Weekend Randoms

I had a rare Saturday off and we ended up at a lovely park in a nearby town.  It was one of those quaint locations where every photographer in town was there with their clients.   After touring all the little shops (and didn't buy a single thing!),  we thought we'd do the cheap method and take an iPhone photo.  Turned about pretty good, we thought!

And a SUPER rare photograph of the boys these days.  Sorry for the pitiful quality...I was just happy I got anything at all!  I'm sure our oldest would be cooperative...have to catch him on a golf day!

Can't forget Sage and Sweety!

Tomorrow, EngineerHubby has surgery on his other foot....did the first one 1.5 months ago.  Plantar Fasciitis surgery.  Hopefully soon he will be able to exercise and not have tons of pain.

25 Years Ago Today

After knowing each other less than 8 months, we got married.

Engaged!

I'm feeling really old right now!  lol

2 grown boys, a lifetime of experiences, 7 states, building our 15th house...friends all over the map.....

A surprise Renewal of Vows Wedding just prior to year 10 - he pulled it off...I had NO clue!

Aww...look at the boys...they went to school and told everyone their parents got married.......that was fun in a tiny Arkansas town of 10,000!

Our heart is in Dallas and some day we will get back there....(funny how 22 years ago when we left to move to Arkansas "briefly", we said we were only leaving temporarily.....).  Lesson learned!

Really poor iPhone photo from the other night

I've often wondered...how many people have lost money on the bets?

Here's to another 25 honey!

Happy Birthday Honey

Happy Birthday to my wonderful Engineerhubby!!

I look forward to seeing him again when the house is finished.  HA!

Joining this party for the first time, here are this week's questions:

1. Do you make a budget and keep it, or just fly by the seat of your pants?

Yes, we have a very detailed budget.  We keep our money balanced to the penny.  We have the paychecks automatically deposited into one account that the general bills get paid out of (the fixed bills, mostly).  Then, a chunk of money gets then automatically transferred to another bank where hubby gets cash the Saturday after every payday.  (every 2 weeks)  THIS cash goes in our wallets and is used to pay the following:

Grocery

Walmart

Sam's

Health Food store items/supplements

Any miscellaneous spending

Eating out

If we want to go out to eat, I look in my wallet.  If there is no money, we don't go!  It is very simple. Some folks say that having cash in their wallet gets spent faster.  For me, seeing cash makes me hoard it - I don't like to spend it. 

2. Do you do spring cleaning and if so which month?

No, we clean year round.  This has always been on of OUR issues....both clean freaks.  We move so often that things never get cluttered up.  

3. Are you a yard sale lover and do you have them and go to them?

No!  Will rarely go to one and even more rarely will I hold one.  We hired an estate guy once to operate our garage sale and we made (after his cut) $5000.  He priced things MUCH higher than I ever would have and because he had such a following (folks knew he only took on great sales)...he pulled those prices.

However, we have purchased MUCH of our furniture and other items out of the classifieds or online sale sites.  Many amazing deals to be had - folks moving, getting a divorce, financial distress sales.....can get really great prices and not have to pay full price OR drive around to a zillion yard sales.  lol

4. What do you take when you have a headache?

I take a product called Charcoal, from the health food store.  A holistic MD we had a few years back recommended taking Charcoal for headaches and if you know you just ate something you should not have.  It absorbs whatever it is that is triggering the headache.    Works amazing on me.  Since hubby found out he is officially allergic to Tylenol and cannot have Advil, he is struggling to get on the Charcoal bandwagon.  When he takes it, his headaches go away. 

5. Name 3 things that you feel lucky to have in your life!

I feel lucky to have my family - especially my husband.  We have been through SO much and it seems to never end, but he's a wonderful, faithful guy.  At the end of the day, despite other issues that might cloud things, his heart is golden.   

I feel lucky to have my positive spirit/glass half full mentality.  Wouldn't make it another day with this pain if I did not believe in something greater to come.  If I had known that my future would never have another pain-free minute EVER, I would have stopped and taken in through all 5 senses the relief....the relief I never knew WAS relief.   I now try to live as if I may not have tomorrow so I don't get caught in regret later.  It's tough, but gives me purpose.  I consider this a gift because I CHOOSE it.  It helps me reach out to others who are currently struggling with their chronic pain and haven't found a place of peace yet.

And I am thankful for my dogs - they bring much joy to my mostly reclined/distract from nerve pain life I'm living.  Dogs just have a way of doing that - unconditional love.

 Hop on over to Night Owl Crafting and meet other women!

Weekend Wrap-up

We had a great weekend!  Hubby surprised me with a night in a local hotel - a free voucher that expired that weekend (nothing like cutting it close) and it was a gift from all the traveling he did last year.  (Don't remind me!!)  Very belated birthday present - things just kept coming up and we barely made it while the voucher was invalid.   We are BIG believers in "date nights" and spending time nourishing our marriage.

It was nice, just the two of us and only being about 15 minutes away from home.  Went to dinner, watched movies and just spent time together.  It was at one of those hotels that has a separate bedroom, a living room and small kitchen.  So perfect. 

And then.  I woke up to the sound of intense vomiting.  Never good.  Poor hubby - was just not feeling very hot.  But it was odd - he didn't "look" sick - not like he usually looks.  In fact, once he was done vomiting, he felt much better.  We got a late checkout, he went back to sleep and we came straight home when we got up and around.  He laid around the rest of the day...not sure if he is sick or a tummy reaction (lots of food reactions lately/allergies).  I, for one, am praying it was NOT contagious!!!  Yikes!  

 In other news, we ran by JoAnn's Fabric and Craft store to get yarn and they had this makeup mirror on clearance for a huge savings.  The OTTLITE Natural Make up Mirror - Normally $99.99, it was marked down to $29.99.   I can't believe that price - AWESOME deal!!!!!  (On the website, they are running a deal for $69.99 if interested.   

The makeup mirror/light I have currently is maybe 15 years old?  Or even older?  It has been well used.  lol  The Ottlite makeup mirror boasts true, natural color.  When I turned it on, I was impressed - much different than my other one.

(Oh, it is currently $49.99 online at JoAnn's - you might check your store and see if they have it on super clearance!!)

The mirror also tilts and has 5X Zoom on the other side.  Talk about SEEING EVERYTHING.  Whoa......... lol

I am praying that hubby wakes up tomorrow morning good as new.  His entire office was in and out sick last week and we fear he has it.  (And I guess WE now.  lol)  Sure had a good time prior to the vomiting, though!  (He has 3 more vouchers valid until this summer, so looking forward to those!)

Busy Week

Went out tonight with 2 of my guys and was allowed to snap this photo with my iPhone.  Convinced Holt he had to let me get this hair cut in a photo!!  I think this is the best one he's ever had, in my never to be humble opinion.  lol 

February, 2011

 Holt just got his wisdom teeth out last week and has had a bit more pain than usual, but no issues.  No dry sockets or infection.  He is on the mend.  I introduced him to Chik Fil A lemon pie and he might have died and gone to heaven.  He's pretty sure he did.  lol 

Oh, almost forgot.  Holt was recently diagnosed Severe ADD - Combined Type and put on medication for the first time in his life.  His daily commentary has been something else - he says "It feels like my brain has been turned on for the first time ever!"  He cannot get over how different he feels, how much easier it is to "think", how much easier it is to remember things, how much more he smells things (that was a shock!).......he says he can't imagine if he had taken these meds years ago, how school might have gone so differently.  He was asked repeatedly but since he always said "no", there was no getting him tested.  (He had to cooperate).  Little did we know then that the Alexithymia prevents him from being able to answer such a question.  He can't ask himself, "Do I feel confused?"  That won't register with his brain.  Interesting, huh.

Ryan got promoted at his job to Shift Trainer/Manager and is loving that.  Even though it was only a 15 cent raise per hour, he loves being in charge.  (From what we heard, he was already "doing" this job before the promotion, Ha!)  He is going well in school and is ALWAYS golfing.  I swear, we never see that kid.  He shot a 70 yesterday in heavy wind and was very stoked.  The weather is beautiful right now and he isn't wasting it.  (For his birthday next month, we got him a "new to him" set of irons from a teammate who was trading up.  Ryan LOVES these new irons.  Hasn't had a new set since age 14, we think?  He got good use out of the old ones.)

Hubby is getting his veneers redone FINALLY.  He started this over 2 years ago....thought he'd go in for veneers.  Found out his teeth were horribly misaligned and if he did not correct it, he'd be in dentures in 10 years.  So braces went on and here we are.  He spent 5 hours in the dentist chair getting his teeth ground down...........and he was SHOCKED (we all were really ) at how dark green/brown his teeth are (from Tetracycline prescriptions as a child.)  His first set of veneers lasted almost 25 years!!!! (Usually last around 10.)  

It was not fun - very much sensory overload and his teeth/gums were not happy.  They had to put on temporary veneers (where this was not needed 25 years ago) and he will go back in several weeks to get the permanent ones on.    Here are photos of before and after.  We're debating putting the green/brown teeth photo on, but may if we think it would help others in the same position "see" what a difference veneers can make. 

Braces, May, 2009

Old Veneers, AFTER braces, February, 2011

Small snapshot of 2 of his current teeth, after the grinding and before the temporary veneers.  Gums are discolored due to the procedure of grinding.

Temporary Veneers, February 17. 2011

I just did a Google search of "Tetracycline teeth" and could not find a photo any where near as dark and stained as my husband's teeth.  Unbelievable what that antibiotic can do!   YAY for veneers!!!  I am so thrilled he was able to get this done and that they have worked so well and lasted so long for him.  He's hoping no more grinding will be necessary - 5 hours is a long time without a break!!  I went in to help him pick his "new" color for the new set.  He will go back in a few weeks and get those permanently bonded on.  The new technology will block the dark gray/brown/green teeth from ever showing through.  (The first set he had DID have some bleed through over the years.)

My pain flare has decided to decrease in intensity, and I am so thankful.  It was a long month.  Sure wish I could figure out the triggers, if there was one.  I did end up getting some super soft "minky" fabric to wear around my midsection front to back (like a tube top sort of, but around my stomach ribs to hips) to keep all other fabric from touching my skin.  That "central pain" feels like the worst sunburn of you life X 10.  Air blowing on my skin can send me screaming.  Just awful.  I am thanking God it once again is going away.  How some people live with this 24/7, I do not know.  My regular nerve pain is quite enough, thank you very much.

Oh, and I took a crochet class at a specialty yarn store and I was the only student - Perfect!  She thought I was a beginner, but I showed her my projects (that hat, and a wristlet thingy I made), so we spent the time just making sure I haven't developed any bad habits (I hadn't!) and helping me learn to read patterns (since I taught myself watching videos - reading actual patterns has been somewhat difficult for me.)  I'm visual!!!

Ok, that's it.  Back to crocheting!

Monday Update

Andy finally got his Christmas present from me hung at work.  He put a thin piece of wood through the casing with pre-drilled nail holes so he could hang it without harming the wool fabric.  I think it looks great and anything OU makes him SMILE.  I should take a picture of his entire office - all OU, all crimson/cream with touches of black.

He sent me the photo in a text, so it is what it is.  lol

I haven't mentioned that I'm trying to teach myself how to crochet.  I think my mom taught me some as a child, but I've wanted to take it back up.  Another good distraction technique for the pain.  Only problem I'm having?  Counting.  This un-medicated ADHD situation isn't working.  When I need to do 1 stitch, then 2 stitches, then 1 stitch, the 2 stitches..........well.....forget that.  lol  I saw a counter thingy at the store - do I need to get that?  Any tips?

Today is day 6 of my self-taught plan.  Thank goodness for videos on You Tube!    Here is what I just made - see my errors to the right hand side (among who knows how many others)?  I'm still pretty proud of myself, though!  

I picked purple yarn........shocker!

Fun way to pass the time.  I'm sure my family and friends are going......ggrrreeeaaaaattt...now we know what we're getting for gifts!  lol

Radiant Happiness

Radiant Happiness - a voluntary quality such as when you decide to smile.  It is cheerfulness, laughter, singing, joyfulness, bright eyes, sparkle, vivacity, enthusiasm, optimism, a sunny disposition, a sense of humor, smiles.....and the power to lift the spirits of others.

The difference between Radiant Happiness and Inner Happiness is that Inner Happiness must be earned through character.

I LOVE seeing smiling babies.  It makes me sad to see small children who never smile.  Even they shyest of children very often smile.  Those who don't, well, it is just sad.  Smiling is a gift we take to adulthood.  Smiling can be a ministry, I truly believe that.  

Cheri

Andy

I love walking through malls and purposefully smiling at others.  If you ever want to lift your spirits, smile at others and life theirs. It is incredible what you get back.  You can tell some people haven't smiled in months and they will smile back to you.  Warms your heart.  When your cheeks are sore at night, you've done your job!

Ryan

Holt

Ryan and Holt

The other day at Sam's Club, there was a sweet older lady checking receipts as folks left the store.  Hubs and I were over in the customer service area with a return and we were smiling and affectionate.  Hubs leaned over the kiss me and I saw that sweet lady just start smiling so big.  As we left the store quite a while later, I told her I loved her smile - a beautiful, loving smile.  She was touched. 

By Ella Wheeler Wilcox:

It is easy enough to be pleasant

When life flows by like a song.

But the one worthwhile is the one who can smile

When everything goes dead wrong.

For the test of the heart is trouble

And it always comes with the years.

And the smile that is worth the praises of earth

Is the smile that smiles through tears.

Do you have Radiant Happiness?  Do you bless your family with the traits of Radiant Happiness (above)?  

I used to do this easily and lately, it's been more difficult.  So much weighing me down.  I have to give it to God and go back to gifting others with Radiant Happiness.  I can attest - it is incredible.

Of course, there are times when smiling is not appropriate.  There are times we should be sensitive to the situation or we look like we lack sympathy.  In my case, many people/friends have seemed somber around me, with all my health issues....constant pain......they seem utterly shocked when I'm smiling and laughing any way, smiling through it.  All we can do is get through it, right?  (In fact, one of my favorite places to practice "smile ministry" is the hospital - those nurses are so worn down with all the sickness and illness, rare to find a patient able to smile and show them appreciation for all their hard work.)  No sense in dwelling on what won't change......have to make the best of it. I don't know why or how this comes naturally to me, although I can say - after a lifetime of smiling, I just couldn't be that girl who was sad all the time.  I didn't want to draw more questions, or more pity.  It is what it is and my nerve pain came into my life for a reason.  As I life and learn those reasons, I might as well smile.  Sure beats crying!

How about you?  Do you have any stories where smiling and Radiant Happiness impacted someone else?


"There is in this world no function more important than that of being charming - to shed joy around, to cast light upon dark days, to be the golden thread of our destiny, and the very spirit of grace and harmony.  Is not this to render a service?"  (Unknown)

Santa Visited!

It's so nice when you have older children.....no early mornings!  Around noon, we WOKE the boys up and got to opening presents.  lol  Here are some photos:

That is not a skunk in the photo - just our skunk-colored Pekingese.  lol

Andy ordered Black shoes with purple swirl and we got the right box, but these pink shoes were in the box instead.  Love them, but not practical.   I have a slight affinity for all things purple.  lol   Will return and exchange for these:

 This banner can be sent back when the Sooners win more National Championships and the dates will be embroidered on.  When the banner is full (from all the National Championship wins in the future (LOL), the company will redo the banner entirely!)

 Moved all the dog beds into the dining room and stacked them.  Sweety thought - COOL!  I'll be the princess and the pea!

 Sage had to interrupt the show to see just what was going on - give her approval!

We tried to get more photos of Holt but he wasn't cooperative.  Imagine that.  lol

Merry Christmas everyone!  We sure missed being with family this year. 

Happy Thanksgiving!

Since we can't be with extended family this holiday season, here are some rare family photos.  Since none of us could find or figure out the timer option on the newer camera, we were thankful for Holt's freakishly long wingspan to manage the camera.   lol

Click each photo to make it larger if you like.

 

From left to right:  Ryan - 21, Cheri - 29, Andy - 31, Holt - 18.  lol 

Hope you have a glorious day!