HAPPY ANNIVERSARY SWEETIE!

Five years - my how time flies....

Seems like yesterday I was saying "I do." Actually at this time five years ago, I was getting ready to walk over from the hall to the church. We were looking out the window, watching all of the people arrive. What a wonderful day. What an incredible journey it's been.

He's taking me to see George Jones tonight, I can't wait!

Where did November go??

Wow, I missed a whole month. how time flies. I am guessing, no news is good news - at least that is what I posted on here once.

Thanksgiving came and went, and I cried - on more than one occasion. There, I said it out loud. While I had so much to be thankful for this year, I just couldn't help it. I learned the hard way that one second can make all of the difference in the world. For my family, that second went our way. How lucky can one family be? I say my prayers every night. I pray for everyone's health, I pray for those fighting so that we may remain free.

People will tell you that everything worked out the way it was supposed to, but poo on them. They weren't there on September 21. I really thought I had moved one, but I cannot forget that one day. My Dad is so much better, but still, you don't just get over it. I still have nightmares, I hate hearing the phone ring and I don't know when I will really be able to sleep through the night again. I tell myself to let it go, but some part of me can't do that. I will, and I am getting better, but it's going to take time.

Christmas is coming. YEAH! Almost finished shopping, all except Mom and Dad, they are the hardest to buy for. We will think of something.

Our cruise is 27 days away.... WOO HOO!!!!!!!

Speaking of days... It snowed today, not much, but it snowed!

The End of the Month

Wow - October is finished. It flew by. Of course, it was about half over before things on our lives settled down. (actually it was half over before we realized it was October)

People always say that when you think things are bad, they can always get worse. I am sure that is the case, but when you are the person who had been hit with "bad", you don't see how "worse" is an option. Yes, I must admit, looking back, it could have been worse - much worse. No matter how much time has passed, I think about September 21, every single day. I am working to get over it, but it just keeps haunting me. funny, "haunting me" - on Halloween Eve...

So, I digress.... D.C. was a great trip, and I will post pictures soon. Probably to Facebook and Flicker, but I think my flicker links to here. I learned so much at the conference and then came back home and was diagnosed with asthmatic bronchitis and strep. Now that was fun. I tried work Wednesday, but only made it 4 hours - did better Thursday, but forgot my breathing treatment at home and left at 3 in desperate need of one.

Dad did great in DC. He and Dave roamed the city while I worked.

Sam's kids have H1N1 - lovely... They seem to be doing well now. I think Presley was going back to school today. It's that time of year - Maybe we are all lucky and are getting our illnesses over early so that we can celebrate the holidays germ free!

Later...
Shelly

GREAT CHECK UP!!

Dad had his 3 week follow up today - He's been given the okay to live a normal life, and rest when he gets tired! Oh, and most important, he's been cleared to go deer hunting. That was the question my brother had him ask! You gotta love brothers...

Three Weeks

Wow, three weeks ago I sat here and talked about the single most horrible day I had experienced. Things change so fast. Dad is slowly getting better. He doesn't feel bad, he just gets real tired, real easily.

He had to wear a monitor last week for 48 hours. They go in tomorrow to see what that said. He's bored, he's restless, he's wanting to have more energy. I can't blame him. This is a man who is always fixing something. He's ticked because his yard looks bad and he can't fix it. He shouldn't be too upset, mine looks bad too, but we can't fix it due to the lack of a dry day.

He's going to Washington DC with Dave and me next week. I'll be working, they will be playing. I am sure this is what he needs - A change of scenery, something to do rather than sit at home all day and look at 4 walls. Dave knows when Dad gets tired, they go rest. Mom says I'll be watching him like a hawk, but I bet Dave watches even closer.

I am hoping Mom will enjoy her trip too. Afterall, it's not everyday you get to cruise off to the Bahamas with no spouse or children! She needs this break, more than she even realizes. She's been holding it all together and it's time for her to let loose. I'll take care of Dad, it'll all be okay.

I've finally started being able to rest at night. I still wake up about 2:15 every morning, and just stare at the clock. I still get scared to take anything to help me sleep, because what if that phone rings and I can't hear it. Everyone says that that will change in time, but I don't know when. I still call my Dad every Monday morning to see where he is. Actually, I call EVERY morning to see where he is.

I've realize through this ordeal, people on the outside don't really understand why I can't get over it. However, friends who have been through similar situations, understand and tell me that it's all on my own time. No, this isn't about me, but in a small way it is. If you've been here, you understand the constant fear... the phone ringing and seeing Mom's number, thinking "Oh, I hope everything is okay," waking up in the middle of the night wanting to call to check on everyone, feeling the need to call home every single day to hear my Dad's voice on that phone.

I am sure Dad sees my number and knows it's just a check up call, but he doesn't know how much that means to me.

Enough rambling - I am so grateful to all of my friends who have been with me through all of this. You don't how much I appreciate you.

I've got to start thinking about packing... I need a manicure... haircut... and I need to read the program for the conference so I know what is going on next week!

In Time

They say no news is good news. I recently had someone tell me that they had been checking my blog for updates on Dad. I will admit, I get behind.

My Dad is better. He gets tired easily, but he's better. He's bored, but he's better. My Dad is still with us and I think God every day for that miracle. I know that "Thank You" doesn't seem like it's enough, but it's all I have. I pray each and every day that he continues to regain strength and stamina, and he will in time, slowly.

I call him everyday... I know he sees the number and must think, "she's calling again." Oh well, I will call every single day until I am over this. I told him that the calls will stop, but today isn't the day. I had a friend who went through this with her husband. She says it gets easier to let them wander alone, but it takes time and only I know when the time is right to loosen up a little. Some day Daddy, just not today.

Over the course of the last 2 1/2 weeks, my dear friend (and cousin down the line) Becky, has had her hands full. Her dear Grandma (MawMaw as we all called her) had a stoke the Wednesday before Dad's incident and she passed away on September 29. Dave and I loved MawMaw as our own. At the rosary, Dave looked at me with very sad eyes and said "Tonight I didn't get my kiss on the cheek." Yeah, I missed that too.

As if that wasn't enough for her to bear - the day after her Grandmother's stroke, her father-in-law had a heart attack. He however isn't as luck as Dad. He has had complications and it's not looking all that good right now. We just keep praying for the family and hope for a good outcome.

So, that could be why I haven't really updated much in the last week. Did I mention how lucky we are? As we hear bad news on Jason's Dad, I can't help but think about how lucky we are. When they got bad news, just minutes before MawMaw's rosary, I just kept thinking about how lucky I was - how my Dad was about to walk through the door to be there with me.

I told you last week - God has a plan. He must have a big one for Dad. Part of me feels that I should feel guilty - My Dad is up and traveling and Jason's Dad, who had a heart attack too, still hasn't regained consciousness from his open heart surgery. Now, Dad didn't have to have open heart surgery, but it's all the same scary in my world. I don't feel guilty, and I for that, I sometimes feel selfish. But I love them and they know that. I am not guilty or selfish, I am just very lucky and blessed.

So, this isn't really an uplifting post, but now you can see why I've been out of sorts and out of touch.

Life is so unpredictable. One day, I'll have a powerful uplifting post, but today isn't the day.

Please continue to pray for the Carranza, Bolch and Ruffino familys, and you can also toss up one for Dad!

Love you all,
shelly

One Day Changes Everything

One day can change your life forever - It's not really true... One second can make all the difference in the world.

2 weeks ago I wrote a blog about a man I barely knew who lost his life while fighting for our freedom. This week, it's about a man I've known all my life who was fortunate enough to have his life saved.

Monday morning my father had a heart attack. My mom saved his life. She probably doesn't realize it, but she did. As I sit here and type, while everything seems crystal clear, everything for about 17 hours is a total blur. The 5:45 a.m. phone call, the 1.5 hour drive to Temple (that might I say, I don't even remember), the waiting and more waiting. I keep playing it all back and every time all I know is that we are so very lucky. I've still got my Dad - the first man I ever loved, the one man who taught me how to love unconditionally.

Mom gave him that aspirin... Mom took him to the hospital... Mom saved Dad. She will credit doctors and nurses and the science of medicine, but it was her quick thinking and strong will that kept him here.

I cannot for the life of me imagine my life without either of them. They are not old, they are supposed to be here forever. All I know is that Dad's time wasn't up - God has bigger plans for him and I am so grateful for that. I talk to God, but over the past 48+ hours, he and I have been best friends. Maybe I am selfish, but I am not ready for him to go either. It's just not his time.

I am so blessed with a wonderful family. My husband, who was at my side every second on Monday, man I love him. When he realized something was wrong with that phone call, he immediately started making calls and rearranging schedules (yes, at 5:45 am) so that we could get on the road. My brother, the stoic one, he was worried, but he was so strong and held it all together although I know he was just as worried as I was. Misty, who somehow got those kids ready for school and never let on that anything was happening - I don't know how she did it. My in-laws who sent texts and prayed for us that day. And most of all, my Mom. What would we do without her? She is our rock - the glue that holds us all together. Man was she brave. She went from one hospital, to another - from a room to the ER to the Cardiac Center, with each move I'd get a call on how to find her once we got to the hospital.

My Dad is one lucky man - the doctors tell him that every chance they get. We are one lucky family. Over the last 3 days, I thank God every second of every minute. I thank him for giving us a second chance. I keep pushing forward and I am trying so hard not to think of all of the "what if's" that could have happened. They didn't, so there...

Tomorrow is a new day - a new chance to make wonderful memories. We will take that family cruise in December and 2010 will be a whole new year!

I ask my friends to always remember to tell people you love them. Maybe it seems goofy, but it's not. One second is all it takes to change everything.

I called to check on Dad tonight - I've done that every night this week. The best part was that tonight, Dad answered the phone. No nurse giving me an update, it was the man himself, sitting there watching Batman and talking to his daughter - It doesn't get any better than that!

Thanks to all of my wonderful friends. You will never know what the calls, texts and e-mails meant.

Love to you all.

shelly

Life as we know it

A soldier died this week. A soldier Dave and I were honored to spend time with 3 years ago. Close friends, no, more like acquaintances in passing. How blessed we were to get to know him. Darryn Andrews made an impact on our lives and leaves an footprint in our hearts.

His smile lit up a room, his sense of humor would not be topped. He was a star in his own right.

He told us stories of his first tour of duty, the good, the bad and the ugly. He lit up when telling these stories. This was his life, it is what he lived to do.

It's times like this you question "why?" Over the past few days, with this hitting home, I wondered why in the hell are we over there fighting this war? What are we really hoping to get out of it. And then, it was pointed out to me today that I cannot question why... Darryn died a hero, he died doing what he believed was the thing he was called upon to do for everyone of us. As his brother said in an interview, it was something bigger than life itself.

His was the ultimate sacrifice. His family and friends will miss him terribly, a community will remember their American Hero. Everyone is in mourning, but everyone will get through this together. The community will rise above this and be a better place for having been blessed, even for a short time, with Darryn.

To his family, thank you for sharing him with the world. It is your unselfish giving that allowed the rest of us to know how special he was and always will be. May God Bless you and may the wings of Angels carry you through this difficult time.

Thank you our Hero...

A Night to Remember

Where do I even start??? It was the most awesome concert ever! ZZ Top rocked and the I can't even think of an appropriate adjective for Aerosmith. I must admit that when Dave won these tickets, I didn't really know if that is what I wanted to do, but I am so glad to have opened my mind and expanded my horizons.

I can't post video on Facebook for some reason, so I have to do that here. We've got ZZ Top, Aerosmith and the now infamous woman who passed out on Dave and we had to have the paramedics come over - She was fine, or I would have never posted this...



It really was funny, she and her "friend" got there and they were loaded. Rachel and Denise (our 2 new friends from Lumberton) thought the same thing. The woman probably weighed about 80 pounds and had probably drank her weight in something before she arrived. He was no better! She just decided to take a nap between the two shows - using Dave's leg as a pillow, and then we could not get her up.



Funny part is that her date didn't even notice she was passed out until Rachel told him he needed to wake her up. The ushers were no help - one commented to Dave "just move your leg" OMG - it's not like she laid down and Dave put his leg under her head... At one point we were worried that she wasn't breathing. I know the dude gut mad when I took the picture because it only took them 10 minutes to actually get the paramedics that were standing 20 feet away. Their emergency reaction procedures could really use some revising.

Sorry for the delay - We had technical diffuculties with video upload....

It's already July

Well, yesterday was the big day - I turned 40... It didn't hurt as much as I thought it would. We celebrated with the family last night and tonight, it's Happy Hour with the friends! WooHoo...

It's hot, what more can I say... It's really hot.... We did get a relief in the form of rain yesterday. Just a little, but we saw rain!

Our poor yard looks terrible. We've watered and watered, but the heat just keeps burning it up. Hopefully we can bring it back to life soon.

Lots of invites for the 4th. We plan on starting closest to the house and working our way out of town. Should be a blast....

That's it for now!

Congratulations Kristen!!!!!!

Wow, where do you even start on a day like today? Remember that post from February, our baby Kristen was 18!!!! Well today marks another milestone. That baby girl is graduating from high school.

I talked to her mom this morning, and she is evidently doing better than me. Yes, I am the emotional one, but this is strange to me. You know, Melissa and I have always been close, no matter what things were happening in our lives. Yes, like any two people, we drifted apart, but we always end up right where we belong.

The first few years of Kristen's life seem like yesterday. We were inseparable. Me, Melissa and Kristen - two Musketeers and a mini me. When you're young and you hear someone ask "where does the time go?" you think, what in the world are they talking about. Today, I sit and wonder, "where has the time gone?" This beautiful child was only 2 yesterday, I know it... I can't be that old, and we all know her mom is only 19, so tell me how is she graduating?

She has accomplished so much, and I am so proud of her. It hasn't come easy, there was a lot of sweat and tears along the way. A lot of sacrificing what some young ones take for granted, but it's paying off now.

Melissa says it will hit her when Kristen is off to college in the Fall, well, it hit me today. So as we sit in Reed Arena tonight and I cry (because I will not deny it's going to happen), her mom will be there for me - Just as I will be there for her in August.

After all, that is what family does....

Best Wishes Baby Girl, you made it!

Going Solo

Today Presley did her first competition barrel race solo! We are so proud of her. She ran a 47.0 and won 3rd place. So attempted straight away, but Star didn't want to cooperate. Presley was totally awesome - yes, I am partial, but I can't imagine being 7 riding a horse all by myself in front of so many people. Gran has promised to help her train once a week. The other days she will have to practice with mom and dad. Trenton loves the Playday. He was all ready to pull the ribbon off the goat's tail this year.

Blame it on Facebook

It's so easy to upload pictures on Facebook! I know, no excuse for not updating this, but it is easier. I will try to do better!

How time flies.....

Wow, it's been a while since my last post -

Where do I even start? Work has been a real - for lack of better words - "bitch" lately. It's not because of anyone or anything, it's just soooo busy. Seems the government wants to print some money and give it away, so they chose the world of Research Administration. Every professor I know wants a piece of this. You can't blame them, but gee wiz, I am tired!

We had a great Easter. Dave and I hosted my family and the neighbors. The kids hunted Easter eggs at LeaAnn's since her yard has more hiding spots. We made Presley get the eggs near the pool, so that the boys would not fall in.


Dad and Dave built my new storage building, now my car can happily sleep in the garage again. Check out the pictures of the helpers. I bet I never got to help Dad like this?!?!? If I remember correctly, Sam and I would get in trouble for playing with the tools, right Sam???


We are gearing up for the Dewberry Festival next weekend. There is so much to do and not enough hours in the day. We can start by getting the storage tubs together, but it's hard to do in the rain. Maybe Sunday... Dave wanted to mow, and now the grass will be growing, but I don't know that it will be dry enough on Sunday to run the mower over the yard. Oh, Mother Nature....

Where will Pork Chop Go?

Well, the stock show is over. It was a busy 3 days. In the end, Presley made the sale and Little Pork Chop was sold. Her Mom and Dad had a hard time last night explaining to a 7 year old that Pork Chop wouldn't be coming home with them. The hardest part is telling her where he's going without telling her where he's going.

We went to dinner afterwards and she was in tears... Broke my heart... She didn't understand how he was going to be okay without her - He was used to her taking care of him. They told her that Pork Chop, Daisy and Jazmin's pig were all going to play together in the big trailer. By the end of dinner she was better, but there were tears a couple of times.

Skip forward to Sunday. Mom is making lunch for everyone - she has chicken out - not sure what she wants to make. She wanted to do pork chops and sausage, but felt that was not appropriate for today. We all agreed. Best not cook pork chops for a little girl (and little boy) who just sold their precious "Pork Chop" to a butcher!

All in all, it's been a great experience. Trenton told us his Daddy is buying him a new pig and he's going to call him "Bacon." Little Trenton just doesn't get it. One day he will understand, but at 3, it's all too cute!Farewell Pork Chop!

MARCH BIRTHDAYS

Happy Birthday Uncle Ray, Aunt Lynda, Melissa and any relative I may have missed!

I called Melissa this morning, buecause believe it or not, after all of these years, I still get the day mixed up - It took me almost 40 years to use the date association - March 6.... It's 3 (March) x 2 - 6 (day)

She told me there was nothing happy about it, but here is what I have to say. My dear cousin, what can be so bad when you've been 19 for 20 years! If only I had thought of that. You look great, but you still can't buy a drink?!? And what happens next year when your daughter turns your age? I won't share our memories with everyone online. Some things are best kept secret! Love you!

It's SPRING - Well Almost

The weather is changing a little, but with no rain, the grass isn't nearly as green as I'd like it to be.

Dave and I will be entering our first Cook-off of the year this weekend. Should be fun. There weren't many teams at this one last year (so the guy said), and it will be great practice for the Cameron Show in April.

It's Happy Hour night. I am looking forward to it. This has been one long week.

How about the little Cowgirl??? She's really good on that horse!

Here's the little Cowboy... He realized his legs aren't long enough for the stirrups.

Happy Birthday Kristen

Wow - It's hard to believe that 18 years ago, little Kristen Danielle was born. Where did the time go? I have so many memories of her. I remember Melissa bringing her to Cameron in the infant carrier for Sam's high school graduation. I think she was about 3 months old. (That just made me realize how old my brother is now)

I remember all the time we spent together at that trailer house. The parties - the boys... They all adored her and even babysat her the night Melissa and I thought it would be cool to go get tatoos. We went to pick her up and they said she'd cried the entire time - All of the Disney movies in the world didn't help.

No matter what, she was the life of the party - Filling their beer glasses an telling them how nasty it was. I remember her sitting at the coffee table with a pitcher of water and a shot glass so she could play quarters too - or better yet the hamburger cookout when the tomato came up missing and she was quietly sitting in the corner eating it like an apple. I remember her saying not so nice things about Barney while we were dining at Panchos, Thanks Sam! How time flies.

The most vivid memory of all was her standing in the booth at Casa Ole announcing to anyone who's listen that "Boys were good for nothing!" That was a night I will never forget. And that is a quote she should never forget.

After we took her to the Ren Fest, she came home and told everyone she rode the "mamma" because she couldn't say "llama."

I will never forget the night I took her for girl time to Gattiland - I told her she was my favorite little girl and she just looked at me and said "until you get one of your own." Well baby girl, I never got that one of my own. I do have a niece now, but you should always remember you've got a special place in my heart. You were the first little one that showed me what unconditional love was all about.

Congratulations on all of your achievements. The family loves you very much!

She certainly isn't 2 anymore.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PRESLEY

I have managed to regain my top notch position with the little one! Today we entered her in a birthday drawing and she was the grand prize winner! Yeah!! She won a party for 10 at Grand Station. That's a local party place with bowling, laser tag and minature golf. She will love it!!! Not to mention it will certainly get me out of the doghouse after the whole fiasco with Dad's gift - see below

I did call her this morning to wish her a Happy Birthday. First, she wanted to know if I was already in Cameron. After I explained I had to work and would be there tomorrow with presents (of course), she wanted to know if there were 7 persents. She told me she needs one present for every year! I told Dave that is the kind of birthday I want to start having!

The parents and grandparents are getting her a Wii. Now I don't have to haul mine back and forth on trips!

Here she is...... 7, going on 21! Watch out Sam.

The gift that just went wrong....

First - Happy Valentine's Day, or what's left of it.

Second - Happy Birthday Daddy!

Third, have you ever bought the cutest gift and it just blew up in your face? Let me explain... Mom and Presley always joke with me that Dad loves Little Bit more than he loves me... we pick and pick and I usually cave and say "you're right" Well, I found the cutest ornament for my Dad - It simply said: "Dad, the first man I ever loved" So I send it to him for his birthday. He opens it tonight and Miss P is there... Well, when he reads it, the ever intelligent 6 year old (soon to be 7) misinterprets the whole thing and thinks it means Dad loves me more than her...

Mom calls shortly after the gift has been opened, P is pissed beyond belief, her feelings are hurt, she is crying uncontrollably and I am the LAST PERSON ON EARTH she wants to talk to...
She has hidden in the tanning bed and won't come out. Mom calls back, she gets on the phone with me and my heart breaks - I've never heard her cry like this, and it's all my fault! All over an ornament that I thought was too cute. We tried to explain the it meant I loved Dad before I ever loved Dave, but she would not hear of it. To her it meant Bubba loved her 3rd best - because she is the 3rd girl.

I was feeling so guilty, that after 10 minutes I called back. Well, through Mom, I was told that she was never going to talk to me again. Seriously... Mom even put the phone to her hear and I'd talk and then there was silence...

I had to do something - it was at that point, I simply said "I will remember that when I am supposed to bring the Birthday presents next week." That is all it took - She was my best friend again - I am now committed to seeing her in the 4-H fashion show - in her purple and white polka dot dress she and Gran are making and then in the Livestock show where she will be showing Daisy the pig...

I must remember - It doesn't take much to please them, but it also doesn't take much to crush their feelings either. I love her and her brother with all my heart, and I will NEVER buy my Dad a present like that again!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S MONTH

January is OVER!!! WOO HOO


Sweet things happen in February - Valentine's, Dad's Birthday, Presley's Birthday, and the wildest of all, my very first "Little Girl", Kristen, is going to be 18. Wow, her mom is getting old! (I love you Melissa).

And the sweetest of them all... THE DAYTONA 500! The engines start up next Sunday at 1:00 p.m. Central. We did get to watch the Bud Shootout on Saturday night. Didn't go as we had hoped, but it was great to see cars racing again. I can't believe my husband has gotten me all in to this. I was happy yesterday - I answered a trivia question that he didn't know... He was so proud of me!

Is January over yet?

How many more days??? Work is murderous. For every one proposal I have sent packing, 2 or 3 more arrive for processing. I keep telling myself - one more week. We will be finished with the big push as of February 5. Hopefully....

This Winter Crud that has taken over it for the birds. Everyone is sick and those who thought they were well, are sick again. My cousin said a doctor at the hospital told them it takes anywhere from 6-8 weeks for this mess to work its course. AUGHHHH! Dave is sick again, chest congestion and all. Just when he thought he was over it - KAPOW.... It knocked him on his rear again.

I am staying far, far away. I had a 2 week bout with it and surely don't want it back.

In other news: We went to see Gran Torino Saturday night. For those of you who know me, I am not all about going to the movies. However, we went out with some good firends and did the "dinner and a movie" date night. IT WAS WONDERFUL!!!! I highly recommend it to all of you.

Retirement

Every January, I wonder how many years until retirement. Work is so terrible. Not bad terrible, just busy terrible. I already need a vacation. Only about 25 years to go!!!! WooHoo!

Other than work, it's time for Aggie Conference Basketball. We went ot the Women's game last night and it's the Men vs Baylor tonight. Another late night. Hopefully the guys will also win!

Gotta go - Just taking a break from work!!!!!!

And the New Year has arrived

So, I didn't post Christmas pictures, I may get some from the New Year's Eve party up here one day.

I had a nice 2 week vacation from work, and I must say, I am happy to have a routine again. Not that I wanted to come to work, but I needed structure. All of the decorations are down, my house is back to normal and no parties for a while.

Dave bought me a Wii - it was finally hooked up and it's so much fun!! We took it to Mom and Dad's for both Christmas and New Year's and everyone had a great time playing - Even Mom!!! We must teach her to wear the wrist strap as she likes to throw the romote while bowling....

Oh well, it's time to pack up and go home for the day. I just wanted everyone to know we're still alive and kicking!