Shoes, Shoes, Shoes!

Our first model, Patty, is stylin' in a smart wedge that is versatile for day or casual evening wear. The to-die-for plaid upper is in purple and black that will accentuate any wardrobe. Here Patty has added them to stone capris and a fun turquoise top with 3/4 inch sleeves. This ensemble is a must for those action-packed days of summer.
Next, we have Peggy in the ever-popular pink floral wedge. How cute is that? The dainty flowers in the fabric add a sweet touch to any summer activities. Whether it's lunch with a friend at a trendy cafe or dancing under the stars with that special someone, these shoes can take it all and still come out smelling like a rose.

Actually, Patty and I used extreme restraint and didn't purchase these babies, but we did leave with some treasures. BOGO lured us again.

I Still Scare Grandchildren

I have seen the blank, bewildered look in the face of my grandchildren before. I open the door to greet them and I am met with the look, the one that makes me wonder if I sprouted a third eye or if my face suddenly broke out in unsightly warts. The look suggests that if I reach out to hug them they will run in the opposite direction, screaming at the top of their lungs as if pursued by the Loch Ness monster.

Usually the kids can't wait to get to my house. They know they will have fun with Memaw and Papa while raiding the pantry. They enter the house with wide smiles and eager steps. They freely offer their sweet hugs and appear totally comfortable in my presence. So, you might ask, what produces the awkward look when I answer my door to welcome them into my home?

Memaw without makeup.

I get teased a lot about my makeup. Robin says I won't take out the trash at midnight unless I have makeup on. Chezzy always told me that a herd of elephants would stampede down Main Street before I'd be caught without makeup. Obviously, I make a point to be presentable. But there are times when it's not possible. Like waking up in the throes of a heart attack. For some strange reason, I didn't tell Robin to start the car only after I'd taken the time to apply foundation, thicken the eyelashes and add a touch of blush to my gray cheeks. I even commented to the nurse who was taking me to surgery to have the stents placed in my heart that I'd never gone to surgery without my makeup. That's the truth. I guess I was more worried about my appearance than the condition of my heart.

As far as Jude is concerned, a heart attack means I'll be wearing a nightshirt and no makeup. There's no health risk. It just means he'd rather not see his Memaw at the moment. When Allison took the lovely picture of me in the ER and showed it to Jude, the look appeared before he turned away. He wanted no part of it. He didn't see the oxygen tube in my nose, or the heart monitor recording my activity, or even the hospital bed I was lying in. He only saw Memaw without makeup. When I came home from the hospital I was greeted by Allison and her family and Jude still shyly gazed at me and only accepted my hug reluctantly. Memaw looked scary.

And the following conversation took place today as they left church to come visit with me for awhile.

Jude: "Mama, call Memaw and tell her to put makeup on."

Allison: "Why? Memaw's been sick."

Jude: "Because Memaw is beautiful with makeup on. She looks pretty ugly without it."

Well, Allison didn't call and I got the look from Jude when I opened the door. It's hard to explain the look. I just know that my precious grandson whom I love so much is not real comfortable with me. Allison whispered the conversation they had had in the car and I understood. And later when I pulled out the camera to get pictures of them all dressed up, I declined to get in the picture because I look "ugly".

Jude's eyes grew wide and he looked at his mom and said, "That's the word I used!"

Then he covered his mouth in embarrassment and turned a crimson red.

So, everyone, I have to wear makeup and keep my hair out of a hair clip, all for the sake of my grandchildren. I don't want to be the wicked grandmother who scares away the little ones. I want them to freely come to my home and feel comfortable in my presence. If I didn't know the difference a little face paint made before, I surely do now.

Here are the little darlings in their church finery. They looked so cute. Memaw isn't in the picture for obvious reasons.

Nocturnal Nibblers

It's not unusual for us to spot a raccoon robbing the cat dishes that we keep filled for all the felines who frequent our back yard. But imagine our surprise tonight when we saw three of them nibbling away on cat chow. We're guessing one was the mother since the other two were smaller. We grabbed the camera and managed to get this picture through our smudged glass door, afraid they would bolt if we got any closer. They sure are cute!

Stop and Smell the Roses

My title reflects the words Cheryl said to me today when I lamented about all that has gone wrong in less than a week. Then when I told her flowers had just been delivered to my home and how beautiful the peach-colored roses are, she told me it was God's way of telling me to stop, slow down, take time to smell the roses, count my blessings, fix my eyes on the positives.

I needed that reminder. My day started with a call from my son, Ron, informing me that our business had been robbed of approximately $3,000 in materials needed to do our jobs. Replacing those materials can be added to an already growing list of business needs that must be met. I felt overwhelmed and very disappointed in the human race. Then, I felt hot. The A/C unit had completely died an untimely death.

Robin contacted the service company he uses and we were told there was no point in trying to fix the unit. We were quoted a price for a new unit and the needed upgrades for the attic portion of the A/C. Would you believe it was only a few hundred dollars less than the oil and gas lease check I was supposed to pick up today? I had that money earmarked for other needs. I never dreamed that large sum of money would be gone the same day it was received. Especially, since our A/C unit had been replaced about eight years ago.

We sweltered in the heat all day while the new A/C was being installed. Finally, we left to sign the contract for the oil and gas lease. I was told I didn't have all the documents I needed since the house is in my deceased husband's name. I brought a death certificate and other forms I felt would be needed, but neglected to move heavy things in the closet to retrieve our wills. Mind you, the heart attack was five days ago and I wasn't up to having another one so soon.

Robin has now cleared the way for me to reach the file cabinet so I can get the wills and show up again on Thursday for the signing. But the question remains. Why did the unit go out and consume money we needed for other things? Why do things cloud my way when I think I'm finally seeing light at the end of the tunnel?

Cheryl and I discussed the other side of this issue, the one that pointed to God and His perfect timing. Is it that odd that a major expense happened on the very day we were going to come into enough money to cover it? Shouldn't I be thankful that it happened this way? Shouldn't I trust God to solve my other problems, the ones this check was meant for? In spite of the heart attack, the theft, all the broken pieces in my life, blessings still abound.

This wonderful dinner was made for us by two of our neighbors, Yvonne and Jean. I was very touched when Yvonne called to tell me they would be feeding us tonight. It kept me out of the kitchen and off my feet and we enjoyed every little bite. The flowers, a gift from the bank where I have my business accounts, was another blessing. Like Cheryl said, God wanted me to stop today, amid all the problems and concerns, and smell the roses.

Another blessing, one very unexpected, was hearing from a woman I'd met once at Deborah's pool party. She was told of my plight and immediately offered meals, help, groceries, doctor visits, even a night in her house in a cool room had our A/C not been fixed. Paula was adamant about helping in any way she could. We've met once. Once. God spoke to me today through her and her unselfish kindness. What a spirit-filled woman who responds to God when he leads her to someone she hardly knows. Her correspondences with me through the day have uplifted me. I've been blessed. I have a new friend that I'm very proud of. Thank you, Paula.

So, where does all of this leave me? I'm not sure, but I will trust God with the answers and praise Him for the ways He has called out to me today in the form of dinner, flowers, friends, a sister, my children, and yes, even showing me where to put the big check.

He's All Boy!

Thomas lost two front teeth yesterday, but not in the usual way. Yes, they were loose and bound to come out any day. He just helped them along.

He was playing with his big dog, Buddy, when Buddy pulled away from him quickly and knocked one loose tooth out. The second tooth was hanging by only a thread or two when Thomas decided to freak out his Dad by twisting the tooth backwards and smiling with the back of the tooth facing forward. Ron said it looked so freaky and Thomas was laughing hysterically because he had succeeded in grossing out his Dad. Then, since boys will be boys, Thomas pulled the final loose tooth out himself. He must be proud of those bloody fingers.

Eating with be an art of creativity until his permanent teeth appear and I'm sure with two missing choppers he drained the Tooth Fairy's bank account.

Thank You, Everyone!

How wonderful to be back home where I can sleep through the night without being weighed, poked, pricked, stabbed, and roused from sweet dreams by intercoms and overhead lights. And how delightful to return home to my beautiful greeters who took the time to decorate for my homecoming!

Allison hung streamers and colorful balloons while Jude wrote me a welcome home sign. I was presented with two small bags of peanut M&Ms, stating it was Memaw's turn to have the treat. Then, Baylee quickly asked, "Will Memaw share?" Yes, of course I shared. Sophia was just happy to see us, as usual, clinging to both Papa and me.

I had some meaningful get well cards and e-mails, lots of phone calls and special visitors. Thomas accompanied his Dad to the emergency room and promptly filled in the doctor as to my condition. "Memaw is a little bit, uh, old, and she eats a lot of chocolate." Had I consulted Thomas first I could have saved myself a lot of money. Another Thomasism as he studied the heart monitor with some alarm. "The lines are going like this." (He did his fingers like I was flatlining.) "I'm scared. It looks like the D word." I assured him the doctor would take care of me. And finally, one Peggyism, as I was taken to have the stents placed in my heart: "Please tell my husband when this is all over that I really do have a heart."

Allison went the extra mile and brought in a dozen of huge bakery cookies for the nurses that cared for me. Inside the box lid she wrote, "Thank you for caring for my mom." All the nurses were very grateful for the goodies and came back for more. I thought this gesture was very, very thoughtful. Thank you, Blondie.
This picture of my new heart is not easy to see, but I can tell you that the before and after pictures are worlds apart. The before picture looks like a dark, desolate moon surface, where as the after picture shows a vibrant road map with distinct pathways. No more collapsed arteries. My blood is flowing easily and my circulation and skin color have improved.

This is a good time to remind all of you to never ignore the pain and signs of a heart attack. Like so many before me, I thought the pain was acid reflux or heartburn. I was having an episode daily for 3 to 4 weeks that lasted only a couple of minutes. I went online and researched my symptoms. The only thing I found that matched all my ailments was unstable angina, which the doctor confirmed. Another thing that threw me off was that the pain in my jaw, shoulder, arm, and back were on the right side and a heart attack is more commonly felt on the left. Mine was still a heart attack and it can manifest itself in slightly different ways depending on the individual and their gender. So, please do not ignore a burning in the chest (it might not be heartburn), or pain in the jaw, face, shoulder, arm or back, regardless of which side it is on. See a doctor immediately. Many have died who believed it was heartburn and would pass. Fortunately, I'd researched it and called my doctor to see him. He recognized the signs and told me to go to ER instead.

This was my home away from home the last four days. I must admit, I enjoyed my stays there in the 1970s much more because this is where I welcomed both of my precious daughters, Allison and Angela. Our Jude the Dude was born there, too. A hospital can be a place of extreme joy or sadness. I thank God that my experiences here had great results.

Thank you all for your prayers and support. I ask for continued prayers as I make some drastic changes to my lifestyle. My friend Patty came over when I got home from the hospital and gave me heart-healthy magazines that focused on diet. She also brought dinner from Boston Market, lots of steamed vegetables and a chicken. We have enough food to feed us all week!

All of you are awesome and I love you!

Happy Birthday Ashton

Guest - Dee

Today Ashton turns:
5 years old
or
60 months
or
261 weeks old
or
1827 days old
or
2631336 minutes old (give or take)
Anyway you look at it, we have loved you a very long time! Ashton is so lucky because this birthday he gets to spend it with his grandma who is there for a visit. Have grandma give you big kisses for everyone here: Aunt Cris, Mike, Jude, Baylee, Sophia, Brian, Dee, memaw, papa, Ron, Lieann, Candice, Camryn, Thomas, Nannaw, Peepaw,Grandpa, Aunt Donna and don’t forget Parker! Wew! That’s a lot of people!

I remember so clearly the day you were born. Memaw and I drove to Houston the night before and woke early the next morning to get to the hospital anticipating your birth. It was such a joyous day. Your Mommy and Daddy were just glowing. All your grand parents were there your cousins, Aunts and Uncles too. There for one purpose, to welcome the first of 3 little lives that would bound our two families together. I can still remember your daddy came out into the waiting room with tears in his eyes to let us know you had arrived.

Now you are 5 years old! This next year will be so full of new things to learn, new experiences (school!!) and maybe we’ll loose a tooth? Happy Birthday sweet boy. We all love you so much.

Find out how old you are:

http://www.mathcats.com/explore/age/calculator.html

Update on Mom

Mom is doing lots better. She is out of ICU, she would have been out sooner but there was a bed shortage. Her spirits are high but she'd love a shower. Thank you to Pat for bringing her some make-up and toiletries - she knows mom so well. She had lots of visitors today - all 3 of her brothers, 2 sisters-in-law, a friend that she went to school with that works in the hospital and heard she was there, and Ron and me.

Donna stopped through yesterday - what a great sister.

Mom's brother Gene had the quote of the day. As he was leaving he patted her on the leg and said "Well, I'm glad I didn't have to get my dark suit out and press it." If that doesn't say I LOVE You, what does?

Thank you for all your well wishes and prayers - you are all awesome.

Also, as I was about to walk out the door to go see mom Jude said that he wanted to write a note to the doctor. The note said: Dr Work hard on my memaw - Jude 6

So sweet. That sums it up.

Have we been here before?

deja vu

8:30am ish - my mom calls to tell me she has been up since 4am with vomiting, pain on one side and she will be going to the doctor.

840am ish - my mom calls a little more frantic. She called her primary care physician and asked for an immediate appointment. When she told the Doctor her symptoms the Doctor told her to call 911 - this was heart related. She waited for her hubby to get out of the shower and they were on the road.

845 ish - I start placing calls all over letting everyone know that mom was going to the hospital.

1030 - my husband comes home from work to watch the kids so that I may go to the hospital and see my mommy.

1115am - I get to the ER and they suspect there was no heart attack but it was an "episode" that we should be concerned about.

by the afternoon the cardiologist had come in and after reviewing her EKG determined she did in fact have a heart attack. Large? Small? Doesn't matter. When you hear those words about someone you love - your best friend - your kids mema who hung the sun, moon and stars it hits you like a knife in the chest.

The Doctor told us - by this time it was Robin, Ron, Thomas and myself - Mom should be prepared for a catheter procedure and he would place a stint when he found the blockage causing the problems. About 2 hours later the procedure was over and mom was resting well in the cardiac unit.

This comes on the heels of the passing of a very dear friend...from a heart attack...YESTERDAY! He was young, vibrant, sweet and just a great person.

The thought of loosing my mom gives me panic attacks. My mom is one of my best friends. I talk to her every day, more than once a day. I can tell her anything and know I will still be loved and she will not pass judgement of me. I cannot imagine my life without her. I hope that this is the wake up call we all need to live cleaner, healthier lives. Yes, this might mean no more eggs, potatoes, gravy and homemade cinnamon rolls on Christmas morning. But we will have something so much better, another day, another Christmas with our mom. I'm sure AT&T's phone lines were burning up all day but I also know the lines to heaven were on fire with my mom's name on the lips of those who love her.
The doctor showed us pictures of her heart before and after the stints were placed in there and it was amazing how much blood was being blocked. Mom will be in the hospital until Sunday or Monday. Please pray for her and the strength to make the health changes necessary so that this never happens again.

guest blogger - Dee

Lunch With a Friend

Sharon and I met for lunch today at Abuelos and had a delightful visit over avocado enchiladas, beans and rice. I'd had a stressful last few days and I was looking forward to seeing Sharon, knowing the stress would melt away in her presence. She has a special way of tapping into one's soul and bringing about a peaceful feeling. It was going so well, in fact, that when I glanced at my watch and saw 3:00 I was shocked. Sadly, I had to get back to work and follow up on contacts I had for business advice.

I know Angela and Rachael miss living so close that they could see each other often, but I'm glad their mothers are doing it now. Thanks, Sharon, for smoothing the lines from my brow today.

Fully Rely On God

Several months ago my sister-in-law, Rita, presented me with an adorable plush frog with a card that explained to me what the letters in "FROG" mean: Fully Rely on God. This little guy in his sweet overalls and bow tie has a prominent place on my bed. I see him as I pass by, I pick him up at least twice a day to move him to a chair so we can go to bed, and back to the bed the next morning when we get up. Just imagine what I think of when I see him. Fully Rely on God and the precious sister-in-law who cared enough to give him to me.

I'm reminded often during the day that I must fully rely on God. I have this awful tendency to fret over my problems and those of my family and friends, thinking it's up to us to work it all out. It isn't. God tells us that without Him, we can do nothing. To fully rely on God is to give Him our concerns, the greatest and smallest, and trust Him to carry the burden for us and work out the solution in His perfect time. That reminder in the form of a plush frog that adorns my bed helps to keep me focused.

Because of the comfort its presence brings, I bought a frog and attached a sign around its neck that reads "Fully Rely on God". It's my way of passing along the blessing that Rita gave to me. I have a special family in mind so that Mr. Frog will be a constant reminder that God is near and waiting to wrap them in His loving arms.

Thank you, Rita, for allowing me to focus on the frog and not my problems. And to the rest of you, fully rely on God every moment of the day.

Robin's the Do-Gooder

Robin was the Do-Gooder in our home during this Do Good challenge. I came in second, only because his good deed gave me the opportunity to pass it along. Neither is Whole-Foods-Gift-Card-worthy. While I would love to buy some eggplant cutlets for one of Angela's delicious sandwiches, Robin would have no idea as to what to do with such a gift card. Give him one for Academy and he's there, with ideas galore. Give him one for Whole Foods and he's totally in the dark. So, we have no expectations of winning this contest, but Robin's actions, and later my own, have made three people extremely happy, myself included.

Robin and I have a condo reserved in Galveston for late August. While in the area a few months ago we visited the resort to make sure we were happy with our choice. The units are new and beautiful and each one painted in a soft pastel color. There are many on-site amenities such as miniature golf, pool table, swimming pool and beach access. Movies and table games can be rented from the resort's office, and crafts and other activities are scheduled for the guests.

Now the negatives. The resort is 15 miles from all the action in Galveston. Stores and restaurants are few. The condos sit on such a sprawling amount of acreage that it's quite a trek to the swimming pool. And though it has beach access (across the road), it still requires driving, parking, walking over a bridge and sand dunes to reach the water's edge. And no pier to fish from.

Robin, who loves the action, the people, the fishing, the live activity of a vacation, feels this location has little to offer him. So his Do-Gooder action was to offer it to me and my friends, Cheryl and Patty. He stated that since we love pajama days, books, table games, and all the rest we can get, this resort and its remoteness would be perfect for us. I tried to curb my excitement as I made sure he was willing to give up that week with me in Galveston. He assured me he'd be bored.

Now my good deed comes into play. I contacted Cheryl and Patty who were bouncing off the walls at the thought of another condo week of doing exactly what we please. I admit, my good deed was totally selfish, even though it brought smiles and squeals of excitement to my recipients. But to be perfectly honest, don't we all feel some extreme satisfaction in knowing we have made someone's day? Am I being that selfish when I've made two people very happy? Even though I share in it, too?

No matter how I try to justify my actions or take credit for the opportunity I had, it was Robin who came across as the Do-Gooder. But don't bother throwing his name in the hat. A whole food to him is merely a German chocolate cake that hasn't been cut.

Happy Father's Day!

I spent a wonderful Father's Day with my Dad, Sugar. When I'd asked what I could bring for him he wanted oatmeal cookies. I baked those last night and carried them to him and he promptly began eating. His other Daddy's Girl, Donna, also baked cookies for the occasion, chocolate chip.

As I greeted him with a hug I thanked God for the blessing of having this incredible man in my life. To have parents in their early 80s and a marriage of 63 years so far, puts me in a very rare class of people. I haven't forgotten how special that is.

I could see that Dad is tired but there is no use in telling him to slow down. He's always believed that idle time is a sin so he busies himself with many projects at home and for others and is one of the ultimate Do-Gooders. I can't count the number of chores he has accomplished for me, from wallpapering rooms to adding the electrical wiring to my sheet metal shop. He's a man of many talents and skills, and he's been a blessing to numerous people around him.

I've reminded him that retirement is a reward for a job well done. He just smiled and continued working. But I know the reality of it is that he's so active and healthy now because he's always led a productive life. Who am I to give him advice?

I love you, Sugar, and I'm proud to be one of your girls.

picture added by dee

Do-Gooders Contest!

Since most of you who read my blog also read my daughter's blog you already know there is a Do-Gooders contest going on with a prize of a Whole Foods gift card. The contest ends at midnight on Monday, June 16, with a drawing the next day.

Here's what you have to do to enter: go to Angela's blog site and read the directions. A Do-Gooder is someone who has done a good deed for another, known or unknown, family, friend or stranger. She has listed many examples of a good deed.

Go there now and be thinking of something special you can do for someone else. You never know the blessing you may be showering on another. I'm sure God will lead you to someone who needs to be touched by kindness.

Happy Do-Gooding!

For Angela and Rachael

Angela and Rachael, your mothers have a new BFF! We figured if our daughters can be best friends, we could accomplish the same thing. Not that it was hard, mind you. Our new friendship was immediate and we are thoroughly enjoying it.

Sharon has been visiting our church and brought her husband, Ron, today. I'm hoping they won't consider the drive to be too lengthy, especially with the horrible gas prices. I honestly believe both of them would be a tremendous asset to our church. Not only is Sharon a pianist, but a loving spiritual leader. She's such a gentle, friendly lady. Imagine someone like her being friends with me, who can be abrasive and unpolished sometimes???

Besides having the honor of her friendship, I'm excited that Sharon has agreed to write a women's page for our newsletter. As editor, I'm always looking for new features and especially ones that are inspiring and uplifting. Sharon has a special burden for women and their spiritual needs, and I know her contributions will be a blessing. Since most of you don't receive our newsletter I hope to post some of her messages here. I want to encourage her to begin her own blog. I think we'd all enjoy getting a head start on the day by having a devotional with Sharon.

Rachael, dear, your mother is priceless and I see why you are a magnificent woman with the example you have had. Sharon and I are a little behind you and Angela as far as friendship goes, but I have a comforting feeling that we will catch up real soon.

Our Mountain Lion

Picture this: Instead of my leg, imagine that Parker is sprawled on a tree limb, front paws dangling, and overlooking a rugged, rocky cliff. Does a mountain lion come to mind? This big baby thinks nothing of putting my legs to sleep with his 17 pounds of tom cat.

And by the way, this is a real picture of Parker, not one I borrowed from the internet to add spice to a story.

Donna's Kidnapping Experience, Or How Someone Got Donna's Goat

By Guest Blogger, Donna.

This morning I left home for work and I wasn't far from home when a car coming toward me blinked their lights several times. I started to slow down and up ahead was something standing in the middle of the road. What I saw when I got closer was the cutest baby goat. I pulled over so I could coax it out of the road. It came right up to me. It had a bell under his chin that made almost as much noise as he did.

I tried to get it to stay out of the road, but every time a car would go by, he'd start chasing it. He
turned down into some woods, but when I went by looking for him, he came back out and started chasing me. Let me remind you. This is a very small goat....someone's pet that is about to be run over. That is why I picked the little darling up and put him in the backseat of my car (not the new car thank goodness). I tried to find a house nearby with someone at home, but I wasn't successful.

I noticed on my cell phone that James had tried to call me. He was traveling with Quentin, his partner. I called him and he could hear my passenger "baaing" in the backseat. He couldn't believe what I was doing. They both got a laugh out of that. James started trying to tell me
what to do with the goat. I could take it home or to a vet not too far away. Whatever, but get to work. I noticed a truck going up a driveway to a house and I followed him. It wasn't his home.
He was just going there to visit. Anyway. Long story short. After the goat jumped out my car window, he offered to take him to find his home or at least where he'd be safe. This gentleman (about my dad's age) thought he knew where there was someone not too far away who raised goats.

Now my husband knows what to get me for my birthday.

Slumber Party!

Robin had to go to Houston on business and you know me, I never pass up an opportunity for a slumber party. Patty eagerly packed a bag and rushed right over. We had Mexican food for lunch, came back home so I could check in at the office, then off again to shop.

We hit a few stores and either shopped or just looked. I shopped for Parker and Weasil and got their Father's Day gift for Robin. Our evening was spent in front of the TV with national and local news, and a few games and some reading.

You should have heard the laughter as Patty and I played who wants to be a millionaire online. We got very close to the big bucks, I am proud to say. But the laughter erupted as we lost three times on the first question. For the most part, we did fabulous. If I didn't know the answer, Patty usually did, and vice versa.

Robin had the camera so we had Patty's husband Dave take some pictures of us. He had trouble loading them last night due to computer problems, so no pictures at this time. I hope to post some later.

My endorphins were elevated as we laughed the night away. Just what the doctor ordered.

Keep Sweet

Patty and I have been using a new phrase when we finish talking to each other on the phone: keep sweet. If you aren't familiar with that phrase you haven't been reading books about all the problems within the FLDS church. Patty and I have read three of them recently since the news about their prophet's demise and new throne in a prison cell is only months old.

Actually, we see nothing wrong with keeping sweet. We all enjoy surrounding ourselves with people who have a sweet, friendly demeanor. Many of us could use a lot more sweetness in our lives. I believe, too, that keeping sweet (as much as possible) allows Jesus to shine through our countenance. No one wants to encounter angry people on a regular basis.

So, why, when we see the importance of keeping sweet, do we laugh each time we say it?

Let me give you the FLDS definition of keeping sweet:

- Awake each morning with plans to make your husband happy, regardless

- Be in total obedience to him for he knows what is best for you, even if that includes abuse

- Never, never, never voice your own feelings or hurts for they only show how disobedient you have been

- Failure to keep sweet under any and all circumstances means you have lost favor with God, the prophet, and your husband

- Keeping sweet simply means losing your own individuality and becoming property, disposable property

- Keeping sweet ensures eternal life that can only be achieved through your husband, the priesthood head of the family.

Are there really women like that in modern America? Sadly, there are and many of them have a miserable existence. Many are escaping their repressive lifestyles but are so ill prepared for the world outside of their compound's walls. Many are denied an education, believing their husbands will teach them whatever is necessary to learn. When Patty and I laugh over keeping sweet, we aren't making fun of the women who only know this one way of life and are too fearful to turn their backs on it. We are poking fun at their so-called prophet.

He's the one telling all the women to keep sweet. And while the female believers are doing their best to keep sweet and never have a display of emotions, he was doing everything in the book that was against the very things he preached. It's fitting that his reign as a dictator is over and I hope he is keeping sweet in prison. That would be a major feat since he has many more legal battles ahead of him.

No marriage is a bed of roses, but at least our husbands acknowledge that we were born with brains. We do not need them to do the thinking for us, or make major decisions that affect our lives, or demand respect when it hasn't been earned. I don't see any of us begging for forgiveness from a husband who has just rearranged our face. And how many of us would be comforted knowing our husband's position as the head of our families determines our own salvation? Yikes. It's sometimes scary standing on our own two feet, but at least we have the free will to choose who we serve.

These stories of injured women emerging and getting a taste of life have been fascinating. And knowing one man can have such complete control over the masses is unbelievable. This isn't some remote jungle in South America. This is our country. Pick up copies and be prepared to be shocked, angered, and pulling for the good guy (or girl). I don't think you'll be disappointed.

oh, and Keep Sweet.

Rhyme Time is Corrected

I am slowly learning how to move around in my blog, thanks to Angela. I thought I was following all her instructions perfectly, but discovered that after all my hard work, none of the poems (except for the two she labeled for me) were accessible from the link I posted. After many futile attempts to get it right, I noticed the URL I copied needed some characters deleted. Bravo! It worked. I guess one can teach an old dog new tricks.

Pool's Open!

Robin officially opened the pool a few days ago when he jumped in to cool off after working outside. He's tried to encourage me to get in, but the water temperature of 82 degrees feels like ice water to me. I assured him that I was content to watch him swim.

Allison brought the kids over yesterday to swim after we enjoyed a wonderful lunch of Mexican food. Jude and Baylee had no problem braving the water, but Allison and Sophia were a little more reluctant. I asked Sophia several times if she wanted to get in and she just pushed my face away from her. I got the message.

The pool is always a hit with the grandchildren who have summer birthdays. With swimming and plenty of food, their parties are a hit. Aside from birthdays, I promised Candice and Camryn a pool party this summer. They can enjoy their friends while Memaw supplies the food and snacks. I hope I remember how much teenagers eat, and how loud they can get.

When Allison left yesterday I went to the shop to dole out the paychecks. Thomas was there with his Dad and I spent a few minutes with him. He's excited about being a 2nd grader next year and his parents are proud that he scored very well in a higher reading level. Good job, Thomas!

Candice will enter the brand new school year as a senior which is hard for this Memaw to grasp. Camryn will be a Sophomore, Jude will enter Kindergarten, and Ashton will be homeschooled. My grandchildren are growing up too quickly.

When this Texas heat gets to being too much, come over for a dip in the pool. I promise that by July it will be a comfortable 88 degrees. I prefer 90, but will accept 88.

Happy Birthday, Mother!

My mother is a beautiful 82 years old today. Her spunk and sense of humor have survived the years very well. She's an amazing woman who raised five children and is still married to their father, and has been for 63 years. That must be close to a record in this day and age.

I guess Mother is known the most for her cooking abilities. She can put on a feast for the masses and look fresh and polished in the process. Even if she makes a mistake with a recipe it turns out to be a masterpiece and one she will repeat, mistake and all. That happened recently when she added cornmeal to her whole wheat bread when she grabbed the wrong canister. The result? Excellent crunchy toasted bread with a good flavor. I don't think she knows how to fail in the kitchen. Sadly, I didn't inherit her culinary skills to that limit.

Mother still loves to tease and laugh. Often she has succeeded in embarrassing us with her friendly nature. I remember times during my teens when she would honk and wave at the boys on the street while I crouched in the seat or hit the floorboard. I wonder if it would have been as funny to her if I had been the one doing the flirting. I did my share, but not in the car with her, I'm sure.

Mother has always been the best Nanaw to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. None of the kids have ever felt too big to spend a weekend with their grandparents. Instead, it was an event to look forward to and still is.

My mother is generous and feeds the multitudes, prays for each member of her family and extended family, and helps those in need. She believes in us and encourages us. I am blessed to have her as a mother and I know each of her children feel the same way.

Happy birthday, Mother. We love you and wish you many more birthdays ahead. Now, if you'll bake your famous chocolate cake we will come share it with you. I'd leave off the candles, if I were you.

Celebrating a Life

It's difficult to believe that 15 years have passed since I lost the love of my life. What a loving, dedicated, and loyal husband and father he was. Heaven will be a time of rejoicing as we all reunite and introduce this wonderful man to all the grandchildren he's never met, and see the pride in his face and the tears in his eyes as he looks upon his wife and children again. It's a reunion I am looking forward to. He's always in our thoughts, always in our hearts.