Family Lunch Bunch

Mondays are one of my days with Mom and Dad.

Last week they wanted to eat lunch out.

We decided on a truck stop/cafe

called the Rosebud

that they like to haunt.

I suggested we call some relatives and make it a party.

We did and it was.

Since that was successful,

I suggested it be a weekly ritual,

weather permitting.

So today we met up again.

I brought my trusty camera.

My trend of leaving it at home... squelched.

Some of the original posse came and some could not.

Some were added and we hope many more 

will join us on this weekly jaunt.

Dad is one of 14 kids.

12 are still living.

Dad is # 4 at 92 y/o.

One of Dad's younger brothers...Uncle Roy

Uncle Roy is the #7 out of the 14 kids.

He and his wife Genevieve

I swear they were not as scared as they look.

Also in attendance was

Dad's youngest sister and her husband...

Aunt Betty and Uncle Jim

Yes, she is as fun and happy as she looks.

She is #14 in the sibling line-up. 

She was born when Grandma was 47!!

Mom and Dad were married when she was born.

They didn't know Grandma was pregnant.

Dad came home and said "Mama had a baby today!"

Mom and Dad.

Yeah, Dad gets all gangsta 

when it comes to lunching.

I have mad photography skillz, no?

My cousin Art... his mom was #2 in the sibling count.

My brother-in-law David (Linda's husband) on the left

and my Uncle Jimmy, # 12 in the count.

 

and then finally, my sister Linda and I

in all our beauty.

Booyah!

Eat your hearts out Kardashian sisters.

 It was a good day.

Lunch, then home for Bingo.

Dad's new medicine has helped 

with his aggression problem.

His confusion remains but things are much better.

For now we are grateful for the good days we have.

Oh, and guess who are the poster children

for the assisted living home in all the local papers...

Yup.

Toots and Howard.

They may/may not be the rockstars 

of Holly Brook.

We like to say they are.

I mean you have seen their daughters, right?

So family...

next Monday 11:30 at the Rosebud.

Be there or be square.

(Autographs will be available.)

Friends In Toe Places

Most weekends,

Jackie comes to visit the folks on Saturday.

She dates me and Stuart in the evening

and then spends the night.

This week we changed it up to

a girls night Friday night.

There is nothing like a fest with friends 

to make the day seem brighter.

 Jackie and I met up with

our fellow travelers/sister friends 

for an evening of 

"hoof beautery" and food.

We started with the pedicures

and waited to fill our gullets

with the thinking being that

the pedi place wouldn't be open late.

We weren't fazed 

when only 1 woman was working

at the nail joint.

She said "sign in and someone would be right with us."

I think she said that.

They had no idea what she said.

The interpreter that I am,

 understood the gibberish as being that.

She filled the chair foot tubs with tepid water 

and seated us in the frigid room

2 and 2 across from each other.

We rolled up our jeans.

I looked like Snow White

with the Three Amigos in tow.

Yeah, pun intended.

You're welcome.

One lone man emerged from the back.

Only one.

He started on Suellen.

The rest of us soaked and raised eyebrows.

Eventually the woman joined us.

She was the painter person

and he was the masseuse part of the team.

She said she was tired from manicures

and couldn't do the massage justice.

She said all the workers went home 

to Vietnam for the Chinese New Year.

They were short on help.

Thank you Mrs. Obvious.

Well, I think that is what she said.

She may have said 

"Oh, 4 more suckers."

Eventually, I had my turn

while she painted the toes of the other sisters.

Before he started, he re-started the sound system.

He motioned to me so that I understood

he was speaking about the music.

He asked me if I liked "E uh".

me: Who?

him: E uh

me: Umm, I don't know who that is.

him(incredulous): really?

me: yeah, no I don't know who that is.

He went on to comment how small my toenails were 

with the exception of the pinkie toe.

I think he said "ooh little" and 

while pointing to the pinkie toe "then this".

Nice, and why thank you sir.

He said I looked like Jackie.

I told him, we are twins.

I don't think he knew that term.

He moved to Jackie

while the woman painted my toes.

By now, Suelllen and Karyn have dried their toenails

and went into hypothermia.

He starts on Jackie.

He commented "ooh little toenails."

Um, yeah we get it.

Our father is Fred Flintstone.

I am now in hysterics but trying to hide it

while I take pictures with my phone.

Being an idiot like she is,

she remembers we are going for pedicures

and decides to "dry" shave her leg.

She didn't know better,

she has only been shaving her legs

for 40 years.

She had some full blown razor burn going on.

 

 Her toenails he noticed but the red, swollen skin...nope.

He is unaware of it 

and is scrubbing her shin with a true vigor.

I think she may have cried.

I cried with laughter.

He is blabbing to her.

She has no clue what he is saying.

I am pretty sure he said

"me love you long time".

We were all dry with our shoes on by the time 

the woman has made it to Jackie.

She was doing manicures

in between painting our toes

and in no hurry to get us finished.

Jackie got a bit of a oil on her toes

and a quick dry spray and then 

shoved her feet into 

the furry lining of her boots.

I was pretty sure

she would have fur stuck to her nails

when we got home.

1 1/2 hours later

we departed and got some dinner.

It was a blast.

I laughed so hard at her agony

during the pedicure

my endorphins are still raging.

Following dinner,

the girls dropped us off at my vehicle

and we headed to my house.

We pulled off our boots

and were pretty happy with the results.

Even if they would have been smeared it was

totally worth the cost, just for the laughter.

Gosh, I love that idiot Jackie.

What I Know For Sure 19th Edition

1. I fear I may have started talking like a Debbie Downer on my blog. The truth is I am a open book. I am not sad 24/7 but when I am, I talk about it. I think I worry some of you. Calm down Nellies.

2. I took an online depression test today. I had only one of the ten symptoms...not sleeping well. This has been an issue for me since I was perimenopausal. So I guess I will start a melatonin regimen again. No sugar in my diet helps me too. I have a tough time with that one when I get stressed. Or watch TV. Or read. Or breathe.

3. I need a pedicure desperately. Picture Shrek.

4. I love that Caroline says "Dat not a good idea" or "dat's a great idea" all the time.

5. I think I may do a once weekly update on the folks. Is dat not a good idea? or is dat a great idea?

6. I need a crown... for my tooth, not my head. But after consideration, I'd prefer the latter. 


7. I cannot remember the rules for comma usage? I could google it but I can't, care, enough, to, do, that.


8. I am helping my good friend do a labor intensive  kitchen re-do. I have yet to take my camera.


9. I had Christmas with my best friend last night. I didn't take a camera. I detect a trend.


10. I did remember her Christmas gift so that's 10 extra points for me.


11. Dad started a new anxiety medicine that is supposed to help with his aggression. We are praying it works.


12. Stuart got a pair of XXL union suit style long underwear for Christmas. He doesn't wear them but I do. I could fit another person in with me. They are ginormous and uber comfy. Maggie saw me and asked if I was wearing "Forever Lazy". I had never heard of them but now I want them. Forever Lazy and Pajama Jeans...good thing I rock a cool purse.


13. I would love some face time with a pizza. Tomorrow night....whole wheat crust and healthy ingredients are on the menu.


14. I don't tweet on Twitter but have become a sheeple and now use hashtags on facebook. I like it. #hatersgonnahate


15. Although I am not an Oprah fan, I really enjoy her new network. I love Oprah's Master Class and the Oprah's Next Chapter interviews. Jane Fonda. Goldie Hawn. Morgan Freeman. Steven Tyler...he may look like an old lady but I loved his interview. #bestillmyheart


16. I love American Idol but don't watch until the auditions are over.


17. I prefer The Voice over Idol. I think I called it right her last year when I said "The Voice is American Idol's much prettier sister" or something to that effect.


18. I like Liz Lemon but I adore Leslie Knope.


19. I wore my shirt to my friend's house with the wrong side out.
#itoldyouiamtired


20. Nothing makes me prouder than when one of my daughters witnesses to others about her love for Jesus.

Where Hope Is Found

I have said it before on this very blog...

some days I feel happy, some days sad

and most days I feel both.

I go back and forth, and back and forth

like a total wackadoo.

It is weird how in a 12 hour span,

oh heck... a one hour span... I am spilling sad tears

and then crying with laughter.

I feel mentally crazed.

I feel like a woman...

someone cue Shania.

I swear I am tired of my own dang self.

Today while driving,

I heard two songs back to back.

The first was Laura Story's Blessings

with the lyrics...

"When darkness seems to win

We know that pain reminds this heart

That this is not our home"

and then immediately after

I was singing along to the next

  Building 429's This Is Not Where I Belong 

that had the same message...

"All I know is I'm not home yet
This is not where I belong
Take this world and give me Jesus
This is not where I belong "

I know no dosage of Midol,

no amount of chocolate 

will calm my fears.

The truth is in His words.

My hope is in Him.

When it feels like life is falling apart,

I will cling to the truth that He keeps His word.

In Heaven, I will not grieve nor be discouraged.

All suffering will be gone.

I trust God will deliver me from my tough times

or help me through them for His glory.

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.

Hebrews 10:23

Thank you for all your prayers and kind emails.

It means so much. 

xoxo

Bag Facts

I have an addiction to accessories.

Jewelery, shoes, and purses.

If you have ever shopped

in a "chubby" state of mind...

you will understand this.

They always fit.

Plus the fact is they are fantastic.

Coco Chanel said

" A girl should be two things:

classy and fabulous."

Agreed.

She was also quoted saying

"before you leave the house, 

look in the mirror and take one thing off."

To which I say "Bull Hockey."

I concur in the respect that

I do not want to look like a gypsy

but I like my blings.
No, I love my blings.

 However, my purses 
are probably my worst obsession.

They are usually big and shiny.

At present it is big and furry.

 

 I change my bag frequently

because admittedly, I am a  purse tramp.

I am fickle and quick to desert one

for the next awesome purse
that comes my way. 
I have learned I need a big bag.

I have to carry everything I think
I might need or want.
Or you may need or want.
I am a giver like that.

This leads me to the contents my purse.

First an organizer filled clean up.
I like my bag neat and tidy.
Next, a small makeup case.
The makeup rarely gets used,
but you never know when you may need
a touch up.
This works well since usually
I  never know
I needed a touch up until
I arrive home 
and realize I ignored the necessity
 and have walked around
in the state of hideous for hours.
Pfft.

A magnifying mirror, a Tide pen,
concealer, mascara, blush, moisturizer
and powder.

Various tubes of gloss, lipsticks and lipstains...
Mentos gum, a gel pen, a nail file, a comb,
and the sunglasses I am addicted to.
Tylenol, hand sanitizer, hand lotions,
and eye drops are also in tow.
My brag book filled with pictures
of all my loves...

A small notebook and a travel bible...

and a glorious glitter wallet.

  In addition,

I always have 

an old school handkerchief in tow.

Seems like I constantly have a teary moment

and I cannot abide a tissue.

They make me sneezy/snooty.

So that's the gist of it. 

It may be excessive

but it's  how I roll.

So what do you have over your shoulder?

Please don't tell me you 

don't carry a purse

or worse yet

you only carry a fanny pack.

 I may faint straight away.

Dogs vs. Cats

Although I have owned cats in my life,

I am a dog person.
I believe dogs are superior
and to support my opinion I give you these 
facts about dogs:

1. They leave gifts in the yard that are handy for stepping in.
Litter boxes are not convenient for feet.

2. They alert you to danger when a stranger knocks at the door,

a car pulls in your drive, a bird lands on a wire a mile away, or a mouse farts somewhere in the world.

3. They leap up onto your lap in an instant and lick the inside of your mouth. They are way faster than it takes to work up a spit.

4. They keep your reflexes sharp by darting under your feet whilst you carry a full laundry basket. Cats might try this, but most don't have the girth to genuinely test your balance skills.

5. They aid you in your quest for 10,000 steps a day by whining at the door to go out and relieve themselves, only to return to the door in 49 seconds just after you have just seated yourself.

6. They will eat anything you drop on the floor. Lint is no exception. Show me a cat who will take up residence under a highchair and I'll eat your lint.

7. They will chase a car even after being ran over three times in the past.

8. They have no concept of time. They will throw a party when you enter the house even if you just went to the mailbox.

9. They need their anal glands attended to on a regular basis thus creating bonding times for you and your vet.

10. A cat thinks it is God and a dog thinks you are God.

Here We Go Again

I have been harboring a secret

and it has been killing me.

Killing. me!

On Christmas, we learned

we are getting another grand baby!
 Zac and Abbie are having their first baby

somewhere around August 30th.

Grand baby number 6! 
That will be six littles at the ages of six and under.
I think it is going to be loud around these parts.
And we couldn't be happier!

Click over to 

her blog

to see the pictures of our reactions

and watch the video

of Abbie telling Zac.

We are so blessed.

God is so good.
Prayers for mommy
and baby are much appreciated.

A new day

I just have to tell you all

how great it is that

a girl can show her crazy

and have her posse rally.

I reckon the truth is we all have 

a little crazy in us.

We can be happy and blessed 

and still find a reason to cry.

And the reverse is true...

even when life is bad, it is good.

Your comments reaffirmed

just how great you readers are.

You pick a girl up,

dust her off, and 

set her right.

I felt the love.

I had a good day.

Two little girls in the house didn't hurt.

I am guessing chocolate milk 

and Beauty and the Beast on the tube

could cheer up even a hardened criminal.

So, I just wanted to say thanks.

You guys are the berries with chocolate milk,

and a side of Beauty and the Beast.

xoxo

A Stronghold in Times of Trouble

I read a blog tonight by Shannan.

She writes like I want to when I grow up.

She said some things that spoke to me.

I put on a brave face, a lot.

I fake it until I make it.

The truth is I am sad inside 

even when I am happy inside.

I know I sound crazy, but it is true.

 I miss my Dad's true personality.

I am selfish.

I miss my free time.

I miss time to do whatever I want

and not worry about what they are doing.

But they are my folks

and I am so blessed to have them.

I refuse to let the bad things 

that are happening

leave bad/sad memories.

 Instead I am committing to

storing up and treasuring all the good.

But when it is dark and the world is asleep,

the enemy lies to me.

He whispers things I don't want to believe

but sometimes do.

I wander the floors in my old house

and I ponder the what ifs.

Many nights I read inspirational blogs.

I watch TV, clean, do laundry, and sometimes cry.

But if I go to His word...

there I always find comfort.

I wish I could say that is my first choice of action

but many times I plod through the wee hours

spinning my wheels

before I finally seek Him.

The truth is hardships and distress

are the very essence of this decaying world.

I am not alone in troubles.

I don't want to be a whiner.

But I am sad

and I don't like it.

I want a quick fix and there isn't one.

I want to get over myself but I can't...

not on my own.

But when I sit in His presence,

He shines peace into my troubled heart.

He lifts me up from my circumstances

and He gives me hope.

He gives me perspective.

He gives me rest.

Tag You're It

I don't usually participate in these tag things 

but two blog pals 

Tiffani from House of Belonging 

and Mary from Life In A Small Town 

tagged me

and  I thought 

what the heck...I'll play.

Since they both tagged me 

I will have more answers than 

the people that I tag.

This will be incredibly long

although, quite fascinating I am sure!

The rules are:

1. post the rules.

2.  post eleven fun facts about yourself

3.  answer the questions the tagger set for you in their post, and then create eleven new questions to ask the people you’ve tagged.

4.  tag eleven people and link them on your post

5. let them know you’ve tagged them

Here goes:

Eleven Fun Facts About Me:

1. I have a twin sister, Jackie. I had twin sons. My oldest sister's daughter has twins. My middle sister's daughter has twins.

I have first cousins that are twins. My first cousin, Patty has twins.  My first cousin, Annie's son had twins. We drink special water  ;)

2. I went to a country grade school where 2 grades were together.

There were 9 kids in my class.

3. My oldest daughter Annie married my grade school boyfriend's nephew.

4. My youngest Maggie had a 4-wheeler wreck when she was 9 that required two ambulance drives, and an emergency surgery. She is fine. They fixed her spleen and liver. They didn't remove her ornery.

5. My favorite show is still The Waltons but their hiatus period is ridiculously long.

6. I grew up riding ponies and going barefoot.

7.  I have trouble sitting still for a movie.

8. My middle name is Lou. I hated it growing up. I like it better now.

9. I used to hate the word mama because I thought it sounded fat. Then Abbie started calling me Mama Johns and Caroline called me Mama Janie. Now I love it. Although Johns sounds kinda fat, doesn't it?

10. I am a computer idiot.

11. I named all my dolls Michelle Renee. My best friend from college is named Michelle.  She collects doll heads. Coincidence?

Questions for  me from Mary:

1. Who is your favorite singer/music group?

I can't pick one... Jason Mraz, Casting Crowns, Natalie Grant, Dean Martin...

 
2.  Do you have a favorite game to play on the computer/tablet/iPad/iPod?  If so, what is it?

No, I cannot abide electronic games...they make me anxious.

I did play a mean Foosball in my day.

3. What is your favorite movie?

Planes, Trains, and Automobiles. John Candy and Steve Martin...perfection. I laugh and I cry. I adore it.

4.  How long did you know your spouse when you got married?  If you're not married, what is the longest  you have seen someone?

We dated 2 years HS and all of college so...2+4= 6 years.

5.  Were you involved in music in high school/college?

I played clarinet because my older sister had that instrument. My twin sis, Jackie got a new saxophone. ( I swear I am over it)

I was in band until my Jr. year of High school.

I may or may not be referred to as the original Kenny G.

 
6.  What special group were you involved in during high school/college?

Cheerleading and French Club. 

I was the President of the French Club. Le President, for those of you that don't speak French, that means The President.

7.  When you're all alone, what do you like to eat for dinner?

total crap... I scrounge for whatever looks good. I never cook for myself.

8.  Left or right handed?

Right. 

 
9.  How tall are you?

66 inches. 

 
10.  What is your favorite pair of shoes?

Ugg boots. I have 2 pairs. Super comfy. I wish I had more. I have a "want" problem.

11. How long have you lived in your house/apartment/condo?

31 years. I moved here from the honeymoon trip.

 Questions from Tiffani:

1. favorite color

pink and pink.

2. dream vacation

Disney World with my family. We went Thanksgiving 2010 and I hope to go in 2012. I have been to Paris, Venice, and other top spots. Disney, to me is Heaven on Earth. 

3. are you a hugger or not

You betcha.

4. what do you want to be when you grow up

A dancer on The Carol Burnett Show.

It was my dream as a child and I would still love it.

If you are too young to know who Carol Burnett is I can't care.

5. when you eat out do you usually order dessert

Never. Someone might think I am a hog. I will eat my dessert in secret, in the dark, like any stable woman would. 

6. what is your favorite indoor/outdoor activity

JUNKING!  Sorry to yell but I am passionate about junking.

7. what is your favorite day of the week

Sunday, because Stuart is home. Church, lunch out, and my man by my side.

8. what was your favorite food as a child?

Chocolate cake with chocolate icing. It still haunts me.

9. what is something you learned this last week

Well since it is Monday I will go with last week... Figs hate me.

10. if you could change your first name what would you change it to

Something fancy that never got misspelled... like Lady Number Two. or To or Too. Hmm, I may need to rethink that. 

11. do you have a nickname

Yup, my brother-in-law Butch gave me it when I was a kid.

(My oldest sis is 12 years older)

It is Hoopie Lou. I love it. Hardly anyone calls me it anymore.

 Will the madness never end?

Oh no, it continues.

Now my questions for the ones I tagged.

1. Favorite chipmunk...Alvin, Simon, or Theodore?

2. Plastic tubs or cardboard boxes?

3.  What's your best suggestion for a gag gift?

4. Who is your favorite author?

5. Do you have a lucky number/letter?

6. What would your brother/sister say is your best quality?

7. Do you paint your toenails in the winter?

8. How old were you when you had your first date?

9. If you were in the Miss USA contest what would be your talent?

10. Are a you a lover or a fighter?

11. Kardashians...friend or foe?

And finally I tag:

1. Cindi at Keep Calm and Carry On

2. Denise at Keep Calm and Carry On  (yup there are two)

3. Sandie from Chatty Crone

4.  Leslie from Farm Fresh Fun 
5. Brandee from  Smooth Stones
6. Amber from The JabberBox
7. Suzette from The Frat Pack + Me 
8. Cheryl from WHOSYERGURL 
9. Rebecca from Life & Godliness 
10. Judy at Anybody Home
11. Gena at The House On Lavendar Hill

Trailer Park Tale

This story needs a bit of a preface.

I have shared with a few of you

that Stuart and I own a trailer park in town.

We rent lots and have some rentals too.

Most of the rental homes have been 

taken over by our girls.

I don't cotton to being a landlady very well.

You would think after 20+ years

I would have adjusted.

I have a hard time being a gripe.

I always want to believe the excuses/reasons

whatever you want to call them

why someone can't/won't pay.

I had a hard time reconciling it with my faith.

Then a wise friend said to me...

Is this your ministry or your business?

Ok, she was right.

It helped support my family.

I am kind but when I have to be firm,

now I am without guilt.

The night we were out crime fighting

in all our finery...

We had been at Abbie's trailer

(yes, she lives in the park)

and as we were leaving I see an evicted renter

sitting in his car.

I had been unable to reach him 

and he was to have moved 

several days earlier.

I made my comrades stop.

I got out and let him have it.

All while looking like this...

I look serious as a heart attack, huh?

Anyway we have our chat,

and I was revved up.

A few days later he calls me.

We talk about him finally, really getting out.

I give him a few more days to clean it up 

and get all his belongings out.

He needs to finish painting a room 

he started and didn't finish.

I agree because

I didn't want to have to deal with his stuff.

Then, I witness to him.
I tell him all about Jesus.

I want him to know

there is a better life for him.

I tell him that with Jesus

there is no condemnation,

only forgiveness and love.

I stress that his life is not going well.

Maybe he needs to search his heart.

I say ...salvation is easy... 

just say a prayer to Him

that asks Jesus into your heart.

Tell him you believe he died to save you 

and you accept him as your savior.

Confess that you are a sinner.

We all are.

Simple deal there.

Then, you start walking with Him.

He will lead you if you follow.

He tells me he will consider it.

He tells me he loves my blog.

What?

That floored me. 
Seriously?

Well, he moved.

He didn't paint.

He didn't clean up.

He didn't pay.

The home is a huge mess.

There are soft spots in all the floors. 

Trash from the front to the back of the place.

Maggie's sis/brother-in-law lived there previously

and it was fine.

 Now it is trashed.

I don't know when we will get to the repairs.

My husband is super busy

building a house and a barn.

But hey, J, if you are still reading my blog...

I am still praying for you.

I want you to find Jesus waaaay more

than I want your rent money.

If you need a partner to help you

say that prayer,

give you a ride to worship,

or just talk...

you know my number/email.

I forgive you 

and Jesus will too.

You are Loved

My favorite children's book is Nancy Tillman's

Wherever You Are, My Love Will Find You.
I think you can guess why.

I wanted you more than you ever will know,

so I sent love to follow you wherever you go.

It's as high as you wish it. It's quick as an elf.

You'll never outgrow it..it stretches itself!

   So climb any mountain...

climb up to the sky!

My love will find you.

My love can fly!

 Make a big splash! Go out on a limb!

My love will find you. My love can swim!

 It never gets lost, never fades, never ends...

if you're working...

or playing...

or sitting with friends.

 You can dance 'til you're dizzy...

paint 'til you're blue...

There's no place, not one,

that my love can't find you.

  And if someday you're lonely,

or someday you're sad,

or you strike out at baseball,

or think you've been bad...

 just lift up your face,

feel the wind in your hair,

That's me, my sweet baby, my love is right there.

 In the green of the grass...

in the smell of the sea...

in the clouds floating by...

at the top of the tree...

in the sound crickets make at the end of the day...

"You are loved. You are loved. You are loved.," they all say.

 My love is so high, 

and so wide and so deep,

it's always right there,

even when you're asleep.

  So hold your head high

and don't be afraid

to march to the front 

of your own parade.

 If you're still my small babe

or you're all the way grown,

my promise to you 

is you're never alone.

 You are my angel, my darling,

my star...

and my love will find you,

wherever you are.