Friday, May 18, 2012

Surprise Party:

My Aunt Fern - 79 Years Young:

We were invited to a big surprise birthday party for my aunt combined with a Feeler Family Christmas Reunion on Saturday night. We weren't able to make it when it started but luckily I was able to get pictures from my cousin of Aunt Fern coming in. They actually surprised her. A friend of Aunt Fern's was (supposedly) having a Christmas Party and had asked Aunt Fern to bring four dozen deviled eggs. Aunt Fern had commented she didn't think she'd ever get that many done in time to go. She said of all the covered dishes she was asked to bring that was the most time consuming. Hmmmm, maybe that was the idea to keep her home and busy all day. lol
They had a dinner and dance afterwards. There was so many relatives there I hadn't seen in a while. I had a wonderful evening. It seemed I table hopped all night trying to visit with everyone.
Surprise!!

What, oh my....

I had never noticed a resemblance between my brother, Russ and my cousin Steve before. I was kind of shocked when I first got a glimpse of this picture as I knew Russ wasn't there.
Steve:


We finished off the evening by going to a friend's house for their Christmas Party.
We seldom go out and it was such a fun evening. I would love to have more outings like that.
Sunday, I was tired!! Saturday was spent shopping with April for a wedding dress, lunch out and a little Christmas shopping. Then the whole evening and night visiting, this gal isn't used to so much activity all in one day anymore!! lol

As my blog title, I am so grateful for the life I've been given.

Mom & Dad:

Mom and Dad before Mom's surgery on Wednesday:
(Mom is smiling in the picture but was in a lot of pain. 
 You can see the worry and fear on Daddy's face)

I love my Mom and Dad, plain and simple as that. On June 1st, they will celebrate 65 years of marriage. As you can see in the pictures above, their love shines through. Momma had several falls about a month ago and has not been in good health. We learned last week the "compound fracture" in her back was actually a burst fracture and bone fragament had dislodge and causing pressure toward the spinal column. She had a surgical procedure done on Wednesday and I am happy to say she is back home and doing well. Tough few days, lots of prayer. We have had quite a few trials/tribulations in our family the past month. (thus, the lack of posting..........)

I am grateful for each day and most grateful for the healing Momma has received this week.

Monday, May 7, 2012

Parker Bradley:

Isn't he a doll? Meet the newest great nephew, Parker Bradley, son of my great neice, Kara. Poor baby and Momma had a rough delivery but thank God all turned out well. I'm so grateful for each of these little additions we get in the family.

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Nesting Instinct:


Well, just like prior to a child's birth you get the nesting instinct to prepare for the upcoming event, I just got hit by the pre-planning wedding deco instinct!! Big time!!
I have hit the internet looking at ideas and haven't been the same since!! lol

I am so grateful for this opportunity to plan and share in our daughter's upcoming wedding in September.

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Todd:


Hard to believe our youngest son is 31 today. What a precious gift he has been.

Happy Birthday, Toddy!

I am grateful for such a sweet and caring young man Todd is.

Friday, April 13, 2012

Easter Weekend:

Friday:
I had the day off and spent most of it in Rolla shopping for Easter dinner and running errands. I didn't feel the best and was in bed by 7 o'clock. I must have been pretty tired as I didn't get up until ten Saturday morning.
Saturday:
After a lazy morning I decided I should attempt doing something for the day. Dwayne and I (or I should say Dwayne) moved our sign at the end of our driveway and set out some flowers. I piddled some working on a flower bed. Being out in the yard makes me wish I could work in it like I used to. Even when Chad came by he stated, Mom you used to spend most of the days out working in the yard, so guess I'm not the only one that remembers and misses those days.
Ashlyne and Zach came over in the evening. My permit-driving niece somehow talked Aunt Nonnie into letting her drive the couple miles to pick up Tess but that was the end of that!! lol Nonnie drove on to Rolla. Kara Leigh is expecting a baby and we were having a surprise shower after dinner on Easter for her. My sister-in-law, Bobbi is so excited for this great-grandbaby of hers to be born. The girls were young when Bobbi came into the family and hasn't been around for the beginning of a child's birth. Bobbi let Tess and Ashlyne have full reign over decorating for the shower. The girls had quite a time picking out the decorations at Wal-Mart, especially with them being in charge.
We rented movies and picked up supper at Wendy's. I'm getting entirely too lazy at cooking and value meals sure come in handy. Aunt Nonnie is cheap, pick off the 1.09 price list.
The girls watched TV in the basement and Dwayne and Zach in the living room. Not my kind of shows so I went to bed to escape, I mean read a book.
Sunday:
Busy morning! The girls slept late so they didn't start decorating very early. I had planned on them stuffing the eggs with candy but easier to just do it myself at the counter while cooking side dishes. Dwayne is always in charge of the hams but he does so much more than that anymore. I don't know what I'd do without him going along cleaning up after me. I teasingly call him my daughter-in-law. He doesn't know why I call him that-I guess since that's what I helped Dodie with I think he fills that role.
We have had Easter at our house since we built the house in 1988 for both the Elrod and Feeler family. Dodie's brother, LeRoy and wife Aunt Carol came for years and sometimes their children and families. After Uncle LeRoy passed away, Aunt Carol still came down and then when she remarried, we all welcomed Walter into our family. They haven't came down the last couple years as Walter's daughter has Easter. Frankie came down this time and brought his little boy, Grayson for all of us to see. He was born October 3rd, 2011 the same day as my great-nephew Kaleb. Both babies seemed to enjoy just staring at each other and they both have the middle name Russell. I wish I had pictures to post but I forgot to charge my camera battery.
It is amazing how the kids have grown throughout the years and changes in family structures. There is alot of remember when conversations going on of Easter's in the past. Lots of good memories. Sure do miss Andy and Dodie but love hearing stories that involve them.
Kara was certainly surprised with the baby shower and we were a little surprised too when we heard the delivery date was moved up from May to the 20th of April! My birthday and Grandma Bobbi's is on April 19th, we're sure hoping for that date!! I am especially hoping so for Bobbi as she would be SO EXCITED to have this baby born on her birthday. But then Todd is shooting for the 17th as that's his birthday and he thinks he's special! lol I guess baby Parker will surprise us all and get here when he's ready.

Easter, a time of rebirth, life and hope. We celebrated all on our family get together over the weekend and for this I Am Grateful!!

Thursday, April 12, 2012

Momma:


I haven't posted this week. Just can't get my mind to put on paper my feelings.
My heart is heavy this week with thoughts of my Mom. Mom's health has gone down hill quite abit the past year. I know I'm not the only one who's ever experienced this, but it's hard. Much harder than I ever thought.
Momma fell at Dollar General in Rolla yesterday and then again when she got home. Nothing serious, just falls. She fell during the night and Dad had to call Judy to come help as he couldn't get Mom up by himself. Judy took Mom to the hospital this morning for x-rays and nothing is broke. But she fell again going up the steps when they got home. Mom's okay, I'm not! lol
Just life, but I can't seem to keep the thoughts crowding my mind of the what if's. What if she can't get around much, what if, what if, ........

Sorry for the bleak post today. I need (oh, how selfish that sounds!!) we need prayers of comfort.

I am so grateful for my Momma.