tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89889201286437880252024-03-14T01:17:42.882-04:00Bumblebees and Bug LadiesWendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05256862241562841054noreply@blogger.comBlogger80125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8988920128643788025.post-65204304778545339982011-08-24T06:22:00.002-04:002011-08-24T06:31:04.924-04:00Hello AgainWow. It's been a really long time since I have posted anything. So much has happened. My father in law passed away. My dad passed away. (within 6 months of each other!) My mom moved in with us. My cousin moved in with us. (She has now moved out to live with her boyfriend and to begin college.)
<br />
<br />The biggest thing to hit us now is that my mom has started dialysis. She began last week and it has been a rollercoaster ride that is for sure! She was working all the way until last Tuesday, the day before she was admitted to the hospital to begin dialysis. She came home yesterday after a harrowing day with her sugar levels. I hope that she had a good night's sleep in her own bed last night.
<br />
<br />Our next challenge, besides her on-going dialysis, is financial. My mom was working full time, and I am working full time. Tommy still has not been able to find a job. He has applied for the county detention center and has been going thru their application/interview process. It is looking like I will need to get a 2nd job to replace the lost income. No big deal. I have done it before and can do it again, if I can find anything parttime.
<br />
<br />We are going into the unknown territory of dialysis and not sure what Mom's new insurance will cover as far as her medications. That is really scary right now. Her meds alone are over $500 per month with insurance.
<br />
<br />Help me pray to trust that God will provide for my family. Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05256862241562841054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8988920128643788025.post-45594297926740921142010-02-16T06:58:00.001-05:002010-02-16T07:00:59.532-05:00SnapshotThere is a shimmering glaze of dew on the freshly cut outfield grass. The chalk lines are drawn perfectly straight from home plate. <br /><br />Ten ponytailed girls in hot pink and green uniforms form two straight lines. Skylar is in that line, third girl from the left. She is throwing and warming up with her friend and teammate, Kayleigh. Coach Jack and Bob are standing to the right of the line, deep in discussion.<br /><br />Thwap! Thwap! Neon yellow balls sail through the air, landing in the pocket of our gloves. The girls are throwing and catching in unison; knowing that a missed ball will mean a lap around the field for everyone.<br /><br />Parents, family, friends and fans begin to fill the bleachers and surrounding areas. The mingling scents of pungent coffee, sausage biscuits and tropical sunscreen waft across the fields. Little brothers and sisters spread blankets and empty toy filled bags underneath the bleachers, out of harm’s way.<br /><br />Two burly umpires dressed in blue call the coaches to home plate. A shiny silver coin is tossed into the air and lands in the sandy dirt beside home plate. Home field advantage is awarded. After a minute or two, the home plate umpires calls out, “Play ball!” And the battle begins.Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05256862241562841054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8988920128643788025.post-13762407674126544962010-02-09T22:19:00.004-05:002010-02-16T06:48:55.537-05:00Saturdays with PedroOne cool Saturday afternoon, I observed my son, Alex, playing with his friend, Pedro, a miniature donkey. It is winter and the sun is not out. The tall field grass is swaying in the chilly wind.<br /><br />Alex lopes across the yard to the edge of our neighbor's pasture. A lone miniature donkey, Pedro, lives in the pasture with 10 goats. Pedro spies Alex approaching the fence and quickly trots to meet him.<br /><br />Alex reaches through the fence and rubs Pedro's fuzzy nose. Alex then reaches into his black coat pocket and pulls out a plastic baggie filled with baby carrots. Pedro reaches across the fence to get closer to Alex and the carrots. Alex's small hand reaches into the bag and extracts a single carrot. He offers the carrot to Pedro. The donkey gently takes the carrot that is offered in Alex's palm. This exchange is repeated many times, until two goats join Alex and Pedro.<br /><br />The two goats begin to vie for carrots from Alex. One goat butts at Alex through the fence. Pedro nudges the goats out of the way, and continues to munch on the carrots.<br /><br />A carrot drops from Alex's hand to the ground. Two goats, Pedro and Alex all search the ground for the lost carrot. Alex carefully moves blades of dried grass until he finds the rogue carrot. He then brushes the dirt and grass from the carrot before offering it to Pedro.<br /><br />When the last carrot has been eaten, the two goats wander back to their herd. Alex and Pedro remain separated by the fence. Alex climbs through the fence and rubs Pedro on the head and nose. Pedro nuzzles Alex's hand as he caresses him.<br /><br />As the sun sinks low in the sky, Alex climbs back through the fence and begins his trek through the open field to his own yard. Pedro watches him cross the field and then turns to meander through the pasture to his little shelter.<br /><br />As Alex enters his yard, he brays to Pedro. Pedro stops his journey home long enough to return Alex's call with a bray of his own.<br /><br />With this ritual completed, Alex goes inside and refills his baggie with carrots. Alex places the baggie in the refrigerator door, ready for the next encounter with Pedro.Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05256862241562841054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8988920128643788025.post-73690290799335186842010-02-08T20:19:00.003-05:002010-02-08T22:15:15.662-05:00HardIt was very hard to be the child of my father. It still is. There are way too many responsibilities that go along with being his only child.<br /><br />My dad is a bi-polar manic depressive who happens to be blind. He has dyslexia and never learned to read or write beyond a 1st grade level. He has never held a driver's license. He is now plagued with early stages of Alzheimer's disease. He is a convicted sex offender. He is my dad.<br /><br />I knew growing up that my dad was not like any of my friends' dads. He didn't work once I was old enough to get a part time job. He didn't drive.. He didn't care what I was doing or with who. He never once hugged me, kissed me, told me that he was proud of me or that he loved me.<br /><br />He would not go to church with my mom and me. He would not go to work. He made rude comments to me and my mom. He would go grocery shopping with us. He would try to take my mom's checkbook and go shopping at Radio Shack. He was successful a couple of times. I thought that my mom was going to have a heart attack every time he pulled one of his stunts.<br /><br />My mom tried to get him help. She took him to all sorts of doctors. They would prescribe medications for him and he would take it for a few weeks. Inevitably, he would flush it all down the toilet.<br /><br />In 1994, he was convicted as a sex offender. He spent 13 years in prison. He was released in March of 2007.<br /><br />My mom let him come back home. This has proven to be a colossal mistake. He has not changed at all. In fact, he is worse.<br /><br />He doesn't like the car that my mom drives, so he tries to tinker with the engine. He does not like his cell phone, so he put it in the dish water. He calls his sisters day and night and gives them my telephone number.<br /><br />I don't know what I'll do with him if anything happens to my mom. I feel guilty about that, but I honestly don't know. Right now, I am advocating that we find him a nursing home so that he will have someone to watch out for him and some activities to keep him busy. My mom's dialysis could start at any time. <br /><br />I don't even know that I love him. That's bad, isn't it? You are supposed to love your parents. But he just makes it almost impossible to do.Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05256862241562841054noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8988920128643788025.post-9955567578654477532010-02-08T06:38:00.004-05:002010-02-08T20:13:49.200-05:00No Place Like HomeNestled on the edge of the forest, tucked in amongst the tall pine trees, lies one of my favorite places.<br /><br />The forest borders the property on three sides, with the fourth revealing a breathtaking view of the Appalachian Mountains. There are several well tended flower beds in the yard that showcase hydrangeas, tulips, roses, mint and irises. On a warm spring day, the air is perfumed with their lovely fragrances. There are also dogwood trees that bloom in pink and white blossoms; crepe myrtle trees, and a big, black cherry tree.<br /><br />Out back, you can see the old red barn and the tidy vegetable garden. The lawn is a lush carpet of soft grass. An old well sits near the barn, with it's bucket and rope ready to draw up a cool bucket of water on a hot summer day. Wild birds and squirrels dine from the multiple bird feeders.<br /><br />A single story log cabin sits as the crown jewel of the property. It boasts a large covered front porch, complete with rocking chairs. The long, curving gravel driveway ends in a large parking area for extended family.<br /><br />This is my special place. I go there and close my eyes, reliving the glorious days of my childhood summers. I go there and breathe in the memories of my grandparents. I go there and know that I am home.Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05256862241562841054noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8988920128643788025.post-16890804231368594852010-02-07T16:51:00.002-05:002010-02-07T17:08:01.322-05:00Granny HughesMy Dear Granny,<br /><br />Oh how I miss you! I have really needed your guidance for my life! I believe that I've really made a mess of some things, but I think that I am finally getting most of them straightened out. I really hope that I am, anyway.<br /><br />Skylar is 16 years old now. She has turned out to be a beautiful young lady. She is already taller than I am. She really loves to play sports and be competitive. Why, I bet that she could climb to the very top of that old black cherry tree in your front yard! I keep the picture of you holding her by my bed.<br /><br />My little Alex is 7 years old now. He is such a handful! I really wish that you could be here to watch him grow up. He loves all animals and every bug that comes upon. He would really have love to grow up on your farm. I named him after Uncle John. I know that you would like that.<br /><br />Tommy and I finally got married about 10 years ago. We have made many mistakes along the way, but I think we may be on the right path. He has finally started to go to church with me sometimes. I've wandered away from the flock, but am slowly making my way back. I'm ashamed of that and know that you would not be proud of that either. Tommy is a good dad to Skylar and Alex. He is a way better dad than mine ever was. He is working on his temper and the extent of his patience.<br /><br />I miss your Godly wisdom and guidance so much! I find myself sitting by your final resting place on many occasions. Oh, what I would give to have even one more day with you!!!<br /><br />I love you. I miss you. I can't wait to see you waiting for me at those Pearly Gates. I long to stroll down those streets of gold with you and Papa.<br /><br />Granny, keep your arm around me and your hand over my mouth.<br /><br />Until we are together again, I'll keep on keeping on.....Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05256862241562841054noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8988920128643788025.post-27975579884311698072010-02-05T06:45:00.001-05:002010-02-05T06:53:15.297-05:00High School RingsWow. How is that it is time for my little girl to be ordering her High School Class ring?? Didn't she just start kindergarten in Mrs. Condrey's class last year? Geez, I am getting old! Worse, my little girl has morphed into a 16 year old girl who has more boys calling/texting than I have ever met in my life!Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05256862241562841054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8988920128643788025.post-18839508809428965552010-02-01T07:02:00.002-05:002010-02-01T07:06:26.133-05:00Clyde Howard Henderson 1932 - 2010Clyde Howard Henderson, 77, of 219 N. Howard Ave., Landrum died January 11, 2010 at Smith Phayer Hospice House. <br /><br />A native of Chesnee, SC, he was the son of the late Clyde and Ollie Henderson. He is survived by his son, Thomas Henderson (Wendy) of Landrum, daughter Lori Stelma of Lake Mary, FL, sister, Bernice H. Price (Charles) of Landrum, grandchildren Megan and Elizabeth Stelma, Skylar and Alex Henderson and Katherine Downey as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister Muriel H. Underwood. <br /><br />He retired from the United States Navy as a Chief Petty Officer after 20 years of service, having served in Korea as a member of the Underwater Demolition Team and in Vietnam aboard the USS Forrestal. After his military service, he worked as a civil engineer for Soil and Material Engineers in Spartanburg until his retirement. <br /><br />He was a loving father, doting grandfather and true friend who will be missed by all who knew him. <br /><br />He would not permit his son or daughter to discipline their children in his presence. Grandpa was Megan, Liz, Skylar, and Alex's refuge. His embrace could keep them safe. He was always there for them.<br /><br />We miss him sooo much!Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05256862241562841054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8988920128643788025.post-35342105951104752262010-01-31T16:46:00.002-05:002010-01-31T16:57:01.796-05:002010Today is the final day of the first month of 2010. I have not been swallowed up by aliens. We have just had an entirely difficult month. <br /><br />My Uncle Calbert passed away on Skylar's birthday, Dec 28. That gave us a week of family and mourning for the passing of my beloved Uncle Calbert. I am so going to miss him! It will not ever be the same. I'll never be able to tell the kids to load up into the car because we are going to Uncle Calbert and Aunt Hazel's farmhouse. It will only be Aunt Hazel's. I love my aunt, too. It just won't be the same.<br /><br />For most of the month of December, my father in law, Howard, was ill. We were taking him to the doctor's office on a weekly basis, but none of the medication seemed to help. He was admitted to the hospital on December 30, the day before my Uncle Calbert's funeral. <br /><br />On January 4, Howard was diagnosed with lung cancer. A PET scan was ordered for January 5. The PET scan did not reveal any good news. In fact, it revealed the worst news possible. The cancer had spread to virtually every bone in his body and his liver. <br /><br />He came home with Hospice on January 7. We had to transport him to the local Hospice House on January 10. He entered Heaven's Gates on January 11, at 5 am. Tommy, his sister Lori, and myself were with him when he passed. <br /><br />Tommy has had a very hard time dealing with the loss of his dad. My children are coping as best they can. Skylar is mad at the world and Alex is having behaviour problems at school. I am trying to keep everyone focused on getting through each and every day.<br /><br />Friday, January 29. One of Skylar's childhood friends earned his angel wings. Ty had battled brain cancer for 7 years. He was brave, strong and a fighter until the very end. He was 16 years old; only 2 months older than Skylar. They were the 4 Musketeers: Audrey, Ashley, Skylar and Ty. You couldn't see one with out the others.Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05256862241562841054noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8988920128643788025.post-29937395014539999312009-12-21T20:20:00.003-05:002009-12-21T21:08:36.696-05:00Catch upIt has been so long since I last sat down to write or blog. December is always a very hectic month in payroll. Year End always has the potential to be a nightmare. <br /><br />This year has absolutely flown by! I can not believe that at this time last year I was packing for our Christmas trip to visit Tommy's sister and our nieces in St Augustine, FL. We had a great week in Florida last Christmas. We had the kids on the beach on Christmas day and for most of the day on the 26th. We visited the St Augustine Alligator Farm. Alex absolutely loved that. We went to a state park and got to see real live manatees and even an alligator in the wild there. We drove down to Daytona Beach and looked around. We stopped in Cassadaga just to look around. We came home on Skylar's 15th birthday. <br /><br />In January, Skylar got her driving permit. That was scary enough in itself. It doesn't seem like my little girl should be old enough to drive. <br /><br />February was when Skylar's basketball season ended and softball season began. She made the varsity team, again. Their unbelievable season took off to a great start. Alex had a great month in school with his reading efforts.<br /><br />March was the start of a very interesting time. My friend at work, Marlena, had a baby girl, Lola, on Tommy's birthday. I got to fill in for Marlena while she was on leave. Oh what fun that was! NOT!!! I began an I-9 project that seemed like it would never, ever end.<br /><br />April was a blur of I-9s and softball games. Alex was a trooper about his sister's games. Poor little guy, he hardly knows how to behave away from the softball fields. <br /><br />May was still a blur of I-9s. Skylar's team began playoffs and ended with a Championship run for the Upper State title. Alex turned 7 years old. We gave him a birthday party in the park. We asked on his invitations for all of his friends to bring their waterguns for a water war. Those kids, and some of the adults, had a blast shooting each other. <br /><br />June continued the nightmare of I-9s at work. We began planning the activities that we would enjoy in Helen, GA. <br /><br />July...we went on our very first family vacation that did not revolve around softball schedules. Oh, how much fun it was to just be able to relax and do everything on our schedule and not have to cut activities short and rush to the next ball game. We visited Anna Ruby Falls, the village of Helen, GA, and I got my first tattoo.<br /><br />August began the new school year for Skylar and Alex. Skylar is currently in the 10th grade at Landrum High School. Alex is in 2nd grade at OP Earle Elementary. Skylar began Colorguard with the marching band. <br /><br />September was a nice, laid back month. The kids were getting settled into their new school routines and classes. We were able to enjoy several home football games and see Skylar in action with the coulorguard.<br /><br />October was a nice transition to fall. Skylar had band competitions on just about every Saturday in October. Alex wanted to be a fighter pilot for Halloween. He and I went trick or treating in the pouring rain. We gave up after only a few streets. It was just too wet to be walking through people's yards to get a single piece of candy.<br /><br />November was a blur. I turned 35. Lori and Elizabeth came up from Florida for Thanksgiving. Alex brought home a lovely stomach flu to share with everyone. I was the only one to escape it. Thank the Lord! I think I went thru 3 cans of Lysol. Lori even took the bug home with her. I can think of better things for Alex to share than the stomach flu. <br /><br />Here it is December again. Skylar's 16th birthday is one week from today. I will be working all day and part of the night next week on our last payroll of the year. I will get to tell her happy birthday before I leave for work, and hopefully will get to have dinner with her when I get home. We will wait until New Year's Day to actually celebrate her birthday. I will be off of work and we will go shopping at the after Christmas sales for her birthday clothes. I think that is one of the few benefits of having a birhtday right after Christmas. She understands now that when she waits for birthday shopping after Christmas, she will get twice the amount of clothes. <br /><br />Christmas is Friday. I can't wait for it to be over. I have never enjoyed Christmas. I love the church services and plays, but I can absolutely do without the rest of it. If it weren't for Skylar and Alex, I would not celebrate it at all. No tree, no lights, no gifts. Nothing. I barely tolerate Christmas music. I guess I am a scrooge or grinch. I just have always been disappointed with Christmas and now that I am the only income, it is dificult to know that I can not provide my kids with all of the things that they are asking for. I just want to get thru this Christmas as quickly as possible so that it goes away.Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05256862241562841054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8988920128643788025.post-22711648642368331282009-12-18T17:57:00.003-05:002009-12-18T17:59:12.849-05:00SNOWI hate snow. I hate the cold. I hate sleet, freezing rain and ice. <br /><br />Can we move to Tahiti, now? Please? Pretty please?<br /><br />I'll even homeschool the two hoodlums on the beach everyday. Alex could have a pet starfish. Skylar could learn to hula dance. We'd all be warm, tan and happy.<br /><br />This weather sucks!Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05256862241562841054noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8988920128643788025.post-59843955022869222662009-11-18T20:01:00.004-05:002009-11-18T20:05:36.173-05:00Wordless Wednesday<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_C2YMc_U95ps/SwSZ2qwYK6I/AAAAAAAAAGI/W93CCC2gzZM/s1600/FL-SC+Game+081.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_C2YMc_U95ps/SwSZ2qwYK6I/AAAAAAAAAGI/W93CCC2gzZM/s320/FL-SC+Game+081.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405614617220623266" /></a>Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05256862241562841054noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8988920128643788025.post-17338811036953094682009-11-15T19:17:00.009-05:002009-11-15T19:35:09.724-05:00Go Gators!<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_C2YMc_U95ps/SwCdj4tk3cI/AAAAAAAAAFw/qAx9vUAlAeg/s1600-h/FL-SC+Game+055.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_C2YMc_U95ps/SwCdj4tk3cI/AAAAAAAAAFw/qAx9vUAlAeg/s320/FL-SC+Game+055.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404492792689122754" /></a><br /><br /><br />Our trip to Williams Brice Stadium in Columbia, SC was a complete and wonderful day! The only problem was Skylar on the crutches, and that only slowed us down a little bit. The kids had a blast tailgating with our friends. Alex learned the finer points of playing cornhole. We were able to make it to the unloading of the buses in time to get some great pictures. As we were in line waiting for the gates to open, we were priveleged to meet Mr. Tebow, Tim's dad. And the GATORS won! <br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_C2YMc_U95ps/SwCbT3-C4AI/AAAAAAAAAFI/YGHyZc8jLQU/s1600-h/FL-SC+Game+009.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_C2YMc_U95ps/SwCbT3-C4AI/AAAAAAAAAFI/YGHyZc8jLQU/s320/FL-SC+Game+009.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404490318588600322" /></a><br />Alex playing cornhole.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_C2YMc_U95ps/SwCb7iY_DhI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/C9yP3-H6c9g/s1600-h/FL-SC+Game+022.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_C2YMc_U95ps/SwCb7iY_DhI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/C9yP3-H6c9g/s320/FL-SC+Game+022.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404490999990783506" /></a><br />Tommy and Skylar<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_C2YMc_U95ps/SwCcM-a8yKI/AAAAAAAAAFY/gyu4LQjo-T4/s1600-h/FL-SC+Game+030.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_C2YMc_U95ps/SwCcM-a8yKI/AAAAAAAAAFY/gyu4LQjo-T4/s320/FL-SC+Game+030.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404491299572992162" /></a><br />Gators Coach Urban Meyer<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_C2YMc_U95ps/SwCchKZ26rI/AAAAAAAAAFg/agLvBp1oT5U/s1600-h/FL-SC+Game+038.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_C2YMc_U95ps/SwCchKZ26rI/AAAAAAAAAFg/agLvBp1oT5U/s320/FL-SC+Game+038.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404491646387022514" /></a><br />Defense Coach Charlie Strong<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_C2YMc_U95ps/SwCdPXS_4TI/AAAAAAAAAFo/bK0CPJ-7SfQ/s1600-h/FL-SC+Game+053.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_C2YMc_U95ps/SwCdPXS_4TI/AAAAAAAAAFo/bK0CPJ-7SfQ/s320/FL-SC+Game+053.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404492440121893170" /></a><br />Superman Tim Tebow<br /><br />Oh, and just in case you were wondering...Yes, it is true what they say in Cola, SC about Willie B...IF IT AINT SWAYIN', AINT NOBODY PLAYIN'!! The upper deck swayed the entire night, especially when they played "Sandstorm" or as I call it, the "Hamster Dance" song.Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05256862241562841054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8988920128643788025.post-8274319959261226442009-11-13T22:35:00.002-05:002009-11-13T22:44:03.828-05:00Tomorrow, Tomorrow...I love ya, Tomorrow. You're only a day away....<br /><br />We are going to the FL/SC game tomorrow in Columbia, SC. <br /><br />We are leaving Sparkle City around 9 AM. We shall be following our friends, Kristen and Lee. We are going to set up tailgating camp around 10:30 or so. I can't wait! <br /><br />This will be Skylar and Alex's first ever college game. Alex is so excited that I'm not sure that he will sleep at all tonight. Skylar is excited as well, but being as she injured her knee again tonight, she will be on crutches for the weekend. That has taken some of her excitement away. She'll be ok once we get there, I'm sure. She'll hold court as Princess of the Tailgate once we get there and have all of the grown guys at her beck and call. <br /><br />I have been baking since I got home from work. Cupcakes and brownies. Alex and I made Orange cupcakes with blue icing and some blue cupcakes with orange icing. I have just put the last batch of brownies into the oven. <br /><br />Hopefully, we will be able to find where the Gators will be walking into the stadium so we can get lots of great pictures.<br /><br />Go Gators!Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05256862241562841054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8988920128643788025.post-35049355789850930382009-11-12T21:41:00.002-05:002009-11-12T21:51:41.127-05:00AlexSticky fingers. Kool Aide smiles. Lizards. Turtles. Snakes. Alligators. Football. Baseball. WWE wrestling. Cub Scouts. Camping. Night Owl. Picky eater. Rocks hidden in any available pocket. Candy wrappers in pockets. Broken pencils in pockets. Knees worn out of blue jeans. Tennis shoes surviving only a few weeks. Stuffed animals taking up half of the bed. Superman comforter. Sleepy little boy. My little boy. Giver of the best hugs in the world.Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05256862241562841054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8988920128643788025.post-21226830659683804012009-11-11T20:59:00.006-05:002009-11-11T22:08:07.108-05:00Veteran's DayToday is Veteran's Day. <br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ybyBgkyPp3Q&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ybyBgkyPp3Q&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />My husband is a veteran. He was in the Navy during Ronald Reagan's terms as our president. He was stationed in Central America. Fortunately, it was not during a war. He crossed the Panama Canal a couple of times. Thank you, Tommy, for helping to keep our country safe.<br /><br />My cousin, Jeff, is a veteran. He recently retired from a 20 + year career in the Army. He served both Iraq wars, Afghanistan, Germany, Poland, Alaska, Texas, and many other exciting/dangerous places. His last post was at Fort Hood, Texas. He and his wife, Bernadette, and their two sons, Grayson and Ethan, reside in Killeen, Tx. Although he has retired from the Army this year, he was offered a civilian position on base at Fort Hood. We were on pins and needles last week when the shooting occurred. Thankfully, although Jeff was, in his words, very close to the area, he was safe. Thank you, Jeff, for serving our country in times of war and times of peace.<br /><br />My cousin, Tony, Jeff's older brother, is a veteran. Tony served our country in the Navy. Thank you, Tony, for your service to our great nation!<br /><br />My cousin, Shannon, Jeff and Tony's youngest brother, is a veteran. Shannon served in the Marines. He was a helicopter pilot. He flew Marine One, the helicopter that shadows Air Force One. Thank you, Shannon, for your service to our great nation!<br /><br />My Uncle Roger is a veteran. He served in the Army during Vietnam. Thank you, Uncle Roger, for your service to our great nation!<br /><br />My father-in-law, Howard is a veteran. He served in the Navy. He was one of the original Frogmen, a prequel to the current SEALS. He served in Korea, Vietnam, the Bay of Pigs, Spain, Italy, and many other places. He was stationed on the USS FORRESTAL with AZ Senator John McCain when the rocket hit McCain's plane and exploded. Oh, the stories he passes on to us as we are gathered around the dinner table each night! I truly hope that Skylar and Alex are listening closely when their Grandpa shares his stories. Thank you, Howard, for your dedicated service to our country and defending this great land that we are privileged to call home. <br /><br />God bless each and every one of our military personnel. Thank you for answering the call of duty from your country, for without your service, we would not be the country we are today. Without your service, America would not be the home of the free and the brave. <br /><br />God bless those service men and women who have laid down their lives for each and everyone of us. They have paid the ultimate price to ensure our freedom.<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/dEjz-wAQLSA&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/dEjz-wAQLSA&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05256862241562841054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8988920128643788025.post-72432174857610483662009-11-03T22:45:00.002-05:002009-11-03T22:55:17.282-05:00Mental PreparationI'm in the office. On the other side of the wall is Alex's room. All I can hear is a steady stream of giggling because he is watching America's Funniest Home Videos. It is his new favorite show. I'll take the sound of his giggles and guffaws over his usual whineyness anyday! <br /><br />I was helping Tommy with a paper that he has to turn in tomorrow in his English class. I was proofreading and making grammatical corrections, when he dropped a bomb on me.<br /><br />He said as I was reading, "If I ask you a question, will you promise not to go all crazy on me?"<br /><br />"No. I reserve the right to go crazy at any time for any reason. What?"<br /><br />"Have you been mentally preparing yourself for when your mom dies?"<br /><br />"Yes. I don't want to talk about it. Drop it. Not a good time to discuss that right now. One more word and I will go Psycho bitch on you. And you asked for it."<br /><br />"Ok."<br /><br />Now, why would he ask a question like that? Well, let's see. My mom is a very bad diabetic, has high blood pressure, and is in the final stages of kidney failure. She had surgery on her left arm in September to create a fistula in preparation for dialysis. Last week, she contracted the flu (not the H1N1 flu, just the regular seasonal flu). This week it has morphed into pneumonia. Her family doctor did not admit her to the hospital but did take blood to check her kidney function. Her O2 level is very low and has been dropping each dr visit.<br /><br />So, yes, I am trying to mentally prepare myself for when the time comes. I hope that it is not for many, many years but I need to prepare myself.Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05256862241562841054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8988920128643788025.post-60729088186933351362009-10-31T10:15:00.002-04:002009-10-31T10:35:43.308-04:00Why? Just tell me why....On Thursday I told Tommy that we had about $100 left until I get paid again. (For anyone that does not already know, I am the only income source for the family.) I had brought home a package of cubed steak and a box of mac and cheese to prepare for supper, however, he talked me into ordering out. Now, we did not order from the most exclusive of restaurants that would cost an arm and a leg. We called Kent's, the local greasy spoon, for burgers. We spent about $35 dollars. Fine. We still had enough for what needed to be paid until I get paid again. $5 for Alex to go with his Cub Scout pack to Lost Acres. CHECK. $10 for Skylar to take with her to the State Band Competition at Woodmont HS. CHECK. $20 for gas in my car so that I can take the kids to school, go to work, and come home for 4 days. CHECK. (No lunch money for me, but hey, I need to lose weight anyway.) Should have had about $20 left for a small cushion in a dire situation. Guess what?! Mr. Moneybag went and bought a freaking bag of candy for $10. Just in case trick or treaters show up. Hello, are you having an I-D-10-T moment, Tommy? We don't have trick or treaters here. We keep the porch light off because we (ok, it's just me) are out with Alex and Skylar going about the Halloween thing with them. Like taking them to the city's Halloween stroll, going to the trunk or treat at Ingles and hitting our favorite trick or treat spots in town. In the last 20 years, we might have had 2 trick or treaters, and those were not in the same year. Now once everything else is paid, I barely have enough for gas for the week. I just can not for the life of me fathom why he does not stop and think about what the hell he is spending money on before he does it. He is usually the one telling me to put things back at the grocery store because we can do without it, and he goes out and spends money on candy and some other crap that we don't freaking need??Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05256862241562841054noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8988920128643788025.post-8544698045443881802009-10-29T21:44:00.003-04:002009-10-29T22:11:21.080-04:00~Words~Words are very useful things. Words can be used to heal a broken heart, to heal a broken relationship, to give directions and instructions. Words can also cause harm to others, break hearts, destroy relationships, and ruin reputations. Words should be chosen with care and delivered with care, even in heated moments.<br /><br />Now, there are some words that just should not be spoken at all, by anyone, for any reason. They include the 7 words you can not say on network television, and a few others. And, no, they are not all curse words. I don't always find curse words to be offensive, and have been known to have them pass from my lips at times. (Ok, sometimes on a daily basis, sometimes multiple times per day.) <br /><br />If a word is not a word, please don't say it. And if you want to use big words, please know the meaning of the word and how to properly use the word in a sentence. One of the most misused words that I have encountered is "irregardless". THIS IS NOT A WORD PEOPLE!! STOP USING IT!! It is a double negative contradiction. When you use it repeatedly, it does not make you appear to be intelligent. Actually, it makes you look just the opposite. <br /><br />Do you know the definition of "irregardless"? Let me post it for you:<br /><div align="center"><br /><em><strong>irregardless :<br /></strong></em>an erroneous word that, etymologically, means the exact opposite of what it is used to express, attested in non-standard writing from 1912, probably a blend of irrespective and regardless. Perhaps inspired by the double negative used as an emphatic</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="left">So, please stop and think before you speak. Listen in your head to what is about to cross your lips. Don't go around talking like a ding-dong. </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">I'm stepping down from my soap box now. </div>Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05256862241562841054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8988920128643788025.post-66519934702082913622009-10-27T21:12:00.002-04:002009-10-27T21:26:56.148-04:00TrustIt's a small word with a big meaning. At least to me. <br /><br />I have a hard time trusting people, especially upon first meeting them. I prefer to keep quiet and rely only on myself until a person has earned my trust. Once granted, it is still a very fragile thing. Kind of like a raw egg. You can hold it, it feels solid. But, if you drop the egg, it shatters, just like trust.<br /><br />I have been scarred in the past when someone close to me has shattered my trust in them. Those scars are deep and even when they are several years old, still have very tender scabs that are easily knocked away. <br /><br />The loss of trust has also cost some relationships along the line as well. Some are so badly broken that I don't know if the pieces can be glued back together. For some, it is too late as the other person involved has passed. Those hurt the worst. The ones that can't be fixed because I waited too long to try to get over it.<br /><br />The last time that my trust in someone was shaken to the very core was the year that my daughter was born. 1993. I do not want to go into details because there is a new scab on that scar and frankly, I'm not up to ripping it off tonight. Let me just say that there are still repercussions from that year lingering even today. I have started to tentatively extend spider webs of communications/relationships from those that were even periferally (is that a word?) involved. I have kept my daughter away from most of the parties involved. I have not spoken to many of the main parties since this particular year.<br /><br />However, last year, my world was yet again shattered. My cousin whom I had always considered a surrogate father passed away on Oct. 3, 2008. It has been a long year since his passing. I miss him. I have not had a real relationship with him since 1993.<br /><br />I hurt. I don't know when it's going to stop. I don't know if I want it to stop. What if this is my punishment?Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05256862241562841054noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8988920128643788025.post-10008802355947700872009-10-26T06:47:00.002-04:002009-10-26T06:52:28.175-04:00EbayOh, how I've missed ebay. Not that it actually left and went on a road trip, but I've stayed pretty far away from it for a couple of years. Yes, a couple of years. <br /><br />I just rediscovered the thrill of bidding and winning on ebay this weekend. It all started with me deciding to look up some Christmas gifts for Alex and Skylar. I scored big time for both of them. I was able to get Alex several WWE wrestling related gifts to store away for Santa to leave him. And for Skylar, let's just say that she is going to be super excited to receive a hot pink Ipod Nano. She's only been asking for one for 3 years. They've just been too expensive, even at Walmart. I won an auction for the ipod and only paid $22 dollars, and it has free shipping. Yes, it's brand new in the package. <br /><br />I can't wait to see what else I can find for the kids and Tommy for Christmas on ebay. At this rate, all of my Christmas shopping will be completed from the comfort of my couch and upstairs office. Wonder if I'll miss all of the traffic around Westgate Mall? Nope! Sure won't!!!Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05256862241562841054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8988920128643788025.post-14533607487476448802009-10-20T20:48:00.002-04:002009-10-20T21:00:01.166-04:00SkylarSkylar saw the athletic trainer yesterday. The tendon in her right elbow is strained. Doc put the electro-shock pads on her arm and let those work some magic for a while. He also gave her some exercises to do as well. She told me that her arm did indeed feel better when she got home last night. <br /><br />She felt well enough to go and play with the co-ed softball team from our church. She normally plays fastpitch, but the Milestones team was short one girl for the game. She thought that she could handle slow pitch. She played 1st base and did very well, considering that she has not played softball since May. <br /><br />She will play with the team again tomorrow evening and afterwards, we will go with the team to have dinner at Pizza Inn. I think that she is excited to be playing some form of softball. She brought home the practice schedule for basketball today as well. I think we are gearing up for our normal pace of practices and games and meals on the go. And, this year we have the added benefit of Alex being in Cub Scouts. <br /><br />I can't wait for it all to begin. I have missed watching her play competitive sports.Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05256862241562841054noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8988920128643788025.post-42834060354207598202009-10-17T22:27:00.003-04:002009-10-17T22:40:17.080-04:00If it weren't for bad luck...I'd have no luck at all.<br /><br />First of all, would anyone care to have a whiny, crying 7 year old boy? He's very precocious. Warning, he is ALL BOY. He loves all things wriggly, slimey, and hoppy. He comes with 1 lizard and 2 turtles. Sorry, the dogs stay with me. They give me peace. On second thought, Sadie, the spastic beagle goes with the boy. Just shoot me an email, k? Make sure that you include a shipping address or map quest directions for drop off. <br /><br />Now, onto the bad luck draw of the day. Skylar had a band competition today at Chesnee High School. She's in the color guard. (No, I have no idea why my super-athlete decided to go all band geek on me.) Anyways, she called home a few minutes ago. I assumed the call was to tell me that they were like 5 minutes away from LHS. Not so much.<br /><br />The convo went along these lines:<br /><br />Me: "Hello."<br /><br />Sky: "Mama?"<br /><br />Me: "Yes, baby."<br /><br />Sky: "Um, we have a problem."<br /><br />Me: "What kind of problem?" (I'm thinking the bus broke down, she lost her expensive guard gloves, you know, something minor but irritating.)<br /><br />Sky: "I sort of hyper-extended my right elbow. They think that I have pulled the tendons and ligaments in my elbow. They said that I probably will need to go to the doctor."<br /><br />Me: "Who exactly is "They"? Did a trainer look at your elbow? Who looked at it? Can you move it? Is it swollen?"<br /><br />Sky: "Somebody's mom looked at it. I don't think she's a nurse or anything. It hurts alot."<br /><br />Me: "Where are you?"<br /><br />Sky: "We are on the bus, but we're not moving yet."<br /><br />Me: "Call me as soon as you get close to the school. I'll look at it and decide on if we need to take you to see a doctor tonight or if we can wait until morning. Try to keep it as still as possible and do not unload a single solitary thing at the school."<br /><br />Sky: "Ok. I'll see you soon. Bye. Love you."<br /><br />Our luck, she'll miss basketball and softball seasons because of the freaking band. Of all extra-curricular activities, I thought that band was the safest possible one. Guess I was wrong, huh?Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05256862241562841054noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8988920128643788025.post-8531733862022640262009-10-14T18:49:00.001-04:002009-10-14T18:51:41.949-04:00Wordless Wednesday<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_C2YMc_U95ps/StZV22dQNZI/AAAAAAAAAFA/Y6vLDvHH99s/s1600-h/038.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392592004642256274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_C2YMc_U95ps/StZV22dQNZI/AAAAAAAAAFA/Y6vLDvHH99s/s320/038.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>My mom vs. the brick wall</div><div> </div><div> </div><div>The brick wall won!</div>Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05256862241562841054noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8988920128643788025.post-39063585634749304072009-10-12T20:38:00.002-04:002009-10-12T20:59:48.717-04:00My MamaMy mama has had some really rough times lately. She has very bad diabetes and is in the final stages of kidney failure. On Sept. 18, she had surgery where a fistula was created in her left arm in preparation for dialysis. <br /><br />Today, I got a phone call that chilled me to the very core. I saw on the caller id that it was my mom's cell phone, so I answered quickly. However, it was not her on the other end. It was her boss and close friend, Georgianna. She was calling for my mom. She said, "I wanted to call and let you know that we have a problem." I completely expected the next sentence to be that my mom's blood sugar had dropped. That was not it.<br /><br />"Mrs. Thelma fell in the parking lot and hit her head really badly. She did not lose consciousness. Her sugar is very high and her blood pressure is really high. The EMS is here." <br /><br />"WHAT!?!" <br /><br />"Her hand is skinned up pretty badly too."<br /><br /> "Which hand?"<br /><br /> "Her left hand."<br /><br /> "What about her arm? Is her arm ok?" <br /><br />"I don't know. I don't think that she hit her arm."<br /><br />"I need to know if her left arm is ok. That fistula has not had enough time to heal. If it tears, she will bleed to death in a matter of minutes. I need to know now, please!"<br /><br />The EMS checked her fistula site and decided that it was not damaged. (An appointment to the surgeon is scheduled for 9 am tomorrow for an ultrasound to ensure that it is not damaged.) Two of her co-workers drove her home because she is hard-headed.<br /><br />I called my aunt to see if she could go and stay with her until I got home from work. She had to work and could not go. So, I called Tommy and asked him to go and stay with her until I got there. I left work at 4 to get home early.<br /><br />Oh my goodness what a site she is! She has a huge goose-egg above her left eye. Her eye is black and blue and swollen. The skin from a huge portion of her cheek is missing. Her left hand is scraped up very badly. Not to mention how sore she is going to be in the morning.Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05256862241562841054noreply@blogger.com1