HAPPY NEW YEAR 2010

HAPPY 2010 to you!!!! And Prissy's siblings should be born any dqy...praying there is a girl in that litter!

Merry Christmas 2009

Despite the nasty weather, we had a GREAT time at Tobi's, as you can see. The kids had a great time, and we even played Yahtzee Christmas morning. Scott fixed us a big breakfast...delicious! And of course he graciously gave up his bed. Tobi's back hurt, so her dad slept on the couch so she could sleep in the bed. That is always fun sleeping with Tobi! And Logan loves PePaw!

BLIZZARD 2009

I think many of you followed our "Winter Adventure" on Facebook. We left Christmas eve at noonish to go to Tobi's in Stillwater, OK for Christmas. We thought we would beat the snow. Well, we did until the last hour of the trip. Anyway, these were some of the BETTER pictures of that trip. So glad the Lord had a good hold of us and we arrived safely! We had gotten a hotel room so we wouldn't kick Scott and Tobi out of their bed. Well we couldn't even make it there. The highways were closed until mid day Christmas Day. Took us 7 hours to get BACK home, and the skies were clear. But the roads.......

Our Tree 2009

We bought a new tree this year, not that we got to see it much......it is much smaller, and was really pretty

2009 Christmas with the Burns

We left the Bartleys on Saturday morning and headed to Honey's. Joe Lee, the eldest, was unable to be with us this year (we are planning a sibling weekend to watch football in January). Tobi and her family were able to join us this year. As usual, Tobi and Clint had a fabulous time together. There were 4 yorkies there, made us miss Prissy so.... anyway, we had a blast with Honey, Viginia, Larry , Maggie, and Pat and his family! We headed home late Sunday afternoon. Leaving Texas gets harder and harder,,,,,,

2009 Christmas with the Bartleys

We left Wednesday afternoon for our Christmases with the Texas families! Clint and Kristin went with us and we had a great time. The Texas bird bath and bench was Sammye's Christmas from all of us. She loved it (I would too). Sammye out did herself with all the delicious food. We also went to Hillsboro and saw family there. Makes us homesick...... anyway, a great time.

It's Beginning To Look Alot Like Christmas.....

Our TWO Thanksgivings are over, house is clean, and Christmas is up! We finished our Christmas shopping the weekend BEFORE Thanksgiving (and paid cash). We had been shopping for a month, oh and I LOVE using the internet too! I am not done wrapping, but I am working on it, slowly. We bought a new prelit tree (not sure if I like them yet) because our old tree is very big and our living room is not.
Now to start the VERY busy holiday season. Tonight we have the Comstocks and Arnolds coming over for dinner and cards. Tuesday night going to Nakatos with Lisa and the girls. Thursday, getting more low lights in my hair, and Friday is Charles' office party at Highland Springs. And after THAT party, there is another party at one of his physicians' home. So it will be a long, partying night. I think we might be going to Silver $ City Saturday night, but that is not confirmed. Whew! That is just this coming week. But, I do love the Holidays!
We have had Colby and Pancakes since Tuesday night, since Clint and Kristin are with the McMurrys in New Mexico this week. They have been a joy!
Well, I will try and post more often! Oh, and did I say I miss Prissy? I sure do. We are still hopeful to get her sister around Valentine's Day. I am taking suggestions for a name.....you have any ideas??????

HAPPY HALLOWEEN 2009

This year was a nice Halloween weekend! We went to a costume party (as you can see), went to our church festival, had trick or treaters and had the Comstocks and Arnolds over after that and we played cards! So very nice and relaxing!
Next weekend, we plan to do Christmas shopping. Also, going to the Veterans Parade and Dana and I are getting massages! And we are going to put up the Christmas lights outside, since it will be warm outside!!
HOPEFULLY getting Prissy's sister around Valentine's Day....if I can wait that long!

Bye Bye Precious Prissy!

First, I do know there are more sad things that happen to people, I do not take that lightly. But, this is MY story...on my blog!
Last Thursday we were so very excited to have CB's parents driving here to see us. Prissy was scheduled to be spayed. I took her in at 8:15. She was as happy as could be as I handed her to the staff. They were to call me when she was awake. CB had just called me asking if I had heard from them (around 10:30) and they called just then, so I had him hold for a second. I was gone much longer as the doctor began by saying there was no easy way to tell me.........blah blah blah. She had a cardiac arrest as they were waking her up. All had been fine up to that point. They worked on her almost an hour trying to get her back, but they could not.
We only had her 2.5 months, but we were so attached to her. We miss her terribly. I was so glad CB's parents were here.
On Friday, I went to Petland and explained that my puppy had just died and they let me hold a yorkie puppy back in one of their offices. I held it and cried and cried and told Prissy goodbye. I needed to do that! They were very nice.
Now for a bright side. The breeder we got Prissy from found out and told my friend Tracy that there is a another litter due New Year's eve, and we can have one of Prissy's sisters. I am very hopeful, we both are.
I am so grateful for all the sweet Facebook notes, emails, texts, calls, plants, flowers, even a bear to hold. I am so lucky to have such great friends and family!

BYE BYE SUMMER!

I can't believe we are approaching Labor Day Weekend, signaling the end of Summer 2009. It has truly been a great summer. The July 4th weekend was fabulous, went to Vegas with my family, got Prissy, went to Texas to see the Bartleys, and ending the summer going to see the grandkids! We have had many weekends of playing cards, and a few in front of the chiminea. Yes, see my little Prissy? She is so precious, and we both are crazy about her.
The high today is going to be 72 degrees! The last 2 weekends have been similar! FALL is on the way!!

INTRODUCING...........PRISSY!!!

This is my new puppy, PRISSY! She is so cute, however I DO wish she would sleep more at night...but she will, she will!! The 3 of us are driving to Texas on Wednesday, that should be fun. But she loves to be held. Her little bladder is still very unpredictable.....but we sure are crazy about her....yes, even CB!

LAS VEGAS 2009

Left July 5th to go to Vegas with my siblings. We had so much fun! I WANTED TO WIN ENOUGH $ FOR MY PUPPY! I was up $175 on penny slots, so I decided I best move up to the higher $...and yes, I lost it. So, no puppy yet! But had a great time with the family. We laughed and laughed all week! We stayed at the Bellajio. It was beautiful.

JULY 4TH FUN!

The best week I can remember....Friday, July 3rd, we attended I Love America, full of fun, food, and friends. It was actually very cool when the sun went down. Great fun with great friends. We also went to the Springfield Cardinals baseball game on July 4th, with fabulous fireworks again!

MORE WOMEN OF FAITH PHOTOS

Still feeling the affects of this fabulous weekend. Already have people lined up to go with us next year!

WEATHER!

In will post about my great vacation later, but I HAD to comment on the weather! First, last week we were in Vegas with temps over 100 everyday. It was STILL more bearable than here! No humidity (2%), but here it has been horrible. Anywho, it is going to be 80 today and tomorrow and down in the 50s at night!!!!! We can breathe!!!!!!!

WOMEN OF FAITH 2009

One of the things we LOVE to do is eat these handmade crepes at the hotel we stay. The buffet is $20 and it is worth every penny (our husbands don't understand). These crepes are to die for!!!

Well, you know we are Women of Faith pros(or we THINK we are). I have been every year but 1 since they started in 1996. They have changed the convention center name several times in St. Louis, so when another name showed up on the instructions, I thought nothing of it. We buy are metrolink tickets and off we go to Union Station to eat and sit in the massage chairs. We left about 5:30 to walk to the Convention Center. It was so horribly hot, and we wondered where all the women were. As we arrived, Lisa tried to open the door and there was some rather grungy men at the door, and they said it was locked. We were very indignant and said oh no it isn't. They said we were at the wrong place! WELL!!!!!!!!! Being the group leader, I yanked out my paper and said no we aren't.....well, yes we were. They changed locations, and I hadn't noticed!!! The WWE (wrestling) was to be there that night! Those men offered to take us to the correct place for $10 a piece!!! We said no thanks, and caught a cab (ask Dana about that) and got there in plenty of time. It was actually the best Women of Faith ever.

Now comes my second favorite HOLIDAY of the year...JULY 4TH! I Love America Friday, Cardinal game Saturday...and Sunday? We leave for vacation with my brothers and sister.
We return on the 9th....and guess what starts THAT night?? BIG BROTHER 11!! YIPPPEE!

PRAISE THE LORD!

Our Kristin is doing GREAT! Well, she is sick to her tummy and is in some pain, but all is well. The tumor scar tissue was NOT attached to anything, including, thank goodness, her heart! We saw a picture and it was 3 inches long. It was huge for her little chest. But we are so thankful it is out, and she didn't have to go to ICU, and was talking with us this afternoon. Instead of a week or two, she will get to go home in a few days! We know who to THANK!! And thank YOU for your prayers!

KRISTIN

Please pray for our Kristin Monday, June 22. Her surgery is at 9a, she has to be at the hospital at 5a. They are removing scar tissue from her tumor, which is around her heart. They are not sure where it has attached itself........ We know God is in control! Also pray for Clint, and Ted and Jody, her parents. Thank you

PANCAKES IS A WOMAN!!!

Clint and Kristin went on an anniversary trip last week, and guess what happened to little Pancakes? All I can say is, I hope I get one of her puppies the NEXT time she does this. Isn't she cute in her little foo foo panties? And Tobi got a boy yorkie puppy, sooooooooo.........well you get the picture!

The next two weekends are going to be FABULOUS! Next weekend is Women of Faith, and then the next is I LOVE AMERICA on July 3rd, the Springfield Cardinals game July 4th, complete with more Fireworks, and then we leave July 5th for Vegas with all my siblings from Texas!!

We had a great time this weekend playing cards and laughing and working at the Concession Stand. We spent tonight at home, with Panckaes and Colby, while Clint and Kristin were at the lake with the McMurrys. Please pray for Kristin, she has major surgery Monday at 1p to remove her tumor scar tissue around her heart.

CHARLES TURNS 50!!!! Married 30!!

Regardless of his wishes, CB's 50th birthday came. Thanks to Kathy and Dana for filling the living room with shredded paper, forking our yard, and ATTEMPTING to fill his car with black balloons (he caught them doing this). Also, our Sunday School class wore black and we had breakfast (last pic).With the help of Dayla, his office staff wore black and had a potluck lunch for him. I had 2 manager friends, Katrina and Trudie, to decorate his office too! It was fun, well for me anyway. Now on to a busy summer!

Oh, today, June 16, 2009 is our 30th anniversary! And still happily married!

SOMEONE'S BIRTHDAY IS COMING!!!!!

Poor CB. This was the second in what I am sure is a string of 'paybacks' from people! We came home from OK and found this in our yard! Last week, CB came home to find the living room and his chair covered in shredded paper! And his birthday is 12 days away! Poor CB.

We have had a GREAT weekend. CB was off all day Friday and I took half the day off and we went to OK to see the grandkids. It was a great visit. Sunday we went to the Arnolds with the Comstocks to eat and play games until almost midnight! And today!! Nothing! It is 8:15pm and I am still in my pjs!! Lazy girl!

SIX weeks until vacation! Going to Vegas with my siblings! This Saturday starts the weekly concession stand!

Hope your weekend was great. I am very mindful of the sacrifices many have made for our freedom. THANK YOU!

JUST A LITTLE UPDATE

Remember me? My name is Toy Helen!! First let me make this clear...I still want a Yorkie Girl Puppy! CB bought me a car 2 weeks ago, and I said thank you I love it, but...............

I went to my annual MGMA conference at Tan Tara the first of this week. I leave Sunday to help Sammye (my mother in law). She is having a total knee replacement, so I will be staying with her at the hospital. So, I have (well, HAD) 3 days to do 2 weeks of work. Not working out too well for me! And as I type this, those big storms are about to hit the area, and I sure don't want to get my cute car out in it. It is a 2008 white Impala LTZ!

The Emergency Department is busier than ever! And yes, everyone thinks they have the swine flu.

I want to plant flowers this weekend, but I am not sure I can squeeze that in. With the Arnolds and Comstocks tonight and tomorrow night we have a birthday party to go to, and I fly out Sunday at 3:30.

So, there you have it. I love my life, I love my husband, I love my job and I love my Saviour!!

I WANT A TOY YORKIE GIRL PUPPY......

....and when I told CB what I wanted, the above is what I got!! All in my chair! He is funny, isn't he? I have even named her....PRISSY! Not the pink puppy...my NEW puppy I'm gonna get someday! But she has to be little....and PRISSY!

NOT NEAR AS EXCITING.....

My little blog here isn't near as exciting as the Guatemala folks. I can't wait to hear all about what they did and what they saw. But, I HAD to blog, since it has been so long.

As you can see, we grand-dog sat all week while the kids were in Florida. Colby (the weenie dog) just lays on my lap! Little Pancakes crawls under everything, she actually found a couple of things I have been missing, and generally tries to find trouble to get into. But she is so cute. Anyway they went home last night. My feet were not as warm, since Colby wasn't there!

Another great thing about having the dogs is we stayed home every night last week. THAT was nice (and rare). This week is very busy....
Tuesday - Going to St. John's Award Banquet - I am on a committee that won an award, so I have to be there.
Wednesday - church
Thursday - Dinner with friends from work, always good to visit with them
One night this weekend, we will be with the Arnolds and Comstocks.....gotta play games ya know.

I am ready to open my windows and let the warm air in, aren't you?

BEAUTIFUL SPRING!

in the yard behind us...so pretty...a Bradford Pear

LOOK WHO IS 50.........

We had a fabulous time at FLAME for Kathy's birthday dinner, as you can see. Then we went back to the Arnolds for a surprise gathering of a few friends. Always fun when we are together.

70'S/SNOW/ALMOST 80!!!!!

These pictures are right outside my back door!!!! Last Thursday, it was 70 and gorgeous! We woke up Saturday to THIS!!! But......as luck would have it, we should be approaching 80 (well in the 70s anyway) this Thursday. Most of the snow is gone, except on the north side of buildings and under trees. But I hear birds every morning. And DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME will be here this weekend. I hate to lose the hour, it seems like weeks before I feel recovered, but I LOVE more sun in the day!! Again I say....COME ON SPRING!! We impatiently wait.....

BLOGGING VS FACEBOOK

I have SO neglected blogging. One reason is, my camera is put away since the holidays are long over, so I forget to get it out. And, I am on Facebook all the time when I am at home. But, that is just 'snipits' of what is going on in people's lives. Some people are really hurting.....

Another weekend with friends. (5th or 6th in a row I think) The Arnolds will be gone next weekend to see that beautifull granddaughter!

Have any of you been to Houlahans? We all went February 13th and it was fabulous! We are going again tomorrow night. Then cards and SEQUENCE!

We REALLY need to clean house Saturday.....wonder if we will get to it!! The Wii calls us every chance we get.

Today is Kristin's birthday! Happy Birthday sweetie!!!!! Make Clint treat you like a Queen. Never mind, he should be doing that anyway!

CB is kinda sick. Sore throat, cough. He isn't in bed or anything, but I hear him coughing now.

The Emergency Dept is still so busy. 4 to 9 hour waits almost continuous, and we have a hard time ever clearing out the waiting room these days! Enough said.....

Well, there you have it. LOST and 24 are the best TV shows of 2009!

TORNADOS!!!

YES!! February the 10th, of all times, but Springfield had an F1 tornado go through Tuesday night. We didn't know it, no sirens, it snuck up on everyone and we were fast asleep, but when I got up the next morning, I heard it hit at Lark and Republic Rd (HEY!!!! That is where Clint and Kristin live). They are fine, and did not hear anything. Then, when I got to work, I saw that several businesses directly across the street from the Emergency Dept had damage! One is a floral shop (poor things, bad timing). Anyway, no reports of injuries, just roofs gone and windows blown in.

WHO LOVES "LOST"? Goodness it is so good and intriguing!!

EPIC PICTURES

These pictures were all taken as we were going LIVE about 5:00a.m. on January 11, 2009. The first picture is Lane hugging goodbye to the T-Sheets (the paper charts we used up until this point). Actually this night went fine, we weren't very busy, but then...the week came!! But as you can see, we HAVE made it, with a few bruises and scraps, and we have more obstacles to conquer. But we will, one at a time! Anyway, an exciting time in the history of Mercy St. John's!

EARLY JANUARY AND TOBI'S VISIT

This is a combo of our late Christmas with Clint, Kristin, Colby and Pancakes. Clint's surgery was responsible for delay in our celebration! And a couple of weekends after that, Tobi and the kids came for a quick visit. We had a lot of fun then too. The girls and I went and had manicures and I introduced then to Cashew Chicken after that. After some protest, they went and LOVED it! They wanted it again the next day for lunch.

Sad football is over.....not a basketball fan.....

January 2009 was VERY busy!

A NEW WEEK.......

I am not foolish enough to think the EPIC GO LIVE activities are over. We still have a doc who has not worked yet. We have some that are getting it, and some that are still struggling. I will sure do what I can to help those......BUT

I HAVE to work in my office. I am so far behind on things, especially March schedule. That is what I HAVE to do this week.

I did rest quite a bit this weekend. I slept 3 hours yesterday, and yes, I went to bed at normal time and went right to sleep.

Clint and Kristin are fine. They cut hours for Kristin, and Clint is working ALOT due to EPIC. He worked all weekend.

Scott is working like crazy, and Tobi had a tooth pulled and it still is bothering her, which bugs me. She is calling the dentist today.

CB is fine, cute as ever........ He is glad I will be home at normal times (hopefully) this week. ME TOO

NEVER BEEN........

I cannot recall when I have EVER been this tired, this long!!! WAAAAHHHHHHH! Poor me huh? I am sleeping when I can, and resting when I can....surely it isn't that I am too old for this kind of schedule I am keeping? Not sure how long I will work today, and tomorrow I will work from 3p-12a. I HOPE to be off this weekend. Saturday is busy with "fun" stuff.

THINGS I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO IN 2009

* One good snow (NO ICE) before spring

* EPIC newness to wear off

* American Idol, 24, LOST, Big Brother

* Seeing family throughout the year

* Women of Faith in June

* I Love America July 4th

* Las Vegas Trip July 5th with my family

* Playing cards with friends every weekend possible

That's just the first half of the year! Who knows what the last half will bring!!

ANNUAL NEW YEAR'S EVE P.J. PARTY 2008

Here we are!! We got in our pjs as soon as everyone got to our house and got settled. CB cooked steaks and we had a fabulous dinner. Then on to Hand and Foot, a very long game, which we didn't finish. Kathy was not feeling well, and I still was 'under the weather', so we actually were all in bed by 1:30am. We got up at 8 and cooked breakfast and everyone went their own ways to complete the holiday. We spent the rest of the day taking down decorations while watching football.

WHEW!! I think I am caught up blogging!!

This weekend St. John's goes live on our new electronic medical record (EPIC)! Last weekend we had 8 hour waits in the ED!! Uh, I can't imagine what it will be like THIS weekend, but all I can say is I will be there!! Pray for us!!!

ANNA'S ADOPTION

On New Year's Eve, I went to the doctor, then to get my nails done (most important), and then I picked up Clint and we went to Hinodes for lunch. Then picked up CB and we went to Anna's adoption. I think there were about 25 of us there! It was very heartwarming to watch, I never had witnessed anything like that before. And we were honored to be a part.

Went home after the proceedings and took a long nap, to prepare for our annual party....next blog

BARTLEY'S CHRISTMAS

We left Sunday morning from Tobi's to Texas and Sammye had a delicious turkey and dressing lunch waiting on us. Monday we drove to Hillsboro to see the family there. We had very nice visits. We had a wonderful time (other than me still being sick) and our time in Texas came to an end too quickly. We miss Texas......anyway, before I left I called and made a doctors appointment for the next day (New Years Eve). I am finally feeling better!

CHRISTMAS AT TOBI'S

I am a pitiful Grandma! I got only one picture of the kids, but then again, they were never together in one room after this picture. That is Zac, Brandon (left) and Kyli, Josh, and Megan (right). We had dinner and went back to Scott and Tobi's and opened presents. The second picture is of their new Boxer puppy, Rocky. He is the cutest thing, and I held him as much as I could. He is a sweetie. I was pretty sick, so we went to bed at midnight (Tobi is a night owl and can stay up MUCH later). We had a great day Saturday, it was cold and rainy, and we were in the living room playing Wii and the front door opens, and Tobi stares what seemed like a full minute, and then she screamed "this is the best Christmas present ever", as who was standing there? Clint, Kristin, Pancakes and Colby. They surprised us and drove down for a few hours to be with us. It WAS a great surprise and we had a blast. So, we had, 6 adults, 5 kids, and 3 dogs!! It was fun and all behaved very well, yes, even Pancakes! We left there on Sunday, back to Texas with CB's family. ...next blog!

CRAZY HOLIDAY SEASON!

Boy this was the busiest Holiday Season ever! I must plan differently or something next year! I have alot to blog, but, I also didn't have my camera at all parties! Anyway, our FIRST trip to Texas was to celebrate Christmas with my family. It was also Tobi's birthday, and she and Scott also came. Clint and Kristin were taking finals and working. We had so much fun, even sat up until 3am on Saturday night chatting (helloooooo! We are old now sibs!! We probably need our sleep!!) Anyway, I knew I could sleep all the way home. And yes we played poker, and guess who was the big winner!! ME!!!! We had so much fun!