nice long full weekend

Long 3-day weekends are always a welcome sight.

I truly enjoyed the extra day off.
It was such a nice weekend with people.
We also accomplished some tasks around the house.
And I'm very thankful for the freedom we enjoy -
thanks to God
and the many service men/women who sacrificed so much.

My cousin and his family were here from Alabama.
This is such a bunch of silly cousins.
They have so much fun playing when they are together.
Lori was in town for the weekend visiting family.
We grew up together in church. She now lives in Virginia.
She came to church Sunday evening and
it was so nice to see her.Monday we had family over for a BBQ.
We ate. We laughed. And had a good ol' time.

True Southern girl cooling off with a drink of water from the hose. Summer baby swinging in the shade.I love relaxing and spending time with my family. And that's what long weekends are for, right?

Dear Prednisone

Dear Prednisone,

In all the yard work I accomplished over the past few days, I unknowingly encountered some sort of poison (oak, ivy, or sumac). I have a horrible itchy blistered oozing rash to prove it.

And oh the places it has infected:
right wrist - 2 patches
left forearm - 5 different spots
left knee
right calf
forehead
left eyelid
right ear

I am a sight to behold.

So, I paid a visit to my doc yesterday.
I knew the diagnosis - yet, she still charged me. Imagine that.
I basically paid her to call in a prescription of you.
I quickly hurried to Wal-Mart and promptly paid for you in a bottle.
Twenty little 20 mg tablets
I took a dose of you yesterday.
And a dose today.
There is no noticeable difference in my rash.
Although, my cheeks are rosy, my stomach feels weird, and I'm feeling fidgety.

Prednisone, please get on the ball and do your job.
I do not want to be miserable all weekend.
It is Memorial Day weekend, you know.

Your miserable friend,
Livy

P.S. And instead of causing swelling or any of that sort, I could use a little more muscle.

my brother

"A brother shares childhood memories and grown-up dreams."

Over the past few weeks, my brother, has been beyond amazing.

I'm thankful that as brother and sister, we are friends,
facing whatever life sends, joy and laughter, tears and strife,
holding tightly to one another, being there for each other in life.

just life

Not really anything too big worth blogging about. No recent news. No big events. No new 'real' pictures. (except I do have pictures to post from my Granny's Mother's Day dinner) But, those pictures need a little editing and I have not gotten around-to-it, because life has been happening. Just life - the usual - laundry, yard work, cleaning house, cooking supper, doing the dishes, working, etc, etc. But, here are a few random pictures that I've taken with my cell phone lately during all the life that has happened. Maybe you'll get a good laugh or good insight.

Sunday, I ate dinner with my Mama along with L, B, & family (Chris was sleeping, since he had to go into work at 11 PM and work all night - I took a plate home to him). Mom asked me to bring rolls. I had the yummy Rhodes yeast rolls in the freezer. So, I left them to rise in the car while I was in church. And it worked out great! Sometimes, you do what you gotta do, right??
The other day, I needed a replacement light bulb. Instead of taking the old blown light bulb with me to Wal-Mart ... I just conveniently took a picture of the old bulb at home. Then pulled out my phone at Wal-Mart and matched up the bulb. Genius!Yesterday, I worked long and hard in the yard (spreading Sevin dust and ant killer, using the leaf blower, cleaning out a flower bed and walkway, planting flowers, trimming, raking up dead grass, etc) I was wearing a pair of Crocs. This was the result. Dirty, dirty feet. Time for a bath, ya think?
New Tupperware spring 2011 color - lime green! And I'm loving it!! However, I laughed thinking that 20 years from now - this color will be so out-dated. (kind of like my mom's avocado green and mustard yellow pieces)

Ever take a look at your cell phone pictures and laugh & wonder "why did I take that picture"?

Hope you have a terrific Tuesday! Today would have been my parents 31st wedding anniversary, so I'm spending the evening with my mom. Dinner together, then I've got some sewing I need her help with.

faith, prayers, and His will

A brief synopsis of a discussion from last weekend:

I have faith. God can do anything!
"Complicated" and "Impossible" are not words of His vocabulary.

Abraham + Sarah = Isaac
Elkanah + Hannah = Samuel
Shunammite woman + husband = son prophesied by Elisha
Zacharias + Elisabeth = John the Baptist

And ....... if I don't get an answer
I can 'avenge' Him until He gives me what I want, so to speak.
Right?
See the story of the widow and judge (Luke 18:1-5).

But, there is a risk associated.
Permissive or perfect will?
Remember Hezekiah's results.

So honestly, when I get down to the nitty-gritty of my prayers being answered:
It is really all left up to HIM.

If His answer is to give me my heart's desire --
then "yes, Hallelujah, PTL!"

But, if His answer is not to give me my heart's desire ...
I can truthful say,
"I desire His will."
(even though acceptance will be hard)
His plans are greater than mine.
(and far better than I can imagine)
And I know He will help me.
He'll give me grace and strength.
It may take a while, but eventually,
I'll get my heart and head on "the same page" as His.
And in the end I will still be able to shout ---
"Yes, Hallelujah, PTL!"

loving my blooms

Spring is such a beautiful season.

Temperatures are warming.
Flowers are blooming.
I enjoy tending and caring for the flowers in my yard.
The beauty of their blooms is the reward.
No matter how long the winter, spring comes.

they call me "Aunt Livy"

I do love being "Aunt Livy"

especially to 2 girls as cute and precious as these two!

These pictures taken recently at the park just make me smile.

This girl loves riding her bicycle.
I love it that she smiles and poses now,
but of course, only when she wants to. ;)

No car seat! No seat belt!
And her Daddy is a sheriff deputy. LOL
"A" thought she was 'big stuff' riding around like this.

Gorgeous girl!

Walking the dog is an important job.
As you can see, "A" took it very seriously.
She didn't want to give it up - at all.

"Take my picture Aunt Livy"

Screaming "'Wiwy, 'Wiwy,' 'Wiwy'"
And she runs into my arms. :)
I love these girls!
They do my heart good.

staying positive

Last Thursday, the doctor's last words as we exited the room,
we will never soon forget ... "Stay positive”

Though, honestly, a part of me wanted to turn around and shout through my tears, "Stay positive?? How??? You just crushed my hopes." Yet, another part of me knows that I must try to stay positive, be hopeful, and have faith.

Currently, at this point -
We have resolved to continue the medical testing
(possibly 2 more tests)
until we get the doctor's final answer.
(though we know Who has the Final answer)
Then we will decide our next step.
Until then we will have hope (and stay positive).
Our hopes are dwindling, medically-speaking,
but, there is still a speck of hope there,
possibly a problem could be detected in these 2 tests
which would be treatable by medicine or surgery.
Please pray that God will divinely direct our steps.
We want to make the Right decision.
Without wasting a lot of time, money, and emotions.
Ultimately, we want what He wants – not just what our hearts want.

So for now, we attempt to keep hope alive and remain positive.

And we believe with all the faith that we can muster ....
"My God is so big, so strong, and so mighty,
there's NOTHING my God cannot do."

a birthday

Happy birthday cousin, L.
I hope your day is lovely.

You are like a sister to me. The sister I do not have.
Of course, that would make those precious girls my 'nieces.' :)
I love you and your family - bunches! (even B)You're my best friend.
You're my mafia friend.
You're my bronco-driving friend!
Thanks for all you do for me.

(and yes, I so stole your picture)

God knows

I love it when God speaks softly and sweetly to my heart. When He is so direct; there's no denying that it is Him. Today I walked out of my office and the church sign called my name loud and clear.

PS - No, I'm not responsible for changing this sign. Nor does 'the church sign man' have a clue about our situation. But God knows ... all things. He controls and ordains everything with a purpose. And I'm so glad 'the church sign man' was listening today.

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the inevitable

Thursday's appointment resulted
in more disappointing, discouraging news.

So what did we do?
Canceled our trip out of town.
It was just too much to handle at the moment.
Instead, we spent Friday goofing off together.
Avoiding reality.
Visiting the lake. Pretending we were at the beach.
Wearing beach clothes, flip flops, and messy-styled beach hair.
Shopping. Eating ice cream.
Finding something funny to laugh at.
Riding with the windows down and radio blaring.

But inevitably,
we let the guard down, reality set in, and it happened ....
Anger. Frustration. Denial. Guilt. Sadness. Questions.
Differences in handling/accepting the news.
Tears. Puffy eyes. Hugs. Acceptance. Prayers. Plans.
We needed quiet, alone time to process it all.
And that's just what we did all weekend.

Keep us in your prayers, please.

Gaither crazy

I have a crazy issue.I'm completely crazy about Gaither music.

Especially this guy:I'm probably one of David Phelps' most dedicated fans. :)

Saturday, April 16th, we along with our parents and other family
went to the Gaither Homecoming concert in Greenville.
It was early Mother's Day and Father's Day gifts
from us to our parents.We had a great time.
An hour long ride together.
Cookout for dinner. (and of course, milkshakes)
A wonderful evening listening to uplifting music
sung by super-talented artists.
Screaming our heads off for our favorites.
Randomly, visiting with several friends that also attended.And lastly, as we were leaving I did some entertaining myself ...
by tripping over a speed bump in the parking lot,
(trying hard to to catch myself and avoid it)
but, rather going down in slow-motion style,
landing flat on the ground,
receiving a skinned-up bleeding elbow,
scuffed-up burning hands, and hurt pride. :)

All in all, it was still an awesome evening, even with my fall.

a good God and sweet people

Yesterday, upon entering my office,

I found these pretty roses and a thoughtful card.
The roses smell beautiful and the note shared kind words.God is good.
He knows just what we need and when to send it.
And sometimes He uses sweet people to deliver.That large rose is one of the biggest I've seen. Gorgeous!

13 years in Heaven

Today my Daddy has been gone for 13 years.
Last night, I spent some time recalling the events
that took place on May 9, 1998 - such a sad, sad day.
Time eases the pain; but doesn't heal completely.
At times, it feels as if he has been gone forever,
but the tears burn in my eyes as if it were yesterday.
My soul longs for Heaven - That will be a glad reunion day.

Death leaves a heartache no one can heal,
love leaves a memory no one can steal.
~from a headstone in Ireland

For my Mama

Happy Mother's Day, amazing Mama!

I appreciate all you do for me - both big and small.
Your care and concern over the past few months
have been precious and so sweet.
Thanks for being there, standing by us,
and for never letting go.
I love you!

it's our anniversary!

Eleven years ago today, I married the man that makes me laugh harder than anyone and makes me feel loved and beautiful even on my worst days. May 6, 2000, we started the beginning of our wonderful life together, for the good and the bad, in sickness and in health, through all life’s ups and downs.

There’s no doubt God chose us for each other
… and thankfully we chose each other!I wouldn't have it any other way.
I love him more now than ever.

our Easter 2011

This year we spent Easter day with my Dad's side of the family. Chris had to hurry home for a nap; so we stayed close to home. We enjoyed the day at church celebrating our risen Savior, spending time with our family, and of course, eating good food.

And as always, we had to snap a few pictures in our new Easter attire. I'm not sure why I chose to "cling" to Chris in this picture ... and of course, he chose to look not at all interested! HA! But, quite literally, I am clinging to him -- for life -- forever!!! :)Me and my 'sister.' Love her!! This is a great picture of her -- I don't like it of me so much, but oh well. We had the best time shopping together for our new outfits to wear Easter Sunday.Sweet A-girl with me, her "Aunt Wibi." She insisted on following me outside for pictures. (I think she was afraid that I was leaving)

A little glimpse of our Easter meal: potato salad, green beans, macaroni & cheese, fruit salad, rolls. Honey-glazed ham, chocolate chip pound cake, and fresh strawberry cake were not pictured. See the little bowl in the back of the picture -- that's my personal bowl of potato salad minus onions. Yea, even my Granny spoils me. :)

Going on an egg hunt!Found one!Pretty girl is toothless and now has glasses.
Mama and her crazy, silly girl! And just a random snap shot of the family on the porch enjoying the beautiful Easter Sunday! The day was perfect --- just as I imagine the first Easter ... sunshine shining brightly, flowers blooming, warmth, and goodness. I'm so thankful for that day long ago when God rocked the cemetery and our Savior came out of the tomb ALIVE! And He lives today ... how do I know? He lives within my heart! :)

2 little kids and 1 big kid