Mom's at it again, but I'm still smiling

[lovnmom]

Things are going great! I've lost a total of 12 pounds, I've painted my bedroom and got a new bed and all new bedding, workmen were here and put in all new windows (they are wonderfull), others are coming in July to insulate and side the house. I'm just so happy. My husband and I have lived here for almost 12 yrs. and the house is paid off now it's time to do some of the stuff old farm houses need to have done to them! Anyway, I called to share with my mom that my bedroom's done and the windows are in and the date the other workmen are coming. True to form though, she wasn't happy for me, she didn't care to come over, all she could say was, "It'll be nice when you get your kitchen and bathroom done." NO mom, it's nice now! I'm not quite 40, I'm out of debt, I'm sleeping on the nicest bed I've ever owned, and I can open every window in my house. At least I'm laughing and smiling about her behavior. I can't understand being jealous of your children. I pray my children have and do more than I ever will. I'm actually learning to feel sorry for her. It must be aweful to go through life jealous of everyone around you being unable to be happy for others. I just wanted to share how far Jesus love has brought me in just the last couple weeks. That's what happens when I get lazy about my Bible study the devil can just get in and let everything irritate. I hope all of you with a mom like mine will just smile and move on when she doesn't relate to you like you want her to.

PAX, Kristi

[Angel-lover]

Hi Kristi........

I'm soooo happy for you!! Girl, you've not only lost weight...but, getting that house fixed up! You're gonna be dancing all over that place.http://angel-lover.freeservers.com/animated_dancing_lady.gif :D You know what??? We're doing the same thing! We put 9 new windows in this week & the front door! I've been so happy....like you said...I can raise my windows! :cb: We're remodeling from a housefire..Nov 2, 2002. It's been a very long journey...Insurance didn't pay enough to even hire contractors, so having to do the work ourselves. Very little help from friends or family. Our children, when they can. I'm so happy about the windows & door, though, that I took pics to post on another thread. ;) Ok...if you insist...here it is. :D I think it's about the 6th post down. 5 pics. You'll see, I live in an older home, also. Love it! It's a landmark in the community. Hope you can post some pics, also. We can keep up with each other's progress! Of course yours will go faster than mine...but, we're getting there. :)

http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/showthread.php?t=39687&page=2

Sorry.......again......about your mother. It's so hard to understand. I'm sure there are others who are proud for you, though! I know I am....I've been through the struggle. Every thing you do...large or small...is sooo exciting!
Keep us informed how it's going...& your weightloss...you're doing great! http://www.animation-station.com/animals/images/anim0009.gif

[lovnmom]

Hi Angel Lover, I'm sorry to hear about your fire. It must be devistating to go through something like that. My in-laws home burned pretty much down in Jan. 1993 when I was pregnant with our first child and that was close enough for me. They too had probems with insurance not paying near enough. I'm happy that things are coming along for you. I think it's neat that you are doing much of the work yourselves. Neither my husband or I have ever done anything more than paint as far as remodeling. If it were up to us nothing would ever get done so ours will take a long time as well, because we are not willing to go into debt again to fix the house up so things will get done as we are able to afford them. I'm thinking it'll be just about done when the children are gone! That's ok though there is light at the end of the tunnel. It's terribly windy here today, but I don't care I have nearly every window open things keeping flying off the counters Ha Ha!!! It's one of those pleasures you take for granted!
Have a great day!

Kristi

[Angel-lover]

Hello Kristi....

Good to hear you're enjoying that breeze blowing through those new windows! So am I! Thanks for the thoughts on the fire....we'll get it finished eventually. I think you're very wise paying for things as you go. We're trying our best to get out of debt before DH has to stop working. He's only 55 (May22nd)...but, time will pass fast. So, we're trying not to buy anything with our own money...but from ins, etc. That's why it's taking so long. I think DH is going to start on the wall additions tomorrow. We're adding a den to the kitchen & a few more feet on the end of the house. Then, the roof. What's happening to your house next? We gotta keep up with each other's progress!

Hope you have a great week...keeping losing that weight!! :cb:
http://nutmegcreations.com/stags/praygirl.gif

[lovnmom]

Adding on! Thats sounds great. I would love to add another room on. We're planning to enclose one of our porches. Right now my entry way is also my laundry room so if we were to enclose the porch people could then enter there and not have to see my dirty laundry. It's ok if you know guests are coming, but sometimes it's a little embarrasing when surprise company shows up and all the laundry is in piles all right where they have to walk through!! I try to remember if it bothers them they are here for the wrong reasons, right!? I'd like to do my bathroom next, but I think this year it's just going to get painted, because I NEED plumbing done in my kitchen. This week I plan to plant the veg. seeds in my garden and then next week I'll paint the bath. Right now I need to get busy and just plain clean. My house looks like a twister hit after the weekend. I normally get more done on Sun., but I have a friend whos' mother ( is living with her ) has an inoperable brain tumor. She suffered a seisure on Fri. and things are just not good. We live 100 miles from each other so yesterday we were on the phone for 2 hrs. It was much more important than do the dishes!! SAy a little prayer for Martha if you would.
Have a great day.

Kristi

[Angel-lover]

http://www.holidaygraphics.com/mother/page1_files/ccdgfmom.jpgHi Lovnmom....
Yes, I will be praying for Martha...also for you, as her friend. The role of a friend is invaluable at times as this. She's fortunate to have you by her side.

My back porch is closed in & also the laundry room...or was before the fire. Now, we're extending it out...to make a den, & moving the back door to the other side of the house (where the kitchen is) going to the garage,we're adding on. So, there will be a den-kitchen combo, with counter separating. DH & DS started up with the walls this week. Looking good. The washer & dryer will be in the garage. Yayyy! :coffee:

We had just finished the bathroom remodeling..but, it only got smoked up really bad, & cleaned fairly good. We're putting in a master bath & walk-in closet where the dining room used to be, though. So DH gets to dread another bathroom installation. :p I'm not able to do the painting, etc., due to RA & OA....but, I have 3 daughters that love to paint, so I'll supervise them! We have 11 grandchildren that have been very upset about the housefire. The oldest (step) is 23, but the others are 15 & under to 2 yrs. This is the only house they remember us living in. They were ok with the remodeling, but the sudden "change" was really rough on them. We've been trying to include all of them to help make things easier. The little ones have been begging to help paint the rooms. :lol: I came up with an idea one day....Everyone was over here last Labor Day working on the houe & grilling. I called all the grands to me & told them they would each get to paint anything they wanted on the walk-in closet walls & it wouldn't be painted over...It would be called "The GRAND Room"! They were soooo excited! Now, they talk about it all the time, & don't seem so upset about the house. ;)

Well....gotta go for now...tell me more...looks like I'm telling you a lot! :D
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[lovnmom]

Hi Angel Lover, Thanks for the prayers. It sounds as though you are making magor changes. Turning your house all around. It's wonderful that your DH and DS are talented at that sort of thing. Help me out with RA and OA I don't know what they stand for? I love your idea of allowing the children to paint in the walk in closet. My children 10, 8, 7, and 4 have been begging to help and we have 3 walk in closets that could use a new paint job. Thanks for the idea. They will be so excited. My oldest was chosen to represent her scholl at the Heritage Fair yesterday. She made me so proud. She had to present a WI and a family timeline in 3 different rooms. She had put all of it into a lap top and even had two movies mixed in. Her second presentation was by far the best. She was past the nerves of the 1st, but by the 3rd you could tell she was bored with it!! Of course I overate by stopping at DQ on the way home. Overeating is something I've been doing a lot the past few days. I don't even have TOM to blame for it or anything. I think I'm just tired of being so careful for right now. Thanks to the walking thread I'm at least keeping up my exercises though. Well, happy remodeling. Have a good day!

Kristi

[Angel-lover]

http://www.holidaygraphics.com/mother/page1_files/animom1.gifHi Kristi....
OA is Osteo arthritis & RA is Rheumatoid arthritis. I'm sorry I wasn't clearer. In '83 I was in a car accident that put me on disability with my back. Then, two yrs ago, Rheumatoid started in my hands & spread through my whole body very quickly. I take Methotrexate (chemo) shots once a week at home, then Remicade intraveneous treatments every 5 weeks. I didn't know RA was so devastating! I was like most other people...thought it was just a different form of arthritis...but, it's much worse.

Your children will enjoy the painting of the closets...I'm sure! I may have just started a new trend! :D Your oldest daughter sounds very intelligent. I'm scared to try to make a movie...afraid of crashing the pc. :lol: I know you're proud of her...with good reason. I LOVE DQ!!! :p

Well, DH put up another wall today...in the garage. DS had a bad headache all day, & couldn't help. So, didn't get a lot done. Don't think DH felt well, either. We'll have to show pics of our houses!

Are you a stay at home mom, or do you work outside the home? I'm sure you have plenty to do with those sweeties, of yours. I worked for 18 yrs, until the injury. For the past 10 yrs I've been doing volunteer work at a christian TV station nearby. I'm the secretary....& do other things where needed. I help on the evening program of News, Weather, Announcements, etc...also have a program where I sing on Monday nights. It's very interesting & I really enjoy it. They understand my health & I can rest any time I need to.

Well...I'll stop boring you with my life, & go cook a little supper. Have a good evening.
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[lovnmom]

I'm going to try this again. My post got lost in cyber space!
I had written that your life sounds anything other than boring AngelLover. I'm sorry to hear about your accident and that fact that you suffer from arthritis. I know how devistating daily pain can be. My DH suffered from terrible back problems this past winter. His job requires him to lift 100# many times a day and suddenly he was unable to do it. Of course a PA misdiagnosed him and gave hime nothing but strong Aleve and wanted him to take valium to sleep at night. Living with the pain turned him into someone else. He's normally the easy going one of us, but over time he turned short tempered easily angered by things that he normally wouldn't have even noticed. You can't have 2 short fuses living in the same house. I finally laid it out to him that he needed to seek a second opinion. Luckily my SIL's SIL worked for a chiropracter and she was able to convince him to come in. In 3 appointments he had him almost back to normal. It turned out his hip was out of allignment causing him to overcompensate and hurting his back in the process. He's been in for one adjusment since and now rarely even mentions aches and pains! Niether of us had ever been to a chiropracter before, but he's now a firm believer. DH and I have plans for dinner out tonight. We haven't been out alone in like 2 months so we are really looking forward to it. I've been lazy so I have no progress to report on my house. I don't even have my garden in yet!
Have a great day!

Kristi

[Angel-lover]

Hi Kristi...
Been pretty busy...so took awhile to get back to you. I've posted those long posts before, & lost them...don't know why! :mad:
My husband definitely believes in chiropractors. He goes with every ache he has & it always helps!
I hope you enjoyed your evening out with DH!http://www.emotipad.com/newemoticons/Kiss-On-Lips.gifSounds romantic!http://www.emotipad.com/newemoticons/I-Love-You.gif
DH & I go out to eat most Friday nights & then Sundays after church. Hardly a night out...but, it's a little time away from his TV & my PC. :lol:
Got 2 walls up on garage this week...could have had more, but, son pulled a "lazy" spell on us. I gave him my opinion of it this morning. :^: They have a lot of work on the regular job (installing floor covering) next week...so guess it's tabled for now.
Well...need to go...hope you have a great Saturday!! If something happens I can't post before Sunday....Happy Mother's Day!! http://www.emotipad.com/newemoticons/Goodnight2.gif

[lovnmom]

Hi ANgelLover, We did have a really nice night out and we did so need it. You don't realize just how much you need to get away alone until you have a plan. Then it's like, "yippee we're going out without the kids, why'd we waite so long!" Of course what's very important too is that my food was delicious. That's always VERY important! We're attending our 8th mother daughter banquet at church tonight. We always make it special with my DDs, DM, DMI, and my SIL. Now since she's married my SIL's MIL and step DD attend with us well. It's always very nice and my mother seems to love it. We've gotten 1.5 inches of rain this morning so now I'm kicking my own butt for not having my garden seeds in. I'm such a procrastinator. If it doesn't need to be done right now you will not catch me doing it!! Everyone thinks I work so well under pressure. HaHa! If they only knew it's the only way I work! The jokes on them! You have a great Mother's Day as well. I'm hoping my DH has something planned, but I highly doubt it. Not that he's not wonderful, but planning nice surprises for me is not at the top of his priority list. In his defence I don't do so well at planning terrific occasions for him. Alas, we are parents 1st a couple 2nd.
TaTa for now!

Kristi

[Angel-lover]

http://img61.photobucket.com/albums/v185/Angel-Lover/Number%20two/hello.gifKristi! I hope you had a good Mother's Day. Mine was pretty good. It would have been nice to see all of my children. Two daughter's & their family lives in other states...so not possible, but I did hear from them.

Mondays are very long for me...I stay at the station after I normally would come home at 5pm. My program comes on at 6pm...so, I stay for that. Then, I had to go to the grocery store. I'm pooped!

I'm glad you & DH had a good night out. Every couple should go out alone, sometimes. Keep those flames burning! :D We were so poor, when our children were little, we couldn't go out. We make up for it now, though.

We've got the walls up for the garage now. The trussels for the roof were delivered this morning. I'm almost excited! I'm scared to get too excited, afraid it will all stop. Money is tight....but, we're being careful.

Well, I'm tired....hope you have a good evening.http://img61.photobucket.com/albums/v185/Angel-Lover/Number%20two/GoodNight_93.gif

[lovnmom]

Hi Charlotte, I have to admit I had the best Mother's Day I have had in my almost 11 yrs. of mothering. My children are finally at an age where they actually tried to be on their best behavior. My husband who for whatever reason, tries very hard to make me happy succeeded as well. Oddly I'm kind of a vampire buff and wanted to see the new movie VanHelsing. My DH knew after going out this past week the movie would be long gone before we get to go out again so he took the 3 youngest children shopping for me and out for lunch while my oldest DD and I saw the movie. They bought me new tiny dangling heart shaped earrings made out of black onyx. I just love them. My DD really enjoyed going to the movie just me and her. At Sun. school the 3 younger children's teachers had them plant flowers for me, but her teacher didn't do anything for her students mothers. My DD felt so bad when all of her siblings were giving me flowers and home made cards in church!!! I'm the SS co-ordinator for our church and next year it's just going to be an all SS project, because I'm sure other children felt bad as well. Anyway, my day was great as long as you don't mention the whole huge bag of buttered popcorn I ate all by myself!!!! I'll have to be so good this week to make up for everything I ate over this past weekend. It sounds like you had a good day as well and that your house is still moving forward. That's a whole lot more than I can say for mine lol.
Have a great day!

Kristi

[Angel-lover]

http://img61.photobucket.com/albums/v185/Angel-Lover/Number%20two/Greetz_24.gif
How are you this morning, Kristi? It's a beautiful day, here. The meteorologists, (including our own at my TV station!) has said rain all week...but, not happened yet. ;) I know we need it sometimes...but, it really makes me blue when it rains. Also, makes my OA act up! :^:

Well...the trussells for the remaining roof was delivered this morning. That's cutting into our account around $6,000!! That's what the money is for, though. Just hurts me to write a check that large. DH said to not worry, he would write it for me. :lol:

That was sweet of your youngest to make those things for you in church. You're right, though....a new plan sounds good for next year. My church is so small, we don't do anything...except personal for each other. I took a pretty pic I found on pc & put in "Happy Mother's Day....David & Charlotte". Printed it out & framed it, for the mothers. They thought I had really done a lot for them! Wish I could....just can't always do what we want. I guess those with no pc's are amazed at what we can do, sometimes, though. I know I used to be. Now, it seems so easy. Well....most things, anyway. :lol:

I gotta go get ready for work. Hope you have a good day.
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[lovnmom]

I am having a good day, thanks. I took some time away from housework (really hard to do!!) this morning and my youngest DS (4) went with DH on a delivery. he didn't need our help today, but sometimes we like to just ride along. We've had rain for many a day now. Fri, Sat, and Sun. eve were all more than an inch each day. I'm such a cheapskate that my laundry is just piling up. I hate to pay for the dryer this time of year. Thankfully the sun is shining and the wind is blowing right now. My lines are full of towels and DH work clothes are going next. They are predicting sever weather for my area again today. Late afternoon early eve. I'm hoping to have tons of stuff dry by then. I know what you mean not liking to write those big checks. Our windows were $3900 and that was bad enough. At least you have the funds and you don't have to borrow. ( bright side). My washer's done spinning. T T F N

Kristi

[lovnmom]

Hi Charlotte, It's another rainy day here in WI. We actually got another 1.75" last night. At this rate I will never get my garden in. At least I don't feel so bad about not getting it done 2 wks ago when it was so nice. Most of the seeds would've washed away or rotted by now!!! At least I was able to get all my laundry done on the line yesterday. It was awesome yesterday! My 10 yo folded and put away all the laundry I washed, she picked up the living room, set the table, and helped her little sister with some things, and even made my bed! Go go go she did. On top of all that she brought home her mid term progress report and her lowest grade is a 98 andshe's actually carying a 101% in math, because of extra credit work she did "for fun". Some days it's really great being the mom!!!!
Have great day yourself. Your kife at a radio station sounds so exciting. I've always thought that I missed my calling. I LOVE to talk and honestly think I would be great on the radio. Not singing though!!! I do a little church choir and what not, but I'm definitely an added voice not a soloist lol

Kristi

[Angel-lover]

http://img61.photobucket.com/albums/v185/Angel-Lover/Number%20two/eldertreegreetings.gif Sounds like that daughter of yours is a keeper!! :lol: Seems to be good "mom" training! I miss my children being that young & helping me...or do I only remember them making the messes. :^:
I know you're very proud of her....not just for helping, but, doing so well in her grades! http://www.emotipad.com/newemoticons/Score-101010.gif

Well...it's raining for a few days, so work on the outside of the house is going to stop for awhile. DH has work on the job to get done, right now, anyway. He installs floor covering, so work comes & goes. That's going to be a plus in our floors also! :D The part of having the money...well, it's running out fast, I'm afraid. We'll just have to make it stretch as far as we can.

It's not a radio station I work at, it's a TV station. It's very interesting...I really enjoy it a lot. I have a website that tells a little about it, & shows some pics, if you'd like to go & look around. Just click on the "special friends" page at the top. I have about 11 or 12 pages....be sure to sign the guestbook, if you check it out. I've really enjoyed working on the website, & hopefully have encouraged people. Just click here:

http:www.charlotteborden.tvheaven.com

Getting late...gonna go. Hope you have a good evening. http://jeannescountrycottage.com/summer/bear/hssigtag2.gif

[lovnmom]

Oops sorry I messed up. I got called into work in the school kitchen today. I'm an emergency sub. I really like doing it, because it's from 6:30 am to 1:30 pm and I get called about once a month. Of course it's almost always on a day when I should be getting something else done, but that's the breaks. I get to see 3 of my children when I'm there and it's so rare that they think it's cool when I get called. The part I like about it is we can't get paid until after the school board meets yada yada so like a month after I've worked surprise a check in the mail for about $50 when you've allready forgotten you worked lol. Me and the hubby usually use it to go out to dinner with because it definitely was never figured into the budget. My youngest wiil go to 4 yo kindergarten this next fall 1/2 days. I'd like to get steady work, but then I worry what would happen to my many volunteer jobs that I really love. Right now I work just 14 hrs a week in the family business leaving me free to do all the community things I love to do. Luckily my husband is in no hurry for me to do more either. He likes it that his children's mother is the lady that's always involved in one way or another. When it comes to the kids he's very untrusting about who they can spend time with. Anyway, he DH and our 8 yo headed to scout camp tonight. I hope they have a ball!!!
You have a great weekend!

Kristi

[Angel-lover]

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Hi Kristi
Hope you've had a good weekend. Mine was rainy..but, pretty good. Been busy, which I guess you noticed. Sorry I haven't been back sooner.
I know you must enjoy your part time job. I know what you mean about getting unexpected money in the mail. ;) Besides getting to see your little ones. ;) I hope your DH & 8 yr old have a good time at camp!
I always dread Mondays.....they're so long. I enjoy going to the TV station, but, I have to stay so late, waiting for time for my program. I could come home & go back, but that would only tire me out more. Also, gas is so high! My 5 yr old granddaughter is going to be on the program with me tomorrow night & help me sing! She's so excited. Of course, I always enjoy "showing off" my grands. :D

Well...going to go & straighten the house & get ready for bed. Hope you have a good evening & Monday.
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[lovnmom]

Hi Charlotte, How wonderful that your GD can join you on the program. You must have a beautiful voice. I so wish I could view your show! How old is the GD who will be performing with you? I'm sure it will be just terrific. I'm sorry to hear that you had rain. We finally had a Sat. and Sun. without rain. I totally blew off housework all weekend. Sat. I took the 3 children I had at home out to brkfst. It's kind of special. The place we went is where my dad always took my children before he passed. ( 4 yrs ago ) so reall only the 2 oldest remember, but even the 2 youngest like to hear the stories and know that they were there with him too. After brkfst we were off to K-Mart for a little shopping, then to the park where my 10 yo and I played tennis together for the first time. It was so awesome Charlotte, I haven't played except for in our driveway since I was 14. It's wonderful to have my children finally reaching an age at which I can share my interests. After the park wecame home and built a bigger fire ring from cement blocks zoomed the 5 wheeler into the woods and found loads of downed branches. By the time I had them the size I wanted the boys were home from a super fun time at camp. I built a big fire while my DH hauled a couple loads of feed out and then we cooked everything for dinner on the open fire. I ate way too much for someone who's trying to lose, but whatever. Right? Sun. I was so exhausted that teaching my SS class was about all I could manage, but my little honeys thought they had an awesome time and that's what counts! Thanks for your lovely letters and have a terrific Mon. ( I'm spending mine cleaning, but it's suppose to rain so what else would I do?

PAX
Kristi

[Angel-lover]

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Hi Kristi
So good to hear you had such a good time! Sounds like a wonderful weekend! You seem to be such a good, loving mom, & devoted to giving attention to them all. I'm sure it was nice going back to childhood places & telling your children about them. You must really miss your dad. I miss mine a lot. I lost him to cancer when he was only 52...I was 21. I was a "daddy's girl". I've taught my children everything I can think of about him, as I'm sure you're doing. That evening by the fire sounds great, too! Don't worry about the housework....family is more important!
:grouphug:

The program went well. I was afraid my granddaughter (she's 5 yrs old) would be too shy...but, not so! She sang loudly & between songs, she was a motor mouth. :lol: We got several phone calls. Her dad said her 2 yr old sister got excited, & tried to get into the TV to her! :lol: They are something else.
No, I'm not a beautiful singer, Kristi...but, I do enjoy it, & my heart is in it. I think that's what reaches the viewers...they know I'm sincere & care for them. I've never found anything more rewarding, on earth, other than my family. I'm working on a new sountrack...hope it comes out soon. Although I'm recording it at our station, it still costs quite a bit of money....so, it's taking time. I'll post a pic for you to click on to see the cover. I put one out a few years ago, that did pretty well.

Gonna go....trying to cook breakfast & post at the same time. Have a great day!
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[lovnmom]

Hi Charlotte, I'm so glad your program went well. I didn't realize your DGD was so young. I bet the audiance just couldn't get enough of her. I'ts so cute that her little sister was able to recognize her on tv and everything. It wouldn't surprise me if she even remembers seeing her. The things my children recall out of the blue sometimes knocks my socks off! You're a recording star on top of it as well. I know it wasn't your intention, but I'm totally impressed now. I listen to alot of christian music (yes even christian rock) there is nothing better to exercise too. I'm working my way to a better me while the lyrics are telling me I'm loved just the way I am right now!! I'm glad you're sending a guardian angel my Mon. was nothing like the plan. I started with a bang and then everything interupted me. Saddest part though 10 y/o DD had to come home from school, because she was sick and she is still home today as well. Slight fever, sore throat, headache. I feel so bad for her. Well, i better get something done.

Kristi

[Angel-lover]

http://media.euniverse.com/funpages/cms_content/2755/images/forgetmenot.gif

Hi Kristi
Sorry your day started bad, & so sorry your DD is sick today. It always hurt me so bad for my children to be sick. It's the same with my grands. We have 3 daughters & a son. The first was a set of twins....got pregnant on my honeymoon...then, they came 2 months early! :dizzy: Back in those days people really talked about you if they thought you were pregnant before marriage. I went through that, even though I was innocent. I wouldn't have taken anything in the whole world for my babies, though...& the Lord knew...that's all that really mattered. They were real tomboys! Every day was a new adventure! :lol: When my next daughter came along...she was very quiet. I didn't know it could be so easy to raise a child! :D Then, with my son, it was like having the twins again! :lol: We feel the Lord really blessed us.
Here's something for your DD...hope she gets better soon.
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I'm not a big recording artist, Kristy. I didn't mean for it to sound that way. I just talk about the few things I have around me. My life right now, other than family, is this house construction, & the TV station. I'm there a lot, so that's a lot of my life. I DO love to sing....whether it's at nursing homes, churches, or the TV station. But, I give God the glory, not myself. I've found that the RA is getting worse as time goes by...& it effects my voice a lot, sometimes. I decided I wanted to do a couple of things, before I got to where I wasn't able. Not that I'm dying, or anything like that....but, RA can really get bad. If it wasn't for the treatments I take, I'd probably be bedfast, or in a wheelchair...so, I'm blessed again. :) I ended up giving most of my tapes away from the first that I made. Someone else sponsored it for me, so I wasn't out any money....felt like that's what I should do. I forgot to put in the cover...I'll do it this time. If you want to check out the TV station's website, it's...
http://www.unitybroadcasting.net Have a great evening!
http://img61.photobucket.com/albums/v185/Angel-Lover/Number%20two/BeHappy_16.gif

[lovnmom]

Oh Charlotte, Please don't misunderstand. I didn't think that you were bragging or anything like that. I'm just truly impressed whenever I hear about seemingly ordinary people doing extra ordinary things. I spent so much of my life being so afraid of what people thought of mr that I took very few risks and ended up not doing a lot of things that I now think I would've been darn good at if only I'd been brave enough. I'm right out front all the time now. I believe that God has given me a purpose and hiding in self doubt is not what it is!! Anyway, DD has strep throat, but is taking zithromax and feeling much better now. I got to work at school again today and have to go in for a couple hrs tomorrow as well. Before long the check will be big enough for a hotel room rather than just dinner. Yippee! This Sun. will be the last day of Sun. school until next fall. I love doing it, but I'm always glad to have the summer off as well. I've invited my class (12) to go bowling Sun. it should be a blast. A bowling alley just 4 miles down the road is going to open 1 1/2 hrs early for me so we can have the place to ourselves. Can you believe that. I haven't even been in the place in like 10 yrs. so it's not like I'm a great customer or anything. God just loves me and some days he likes to make easy for me!
Have a great day!

Kristi

[Angel-lover]

Hi Kristi,

Looks like God is smiling down on you & the work you're doing! I hope you enjoy the day with your group Sunday. Also, hope your daughter is better. I know she has been terribly sick.

I was in my 40's before I really started doing things like I should, for the Lord. I hadn't even tried singing until then. I really thought my abilities were taken away to do anything in life, when I had that car wreck in '83. Little did I know, that because of that, I would end up singing & working in a TV station! I'm so blessed. Although I'm in bad health, & hurt every day....I wouldn't trade one minute of when I was healthy.

My work, like yours, is blessed of God. When he calls us to do something, he qualifies us!

I had a day out with my granddaughter (12) today. We went to get our nails done, eat, & shop. Then, I locked my keys up in my car! :^: Oh well....I got a small lecture from my DH, but he sent DS to my rescue. ;)

I'm very tired, so I'll go for now. Hope your day goes well Friday, & daughter is better. Praying for her.http://img61.photobucket.com/albums/v185/Angel-Lover/char.gif

[lovnmom]

Hi Charlotte, Sorry to seem like such a sloucher, but our weather here has been so bad that over the past two days I've lost 3 different posts. My garden looks like a sm pond, we have flooded roads, my children had to go into the tornado safe zones at school yesterday because there was a funnel cloud spotted directly above the school, if it were'nt for the sump pump my basement would be an indoor swimming pool!! Boy was that a pain last night. Our pump quit working at 11pm and we had to go out in the dark searching the underground gas tanks (we have a gas station, etc. ) for another one. Long story short my FIL had removed it and it was just in by the car hoist. This one though had no float and had to be manualy turned off and on every hr on the hr all night long. I shouldn't complain, because DH was the one who kept getting up, but neither of us got any sleep. It's sunshiny and lovely right now, but they are saying more rain for tonight!!! I had said in my lost post how nice it is that you take the time to share special days with your grandchildren. My mom has no interests other than gambling, from bingo to slots to penny cards with friends. She babysits once every couple months and does keep my children one at a time over night when they ask, but she would never think to invite them to do something with her. It really warms my heart to read your tellings of the wonderful times you share. They may not know it at their ages, but some day they'll no how truly blessed they are to have a grandma like you. Take care and have a terrific weekend.

Kristi

[Angel-lover]

Hi Kristi,
Hope you've had a couple of better days. Gee,you went through a lot with all that water! I'm sorry...hopefully all is well, now.

I had a great time with my granddaughter. Even if I DID lock my keys in my car! :lol: I don't know what we ever did before the invention of cell phones! :p I just called DH ( he was very nice about it, although it took him 2 hours to get the keys to me.), & we got our nails done & shopped.
I'm sorry your mother doesn't spend more time with her grandchildren. She's missing so much! You DO give me too much credit, though. I've had back problems since '83, so I wasn't able to baby sit much when they were small. I couldn't lift them. My children would get angry sometimes, I know, but, I couldn't help it. As soon as they got old enough, though, I tried to make up for some lost time. I think my children have matured, also, & understand more. I have a daughter coming in tonight from South Alabama. She is going to be working close by for a week, so she's going to stay here. She's bringing the 7 yr old daughter with her....I haven't seen then since Christmas. There's another daughter that's 4 and a son who's 15. The son can't come because of football practice, & the 4 yr old said it's too far. :lol: She hates to ride. She wants us to come see her!

Well....I've got to go....they'll be here soon.

Pray for family. My husband's first cousin died of a heart attack yesterday. He was only in his 40's. We're going to have a couple of rough days. It was also my husband's 55th birthday...poor thing. Bad birthday.

Take care......http://img61.photobucket.com/albums/v185/Angel-Lover/bye1.gif

[lovnmom]

Charlotte, Thanks for your caring words. Things are getting brighter here. It did not rain at all yesterday. Finally! and the sun is trying very hard to peek through the clouds at this very moment. I am praying for your family. That is such a young age to lose someone and a sad news to receive on your b-day. I had a nice day Sun. saying good-bye to my SS class. We boweled three games and all went well. Last night we had our finally scout party for the season. Good food on the grill, baseball, and a wonderful advancement ceremonie complete with significant candles and a tiny bridge for the boys to cross over to their next level. We have a wonderful Cubmaster who's son is a grown man, but she still hangs in there for us. I bought her a beautiful plant and had everyone sign a card of thanks. She was so moved by such a small thing. Makes me wonder if she doesn't realize the wonderful good she is doing. It's on to preparing for soccer tonight. We have to get the news letter put together so we can get it to 4 different schools to be distributed. (saves us the postage) Tomorrow I have a field trip with 2 of my children and a wake. My best friend of 26 yrs. lost her mother Sun. She had suffered since Christmas with an inoperable brain tumor. Radiation and an experimental drug didn't even slow it down. My friend lovingly cared for her mother all but the last 6 days of her life. Those she spent in a hospice center. My friend has lived 90 miles from me for the past 22 yrs. It felt awful to not be of more help to her, but luckily she does have a wonderful friend who lives close by that helped her in every way possible. Anyway, so glad to hear your DD and GD are both going to be visiting for a little while. What does your daughter do that she travels for her work? Well, I need to accomplish something yet today. Take care and remember my prayers are with you.

Kristi

[Angel-lover]

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Hi Kristi...Thank you for your prayers. All has settled down now. The funeral was hard on the family. He was the first of that family out of ten siblings to go.
Sorry about your friend's mother. That must have been terrible for her. Also, hard on you wanting to be with her more. You are a very caring person, though, & I'm sure she felt, & still feels your love. You can always be there for her in the future. There are going to be times when she needs strength from your friendship. I'm also praying for you & your friends.

Well...I got my Remicade treatment today. So I feel http://www.emusing.com/imgs/page_imgs/afa/yellow_guy_crazy_ty_wht.gif at the moment! They have to drug me pretty heavily for the treatments. I'm so sensitive to the meds. I'll be better in a couple of days, & http://www.emusing.com/imgs/page_imgs/afa/yellow_guy_smiling_big_ty_wht.gifagain!

I'm glad you had such a good time with your SS class. That was a very sweet gesture for the Cubmaster. Memories are being made!

Oh yeah....I remember those field trips! :D Enjoyed them sooo much. The last one I went on, though, was with 2 granddaughters. Somehow, riding a hot, bouncy schoolbus, & running around at an indian camp just wasn't as exciting as when I was younger! :lol: I DID enjoy being with the grands, though, & watching their excited little faces. ;) I had to cut out the school bus riding after that, though. Saw my back wasn't going to allow it.

Well, I've yakked enough. Hope I remember I posted this tomorrow, & that it makes sense, after the treatment. :^: Have a good evening.

[lovnmom]

Hi Charlotte, My field trip was alot of fun. I got to participate in the "children's circus". They dress children up like ponies, dogs, elephants, etc... and they get them to perform tricks and stuff. The kids just loved it. I was asked to be the elephant trainer. I waited all through the "elephant's" tricks and the circus people just left me sitting on the bench. I was thinking yippee they forgot about me. Not so, when the children were just about done they put a red jacket and white cap on me and sent me out behind the exiting "elephants" WITH A BROOM. I got to clean up the imaginary poo!!! Every body got a big kick out of it!!! Thanks once again for your prayers. I did survive the funeral and all. The family has mentioned getting together over the weekend, but I'm going to waite for them to call me. They may need it to be just family. Her siblings live in LasVegas and much has to be done. I hope your treatment helps you to live more comfortably!!! Have a great holiday weekend!

Kristi

[Angel-lover]

Hi Kristi....
Glad you had a good time on the field trip. That was so funny about what you had to do with the elephants! :lol:

Maybe you can make a special trip to see your friend in a couple of weeks. Usually most people slow down the visitations then, & your friend will really need you, then.

My poor little granddaughters got devastating news today. The granddaughter that went shopping with me has two older sisters. One is 13, & the other 15. They returned from cheerleader camp today with the news that their friend had died with Leukemia. My daughter called me a few minutes ago with the news. I don't know how I'm going to help these sweet girls get through this. Please be praying for me. Seems a lot of prayers are needed lately.

My treatment will kick in during the next few days, & I'll be feeling pretty good. Right now, though, I'm still not quite up to staying up long. So I'm going to go sleep some more of it off, & maybe will feel better tomorrow. It really is a great med. I'm just very sensitive to it, & have to be drugged up so much. I hope you have a good holiday, also. Maybe we'll talk before Monday. Take care.
(Sorry...I couldn't resist the elephant!! :D )http://img61.photobucket.com/albums/v185/Angel-Lover/hugs1.gif

[lovnmom]

Oh Charleene, How sad for all of you to lose a young one. Was this child in one of your granddaughter's class at school or a long time family friend? Her death will effect all of you. I am praying that God will give you all the strength and know how you need to get through this sad time. We went to all the graves in the past couple of days and my two younger children were so sweet. The 4 y/o kissed his great grandmothers tomb stone. I think he was just so overwhelmed with emotions that he didn't understand that that just seemed like the right thing to do and my 7 y/o talked about so many things that she remembered about my father. My father died on her 3rd BD so I really didn't think she remembered him too much, but I'm telling you she had so many memories she shared. It made me feel so good. We did have a good weekend despite it raining some every day! We went to "Shrek 2" the kids loved it. I thought it was ok, but not nearly as good as the first. We cooked on the campfire a lot and just kind of hung out. Yesterday it acually did 6 little showers throughout the day, but we stayed out during all of them and continued to cook from 9am until 5pm. MMMMMM I ate way too much, but it was all so good.

Take care and remember you and yours are in my prayers,
Kristi

[lovnmom]

My deepest apologies for writing Charleene, It's been such a week and my mind is gone. You have given me such encouragment and then I call you by another name. I'm so sorry. My mother had a slight stroke on either Sun or Mon and we were unable to get her to go to the Dr. until yesterday. I didn't write about it sooner, because I just suspected that was what had happened. The CT she had yesterday confirmed it. Combine this with the guilt I feel over the type of relationship I have with my mother I'm barely remembering my own name. Once again , please except my apology. I'm a real dope!

Sincerely,
Kristi

[Angel-lover]

http://img61.photobucket.com/albums/v185/Angel-Lover/Number%20four/huming_bird2.jpg

Kristi....I'm so sorry about your mother. Don't worry at all about calling me by another name. I like Charleene better, anyway. ;) That's one thing you can stop being concerned about.

Please, stop feeling guilty about your relationship with your mother. That's not what caused the stroke. It is something that just happened. Of course, we always go back in our mind & wish things were different. But, Kristi, I believe things WOULD be different if it was up to you. But, you weren't the one that got to make those decisions. Just do what you need to do for your mother, now, as I know you will. Wishing things could have been different is a natural thing. I feel for you....because I'm there, too.

Visiting my mother is getting harder all the time. She's pretty sick, right now, & it's hard to see her suffer. I hurt for the person I wish she had been...but, the truth is...if she "came back to herself"...she would "come back to herself"...& that's not a very good mother. I know I did all I could to be a good daughter. I don't mean it bragging...I just didn't want any regrets. I do what I can for her...as always. But, that's all I can do. I had to make peace with that.

It's the same with you. Be there for her. Do what you can do. I sincerely hope this will bring the two of you closer. But, if it doesn't...remember, it's not your fault. You are a great daughter, & a great mother. Don't forget that. I feel for your mother missing out on so much. I'll be praying for her...not just her health...but, her change in attitude.

Get some rest, my friend. Post when you can.http://img61.photobucket.com/albums/v185/Angel-Lover/Number%20two/Charlotte2.gif

[lovnmom]

Thanks so much for being here. My mother's illness has taken another turn of events. She tried to do to much (sightseeing and gambling) on Fri and ended up falling out of the car etc. so we were told not to leave her alone at all for 7 days. I spent the night with her on Fri and lined up everyone through yesterday for her care. She returned to the Dr yesterday and we were told she's exagerating her stumbling and what not, because she's enjoying the attention! The Dr said that all the tests she ran mom should not be having nearly the trouble we are describing. My brother became angry with the Dr and insisted mom see someone else. So, my mom's sister is taking her to a neurologist today. I hate to say it Charlotte ( such a beautiful name), but I saw some of what the Dr described while staying with mom, but because of our relationship of course I blamed it on how I feel about her. I'll let you know what the Dr says today. Thanks for your prayers and for being here for me to talk to.

Kristi

[Angel-lover]

http://img61.photobucket.com/albums/v185/Angel-Lover/Number%20five/flogs.gif
Hi Kristi,
Good to hear from you. Thanks for keeping me informed...been concerned, & I AM here for you. Please, remember that.
I think it would be good to get a neurologist's opinion, as you all are doing. That should tell the facts. There's very little that my neurologist can't find out about me. I know that when my mother had a small stroke last year, she was weaker on one side. Got to where she would fall. Finally was falling so much, we had to put her in the nursing home. I hope, in a way that your mom's just wanting attention...for her sake as well as all of you. Too, you will then know how to handle things...maybe. Still won't be easy, I'm sure. I know what you mean...mother always wanted attention, even after getting Alziemer's...& would do whatever she had to to get it.
I hope you're taking care of yourself through all of this. Those little ones of yours need a healthy mother. :)
Let me know more when you can.....you're in my prayers.
http://img61.photobucket.com/albums/v185/Angel-Lover/Number%20two/BestWishes.gif

[lovnmom]

Thanks for the butterflies!! I just love "flutterbies". The neurologist never broached the subject of "faking" but he did do a wonderful job of explaining the CT skan. He pointed out black areas that were dead, but continued on to point out grey that was surrounding all of it and let us all know that the grey was sign of rejuvenation allready. That if she's willing to work hard she can probably recover 100% or at least close to it. Charlotte, the devil has been so avtive in me ever since this has happened. Remembering so many past wrongs she's done me giving me excuses why this is not my responsibility. I'm telling you all the thoughts and feelings had actually caused like a buzzing inside my head!!! After spending time helping at her home yesterday and then coming home and feeding my family etc... it hit me I have to get out of here. It quit raining and I headed for the biketrail. I walked and ran praying the whole time. Asking to be less selfesh to remember life isn't about me etc... A mile away from home the skies just opened up again. I was soaked to the skin in seconds. I ran for home praying and then crying and ended up laughing arms open wide thanking God for all that I have. I'm telling you God reached down and baptized me once again. I felt cleansed of completely washed clean of old hates. My mother is now in my home all day and has a friend to care for her evenings. I have way more on my plate, but my shoulders feel lighter than ever. I know the devil will needle me, but I will never forget my "cleansing" from above and it will get me through those times. I showered when I got home and actually slept from 9:30pm until 6am. No worries no tossing. He's brought me to it and He WILL lead me through it.
Thank you so much for being here. Please fill me in on how your life is going. How are you grandbabies after losing their friend? How's your house coming? ETC...

Sincerely,
Kristi

[Angel-lover]

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Hi Kristi,
It's so good to hear of the blessing the Lord gave you! I've been praying so hard for you. I just pictured what you posted...riding your bike in the rain...& thanking the Lord! What a beautiful vision you gave me! You know, He promised He wouldn't allow more to be put on us than we can bare! Sometimes, I feel I'm getting pretty close to that point...but, He knows us!
I know it can't be easy with your mother staying with you, but the Lord will bless you for it & you'll always know you did all you could to help her. Hopefully it's not for long. I hope she appreciates what you're doing. I certainly hope so.
I understand the feelings you had. Don't know if it was for the same reasons...but, when my mother first got Alziemer's, I was almost in a rage. I knew that any opportunity for her to be a real mother was gone. That she had wasted all that time not caring & we could have had a good time together. I had to do a lot of praying. I knew it would be up to me & my younger sister to care for her...so, I did a lot of praying. I didn't get the blessing you got...but, I WAS able to forgive her. I can't stand to see her suffer, & I DO cry for her. Like I said earlier....I think I cry for the person she should have been. How are your children coping with their grandmother being in the house?

As for me...granddaughters are doing better. Their friend was a beautiful young, christian girl, who was an inspiration to all.

The house...the trusses are now up on the garage & half the house. In the process of putting the wood up to stabilize & shingle, later. It's been in the 90's all week...I've really felt sorry for DH & others.

My mother has been very sick. She developed shingles...dr gave her antibiotics & she had a reaction from it. Got a rash from head to toe. She looked so bad....was incoherant & had large "mittens" on so she couldn't scratch herself. Dr says shes improving.....I'm not sure, though.

Well, it's a work day. Gotta go get a few things done. Post when you can. Remember...I'm your friend,
God Bless You,
Charlotte
http://img61.photobucket.com/albums/v185/Angel-Lover/Number%20five/prayer.gifhttp://img61.photobucket.com/albums/v185/Angel-Lover/Number%20four/Flies_away.gif