Day 31

I'm so not following the rules of the 365 Project and posting a picture today...I'm posting a series of pictures. I just couldn't help it. While Clark and I were out walking today (with camera in hand of course), I took several pictures and wanted to share more than just a picture with you. Today I'd rather share the story of our walk...kinda like having you there with us. Who made up the rules anyway? ;)

Blackbirds by the hundreds. I wish you could hear them. Imagine the sound of a helicopter taking off above your head. It's the craziest thing though: they take off and they land, they take off and they land...over and over again, and usually only a few feet at at time.

They finally grew tired of me following them and perched in the trees.

Now Hank wonders where they went.

And then came Luke: a long distance neighbor (long distance meaning across the pasture neighbor).

Whatcha up to Luke?

I'm waitin' on my PawPaw, he's gonna to do some work with the tractor.

Is that a new Gator you got there?

No it's my PawPaw's, but he lets me drive it.

I gotta see if this works.

Well I gotta go, I hear my PawPaw coming.

And just like the blackbirds, he was gone.

We then headed around to the pond.

Wait, my shoe's untied.

The end.

Day 30

My view while I'm out running/walking.

Fine Art Prints

8x12 (original dimensions) $35.008x10 (cropping required) $35.0011x17 (original dimensions) $55.0011x14 (cropping required) $55.0016x24 (original dimensions) $105.0016x20 (cropping required) $105.00

Day 29

Couch to 5k.

So today was Week 1, Day 1. 'I'm going to do this, I'm going to do this'...I repeat over and over to myself as I change from my comfortable pj's into actual real clothing and tennis shoes this morning. 'I'm going to do this' I repeat again as I don whatever head covering I could find to cover this wild first thing in the morning hair of mine (remember we've discussed that before, too). I don't really want to do it as I've never been one of those people who swears that exercise is fun; nor do I believe that it will ever be fun. Really? You think it's fun?? I just don't get it. I know of alooooottttt of other things that I could be doing that I consider real fun. But..and with a resounding BUT, I'm going to do this. Swimsuit season will be here before I know, but more importantly I must do this for my health. It's healthy to sweat like a mule, get your heart pumping out of your chest and work up that out of breath feeling like you're gonna die, right? Sure, healthy. And I've got to do it again tomorrow, don't I? That's another thing I hate about exercise...it has to be done more than one time! Man, I hate that!

Day 28

Breakfast of Champions Part 1.

Well...maybe not champions, but anyhoo...Love, Love this little drink cocktail: A little OJ with Cranberry Apple...Try it! You may become addicted.

Day 27

When I made the decision to limit the number of weddings I would do this year came the decision to create something more in and of my blog. I knew I wouldn't have many weddings to post, so I really wanted my blog to become something more. Exactly more of what? I'm not sure yet; I think that part continues to daily evolve. I did know that I wanted it to become more about my life and my family...to become more personal; an online journal and record of my own life. I also wanted it to be a blog that you, my internet family, would want to read...to encourage you, to make you smile, to laugh, maybe cry, and I'm sure bore you at times too, with totally useless information and my random musings. ;)

Now with all that said, this post calls me to the carpet on just that. It's this post that I've thought about since starting my daily journey with you via this blog. I knew that on this day, January 27th, I would be sharing this with you. And now that this day is here, I'm really nervous about it. I'm not used to just opening up like this and letting the world know what goes on in this head of mine. My mind. My thoughts. They belong to me. But remember...that's not what I said I wanted out of this blog. I must do it. I must share with you. I must remind you that in your own journey through this thing called life, you do not travel it alone.

This is my journal entry from January 27, 1999. (When I actually hand wrote my words instead of now type them). ;)

1/27/99
My, my, my how the year is starting off-I wrote in this journal a couple of years ago and threw away the pages because I was embarrassed and didn’t want people to read my feelings. Now I hope that my feelings will one day be a legacy of mine-for my husband; for my children. That these words may one day give them strength and courage.

8 days ago I was admitted to Providence Hospital for anemia. Stayed there a couple of days and was almost discharged until I had a positive stool for blood. I had no evidence of this anytime before. Tests were scheduled and I was obviously not sent home. One of those tests revealed something I would have never dreamed of: a large tumor in my colon. A tumor that the surgeon was sure was cancer. Cancer?! I was shocked as well as my family and husband. I honestly did not know how to feel. After all the visitors had left when it was just me and Clark, those feelings came out. I was hurt, lonely—felt like God had forgotten about me.

Surgery was scheduled for the next day and we prayed that the cancer had not already spread to my lungs and liver as the doctor said they sometimes do. I have never been more afraid in my life. I cried all day long still feeling like God was not there—that forgotten about feeling. All I could see was my children’s lives flash before me. We prayed, oh how we prayed. My other fear was what if it was God’s will for it to be spread. What if it were His will for me to die?
I got through the surgery fine—the cancer was just in my colon—none in my liver—lymph nodes were removed also to determine any metastasis. Fear again, but one prayer had been answered. I was still having my pity party.

Monday was the day to get the results back. Monday morning was not good for me. I was hurting, couldn’t move good, tube in my nose. Until Clark came in and told me what had been going on this entire weekend—none of which I knew about. Prayers were said by people all over the States, by family and friends and even strangers. A prayer vigil of 25-30 people was held for me during my surgery. A stack of cards from all the children [from church] were brought to me. But the one thing that brought me through: Jane (name changed) had made a salvation decision. My feelings of loneliness immediately lifted---Wow! I thought! Through this week of pain and worry on me, an eternal life had been saved. The Lord had used me, not forgotten me! I have never felt more loved at that moment than I believe I ever have. God-Creator-had used little ‘ole me—an eternal life had been saved. What an honor I felt—how special I felt that our God chose me for His work! From that moment I knew everything would be okay!

The results came back—out of 42 lymph nodes, one was malignant—very hopeful—chemotherapy a must, but it will be okay, too. Now I won’t say I’m not scared—I’m not ready to die. I want to live a long life. I want to have grandchildren! But to know how such a mighty way God used me, I also know he’s not going to leave me. The Scripture that came to my mind was 2 Corinthians 5:20, “We are therefore Christ’s Ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us”. This is our purpose! How special I feel that I am an Ambassador!

I still am worried—I’m still a little scared, but all I can do is pray and I know my God hears me. I pray that through my fears and my doubt, I won’t forget these words I’ve written. There’s still going to be pain I’m sure, but I pray that I will draw strength from the God who loves me most of all!

Day 26

I wonder what she's thinking?

Day 25

My Happy Place.

Day 24

Another rainy day.

Day 23

I posted this notice on my refrigerator this morning. Now we all know that it's impossible as a mother to officially go on STRIKE, especially for more than a few hours, but for now I'm giving it a try and it feels good. :)

Day 22

If you're skin is like mine during the Winter months, it's dry. Really. Dry. Like-the-desert dry. Cracks-when-I-walk dry. You get the idea? But recently, my skin has found its salvation...you here the choir in the background singing "Hallelujah!" My skin is soft again; it breathes again. No more cracking sound. It's pure Heavenly to rub up with this little bit of sweetness as I step out of the shower or bath...you know when your skin is still a little moist. Again, do you hear the singing, "Hallelujah!" If you're needing a little love in your life, go to the store right now, at this moment and buy this stuff. The weird thing is that even though it's an oil product, it's not oily. No, I don't understand it, but there are a lot of things in this life I don't understand. Have you left yet? And please, the next time I see you in public, don't ask to feel my skin 'cause you know you'll be wondering if it's really soft or not...take my word for it, you'll fall in love all over again. :)

Yea! It's the weekend!

Day 21

3rd Runner-Up to Junior High Miss LHS. Yea Shelby!

Day 20

After watching too much Food Network TV, I decided I needed to be using the 'sprinkle' salt the Food TV stars use instead of the 'shaking' salt that we typically use. Why I need to use this sprinkly salt I'm not sure, but it must taste better if they're using it and obviously they know more about cooking than I do, and they just look so dang professional when they use it. So after much searching I discover this salt is Kosher salt. It has to be sprinkled because it's grainier and coarser (if that's a word) than the finer, iodized salt. So after much delight, I bought a box of Kosher salt with my latest grocery store trip. Now you know I couldn't just put it it some boring, pre-used butter bowl (you all know the ones I'm talking about) and have it sitting out on my counter, but I had to hunt and dig throughout my cabinets...even the back of the cabinets as dangerous as that was to find this treasure: an old pottery dish that my grandmother had given me. So here it sits, proudly next to my stove as if it's being used by Paula Deen herself. Let me tell you how fancy I look when I take a pinch and sprinkle it on my food! I'm still not sure the difference in the two salts and why the Food TV stars use it, and honestly, my food tastes the same (okay, maybe saltier 'cause I haven't' figured out a pinch instead of a handful), but hey, does it really matter, I'm just so cool using it!?!

Happy Wednesday!

Day 19

It's quite simple really, and yet so difficult to understand.

Day 18

I love how this image totally depicts 'Life in Leroy'. Old barns, pastures, tractors and beautiful colors. There is so much more to see in this community when I just open my eyes and look. I'm sure I'll be showing you more.... ;)

Day 17

Clark prepares for his class.

Day 16

Rain, rain go away....

Day 15

My feline child.

Day 14

The other man in my life.

Day 13

Even when I'm not home, my hubby still makes the bed for me. I think I'll keep him. ;)

Day 12

Happy Tuesday.

Day 11

Self portrait.....in a weird and creepy kinda way. Hope your having a good Monday! ;)

Day 10

It's not everyday (for over a week no doubt) that it doesn't get above freezing in Leroy!

Day 9

Nothing more I can add to that.

Day 8

Warning cyber friends, today's image is not for the squeemish at heart. This also may not mean anything to you, but it means the world to a teenage redneck.

Joseph has been taking Callie (aka girlfriend) deer hunting with him for a couple of weeks now in attempt for her to take her first deer. Yes, she's even gotten up on these cold, <20 degree mornings to go hunting! (I'm thinking it's the 'love is blind and ignorance is bliss' kinda thing, so hopefully she'll grow out of it). ;)

Today after much effort, she was able to kill her first deer and tradition has always been to have your face covered with the blood. I didn't say it was a clean tradition or one that even made any sense, it's just how it is, okay. :) Probably why I've never had an interest in killing a deer.

Please don't send any "I can't believe you condone that" comments and don't call PETA. We eat lots of deer meat (venison) and it's really good fried up with some tomato gravy and biscuits on the side. ;)

Day 7

The other me.

Day 6

So I get this promo card in the mail yesterday advertising a free year's subscription to MORE Magazine: The magazine for women over 40. How in the heck did they know I was over 40? (I've only been over 40 for 6 months; it's probably another government thing, just like the weather), but anyway, that's another post... Another thing is in big letters written across the front of this card is, "The Prime of your life...is the time of your life!". Huh? Prime? Me? Hahahah!! This is when I drop the card, lose control and begin laughing hysterically! Do they mean I'm in my prime season of hot flashes? Or it must mean that I'm in my prime because I'm now having to pluck hairs from areas on my body where there should be no hair! Or it must mean that for the first time in my life I'm the proud owner of a Remington Facial Hair Trimmer just for women. Pause...going to clean up the dog's puke. I'm back. Or is it this: I'm in my prime because I've only gone through 1,182 bras in the last year trying to find one to fit my ever-changing body!? Pause...Clark is screaming from the back of the house to come there. Back again. I'd really like to know their meaning of "prime" because I'm definitely thinking their idea and mine are much different. They're talking about
"hitting the re-start button, and "dreaming big" and "savoring each moment"...while I'm savoring all right, it's just not the moment. It's each piece of chocolate I can get my hands on to satisfy my sweet tooth...(which will make my skin break out worse, my mood swings swing harder, and my hips fatter, because you know women my age have lower estrogen levels causing more weight gain!)

Before you know it, I'll be getting a card in the mail wanting me to subscribe to "Mature Living" and I'll have grandkids giving me peppermint for Christmas. (You know you have all given your grandparents those soft peppermint sticks for Christmas at some time or another). But for now, while enjoying being in my "prime" of course, I'm going to finish my cup of coffee, pluck the new hairs I've discovered this morning and get this subscription card ready for the mail.

Day 5

Our little pond had a full sheet of ice covering it this morning.

Day 4

It seems I may have taken advantage of our new juicer over the last few days and used it way too much as my stomach is rebelling and screaming for its junk food again. For the last couple of days I've not had much energy and have been running back and forth to the...you know...well...um, we'll leave it at that. Clark declares it's because my body is not used to having such healthy food in it to which I digress that I must have gotten a hold of some bad fruit. And because this is my blog, I'm going with the latter. So today, another, yet boring image of pretty much what I've been doing all day. I've flipped channels on the TV between Food Network, HGTV and have just found 101 Sexiest Celebrity Bodies on E. I think I'll watch that one for a few minutes; surely I'm on the list somewhere and I know that will make me feel better. ;)

Day 3

Okay, I know this is only Day 3, but I'm already whining. This is harrddd! I've discovered that my life is pretty boring. Clark has already has me several times what is my picture going to be today, to which I replied, "I don't know...not a clue...natta...no idea".

So after my 2nd nap this afternoon, I'm determined to make this work. I throw back the covers, drink a glass of freshly juiced juice (I'm going to need all the energy I can get) and bundle up with extra layers and scarves to embrace the 30 degree weather outside to find my picture.

During my trek up the drive with camera in tow, I hear from behind me, "Mom, wait for meeeee". Shelby wanted to come, too. As I turned back to wait for her, I realized this project may not be too hard after all. I'm going back to the couch. ;) Until tomorrow.....

Day 2

Let me explain the the story behind this picture. There is a running joke in our family...or issue rather...with Joseph about his birthday of 8/18. He notices everything (including the time everyday-8:18 am or pm) that has his birthday on it. Well, the first time several months ago while eating at Firehouse Subs, his drinking cup had a story on it about a particular fireman and it specified the date August 18th...now keep in mind only Joseph had that particular cup. Oh my Lord! We're trying eating our sandwich and Joseph is freaking out--as usual--about finding something else with his birthday on it. Now it seems that every time we eat at Firehouse Subs, he gets the same cup, with the same story, with his birthday on the cup. Tonight was no different. ;)

Day 1

My view of the city going to work this morning. (No I wasn't driving when I took this picture). :)