Happy Father's Day to my one and only

Celebrating Father's Day has changed for me the past 2 years, since I don't have my dad anymore.  But, it should still be a celebration, in my book.  I don't give my hubby, Mike enough praise this one day out of a year.  He doesn't like to be recognized or noticed, but he deserves to be.  He is a Great Father.  I love watching his relationship with our older children and the grand kids now.  He has a better relationship with our son, Nate, now than when he was growing up.  They have so much in common.  Nate is always calling his dad for advice and even followed in his dad's footsteps with his love of airplane modeling.  They are like two peas in a pod.  And I think that Steph will always be daddy's little girl.  It was such a special year for Mike and Steph, being able to drive cross country together and share in the move to Oregon.  How awesome for a dad to be able to help his daughter and grand kids in this way, even with a newly operated detached retina, without complaining.  These are memories that you can't buy.  Steph played her dad's favorite songs and his favorite groups on the trip and even endured his non tuned singing...I guess she got used to his voice, since he used to rock her to sleep when she was a baby, by singing "Turra lura lura" an Irish lullaby.  He had a singing voice only a daughter could love. 
Mike is also an awesome Grandfather.  I love watching Abby hanging all over him and wanting his full attention.  He taught Jack a song the other day that made him proud....the song from Big Bang Theory, "Soft Kitty"....Each grandchild holds a special place in his heart.  And now on to the dogs.  Mike is a good daddy to Halle & Lilly.  They are his "girls".  I am so glad he finally has lap dogs.  I am also glad that he discovered that these sisters needed to be rescued a few years ago.  They have brought a lot of joy to our empty nest.  So, on this Father's Day, my wish for Mike is to do what makes him happy.  Let me guess....a Sunday newspaper, dogs on his lap while relaxing in the lazy boy chair...and some good ole' Adam 12 and Dragnet episodes playing on the t.v....and must I forget, the heater on by his feet (even if it's 90 degrees outside).  That's Mike...a wonderful Father!

Abby's Kindergarten Graduation

Abby graduated from Kindergarten on May 23 from South Haven Christian School.  It was a delightful night, filled with plays and entertainment from the class.  Abby was a cat in the play "Little Red Hen".  They performed a song to the music "New York, New York".  They each recited their numbers in 2's, 5's and 10's.  My daughter-in-law, Elsa is the teacher and she did an excellent job with presenting a fun night.  I had to hold back the tears when Abby walked down the isle to the graduation march.  I'm thinking, if I'm a mess at just the Kindergarten level, what's it going to be like at the High School level.  They were all precious in their white caps and gowns.  After the ceremony, we all went to the fellowship hall where each child had their own table for their family and friends to gather.  Some were given gifts by their family.  We gave Abby pink roses and a princess necklace.  The decorations were awesome.  A lot of hard work was put into the night.  The classmates posed for pictures with their friends and you could see how they didn't want to part ways.  But I'm sure a lot of them will be back for first grade and pick up with their friendships.  Congrats to Abigail on her special night...and she is now a big First Grader!

Trip to Oregon

May 11, I boarded a plane to start my journey to Bandon, Oregon.  This was a much anticipated trip.  I said Goodbye to Steph, Noah, Carter, Gray & Ivy on January 27.  I will never forget that snowy day, after having lunch at our favorite Sunday hang out.  Steph's last words to me was we will be together soon and soon meaning Mother's Day.  When they drove away, my heart left with them.  May 12th seemed a lifetime away and I wasn't even sure If I could make the trip or not.  Well, I made the trip and I am so so glad I did.  My mom was suppose to go with, but a few days before we were suppose to leave, she fell in her bathroom and was feeling too sore to go.  So, I was all alone.  I heard and saw pictures of the Beauty of Oregon, but to experience it in person was like a dream.  I was in Awe at the Ocean and Mountains.  I arrived on a Saturday and Ivy's dance recital was the next day, on Mother's Day.  How special it was to see her perform with music from the Beatles.  On Mother's Day morning, Jeff cooked us breakfast and then we all loaded up and drove down to the Ocean.  I just couldn't believe that I was surrounded by so much beauty.  I felt so blessed.  We saw star fish of all colors and other sea creatures that I already forgot the names of.  Walking with my daughter on the beach on Mother's Day meant so much to me.  It was a perfect day!  We had time after we got home to relax and get ready for the recital that afternoon.  On Monday, Steph and I went to the store to get things needed for me to cook.  I had asked the kids what they wanted me to cook.  Noah & Carter said beef & noodles.  Gray and Ivy said chicken roll ups.  So, guess what Mimi made?  I decided to make both.  We ate on leftovers for a few days.  But that was the only cooking I did. 

The rest of the week was filled with so much.  I rode with Steph and kids each morning to start the school drop off.  Noah & Carter were first, then Gray, then we had a little time before dropping Ivy off.  We usually drove around to Old town where there were a lot of shops, or down by the ocean.  I enjoyed going in Ivy's pre-school class and watching as she wrote her name to sign in and go pick out what job she was going to help with each day.  She was so excited that I got to see what she does.  The boys schools are in a row on one block.  It makes it easy to drop off and pick up.  Gray had a school concert while I was there and it was so enjoyable.  Gray and Carter also had ball practice and Carter had a ball game.  Steph was like a shuttle, back and forth all day long.  I enjoyed the day that just Steph and I went down to the ocean to walk.  It was such a relaxing time.  I never once thought about what was going on back home in Indiana.  It was like I was in another world.  I have to truly say that it was a much needed vacation.  I felt revived.  We met Jeff for lunch a few times.  I ate the best fish & chips ever.  I am not a seafood eater, but I would eat the fish there every day if I could.   I also tried Sushi for the first time (no fish though), just the veggie sushi.  Jeff gave me a tour of "The World" where he works and we went out to eat fish and chips again.  Steph let the kids miss school on my last day there.  We went to West Coast Safari Game Park.  Gray had been begging to go there since moving to Bandon.  Let me tell you, I had the best time there.  I am an animal lover and you were able to feed and walk with a lot of the animals.  They were loose.  Just the goats, deer, rams, donkey, peacocks, llamas and a few other breeds.  After the game park we headed to Gold Beach, about 45 minutes up the road, for pizza.  It was the best pizza.  The kids got to play arcade games and we had a relaxing time.  Steph asked me if I wanted to keep driving and end up in California, which was another 45 min. up the road.  I had never been to Cali, so we ended up going.  And I am so glad we did.  We found a beach after entering in California.  We got out and walked and played along the beach.  I gathered a few rocks and small pieces of driftwood to bring back home.  As we were leaving I saw water spouts shooting out of the water and it was Whales swimming around.  We stayed a little longer gasping at what we were seeing.  What a great drive, along Hwy. 101 with the Ocean on one side and the mountains on the other side.  As we entered California, The Beach Boys were singing on the radio "I wish they all could be California girls"...perfect song!  We headed back home and was home in plenty of time to hang out and visit before I had to pack.  Steph made the best pasta dish and specialty breads.  I dreaded having to pack and go to bed on my last night.  I forgot to mention that I went to sleep hearing the sound of the ocean and awoke to the sound of the same ocean.  How heavenly is that?  And the bathroom I used had an outside door in it.  As I would get ready I would open up the door and hear the ocean even louder.  I could go on and on about my trip to Bandon, Oregon.  I just feel so blessed to be able to take this trip and to witness for myself why Steph and family are so happy there.  They have a beautiful home.  I can rest a little easier knowing the happiness is for real.  It doesn't make it any easier though in missing them, but I am so thankful for Skyping and staying connected through technology.  I long for the day that I can return and stay longer. 

HAPPY 4TH BIRTHDAY JACKSON KENT WILSON

Today we celebrate Jack Jack's 4th Birthday.  What can I say about our Jack.  He is the sweetest little guy.  He loves to cuddle and read books.  He takes ALL the books out of the book holder, not just one.  Jack will eat non stop if you let him.  His favorite snack when he comes to my house is goldfish crackers. 

We will celebrate his Birthday tonight at his other grandparents house.  He is starting to love to build Legos (just like his daddy did), so we got him some fun Lego sets.  Jack loves to walk around the house in just his underwear.  For some reason, he hates to wear clothes....so, now when he comes to my house, he asks if he can take off his clothes...He is such a funny little guy.  I pray God's protection over Jack and this next year is filled with fun things for him to enjoy.  He has truly blessed our lives. 

Random thoughts on a wet thursday

It seems like life is moving as fast as the storm clouds in the sky. 

1.  23 days until my mom and I are Oregon bound.
2.  I check daily to see if flight prices have gone down.
3.  My suitcase is opened up in the spare bedroom.
4.  Steph says to pack a raincoat.
5.  I can't wait to see my daughter's new life in Bandon.
6.  The grand kids have places lined up to take me to see.
7.  I can't wait to see the amazing ocean in Steph's backyard.
8.  I am packing as light as possible....No dress up clothes..
9.  I would love to have a big yard sale before my trip.
10.My hair use to be straight...and now it's curly..what's up with that?
11.Mike had his 2nd eye surgery.  I pray he can see soon.
12.I am so thankful we rescued Halle & Lilly...they bring us happiness.
13.I need new make-up...
14.I started back to church...and it's a good feeling..
15.My mom said she heard my dad say "good morning" today...
16.My colon has been feeling better since drinking POM juice..
17.I started eating salads and pizza again and feeling ok..
18.I'm glad the bag of jelly beans are gone from my office desk..
19.It's a great feeling to sing praises to the Lord with your grand-daughter beside you in church.
20.We love our new Texas Roadhouse down the street..
21.My boss's wife gave me a new Joyce Meyer daily devotional book..love it!
22.I have a new hairstylist and love her...
23.I need a pedicure before my trip...
24.I love going to the playground with Abby & Jack...
25.Longhorn steakhouse has the best Key Lime Pie...
26.I love Neutrogena facial soap..
27.I love ice water with lemon..
28.Have you ever tried an Eggo waffle/bacon sandwich with little syrup? Yum!
29.Big Bang Theory is the most awesome show on t.v. Mike got me hooked.
30.Love all the girls remaining on American Idol...especially Kree...

Happy Birthday Nate & Diane

Today is a very special day.  It's my son, Nate & sister, Diane's Birthday.  My wish for them is to have a Great day celebrating.  We will celebrate Nate's Birthday by ordering Chinese food and bringing to my house.  I ordered him his favorite cake from Baskin Robbins.  He has been working a lot of doubles and wants a relaxing evening.  My sister will celebrate with a craw fish boil.  Her son-in-law, Rob is heading it up.  That's how they celebrate down in the South. 
I raise my glass to both of them today....They are important people in my life and I love them both.  HAPPY BIRTHDAY NATE & DIANE....

Easter 2013

It was a different Easter this year.  The first Easter without Steph, Jeff, Noah, Carter, Gray and Ivy.  I went to Church and was greeted by my very happy Abby, who sat very close to me and melted my heart.  I love singing praises with her.  Jack is partial to his other Grandma (Breen), and sat on her lap.  He says he's going to marry her.  What a character he is.  On the church pew sat my daughter-in-law's twin sisters, in-laws, my daughter-in-laws parents and her niece and nephew.  In the picture is Jack, Lilah and Abby.  Cousins Lilah and Abby are joined at the hip.  They are super close cousins.  After seeing the movie "OZ", I call Lilah the China doll, because she looks just like her. 
Mike's Birthday was also on Easter.  So we had 2 celebrations.  After church, Mike and I went to pick up my mom for lunch, but she wasn't feeling good, so we went ahead to get a light lunch, since Mike was still full from the "6" eggs he ate for breakfast.  And it was all my fault for making him 2 egg McMuffins after he ate 4 boiled eggs...I tend to overfeed...
We were able to Skype with Steph and family before
I started cooking around 4:00 for our 6:00 dinner with Nate, Elsa, Abby and Jack.  It was an easy Ham dinner, Mike's favorite...Elsa brought Mike his favorite, fruit pie from Marilyn's bakery.  Abby and Jack opened their large eggs filled with candy and money after dinner.  It was a nice Easter. 

Happy 6th Birthday Princess Abigail

3-13-13...Special Numbers, Special 6 year old.  Today is Abby's Birthday.  She is a very special Grand-daughter.  She has such a tender heart and loves Jesus.  She points out when we are watching a certain t.v. show if it is not appropriate for her or her brother to watch.  She is a leader and I see her being a Teacher one day, just like her Mom.  She loves to tease her little brother and tells on herself whenher parents comes to pick them up when I babysit.  We will celebrate her Birthday on Saturday, by going to see the movie "OZ".  Her favorite movie is The Wizzard of Oz.  We will have a Birthday dinner at her other Grandma's house after the movie.  I asked Abby what she wanted for her Birthday and she told me, with excitement that she wanted a Sleeping Beauty Dress.  So, I found the dress, matching shoes and headpiece at the Disney Store...She will be so excited.  Her favorite thing to do is dress up as a princess or beautiful character.  It will be a fun party.  I just wish her cousins from Oregon could join in on the fun.  Happy 6th Birthday Beautiful Abby....Mimi & Grampa love you to the moon and back!!

Snowstorm of March 5, 2013

The weather forecast called for 8 to 10 inches of snow.  Some schools were closed even before the first snowflake fell, as they were anticipating the major snowstorm hitting and thinking of the safety of the children and how the buses would get around.  I went to work as usual and it started snowing around 9am but it wasn't sticking to the ground.  By Noon it was coming down pretty hard and steady and my boss decided to leave for home.  He told me and everyone to leave early if they think they should.  You didn't have to tell me twice to leave.  I did stick around til a little after 1:00 to finish up my work.  It was starting to get messy as I was on my way home.  Within about an hour of getting home it was like the sky opened up and poured buckets of snow on Portage.  It was almost a white out.  I made the right decision leaving when I did.  It was a very pretty snow, I have to say.  It was heavy and made the tree branches look so fresh and happy.  I let Halle & Lilly out in the backyard and tried to shovel a path for them to do their job.  They were romping and playing like little kids.  When Mike came home from work, he snowplowed a maze in the backyard for them to walk further.  They were so happy....I, myself, love snow.  I live in the right place, I guess.  I wanted to build a snowman but had no one to play with me, so I just watched it from the window.  So, after all was said and done, we got about 10 inches.  It might be our last big snow of the season.  I can say that I will miss it when it all melts away.

Happy 12th Birthday Noah!

The Birthday Boy is holding an exciting sign....it's the new State they moved to. 
What can I say about my handsome 12 year old Grandson, Noah Jeffrey Precourt.  He is the most sweet spirited 12 year old.  I can remember the day he was born...my first grand-child...how special.  I can remember holding up the hospital walls, waiting for the news that he was born.  Sharing this excitement with his other grandparents and his great grandparents.
He is a wonderful Big brother to Carter, Gray & Ivy.  I see the leadership in him when they are all together.  He is very responsible and very caring.  He has a permanent smile on his face.  This is the first year we are not able to be together for his Birthday, but thank God for Skype, we were able to see his sweet face on his 12th Birthday and sing to him and watch him open presents.  He was so excited to be able to go to Red Robin to celebrate with his favorite meal "Mac & Cheese"....and a free Birthday Burger...And to go shopping for an X-Box from his parents...and a new iPhone.  I would say it was a very special Birthday for Noah...and he is so deserving of it!  Noah is my heart...just like my other 5 grand kids...Happy Birthday Noah!  Mimi loves you to the moon and back...

2 years ago...

Dear Dad,
It seems like yesterday that I was standing by your bedside at the Hospice center, making sure your lips were moist with a swab, dipped in water, combing your hair, putting lotion on your tattoo covered arms and wondering if this would be your last day on earth.  Your breathing was changing and nurses said, it won't be long.  Oh how I wished that you would have opened your eyes and be back to your normal self.  I wanted to see your smile one last time.  I wanted one last hug from my daddy. 
God needed you more.  It was your time to go.  I was amazed at how you waited until your loved ones were surrounding you before you gave the Angels permission to carry you up to meet your Heavenly Father.  What a Glorious Day it was for you.  We all were rejoicing for you, and at the same time, we felt such loss. 
When I look at the sky, I see you in the clouds.  When I see a penny, heads up laying on the ground, I know you sent it. 
I long to dream about you because I feel you near.  So, on this 2nd Anniversary of saying goodbye, I have hopes of seeing you again and saying hello...What a beautiful day that will be.
Love,
Your Baby Doll

Erin (E) where are you?

I am reaching out to find out one of my #1 blog supporters email address...Erin (E) I don't know how I can reach you.  I am unable to pull up your blog anymore.  Do you still blog?  You can send me your email address to: nathans_mom_99@yahoo.com.  I miss you and want to know how you and your adorable daughters are...and Jack of course....Hope to hear back from you...
Love, Mimi

1 Day 11 hours

Steph, Jeff, Noah, Carter, Grayson & Ivy are now 1 Day and 11 hours away, which equals 35 hours.  No more hopping in the car and seeing them in 20 minutes.  Reality has finally set in. 
Steph, her dad and grand kids left on their journey Sunday, January 27th after breakfast at our favorite spot.  Watching Steph's Kia Serento pull away with such precious cargo was one of the hardest things I ever had to face. 
I was so thankful that Mike was able to travel with them and help drive.  Even though he had just had eye surgery, he was still able to keep his plans.  The fog and night driving was hard for him, so Steph did most of that.  The weather wasn't so friendly for them.  The first hour of the trip they drove right into the ice storm that we were hoping they would bypass...but God had his hand on them.  They drove thru 4 hours of fog in Nebraska.  On the second day of the trip they stopped at Mike's sister, Susie's house in Colorado for 2 nights.  It was actually like a vacation for them, going into Estes Park and seeing the beautiful mountains.  They arrived on Thursday eve. to their new home in Bandon, Oregon.  Mike said the kids were good travelers.  It was fun along the way watching and waiting for Steph to post a picture on face book of where they would stop next.  It was like playing Where's Waldo?  Mike was able to go with to enroll the boys in school and check out the schools and stay and explore their new town until he flew back home on Sunday.  They all were able to say at a hotel down the street from their new house, since the moving truck wasn't due until Tuesday(today).  Mike said the ocean was so close, you could hear it and it sounded like a train.  I know that Steph is living her dream and loving being able to live near the ocean. So, it's hard to believe that in such a short time span they are already moved and starting to settle in their new home.  We all skyped last night and the boys seemed happy about their first day at school.  I was happy to see the smiles on their faces.  Ivy even started her new pre-school yesterday and she didn't want her mommy picking her up so early....she wanted to stay, which is a great sign. 
So....We are looking forward to May, around Mother's Day.  I am planning to fly out for a week with my mom.  We can't wait!  96 more days til Mother's Day....
Did I already say, I can't wait?

Happy 36th Birthday Steph!

I realized 22 days later that this post was set as a draft and I forgot to undo it. 

What can I say about my only daughter, Stephanie Ruth Wilson Precourt....I am in awe of her Spirit, her Determination, her Zeal, her Patience, her Love for mankind, her Giving of herself, her Motherhood, her non-judgemental personality, her Talents, the list goes on and on.  This is her first Birthday being away from home.  We skyped while she ate her special Birthday Cupcake.  I sang Happy Birthday over the air waves.  It was special.  This IS Steph's year.  She will be making so many changes and I have no doubt that they are for the good.  She is embracing this new change.  She is a master of changes in the past year.  I admire her strength for packing up 2 houses in 5 months time and still have her sanity.  My wish for my beautiful daughter is to continue living life to the fullest and keep following those dreams because they are certainly coming true. 

Happy 36th Birthday Steph

love, mom

Christmas Memories of 2012

Christmas 2012 was different than any other.  Steph and family were in Ohio and didn't come home.  It was the first Christmas without our daughter.  We still had a great time celebrating with Nate, Elsa, Abby & Jack on Christmas Eve., then we all went to Church for the candle light service.  We all came back to my house for Birthday Ice Cream Cake and sang "Happy Birthday" to Jesus. 
Christmas Day we woke up and opened our presents with Steph, Jeff, Noah, Carter, Gray & Ivy via Skype.  We went one by one and it was fun.  It was almost like being there in person.  At noon, Mike and I went over Elsa's parents house for lunch.  We had a nice time.  We came home after that and relaxed.  We were excited to learn that we would be spending New Year's with Steph and family.  There is always something to look forward to.  It was a very Merry Christmas!  

Random Thoughts

**I want to feel good again
**I wish it would snow enough to make everything clean
**I can't believe I'm so organized with gifts for Christmas
**I am thankful for my daughter doing some of my shopping for me
**I love shopping on-line
**I'm looking forward to Abby's program at school and dance recital
**I want to get started back in the nursing home ministry, singing
**I'm thankful for my husband who takes care of me when I am sick
**I'm thankful to have my garage back to park my van in (Big thankful)
**I haven't had an appetite for a while
**I've lost over 20 lbs. this year
**I need some new clothes that I don't swim in
**I would love to sleep ALL night
**I'm thankful to have our doxie girls, even though they have accidents
**I finished reading another book by Joyce Myers, Women to Women
**I'm not on Facebook as much and I like it that way
**I love lemon rice soup, especially when I don't feel good
**I started watching "The Big Bang Theory", it's all Mike's fault
**I stopped watching non sense reality t.v. and feel better
**I have a new favorite beverage...cherry limeade on ice
**I haven't drank coffee since April 2012.  I don't miss it
**I would love to stow away to North Canton Ohio
**I need a new warm cozy robe, which I think I will treat myself to
**I can't believe Christmas is 14 days away
**I only have a few more gifts to get
**I'm looking forward to Christmas Eve dinner and church with family
**I want to thank you for reading my random thoughts

Field Trip with Abby & Jack

What a beautiful Fall day it was on Tuesday, October 16.  I went with Abby's Class on a Field trip to the County line Orchard.  Her mommy is the teacher, so her brother Jack and daddy were able to go to help out too.  What a fun trip it was.  We learned about "Bee's" and watched as apples were being washed and packaged to sell in the barn.  We rode a tractor to the pumpkin patch where we all got to pick out a pumpkin to take home.  We got to visit the little zoo and pet and feed some animals.  We ate our lunch at the picnic tables and swatted bee's who were trying to eat with us.  As we were leaving, everyone got a donut to take with them.  It was the best apple cinnamon donut!
After the field trip was over, I took Jack back home with me to play.  Then we went to pick Abby up from school and they both got to play until it was time to go home after dinner.  It was a great day and I am so glad I was able to take off work to make these special memories with my grand kids.

Happy "Golden" 7th Birthday Grayson

What a special weekend we had!  Steph, Noah, Carter, Gray & Ivy came for their first visit since moving to Ohio.  She left early Saturday morning to head on to Indiana.  Mike and I left Saturday morning for the airport to pick my sister, Diane up.  Oh the joy I felt when I saw her walking towards us at the baggage claim.  As we were travelling back with her, Noah was texting me to let me know where they were and how close they were.  As we arrived to my moms house with my sister around 12:30, Steph pulled up minutes afterwards.  We could not believe we arrived at the same time.  I was never to excited to hug my daughter and grand kids.  And so, the reunion began.....
We decided to camp out at my moms for the 2 nights Steph was home, so we could all be together and not miss a minutes visiting time.  We had wall to wall blow up beds in the family room and everyone was comfy.
We had 2 Birthday celebrations for Gray.  One on Saturday eve. with his other grandparents and One on his Birthday the 7th at McDonald's with his cousins.  The kids ate and played hard in the jungle gym.  One of Gray's favorite gifts was a stuffed dog I had ordered for him that looks like my Halle dog.  He adores her so much and loves stuffed animals.  I went to Pet Smart and made a name tag for the dog.  Gray kept thanking me all weekend for his dog.  He even put a leash on her and walked her in to McD's. 
It was such a fun weekend and lots of hugs exchanged.  When Steph and kids had to pack up and leave Monday before noon, there were lots of tears.  She had to stop at the dealership she bought her vehicle from to get her oil changed, so she got on the road a little earlier.  After she left, I noticed she had left Gray's Birthday bag filled with his presents.  I asked her if she wanted me to mailed them and she said no.  After her oil change, she drove back to my moms house and we got to spend another hour visiting and eating and hugging some more.  I think it was meant for her to leave the bag, cause we weren't ready to say good-bye. 
Then after she had been gone about 10 minutes, I discovered the kids toothbrushes were left behind.  I will mail them!  We all are looking forward to our next time we can all be together.  We are hoping for Thanksgiving!!!!

Random thoughts of October 6th-13th

thought #1...My sister flys home in 9 days for 1 week
thought #2...My daughter and grandkids come home for a visit in 9 days
thought #3...Celebration of Gray's 7th Birthday at Red Robin
thought #4...Shopping to do, although I'm almost done
thought #5...Need to plan the menus for the visit
thought #6...My mom will fly back with my sister when she leaves
thought #7...I want to make every second count while they are all here
thought #8...Trip to the Apple Orchard
thought #9...Trip to Goodwill (Diane's favorite store)
thought #10..Trip to the Riverwalk
thought #11..Visit our dads grave
thought #12..Have breakfast at our favorite place in town
thought #13..Enjoy my sisters famous chicken & dumplings
thought #14..Maybe sneak away and go to the Elvis Fest on Friday night
thought #15..Have lots of sister talks
thought #16..Already missing my mom, but so happy she's able to go
thought #17..Getting my hair cut and colored next week to look good
thought #18..Decorating my moms and my house for fall 
thought #19..Getting enough rest to have the energy for everything
thought #20..Thanking God for allowing us to all be together for a visit

Healing my colon the natural way

I am on day 5 of being Prednisone free!  I was put on this drug for the ulcerative colitis.  The Dr. does not want me staying on this drug because of the side effects.  It not only puts unwanted weight on you, but it can cause cataracts and bone loss.  I do not want to be dependent on a pill.  It only masks the symptoms.  It's like a bandaid.  http://shop.newsmax.com/shop/index.cfm?page=products&productid=795&s=al&promo_code=E9DB-1&gclid=CM6M9LKMpLICFalDMgodFk8Ajg
I am so excited to be able to say, I am trying a Gluten free way of life right now.  My daughter tried to get me to go Gluten free last year after I had many flare ups with colitis and I think I was just too sick and my head wasn't clear enough to think about making a diet change.  I thought of it as work and effort.  But as I do more research and listening to friends who are trying this, it makes sense to me.  It is really not as hard as you think.  Reading labels is the key.  I have to admit, I was a Breadaholic.  I had to have my bread every day in some shape or form.  I craved lemon rice soup during a colon flare up and I would always have to have my french bread with it.  It was my comfort, my friend.  After overhearing a co-worker talking about going wheat and flour free, it really sunk in with me.  My daughter's mother-in-law also went gluten free a few weeks ago and feels terrific and is losing weight.  I know I have weight to lose, but I am doing it more for the healing of my colon.  She was telling me what made her start was after reading a book by Dr. William Davis called "Wheat Belly".  So many people are being changed and healed by going gluten free.  The disease I have is one of the ones he talks about in his book.  Wheat and flour aggrivate the colon and intestines, so why would I not give this a try?  It's doable and doesn't take a whole lot of preparation.  I had the best breakfast this morning....fetta cheese omelette and was so full and didn't want anything until lunch.  When I heard you could have corn chips and other potato chips, I was excited.  I also found the most delicious gluten free brownie mix I made.  And you can even have guacamole...one of my favorite snacks. 
Bottom line is....I want to feel good again and be normal.  I don't want to live in fear of not making it to a bathroom.  I don't want to always have to find out where a bathroom is every where I go.  I don't want to have to wear depends the rest of my life.  I want to walk our beautiful trail again outside without worrying about making it to a bathroom.  I want to ride my bike again.  No one will ever know unless you have suffered this type of affliction, just what it is like.  I look normal on the outside, but the fear I face every day in not knowing how my colon will act is very debilitating.  Sure, stress can bring on some episodes, but I really do believe that the #1 cause is the food that we put in our bodies. 
So, I am more than excited to share this new adventure with the few readers that I have.  I am on my way to healing my colon.  I think it will thank me some day soon.  I AM EXCITED!