Back to the Grindstone...Well, On Tuesday

My Grandpa's funeral was on Saturday. His service was at Elijah Church of Christ in Caulfield, MO, and he was buried at Sweeton Pond Cemetary in Dora, MO. Even though it was difficult sitting through his service, my dysfunctional family found some way to have some laughs. For starters, there was about 6-8 inches of snow on the ground; therefore, people weren't going to dress up; however, I didn't know how true that was going to be. A man, apparently, thought it was appropriate to come to the funeral in his converalls. Not just any coveralls, but coveralls that were so worn out that he had to use duck tape to cover the holes up. That's not all or the best. The best was an Elvis impersonator. Yes, Elvis impersonator. I'm talking hair, glasses, gold rings. Excluding a white, sequence jump suit, that man sought to embody Elvis Presley.

When my husband saw the Elvis impersonator, he turned to me and started to chuckle. He then said, "Elvis has entered the building." I couldn't help but laugh.

Tomorrow, Monday, February 1, 2010, I should be going back to work. However, I'm so exhausted (emotionally, mentally, & physically) that I would be useless. I know I'm going to have to go back to work eventually, but I also know that it still hurts too bad to go back to work. No matter what, I will go back to work on Tuesday. GOD BLESS!

Viewing

Today, we went and viewed my Grandpa's body at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home (I say "body" because that's what it is to me. That's not my Grandpa. That's just his physical form or rather was his physical form.). Even though there was no life in his body, the staff of the funeral home did a fantastic job preparing the body. My Grandpa's body had endured much trauma over these past few years. His body was bruised by all of the poking and proding the doctors and nurses had to do. His skin was very thin. His nails weren't in the best shape either. Saying all of that, the staff did a tremendous job making sure the evidence of trauma was hidden. It almost resembled my Grandpa. However, there were some things that needed my Grandma's touch.

My Grandpa was a man that had a certain style. He ALWAYS wore peral-snapped western shirts with the 1st two buttons unbuttoned, and his shirts were always untucked. However, my Grandma made sure he left the house with his shirt tucked in. His jeans were always Levi's, and my Grandma ironed his jeans with a crease down the middle of the pant leg. He never wore undershirts. His hair was ALWAYS slicked/oiled back.

My Grandpa's body will be buried wearing a brand-new tucked in pearl-snapped Western shirt (1st two buttons unbuttoned), pressed Levi's, slicked hair, and one of his hats that says "World's Greatest Grandpa".

Tomorrow, I will say my last good-byes to his body. I know it will be hard for me because as I'm typing this, tears are rolling down my cheeks. However, I know he's not in any more pain. He's in Heaven. He's with loved ones. Even though he's physically not here with me, he's not far from me because he's still in my heart. I LOVE YOU GRANDPA!

Moving On the Best We Can

At 3:20 pm on Tuesday, January 26, 2010, my Grandfather was taken into surgery to remove his left lung. We were told by his doctors that his surgery could take anywhere between 2-6 hours. Now, we also have a cousin that is a doctor, and he informed us the actual surgery would only take 1-2 hours. So the waiting game began.

At 5:30 pm, we were told that the doctor would like to speak with us. My Grandma, Mom, and Aunt went to go speak with the doctor. The entire time they were gone was the longest time I've ever had to endure. We knew it was either going to be one of two things: 1. my Grandpa didn't make it through surgery; or 2. my Grandpa made it.

Between 6 and 6:15, my Grandma was being escorted by my Mom and Aunt, and all three were in tears. My Grandpa didn't make it through surgery.

We opted to see my Grandpa one last time before we left the hospital that night. When I saw my Grandpa, it was just a body to me. That was not my Grandpa. In a way, I wish that I hadn't have seen that body, but I had to see it for myself so I knew it was true.

So, we all went home Tuesday night mentally, physically, and emotionally exhausted.

Wednesday, we spent the day helping my Grandma making arrangements for my Grandpa. His funeral will be this Saturday at Elijah Church of Christ at 11 am, and he will be buried at Sweden Pond Cemetery in Dora.

Even though it's hard for us to understand and move on with life without my Grandpa, I know he's in a better place without pain. Knowing that is SOOO comforting. GOD BLESS.

Family

Good Morning Everyone!

Ever since my Grandpa was admitted into the hospital, it has been like a roller coaster for us! One doctor will give us hope while another will shoot us down. It's been this way ever since Thursday.

My Grandpa was admitted into the hospital because he had a difficult time breathing. Turns out, his left lung is 100% filled with fluid/blood, and that fluid/blood is spilling over into his right lung. Because it was becoming difficult for my Grandpa to breathe on his own, my Grandpa made the decision that, when the time came, he would be placed on a ventilator, a machine that breathes for him. So Friday night at 7:30, the team of doctors and nurses began the intubation process. They ended up putting one tube down his left lung to suction out all the fluid/blood and one tube down into his right lung to breathe. Because of the intubation, my Grandpa can't talk. The last thing he said to me was, "I love you." Now, the only way he is able to communicate with us is my squeezing our hands (i.e., Squeeze my hand if you're hot.) or by shaking/nodding his head.

Today, he has surgery, and it doesn't look good for him. His pulmonologist gave us these 3 scenarios that could be played out: 1. He could die on the operating table; 2. He could make it through surgery but die in recovery; or 3. He could make it through surgery and recovery but be ventilator and trach dependent.

If you are reading this, PLEASE PRAY RIGHT THIS SECOND FOR MY GRANDPA! PRAY FOR HIM! PRAY FOR US! PRAY FOR THE DOCOTORS THAT THEY WILL PERFORM TO THE BEST OF THEIR ABILITY! PRAY THAT GOD LEADS US THROUGH THIS DIFFICULT TIME AND GIVES US THE STRENGTH TO ENDURE THIS!

I know I've discussed my family on here as well. Even though my Grandpa has to go through this, I am so thankful that my family is acting like a family. We have came together as a family should through this difficult time, and it feels great! I just hope that everyone continues to show their love and appreciation for one another after this is over with. GOD BLESS!

Grandpa

Yesterday afternoon, I received a phone call from my sister Kelli. Kelli informed me that Grandpa was not doing very well, and a surgery was required to stop the bleeding. For the surgery, doctors will go in and remove his left lung. However, doctors aren't giving us much hope for my Grandpa to make it through the surgery because of the amount of blood that he has lost. Even though I tossed and turned with the decision to go and visit him, I decided right then and there that Brandon and I needed to go and visit him. My cousin Scott and his wife Vironica were going up as well as my Aunt Bev and Uncle Elvis. These last 4 people are the rock, to me, of my mother's side of the family. They are the one's that I depend on the most because I don't talk to anyone one else on my mom's side of the family.

We left for the hospital at 6 and got there an hour later. While coming to the rotating door of the hospital, we met my mother, sister Megan, and Megan's fiance Tucker. Megan immediately went through the rotating door not even bothering to look at us. My mother and Tucker waited for us on the other side. At face to face for the first time since the wedding, my mother told me that to go on up and and my Grandpa knows everything about his situation.

Brandon and I went up to his room. When seeing my Grandpa for the first time since Thanksgiving 2008, I bawled. I couldn't stop the tears. I immediately went to his side, gave him a kiss on the forehead, and held his hand. I apologized for not coming to see him sooner, and told him that we were going to be here with him through this entire situation. He told me that it was okay, and that it was his fault for his family breaking up. He also told me that he just wanted his family back together.

After a much needed visit, Brandon and I left for home. Needless to say, we will be going back up today for my Grandpa's surgery.

Seeing him in that situation, I just couldn't take it. I've been around people in ICU many many times, but seeing my Grandpa in this situation was completely different. Besides all the IVs and necessary tubes, he has a plasma bag and a blood bag hooked up to him.

If you are reading this, please continue to pray for my Grandpa. Pray for him and our family as we try to come together at this difficult time in our lives. GOD BLESS.

Family... Seriously?

This morning came a little earlier than expected when my alarm went off at 5:15 am this morning, but my alarm going off way early was the least of my worries today. My aunt called me this morning 5 times all before 6:30 am. My aunt and I sometimes talk in the morning, but when she calls more than 2 times, something is wrong. My aunt told me that my grandpa (my mother's dad) is in the hospital. Apparently, my grandpa was coughing up and throwing up blood yesterday. He lost so much blood that he had to have a transfusion of 4 pints of blood. He's still in the hospital right now.

My aunt told me this news as soon and appropriately as possible. She was informed of this last night well after 10:00 pm. My aunt knows my schedule and knew that I would be in bed asleep when she found out.

I'm not upset with my aunt for waiting to let me know. I'm upset at my mother and grandmother. My mother and grandmother informed my aunt of this news approximately 16 hours after my grandpa went to the hospital. I received no phone call (except for the one from my aunt) to let me know about my grandpa's situation. Even though I don't talk to my parents, sisters, or grandparents, I expect a phone call to let me know if one of them is sick and in the hospital. I expect them to put their pride aside and call me, but that didn't happen this time. I doubt it will ever happen. My fear is that I will wake up one day, and my aunt will be on the phone telling me my grandpa has passed away, and his funeral is that day. She will, of course, apologize to me for not telling me sooner, but she was just informed of his passing that morning, as well. That is my fear, and since my family fails to put their pride aside, I know one day it maybe a reality. If you are reading this, please pray for my grandpa and for my family. GOD BLESS!

Joy Ride

Today was A LOT BETTER than the past few days have been. I woke up super early for a Sunday morning and couldn't go back to sleep. I knew we wouldn't be going to church this morning, and I was okay with that because I had not been feeling well the past few days. Somewhere around 10am, I got tired again and decided to take a nap. Brandon woke me up around 11 and told me his grandparents and his mom were coming up to see us. Brandon knew how down I had been feeling lately, and he thought it would be a good decision for us to get out of the house for the day. I decided to take his advice, take a shower, get ready, and socialize.

We met them at McDonald's and ate lunch together. After eating, Brandon, his mom, and I went to Branson for the day. Even though we didn't have money to spend, it felt great to get out and see different scenery for a change. My mood has done a complete 180 from yesterday! I hope my new attitude and mood continues on throughout the week! Have a good night and GOD Bless!

Need to be Diggin', Diggin', & Diggin'

These past 3 days have made me feel as if I'm in a rut. On Thursday, I came home from work early because I had a migraine and nauseated stomach. That night, I couldn't sleep at all, which is VERY unusual for me. I think I ended up falling asleep at 3:30am-ish. When it was time for me to wake up and get ready for work (5:30am), I knew that was not happening. I feel back asleep and woke up at 7:20am to call in sick. Since I didn't sleep the night before, my plan was to sleep-in or to stay awake and take a long nap in the afternoon. However, either plan did not happen. I could not go back to sleep for anything! Before I knew it, it was 4pm. So, I decided to give in and go make dinner.

My husband came home, and our plans were to eat dinner and watch a movie together. However, plans did not go accordingly, once again. Brandon and I got into a meaningless fight, and he refused to eat dinner. I ate dinner alone while he fell asleep in the recliner. For the rest of the evening, I watched movies by myself.

I just feel in a rut right now, and I don't know what to do about it. I know I shouldn't be upset at Brandon, but I can't help it. I want things to change so badly, but I don't know how to go about changing them.

Brandon's under a ton of stress right now. He just started his last semester of college, and he's already feeling overwhelmed. One of his classes is over 1 project; nothing else except for that project. If he doesn't pass that class, he doesn't graduate. Needless to say, he's focused on his classes. All of the stress is starting to build up between us. It's hard for me to bring up anything about our marriage to him because I know he's under a lot of stress due to his classes. I will be so ready for him to be done with classes so I can have my husband back. I'm tired of feeling like I'm the only one living here and working on the house.

So, I feel like I'm in a rut. I just hope I find a way to get myself out!

The Life of an SLP

If you have read my "About Me," you know that I'm a speech-language pathologist (SLP), or in laymen's terms, a speech therapist, for a school district. I absolutely LOVE my job! I feel truly blessed to be able to make a difference in children's lives. Some may think that the work in schools is a little monotomous, but the kids make the job fun and exciting! Here's just an insight on my job:

• I have a caseload (or the # of kids I see a week) of 48.
• I help kids with a wide variety of disabilities (Articulation, Language, Autism, ADHD, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation, etc.)
• I serve these 48 kids in 3 1/2 days. One other day a week to devoted towards testing kids for initial/re-evaluating eligibility. The 1/2 day is devoted to meetings with staff members of the program I work for.

The saying, "Kids say the darnest things," is SO TRUE! Here is just a few of the "sayings" I've heard this year:

• "Boy, I sure could use a good ole hamburger right about now." This was at 9am, and this child had eaten breakfast maybe a hour before his session.
• A 5 yr old girl reaches and squeezes one of my breasts and says, "You have boobies." I told her, "Yes, I do have boobies. All girls have boobies, but we don't touch."
• "For speech, can we just sing our words? I would rather sing our words today."
• When playing with farm animals, a 3 yr old boy picks up a horse and says, "whore, i a whore." He deletes all his final sounds in words. He meant to say, "Horse, it's a horse," but that's what sounds like.
• "Mrs. Reed, picking nose gross?"
• "Mrs. Reed, you're so funny!" The way this kids said it made it what it is!
• Ohhh.... and for kids who have difficulty saying their r's, they say my name like "Mrs. Weed".

Just Don't Know What To Do

Just like so many others, I am addicted to Facebook. While I've been off from work for Christmas Break and the snow days, my ENTIRE days have been consumed with facebooking. Just like any other night, I sat down in the recliner, with my laptop, and checked Facebook. I noticed I had an email. I checked it, and it was from my sister Megan.

Before I get into what was in the email, I know majority of people (basically everyone) doesn't know my background or history. Well, here's just a little background knowledge for you (I'm not going to divulge into everything; just big picture so it will be easier to understand.):

I am the youngest of three girls: Kelli (oldest), Megan, and me. I was never close with my sisters or my parents. Because of that, I've always considered my friends more important to me than my immediate family. Even though I wasn't close with my family, it was always expected of me to 1. act as if we were a loving family; and 2. always conduct myself and act accordingly to how my family wanted me to act. I always tried to do and say the right things because that's what was expected of me. Even though it was unspoken, this saying was basically true for my family, "It doesn't matter how screwed up it is on the inside, as long as it looks pretty on the outside."

My first 2 years of college, I stayed home with my parents and attended a local community college. After those 2 years, I moved to a town with a university to complete my Bachelor's and later to become an SLP. At this time, I was so excited to move because I would be living on my own. However, my mom decided that it would be a good idea if Megan moved in with me. I knew this would be a horrible idea because Megan and I hadn't gotten along since I was 4. Even though I begged and pleaded with my mother, Megan still moved in. I didn't understand why (and still don't to this day) why Megan moved in with me. I figured she would want to be on her own.

In the beginning, living with Megan wasn't all bad. She did have her moments of being nice; however, she also had her moments of being rude and hateful. The moments of rudeness and hatefulness happened more and more as time went on. I never knew who to expect or when: the nice Megan or the hateful one. My parents always knew when we fought. I kept begging for them to do something about it (i.e., Ask Megan to find her own place), but it never happened. My parents never did anything about anything when it concerned Megan. After Megan and I lived together a year, I met Brandon. It was my senior year, and I couldn't have been happier. I had finally found someone that was interested in me and interested in what I had to say. It was so refreshing to find someone like this because my parents and sisters weren't interested in who I really was as a person. They weren't interested in the person that I had become. All they were interested in was the person that they wanted me to be.

A couple of months after dating, I introduced Brandon to my parents, Kelli, and her husband. For that meeting, we went out for lunch, and it was the most awkward meeting/lunch that I have ever been at. My parents and sister are normally very outgoing and act like they don't know a stranger. However, when they met Brandon, they acted like they didn't want to get to know him at all. No questions were asked. NOTHING. I could not get over the behavior they displayed. Leaving the luncheon, I was really disappointed and hoped that they would give Brandon more of a chance than what they did. Thanksgiving came, and a new opportunity came for my entire family to get to know the man I was falling in love with. However, the same response was given by my family. By this time, I just didn't know what to do. I wanted my family to get to know Brandon, but I wanted them to want to get to know him and not be forced into it.

After the new year, Brandon had to move back home into his parents house (2 hours away from me!) to re-evaluate his situation. He wasn't happy just working. He wanted to go to school but didn't know what specialization/degree he wanted. He then became interested in joining the railroad, so we looked into it. We planned an entire day of going up to KC to look at the school and get everything set up. By the time we left KC, it was almost 9pm. He was tired and so was I. When we got back to my place, I just wanted to go to sleep. Therefore, I offered for us to stay the night at my place. He felt uncomfortable about it and wanted to call my parents to ask their permission. The call was made. I could tell that they weren't happy about him staying the night, but I insisted. It was raining that night and we were exhausted. I couldn't just send Brandon back to his parents house when it was raining! The next morning at 6am, I got a call from my mom. She wasn't happy with what I had decided. When I got home, both of my parents were upset at me and threatened to kick me out and to take my car away. I felt trapped, like the little girl growing up. I didn't know what else to do but to give into their demands. My relationship with my parents continued like this for the next 6 months until June 2007.

In June, I started grad school, and my relationship with Brandon was growing stronger. However, my relationship with my parents was growing weaker. I felt like they wanted me to be and act like a person that I wasn't. I also felt like there was no compromising with them at all. It was either their way or the highway. This one night, I got in a huge fight with Megan. I called up my aunt (on a land line phone) to vent. Megan started throwing a mad fit and tried to unplug all of the phone cords. When she had done this, I had enough and I stood my ground against her. Megan called up mom and complained. The next thing I knew, I was being kicked out by my mother. I knew in my heart if I wanted to stop all of this madness, I knew I had to do something. So, I decided to find a new place to live, increase my work hrs, and start being responsible for everything. When I moved out, it shocked my parents. They asked me to come back and live with Megan, but I couldn't do that anymore. Life with Megan was pure hell, and I wasn't about to endure that anymore. Even though I moved out, I still tried to keep a relationship with my parents; however, things just got to a point where enough was enough. I finally had to realize that the way my family was treating me was awful and no adult should be treated as such from another adult. From that, I made the decision of distancing myself away from my family. That meant no phone calls, no visits.

A few months before Brandon and I were to get married, I ended up hitting a deer. Since I was still driving my car that my parents gave to me, I had to make a phone call to them bc they had to call the insurance company to get it fixed. I really thought that moment was God's way of telling me that I am supposed to have a relationship with my parents. Therefore, I embraced the opportunity and tried to get them involved in the wedding planning. However, they didn't want to be involved. My mom's exact words were, "I'm sorry, I just can't help." I was devastated when she had said those words. After my mom refused to help me, I knew things would never change for the better. The only thing I knew to do was to keep moving forward, and that's what I did. Our wedding day came, and I wanted to give my dad the opportunity to walk me down the aisle. However, he refused. Again, the only thing I could do was to keep moving forward. So, in place of my dad was my cousin.

Since our wedding, I haven't seen or spoken to my family. Right now, I don't know if I want a relationship with them. I can't put myself through the pain and hurt that I had to go through for 4 long years. Besides that, I can't put Brandon through all of that again.

SO............. back to the email. Megan emailed me tonight to inform me that her and her boyfriend were getting married, and she wanted to invite Brandon and I to the wedding. In the email, she stated that if we wanted to come, she would send us an official invite through the mail. I don't know what to do. Sure I want a realtionship with my parents and sisters, but I don't want to go through all of the drama again. I feel as if every effort I make goes to waste. That's why I've stayed away from them. I'm tired of getting hurt all the time. I'm tired to wasting energy, efforts, and tears on people who just say and do 2 different things. I've prayed and prayed about my relationship with my family time and time again. I've prayed for strength and wisdom. Now, if you are reading this, please pray for me, my husband, and my family. GOD BLESS!

Indication of the New Year? I Hope and Pray Not!

It's official. I'm doing HORRIBLE at my resolutions! Ten days into the new year, and I haven't begun my resolutions! I feel like such a slacker!

We didn't go to church today. I felt so horrible about not going this morning that I sat and cried on the couch. This IS supposed to be the year that we begin our spiritual journey together. How are we supposed to begin our journey if we haven't taken 1 step out the door?!?

If I want to throw out an excuse for not going, the excuse would be us not being able to fall asleep til after 3 am. Tossing and turning. I didn't sleep very well, or very long for that fact.

Every single day over the Christmas Break, we stayed up late and slept in. Once the ten day break was over, snow came in and caused the surrounding school districts to close down. So, what did we continue to do? Stay up late and sleep in. We're able to do this because: 1. We both work for school districts; and 2. We don't have kids.

Tomorrow, I go back to work and can't wait! This routine of staying up late and sleeping in will finally stop.

We plan on going to church this coming Sunday. I pray that we stop the excuses, get our butts out of bed, and go to church!

Resolution #1: Church

Tomorrow is Sunday. Usually, I wouldn't have thought twice about it being Sunday; however, Brandon and I will be going to church tomorrow for the first time in 2 1/2 years. I'm really excited about it. I miss having a spiritual family that I can depend on. I also want Brandon and I to grow together spiritually. Mine and Brandon's relationship is strong, but I know it could and would be stronger with GOD on our side.

The church I grew up in, with my parents, is a Church of Christ. I went to a Church of Christ, regularly, for 22 years. The entire 22 years, I never felt a closeness to GOD. I never felt that connection. Sure, I went through the "motions" (Yes, motions because that's what they were; actions that were being conducted without a connection). Because I went through the motions, I feel in my heart that I have sinned against GOD and Jesus for making a mockery of them, their foundations, etc. I want to make this right so badly.

During the time that I haven't went to church (regularly), I have went to other churches, besides that of Church of Christ. In those churches, I have felt a closeness, even for the brief duration that I was there. Therefore, I know it exists, and I know that I can have that close relationship with GOD! :)

Tomorrow, Brandon and I plan to go to a church that is close to our home. There are a few churches, here in our town, that we have considered attending to, in so many words, "try-out". I am really excited about going to church. I don't think I have felt this excited about going to church ever. Maybe this is what I needed. Maybe I needed to disconnect myself with going to church to really evaluate my feelings about church and GOD because now, I feel stronger than ever about going to church!

While Brandon and I go through this journey of finding a church that we can call home and worship GOD accordingly, please pray for us. Pray for our strength through this journey. Pray that we find a church that is strong in their beliefs and stand up for what is right. Pray that the church family we do find that they help us to grow as individuals and as a couple. I know , but please, just pray for us. GOD BLESS!

A Little Shower Goes A Long Way

I'm a little disappointed in myself. I didn't workout yesterday. The day didn't get off to a good start because I slept in way too late and just felt lazy all day. The day just got worse and worse. I ended up getting sick last night. I think all of these days off are starting to get to me.

Today is starting out relatively well. I woke up at a decent hour, took a shower, put make-up on, fixed my hair, and had my breakfast and coffee! :) I don't really plan on doing anything today at all, but the day just feels 10x better than yesterday.

Maybe the difference is in how I started my day. I didn't shower or do anything with myself on Friday, but today, I went all out (minus my dress-up, work clothes; just put on clean pjs). All of this is probably psychological; just psychological/sub-consciousness efforts and ideas society/media/companies have created to diminish our self-confidence so that we, women, will by their products! I really wish life were more simple at times. I hate how I have to depend on make-up, hair products, clothes, etc. to raise my self-confidence/attitude at times! Even though I feel this way, I know I will continue to buy their products.

An Epiphany At Home

It snowed again last night; therefore, another snow day! So, today, I spent my time cleaning the house, doing laundry, catching up on my TV shows (Thank you GOD for letting man create DVR!) and watching movies with my husband! :) Today while watching Biggest Loser, it came to me that I don't have to wait until we get paid to start exercising. I have workout dvds that I COULD have been doing this entire 6 months that we have lived here. For some reason or another (a.k.a. laziness), I chose not to. Since the 20th is a week and a half away, I'm not going to wait until then to start exercising! I'm going to start tomorrow! First thing when I wake up, I'm making some coffee and putting in my favorite workout dvd! Hopefully by getting a jump start, my body won't be as sore when I begin the major workouts. Tomorrow and the days ahead bloggers, I will be discussing how my workouts are developing! Keep your fingers crossed and me in your prayers that my workout goes successfully! GOD BLESS!

A Cold Day In My Room and Apples

In my room at the school I work at, the only type of ac/heat comes from this rinky-dink device that is mounted on my wall. The device works 50% of the time. I usually don't mind and just dress for the weather. However, today was FREEZING!!!!! I borrowed someone's "old-as-Methuses" electric heater. The electric heater had seen better days because it really wasn't doing much for me. Needless to say, I made up my mind and decided I couldn't see kids in my room. I was productive today though; I managed to complete and mail out all of my progress notes! In a way, I'm kinda glad I have a faulty heater because it helps me catch up on all of my paperwork.

I just got word that school is cancelled for tomorrow because of ... Duh Tuh Duh Dah ... MORE SNOW! :) This little speech therapist is happy because I, now, need to get caught up on my house work. You would have thought I would have got caught up on housework over Christmas Break and the extra snow days, but I'm a procrastinator! So, tomorrow, I AM going to clean my house and wash and fold all of the laundry!

Over the break, I visited an aunt of mine that I hadn't seen in a long time. I expressed to her my frustration with my weight gain. She told me a secret involving apples. She said, "Mannie, if you are serious about losing some weight, just eat 2-3 apples a day. Don't eat anymore than 3 but don't eat less than 2, and that will help you lose weight." I've been following her advice, and I can say that her advice has made me feel a whole lot better. I don't notice any bloating or excessive eating! :) Now, I need to do something about my physical activity. My husband and I are still planning on joining the "Y" after we get paid on the 20th. Hopefully, by the end of March, our physical and spiritual bodies will get in better condition!

SNOW DAY

Good Morning Bloggers!

It is another day at home for me. It snowed here ALL DAY Sunday causing school to be out for 2 days now, and it is supposed to snow more tomorrow!

Tales say that if you open up a Persimmon fruit, when they become ripe, there is an image that will tell what kind of winter you will have. If you see "knife", then you will have an icy winter. If you see a "spoon", then you will have a snowy winter. If you see a "fork", then you will have a mixture of snow and ice. While driving to work on day this past fall, the DJs were testing this tale. They opened up a Persimmon fruit and what did they see? DRUM ROLL PLEASE............................................ A SPOON! I guess the tale is somewhat true because ever since Winter came, we've had snow! :)

A pic off our back porch on Monday morning.

New Year's Resolution

I know it's a few days after New Year's Day, but I decided to go ahead and post my New Year's Resolutions. For all of my resolutions, I've given myself a due date. This way, I'm keeping tabs on my resolutions and will more likely accomplish/complete them if given a due date.

1. Strengthen my relationship with GOD and my faith.

I used to go to church regularly; however, several things have happened, which made me decide to, so to speak, "put a hold on church". I miss going to church and having a relationship with GOD. I realize I can have a relationship with GOD without going to church, but I want a better relationship with GOD and a relationship with people who have the same beliefs, values, and morals that I do.

Due Date: 3/31/10

2. Start and maintain a workout routine.

I used to workout regularly and be in great shape. We lived at this apartment complex that has gym that we could use for free. Then we moved to a different city. This town does have a YMCA, but for some reason or another, we have yet to join the "Y". We've lived here for 6 months now, and after 6 months of ZERO exercise, I've gained weight. Therefore, we (my husband and I) are joining the local "Y" and gaining control over our health!

Due Date: 3/31/10

3. Run in 2 5ks.

I've always wanted to run in 5ks for fun but never have. Therefore, THIS IS THE YEAR THAT I'M GOING TO DO IT! Now, I just need to find someone to run with me. Hmmmmm...

Due Date: 11/30/10

4. Complete P90X.

I've seen this workout on tv several times, and I believe P90X to be a true, hard workout that will give you results. Now, I'm only going to start P90X once I've established a good workout routine and after I get into better shape.

Due Date: 8/30/10

One Year Wedding Anniversary

Today is our 1 year wedding anniversary! I wish I could say we did something special for our anniversary; however, we weren't able to because it snowed over 4 inches at our house. For where we live, that is a LOT! We did enjoy our time together today by watching NFL Sunday Football, watching movies, and playing video games together!

I cannot believe it has been a year already! Time has flown by so fast! It seems just yesterday that I was walking down the aisle to meet Brandon to join our lives together as husband and wife. There are some things that are blurry about that day, but I do remember the majority of the details (Give me a break! It's been a year, and I've slept since then!).

On the eve of our wedding day, I spent the night with my best friends, Melody and Diana. We ended up just hanging out, laughing, talking, and eating (things we do best!) all night. I woke up early the next morning to get ready so I could meet my hair stylist at the church (Spring Creek Community Church) at 9am. As I stepped outside house to go to the church, I noticed it being oddly warm for that time of year in January. The sun was out, the clouds were rolling, and the temperature was in the 50's. IT WAS RIDICULOUSLY GORGEOUS THAT DAY!

At the church, my hair stylist got me all beautified by doing my hair and make-up (I'm positive she's an angel sent from GOD to ensure I make sound decisions and to make sure my hair looks good!). We were scheduled to do pictures of the wedding party at noon, 2 hours before our wedding began. As time got closer and closer to noon, I became more nervous. Right before I was supposed to leave the dressing room to go upstairs for pictures, I peaked out of window to my dressing room and glanced at Brandon. I hadn't seen him all day, and he looked AMAZING! I just wanted to run out to the room and hug him, but we had decided not to see one another face-to-face until I walked down the aisle.

After pictures were taken, the countdown to 2pm began. Finally, my bridesmaids came downstairs and told me it was time. I walked up the stairs and met my cousin Scott, who walked me down the aisle and gave me away.

After the bridal party walked down the aisle, it was my turn. I saw Brandon standing there, and all I could do is smile and cry at the same time. I couldn't hold it in any longer! When I did finally reach Brandon, the tears stopped, and it was as if a rush of calmness came over me as I took his hand and recited those vows.

After the wedding and more pictures, we met our family and friends in the basement of the church for a small reception.

After cleaning up, we left on our honeymoon adventure to Jacksonville, FL, where we shipped off on a cruise to Nassau, Bahamas!

I thank GOD everyday for bringing Brandon into my life. I truly do not know what I would have done without him. Brandon was there (and continues) to offer courage and support through the toughest time of my life. Those tough times came when the people I had trusted the most (my parents, siblings, and grandparents) abandoned me and broke all promises ever made. I know GOD placed Brandon and his family in my life to help me look beyond the tough times and enjoy all blessings that I encounter! <3>