pawprints

TGIF!!!

2008-02-22T17:43:00.000-08:00

It's finally Friday again!!! This week has crept by, I guess because I've been sick. I am feeling better, not well, but better. It's amazing how a little virus can zap you of all your energy. I made up my mind to go to the YMCA yesterday, even though I was not well yet, and I could not run but 1/2 mile. 1 1/2 weeks ago I ran 6 miles!!! I simply could not run long. I felt like an elephant was sitting on my chest and every time I coughed, I felt like everyone was staring at me thinking...why is she here spreading her germs!!! I'm going to try to run again tomorrow. We'll see how it goes. I'm still coughing a lot, and don't have all my strength back, but I don't want to lose my endurance that I had built up. The race is April 26, and I don't want to have to start from the beginning in my training again. I guess I'll wait and see.
Blessing of the day. Katie and I got our hair cut. And now, Katie is going to the lock-in at church. Thank you Lord for such great youth and children's ministry leaders. It is so comforting to know that my child will be safe and will have a great time when she is with the youth at church.What an awesome group of people we have at Antioch!!
P.S.-Justin is not going to the lock-in. He's coming down with the flu:(

Feeling better, I hope!!!

2008-02-19T05:55:00.001-08:00

I hope and pray that this flu is on its way out of my body. Man, I hate being sick!!! Both of my kids have a doctor's appt. this morning,(just a routine physical) and we have to fit school in between that and spanish class for Katie, and soccer practice. I don't have my daily lunchtime client today. His mom is taking the day off. So, at least I don't have that to figure into the equation. (not that I mind, he's a sweetie) Anyway, got to get the kiddos up, so I'd better go for now. Love to all. Have a good day!!!!!

Sick!!!

2008-02-17T17:42:00.000-08:00

I have come down with some kind of crud...achy, coughing my head off!!! I went to church this morning,(probably should have stayed home, but I hate to miss)coughed the whole service, came home and after Gene took me to take care of Tucker Dog(one of my clients), I crawled in the bed for the afternoon. That is very unlike me, but this crud is not fun!!! I slept for a little while, still coughing a lot, though, so I decided to stay in tonight. I hope I didn't give everyone at our band service last night and church this morning my germs. I just hate to miss out on things. Maybe tomorrow will be a better day!!

Sweet Sixteen!!!

2008-02-12T07:01:00.000-08:00

Yep, you heard it. My sweet baby boy is turning 16 at 11:18p.m. How did that happen? I so wish I could turn back time to when he was 2. I can't believe in two years he will be an adult!!! I feel old!!! I'm letting him sleep as late as he wants today, and he doesn't have to do school. We still don't know what today's plan will be. He's more indecisive than me(or at least as indecisive) He hates to be in the spotlight. I want to make such a big deal out of his birthday, but he's like "it's just a regular day, Mom" To me, 16 years ago today was not a regular day. It was the day my entire life changed(for the good I might add)
Boohoo!!! How I wish I could turn back time!!! I rocked Justin to sleep for the first 4 years of his life. At the end I would have to wake him up, so he could walk to his bed because he was too big to carry. Now, he could rock me!!! How do they get so big, so fast!!!
On another note, Gene is gone for an interview with Target right now. Oh, how he needs a job. Please pray that he gets the job, if it's the Lord's will, that is. He is so bored at home!!! He needs to get a job where he can buy health & life insurance for the kids because they lose their coverage at the end of this year. They don't have any life insurance now. Anyway, God, your will be done.
Gotta get moving with my day. Love to all!!!

It's Saturday

2008-01-26T18:32:00.000-08:00

Well, it's Saturday night. I've had a pretty good day...Pets, cleaned house,pets again, ran 5 miles with Tam,pets again, dinner date with my husband(no kids) and now I'm going to take care of pets again. I'm so thankful that I'm feeling better. I still miss my daddy every minute of every day, but I have found the strength to go on. Thank the Lord!!! I KNOW he helped me. Until Thursday, I just didn't want to function. I wanted to curl up somewhere and sleep for a month. But, with the Lord's help, that feeling has subsided. I'm sure my family is glad to have me again. I was kind of lost for a week, hardly able to make it through the day. I can now think on the happy things that I remember about my dad, not the last week of his life. I have so many wonderful memories of my daddy. I will hold on to them till I see him again.
Pets are waiting so I have to go. Good night to all!!! Love you!!!

8 days

2008-01-24T17:17:00.000-08:00

Today it's been eight days since my daddy died. When I woke up this morning, I felt different. The sick feeling in my stomach wasn't nearly as bad, and I could look at my daddy's picture without crying. I thank the Lord for this, because he's the only one that can help me. I appreciate everyone praying for me. I knew when I opened my eyes this morning, that the Lord had touched me. I'm not saying I'm back to normal, there won't ever be the normal I was used to, but I felt better than I have in more than two weeks. I still miss my daddy terribly, but I could think about him today with crying. I know this process is a long one, and every day won't be easy, but I thank the Lord for today. Please keep praying, especially for my sister Maggie, who was with my dad when he passed. She does not have the Lord and is really having a hard time dealing with his last moments and the finality of his passing. I know I couldn't cope without the Lord. Good night to all!!

Day 4

2008-01-20T15:17:00.000-08:00

Well, it's been four days since my daddy passed away and it still hurts. I usually called him on the weekends just to touch base, so it's been a rough weekend. My sister, Tami and her kids came up for the weekend so at least I was with family. Still the time is creeping by. Today, they went to visit some friends in Rockvale, so I've just hung around the house. In a way it was good, just to rest. I feel like I could sleep for month.
We went to church this morning, which was hard. I know everyone has been praying, and they hurt because I hurt. Kasey was a blessing to me this morning, I guess because she knows first hand the hurt I'm experiencing. She knows the sick feeling in my stomach, the ache in my heart, the questions in my mind. She was such an example to me after Damon's death. I know the Lord will help me through this. He helped her. He has promised to be there for me. I know I can lean on him.
I appreciate everyone's prayers, the food, cards and phone calls. Please keep praying for me and my family. And if you still have your daddy, tell him you love him, as often as you can. I wish I would have said it twice as much as I did. My daddy was an amazing man.

We're home

2008-01-14T20:06:00.000-08:00

We're home from Miss. I still don't know anything, but we had to come home today. My dad has decided to wait a few days or so before he goes to the doctor. I don't expect him to be around for long. He was weak this morning and looked bad. It's been a hard weekend. Please keep praying. Love to all.

Keep Praying

2008-01-13T18:42:00.000-08:00

It's Sunday night and the reality has set in. My dad will probably go to the Oncologist tomorrow. I want him to go, but I'm afraid of what he will find out.
I have always been a daddy's girl, from the day I was born. We are a lot alike in many ways. He is where I got my love for cooking and serving others. He always waited on my mom, getting coffee for her, cooking for her, her wish was his command. I guess he's where I got my love for coffee. Since I was a preschooler, I would wake up really early in the morning to have coffee with my daddy before he went to work. That was our special time, just me and him. Of course, he fixed my coffee with a lot of milk, even more sugar and a little coffee back in those days. To this day, if we visit him, or he visits us, we both wake up very early and have our time together. We don't plan it, it just happens. No matter what time I go to bed, soon after my dad wakes up, I wake up and we have "Our time". Everybody else sleeps in, it's just us. I will forever remember this special time, and I thank the Lord for this special memory. I'm very sad because I have not been able to have that time with him this trip(I couldn't stay at his house...a long story) and since he needs help getting around, his wife will get up with him from now on, so our special time is gone forever more.
I'm sorry, I don't mean to depress everyone. I'm just having a difficult time today, and I thought it might help to let some things out. It has been a roller coaster weekend, and I don't think the ride is going to stop any time soon.
Please keep praying for me and our entire family. I'm going to miss my daddy so much!!
If you still have your daddy with you, tell him you love him, show him you love him every day and realize what a special gift you have in your father. Don't ever take him for granted.
Please pray.

"On my blog again..."

2008-01-05T19:56:00.000-08:00

Yes, it's me!!! I know, I know, you thought I fell off a cliff or something. Well, I didn't, life is just crazy, as usual. Happy new year!!! I can't believe it's January!! Today is my daddy's birthday-he's 79 (I think) I have a mental block when it comes to people's age. Anyway, this was the first weekend since October that I don't have to work. (Except when I was gone at Thanksgiving) Don't get me wrong-I love, love, love my job, but boy o boy, it's been nice to have a break this weekend. I get to sleep in and then come to church without having to rush around. Usually I have to work at least a couple of hours before I come to church, but not tomorrow!!! So if I look a little more rested tomorrow, that's why. If I don't look rested, well that's my normal look. Sorry!!
For those of you who know about my ankle injury, it's doing much better!!. I ran three miles today for the first time in almost a week. Man, it felt good!!! I was so worried that my ankle was going to keep me from training for the 1/2 marathon in April. But, it feels pretty good tonight. Thank the Lord!! I'm not much for pain!!!
Katie and I played two games of Disney Monopoly this afternoon. (She got the game for Christmas) I won't mention who won...just that we had fun. I love playing board games and I love spending time with my children. Put board games and my children together, and I'm a happy camper!! All you out there that have young children, enjoy every minute with them. They grow up way to fast!!! I can't imagine my life without my kids. What a bore!!!
I guess I should go for now. Love to all!!! Good night!!!

OVER FORTY!!!

2007-11-06T19:27:00.000-08:00

Well, it's official. I'm over forty!!! I celebrated my birthday by balancing my bank statement(my most unfavorite thing to do!!!), doing Algebra 2 with my son and Chandler, took care of pets, ran a 5-K on the greenway in Murfreesboro(a tradition I started last year when I turned forty), went out to eat at Logan's, and watched Biggest Loser. I got a really awesome set of cookware for my birthday. I know, it may not seem exciting to you, but for someone who cooks every day, I'm tickled to get some new pots and pans. My others are worn out!! Anyway, thanks to all of you who have called or typed a birthday wish to me!! I feel so loved!! Well, my kitty keeps getting on my lap, insisting that I pay attention to her, so I'm going to go scratch her head for a few minutes. Love to all!! Sleep tight!! lynn

Back in Tennessee!!!

2007-10-04T19:29:00.000-07:00

Yes, I did get back from Mississippi. Life has just been crazy since I got home, so I haven't had time to blog. That's the problem with taking a few days away. You get home, and everything still has to be done. You just have two less days to get it all done. And being gone every night to the revival took time away from preparing for my classes that I teach. I had to work on my lesson plans, grade papers etc. when I got home from the revival and taking care of pets.(of course, it was worth every minute of lost sleep!!!! The revival was wonderful!!!! I'm so thankful for all the messages that Bro. Dupre preached. Each one was special. I could have listened for hours. I believe this revival was the best one I have ever been to...just awesome. Bro. Dupre had a very special anointing for this revival. Thank you, Lord, for feeding your sheep.
Well, I'm about to fall asleep and I still have laundry to do and I have to take a shower. I went to the Y this afternoon and haven't had the opportunity to shower yet. I'm "stanky". Good night all. Love you!!!!

HOT IN MISS!!!!!

2007-09-23T19:18:00.000-07:00

It's soooo hot here. My dad keeps his thermostat on 80(they're cold natured) The thermometer in the kitchen says it's 84.9 in here. I believe it!!! We just got through playing four games of cribbage(a card game) where Gene and my dad beat Pat and I 4 games to 1. We always beat them terrribly, I guess the heat is killing my brain cells!!! I am also bored. There's not much to do around here. I took my niece and nephew to Godfather's Pizza today. That's the only they have in this town for entertainment. I am glad to spend time with my dad and his wife, but I've got to go running tomorrow. I am stir crazy!! I'm not used to just sitting around. At home, I don't ever sit down for more than a few minutes at a time. I feel like a slug. Hopefully I can go for a run tomorrow morning before it gets to the blistering heat of the day!! Anyway, I miss everyone. Can't wait to get home!!! Foxes, please give Ginger Girl some lovin' from her momma. No dogs around here to give attention to. I miss my poochie!!! Love to all!!!

It's not that bad!!!

2007-09-21T20:32:00.001-07:00

Ginger is not that bad!!! She does get excited when people come to my house, but so do I. She must get that from me!! Tam, Ginger loves you!!! and so do I!!

It's Friday!!

2007-09-21T19:53:00.001-07:00

Hello everyone. It's Friday again. Busy, busy, busy. I taught my two math classes at tutorial, pets at lunch, algebra 2 this afternoon, and packing for my trip. I just finished making a batch of peanut butter fudge for my daddy. I always make it for him when I get to see him. I didn't sample any, though. If I ever eat one piece...well, it's down hill fast...I'm unstoppable!! Anyway, I've got a lot still to do, so I'd better get to it. Please pray for our safe travels. See you all Wednesday night. Love to all!!!

It's Wednesday!!

2007-09-19T05:48:00.000-07:00

Good morning all!! It's already Wednesday...time sure does fly!! Another busy day at my house...Algebra 2, Science, etc., then pet sitting at lunch time, then the Ymca at 1:00(yesterday I ran 3.10 miles without pain!!), appointment with a client at 6:30, thenchurch. Hopefully my appointment won't take very long. I need to get my spiritual tank filled,(as Bro. Tim would say) before I go out of town. We're leaving Saturday morning to go see my dad. He lives in Mississippi. I haven't seen him in over a year and my heart is longing to see him. I've always been a daddy's girl!! When I was a little girl, I used to get up at 5:00 a.m. so I could drink coffee with him before he went to work. Of course, my coffee consisted of about 5 spoons of sugar, half a cup of milk and a little bit of coffee!! My coffee habit started early in life!! I can't wait to see him!! We'll be gone until Tuesday evening. Hopefully we'll be home in time for Biggest Loser.
Well, it's time to get started with the rat race for today. Love to all!!!

Good Morning All!!

2007-09-15T06:23:00.000-07:00

I think I'm actually getting the hang of this blogging thing. I signed on all by myself!! (I'm computer illiterate) Anyway, it's Saturday morning, I've had my quiet time, coffee, and peanut butter toast, and i'm waiting for my house to wake up. Gene and I are going for a bike ride this morning. I'm trying to keep my I.T. band in my leg stretched out and strong. For those who don't know, I stressed my I.T. band when i ran the 1/2 marathon in April. I trained too fast and did not stretch as much as I should have, so I ended up with chronic pain in my left leg. Oh well, I would do it again. You're only 40 for one year and that's why I wanted to run it. Since then I have not been able to run over 2 miles before the pain started, the more I ran, the worse the pain got. I went to an ortho. doctor and he said running is bad for your knees.(I paid how much for him to tell me something I already knew!!!) Anyway, I went to physical therapy for a month and have gradually increased my running. I ran 3 miles with no pain last week!!! I love to run!!! I hope to run the 1/2 marathon until I'm 75. We'll see.
My hubby is finally awake so I guess I'll go get dressed for our bike ride.
Love to all!!!

Tag

2007-09-14T16:17:00.000-07:00

1. Each player starts with eight random facts/habits about themselves.
2. People who are tagged need to write in their own blog about their eight things and post these rules.
3. At the end of your blog, you need to choose eight people to get tagged and list their names.
4. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog.

8 random/habits about me:

1. I love laundry!!! Downy, clean breeze scent is the best!!

2. I love to tell every little detail when I'm explaining something.

3. I love dogs, the bigger, the better!!

4. i am fascinated by anything related to health or fitness.

5. Coffee and chocolate, chocolate and coffee..two of my very favorite things.

6. I don't like anything with coconut in it.

7. I am a morning person. I like to get up early and get started with my day.

8. Fall and Spring are my favorite seasons.

Tag! You're it!

1. Yvonne

2. Michael

A miracle!!

2007-09-14T12:19:00.000-07:00

Hey, it's Friday. It has been a crazy week. Between Algebra 1, Algebra 2 and pet sitting, I don't think I have had a moment to spare. My poor husband had to sleep in the recliner last night. I tossed and turned, obviously wrestling something in my sleep(probably one of those horrid geometry problems from Alg. 2) I guess that's why I feel like I didn't sleep last night. Oh well, some extra coffee will help today.
Anyway, about the miracle. My sister Tiki called me while I was teaching one of my math classes at tutorial and left me a message on my cell phone that my niece, Heather-16 yrs. old, was in a car accident this morning and had a head injury. She was in and out of conciousness, but didn't recognize anyone, including her mother. She was very combative, talking out of her head, (signs of a brain injury) and then she lost conciousness. Since her head hit the windshield, and there was not outward swelling, so , of course, the doctors were thinking inner brain swelling. Obviously, I was too shaken to teach my other math class. I couldn't reach anyone there to get any details, so my mind immediately went back to April 2, 2006. I pictured in my mind my niece's head swelling up three times it's size, all the trauma that Brad went through. I was beside myself with worry. All I could do was pray. I rushed home to pack a bag to head to Knoxville to be with my sister, not knowing what i would find when I got there. Before I could get my stuff together, my sister Tami called to tell me they did a cat scan on my niece's head, to find there was no bleeding in her brain. What a miracle!!! Their car had hit a telephone pole, she was not wearing her seat belt. She should not even be alive!! But, God intervened and chose to save her from harm. She went home from the hospital about an hour ago with a few lacerations on her head and a concussion. Thank you Lord!!! I never want to take for granted the things he does for us on a daily basis, big or small. He's an amazing God!!!

i'm so excited!!

2007-09-11T16:51:00.000-07:00

This is sooo fun!!! Everyone kept telling me how fun it was, they were right!! I feel so young, and cool!!! I was so excited to have people comment. I love this!! I really had a good time at Tam's today. It was like the good ole days before life got so crazy.
Those of you who don't know, I quit the ymca!! This is my first Tuesday night at home with my family. I'm so glad
I was able to close that chapter in my life. Not that I didn't enjoy it, I would just rather be at home with my family. Because my pet sitting business has stayed steady and I'm also doing some math tutoring for homeschoolers, I was able to quit the ymca after almost five years. I'm sure I will go back to a job in fitness someday, but my priority is schooling my children and being there for them right now. I can tutor during the day, while my kids are doing some of their work, and then I'll be home at night and never miss a soccer practice or game, be here to watch Bigggest Loser and American Idol with Katie and sit down with my family for supper on Tuesdays. Thank you Lord for this opportunity!!
Well, Biggest Loser is on, so I have to go.
Love to all of you!!

I am a blogger now

2007-09-11T11:19:00.000-07:00

This is all new to me but I wanted to be in "the loop" so here goes. I can't promise I will blog everyday but I will try.