WHATS HAPPENING SUNDAY

Saturday was so beautiful , what a day!! We have our favorite little great niece down staying all night with us. She is 6 going on 26. lol. So full of ideas and things that she likes and dislikes. She went thru a stage for awhile that she didn't want to be out of her mamas site. Then her mom got married again and just when she was getting use to that they got pregnate with a new baby girl. She was jealous but her mom has handled it so well that she isnt the least bit jealous now. And is beginning to want to come back and see Mimi and Joe Joe. She and her mommy lived with us for about the first 3 years of her life so we got really close to her. Her name is Sierah. And as pretty as a picture. She and Joe-Joe are down fishing right now. She and I will be going swimming tomorrow. And of course she is playing with the puppy a lot. She wants to name her precious but that is sort of like calling black , white. Lol Oh I just realized that we missed a very important holiday Saturday in Nixa... Sucker Days...lol Just saw that on the news How many of you have ever eaten a Sucker? They are really pretty good If eaten while they are hot. Well the puppy has a name. Sierah came up with it and we all like it too. Her name is Zoey...Don't know where that came from but it sort of fits her. Is easy to say and to call .Thanks for all the suggestions. TAMMY: The whinning has slowed down a lot. She was worn out tonight when we came in the house with a 6 year old and a 20 month old playing with her too she was worn completely out. She seems to be getting it about the potty thing and we even have been making progress on the leash. Maybe just maybe she will be ok. I don't doubt for a minute that you can make it on the smoking. I know the first few days are bad but it can be done. I speak from experience. I smoked for 40 years and I got under conviction from God that I needed to quit. I laid them down and that was it. Some of the tricks I did.....i put a rubber band on my wrist and everytime I thought of a cig. I would flip the rubber band on my wrist. Doesn't take much of that to make you stop thinking good thoughts about a cig . I think they call that negative conditioning. Lol Also I cut some straws the length of a cig and held them betweem my fingers for the gratification of the hand thing. You can even put it into your mouth like a cig and puff on it. I know you aren't getting anything but you do have the oral stimulation too. Just a couple silly things to trick the mind. Doesn't mean they are foolproof but they do help. Get some s.f. hard candies to suck on. That way keeps you from wanting food. Will be praying for you . I know you can do it. You are way too strong to let cigs beat you. Besides if you are doing this for health, then the cigs need to go anyway. They aren't healthy at all so why gain life one way and cut it short with the cigs. DEBBIE M: Thanks I think she is one of the prettiest ones in the litter but there are others cute too. If anyone would like one She has 2 of them left that need a good home. You sound like you are really being busy . Read your post in the prayer post , you are busy aren't you.? BRENDA: Well as much as I like the name Muffin my husband didn't like that one. I had my labs all drawn a couple of weeks ago and they are great. Not a one of them out of line. My pcp said that if she didn't know better she would swear they were those of a 20 year old. Lol My daughter has the Jack Russells. I think she has 2 left, if you all are interested . Well I wish I could say I have lost 100 pounds , that is a lot. You go girl. JANET: Well since Elephant ears don't bloom but do have the huge leaves , yes they will develop . I do have 6 or 7 left but they are small bulbs but if you will dig them back up this fall you will have more and bigger bulbs. They make a pretty back drop for other flowers. 180 pounds???wow!!! that is a big dog. What kind is he? One that you don't fool around with I would say. Lol Right? So happy for you , one down in graduating and more coming along. Will pray that her being away from her boyfriend this next year will open her eyes. So what did you wind up wearing to the graduation and how was the party afterwards? So glad that Susans daughter is doing better. MELISSA: Hey you didn't say but is Terry able to put weight on his foot now? Sure hope so. Have started praying for you and your surgery Friday. I do so hope that we have a positive and good outcome on that. Im trusting God that he will be there with you . You know we all love and care about you. LOVE AND JOY AND PEACE ABOUNDS JAN

Dear Jan and OH Peeps~ Wow-its kinda weird posting before I go to bed-LOL..What a day today was! Busy from start to finish and I am completely wiped out~without a doubt-and the whole family is right there with me-but, it sure was a perfectly beautiful day, and I am looking forward to many more-and my POOL will be done by next week-can we say-YAY~YAY~YAY!!! Its already sealed AND painted-and providing the "R" word stays away a couple more days-it WILL be filled and ready by next weekend~~Im so excited. Jan-I would love to have the elephant ears. Sorry about the blooming part-told ya-I am no gardner-but I am sure giving it a go this summer and cant wait to see everything completed. Jon got your seeds today and he was VERY excited-but told him we will do it tomorrow-because, like I said-I was just wiped out! He wrote a thank you scribble and I will bring it to you on Monday! He said you should name the pup-Lillie-or Lily-not sure where that came from-but he liked it. My BIG dog, he is a Blockhead Black Lab. His head is like a Rottweilers and he is pure bred-but we got him for free due to the situation with the rest of the litter drowning when they were born. He has been the best dog. Mike thinks he may be close to 200# now-will have to wait and see, we will be weighing him in the next couple of weeks when we give both of them their shots etc. I will let you know. No one has ever seen a lab like him-he isnt that friendly type that wags his tail and wants you to pet him-he is more like a Shepherd or one thats been raised to protect-because he doesnt mess around with his property or his kids-One time Steph was swinging Jonathan around by his legs-in a circle and we were ALL out there (even Mike) and Jon was about 2-and he screamed-and Dozer charged right through the chain link fencing-breaking 2 sections-to go and check on Jon and make sure he was ok-Mike and I stood there with our mouths hanging open-he is NOT a dog I would EVER want to be on his bad side-thats for sure! Graduation was awesome-well, at least seeing her get her degree was awesome-the waiting and the lectures and speakers before hand were enough to put you to sleep-and we had to walk up a flight of stairs to get to some bleachers-and my back hurt so bad I just wanted to scream out-SHUT UP ALREADY AND HAD OUT THE DEGREES...Jon was good, but getting bored-and it didnt help that there was a little boy about his age behind him whining the whole time-how much longer and can we go now and kicking the back of the bleachers etc....I guess the highlight was-for me-is when they called Megans name-I think we were one of the loudest groups there to cheer her on-and I know that made her feel good-and special. She sure looked good and so very happy today-I was so proud of her!! We stopped on the way to the after party and bought her red and white roses. None of the hillbilly family showed up-so that was nice-although I know it bothered Aaron and Megan....I think that it was just perfect the way it was-we all had good laughs and good fun! But, boy-by the time I got home-I just wanted to take a nap-but I couldnt-cause Jon got sick and was throwing up-I think he ate too much at the after party between the chips and fries, the drinks and cake-he felt better after he got sick-but still wasnt his perky little self. I laid on the couch with the heating pad on-and even turned down going to the RC track to race my truck-didnt have the energy or interest. Maybe tomorrow. Will see. My nephew graduates tomorrow and then has his party-so I have been invited to that, and he has always been my favorite-so I am going to that in the evening for a bit-and then plan on something simple for dinner-will prob put something in the crock pot in the morning. I am making biscuits and gravy for the gang in the morning, finishing laundry and then I plan on relaxing until I have to go to town. Hoping Jon feels better tomorrow-and that Mike and I do as well-we both have been feeling like we should be in a nursing home-LOL.... Steph did my hair today-and I have to say that I really liked it-she did a good job and made it look wavy or scrunchy, whatever you want to call it-I really liked it-I wore my bluish dress shirt and my lacy butt jeans (we named them that when they were Mels-but they are now the bariatric traveling pants-LOL) and my sandals. I was comfortable and didnt look out of place! We got some really good pics of the family-and I cant wait to print some out and put them on the wall. Everyone looked happy and excited-ecspically Megan. Not much other news. I didnt get to talk to any of my angelettes or anything today. I will try and get that all done tomorrow-so hopefully things will be relaxed and easy going here tomorrow so I can get a couple things done. Megans grandma (my ex's mother) gave her a trip to Vegas for her graduation present-WOW...So, she may be going to Vegas as soon as Weds-that was short notice and not sure Maggie can get the time off from work on that short of notice, will see-I offered to work her shifts-for just tips-and Maggie can keep her pay as she would normally get it. So, I may be a working woman again for a week-LOL...dunno yet-but will see. Well, I am gonna get off here-and go and watch some tv. All the kids are sleeping now and I am wide awake-but feel the need to get back to my heating pad-I wish I could take it with me when I go out to the store-etc...extension cords maybe? LOL... Susan-sweety-hows it goin? I emailed you, but havent heard from you-I am keeping you in prayer...there is another girl-Erin, who is having her surgery the same day as you-same hospital etc-look her up....maybe you will be roomies? Hope your daughter is good-and I am praying for you all! Tammy-I emailed you too-hows it going with not smoking? I hope and pray that you are okay and that everyone is being supportive....Will you be coming Monday? If so, I need to get your box ready tomorrow-and if not-I need to get some stuff mailed to you. Let me know. Love your picture. Hope your well-thought of you all day long and hope that your okay-I KNOW YOU CAN DO IT....Love ya! I hope you all have a blessed Sunday and that you enjoy this wonderful weather and your loved ones! All my love and prayers-Janet

Howdy Everyone..... Such a beautiful day today!!!!! I wish I could have been out enjoying it...Still working on doing some spring cleaning......I keep having to break for appts or because my back is bothering so much....But I plan on having it all done by the time I have my surgery in a few weeks......I really need to make a new rule and start doing fall cleaning too!!!! Then maybe there wouldn't be as much to do! WOOOOO HOOOOOO....Tomorrow is 15 more days!!!!!! Still struggling with the smoking but I'm working on it hard.....pushed myself to cut them drasticly today and will cut it even more tomorrow and then Monday it's cold turkey all the way!!!! Jan thanks for the tips!!!! Any advice any of you have is more than welcome....I got straws....I got SF gum & candy.....Used some ice trays tonight to freeze me up some crystal lite so I can put it in my ice shaver & munch on it.....That should help with the smoking and the getting back on my liquid diet.....My oldest daughter cooked me a big ole supper tonight and tomorrow my next to the oldest is cooking dinner for me! So I am getting two special last meals before I go on my two week post op diet...... Janet told me about something to get that worked for her but, moneys tight this week so I am going to dig up some good ole will power and do it on my own....... I dropped Janet and Mel a email already but thought I'd tell everyone else too....It lookes like I won't get to make it to the meeting monday night......I was in such big hopes of getting to!!!!! I was going to stay over with Janet so she, Mel & I could visit a bit the next day, but I guess it will have to wait.....Maybe next month things will be a little better and I can make it!!!!! I would love to see everyone again and catch up on how things are going for all of you....Hey someone take a tape recorder and tape the meeting for me HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAAHAA!!! Mel.....Girl have you turned into super woman!!???????? Every time you post you always have a long ole list of stuff you manage to get done in ONE day!!!!!! Sis, I pray for that kind of energy when I make it to the point you are!!!! I use to have days like that and I miss being able to get at it like that...... So is there anyone having WLS this week????? Is anyone going to be in Columbia around the 4th,5th & 6th of June????? That's when I will be up there to have my surgery and I would love to meet any of you that might be up that way around then or any of you that live up that way and has time to drop by. Before I go I want to thank all of you that posted all the sweet messages about my pic.......I haven't felt pretty or even nice looking in some time now....I am looking so forward in seeing what the weight loss does for me. And finding more self asteem as the weight falls off! Gotta close so I can hit the sack and get up in time to get ready for church in the morning....Been promising myslef I would get started back in church and I decied its time to quit putting it off.....God has been so good to me, even while I have not been in church and as faithfull to my praying and all.... I owe him so much and its time I get started on the things..... And I planned on posting this on the prayer post but thought more would see it here...I always do my best to find the best in people and not to think bad about anyone, even if they have ways I don't like or agree with...I pretty much say...To each their own.....But Thursday when I was in Columbia for my appts I was behind a car that had a bumper sticker on it that almost sent me thru the roof of my car!!!!!! It took all my power not to just ram the ugly ole creep in the rear end!!!!!!!!! He had a bumper sticker that said....."DON'T PRAY IN MY SCHOOLS AND I WON'T THINK IN YOUR CHURCH!!!!!!" ..........I can not even find the words for how I felt when that hit me!!!!! I even had to read it twice to make sure I reading it right!!! I know there are people out there that think that way but I guess I don't usually come face to face with them......And you could tell he was a ole fart that only had hatefull & negitive thoughts.....Every bumper sticker on his car was about harsh issues.....And I guess all the issues they were about were things he had the right to think his way about....I guess it hit me bad because they were all against how I felt about things....He several and I don't even remember what they all were but two of the others were about giving his abortion rights back and the other about demanding the government keep death penalties! I would never want to argue with anyone on their thought of such things because I know we all have the right to think on thise matters as we want to......I basicly wanted to mention it because I would like to ask you all to pray for me and the bad thoughts I had that day!!!! I had to argue with myself to not just ram him in the butt and then get out and slap the crap out of him after he stopped.....That is not how I normally am!!! Normally I believe we all have the right to think as we like....And like I said I try hard not to judge people harshly.....And I don't know what washed over me that day.... BUT.... That ole man almost got to see the "B" side of ME!!!! Any ways it bothers me that I slipped like that and you all are always SO great about praying for everyone when they need it......So I wanted to turn to you all and ask you all to pray for me....I DO NOT WANT TO BE THE PERSON THAT TRIED TO SLIP OUT AT THAT MOMENT!!! I hope you all have a wonderful Sunday......God Bless each of you....Big Hugs and Bunches of Love.......Tammy H.

Dear Tammy, I know I have already posted today (last night) but felt compelled to reply to the last paragraph of your post-girl....I dont THINK your the ONE who needed prayer there-how about I will pray for that man? I truly believe that this world is falling apart because they are taking God out of school (pledge of alliegance) and trying to take it out of government etc...to me, this country was founded on God and we have the right to pray AND say God in our pledges IF we want to-others may have their opinions, but so do we-and it seems like everyone wants to make everyone happy-and thats just NOT going to happen!!! IF someone doesnt want to use the word God when we are saying our pledge-then they sure dont have to-but WE believers SHOULD be able to-should we want to-right? I was very happy yesterday at the graduation where they spoke of God and did a "silent" prayer time. It meant a lot to me to know that I was at least given the opportunity to pray and to believe and trust in God-and those who were there that didnt-had the option of leaving if they chose to-or not to pray or say the pledge of alliegance. I believe you are passionate about your belief-and even if you had some not-so-good thoughts-you were passionate about God-and to me-that makes you A-OK....Hang in there-girl-and I will pray for you-but I am praying that God gives you the strength to stay strong-to help you beat the demon of nicotine and to stay faithful to HIM and passionate ABOUT HIM.... I will miss you at the meeting, thats for sure-but totally understand. I tried to change my 6 mo check up to the 5th (Fearing ONLY does office visits on Tues) but there were none open...so, I am not sure, to be totally honest-if I can afford to come up twice in one month with gas prices the way they are! Will see. Would love to be there for you- thats for sure! Ok sis-I am gonna go post some questions about reunion and I will chat at you later. All my love and prayers-Janet

Good Morning Everyone: Looks like were going to have another beatiful day today. Couldnt sleep last night I think I finally fell asleep around 4am and got back up around 6ish. Dont know what it was I wasnt hurting or feeling bad. I would just lay there and my brain was going do do doodd doodod dodo. I couldnt shut it off last night. lol On the bright side at least I know it is working at times. I thought I would get in here and post while the guys were asleep. Then I am going to take my vitimins & look thro the sunday paper. Terry has totally vitoed me mowing the lawn by hand. We will see it has been closed totally. he he he Going to separate the laundry, jump in some clothes and run to Wal Mart. I dont know when Aldi's opens up today I need too get soem can good there also. I talked to my sister she is suppose to leave from my parents house around 2 this afternoon. KEEPING MY FINGERS CROSSED SHE MAYBE BRINGING MY NEPHEW EZRA!!!!! I am trying not to get my hopes up to high since both his parents probaley wont let him come that far away even for the night. Anyways yesterday was so totally great. It was a beatiful day and I think overall everyone had a good time. Would of been better if the bleachers didnt kill Janet's & Mike's back so bad. I told Terry I would of almost took some of the padding back on my bum for those bleachers. lol That's okay I would of sat there all day if that what she asked for. Well I hope everyone get the chance to enjoy today. I know I am without a doubt. No matter what I get done or dont get done today. Tammy: I am sorry to hear that you wont be at the meeting. But I understand expecially how far you have to come. I will be joining Janet in the prayer for you to leave the smokes alone. And I know it is a difficult thing to sit down. Please please please dont think ill of yourself over the dumb ass that thought his freedom of speech intails trying to rub every last persons nerve on the earth. I would of been right there beside ya wanting to ram him or make a comment to him. You getting so upset isnt called out of control it is called passion!!!! Dont be so hard on yourself. I know for a FACT we think your wonderful!!! Janet: How is Mike & your back feeling?? I didnt figure that you were going to get a nap in with the kiddo's. I thought yesterday was so great and I am so proud of Ms. Megan. You could see her eyes shining from the bleachers and her smile. I bet after it was all said and done she was glad that she did go. I am sure I will be talking to you sometime today. I hope you have a good time at your nephew's graduation tonight. Love ya gurl!!! Thanks for making Terry & I part of your family. Jan: I just noticed my elephant ears are starting too pop up thro the ground. They are about 6 or better inches over the dirt. I had got these from a lady of all places at a garge sale. She had a part sectioned off in her yard that had these HUGE leaves it reminder me of the egyption days when they would fan their queen with those big ol fans. Anways Terry was talking to her and she pulled out 4 to 6 of them from the ground and cut off the tops. Told us how to store them and about when to plant them. I put the up in the sunniest spot in our yard along the back privacy fence. Oh I am sorry I didnt mentioned Terry's appt. He got his cast off his leg. And the doc put him in a walking boot. BUT he is only allowed to put approx 50lbs of prseesure on his leg. In 2 weeks he can add a little more pressure. And so on and so forth. I take him back to springfield in 6 weeks and at that time the doc doesnt want him to be walking full weight bearing on his leg. He has to keep this boot on 24/7 the only time he is allowed to take it off is when he showers or bathes. But then it has to go right back on. Terry is happy that he got the cast off and that he can now start useing his leg a little bit. Tony: Where did you disappear too??? Lana: Is the quite driving ya crazy yet??? Just think before you know it those halls and classrooms will be humming full of kids again. Susan: Hey sweetie how are you doing??? Janet & I were just talking about you yesterday. Your in my thoughts and prayers!!! Debbie D: Did you get my email about the motel??? Kim M: I went thro Columbia and had Dr. Scott. He is a very no nonsence type of guy. I had to do things his way and jump thro several hoops. But if I had to do it all over again. I wouldnt take anyone else to have done my WLS!!! Ila: Thanks for the info. I will make sure I get some out to him today. Craig: Oh buddie I am so thrilled for you!!!! PRAISE GOD!!!!!! You are so loved and missed when your not around!!!! Erin N: Congrats on your surgery date!!! Sharlene: How are you doing?? Did that pain everytime you eat ever go away?? Or did you call your surgeon to explain to him what was going on?? Please pop in and let us know how you are doing. Beverly: I read your lost hope and it just broke my heart. I am posting a diddy after my greetings to everyone. I thought of you when I go this but it is for everyone. Cause we have all been at that place where your at right now!!! Your in my thoughts and prayers!!! Pam: How are you feeling sweetie?? Krissy: How are you doing?? I thought I heard that you wasnt feeling well?? Of course that could be old age creeping in too. To everyone else I missed I hope you have a great day also. You are all in my thoughts and prayers!!! God Bless Mel ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ OPENED AND CLOSED DOORS We need to learn to thank the Lord for closed doors just as much as we do for open doors. The reason God closes doors is because He has not prepared anything over there for us. If he didn't close the wrong door we would never find our way to the right door. Even when we don't realize it, God directs our paths through the closing and opening of doors. When one door closes, it forces us to change our course. Another door closes; it forces us to change our course yet again. Then finally, we find the open door and walk right into our blessing. But instead of praising God for the closed door (which kept us out of trouble), we get upset because we "judge by the appearances." And in our own arrogance, or ignorance, we insist that we know what is right. We have a very present help in the time of need who is always standing guard. Because He walks ahead of us, He can see trouble down the road and HE sets up road blocks and detours accordingly. But through our lack of wisdom we try to tear down the roadblocks or push aside the detour signs. Then the minute we get into trouble, we start crying "Lord how could this happen to me?" We have got to realize that the closed door was a blessing. Didn't He say that "No good thing will He withhold from them that love Him?" If you get terminated from your job - don't be down, instead thank God for the new opportunities that will manifest themselves - it might be a better job, or an opportunity to go to school. If that man or woman won't return your call - it might not be them, it might be the Lord setting up a roadblock (just let it go). One time a person had a bank he had been doing business with for many years tell him "NO" for a $10,000 loan. The Lord led him to call another bank. That bank approved a $40,000 loan for him at a lower interest rate than his own bank had advertised. I'm so grateful, for the many times God has closed doors to me, just to open them in the most unexpected places. "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way." (Psalms 37:23) The Mountain top is glorious, but it is in the Valley that we will grow! Always Remember God gives you... Enough Happiness to keep you Sweet Enough Trials to keep you Strong Enough Sorrows to keep you Human Enough Hope to keep you Happy Enough Failure to keep you Humble Enough Success to keep you Eager Enough Friends to give you Comfort Enough Wealth to meet your Needs Enough Enthusiasm to make you look forward Enough Faith to banish depression and Enough Determination to make each day a better day than the last. Life must be lived forward but can only be understood backwards. Commit to the Lord in whatever you do and your plans will succeed. Proverbs 16:3) If you love God share this and He will continue to open and close doors for you. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~