Happy Birthday Marleigh!!! We took her to get her first hair cut today. She did so good. She was trying to pitch in and comb her hair as well haha :) Rita, that was a beautiful sunrise. Trish, I meant to say the other day that Gracie looked to comfortable on the couch. That's how I like to think I look when I'm comfy and resting on the couch lol :p I hope you have a good dr visit today. Let us know how things go. Janet, unfortunately Mark did not get his picture taken with Chuck :{

 

This is my sunrise this morning. It looks like the mountain is on fire. In Matthew 16:2 Jesus said, "When it is evening, ye say, It will be fair weather: for the sky is red. V.3 And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowering...
In layman's terms,"Red sky in the morning, sailor's take warning. Red sky at night, Sailor's delight." Jesus was a bit of a Sailor, though, wasn't he?

Happy Birthday tomorrow, Marleigh. I have never seen such blue eyes!

Hey everyone!  I tried to get caught up on the blog because I hadn't read it in a while.  State monitoring coming up so I have been staying pretty busy with that.  Marleigh looks like she is having a ball.  I am sure that there is a picture soemwhere of Mark with the rat- please feel free to post.  Livvy and Kaiden said to give Marleigh a hug for her birthday from them- actually Olivia said it and Kaiden wants her to come and ride the 4-wheeler with him.  Anyway, Happy 1st Birthday Marleigh! 

Kaiden stayed the night with Nana and Papaw tonight so we won;t have to fight the roads in the morning.  I am sure he is having fun.  Livvy is counting on a delay.  We register her for Kindergarten next week- oh how time does fly:)

Teresa, If you come across those wooden bins form Cracker Barrel with the hearts cut out of them, I would like to have those unless you are using them.  Also, if there is any furniture in the basement that has drawers in it, I need something that will fit in Kaiden's room.  I menat to look last time we were up there.

Everyone have a good day tomorrow!  Love you all  

I love all the pics of Marleigh she is so cute. I'm glad that everyone had a great time. We took the kids there alot when they were little and loved it, even the adults enjoyed it.

Monica- your right Steve and Kelsey didn't get to burn off the grass but we had a great weekend with the kids in spite of all the rain. I do think Kelsey was a little disappointed that she didn't have that special time with her dad though.

Trish-I'm glad your home and hope you are continuing to get better day by day. We will continue praying for a complete healing.

love you all

Happy Birthday Marliegh, Monica she is so beautiful,Glad she had a great time.

How precious is that!! She looked like she was having a ball. It's hard to believe she is already a year old. Monica, you looked good too, girlfriend. I was expecting at least one pic of Nana and Papaw in there.

Not bad, but I prefer my juice :P I am so proud of her, she did so good today. She didn't get her two usual naps so this evening she was starting to get a little testy so bath time and bedtime came a little early. She was out like a light. Mark straightened up the living room while I cleaned the kitchen up. When I walked into the living room there was Mark laying in the floor playing with a mini basketball he got for Marleigh at Chuck E. Cheese with her tickets. I said, "I guess Paul was right!!" LOL Teresa, I don't guess Kelsey and Steve got any of the hill burnt today did they? I think it's supposed to rain about all night tonight. So peaceful :) Love you all

After we got home, Mark let her try some pop........

She didn't get very messy with the cake either. She put her fingers in it but wouldn't put it up to her mouth. I gave her a few bites and she seemed to like it but wouldn't feed it to herself :p

Well, we had a wonderful, rainy day today!! I do believe Marleigh loved her birthday party as you can see :) There was only one time that she started to cry and that's when the "celebrating" part of the party was over and Chuck E. Cheese came over to get pictures with her. As you can tell in the first picture she was not amused. Mark said she could smell a rat coming LOL!!

As u can see it is baseball season at our house! see gracie going after that baseball on the couch? its rainy here today and they all are enjoying a warm dry spot

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Monica, Paul said he was pretty sure that Chuck E. Cheese was for Mark and he was just taking Marleigh along!

I believe that LOL!!! Maybe we'll have time over Easter weekend :P

Yes, Monica, That Trish could do with flying colors, she need's to teach me some . There is your NEW job Trish. LOL.

Monica if you give me about 2 days with Marleigh I will have her texting you when she needs a diaper change and when she is hungry!

Emma looks like she was having a blast!! The twins are growing right along too, they remind me of the boys, of course :) Little Miss Marleigh will be 1 on Tuesday so we are having her birthday party at Chuck E. Cheese on Saturday. This evening we went to Walmart to get stuff for cupcakes. I had just turned down the baking goods aisle and Trish texted me. I was taking my phone in and out of my purse between texts (my purse was beside Marleigh in the cart). While looking at the cake icings I heard a funny noise. I turned around to find that Marleigh had cleverly slid her hand into my purse and pulled out my phone, opened it, was holding it correctly and turned on the speaker phone. When I asked her about it (haha) she looked at me as if to say, "May I help you?", "Can I place a call for you?" I have her picture on it and she was just content to look at herself lol. It doesn't seem possible for her to be a year old yet. Corey and Adam are supposed to be taking some pictures for me Saturday so I'll post some as soon as I can. Miss you all. xoxo

The twins and Emma at her birthday

Glad to hear everyone is doing well. I have been reading the blog, I just haven't been responding. I love this weather, I just hope it continues. The Easter lillies are popping up on the bank which is exciting. I just love Spring, all the flowers and birds and just life in general it just seems so fresh and new, like a new beginning on life.

Kelsey has her implant put in today so please pray that this helps with her problem and that she will be able to return to work. She is coming in this weekend and going to help her dad burn of the grass on the bank, that is their bonding time, just Steve and his little girl.

Andy and Kim was in this weekend and we had a good time. They are trying to have a baby, but Kim has been having some issues, but we know someone bigger than those issues, don't we.

Michelle- it is always good to hear from you and I'm glad that it is just as seasonably warm there also.

Rita-Yeah right! Kaiden looks like a little angel.

I hope that Steve will let me get started on my kitchen and finish remodeling the bathroom since we got the check from mom and dads estate.

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Hello, Everyone!! From the sounds of it, Spring is visiting early everywhere. A massive cloud turned out to be birds migrating back from who knows where.....Little green sprouts are on the trees and bushes.....It is unusually warm today for this time of year.....
We are counting the days until Joe is back....tomorrow the number drops into the decade of disco,...sorry for the code-speak :D
Sorry all of you have been so sick, Trisha. We will definately pray for you. And that is good news for you, Vonda.
Addy, I am jealous about the obedience school. That would cost us 3,000 euro each dog over here, and mine definately need it since Joe left. They have been acting out a lot, and I am not so great with the dogs.....other than the spoiling :D Sorry to hear about your scars. Vitamin E helps your skin heal. And if you can get your hands on Revlon Eterna 27 moisture cream with progenitin, it is phenominal. LOVE it.
Emily, that is a HUGE decision, one that needs to be made with a lot of willingness to sacrifice. Like Dad said, anything preventing you from serving the full 4 years will be a veto on their part to uphold paying for your degree. And there have been many stories of people getting cut close to retirement, end of contract, etc. just so the government gets out of their end of the bargain. One of Tarin's doctors was in the Air Force for 18 years plus, then was cut, and it took him two years to get crossed over into the Army. There are so many budget cutbacks and career fields being diminished. For example, a career field at 45% capacity suddenly cuts another 15% of personnel, only to re-recruit in the same career field 6 months later. It can only mean they are in a pattern of not paying out what was promised to the first group of recruited soldiers. And that was in the Air Force, who has the largest budget. The Army is just as bad right now. This war is a lot more expensive than they initially thought and planned. And you better know you have a solid marriage before being in a position of being deployed. I am not trying to be the nay sayer. But this deployment has kicked me in the seat of the pants, and it is not my first one. I grew up around this. Suicide rates are high, and divorce rates are soaring. It is not all as great as portrayed by recruiters, or the news media. There is a high personal cost. Just think on it, and pray.
I hope all is well with everyone. HA HA your Easter plans sound wonderful, Bobbie, but I don't think we can fly in.....I am afraid of airplanes, did you know? Funny. I guess I take after you, Rita :)
Have fun planting your flowers, all of you with green thumbs! Love you all, Michelle and gang.

Afternoon folks~It is raining cats and dogs here, the creek is up, and that's on TOP of the mountain. I just got off the phone with Trish and she was at the Pharmacy getting her scripts for home. Danny is still sick as a dog.
Bobbie~I think it's only fair to let you know that it was Ruth's Banana Pudding before it was mine. But Hey, I can make that. We'll need a few of us frying chicken unless Steve wants to make it in Mommy's #14 Iron Skillet :)
The power went out here today so Janet and Olivia got out of school...there wasn't anything for Kaiden and I to do so...we went out to Alta to have lunch with Janet and Livvy.
I have already bought my onion sets and seed for Tenderette Beans (Yes Janet, I'm planting some for you) and Sugar Snap Peas. I'm getting anxious to "get in the dirt." Daniel, Are you puttin' out those giant tomatoes again? You will have to post a picture of your garden and let me know what kind of fertilizer you use!

It has been unseasonably warm! I can almost see my grass growing! The flowers are popping up and the birds are fluttering everywhere. Last night when we came in from church the frogs were croaking so loud! They think it is spring already. Over in Hiwassee where Abby and Cassy live they had tornado like winds last Thursday with trees down. It could get to 69 degrees here today and it is trying to rain.

WHAT??? They must mean OHIO

Meadow Bridge, WV Weather Advisories, Watches & Warnings

TORNADO WATCH
in effect until Monday, Feb 28, 1:00 PM

WV . WEST VIRGINIA COUNTIES INCLUDED ARE

BARBOUR BOONE BRAXTON BROOKE CABELL CALHOUN CLAY DODDRIDGE FAYETTE GILMER HANCOCK HARRISON JACKSON KANAWHA LEWIS LINCOLN LOGAN MCDOWELL MARION MARSHALL MASON MINGO MONONGALIA NICHOLAS OHIO PLEASANTS POCAHONTAS PRESTON PUTNAM RALEIGH RANDOLPH RITCHIE ROANE TAYLOR TUCKER TYLER UPSHUR WAYNE WEBSTER WETZEL WIRT WOOD WYOMING

Rita

It has been a very long Sunday . My little roommate went home, Danny came overband spent the day. We ordered pizza and they delivered. He went and got some xray and labs turns out he has bronchitis and he started him on breathing treatments too. Our pastor came by today and I think that was it. Hopefully I will go home tomorrow if they can get everything worked out

Trish, how is your Sunday going? Are you still feeling a little better each day? Have you had many visitors today? We had a nice little rain and the temp feels like 70 outside. It was so pretty for church this morning. We have missionaries from Europe visiting us today. They were telling us how God is working in the coffee houses over there. It sounds like they are kinda ditching the traditional churches. As long as we gather and worship somewhere! Yes!
Trish, I found some cups and saucers for our bird feeders. Should I try to find the lightest ones and stay away from the heavy ones? I think I will try to find some bold colors to0.

I hope everyone is making your plans to meet Easter Saturday! Don't forget our picnic!!! I just love a "dinner on the ground!" Potato salad, macaroni salad, fried chicken....... Rita's banana pudding? Marsha's bread? I can hardly wait! Did I hear someone say "Just back the truck up!!!!!!!!" Are you guys from far out making your plans! Let us know if you need someone to pick you'uns up at the airport Michelle :) Or not :)

Oh and I forgot, my face is healed but it left a nice scar. I have 3 gashes that were pretty deep and if I'm wearing make-up it looks ok, but without it the scar is still pretty red around the whole area. I think the redness will go away and I got some Mederma last week. I have to put it on 3-4 times a day and it said it could take 3-6 months.

Hey Everybody!

I've been reading, just haven't had much time to post. So I'm going to try to get caught up now!

Trish, I hate to hear that you're in the hospital but I'm so glad you're feeling better! And I also hate to hear that Danny and Jacob have the crud, we have several at school that have it also, and 1 with pink eye!

Michelle, it was so good to hear that you and the girls had such a wonderful time with Joe! He will be back before you know it. You're on the home stretch now!

Eimly, I think it's pretty awesome that you are considering the military. Just make sure you talk to a lot of people about it and don't make any rash decisions. There are so many different choices you have when it comes to medicine, it can be overwhelming. I'm glad it's your decision and not mine!

Mark & Monica, I love the pictures of Marleigh! She is absolutely gorgeous! Don't get excited Mark, she gets it from her mother!

Vonda, I'm glad to hear David is doing better as well.

This past Thursday Bandit and Ladybird graduated obedience school! I'm so proud of my little babies. The got a certificate and everything! They still have a good way to go but they've made incredible improvements on the leash. I would like to put Fozzie through Canine Good Citizen training once he gets a little better at obedience. Then he could be like a therapy dog in hospitals and nursing homes, etc. We're still working on their behavior when we have company though.

I've been looking at jobs lately online. I've applied for some jobs in the park service, just seasonal stuff. But last night when I looked Fayette County had posted several jobs for next year. One job is for Meadow Bridge and it fits my teaching certificate perfectly! So I'm hand-delivering my application Tuesday! Y'all say a prayer for me. It's so much closer, but I still have some doubts about the administration and leaving Raleigh County. I love the people I work with but the parents have really given me a hard time this year due to added responsibilities that I didn't ask for. And middle school is definitely not where I want to be for the rest of my life. So just keep me in mind.

I promise I will post more often! Love!

Trish, I'm glad to hear that you may get to come home Monday. That is wonderful news that I am believing in!! I hope Danny and Jacob get to feeling better and that Tanner doesn't catch it :P

Where is everyone? Addy, Janet, Teresa, mom, Rita, Ruth????? Are you out there?

So this evening we went out with some friends to Barnes & Noble. I was excited for Marleigh to see the section of the children's books. She seemed to have a blast. I let her walk around at first and she was going from stand to stand and shelf to shelf. I came across a book that I must get her when she gets a little older......"Who pooped in the Park?" I had to look at it and it was quite interesting. As I glanced through it, it appeared to me to analyze poo and depending on what is in the poo lets you know what animal pooed it :) I would have never thought it. We made it to the other side of the children's section and I walked through an odor not my own. I turned around and looked at Mark, it wasn't him. I checked Marleigh's diaper, it wasn't her. There were two children sitting in the vicinity who may have been the culprits, who knows though. Anyway, as we turned around to leave I saw a book titled "Stink".....how appropriate. I didn't have time to look at that one LOL. Maybe it had a motion sensor on it and sprayed an aroma of its own :P

I hope everyone is having a great weekend. Love you all :)

Hi Trish, Sorry to hear you are in the hospital, we have been praying for you ever since we knew you were there. Danny and Jacob, we are praying that you guys will feel better also. Keep us posted Trish on how you are getting along.

Emily, I think the service would be a wonderful chance and experience for you and Zach. The experience you get in the service you just can't get in the civilian counterpart. I think the camo would look good on you :). As far being deployed, grandma said and we both know for a fact that nothing will happen to you that God does not allow. Myself and David are a testament to that.

Prayer Request I received via e-mail

Greg Comer has battled cancer for almost 7 yrs. The doctors are giving him only days to live. Greg is 41, married & has 2 children, Jacob 11 & Alyssa 7. Jacob has asked his Mom for a special request, for everyone to pray for a miracle for his daddy. He wants a prayer chain across the world. Please pray for Greg and help start this prayer chain across the world for Jacob. Copy & re-post to keep prayer chain going.

-Rita

Emily,
You should be skeptical. Yes that is at least a 4-year commitment on your part whether it is Army, Air Force or Navy (if they even offer such). The Marines are out because they don't offer that field. The Navy supplies our medical needs since the Marines fall under the department of the Navy. I will let Daniel and Joe Roberts weigh in on what it may be like in the Army but the commitment is for 4 years of your time and once you are in uniform, all bets are off, they own you and can deploy you whenever and wherever they need you, regardless of what the recruiter "promised" you up front. Yes you would have your education paid for, if and when you fulfilled your 4 years of army duty. If for any reason, medical or otherwise (injury to you in training, etc.) that you failed to complete the 4 years of active duty, then the Army would be released from their commitment. Daniel and Joe, what do you all think?
David

I went to school this morning for class and the power went off right after I got there...so no class for me today! It's cold, rainy and windy here too.

I went to a presentation by a medical recruiter last night and they make you feel like you'd be crazy not to do their program. They pay 100% tuition for whatever medical school you want to go to, plus a sign on bonus, plus a stipend every month. In exchange, you work at an army hospital on one of their bases for 4 years, with 1 90 day deployment. It's sounding like a good deal...I would appreciate any input on it though! David, Michelle, Daniel?

I guess since it is rainy and my classes are cancelled I am going to curl up with a book that I have to read for my medicinal plants class-- "Poisons: A History from Hemock to Botox". It's really interesting...seems like most things are poisonous. Lillies, foxgloves, apple seeds, peach pits...they can all kill a person. Good things to know! Have a good weekend everybody!

Good morning,
I don't seem to be healing or clearing my lungs as fast as most so looks like I am staying the weekend. All of my veins are used up so I am waiting to get another PICC line. During the night the glands in my neck started swelling and they feel like I am getting the mumps. I have never had the mumps but it sure feels and looks like it. I am waiting on the ENT to come up and tell me what he thinks about the situation. I also have the auto immune disease called sjogrens disease and it has to deal with your mucous membranes so I guess if the rest of me is screwed up stands to reason that is too.
Jacob and Danny are both sick with fevers and cough. Emily announced last night that she is checking into military life for her medical degree! Any feedback on that. I can see her now suited up in camo all of 4'10" looking like a little girl scout! My doctor, who is military also, said she should check into the air force as she thought it would be safer. Emily is looking at army. David do you know anything about the commitment you have through the marines?

I got the sweetest little roommate last night. I think she is a frequent flyer here cause everyone seems to know her. She is hard of hearing and reminds me a lot of mommy. I am going to see if she will let me get a picture later.

It is pouring the rain with high winds and the temps are dropping. Power is blinking on and off

Love to all,
Trish

Johnny Dickens

Johnny Dickens, of Arnett, went home to be with the Lord, February 24, 2011, at his home after a long illness.

He was born February 28, 1948, at Flat Branch, W.Va., a son of the late Dempsey and Bernice Thompson Dickens.

He was a retired electrician in the coal mines with 19 years of service.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded by brothers: Kenneth, Bobby, Iona, and a baby boy.

He is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Rebecca “Becky” Dickens; daughter and granddaughter, Alexandrea; sons, Bryan and wife, Jeannie, Bobby and wife, Brooke, Johnny Dean and wife, Peggy; godson, Michael Paul and wife, Courtney; sisters, Margaret and husband, Wayne Clay, Letha and husband, Darrell Linksweiler, Donna and husband, John Ferris, Freda and husband, Lewis Boggess; brothers, Jimmy and wife, Kay Dickens, and Tim Wills; seven grandchildren, Alexandrea, James, Franklin, Andrea, Paige, Brayce, and Nate.

Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Saturday, February 26, 2011, in the Bolt Church of God, Bolt, with Pastor Randall Pugh officiating. Burial will follow in the Cook Cemetery, Arnett.

Visitation will be one hour before the service at the church.

Armstrong Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Got these from lonnie and marcia today! They are beautiful...makes the dreary rainy day better

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Good Morning to All,

Just came from the nursing home and , Trish , you and David are on the same page. He got 2 breathing treatments yesterday and was getting one this morning, and was complaining about being used for a pin cushion , yesterday I guess it was lab day at the home so he had to have blood drawn, and he was not happy about that.and the Dr. that came in was telling him he has congestive heart failure, don't know how they , found that out. But they also did a chest x-ray too. so that's where we are at the present.Sure hope you get to feeling better Trish.We'll be praying for you .Love you All.

Good morning from the pokey,
Nothing new here. I actually feel the same. Nothing seems to be helping except steroids and of course I am decreasing those every few hours. On the home front though Jacob woke up with a fever of 101 and symptoms much like mine. Being a sick mom in the hospital when you have kids sick is no fun:(

On a bright note, you would not believe all the nice comments I have received on my flowers? First, all of the staff offered to help me smoke them when they dried. Boy did it bust their bubble when they found out they were artificial! HA

My nurse came in last night and commented on how beautiful they were. I had my iPad on with the isaacs playing and pictures scrolling. She asked me where I lived and told me she remembered my mom from being in here. She told me that we took such good care of her. Turns out she lives in meadow bridge her name is Leeann Modley. Rita, I think she knew you and blain.

I sat my bowl of candy on my over the bed table and my nurses, aides, and respiratory therapists enjoyed a treat, thought it might be a good way to get them back fast if I needed too:)

My night nursing assistant came in and we talked about my flowers. I told him they were from my sisters (yes Teresa that includes youn2). And the first thing he said was they love you. Apparently he comes from a large family with 5 brothers and only one sister. Originally from flint Michigan. He followed his sister here when she moved his parents are deceased. He talks to one other brother on a semi regular basis but the others can go for years and not here from them. Sad scenario.

I have had steady company and phone calls and in between I have facebook and the blog. Infer pretty short of breath if I get out and walk much so here I sit.

Blog later it's starting to get busy here.
Luv y'all Trish

Trish wanted everyone to know that Lacy Osborne is also in the hospital . He is on the same floor but across the hall. She said if anyone comes to see her, to stop and see him also. She was doing a breathing treatment when I spoke to her. She said she is breathing easier but she still doesn't feel well. She said she will be in the hospital until Friday.

These flowers are from rita, ruth, bobbie, vonda and teresa. Really pretty. They are beautiful poppies!

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Trish, we hope you get to feeling better and doing better very quickly :) Teresa, I love the Easter tree :p Emily, we will be praying for Zac's job and for you too Trish. Love you all.

Teresas Easter tree.

Steve Treadway

Just a quick note to ask for prayer again. Seems like that's all I get done. I have been sick off and on since my chemo. It really hit hard this past Monday with the polymyositis And I had to go back up on the prednisone. Well by Saturday I couldnt breathe very good and Sunday not at all. I thought I could make it til the clinic opened but I ended up in the ER at 5am and admitted by 9. They seem to think I have bilateral pneumonia according to the CT scan and are giving me Iv steroids iv antibiotics and breathing treatments. The steroids have really helped but I imagine my sugar will be through the room. Danny told Vonda that David and I could hook up then he and Vonda could fly the coop! Lol
I am in room 314b. Greenbrier valley but I am not planning on being here very long if I have anything to do with it. There are way too many germs here, they have stuck a swab up my nose 2x already!

Hey everyone, I have a prayer request. We really need for Zac to find a better job. With school, I'm not going to be able to get a job until May and well, you know how money goes. Thanks...have a good week! =)

Rita, I have loved all of the blood stuff. I've tried to give twice before, once they got into my veins and it just wouldn't come out and the other time they couldn't get in a vein. But I guess I should keep trying since it seems I am a universal donor too.

Love the pictures of Marleigh! She is sooo cute.

It's so nice here today. It's already about 40 degrees and really sunny. Unfortunately I will be stuck in the library all day studying. =(

Have a good Saturday everyone!

Bobbie~ Daddy was O-NEG and I am A-POS..what are you? I remember Mommy talking about times when they (medical providers at the time) would call Daddy in the middle of the night to come and give blood b/c he was a Universal donor. I've seen alot of blood but none that looked like that Emily. Are you finding that interesting?

Yes, Marleigh, you are one beautiful baby girl, course I know your Nana isn't partial or anything. Olivia and I had a girls day out yesterday and I took her to (what else), get her nails done. She picked the color, (hot pink) and she got her toes and nails done. They painted a design on her toenails and fingernails and the girl had to do her toes 3X because she kept messing them up! Olivia had to tip her pretty good. I think Olivia has the potential to become a little Thrift store shopper! I was looking on a rack and Olivia was just going down the rack ahead of me, looking at every piece and they were size 14 - 18, women's. I thought that was so funny. We shopped til we dropped, she was asleep and snoring before we made it home.

Julie, Milk it for all it's worth! LOL

Good Evening All,
I don't know about the blood Emily. I don't even know what I am. (interesting picture tho) Are you and your father the same blood type always? No exceptions?
Vonda, your flowers are very pretty, very valentinish! Your vase is going to look pretty with your brown-eyed susans too. You will have those in your backyard right?
I don't think it got up to seventy today. It was windy city at the park! We took our peanuts and sat in the little train and ate them anyway.
Julie, sorry about your foot! If you have to give all your high heels away, don't forget me! Size 6 and a half :)
Addy, how is your face healing?
Marleigh, you are beautiful in your photo shots dear!

This is a picture of the blood smear (with a Wright stain--it's what makes it look purple) that we made in my anatomy lab today. It's my friend Channing's blood. The bigger purple blob in the middle is a white blood cell...all the others are the RBCs. We also did blood typing...if it worked right, I found out that I am O-. I learned today that B (or AB) blood is not very common unless you are of Asian or Native American descent. I know some of Grandma and Grandpa's family was part indian, right? Do any of ya'll have B in your blood?

My flower arangement

Bobbie gave me the flower vase , and I made the flower arangement , I think they are pretty ,and remind me of spring.

Julie had surgery on her left foot today to remove a bunyon. She is in a lot of pain and will be wearing a special boot for a while. I'll be attending to her through the weekend and maybe Monday too. She gets the bandage redressed next Thursday. Pray for her.
Thanks Love you all

Here's Marleigh playing with her little tent. She likes to walk around it more than play in it. I tried to post a video of her walking but it was taking 3 hours and still hadn't uploaded all the way :( Not sure what's up with that.

We went to the park this morning :) It was Marleigh's first time since she's been crawling and walking. I think she enjoyed it. She wanted to pick up the leaves and sticks everywhere lol.

In Need Of Prayer

A young boy called the pastor of a local "corner" church to ask the pastor to come by to pray for his mother who had been very ill with the flu.  The pastor knew the family and was aware they had been attending another church down the road.  So the pastor asked, "Shouldn't you be asking Brother Simon down the road to come by to pray with your mom?"  The young boy replied, "Yeah, but we didn't want to take the chance that he might catch whatever this is that Mom has!
Rita

West Virginia - This Is My Home

West Virginia, I was born a West Virginian song by eddy bailes

Woo hoo you all better watch out for the thrift stores, that is a new one on me.

Blue Roo Consignment Shop

Ladies, Can you believe it? 

A Crab Orchard woman pleaded guilty Monday to embezzling money and forging checks while she was employed with the Blue Roo Consignment Shop. 
Rebecca Barnett and three other employees are alleged to have taken about $25,000 in store funds over a one-year period. The three allegedly created false consignments and generated checks in the names of family members and friends. 
Hutchison granted the motion for probation for a period of five years and suspended her underlying sentence of one to 10 years. During her time on probation, she is also ordered to pay restitution in the amount taken from the store.

Rita

Bobbie, I envy you! Cleaning out flower beds! How awesome is that. We are supposed to have 50 degrees today. I am sure I will sink into depression the next time it snows, which I think is going to be next week. I mentioned to Dan over the weekend that I couldn't wait until we can set up the playset outside that the employees gave us Christmas for Clara and Brooks.

We are having the most wonderful weather down here in Virginia! My kids played out on the swingset yesterday and we then cleaned out the flower beds. It was so nice to see them playing together and laughing! Marleigh we missed you! Hope you are having a good time at mommy's today! Love you! Little green sprouts are coming out already. I'm like you Ruth, I can't wait for spring either.

You guys pray for Vena and the family.  Vena is a lot like Mommy was after Daddy died.  She is wandering around wondering where Homer is and then she remembers.  She will eventually go home with her granddaughter Allison but for now she will remain at her home.

Optomist's Hunting Dog

Friends, one an optimist and the other a pessimist could never quite agree on any topic of discussion. One day the optimist decided he had found a good way to pull his friend out of his continually pessimistic way of thinking - the optimist owned a huntin' dog that could walk on water. His plan? Take the pessimist and the dog out duck hunting in a boat. They got out into the middle of the lake, and the optimist shot down a duck. The dog immediately walked out across the water, retrieved the duck, and walked back to the boat. The optimist looked at his pessimistic friend and said, "What do you think about that?"  The pessimist replied, "That dog can't swim, can he?
 
Rita

Obituary

Homer Greene Cadle

SMOOT — Homer Greene Cadle, 90, died Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2011.

Services will be 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 18, 2011, in the Meadow Grove Baptist Church, Dawson.

Friends may call 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 17, at Smathers Funeral Chapel.

Arrangements by Smathers Funeral Chapel, Rainelle

Rita

Dear God,
I hope you are enjoying our valentines in Heaven as much as we are enjoying the one you sent us:)

Happy Valentines Day!!!! :) I liked the little history lessons about Valentinus. We were just discussing at work this morning about this. One of the guys kept saying "Valentimes" and I kept telling him that was wrong lol.

Hope all the valentines are having a good day! If not, the day is not over yet! My walmart flowers are beautiful in my princess house vase. All four of my valentines were down for their nap at the same time today for 1 and 1/2 hours and man was it nice! The wind is whipping around here and they are sleeping like little logs. They have played hard today.
Rita, loved that reminder of what just what love is.

May God's Peace and Love be with each one of you, on this Valentine Day.

Poor Sam

This is Valentine's Day. And Sam forgot it.

Sam's wife had a card addressed to him, hidden in her top dresser drawer. Her gift to him was under her dresses in the closet. She waited for him to make the first move, to end this little dodge of his. There he was, sitting down to watch television at 7:30 at night as if he might be camped out there till bedtime... as if he'd actually forgotten what day this is!
Finally, at 10 P.M., when Sam had stumbled upstairs to brush his teeth, he found his wife sitting bolt upright in bed. Somehow the temperature felt noticeably cooler in that room than in the other parts of the house.

"What's the matter? What'd I do?" He did a super-quick scan of his usual offenses. Everything checked out.

"Tomorrow morning," she said through clenched teeth, "I expect to find a gift in the driveway that goes from zero to two hundred in less than six seconds. And it had better be there!"

With that, she snatched her pillow and blanket and trudged off, presumably to the downstairs sofa, leaving Sam standing there looking very unmanly, totally exposed as a Valentine forgetter. But his pride wasn't about to be threatened so easily.

The next morning his wife found a gift box in the driveway. She tore it open and looked inside.

It was a bathroom scale.

Sam has been missing since Friday

In Honor Of "The Love" Day

Paul gives us some good advice on how to love one another in Romans 12:9-18.
Love must be sincere.
Cling to what is good.
Be devoted to one another.
Honor one another above yourself.
Never be lacking in zeal.
Be joyful in hope.
Be patient in affliction.
Be faithful in prayer.
Share with God's people who are in need.
Practice hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you.
Rejoice with those who rejoice.
Mourn with those who mourn.
Live in harmony with one another.
Do not be proud.
Do not be conceited.
Do not repay anyone evil for evil.
Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody.
If it is possible, a far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

The legend of St. Valentine

The story of Valentine's Day begins in the third century with an oppressive Roman emperor and a humble Christian martyr. The emperor was Claudius II Gothicus. The Christian was Valentinus.

Claudius had ordered all Romans to worship state religion's idols, and he had made it a crime punishable by death to associate with Christians. But Valentinus was dedicated to the ideals of Christ, and not even the threat of death could keep him from practicing his beliefs.

During the last weeks of Valentinus's life a remarkable thing happened. One day a jailer for the Emperor of Rome knocked at Valentinus's door clutching his blind daughter in his arms. He had learned of Valentinus's medical and spiritual healing abilities, and appealed to Valentinus to treat his daughter's blindness. She had been blind since birth. Valentinus knew that her condition would be difficult to treat but he gave the man his word he would do his best. The little girl was examined, given an ointment for her eyes and a series of re-visits were scheduled.

Seeing that he was a man of learning, the jailer asked whether his daughter, Julia, might also be brought to Valentinus for lessons. Julia was a pretty young girl with a quick mind. Valentinus read stories of Rome's history to her. He described the world of nature to her. He taught her arithmetic and told her about GOD. She saw the world through his eyes, trusted in his wisdom, and found comfort in his quiet strength.

"Valentinus, does GOD really hear our prayers?" Julia said one day. "Yes, my child, He hears each one, "he replied.

"Do you know what I pray for every morning and every night? I pray that I might see. I want so much to see everything you've told me about!"

"GOD does what is best for us if we will believe in HIM," Valentinus said.

"Oh, Valentinus, I do believe," Julia said intensely. "I do." She knelt and grasped his hand. They sat quietly together, each praying.

Several weeks passed and the girl's sight was not restored. Yet the man and his daughter never wavered in their faith and returned each week.

Then one day, Valentinus received a visit from Roman soldiers who arrested him, destroyed his medicines and admonished him for his religious beliefs. When the little girl's father learned of his arrest and imprisonment, he wanted to intervene but there was nothing he could do.

On the eve of his death, Valentinus wrote a last note to Julia - knowing his execution was imminent. Valentinus asked the jailer for a paper, pen and ink. He quickly jotted a farewell note and handed it to the jailer to give to his blind daughter. He urged her to stay close to GOD, and he signed it "From Your Valentine." His sentence was carried out the next day, February 14, 270 A.D., near a gate that was later named Porta Valentini in his memory.

When the jailer went home, he was greeted by his little girl. The little girl opened the note and discovered a yellow crocus inside. The message said, "From your Valentine." As the little girl looked down upon the crocus that spilled into her palm she saw brilliant colors for the first time in her life! The girl's eyesight was restored! A miracle!

He was buried at what is now the Church of Praxedes in Rome. It is said that Julia herself planted a pink-blossomed almond tree near his grave. Today, the almond tree remains a symbol of abiding love and friendship. In 496 Pope Gelasius I named February 14 as Saint Valentine's Day. On each Valentine's Day, messages of affection, love and devotion are still exchanged around the world.

http://www.naturalstonesign.com/rocks.htm

This is the website for the stone bench.  It is in Pickaway, we pick it up.

Mornin' All
Michelle, it is so nice that you're keeping in touch via the blog. It's almost like we're just getting to know you. I wish more of the grandkids would get on. Communication is what's going to keep us all close. When that stops, we will drift apart, just like in any relationship. Tell your girls that, I, for one, envy them so much. They are getting to do things and go places most of us will only read about. How exciting.
I read something today that made me think of Mommy. "Prayers outlive the lives of those who uttered them."
It is sunny and cold here but it is a beautiful day. I was watching the birds this morning and it seems that there is always a pair of doves...just one pair. I noticed this in the fall before Daddy died when me and Mommy were watching the birds. This morning they flew in together and sat on the wire...Just sat there, and I thought of Mommy and Daddy being together.

That is a cute picture of Clara. It makes you think how many of us played in Grandma's aprons....
About the bench: how long do they gaurantee the picture on the rock? Is it weather-proofed so it doesn't fade from sun/rain, etc? Or would it have to be re-done every few years? And then does that require shipping it back to them? Just wondered.
The girls go to DoDea schools on the bases, Trish. The same as ambassadors' children, or those who work in NATO positions over here. They are really good. And yes, Tarin will graduate in K-town (Kaiserslautern), which is good. She has only been diagnosed with ADHD for about a year. She is on a low dose of medication once a day. She made A's and B's this last semester, and aced her semester exams. She didn't even have to take some because she aced the class all year. She took her PSAT's and scored higher than about 70% of the sophomores. They are handling her IEP very well, so we want to keep her in the same school system instead of coming back to the states because every state has their own IEP evaluation system, their own plan for people with learning disabilities, etc. It is very frustrating to re-start the process, which was one of our main reasons for Joe getting this job. It took so long to get this diagnosis; it is fairly new to acknowledge ADHD in females. The other main reason was that it is non-deployable and he is awesome at dealing with all the regulations. He is up for Major in about a year to a year and a half, after the deployment. And yes, we will take pictures of everywhere we go! We are planning to go to Italy this summer when he returns. They give those returning from deployment 30 days to take any leave they have saved up. When we are in K-town, we are going to go to England. I want a picture by the "Treadway Street" sign!!! When we purchased our family sword and coat of arms from an English company, they knew the family name and the man at the bazaar had been on Treadway Street. It has one of his favorite little restaurants.
More later! I hope all of you are well. Have a great Sunday. Michelle and gang