I will NOT nag. I will NOT nag.

I like being able to do things myself.
I like to begin a project and see it to completion.
I don't like it when my project is dependent upon someone else for part of it.

I need to make some changes to Mom's room while she is visiting my sister.  Time is a BIG factor.  But, before I can do my part, Mister needs to do some major "lifting & heaving".  He works hard; he's tired at the end of the day.  I know that.  I understand that.  When I have some major things I need done, I find that he responds better to a "Honey-Do" list, rather than to my nagging.  Soooo, 5 days ago . . .

I posted the list in the kitchen.

I also put the same list on his bathroom mirror.

I.will.not.nag.
I.will.not.nag.
I.will.not.nag.

Today is our anniversary, 44 years!
(Yay for us!)
This has worked for 44 years.
Hope the list still holds it's magic!

Happy Times

So glad to report that Haylee Kate is home from the hospital and doing very well.  Thank you so much for your prayers and concern.  I also appreciate all the sweet, encouraging comments you left on my post for that day.  "I love my Blog friends"!!

Nothing but happy times to share with you in this post.  The following are photos taken during our trip to Tulsa last weekend.

Happy 10th Birthday Grace!

(our 3rd Granddoll)

Happy Birthday to my Sister!!

(nope, I'd better not tell her age)

Oldest & youngest Granddolls.

Kaylee & Haylee Kate

Paige meeting Haylee Kate.

Grace meeting Haylee Kate.

Kaylee (wearing green & white) in the center.
Great times watching her perform
in her dance recital!

So many reasons to celebrate
and be happy!!

Boo! Hoo!

Our sweet little Haylee Kate is in the hospital.

She is doing what she normally does,

eat/sleep/poop/smile.  She doesn't seem to feel bad, but she has an eye infection.  They tell us that eye infections are quite serious in a small baby because the eye is located so closely to the brain.  This is day #3  there.  She is getting huge amounts of antibiotics.  Sure hope we can get this under control soon and bring her home.  Lil' Mama is staying there 24/7 and her Daddy drove in from TX today to see her.  I'm out the door to spend the afternoon with her.  Lots of things in this world to pray about, but when you're praying, if you'd add our girl to your list we'd appreciate it! (BTW, nothing wrong with her arm, that's the IV where she gets her meds)

Home

"Quick.  Get the phone".

We were carrying in bags and luggage after spending the weekend in Tulsa, Okla, when the phone rang.  It was a friend checking to see that we had made it home safely.  We had been slowly and methodically making the drive back to Louisiana (on Monday) having no idea that horrific storms were whirling in the air as we traveled.  The path from Tulsa to our home had been sunny and uneventful.  Me, Mister, Haylee Kate, and Lil' Mama - safely home from a family visit.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 

Some came home Monday.
Many did not.

Please remember to pray.

GO AWAY!

GO AWAY!

YOU ARE NOT WELCOME HERE!!

I opened the back door to let Boudxy out . . .

and what to my wandering eyes did appear,
but thousands of BEES who are not welcome here!

Saturday it was a snake.

And now I find swarming Bees have nested in our grill on the patio, less than 6' from the back door.  YIKES!

I think I can hear some of you saying, "If you don't bother them then they won't bother you."  Right.   NO.CAN.DO.   I decided to call a Bee Keeper and have them removed.  Yes Ma'am, he'd be right out, but he couldn't say how much he'd charge before he came to view our particular swarm.  Price began at $175.

Mister decided he'd rather keep the $175 and deal with the bees himself.  I'm not sure that was the right decision.  After dinner Mister pulled out the high-powered hose nozzle and the battle began.  He sprayed those swarming trespassers, then flipped the grill lid over to find the hive and even more BEES nested inside.    There was a Tsunami of water spewing between Mister and those little invaders.  I'm not convinced that they are gone for good, but guess I'll have to wait until the morning's light to see.  Mister survived with only a wet shirt, and not a single sting. 

I know bees are necessary.

I know they are "good".
But I've got way too much going on to be messin' with a swarm of bees.  They simply came to the wrong place.  Bee-lieve me when I say I'll be hiving none of this. (gotta love a couple of puns)

*the photo is not of our grill, but this is the way the bees looked as I peered at them through the window.  I wouldn't chance it to go outside for a photo.  Yep, I'm a Sissy.

Boudxy

"Can you find Boudxy?"

Our sweet Boudxy boy has had a rough time of things for the past couple of months.  Lots of things change when Great Grandma comes to stay, then two days later a new baby arrives.

Poor lil' Boudxy is needy.
We've all tried to give him extra attention, but there's no denying that he's feeling a bit neglected.

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

All this, to tell you that Boudxy made his own excitement last weekend when he charged at a snake in the backyard.  YIKES!!  

The snake coiled and struck as Boudxy dodged, but kept going back to the snake again and again.  I yelled  and yelled and yelled and yelled , but Boudxy totally ignored me.  I called for help and Mister and a visiting friend came to help.  The darn snake slithered high up a tree as they persued him, but they were able to get him  down and "send him to snake heaven".

Talk about an Adrenaline rush!
I didn't know I had that much adrenaline in my body!!

Boudxy the Wonder Dog!

* disclaimer:  the snake photo is not mine.
We don't think the snake in our yard was poisonous (?), though it was approx 2 ft. long.

  

More than a Name.

I've always had a "thang" about names.
My family say that I'm a "Name Snob", as I have such definite likes and dislikes about names.

Yesterday my BIL randomly posted about his name - "Tim". I love me a name with a story.  He was named after " an American actor, military officer, and expert on American Indian life and customs."   Fascinating stuff.

My Mom tells me my name, "Deborah" was chosen for two reasons: 

1. It's a biblical name.
2. It begins with a "D".  (mom's name and my two sisters names all begin with a "D".

Mister's name was chosen because of a close friendship.  Mister's Dad and his war buddy were the only two men to survive an attack of some type during WWII.  Mister was named after this war buddy of his Dad.
I love this stuff!

How did you come to have your name?
Do you know?
Do you like your name?

Happy Birthday Miss Priss!

Looking Forward

One year ago in the airport
NYC bound!

Last year Mister and I took our oldest granddoll (along with Princess) with us on vacation.  It was a joy to explore NYC with these girls - an experience we will always cherish.  This year we are taking the younger two granddolls with us on our vacation.  I have made a mountain of arrangements to make this all happen.  Lil' Mama and Haylee Kate will be staying home, as Lil' Mama (Princess) will be taking a college class and Haylee Kate is really too young for all the disruption a trip of this sort would bring to her life, and Mom will be spending time with my sister in Okla.    Praying all this unfolds as planned.  Reservations have been made and tickets have been purchased.  Now we can enjoy the "anticipation", which is part of the fun, don't you think?!

We're bound for Washington DC this year.  

Mister and I have been there a couple of times several years ago, but it will be fun revisiting all the sights and viewing it through the eyes of the girls.  The girls are 10 and 12.  This will be the first time either have flown or rode on the subway.  I will have to pull my big girl panties up tightly and resolve to fly with a sense of confidence, as flying terrifies me, but I want it to be a positive experience for the girls.

I can't wait!

"Beige"

When  I was a young wife and mom I went through a "beige phase" in my life. (?)  I'm not really sure why, but maybe it was because I was busy and "beige is easy".  It's hard to go to far wrong if one sticks to beige, doncha think?  But, somewhere along my way I crossed over to COLOR.  Green is my favorite, with orange being my second choice.  How about you - what's your favorite?

Speaking of "Color" (and I was),  are you color savvy?

How many of these colors would you recognize?

1. Vermilion
2. Verdigris
3. Titian
4. Bisque
5. Puce
6. Cattleya
7. Smalt
8. Damask
9. Jasper
10. Bittersweet

Here are the answers, all mixed-up.
See if you can match them to the right name.
(I was right on only 3 of these, so you can color me "remedial" at best.)

• blackish green
• medium purple
• vivid reddish orange
• medium blue
• light grayish brown
• yellowish green
• deep reddish orange
• grayish red
• dark red
• brownish orange

Now students, you can put down your pencil, close your book, and leave your papers on my desk as you leave the room.  (I've always wanted to say that.  *snicker)

You can get the answers by clicking HERE.

Your "colorful comments" are welcome!

10 Things

Some days are like this.

And, some days are like this.

Ain't it the truth?!

Hope all your May days are full of reasons to smile.

10 Things I Love About May

1. It's not January!
2. New Sandals
3. Cinco de Mayo/Mexican Food
4. Spring Clothes
5. Blooming Roses
6. Sunshine
7. Garden Centers
8. Making Vacation Plans
9. Mother's Day
10. Lots of birthdays in our family to celebrate.

The beauty of "average".

Welcome to our house on an average day.
I love me an average day.
No drama.  No big decisions to make.
Just all of us going about our business
on an average Spring day.

This hardy begonia wintered on the porch
and surprised me by living!

And this plant did the same.
No TLC required.
It lived and bloomed in-spite-of-me,
rather than because of me.

We live near a big Air Force base and I never
tire of watching the HUGE B52's fly over.

And look who's turned into a "Swinger"!

Lil' Mama loaded Haylee Kate into the stroller and 

tethered Boudxy to the handle and off they went 

on a walk. (except for the one time Boudxy lunged

 and almost turned the stroller over, it went well)
We think he is "trainable" and this should soon
be a daily event.

Mister enjoying his favorite evening Pass-time.
Be still my heart.

Ya know, as I read blogs I always enjoy seeing all the special things and events going on, but I think what I enjoy most is simply reading about typical, average days.  I think I'm a little nosy, 'cause I love to see/read about how people live their lives.  If I were living my life all over I think I would go to college and study Sociology.  Human behavior has always fascinated me.  Then, after I became a Sociologist, I would head to Nashville and become a good-lookin', skinny, blonde, Country Music Singer. (all these dreams, never factoring in the fact that I don't like to study, and I've got absolutely no singing ability)  Then, in between studying human behavior of the world, and becoming a singing star, I would marry Mister and have my four children and four granddolls.  For sure.

Don't you love that dreaming is free?

My imagination goes a bit wild on an average day!

Got any average day wild dreams?

I heart my c_ _ _ _ _ _ t!

I'm a "Crockpot" kind a' girl.
This basically translates into saying I'm a slacker cook of sorts.
Knowing I've got dinner covered regardless of how the day unfolds, makes me feel a little smug happy, so I just have to share this little bit of smug-ness"happy" with you!

Crockpot Tamale Casserole

I heart my crockpot!! This is my newest Crockpot recipe find.  I don't usually post recipes but this was waaay to good not to share.  I made it exactly per the recipe except that I used less corn and added a can of black beans (well-drained).  My family loves Mexican food so I make a variety of Mexican casseroles but this is my new favorite.  I'm gonna be your favorite bloggy friend when you serve this up.

* * * * * * * * * * * * 

Also, in times past I have bought Old El Paso Enchilada Sauce, but have never really cared for the taste very much.  I stumbled across this EASY/QUICK recipe  - I love the taste and it's much cheaper than the canned variety.  I make this sauce now and I use it when recipes call for Enchilada Sauce.  BTW, it happens to be vegan & vegetarian, which is a non-issue for us, we just simply like the taste.  Enchilada Sauce Recipe.

Strawberry Caper TANKS!

I've learned that I would not make for a very good criminal.  My last post bragged told about my efforts to outwit, outsmart, and outplay my Mom in regards to her medication.  Let the record show that while I thought she had eaten my concoction, she had actually washed it down the kitchen drain.  Dessert scheme TANKED.

The next morning dawned "awful", and unless you've been around someone who is battling dementia you can't even imagine has awful the "awful" was.  She hit.  She cursed.  She made a scene at the doctor's office. It was a bit embarassing, and a lot humiliating as she spewed all types of false accusations my way for the world to hear. So, to everyone we crossed paths with yesterday, I am either a good daughter trying her best to help her Mom, OR I am a horrid, awful person who has stolen all of her money and left her penniless.  (*sigh) This is what 24 hrs off her meds looks like.

She is now spending a few days in an Alz/Dementia hospital as they work to get her back onto her meds.  It sure helps to keep a sense of humor as we deal with this.

Strawberry dessert, anyone?

The Great Strawberry Caper

Taylor Swift writes songs about her life and is a multi-millionaire.  I write blog posts about my life and . . . well, you can finish that sentence for me.  LOL  Oh-the-irony-of-it.

I did something today that I have never done before - yes, a NEW "life experience".  I don't think even Miss Swift could write a song about this.  Let me first say that my little escapade might qualify me as a criminal - I'm not really sure about this.  I guess I would need to throw myself at the mercy of the court and plead "desperation" if that should be the case.

Those of you who visit me regularly know that my Mom has been living with us for about 6 weeks now.  She  has dementia, and though she does "pretty well", some days are just plain rough.  Today was one of those days.  Mom woke up in a crabby mood.  (we had a great day yesterday and she had gone to bed the night before quite content - go figure.)  The long and short of this being that this morning Mom told me she was not going to take her medication any more.  That was it.  She didn't need it and she wasn't going to take it.  *sigh*  Mom takes a couple of meds for her heart and some strong  mind-bending (my word) meds that are working to keep her dementia  in check, these enable her to function at her very best.  Not taking them is NOT an option.  Without the meds she would probably take a downward spiral, not to mention possible withdrawal symptoms.  What to do?  She is way too savvy to simply mix her meds into applesauce and the like.  So . . .

SStra
I got out my small coffee bean grinder and ground up todays meds.  Then I concocted a Jello/strawberry/Cool Whip dessert and laced hers with the finely ground up meds.  I can't even begin to imagine what all those meds must taste like, but she ate it!

 The "Jello Caper" was a success - put that in a song, Miss Swift.

Tomorrow?
Perhaps "Peanut Butter Surprise".

I'm praying she wakes up in a cordial, easy-going mood and takes her meds with a happy heart.tomorrow.

Motley Crew

It was a beautiful Spring Sunday here on the Bayou.
As our family went into church 10 minutes late I was reminded of "Pack the Pew" Sundays, a common occasion for protestant churches when I was a child.  Do any of you remember "packing the pew"?  Anyway, as we filled our row of chairs at church this morning I couldn't help but think of what a "motley crew" we are.  Me, Mister, My Mom, Lil' Mama, Baby Daddy, and Haylee Kate.  Norman Rockwell certainly never painted a picture of our group!  (Yes, Baby Daddy spent the weekend with us - that alone continues to be an on-going test of living out our faith, but it's getting a tiny bit easier.)   I once read "Grace is something we all want to receive, but never want to give" - it's an ugly truth, isn't it?  I want grace, but it's sure hard to give sometimes.  If it sounds like I'm preaching just know that I'm preaching to myself.  I love the fact that our church welcomes everyone, regardless of situation and circumstance, 'cause we are definitely living in a set of unforeseen circumstances.  At this time last year none of our group could have imagined how we would all have been connected together in such a way on this particular Sunday in April this year.  Our situation isn't ideal, but with God's help, we're all moving forward.  Haylee Kate and my Mom are the sunshine in our day - it's hokey, but true.

BTW, let the record show that Mister and I have decided that Baby Daddy (don't want to use his real name here) is welcome to come here to spend time with our family to enable him to  forge a relationship with his daughter.  Every bedroom in our house is taken so he sleeps on the sofa.  We are getting acquainted with him.  The future is still a big question mark for he and Lil' Mama, though they remain "boyfriend and girlfriend" at this point and time. (Yes, this does make me nervous.) It would be easy to pass judgement on this situation - I know this for a fact because I wrestle with it also.  

'Nuff said for tonight.
Most of our "motley crew" has gone to bed,
and I am soon to join them!

from ME to YOU.

So much sadness coming from the TV today.
It's easy to forget that the world is full of wonderful, caring, people.  Evil is NOT the norm and there is so much more GOOD than evil. I must remind myself of this fact.  Coming to my blog and then browsing through blogland and visiting with you - seeing what you're doing, and reading about your families and projects brings me back to reality.  I've been very busy lately, and I miss having as much time as I once had to visit with you, but please know you're not forgotten.  I wish I could stop by your blog daily, but that's just not possible right now, but when I can stop by it is a real treat!

May God bless and bring healing to all, especially to those in Boston and Texas.

Now - here's a little piece of "happy" from my house -

Haylee Kate (6 wks, approx 8 lbs) and Lil' Mama

Tell me something "Happy" in your house today.
I'd love to hear!

Ouchy! Wah! Wah!

If you, or someone you know, own a set of TV trays similar to these, then you need to read on.  A recall may be forthcoming.

There was an accident at our house today.
The story is not for the faint of heart.
I don't know exactly how the accident happened, but I can tell you what I was doing when the accident occurred.  I had just finished lunch.  Being the good homemaker I am, I wiped down the TV tray and went to replace it on it's stand.  As I was folding the tray and lowering it onto the stand, intense pain nipped at my very being.  Somehow my nipple "lady bud" (sans bra) became PINCHED between the tray and the tray legs. The injury is that of a delicate matter.  I've a mind to pour myself a wine cooler while I nurse my injury.  I feel like such a Boob - it seems the strangest things happen to me.  I guess when one roars through her day on auto pilot, it's to be expected.  Sort of tit for tat.

Recall?
Nope.
I was just messin' with you,
however the story is true,

and if anyone wants to know, it was the left one.

"Don't Do It!"

Patience

is what it's all about when a train is sitting
as in NOT MOVING on the track.

(I could make all sorts of analogies with this one,
but instead, I'll leave you to think of your own.)

We (Mom and I) sat in the car waiting for a l-o-n-g time.  Finally, the train began to rumble slowly down the track.  This made us late for Mom's Bingo game at the senior center.  Upon arriving late, I found there was an unwritten rule about coming in late for Bingo.  The rule?  "Don't do it."  They don't take kindly to late arrivals. Mom didn't seem to pick up on the vibe.  I got the message loud and clear.
Too funny!!

One Month!

4-6-13

Haylee Kate weighed in at 7 lb 5 oz today

at her one month check-up!

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

Mister and I worked in the yard yesterday afternoon. We're re-mulching every square inch of our yard that isn't covered in grass.  I'm not into "weeding", so this seems the best way to go.  We got half way through, then crashed & burned.  We decided to save some of the fun for another day.  We sat on the front porch for a time trying to muster up enough energy to pick up our tools and go inside.  It was sunny, with a gentle breeze.  The neighborhood was a buzz with walkers & joggers.  Spring is late this year, but it has finally arrived, and it feels really good,  'specially when you're sharing the porch with your favorite guy.