Good evening. We have spent the whole day getting all the stuff together for the beach. I can take anything that I want. That is awesome. Before I forget, Good luck Madison, I know that you will do very well in the little Miss Autryville Paegant. Keri, Mom, and I have gotten everything that can do in the trailer there and set down to take a break, so I figured, hey why not update the blog. Not much is going on today. Howard is farming, the girls are watching tv and wanting to leave now to go to the beach. Nick has gone to town to pick up dinner, Keri is painting her toenails, Ma is on the puter and I am typing. Oh, and Josh is at the fire department. We went to see Nick's Granny last night and she is not looking too good. They have cut back her pain meds and she is saying that her stomach hurts. The wound vac looks really good, but her temp is up and she still will not eat regularly. Pray for her. Hope to see all the clan at the beach tomorrow. Can not wait. Will post pictures when I get back. LYMI!!!

Well, I am officially on vacation. That is great, no work until June 09, 2009!! Allayna and I just got back from daycare, she was ready to go to the beach then!! I had to explain that we have to wait 2 more days and then we will be there. Her response was I am not sure I can make it that long. I went to the dr. this morning and found out the I have Hashimoto's disease. That is a problem where my body starts to fight my thyroid and if untreated will eventually cause it to die. I am now on meds 3 times a day. What fun. Josh and Keri have gone to bladenboro and then back here with his truck. Nick is working right now but then we will go to the hospital to see his Granny, who is not doing any better and now refuses to eat. They have inserted a feeding tube but they really want her to start eating. Not sure what that is about, but we will see. Ginny is excited to be babysitting the boys for the week and Rooster will look after the girls. This is going to be a great week. Can hardly wait. Ready for some rest and relaxation and spending time with the family. Nick is just excited that Joe is bringing the boat. Hey, what about me??? Oh well, could be worse. Could be like Howard who never takes a vacation. Speaking of Howard, who knows where he is. Oh, Ma just said that he is at the fire dept. Resting, I am sure. Ma is working on the computer and then we will all get ready for the trip. Guess I better go throw some clothes in a bag. LYMI!

We just got back from graduation. It was great. Gabs did really well. Let's see, we had Nick, Rooster, Allayna, Keri, Josh, Patricia, Emily, Me, Abby, Denise and Steve. She had like 2 rows of people. She was not very happy about having to go home with her mom but that is life. Seems that Howard forgot about it, story of my life. Anyway, not much else went on today. Enjoy the pics.

Gabby and her Boopie
Josh, Keri, Allayna, and Gabby
The girls and their princes
Gabby, Ms. LeeAnn, and Ms. Katie

Gabby and Ms. Cynthia

First and for most, I woke up thinking that today was Thursday. Damn, it sucked when Ma told me that it was only Wednesday. So, that means, 3 days and I will be on R and R!! Joshua fixed my bumper last night before I had time to take any pics. Guess, it comes in handy to have a brother in the automotive field. Looks as good as new. Nick and Rooster got back into town about 5:00, seeing as they had to get me from work, that was a really good thing. Ma and I rode in together this morning and Nick got me home. Daddy's red truck is back in the shop, why does that not surprise me. A truck can only take so much. Gabby graduates tommorrow at 6:00pm. Where do the years go? Kinda tired today. Gonna run. LYMI

The day actually started out great, I got up on time and was early for work. That is always good on the day after a holiday. We in and one of my co workers came in and just looked like she was in pain. She has a cyst on her hip. So, she calls her dr and goes to see her at 10:15. The dr gave her an antibiotic and some pain meds and told her to come back on Thursday. I am no dr. but I felt that was not a good idea, so I asked on of you PA's to look at it around 1:00. In the mean time, I went to lunch. So idiot backed into me in the McDonald's parking lot and as many of you know, if it is raining in Fayetteville, there are wrecks everywhere. Needless to say, it was raining and my little bump up was very low on the list. Finally this idiot and his passengers were getting loud and stupid, so I called back to 911 and told them they were getting hostile. Still no cop, so I called a friend of mine and he told me that someone would be there shortly and to lock my self in my car, as he was across town. Finally, the idiot leaves the scene. I call back to 911 and give them the description of the car and driver and then the damn CCI shows up. Who knew. Any way, I have a large dent in my bumper and the dumbass is no where to be found. That took my whole lunch hour and then I go back to the office in a hurry, so Rose can get to her appointment. She was gone for a long time, so I went to check on her. Sure enough, she has a bad infection. Our PA i and d'd it and took a culture to send to the lab, packed it and she came back to work. Then, almost passed out, so I sent her home. UGHHHHHH!! As days go, this was not the best but it could have been my life, not just my care, no harm, no fowl. Only 4 days and I will be sitting in the surf with a good book. Already started the list and packing. TOO COOL, I am ahead of the game. Just spoke to Nick, he is just about in Tn. on the way back. He is happy, got his trailer and now has agreed to let me bring the whole house. Whatever. See most of you soon. LYMI!!

Nick is off to Arkansas to get his trailer. Ma and I are just chilling. Took a ride to Topsail this morning to get Gabby a pair of flip flops. Josh is working and who knows what Daddy is up to. Washing some clothes to get ready for the beach. Going to make a list now of what I need to pack to make sure that it is all there. Nothing much else going on. This week is going to be short and that is going to be great. Gabby graduates on the Thursday night. Then, we will be off to the beach on Sunday. Ginny is going to watch my dogs for me as she thinks that putting them in the kennels is like going to jail and they should not have to suffer that. Whatever, they are spoiled brats. See ya soon.

First, let's start by saying HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Aunt Penny. Ok, the day started with getting up and getting ready to ride to Thomasville for a surprise birthday party. We go to get in the truck and Allayna discovers her new car seat and says "I am a big girl now!" Guess she likes it. We made it to Penny's with no big problems, new concept. We surprised her! That was awesome. Anyway, it rained a little but then the sun came out and it was nice. We sat under the carport and talked and enjoyed the day. On the drive home, I discovered that Allayna had been waiting all day for it to get dark, so she could turn her lights on on her carseat! Man, to have such simple pleasures. Anyway, we are home now! Nick, Rooster, and Daddy have gone to get something to eat, they should have been with us today and they could have gotten some really good food. Their loss my gain! Hang out with my family long and I would weigh like 800 pounds. Thanks for all the good cooking. The dogs are all glad that we are home. Now, Gabby and Allayna are play the princess game on the Wii and I am watching a item on ebay. Again, Happy Birthday Penny. We love you!! May you have many many more. LYMI

Hello all! Let's see. Today started off well, we cut the grass, cleaned out the pool of bees again!, took off the trash, and the kids played. Keri, Allayna, and Gabby went to a birthday party for Taylor. Nick and I went shopping. Got Allayna a new car seat, that is just like Gabby's. It has task lights! What will they think of next. I am glad that they are both big enough to use just the seat belt with a booster. Makes my life easier, they can get out all by themselves. Josh is playing fire fighter and Daddy is off farming. We are getting our things ready for the beach. Seems that we own alot of beach towels. Some are really old. Some are new. Gabby now has clothes, Ma and I went to Kohls and got them yesterday. Not too much news on any other front. Granny Frances is doing about the same. Only prayers will work now. I am going to finish cleaning out my truck and getting some more floats inflated to make sure they all work for the big trip. Told Nick, he is going to have to pull the trailer down, he is not too happy but I must take the whole house. Ok, I will leave the Kitchen sink. We are off to Greensboro tomorrow. Maybe on Monday, I will finish all that I have started. Who knows. All around is still going strong. Thank GOODNESS! LYMI

Well, good news on the home front. Granny Frances has been moved to the skilled nursing unit. Hey, that is a step up. Been a long day for me, did finally get some help at work and that is a good thing. Josh is playing fireman. Nick has worked all day and not sure what Keri and Allayna are up to. I am soo glad that tomorrow is friday. Not only that but it is a long weekend. Let's hope that it does not fly by. I really need to go clean out the pool but I will get that later. I am too tired right now. Had to get up early this morning and go in for a thyroid uptake. No results yet, I have to finish it at 6:30 in the morning. My bloodwork came back jacked up. Seems that my thyroid has gone crazy. Hell, it just followed the rest of me. I had to go in this morning and take the "pill". It is radioactive. Nick asked if I was going to glow. WHO KNOWS, maybe. Pray for everyone who needs it, even if you do not know the need. Keep strong Colleen. I am here for ya. LYMI

Well, May is half over and that means that it should be getting hot but not here, it is cool and rainy out. Nothing much going on. Worked all day. Boring. Nick worked and went to the dr. with me and then worked some more. WOW! Ab is on jury duty. Glad it is not me. Daddy is playing fireman. Josh Keri and Allayna have gone to a birthday party. Think that I am going to go veg with book. Told you that Ammon can be ever so boring but then all of the sudden wow, something happens. Nick just told me that he is going to pick up his trailer next week. He will have to drive to Arkansas to get it. No, I will not be riding. His truck rides worth a shit. Thanks Steve, I know that he really appreciates all of your help in his business. He needs it. LYMI!

Well, we now own a WII and good gracious, Wii Fit is not joke. My fitness age is 48! Wow, what happened. I have terrible balance and my BMI is normal but could be better. I tried the Julian Ultimate body workout. Good GOD!! THat woman is no joke. Now, I feel like I am 100! Who knew. Now, I feel sorry for those pople on the biggest loser, she really is a B****. Everyone is just chilling tonight. Nick is cooking dinner. I am playing on the puter. What a fun Saturday night. Waiting on the Beach. Oh yea, I sent an email that Gabby graduation is on the 27, I was wrong, it is on the 28th. Sorry. LYMI

Well, now we have honey bees in the pool. I would think that they were smart enough to see their friends at the bottom and not go in but noooooo, they feel they must get water and the only way is to dive in and then they drown. Wow, and I thought they were smart at making honey and flowers. Boy, was I ever wrong. Got a WII today and Gabby is hounding me to hook it up. I told her that she would have to clean her room first, bought me about 5 minutes. Nothing really going on this weekend. The lake is having Water Fest, so that means stay away from the lake and elizabethtown, if you have any sense. Girls wanted to play outside but our uninvited guests (bees) are in the play house too and Daddy just pissed the bee off by trying to kill it, so they decided to come back in the house. Nick is off on a call and Josh and Keri are in Clinton doing who knows what at this point. I am going to go attempt to hook up this game, so they will leave me alone. LYMI

Been a really long day. Daddy's foot is now in a boot, up from the freaky looking tennis shoes! Thank goodness. Nick got another job at Oak Island for putting in a unit! You go All Around Heating & Air! Josh is at the fire station working. Nick and I are about to leave for the hospital. Granny Frances told us last night to have Lee (Nick's uncle) bring his truck and take her home. Good sign. I am soo tired. Work in the mornings is nuts. Tomorrow we can wear purple for peace! That should be fun. No big plans for weekend. My friend Becky is doing very well! Praise God for that. Keep fighting girl. Only a couple of weeks and we will be at the beach. Hard to believe that another year is almost gone. Hope that my wish come true and Shantel can be there with me for some of the time. LYMI

Another long day at work but hopefully we will have some help on Monday. GREAT!! Daddy's foot is feeling better today. He went and got him a new pair of boots and got rid of the ones with the chemical on them. Everyone is in the kitchen eating dinner and then Nick and I are off to the hospital. Granny Frances is doing better; which is great! Nick and Keri worked in Wilmington all day. They found a snake under the unit that they were replacing. Just made me realize, I will keep my office job. I would have had a heartache if I had found it. Worst I deal with is a mouse every so often. Getting ready for a week of rest and relaxation on the beach. May 31st can not get here fast enough. Gotta roll. LYMI!

Well, it has been a long day. WORK WORK WORK. does it ever end. Daddy's foot does not look any better today. Nasty blister popped and finally he is going to let us dress it. WOW! Guess the pain is getting to him. He is wearing Chuck Taylor (converse) white tennis shoes that were bought around 1990! Damn, they look better than some I bought a month ago. LOL!! He never wears tennis shoes. This is funny. Nick is still busy, which is a really good thing. Max is mad because it has gotten chilly again and he hates the cold. Allayna was here last nigth and you would have thought that she was gone forever. I came in and she told me "finally you are home". Poor kid! Granny Frances is doing some better. She is still in ICU and will have a really long road ahead of her. Yesterday was Granny's birthday. I think that I will miss her forever. I have a meeting at the fire department in a little bit, so I better run. LYMI!

Today has been very tiring but we have great news. Granny Frances is off the vent and asked if she could have some real food. That is awesome. Josh got another disk and he is working on that. Will update you more later. LYMI!

Happy Mother's Day! Been a long day here. Just got back from the hospital, NO change really. Had to give her some blood due to low counts. Gabs is with her mother, not sure what Keri and Allayna are up. Josh is playing firefighter. I am going to take something for my headache and lay down. Hope you all have a nice day. LYMI

Very busy week around here. Nick and I have spent alot of time at the hospital. His Granny had to have emergency surgery on Wednesday night due to a bowel obstruction that had created and before they could do surgery it ruptured and filled her abdominal cavity and part of her chest cavity with fecal matter, it also created a hole in her colon about the size of a baseball and now she has a bag. She is in ICU for the time being and we are praying.

The girls got in the pool today for the first time and LOVED it. They are so very glad that is summer. ME too, I guess.

I spent most of today in Fayetteville buying gifts for Mothers Day.
Ma got her today as Gabby with be with her mother tomorrow.

My intellegent father got insectacide on his foot and now has a burn on the top of it. Here is the call that I got. I think I burnt my foot. I told him to take the boot and sock off. He said that he did but the sun hurt it so he put them back on. I said where are you. He said in the field on a tractor. Several more questions in sued and I got irritated. Finally, I told him to call Keri and have her bring clean socks and some meds and something to cover the burn. His call to her was for clean socks. Lord help me. Any way, now he has a large blister on the top of his foot and toes. He called the manufacture and they had their Dr. call him back who told him to throw the boots away. Who knows if he did this or not and I am not asking or I am sure that I will use alot of curse words with the answer.

Well, just another day in the life of a farm and heating and a/c family. Better run.

Well, Gabby is ready for kindergarten! Got everything that she needs. Wonderful! Man, they grow up fast. Hard to believe that Allayna will be just 1 year behind her too! Nothing very interesting happened today. Sorry, Ammon has become kind of boring for the moment, oh but just give us 10 minutes and I am sure something will come up! LOL!

Just got home from work and no one is around, now that is different. Thought that we were going to walk but it is getting dark and do not want to get run over, so maybe tomorrow. Nothing big going on right now. Nick just came in and made the dogs happy, they get to go out, I was too lazy and they do not listen to me anymore, how quickly they forget that I am the one who remembers to buy dog food. Ab is feeling better. Now, off to find a good book for a few then to bed!

sunday in ammon

Well, we made it to Sunday already. The weekends go by so fast. Let's see what we have been up to? yesterday, we started to clean up the pool and found that it had a rip in the liner. Needless to say, that would not work, so off to Sam's we go to buy a new pool and put it together. The instructions said not to put it together with your spouse, well Keri and I broke rule #1. Seeing as we have put ones together in the past, we jumped right in. When we had it up and ready for water, Nick and Josh got the fire truck and brought us lots of water. We are not quite full but it is ready to swim in, all be it cold as Christmas, right now. Ab is sick with a cold. What fun. Howard spent this morning working on his beloved '91 Ford Bronco, to get her back on the road. Seems to be working out. I bought the truck and he got it for free. That is what family is for. I am really not liking it any more, no auto headlights, no moving pedals, not a very good radio, GAS guzzlers. I guess, I can thank Red for what I now find important in a car/truck. Looks like Howard just got what I discarded. LOL! Now off to a lazy Sunday.