PARTIES, MORE PARTIES! SIX!

We had a great time in Texas with my family, but more about that in another blog. We got back 15 minutes before the rain and freezing rain hit.

Monday night Kristin Bartley had a cookie exchange party, so we went to that. Lots of fun!Tonight we went to our Pastor's house, he had all the adult Sunday School teachers over for dinner. Good fellowship with people we never see as they are in their own classes. Tomorrow night, Praise Team rehearsal. Thursday, I have an office party with the Hospitalists at noon. From 3:00-4:30 the Medical Specialties managers party, some place downtown. From 4:00 to 5:30 the Primary Care managers have a party at Mr. Yens. Then, the last of this week's festivities will be a party at one of my Hospitalists' house for the Hospitalists group Saturday night.

Now besides all that, Clint is having surgery on his shoulder Friday at noon. Kristin has to work Friday and Saturday, so I will take off and be with him. Saturday, we will be with him alot, but I DO have to try and finish Christmas shopping.

So there you have it....I need a NAP!!!!!!!

NOW THAT WAS A WEEKEND!!!

WHEW! That was a crazy weekend. I believe I am getting old! Not sure I could do that often. But, it really was alot of fun! Only thing, I forgot my camera ALL WEEKEND!!!!!

Friday night we went to Highland Springs for the St. John's OB/GYN Christmas Party. The food was fabulous, as was the entertainment. It was alot of fun. Afterward, one of CB's docs had an "after party" at his home in Highland Springs. We went and it was most interesting and fun. There were alot of folks there that were not at Highland Springs, the large house was FULL! We stayed about 45 minutes.

Saturday, we slept late, cooked a late breakfast and then off to the next party. It was our Sunday School class party. If you remember in years past, we have this pair of HO HO HO boxers that we 're-gift'! Guess who got them this year? YEP! CB did! We had a great turn out and alot of fun! Then off to our next party in Marshfield to one of MY docs. Another full house, great food, great friends. The attached picture was taken there. Ty (Kristin's brother), Kristin, Clint, me and CB!

So.....I took a looooooong nap yesterday and ready to start this week. Only working 4 days, we leave Friday for Texas to celebrate Christmas with my family. I will try and remember my camera!!!!!!!!

THE START OF A BUSY HOLIDAY SEASON...

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...... it has been snowing, well, flurries mostly, all day. The ground is warm, so all we have is a dusting, but it has been in the low 30s all day! All our decorations are up and this week will be the only full week of work for me for the whole month of Decemeber. But here is my week...
Monday - I'm home after work, but I need to bake
Tuesday - First Christmas Party with the ladies I lunch with monthly, husbands included!
Wednesday - Never home on Wednesday night - Praise Team rehearsal
Thursday - Actually it is mine and Lisa Miller Conover's BIRTHDAY dinner at Nakatos (we are
running behind)
Friday - CB's department Christmas Party at Highland Springs
Saturday - TWO Christmas Parties - First will be our Sunday School class party in the afternoon.
Then on to Daryl and Taylor's (Daryl is one of my Emergency docs) for another fun
party.
Sunday - Christmas Choir Sunday!
The next weekend, off to Texas for Christmas with my side of the family....

COLBY

Isn't that funny?? Now this was Thanksgiving afternoon and Colby got a few small pieces of turkey, so we both were stuffed and ready for a nap. He is so lovable!

THANKSGIVING!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

FUN, RELAXING WEEKEND!

It was coooold this weekend, but it sure was nice. Friday night we ate dinner at Lone Star with a $10 coupon. Then we went to Walmart and bought ALL the groceries for Thanksgiving. It was not busy at all and we were glad we chose that time to do it. We slept in Saturday, and we cooked breakfast early so I could get to my noon nail appointment. Then we ran errands, bought a few more Christmas presents. I would say we are about 70% done!. Came home and took a nap, and when I got up, we went outside and put the Christmas lights in the bushes. Then, we met the Arnolds and Comstocks at Cracker Barrel for dinner and went back to the Arnolds and watched football. (I LOVE football)!! Church on Sunday and had lunch with the McMurrys and Clint and Kristin, since the McMurrys are leaving Wednesday to see their folks. Took a short nap because we had to be at church at 4:00 for Choir rehearsal. Then, we went with the Arnolds and Comstocks to La Hacienda for yummy Mexican food, all to hurry and be home by 7:00 to watch 24. And it did NOT disappoint!

Now a short work week. Hope to only work half a day on Wednesday, and off Thursday and Friday! We will be decorating for Christmas this weekend!

NEWEST MEMBER......PANCAKES

Well, here she is!!!! Pancakes! You can see the reason Clint and Kristin got her so early after we lost little Franklin. Colby needed a sibling! She cares nothing about anyone but Colby! She is 10 weeks old, and Clint has not experienced training a 'puppy'! Won't that be fun for him? Colby is once again himself. They will ALL be here for Thanksgiving. It will be an experience for ALL of us to have a puppy here! She is cute, isn't she?

FABULOUS WEEKEND

We had a fabulous weekend! CB and I both took off Friday, and we slept in. We met the Comstocks at 1:00 and headed to Kansas City to meet the Arnolds. They were attending a Missouri State Teachers convention. Our rooms were close together. We went to dinner and a little shopping at Crown Center before going back to our room and playing cards and yes, eating the snacks we brought. We had great rooms and comfortable beds too. We went to the Plaza on Saturday, but it was too cold to do much shopping there, but we certainly managed to eat at the Cheesecake Factory. Then we had a nice ride home, girls in one car and boys in the other. The girls were the head car and we just HAD to stop at the Dollar Store and Target before we got on the road home. We told the boys they could go on, but they stayed right with us! So relaxing and fun fun fun!!!

HO HUM

I am trying to make myself blog. It has been a week since Franklin ran in front of a car. I am still so sad. I know, I know, he was a dog and not mine, but I still feel responsible. Clint and Kristin actually have got a new puppy, she is cute and I am sure I will love her too, but she isn't Franklin....

Anyway, lets see...all Halloween decorations are down and Thanksgiving is up. Tobi and fam cannot come for Thanksgiving. I pulled my annual Thanksgiving grocery list (good idea, huh, keeping the list for every year) and trying to get excited about that.

Work....in EPIC (elctronic medical record) training. Work has been challenging and stressful.

Lots of Holiday parties on the calendar.

CB is good and has been such a support. I love you sweetheart!

Well, that's all I can blog for now.......ho hum!

MISS YOU LITTLE FRANKLIN

I am so sad, my heart is broken. Franklin got out of our back yard and ran straight to the street and was hit by a car. Clint and Kristin were on the way home from St. Louis and we had to make that horrible call. Little Frank was the apple of Clint's eye. I know as the days go by it will get better. My heart hurts for Clint (and Kristin too). Their other dog, Colby, cried all night, missing his buddy.

THE BARTLEYS VISIT

We had a FABULOUS time with CB's parents this weekend! I took off Friday and the 3 of us had a fun day. We babysat the dogs on Saturday (Clint worked and Kristin was with her family), and they were very good. As you can see they loved CB's lap, but not as much as the back yard. Anyway, the dogs left Sunday, and the Bartleys left Monday. I was sad....

Cold weather is coming!!! And the Spooky Corn Maze this weekend!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JODY!

Happy Birthday today Jody! We had a SURPRISE PARTY for Jody last Saturday, with family and friends. If you don't know, Jody is Clint's wife's mom. But, Jody was NOT the camera hog!! But Mr Landon Reinhard (one of my docs' son) certainly was! He sure is a doll, as are his 3 sisters!

TOY'S SPOOK HOUSE!

Here it is my Spooky House. I LOVE Halloween!!! Can you tell? It comes from my Mom, who also loved Halloween. In Texas as a kid, Halloweens are some of my fondest memories. Anyway, I have several spook houses, one that has thunder, a couple of rugs that when you step on it, one screams and one is a ghost moaning. Poor CB tolerates it. I love all holidays, but this is my favorite. TRICK OR TREAT!!!

WEDDING WEEKEND

What a fun fun weekend! The wedding was so lovely. I took off Friday to be of help and we met at the church at 9:30 to start setting up. It was truly an honor to help. We both love Mandy and Bradley. And Saturday was so beautiful. The wedding was short and sweet, and the reception was so beautiful and fun. And it sure was great to see Clint and Kristin. We rarely see them because of schedules.

Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Tucker!

LAST COUPLE OF WEEKENDS

Weekend before last, I worked Friday night in the ER. It was so busy, we went on divert, but then, so did Cox, which forces us to go on "Force Open". It was crazy! After work we went to the Arnolds and Dana, Kathy and I sat out by the chiminea all evening. So relaxing. Sunday, we got a one day surprise by having the Donovans at church. We hurried and made plans and they, along with the Comstocks came over for steaks and some cards. Boy, we miss them, and so enjoyed our time together. First picture is Kristin, Dana, spider, and I.

Last weekend was our annual trip with the (used to be Donovans), the Mortons from Texas, and the Hendersons from Oklahoma. Gary's mom passed away and the Mortons were not able to make it. So, CB and I took off for Tulsa on Friday. Buddy and Barbara joined us, and we had a weekend of fun, food and plenty of cards....oh, and MEXICAN FOOD!! Second picture is Ruthetta and Barbara at one Mexican restaurant.

This weekend is another very busy weekend. Our Mandy Britton is gettin' married!! I am sure there will be TONS of posts next week about THAT!

Oh, and WELCOME OCTOBER and cooler weather!

MY DECORATED OFFICE

One of my docs came in to my office on Sunday and decorated my office for my birthday! I was unable to capture all the balloons on the floor. It was certainly alot of HOOPLA, which I LOVE!! Thanks Daryl, Taylor and Keegan!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Here are 3 of my favorite birthday presents. My lantern, I saw back this summer at a Texas Cracker Barrel, but it didn't arrive at our Cracker Barrel until this week (I have been looking). Kathy found it for me. Miss Sharon made me my Halloween blanket, which makes it even more special. Dana bought my purse for me in July (and I got it in July too). I had been looking at them for several months. I LOVE it. Also, Craig Comstock wrote me this poem for my birthday!

Happy Birthday!!!!!! Here is your birthday poem.

The year was 1953
There were some parents excited as can be
They couldn't wait for the arrival of their new baby boy
Low and behold a boy was not to be
Out popped a girl they named Toy

The years have flown by as you can see
Through slips and falls and spills and chills
Toy managed to raise a great family with a guy named CB

Now today September 15, 2008
Toy is 55 and doing great
She is still married to that guy named CB
And she is an outstanding member of AARP

Happy Birthday. See you tonight

Dana, Craig and I all had hair appointments with Kendra yesterday, we were all 3 there at the same time. Now THAT was fun! So afterward the 4 of us went to dinner. One of my docs 'decorated' my office, I will blog that later!!! I did have a GREAT birthday, and I was overwhelmed at all the birthday wishes on Facebook. Thanks to everyone!

LABOR DAY POST

Would you look at how Franklin and Clint look at each other? Is that so cute? And speaking of cute, look at my daughter in law!! And Colby on CB's lap!! Too cute.

HELLO SEPTEMBER

So glad summer (mainly weather) is over! Now, you teachers and students out there....I know it is so different for you. I truly am sorry your life is now changed, but I don't have any of those kind of ties. Anyway, I AM sad it is getting dark earlier.

We went to see Tobi, Scott and the grandkids this weekend. They are all doing well. Church was great Sunday, and we went to the Comstocks for mexican food and games Sunday night. SO fun. Monday, Clint, Kristin and the dogs came over and we played a few games and had dinner. Very nice, relaxing weekend.

Now, back to work! Lots of issues there, plus trying to carve out some time to finish the holiday schedules! NOT so fun there at the present time.....

FABULOUS WEEKEND!

We had a fabulous weekend! The weather was wonderful too. Friday night we went to Cracker Barrell and back to the Arnolds with the Comstocks for an evening of fun and LOTS of laughter. Saturday, we cleaned house all day (boy did it need it!), and went to Dr. Kurz birthday party. Sunday was great and it was my Sunday to rock babies....love that and had lunch at Hinodes...YUM! Then to the "VOLLES" (Volunteer Award Banquet) at church Sunday evening. It was fun and very well done. They had it set up like the emmys, with lots and I mean LOTS of cameras flashing. Too fun!!

Another busy week at work.....Plan to finish the October schedule, then on to the HOLIDAYS schedule! Can you believe it is that time already???

Next weekend, we have a party Friday night with the Praise Team and Praise Band. Saturday we are dog sitting!

Oh, and still lovin' the Olympics!

WEATHER!

Mercy! The weather was FABULOUS this weekend. I didn't even mind the rain. You don't hear much about rain in August. It was only 80 yesterday, and I don't think we are suppose to HIT 80 today. And only 80s next week. I bet we have another HOT spell, but one can only hope not.

School starts soon....doesn't affect my house, but sorry to those it does. I am always glad to have the college kids back in town. Springfield is so different in the summer....

That's what's on my mind this morning!! Oh, and WHO LOVES THE OLYMPICS?????? I DO!

I don't know how to put an actual YouTube on here like Mark does, but here are a couple of videos we shot at the Burns portion of our Texas vacation

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wz255VOufuA

http://www.youtube.com/user/GinTren

We left for Texas last Tuesday and had a relaxing trip. Arrived at the Bartleys around 5pm. We had a wondeful time, and enjoyed our trip to Hillsboro too. Then we spent Friday and Saturday at Honey's. We had fun there playing poker, and caught a few folks sleeping!

Had a nice trip back (yes, I slept most of the way home). It gets harder to leave everytime we go to Texas.....

Worked at the OzarkFair Monday through Wednesday nights. Weird Al was there Monday night to a sold out crowd (REALLY????) Yes, I saw them.....Tuesday night was Mark Chapman and Candy Colburn (no I don't know them either) thank goodness their familes came to see them. MAYBE 150 people there. Last night was Ricky Skaggs....who likes bluegrass??? Nope not me. But, I had a good time working with friends and chatting and watching the fair people! Another year of that is over.

Having a nice HOT weekend. Going to Flame tomorrow night, and errands, and I have to work some this weekend, but in my cool chair at home.

I hope to get some pictures to post from the snoring eldest brother!

TIRED AND EXCITED

I had a busy week at work. Completed ALL year end data and financials, AND completed and put out SEPTEMBER for the Mid Levels and the Docs. I can now go to Texas without any work pressure.

So we finished up 10TH INNING KIDS on Saturday ( worked in the ER until 1:30 a.m. on Friday night), even though it drizzled most of the day. We also cooked, prepared and sold 40 hamburgers. Thats all we had, and we were turning folks away. WHO KNEW? We did not "close down" the stand, we had to get home as we were babysitting the dogs. Always fun, but WHEW! Glad we don't have them all the time.

Last night we went to Mandy and Bradley's engagement party at the Wilsons. Lots of fun, and caught up with some folks we don't see often. Busy time for them, since the wedding is the first of October.

OH!!! And I got my first BIRTHDAY PRESENT!! A fabulous handbag from Dana. I LOVE it! I haven't had time to take a picture of it. We are getting ready to leave for Texas tomorrow. Working today, getting my nails done, and house chores and packing, oh and my Avon order is due tonight also. SO......I am looking forward to some rest and sleep in the car on the way tomorrow. Although, I am worried what the car ride will do to my hip. It is some better after my injection, but still flares up from time to time.

Well, I will blog upon our return.

END OF JULY POTPOURRI

Well, let's see! It is year end at work, but I am almost done. Then trying to get September schedule out (you know, my BIRTHDAY MONTH). And of course BIG BROTHER 10! So far enjoying it. We have 39 people in our POT.

Going to Texas next week. Visiting the Bartleys 2 days and my family 2 days, and of course 2 days of travel. Getting excited about that. And then THE OZARK EMPIRE FAIR!!

Clint will be 27 on Wednesday. Happy Birthday SONNY! That's all I got for now........

JULY 4TH FESTIVITIES.....BLOGGED!

SO much fun. One of the best Fourths in a long time. We started off with:

1. decorations at Kathy's and a delicious BBQ meal
2-6. And then the cards began. We played Hand and Foot, which we haven't played in so long. And then we played rummy. We stayed out until 1230!! Much to John Paul's disgust! He wanted to know just what we were doing that long. I told Dana to record that, she'll need it very soon...

I neglected to take pictures, but Clint, Kristin and the dogs came over July 4th AM for breakfast, and cards.

7-10. We went to the McMurry's (Kristin's parents) for burgers and swiming around 5p. Had great burgers and a great time. The Reinhards (minus Kevin, SOMEONE had him working!!!) were there with us. Great time!

11. Then off to High Street to watch the "I Love America" fireworks with the Arnolds. We could hear Music. Clint and I decided we will go to ILA instead of FireFall next year (What's wrong with both???) {I MIGHT get CB to respond to THAT one}

12-16. Sunday night we went to the Prosch's annual 4th party, along with about 50 others. It was a great time of food and fellowship. We saw folks we never see, or never run into at church. Always a great time! Thank you Roy and Joyce!

Well, there you have it! Oh!! I left out Saturday. CB and I had a great time running errands. I slept until 10, and I might have slept longer but I got a leg cramp that woke me. We met Craig and Dana at Marias for dinner, and then the plan was to go to the movie at 930. We decided to go to the $ Store and get some candy (and we went to the Pet Store next door too). Then we were off to the movie.....except. CB and I hopped in our car and!!! DEAD! So after a couple of hours messing with that (and missing the movie time) we all went back to our house and had chocolate cake and played cards! Still a great time (CB would disagreee, as car trouble REALLY bugs men, doesn't it???). And Sunday at church, after Sunday school, I was asked to work in the newborn nursery. DARN! Kidding, I LOVE rocking babies all morning.

So as I said before, a really FABULOUS weekend. Now, back to work, as it is year-end!

HAPPY JULY 4TH

Happy 4th of July to everyone! We have lots of plans these next few days. Tonight we are going to the Arnolds with the Comstocks for a BBQ and cards! If it doesn't rain we will sit by the chiminea! Clint and Kristin are coming for breakfast July 4th and maybe a game of croquet. Karen may be coming over in the afternoon and we will grill burgers. If she doesn't make it, we have an invitation to a 4th party a few blocks away. And then of course, we will go and watch fireworks at 9:00p.m. Saturday we have errands and plan to catch a movie. Sunday am is church, and then another 4th party Sunday evening. Fun Fun!

2 weeks of work and then we get to go to Texas for almost a week. And when we come back it is FAIR TIME!!

FIREFALL 2008.....FINALLY

Springfield has had over 42 inches of rain thus far this year! And alot of it fell on.....FIREFALL day. I got up and continued my chicken 'cookin' because I just KNEW it was going to stop. Remember LAST year it rained on Firefall day, and we did not get to go. Anyway, after resolving that we were not having FireFall, and making alternative plans for the evening, I went for a nap. CB came in and woke me saying I got my wish, they had postponed FireFall to SUNDAY! Got to have lunch with Clint and Kristin, had a nice nap AND went to FireFall. Couldn't be a better day. We sat in the sun and never even sweat, it didn't get out of the 70s, and we all covered up in blankets during the fireworks display! I do not know how we find the smokers, but we always seem to get surrounded by them.

It was such a fun evening, and the fireworks were wonderful. Also, we got interviewed by the Springfield Newsleader. And who is quoted on the FRONT PAGE of the paper on Monday....ME! Also, later on in the article, Carole Miller is quoted about coming for someone's fabulous chicken!! That's mine (thanks Vicki Whitfield for the recipe several years ago). Anyway, click below

http://www.news-leader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080630/NEWS01/806300385/1007

HIP BURSITIS

Well, I finally went to the doctor yesterday about my dang right hip that has been hurting for months (it is hard to admit that SOMEONE is getting OLD). Anyway, after getting the diagnosis, and finding out what is going on, and getting an injection in the ole right hip, I sat down and just cried (from relief). I couldn't understand why stairs and long walks were so painful......

What is hip bursitis and what symptoms does it cause?
There are two major bursae of the hip, which can both be associated with stiffness and pain around the hip joint. The trochanteric bursa is located on the side of the hip. It is separated significantly from the actual hip joint by tissue and bone. Trochanteric bursitis frequently causes tenderness of the outer hip, making it difficult for patients to lie on the involved side, frequently making sleep difficult. It also causes a dull, burning pain on the outer hip that is often made worse with excessive walking or stair climbing. The ischial bursa is located in the upper buttock area. It can cause dull pain in this area that is most noticeable climbing up hill.

I requested pool therapy, as I will win this battle, now that I know what I am battling!

TORNADOS IN MISSOURI

Being from Texas, tornados are pretty common...but this has been the MISSOURI TORNADO YEAR 2008! We had one right by the church on Thursday around 3:30p.m. Clint was even calling around being sure his parents were safe. CB was at his clinic, and I was in Clinic Adminstration in meetings, so we were safe. The tornado was spotted right by the park by our house! We did not have any damage. As you can see our 10th Inning fields were damaged...BUT NOT THE CONCESSION STAND!

But lets talk about the concesssion stand. Since the season began Memorial weekend, we have opened the stand ONE Saturday, and at that, we closed early due to storms in the area. We did not open this Saturday, as there was too much tornado damage to the fields, as I said earlier.

Now, let me whine just a little. We have had almost 12 inches of rain this month, and the record is 13 inches. They forcast rain EVERY DAY this week, including Saturday. Must I remind you of what Saturday is?????? FIREFALL!!!!! My second favorite day of the year (first is Halloween, of course). FIREFALL was rained out LAST year....I am praying that mother nature will behave and let us enjoy a fun filled day with friends and fabulous fireworks!!!!!!

Thanks Mark for letting me use your tornado pics!

WOMEN OF FAITH 2008

OH MY GOODNESS! I cannot even explain the blessing we received attending this year's conference. It is simply unbelievable. Kathy, Lisa, Dana and myself headed out Thursday for a fabulous weekend. We were quite put out because at the fancy hotel we were staying, the breakfast buffet was $20!! Seriously??? Well, we went Friday morning cuz we were hungry, and we were introduced to the best made to order crepes we have EVER had. Saturday morning we got up at 5:30 to spend that $20 again!!!

The 2nd picture is a group of St John's managers who also attended Women of Faith, 3 for the first time, but, they ALL said not the last! Once you go, you will move heaven and earth to attend again. We got a special treat, as Natalie Grant was NOT scheduled to be there, but she was......oh my!!!!! Nicole C Mullin was fabulous all on her own, but she had some kids with her...well, they ROCKED! The WORSHIP TEAM was phenomenal, and the speakers out did themselves. Well, I could go on and on...

Next year, it will be in KC, March 13 and 14....

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY CHARLES & TOY

29 YEARS

We have been married 29 years today!

THE WEDDING AND RECEPTION JUNE 7, 2008

We spent 2.5 hours taking pictures before the wedding. And Kristin looked as beautiful at the end of all that as she did at the beginning. We had so much fun, and then the reception was also a blast. It was warm in the ballroom, but it didn't stop the fun. The last picture is Clint and his sister, Tobi. Where they are, there is ALWAYS a party, and lots of laughing. My batteries went out before I could get pictures of my eldest brother, who I think, aside from the bride and groom, danced the most.

The happy couple are on their honeymoon in Mexico finally, after having their flights canceled due to weather on Monday. We are babysitting the dogs, and they are behaving, but also reminding me I do not want an animal. I will borrow theirs occassionally.

To our annual Women Of Faith conference tomorrow in St. Louis! Can't wait. All total, I think there is about 20 of us going, alot of managers from St. John's attending. And then....FIREFALL!

PREPARATION BEFORE THE WEDDING

1. Tobi's family
2. Justin and Channing...we are waiting on the Bride.
3. Clint, Robert and Ty deep in rehearsal, as you can see, very serious
4. My family met for breakfast on the wedding morning, and then the wedding party is off to the salon
5. Kristin is getting her hair done and reading a letter we brought her from Clint
6. Tobi getting all dolled up
7. Finishing touches on our bride
8. The wedding party waiting on the mothers to get beautiful
9. What fun we all had there....

And then off to the church by 1:00.....Clint and Kristin were to see each other around 1:30 so they could start all the picture taking. Another post later

MR.AND MRS. CLINT BARTLEY

Here they are. We had a wonderful time at the wedding and I will blog more later, but wanted to post a picture of them.

THE DAY HAS ARRIVED!

The day is here! The rehearsal went well, and the rehearsal dinner was great. Thanks to Dana and Kathy for taking care of things. A good time was had by all, and it is so wonderful to have all our family around! The wedding is at 5:30, and we have to be at the beauty shop at 10:30, and then straight to the church. It will be a long day, but a fun one too. We are lucky to have Clint marrying into a good family. I will post pics when I can!! HAPPY WEDDING!

1 DAY AND COUNTING.....

Today is a big day. Joe Lee, my oldest brother flies in around 11:45. Tobi, Scott and the kids drive in around the same time. Charles' sister, and her family drive in around 2:00 and Honey, Larry and Maggie drive in around 3. Tuxes to be picked up, last minute arrangements for the rehearsal dinner, and to the church for rehearsal at 5:30. If you don't know, CB is doing the ceremony. Dinner will be at 7:30. Fun and excitement!! Bride and groom seem very cool calm and collected,....at THIS point anyway!

2 DAYS AND COUNTING

I almost forgot to post today, since I am off. Charles' parents and our niece will be here this afternoon. I think I will be with Clint this afternoon and most of the evening. We need to practice our dancin'! CB should get off around 2 today. Going to dinner with Clint and the Bartleys. That's it for today!!

3 DAYS AND COUNTING.....

Today is my last full day of work this week. I have a lot to accomplish, my expectations are high. But, I have a few treats to look forward to! A massage at 4:15, and a nail appointment at 5:30. Not sure what I shall do about dinner. The boys have their 'Bachelor Party' tonight, and even the fathers are going for a bit (dinner). I heard some of the wedding party fuss about it being an early night because "Clint will have to be in bed by 11". SO true, he has to have his sleep, like his MAMA! Anyway, if I can get done all I want to at work, I may take the WHOLE day off tomorrow. I would LOVE to go to the Farmer's Market for vegetables! I can't make it on Saturdays due to the Concession Stand. Of course I am off Friday too. All is done for the wedding, other than picking up Tobi's dress from the McMurrys, and getting CB's tux Friday. I may try to do get Tobi's dress tonight. I probably could dust and clean the bathrooms when I get home.....NAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!

4 DAYS AND COUNTING......

Well, today I am getting my haircut (and it needs it). Spoke to the Wedding Planner twice yesterday. She needed to know how many family seats needed to be saved at the reception. Kristin went to the movie with freinds last night, and Clint and Robert went and worked out (they think that is fun-weird!!!!). We are interviewing a doctor today, so it will be busy. I am kinda caught up at work, and if I can stay on track, I might take the whole day off Thursday. But that can change in a minute!

5 DAYS AND COUNTING....

Well, I hate to admit it, but it was a VERY emotional weekend for me. I am very excited for the wedding, and thrilled at his choice...it isn't that. I couldn't stop thinking of....the day he lost his first tooth, the diaper sound of him walking down the hall to our bedroom, his thousands of asthma attacks, he and my mom, oh, I can go on and on. Anyway..l hope I got all that OUT!!!! Clint's Best Man arrived from California and I know he is enjoying Robert. Today I am working, nothing much for the wedding for me, unless Jody or Kristin needs me!

WEDDING WEEK!

Here is the happy couple! We have started the week to the wedding countdown.

CONCESSION STAND 2008

We are doing it again! We are running the concession stand again this year for 10th Inning Kids. We really do have alot of fun doing it. It will be open every Saturday from 9:00 to 1:30. We serve grilled hot dogs and hamburgers, popcorn, candy and snowcones! Come out and have lunch some Saturday. If you don't know, it is located at our church, High Street. We have another crew running it on the wedding day!

844 CHARLIE DELTA

Look at this fancy aircraft! And CB and I flew in it...I got to ride in the front seat of this 4 seat plane! One of my docs, Dr. Chris Davis is not only an ER physician, but he is a pilot (and loves to fly his plane). So we flew to Oklahoma City last night and ate at a FABULOUS Mexican Food restaurant (it actually was my Christmas present)! But the flying was so FUN. I thought I might be a little scared, but I was not. It was fun wearing the headset and talking to Chris and listening to the different Control Towers that followed our flight plan. We left around 6:30 from the Springfield airport and landed back in Springfield about 11:30. By the time we taxied to the hanger, drove home and checked who won Dancing With The Stars, we were in bed by 1:00a.m. Chris emailed today and said lets do it again!! Boy, I will LOVE flying again!! What an exciting experience!!

CLINT GRADUATING

Clint graduates tomorrow! From Drury University in Springfield Missouri. (Bob Barker graduated from there!) And Tobi finished her degree in December as well. I am very proud of my children. But my question is......who REALLY likes to go to a graduation ceremony?? Yes, yes, I am going, but......

FIRST OF MANY WEDDING POSTS

As of today, all wedding invitations are out. CB and I have completed the rehearsal dinner invitations (yes, he really WAS a big help), and we will mail those out this weekend. Tonight I start my list for the shower my sweet friends are giving Kristin on May 22. Which reminds me....IT'S MAY ALREADY!!!!! EGADS!!!!

I also must get on the concession stand schedule. We will only be open from 9:00a.am to 1:30p.m. Anyone want to help us???????

CATCHING UP......

We are both STILL peeling from our trip...gross! Work is so busy too. And of course, THE WEDDING! I almost have the rehearsal dinner invitations complete and will send out this week. I hope I do not forget someone. Who is invited? Anyone helping in the wedding and anyone who is coming from out of town. So if you don't get one, and you fit in those categories....let me know!

Remember when I joined 2 years ago the MGMA-MO Board? I thought I would join and change these folks. Well, I failed. I am very glad to finish my 2 year seat this weekend. I will have one more chance to share the One I know, but thus far they are uninterested. I asked what we will be doing Friday night as a Board, and was told we will be calming the Conference Chairman down.....of course with alcohol, is what they meant! Again, I will excuse myself from this activity. I go to Tan Tara Friday, and the conference will not begin until Sunday night. At least Sunday night, there will be St. John's managers coming. Tuesday morning, I am DONE with the Board. I am sorry I did not accomplish my self-given task for Him, but maybe, just maybe, they saw Him in me. But then, rarely were they sober....

And of COURSE we agreed to do the Concession Stand again for 10th Inning Kids! We are excited (and CRAZY, I know). And I found a fabulous group to handle it the Saturday we will be tied up...you know, 06-07-08 CLINT'S WEDDING!!!!!

THE LAST OF THE PICTURES

Well, here are the last of the pictures. They were not as nice as the ones below, since they were taken from a disposable camera. Most were of the pool area of the hotel, which is right behind the private beach area from the pictures below. There were at least 3 pools, and 2 restaurants right there.

CB bought me another camera Friday night, so I would have a camera for all the wedding festivities. We had a shower from Jody's (Kristin's mom) friends, and it was very nice. I will blog those pictures soon. We are in full swing, the wedding is 7 weeks from Saturday!

STORMS

Being a TEXAN, I LOVE hearing that thunder all night. It makes for great sleeping.

I STILL CAN'T BELIEVE IT...AND I WENT

I am still in a quandry as to how I won this. But I did, and we went, and it was beautiful. I DID NOT get the flu (thanks for your prayers about THAT), and we made all flights (even though one we had 10 minutes to get to). After the last picture above, apparently my camera broke...which is VERY sad (as there is a wedding coming up). Anyway, the first six were views from our balcony. We arrived at night, and had a 60 minute ride to the resort. It was interesting, and I asked CB "where are we and how did we get here?". But as we pulled into Wyndham my fears were relieved. We couldn't see out so we did not see where we REALLY were until morning. The worst part was trying to adjust to the pace there. No one gets in ANY hurry. The bottom 3 pictures were taken as we laid on the beach, and this was our view. Someone got BURNT, and that was the last day we 'sunned'. Right behind us was the pool area, and I will blog that when I get my portable camera pictures back. We had wonderful meals, and we sat hours on that balcony reading and just watching the boats go by. When they came to pick us up, it was on one of those open buses. Again, no one is in a hurry, and the driver stopped at a roadside market (no one ASKED him to). I am thinking...HEY WE HAVE TO GET THROUGH CUSTOMS!! But again, all went well, and we had plenty of time.

We continually thanked the Lord, from Whom we know this trip came....

WE WERE LIKE LITTLE KIDS.....

We were like little kids all day Saturday. Starting early we were texting each other, counting down the hours until we were together (it had been several weeks). We went to Cracker Barrel and then to play cards, cheating included (right boys)? And apparently SOME could not remember what we were playing, so we had to get the blackboard out..... always fun times, lots of laughs, lots of food....

TRUTH PROJECT and BABYSITTING THE DOGS

This is a few pictures of Franklin and Colby (when Franklin was being good, which only happens when he is asleep!!) They were asleep on my lap!

Here are a few pictures of our weekly Truth Project, minus the Youngs. We really are enjoying the videos, and our time together! Thanks Arnolds for opening your home!

PRAY FOR ME!

With so many problems of the world, this is such a small request.....

BUT! As you know, my trip I won last July to St. Thomas is NEXT WEEK!! We drive to Tulsa Wednesday, and fly out Thursday morning (we won't reach our destination until 9pm). But, here is my request....

I have been SURROUNDED by people with the flu this week. Every coworker that I work with daily have the dang flu. One of them even had to go to the ER for treatment!!! Now listen, if it is my turn to get the flu, I am fine with it, but NOT NOW!! I have been wearing gloves, wiping down everything, even sleeping more, trying to keep my immune system up.

So, when you are praying for things that really need praying for, maybe you could just remember this small and insignificant (in the grand scheme of things) request!

ST. THOMAS

St.Thomas is there where it says US Virgin Isle. And the first picture is the resort we will be staying at. I still can't believe I won this! I even called the resort AND American Airlines, and sure enough, CB and I have confirmations!!! I can't believe it, and I am so excited. We leave Wednesday, April 2 after work to drive to Tulsa to catch an early morning flight on Thursday. We will eventually land in St. Thomas around 8:30 that night, coming home late Monday night. I won it doing on line surveys at this site http://www.npdor.com/ I also won $100 from here about 4 years ago. They send surveys about every 10 days, and takes maybe 10 minutes or so, usually about shopping habits, or restaurant likes/dislikes. I just can't believe it!!!

OH NO.......

More snow????? After the mid 70s this weekend!!! Predicting 3 to10 inches tonight!!! WAHHHHHH!! And the flu is in full swing here. There are no hospital beds open in Springfield. BOTH hospitals full (which means we house them in the Emergency Department!!!)

Catching Up.....

We have all been so very busy. So I thought I would quickly blog to catch you up.

*Tobi got a big promotion, she is now HR manager
*Clint changed jobs, he is still working for St. John's, but he is now Applications Specialist for our new EHR (electronic health record)
*Speaking of EPIC (our EHR), we go live Wednesday in the clinics. My portion (ER & Hospitalists really go live in December),
*CB is changing jobs. He will manage a clinic at Smith Glenn (OB/GYN). He is excited!
*CB gets to go on the trip I won to St. Thomas in April!! YIPPEEEE
*My trip to Milwaukee for the Hospitalists was very productive, except, I cannot take that job on (opening another department). I have agreed to get it set up.....but that is all I can do.
*Have a Strategic Planning mtg today for the Hospitalists at University Plaza, which means I will miss Truth Project!
*I LOVE Truth Project!
*Someone is having a birthday....(maybe Kathy Arnold?????)
*LOVED the weather this weekend, but another cruel joke from Mother Nature, I am afraid....
*Very busy with Wedding stuff!!!

Ok, done for now, gotta get to church!!

I FELL.....again!

OK, so I get to church yesterday, running about 5 minutes late, so EVERYONE in the Praise Team and Praise Band and the tech people are there. As I approach the stairs to the stage, they turn of the auditorium lights, checking the red lights only. I do think to myself, maybe I should wait until the lights go back on, but, I can see the bottom 3/4 of the stairs......so off I go! Of course I get to the top, I have navigated the stairs wonderfully....BUT the dang speaker is there, to which I trip right over (I am laughing as I type this). Dana said I made a moaning sound as I am slowly falling to the floor. And when you fall on the stage, it is LOUD!!!! There was a second of silence, prior to me laughing my head off, and then other's (Especially DANA) laughed with me. I got helped up, and I even went to sleep last night laughing.... No, I wasn't hurt!

I am leaving tomorrow for the balmy state of Wisconsin to attend a 4 day Pallaitive Care conference. I will be back Friday. I will miss Wednesday's Praise Team rehearsal, and of course CB! But thank goodness, I think I kicked this awful cold (thanks Barbara for getting me medicine Saturday!!).

ICE STORM 2008

This is just an example of the ice coating, to all you who DO NOT live here. I think it is over for now, but no chance of melting today. Suppose to be 10 tonight. We do have some tree damage in the back yard this time. And this is my monthly early morning Emergency Department meeting. One of my docs is coming to pick me up this morning. Thanks Daryl, you are precious!

BIG BROTHER 9...HERE IT COMES!!!!

Thanks to the writer's strike, we have an EXTRA BIG BROTHER this year!! I know there is alot of you BB fans out there......

Circle of Care

We had quite the time Saturday in our Circle of Care group. 2 of our 3 groups met at Lighthouse Lanes at 10am Saturday (you can view pics at Kathy's blog http://kathrynrenae.blogspot.com/ ) and then the Hesses' group went to Acambaros for lunch. We had a great time of fellowship!

FINALLY!!!!! SNOW.....

I think we received about 4 inches. It was so beautiful. I road to work with CB yesterday, I had meetings all day, and we were sure glad to be home last night. I had put a big pot of stew in the oven before we left for work, and it was so nice to walk in smelling dinner ready. We got our pjs on (ok, ok, CB doesn't have pjs, but he DOES have lounge pants), started a fire in the fireplace, got our warm blankets, and had dinner and watched LOST!! Great night!!!

A fun weekend ahead. Errands tonight, and we will be meeting with a couple of Circle of Care groups from our LifeBuilders class tomorrow morning for bowling and lunch! And of course, going to the Arnolds for the Super Bowl. Kathy said we will have enough food to feed the neighbor hood.

I think Clint will have trouble getting back from Wisconsin today, he is flying through Chicago. Well, have a great Super Bowl weekend! Go Patriots!!