotion.  I slathered that stinky stuff onto my glaringly white legs today.  It will be interesting to see how it looks in the morning.  One never knows what to expect.  It's kinda like the weather, huh?

* * * * * * * * * 

Things are actually quite low-key here today.

It makes me think of the country song,

"If I Knew What I Was Doing I'd Be Doing It Right Now".

* * * * * * * * * * *

I'm looking forward to seeing all my family.
Besides being Lil' Mama's wedding

it's sort of gonna be our last 

"Big Hurrah" here in my beloved state
of Louisiana.

Can't decide whether to laugh or cry.

50 Shades of Grey, etc

Maybe it's a good thing I have lots to think about these days ie a wedding in 11 days and a move to another state very soon.  Mental diversions can be good. We've had almost a solid 2 weeks of rain (today was an exception) and rain is predicted for the next 6 days.  If you're still buried in snow I know you have no sympathy, but we're just a few steps short of needing an ark.  "50 Shades of Grey" means weather to me - nothing else.  Nothing.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 

Some of you have asked where we're moving.  Let's see if you can figure it out.  "__________________ where the wind comes sweeping down the plain, and the waving wheat can sure smell sweet when the wind comes right behind the rain..."

Nuff said about that for now.

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

Happy! Happy News!

Our 4 typed pages of "To Do List" for the wedding is getting smaller and is now down to just the things that can't be done until the last few days before the wedding...Only 11 more days!

Two more weeks!

Have you noticed when you have time to blog, nothing much is going on to blog about, but when you get really busy and have all sorts of things to share there's almost no time to blog.  Ahh, the life of a Blogger.

We made the long drive to Tulsa last weekend, but as usual we had such a good time that it was worth the angst of the drive.  Our oldest daughter, Amy and my forever friend, Deniece (friends since we were 15 yrs old), gave Lil' Mama a Bridal Shower.  It was so much fun to be in the same room with family and friends that I don't get to see on a regular basis since we live so far away. (that will be changing before long, ya know.)  You'll notice I have no photos of Lil' Mama opening her gifts which means I was yapping.

I just couldn't seem to wipe this cheesy smile off my face.  The hostesses placed a veil on Lil' Mama's head.  She was wearing a white lace dress so it looks like she's already a bride, doesn't it?!

Shower's are all about the details aren't they?

This was a kitchen shower and they received so many things they'll use for years to come.  Showers are a real blessing when you're starting out.

We are at the two week mark, pre-wedding.
I feel we're right on schedule. 

I sure hope I can still say that a week from now!

Yes, I will. And I do know it.

I like to keep my blog on the upbeat.
I like to keep my self on the upbeat.
So forgive me if this post sounds a  little on the downbeat.  Sometimes I think a person has to "own" their feelings before they can move on to better ones.

Today I ran a few errands.
I love the way I know how to make a loop through a somewhat rural area to get to my "need to" places.  I know how to go by the bank, the dry cleaners, the grocery store, Sonic, the post office, and my favorite dollar store, all in a single loop.  It's one of the many things I like about living where I do.

I also like that winters are mild and Spring comes early to the South.  I like to be called "Honey" and "Baby" by store clerks (it's a Southern thang).  I like that life is slower here, gentler.  I like that no one feels the need to "dress to impress" and that money doesn't determine who you are or who you're not.  I didn't know that such a place existed until I moved here almost 12 years ago.

I like my house.
I like my safe neighborhood.
I like my neighbors.

I like my friends - especially my "Shopping Buddy".

No, it's not perfect here, but it "feels" perfect to me.

Now I'm gonna move.  Soon.
I will be just fine.
But this Trace Adkins' song chorus is stuck on replay in my mind today.

"You're gonna miss this

You're gonna want this back

You're gonna wish these days 

hadn't gone by so fast.

These are some good times

So take a good look around,

You may not know it now,

But you're gonna miss this."

Yes, I will.
And I DO know it.

What do you do?

I believe.
I believe.

In the meantime,
when I'm bored
"I Pinterest".

What do you do to beat "Winter Boredom"?

This is no joke.

WE.ARE.MOVING.

TO.ANOTHER.

STATE.

Trust me,

I would not kid about this.

No time for details.

But I'll be back with

crying, sobbing, weepy

info very soon (when I find some time).

In the meantime I'm preparing

for a wedding next month.

Don’t you wish you were me?

Sunday Funday!

It was a gray, damp, February day "outside",
But "inside" it was pure sunlight and joy.

What fun I had at Lil' Mama's bridal photo shoot today.

I am so blessed to be a part of this

joyous time of  her life.

Just couldn't do it!

I've been trying to "purge" the house.
I've been going room to room, cleaning and purging.  Usually I'm pretty ruthless.  I've been known to make stealth trips to Goodwill so Mister can't see what I'm hauling away.  He has the "hoarder gene" in his DNA.

Today I'd planned to box up my collection of chef's (which has been in a cabinet and hasn't seen the light of day in 10 years).

Just couldn't do it!

Instead, I cleared out a cabinet in another room and moved these little guys into it.  Not sure why I couldn't let them go. They received a reprieve.

I'd swear they smile at me now when I pass by.

50 lbs!!

Strike up the band!!

I'm so proud of Mister.

He has

LOST

50 lbs!

He began a "reboot" on January 2nd.  The results continue to be amazing.  Have you heard of the video, "Fat, Sick. And Nearly Dead"?  If you're curious you can find it on Netflix (and I think on YouTube).

It has been a life changer.

I really don't know how Mister can stick with this, but he has, and he does.  He plans to continue til he completes day 60.  Weight loss is such a personal thing and different things work for different people.  He's found what works for him.  Our youngest son introduced Mister to this idea while he was here visiting during Christmas.  

And so it continues...

Things are Happening.

From this to that
and from that to this.
That's how I rolled today.

One thing I DID accomplish was some much needed yard work.  I pruned the rose bushes in my little rose garden.  I always dread this task, cause as we all know -

roses BITE!

I broke my own rule of ALWAYS wearing garden gloves when working outdoors.

It's gray and dank (is that a word?),

but things are happening.

Mister took this photo last week.

This beauty is in front of our local courthouse.  It's always the first in our area to bloom.  Things are happening.

Do you see it?
My hydrangeas are beginning to bud!

If you squint your eyes

you can see a few leaves on the rose bushes too.

Things are happening.

Even on these cold, gray days, Spring is preparing to make it's usual arrival.  

All in due time.  

"In winter, I plot and plan.
In Spring, I move."

          ~Henry Rollins

I.Am.So. Anxious.For.Spring.Days.
You?

Gone

"Well there's gone for the day 

and gone for the night

and gone for the rest of your doggone life.

Is it whiskey night or just a couple of beers,

tell me what kind of gone 

are we talkin' 'bout here?"
                                                                      ~Berg/Cameron/Davis

I've been gone.
Not away, just "gone" from blogging.
We've been a down-and-out bunch of sickies
for a long time now, and that doesn't make
for very good blogging. But, we're WELL
now. I want to open the front door and
all the windows and scream it to the world.
Mister said that's not very neighborly
he'd rather I not do that - sooooo
I'm back to this blog - full steam ahead.

From the sickbed directly into wedding plans for Lil' Mama.  Most of the big decisions have been made and arranged.  Now we're into doing the things that personalize a wedding to reflect the two special people being married.  I won't share these details till after-the-fact but you can be sure there's lots of spray painting, printing, and other such crafts taking place.

It feels so good to be back!

Too many lemons in the Sweet Tea!

This is one of the things my sister gave me for Christmas - she knows I love all things pertaining to "Sweet Tea"

Love these napkins!

It does seem we spent the holiday season dodging lemons and trying to "Make Merry" the best we could.  These napkins were perfect!

I was still recovering from my angry colon pre-Thanksgiving bout of illness when we made our pre-Christmas trip to Oklahoma.  Tho my energy was a bit lacking, the fun with our family made up for it. I handled the trip well.  One always hopes fun will trump feeling sick, and it did!

A few days after getting home our sweet little HK got terribly sick with a nasty virus and spent an evening in the ER with "severe dehydration". 

Our sweet girl went almost 24 hrs with no wet diaper.  It took her about five days to feel well again.

Fast forward 24 hours and Christmas Eve found Lil' Mama and her Fiance both in the ER being treated for the same nasty virus.

We were all pretty much elated, thrilled, ecstatic, happy to kick 2014 to the curb and welcome in a bright New Year!

Sweet Tea, anyone?

Absolutely no lemons allowed!

So thankful for God's healing hand which has delivered us from illness and brought us "whole, hearty, and healthy" into 2015!

* * * * * * * * * * * * 

*Let the record show that our Son and DIL both became ill while on their dream trip to Paris during the Christmas holiday AND our Tulsa daughter had emergency oral surgery during the same time frame.  Son and DIL are home now and feeling better.  Tulsa daughter is on week 3 of pain meds but is recovering, albeit slowly.