Hello, Guys:

I haven't forgotten you. I have been checking the blog, just not posting. I am trying to catch up where I was gone so long. I also am trying to Christmas shop a little. The only thing I had bought was a wooden name puzzle for Clara which I ordered at Rita's so I could get it for Christmas. Also, when I got home, my lights in my house were dimming (actually I first noticed it the day before I left for WV before Thanksgiving but thought it was Ohio Edison's problem. It wasn't. Turned out to be ours and only got it fixed yesterday.) and ice dams in the gutters had caused some water leakage into the house. That was just too much for me, so I just went to bed and covered up my head (like Scarlett O'Hara, I would think about it later) and slept for a couple of days.

I think it is a lovely idea for all the family to go to Mommy's church on Saturday night (that is the right date, isn't it?). We hope to be there. Make sure everyone who doesn't have internet knows the plan.

Trish, you have been on my mind and in my prayers, and I was go glad to see your uplifting post this morning. And the 80'ish year old woman. . . isn't it just so neat the way God does the little things. Speaking of which, on Sunday morning, we went to church and we were near the end of praise and worship, when the thought came to me that we had not included anywhere in Mommy's service the Bible verse that she was always telling us and that I had sent to Rita and she posted under the TV on the wall: ". . . with God, all things are possible." About two minutes later, Pastor Joe got up and, as he sometimes does, he said, "this has been stirring around in my spirit during praise and worship: With God, nothing is impossible." And he continued to exhort/prophesy for a few minutes before he began his sermon. I guess these things should come as no surprise, since the same Holy Spirit lives in all God's children.

Teresa, you ARE learning to cook! Are you making fried pies for New Years???

Keep the posts coming. I may not have time to post, but I check in frequently.

Dinner at Meadow Grove

Just got up not to long ago to alot more snow up here on this hillside. I was hoping the forcast was going to be wrong so that I could get out for a little bit and go visit my mom. Dont see that happenin anytime soon its really coming down out there and I cant see the driveway or Crag Road at this point. Im going to tell Steve when he calls not to come home and stay with mom if it gets to bad. He wrecked his car a few morning ago going to work, the car just kept on sliding and he ran up on a pile of rocks, he wasnt hurt just a little shaken up.

Rita I know what you mean, ditto

Addy I still cant cook you did all the hard work I just helped. I actually learned a lot from your mom while staying up on the mountain, but that still doesnt help. I just hate to cook. My tallants are elsewhere,I just dont know where.

Im really excited about all the bibles being donated on behalf of mommy and daddy that is really great.

Bobby I was pretty much thinking on the lines of what Vonda said their are some pretty terrific people out there that I think are earthly angels, sent from God himself.

I really need to find a hobby I have a feeling this is going to be a lonnnnnnng winter. I need to get me some new books too.

Love you all, Teresa

I have never seen an Angel that I know of, but have meet people over the years , that I know have to have been sent by God, during times when we needed them most.But then We do entertain, Angels ,unaware.Don't We?

Bobbie she was definately MY angel yesterday!

Trish, the little 80ish lady might have been an angel!!! By the way have any of you bloggers ever seen an angel??? Come on share. . .

Well yesterday had to be one of the longest days of my life!  I got there at 9 and got right in.  I had to get the IV and all the pre dose stuff.  That too til 1130 when I finally started getting the chemo. After  about 2 hours and about 25cc later my legs hurt so bad and I had the shivvers and shakes  so they had to stop it and it immediately went away.  They gave me tylenol and another dose of benadryl and restarted me even slower!  Well the benadryl made me sleepy, it was iv, and kind of unbalanced.  Well I had to go to the bathroom, got tangled up in the toilet paper and pulled out my IV.  My solid gold drug was spraying the bathroom!  This was not a pretty site, I know some of you are laughing!  Well the first thing I did was clamp off the meds, and left the TP alone.  Then after I got the bloodflow stopped that I didn't realize was running through my green sweater and onto the floor I finished wiping my tushie!  untangled the TP and got back to business.  As I only have 1 vein that was their main concern.  But she put a new IV right into that one vein.  So I told her to speed it up as I was feeling better and not hurting and if it got bad she could give me more benadryl.  It was 430 by the time I got done.  Everyone else was gone except the nurse.  I asked her if that was like detention in school for not being a good patient? 
I met some amazing folks yesterday.  All getting chemo for one cancer or another.  I decided my disease wasn't all that bad just inconveniencing and somewhat painful.  Some of them were old some young some middle of the road.  Cancers: breast, liver, lung, unknow even....The lady next to me was so kind and probably 80ish,  This was her second round of breast cancer.  She had an inspirational book, can't remember the author, I am sure Bobbie, Rita, Ruth, Teresa, Vonda and Julie would know who it is.  But anyway I just opened to a random story and it was how to accept death and make good out of it.  It sounded so like something mommy would say or do.  It had humor and I started to chuckle then cry and the lady asked me what was wrong, "she said I thought that might help you pass time and its supposed to be funny"  So I told her about Mommy and Daddy and how it reminded me of Mommy.  She said well just give it to God.  I told her thats what I did, she said well give me back that book, I'll not have you crying all day!  She wanted me to take it home with me!  She was so nice, and I can't even remember her name.  My brain has been fried died and laid to the side! LOL
Anyway, Rita, I do remember that her daughter works for Home Care Plus, in the office and her name is Lois Hayslett.  I am sure she is the one I talked to when I would call about Mommy.  I told her how kind they were to help us with Mommy and that they had been a godsend and then we switched to Hospice as she became worse.  She said she was one of the original people that tried to get hospice started in Greenbrier Co.  She had nothing but good to say about them, as did I.  I told her how they offered to come and visit or just sit and talk even though they couldn't do anything for Mommy.
So as bad as the day was physically, it was also good spiritually! 

Michelle, when I saw your German words I thought maybe we had someone new to add to the blog!  LOL
German always looked gutteral gibbish to me and something I couldn't say without spitting on my neighbor when I said it.!  LOL    So when the girls learn something new, help them to post it and teach us too.  That will help them as well as us!  We are going global BABY!  It sounds like a major ordeal to get to the grocery store.  I guess I would lose weight there cause thats way too much work for me to go out to eat!  That gives a whole new name to weight watchers!  By the time you get to the grocery story from shoveling, putting on the clothes, walking in the ice, you would sweat off about 20 pounds.  No wonder they drink beer like water there!  And you would def. need all that bread for carbs.  LOL  Rita I bet Blain would like it in Germany! HA  Dan and Lonnie too!

Quinton Jones, Nila Hill Jones', son donated 5 Gideon Bibles in Honor of Mommy, he aslo did this for Daddy.  Rita can you send him a thank you card from the family; address is     POB 24 Smoot WV 24977

I have received a card for mom and dad from some relatives in Florida, Scarbro is their name.  It wasn't a sympathy card but a christmas card wishing the well and wondering about their health.  Rita if I get you the name and address will you send them a card like you did the other folks.  And I got a message from Lois and I am going to call her this morning after I get up.  I talked to her often while Mommy and Daddy were living but never kept a number.

Bobbie I loved your prayer!  Your words always make me cry, you could probably write something funny and I would cry just because it reminds me of Mommy! but thats a good think:)

Well we don't have school again today, looks like we are getting a nice head start on our christmas break.
Will blog more later.

Continue to remember me as you pray today, the thing I thought of most yesterday was if Mommy was alive I would've called her on my way to have prayer with her.  So it was comforting to know that you all were standing in for her!

Love you all!

Yep, I DO know the secret to Grandma's fried apple pies! But I'm not the only one, Teresa knows too! A little love and a lot of grease... And don't let Teresa tell you she can't cook either

Gut Morgen! (Good morning!) Someone asked how the girls were doing in German. They are learning it quite well. Tarin takes it in high school and Toria and Aleya have host nation twice a week learning the basics. We went to the Munich Christmas markets (they have 85 this year, no we didn't do them all!!) last Saturday and they were doing quite well with speaking it.
Monica, there is no way I would be out that early!!!! When I get insomnia, I drink hot tea and watch black and white movies :) We are 6 hours ahead of you. You have to let the sun come out a few hours first. This snow always has a hard, crunchy layer and the sun softens it a little. I have a little definition in my arms now, LOL. AND some callouses on my hands :(
I let my dogs out this morning, then had to go get my boots on. My tiny Pomeranian, Neferiti (she is about 5 lbs) sunk into the snow up to her ears again!! Toria jokes we are going to have pupsicles.
I saw some of you wanted to do weight watchers. They keep having a commercial on with a military trainer who helps soldiers pass PT's and lose weight. He says he tells soldiers if you do something to keep your heart rate up for just 20 minutes twice a day, you have increased your metabolism 30% for the next hour, burning more calories often than a solid hour's workout. He says take stairs, shovel snow, even march in place if you are waiting on something like food cooking in the oven. Good luck on the weight watchers!
I have to go shovel to try to grocery shop.
Love to you all. Michelle

Michelle, I noticed your post came through at 3:04 am, were you shoveling snow at that time? If so, I don't want to hear no one talking about me in the monsoon with my bird seed!! lol Also, explain the goat :[ Trish, hope you are feeling better and doing well with the meds. HELLOOOOOOOOOO Teresa :) Rita and Blain, wishing you well getting back on Weight Watchers. I actually got a paper on them the other day and have thought about going to the website to check it out but with all this talk about fried apple pies I don't know how far I would get :p I'm pretty sure the three of us are going to come up for church New Year's just don't know when yet. I'll let you know closer to that time. Love and miss you all!!

Just think, mom is being a missionary throughout the world . Her work of reaching the lost will be carried on until the Lord comes.

Bibles for Mom

Yes, the bibles are in memory of mother from our church, Gideon friends and just people that we know. I like it because it has an eternal value, only the Lord knows how many people will be helped or saved by the bibles given in her memory. The Gideons are placing bibles in 194 countries throughout the world at the present time.

Love and Prayers

Trish, thanks for setting me up. Hope this finds you feeling okay!

Hey everybody,

I talked to Mommy today while she was getting her chemo. She got all the other stuff first, then started getting the chemo and she started hurting so they stopped it for a while. Then her IV blew and they had to get that fixed before they finished giving it to her. Daddy said she felt kinda bad afterwards, but not as bad as he thought she would. She was actually hungry right after.

That is wonderful about the Bibles. Who is donating them? Is it in honor of Mommy from the people you know? Trish, Haven't heard from you today. I don't want to call in case you are sleeping. Daddy's cousin, Lois Parks called this evening from down on the river. She wanted to offer her condolences and said she had never in her life met a woman as good as Mommy was. She said that Mommy and Daddy always talked about us kids and was just so proud of us everytime she would call or visit. She said Daddy was always telling her that we were doing this for them or that for them and said he always bragged about how we took care of them and looked out for them.
She also said that Trish had been on her mind all day and she had tried to call her cell phone, BUT she didn't know Trish was having chemo today. Isn't that strange how that happens?

Bibles for Mother

We are up to 31 bibles, Praise the Lord. The Gideons say that a bible placed in a hotel room has the chance of coming in contact with about 2000 people before it has to be replaced.

Love and Prayers

Hey Ya'll
There will be church at Grassy on New Year's Night. Service starts at 7:00. Tell all those who may not read this. The whole family is going, right?

Just want you all to know that I miss you today! 

Have a Beautiful Day

This is my prayer for you guys today from Virginia! . . . since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. (Col.9-14)

Trish-great endurance and patience! I await your joyfully giving of thanks in the days to come!

Mornin' All~
It's a warm 8 degrees and the wind has laid somewhat. The road is still halfway open!
Carol, now you can blog! You can blog from your email. I'll send you the address and tell you exactly what to do. I'm glad to know who Ish and Sissy are. I will try to keep in touch with them.
Michelle, did you know that Addy can make Grandma's fried Apple Pies? Grandma showed her how and they made them together so SHE knows the secret...Heat the grease til the smoke alarm goes off! Jacob, if you play your cards right, (aka, suck up enough) she might make you a batch.
Kaiden came this morning at 6:15 so He and I are going to play and sit by the cookstove today. I heard it is supposed to warm up to 27 today so that would be great. Still haven't got my tree up but I will try to bring it up this evening.
Trish, Hope all goes well today. I imagine you will text the whole time and it will probably only seem like 1 hour. Send us something to the blog. A pic of your Doctor or nurse.
Blain and I are back on Weight Watchers, however, not completely until after New Year's, but hopefully by Spring, they'll be alot less of us.
Teresa, I miss you :)
Hello, Donna and Sue, look forward to hearing from you. Just jump right in and hang on!!

Wow, I am loving adding people to the blog! I added Teresa, Sue Merrimen-which is Aunt Jeri's daughter (give us a shout Sue:)), Donna-Aunt Naomi's daughter. Lots going on. They may not all chat on here but hopefully are reading and getting a chuckle at some of these hillbilly memories. Who was it that mommy has the picture of the cow and the kids milking it and was it one of her nieces that thought chocolate milk came from brown cows? I love that story. And I think I have the picture on a cd. Will have to dig that one up. Bobbie was that you? for some reason I thought it was.

Michelle you and Teresa bring a face lift to the blog. I love it Michelle that we hear about someone else having a worse Winter than us in Greenbrier County. LOL Not that I want you snowed in or anything, but as long as you are there isn't it wonderful that you are seeing history being made. Worse snow in 100 years? That's pretty awesome. We probably have 5 or 6 inches but with the blowing its hard to tell. The wind and temps is what is sooooo bad. 9 degrees here with a windchill of -10. brrrrrr

Jacob loved Mommy's pies! I wished I had been more interested in the making instead of the eating of them so I could make some for him. I guess I am going to have to practice. Although I think her big secret was daddy's apples and lots and lots of grease on slow heat. She actually deep fried them and watched them diligently....until the smoke alarm went off and she had to go wave it down!

Well yesterday didn't turn out the way I had hoped. I got to see the Dr. that is actually going to give me the medicine. His name is Dr. Verrapauli, I think from India maybe? But he has only been in Lewisburg for a year and I loved him. Very thorough and kind and soft spoken. Our little county has been without an oncologist for a few years. And it is so nice to have that option close by for those that need it. Bill and Grace Legg have been traveling to Low Moor in VA-they are both nearing 80 and what an inconvenience. So it is a gift from God in my book. The hospital told me they couldn't give me the meds so I thought I was going to have to go back to the Cleveland Clinic to get it. So whoever prayed that down, Thank U :o)

By the time I finished seeing the doctor it was close to noon. He said I would have to have 3 pre dose meds before getting the IV chemo. They will all be IV as well. something for nausea, Zofran, one for my stomach, Zantac, and a dose of hydrocortisone, since I am on so much prednisone. The chemo itself will take no less than 4 hours, no more than 8hrs but more than likely close to six with the pre doses and stuff. I guess you guys prayed so hard yesterday that God decided to give me another day! I got a little Christmas shopping done, I also got the boys to disinfect my house while I was gone. Jacob got the steam shark and went over the kitchen and dining room. Tanner had the couch to do- And for those of you that know my couch---its large and furry! oh yeah and if you sit where Jacob does you can get enough food out of the cracks to feed a third world nation! Anyway, they did a great job, So that just left me with the bathrooms.

I go this morning at 9 and will be there most of the day I guess. I am already nauseated...must be my nerves. I am hoping I can get a dose of XANAX as well as Zantac. LOL

Julie, I asked the Oncologist about my animals and guess what? You were right...but you knew that didn't you:) He said too risky, with the chemo on top of the other three drugs I am taking for polymyositis, my risk of infection kind of shoots through the roof. They are worried about scratches, bites, and saliva...oh and the "stuff" that is underneath a cats nails? Anyway, my poor cat has a bad leg and I picked him up from the vet yesterday. He is on antibiotics 2x daily and trust me he doesn't like it. Tried to bite me the whole time I tried to get it in his mouth. So....I guess they will be in the hands of the kids, but boy will I miss their company!

Kids have a 2h delay today, You guys stay warm and cozy, Dave if you have any extra warmth from down south, send it north!

I will hopefully blog this evening, but if you don't hear from me you know I am sick.

Love and prayers for all you guys from Dawson;o)

Yeah, Dad, they were THAT good! I would eat six if I had them :o
About two weeks until Joe gets on a plane!! The girls are so estatic. We wrapped his presents this week, and we're planning his favorite 25 meals. And fudge, peanut butter pie (thanks, Rita--it is one of his favorites! I top it with miniature peanut butter balls), and sugar cookies. He is so tired of goat and MRE's. And they have some mystery meat, we joke that it is camel.
We had two more inches of snow last night. Still going. Anybody else get lots of snow? I heard the northeast was getting some. I have to go shovel.
Love to all of you wonderful family.
Michelle and gang

from Aunt Carol

"Hi Trish Iread the blog this morning and I was going to tell you who Sissy Crabtree is. It is our first cousin.
My mom's sister, Rhoda's daughter. You see I dont even know how to send an e-mail on my own I have to put it on a reply to one of yours."

Michelle, thanks for bringing back the memory of Mom's fried apple pies. They were always so delicious, and crunchy. They were also one of my favorite things to take away from home when I left to drive back to wherever we were going. Once I went home by myself and she made six of them for me to take and I ate them all before I got home.
Love you
Dad

Monica, she has one. It's treadway.teresa@gmail.com.

Trish, could you send Teresa the link so that she can post on the blog? Thanks.

Teresa, you need to get an email address now!! :)

Hey everybody...Zac has a job interview in about 5 minutes. Prayers would reallllly be appreciated!! Thanks! Love ya'll!!

Becky Kelley - Where's the Line to See Jesus - OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

Susan Boyle - The Gift - Hallelujah

Trish, I will be praying for you along with the others. You will be covered with prayers. Isn't that a comforting thought...So many praying for you. "...If 2 of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them ..." Matthew 18:19.
I can't tell you the countless times your Mother and I have agreed on things in prayer though we were not together, but once a year most times. There was an elder Minister, Sister Swineford, here in Gainesville in 1990's who used to tell me all the time there was no distance in prayer. So with that thought in mind....May God put wings on my prayers and the prayers of others not close by you.
Teresa, your words touched my heart...since I totally understand children away from home and the longing in a Mother's heart. So, I will send some prayers your way as well.
Love you.
Julie

Hello from Germany! Can you believe it is snowing again? I think we're stuck in a cycle, although I saw on the news the states were getting hit with some, too.
Addy, your bread looks as good as our local backerai (bakery) by the castle. I don't make loaves, just rolls. It is beautiful to see that huge loaf, how was it? And they say this is supposed to be the worst winter in 100 years, with all the snow and freezes.
Trish, hope you are doing well. Praying for you. Wish I could be there for that New Year's eve service. But I like the feeling in my heart when I think of that house full of Treadways.
Thanks for the prayers for a safe flight for Joe, and no cancellations, Rita. He should be here sometime in the next three weeks.
We will take lots of pictures and post them. Joe said he has a lot more white/gray hair. Cute.
Mom said I should share this. On the evening of the Sunday Grandma went to Heaven, I thought I smelled apples cooking in the house. I checked the windows, thinking it was a neighbor cooking. None were opened. About five minutes later, my kids came downstairs excited, asking where was the apple pie, did I buy ice-cream, saying thanks for the surprise. I told them it wasn't me. But my whole house smelled like apple pies for about 15 minutes total. I think it was God letting me have a good-bye moment with Grandma, since one of my favorite memories is of those apple pies she always fried us the morning we had to leave her house.
Isn't God good?
Love to all of you. Michelle and gang

The Crabtree's

I received a note in a card from Ishimel and Sissy Crabtree. I don't know who this is but she had my name and address. It is dated 12/8/2010 and their address is Thornville, OH. It reads in her words:

Hi Family
Sorry to hear about your mother passing. it was sad about your Dad passing in March. He was laid to rest on my 81st Birthday. 2010 I think they had a good life together it is Very hard on you children they were Very proud of all of the children. happy when they all Visited sang and had a good time they were Very happy. Take Care. It is a sad time of year HOLIDAY Love Ish and Sissy

Do any of you know them? I sent them a note back and sent a copy of Mommy's obit out of the paper.

WOW!!! Teresa, you've had a hidden blogger inside you this whole time and we never knew lol. I'm happy to have you as part of my family and everyone else in it :p Addy, I'm with Fozzie. I don't much care for going out in the snow to play either. Especially if I can stay inside and sleep all day. Vonda, when I was younger and still living at home I made a batch of peanut butter cookies. When I took them out of the oven they looked like golden lace. I couldn't understand why so I made them again and had the same result. I soon realized that to make peanut butter cookies you need to put "peanut butter" in them. I guess if I ever need to make sugar lace I'll know how :) (Janet, no comment please!) Tell little Vonda she can call me anytime lol. Also Vonda, your comment about it being colder than boobs on a brass monkey (by the way I have never heard), it's been like that here today. The wind has blown so hard all day. Our cantata practice was cancelled due to the wind chill, I think it was around 0 degrees or a little below. Trish, I'll be praying for you as well. Daniel, I also agree about the Bibles. Such wonderful news. Mark wants to know if there is some kind of itinerary/menu (haha) for New Year's. I definitely agree that going to church at Grassy would be good. I think it would do our hearts good and I know Grandma and Grandpa would be proud. David and Julie, I hope you are enjoying your weather (Janet, this is the correct spelling :p), at times such as this it would be nice to be visiting with you :) Everyone keep warm and be safe. Love to all!! MP3

Trish, We will be praying for you and the Dr. visit.
Love and Prayers

Daniel & Alice~  That is wonderful about the bibles.  Grandma wouls be so happy that the word was being spread. 

Vonda~  Congratulations on your first cake and don't worry about the sugar.  One day, you'll be whipping up dinner for the rest of us.  Trust me though, they'll all still be talking about that one cake that you didn't put sugar in.  This family has a great memory. HAHA

Teresa~ Has it taken you this long to figure out that you are stuck with this family wether you like it or not.   Thank you for opening your home and I Love you! 

Steve~ Any news from the BOE?  Since I haven't been to work in a month, I haven't even heard if they had their meeting.

Trish~  We'll be praying for safe travel and for yout treatement as well.  Church sounds good.  Is this at Grassy on NY Eve? 

Well, school is already called off tomorrow and I will thoroughly enjoy that late afternoon nap with the kids again tomorrow.  Hope everyone has a warm and blessed day:) 

Love you all!

Janet

I wanted to know when we all can get together on Saturday (New Year) since we all plan to go to church. Just let me know what everyone decides so I know when to expect everyone. What time does the evening service start on Sat.? My family I guess will have our Christmas dinner on Friday before New Years, its going to be hard not having either of my kids for Christmas like I thought. I will need everyones prayers it is very lonely up here without my kids and Steve at work all day (you girls know what a big baby I am). I cant even imagine what it must be like for you Rita. Ill be praying for you. Also Ill be praying for you Trish I hope all goes well and I'm close by if you need me. Addy, your bread sure does look good maybe I'll start to bake and cook since I have all this time on my hands (yea right, thats a good one). I'm also happy to hear about the bibles donated on behalf of mommy, thats great. Teresa

Hey, that is great about the bibles Daniel, so wonderful to hear.

Teresa, you have done a great job blogging , so now you have to keep it up.It is so wonderful to hear you all planning the next get to gather, wish I was there to plan also, The going to church is a great idea, Mommy and Daddy would be proud of you guys. Love it, you are doing them proud!!!!!!!!!Addy, your dogs sure do look like they are lazy guys, or were they just worn out from playing in the snow?We have the cold here but not all that snow, but it is supposed to stay cold for a while now.

Guess what Vonda baked her first cake from scratch, and wouldn't let any one help her and , She could use a lot of lessons from you Addy!!! no sugar in it, and it was pretty bad, but guess what David ate it , but then again he'll eat anything.LOL Rita it would have been a good one for your diet.

Daniel~That is amazing about the bibles. I, for one, have used those bibles on several occassions when I traveled with the Red Cross. I can certainly see people using them in the hotels, hospitals, etc.....
New Year's Night would be a great time to all go to church. I would suggest going at night instead of Sunday morning. They only have Sunday School on Sunday morning, no worship service. I will make sure they are having service on Sat. night.
Teresa, you Blogger, You!!
Does everyone know that you have Mommy's old number and that you have a landline now?

Hey Everybody,

I'm glad to see the blogging hasn't stopped! And I'm guessing a lot of it has to do with this weather that's keeping us inside. I did go out today to clean the porches and the vehicles off. The wind was blowing so hard it took my breath away a few times. I've been in the house since and you can't even tell I was outside now!

Just wanted to share some pictures from my day. I took the dogs with me when I went outside. Ladybird (the monsterous one) LOVES the snow! She was getting ready to pounce on Bandit in the one picture. And I know I promised you guys some pictures of our deck a while back so...Ta-Dah! Now that I won't be able to use it for a while! Paul got a double-papason chair the other day and no matter what time of day it is, somebody/thing is in it! It is incredibly comfortable, like sleeping in a big, bowl-shaped cloud! I tried a new recipe for bread today, as you can see I think it turned out pretty well. If it got any bigger it wasn't going to fit in the oven. I'll let you know how it tastes! I've cleaned off the table on the back porch twice already and that much snow had already piled back on top of it by noon when I went out today!

Trish, we'll be praying for you tomorrow that all goes well and if you need a dog-sitter for a while, well my house is open! And I think that's a great idea about going to church! New Year's then?

Michelle, do you know how much snow is expected for you guys? I'm so glad you get to spend the holidays with Joe, take lots of pictures and post for us! And how is the German coming along for you and the girls? I have a friend in Brazil that is learning German, isn't it one of the most difficult languages?

So should we start planning the menu for New Year's? We're doing finger foods right? I know we still have Christmas to go but I get so excited when we all get together to eat! YAY!

Talk to you guys tomorrow! All my love,

Addy

P.S. Mark and Monica, in case you were wondering Fozzie isn't pictured in this post because he spent all day on the bed. He hates the snow!

Bibles for Mother

Hi Everyone, We are up to 22 bibles . By the Gideons estimate each bible placed in a hotel room or prison may have the potential to reach over 2000 people. I believe mother would really like that.

Love to All

Dagnabbit Teresa, I had went all day without crying until I read your post! And to be new to bloggin' you did a really good job. Keep it up! Since Steve doesn't do it that often. You know you are part of the family when we can feud and fight and make it all better with a hug and a "i'm sorry" no matter what it is.
My kids had a great time at your house as did I, and we are looking forward to New Years Day!

It is comforting to start making new memories and new traditions now! Same old family minus 2, but they live on in everyone of us. So in order for us to keep them alive in us, we all have to get together, make it a priority, and see it through. Even if it is only once a year! We need to plan our get together at the beginning of the year when everyone is together so people can make plans with work, vacation, or whatever. I think its like mommys fork-the best is yet to come.
I know Mommy always started looking forward to that get together as soon as one was finished!
Something I would like to do and let me know what you guys think. But at least once a year on one of our get togethers, whoever is here, I think it would be nice if we all went to Mommy and Daddys church for a service. It might be the only time during the year that some would even go to church. Just a thought...
We have had blizzardy weather all day. pretty cold at 13 degrees and terribly windy. I think we got about 5 inches but its so hard to tell because of the wind.

If you guys could, please pray for me between 10 and 11 tomorrow. I go for my first treatment and they have no idea how long it will take. We are trying to disinfect the house today, and my vet told me the big dogs had to stay out because of the risk of infection with all the hair and dander and of course the scratches they are so happy to give me. BEar can stay but has to keep his nails trimmed. I can't clean the water bowls or litter pans so the boys and danny will have to do that for me.
But hopefully, even if I have to wear a mask, I will see you all New YEars,
Love to all,
Trish

Teresa, I know you are new to the Blog, but rule #1~ Don't make us cry:)  Just kidding-  Love you!

I couldn't have done it without you Teresa.

Hey everyone this is a first for me but seein how I have time on my hands I thought I would try to keep in touch more. Thank you Rita for the offer on breakfast but I guess Ill pass and Addy I think the curtain looks fine just add you some blue here and there and it will look great as long as your pleased with it. I also want to thank everyone for coming to the house I know for some it may be hard but I want us all to continue with our family get togethers and this house is open to anyone anytime. I also want to tell each and everyone that no matter what I think that I am so blessed to be part of this family and I wouldnt have traded this last few months for anything in the world it was an honor to be able to help care for mommy. To Rita and Blain I want to thank you both for opening your home up to me and allowing me to stay with you while helping to care for mommy, I hope I wasnt to much of a pain. Thank you all for loving me and making me feel like a real part of this family. God has blessed me with a wonderful husband and a great family. I love you all. Teresa

Well it's colder than boobs on a brass monkey here and, windy as all get out, so I am thinking of just staying in.

Glad everyone got to their homes ok , God was smiling on us all with safe trips home.

Good to hear about the bible's being donated to Daniel, in Mom's memory, Janet that sounds good skating on the floor, I bet the kids are loving that.

Julie and David , so glad you got to talk to your grandkids, and yes, things do look different through the eyes of a child, we should all take a lesson from that, and stop and enjoy , the things that God has placed here for us to enjoy , and slow down a little.

Michell it is so good to hear from you all , and sharing with us, I know the kids and you will be thrilled to have Joe home , even if it's only for a little while, so enjoy one another and your kiddies.

And Shane, we need to see your little hand writing on this blog, LOL

The kids got to have a snow day today , so they are happy campers today.

Hello again from Julie

Well, it's me again. I had just started blogging when I got the greatest phone call. My little Granddaughter, Aleya called me...so I got to chat with her and all of them in Germany. She is my youngest, (who is 9 yrs.) old, and was telling me how she was looking forward to seeing for her Dad for his 2-wk. R & R in January. I was so touched by our conversation as she expressed how hard it was to be without her dad on Christmas... (I, of course, knew this from our own experiences without David so many times on different holidays), but I was moved by how she went from the sadness.... to looking forward to another day they would do their celebrating, though the actual Christmas date for celebrating would be passed. She said, "Because Mamaw we can wait for that long to celebrate, that will be okay. Now if it were a long time before he came home...well, there are a lot of kids who have to wait a long time." I was struck anew at looking at things through the eyes of a child. Through her own (first time) adjustment of being away from her dad on a holiday, she had compassion for other children who would not celebrate the Glorious occassion at all with their Mom or Dad. I wanted so much to hug her and hold her close for being the wonderful little person she is. Children have a wonderful way of looking at things....that is one reason they are such a joy and blessing!
Toria is making her daddy a picture and naming it for her dad. There was a sadness in her voice but as I drew her attention to the celebration at a later time she became quite her cheerful, delightful self.
Tarin wrote a poem she wrote to share with him and is being so grown up (15 on Christmas Day) and is a big help to her Mom.
Well, this grandmother just wanted to share a bit about her sweetest, grandest children and hope you will like the Sharing.

Rita, thank you for sending the addresses. David will want to send a 'thank you' to them.
Trish, you had David laughing so hard over your 'TIPS' he was crying! You silly thing!
Love is sent to all as usual.
Julie

Just a note of business....I am sending Thank you's to everyone for flowers, food, donations to the church (I will post them all when I get a completed list). Judy LeGrand is also sending a receipt and a "Thank You" from the church. I got David's church, Bobbie's church, Steve's church...Trish are you sending the thank you's to your church and for the food or should I? If you want a Thank You sent from the family, I would be glad to do that for you. Just send me an email at rfmcclanahan1@gmail.com
Also, if any of you would like to personally send a thank you to Hospice or Sally Berry (she came to the funeral and came to the casket right as the service was starting), The addresses are as follows:

HospiceCare
223 Maplewood Ave
Lewisburg WV 24901

Sally Berry
5123 Meadow Bridge Rd
Danese WV 25831

They were both such a help to us and I'm convinced they were both God Sent. I know it would mean a great deal to Sally. She never acted like it was just a job. She was so good with Mommy.

For all of you that were in the "haunted house" generation, I let my children put socks on and sprayed the kitchen floor this morning.  They didn't quite have as much fun as we did.  I told Olivia and kaiden the story of how grandpa came in and we didn't want him to know what we had been doing.  Kaiden said that we all needed a spankin' with the belt.  Olivia just looked at me funny and then started pretended that she was Bobby Shawn and Kaiden was grandpa.  In her version, grandpa didn't make it through without a slip though.  I think for New Year's we should have a "skating party" and conclude with a good game of haunted house:) 

Hey to all,
Well, it is not as cold in Florida as elsewhere. It will get down to 20 degrees tonight I think, but it will be up to 42 tomorrow, possibly near 70 by Friday. Joe....I am not complaining...I promise!
Well, I get off now cause Aleya has just called I want Talk to her.
Love & Prayers,
Julie

Yes Shane made it home OK. We had blowing snow all day yesterday and the temp. is 11 degrees here also, and its heading your way Rita :)

Love and Prayers

Good Morning from Backus
It's a BREEZY 12, no make that 11 degrees here with blowing snow. I don't know how much we have, it depends on where you look, =) I sure miss Elliot cleaning off my porches. I think Wintertime has set in.
Michelle, it is so good to hear from you. We are praying for clear skies and open airports, no flights canceled for Joe. I know you all must be so excited.
It's really quiet in the house this morning...it's the first day I've been by myself. I don't even want to go watch Barney or Funniest Home Videos. I'm just sitting by the fire on the back porch and watching it snow.
I haven't bought the first thing for Christmas and I guess I need to bring my Christmas tree upstairs and take the garbage bag off. LOL Sadie is moping around the house but she goes to the French doors and lays on the rug and watches the birds...Don't forget to feed the birds. That's what Mommy always use to say.
I'm glad everyone made it home okay, though we didn't hear from Shane! Doesn't he know he needs to check in?! I thought about calling Teresa to see if she wants to come up for breakfast :) okay, Maybe not

Hi, Everyone. I am glad you all arrived home safely, we have had a blizzard here for 6-7 days, with more than two feet of snow.
Monica, I wish we could have flown there. More than 500 flights from the 3 largest airports in Bavaria were cancelled for weather. Joe will be home 336 hours, and the girls are planning how he will spend every hour! I keep having to remind them to give him 6 hours of sleep a night :)
We will celebrate Christmas with him, as he will be home shortly after New Year's.
Good to know about the Bible donations, Joe and Alice.
Trisha, your Holiday Eating Tips made me laugh until I cried. I printed it out to stick in cards.
I hope this finds you as well as can be expected. I had a gorgeous sunrise today and thought of Grandma and Grandpa.
We will post some pictures from Joe being home. We are more than halfway through this.
Love to all of you, Michelle and kiddos and puppies and my absentee Hubby

I live by Rule #3.  I mean what are mashed potatoes without the gravy anyway? 

HOLIDAY EATING TIPS

 

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I ABSOLUTELY live by rule #1! HOLIDAY EATING TIPS   1.  Avoid carrot sticks. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday buffet table knows nothing of the holiday spirit. In fact, if you see carrots, leave immediately. Go next door, where they're serving rum balls.  2. Drink as much eggnog as you can. And quickly. It's rare... You cannot find it any other time of year but now. So drink up! Who cares that it has 10,000 calories in every sip? It's not as if you're going to turn into an eggnog-alcoholic or something. It's a treat. Enjoy it. Have one for me. Have two. It's later than you think. It's Christmas!  3. If something comes with gravy, use it. That's the whole point of gravy. Gravy does not stand alone. Pour it on. Make a volcano out of your mashed potatoes. Fill it with gravy. Eat the volcano. Repeat.  4. As for mashed potatoes, always ask if they're made with skim milk or whole milk. If it's skim, pass. Why bother? It's like buying a sports car with an automatic transmission.  5. Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort to control your eating. The whole point of going to a Holiday party is to eat other people's food for free. Lots of it. Hello?  6. Under no circumstances should you exercise between now and New Year's. You can do that in January when you have nothing else to do. This is the time for long naps, which you'll need after circling the buffet table while carrying a 10-pound plate of food and that vat of eggnog.  7. If you come across something really good at a buffet table, like frosted Christmas cookies in the shape and size of Santa, position yourself near them and don't budge. Have as many as you can before becoming the center of attention. They're like a beautiful pair of shoes. If you leave them behind, you're never going to see them again.  8. Same for pies. Apple, Pumpkin, Mincemeat.. Have a slice of each. Or if you don't like mincemeat, have two apples and one pumpkin. Always have three. When else do you get to have more than one dessert? Labor Day?  9. Did someone mention fruitcake? Granted, it's loaded with the mandatory celebratory calories, but avoid it at all cost. I mean, have some standards.  10. One final tip: If you don't feel terrible when you leave the party or get up from the table, you haven't been paying attention. Re-read tips; start over, but hurry, January is just around the corner. Remember this motto to live by:  "Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate and wine in one hand, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming "WOO HOO what a ride!"  MERRY CHRISTMAS! & HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

 

 

 

My awesome family

Beautiful pictures of the birds , David. Mommy would love it seeing her birds.