Jester

Aaron goofing around on Christmas day!

Have yourself a Merry little Christmas

Just want to wish everyone a merry little Christmas filled with God's love and blessings. What a beautiful time of year to celebrate the birth of Christ! As you go about this busy season, stop and reflect on the year that is coming to an end. Reflect on the good and bad, the happy and sad...whatever you've been through, there is a reason and chances are it has made you a stronger person. I know as I look back there have been some things this year that have made me laugh like a Hyena, cry like a baby, worry to the point that more gray hair showed up!, had screaming fits, and found myself praying harder than I ever had before. I am another year closer to the big 4-0 and I can honestly say as I reflect back on it that life is good...actually life at our house is Blessed beyond measure!! We have so many things to be thankful for that I couldn't possibly list them all or acknowledge even the highlights as I cannot type that fast :) but I will tell you it is easier to get through this thing called life with God, first and foremost. Family makes for a great and exciting adventure especially with teenage boys in the house!! I must include our friends, they sure make life more interesting, relaxing with them and knowing you can share those 'unique' qualities with them and they love you just the same...ok, who am I kidding...they think we are total dorks but that's what makes it fun! Then there's the place we call home and when we walk through the door, we are instantly engulfed in love and understanding. It's a place where we can vent our anger and frustration, where we can laugh, play and act like total goof balls. It's a place that keeps us safe and warm and no matter what, it's a place of peace and acceptance. It's a great place to be and as I reflect my heart is overflowing with love, I am reminded of the blessings God so graciously has given, even if we don't ask or deserve it. As you reflect, count your blessings...it is amazing how much we take for granted on a daily basis without giving it a second thought. Merry Christmas!

A New Window

A couple of weeks ago a new window was installed in our living room. This window is huge at nearly 10 feet wide, it had to be special ordered. We would sit in the living room in the evening watching television, just freezing because the wind would blow right through. In a rainstorm, the rain literally poured in the window, soaking the carpet. It is now leak free and so much warmer! What's next? Looks like a fresh coat of paint would make that window look even nicer, don't you think? :)

Tammy's on vacation

Tammy is on vacation for ten, count them t-e-n glorious days of doing just about nothing! The timing couldn't have been more perfect because to be honest, I truly needed a break. I haven't had any vacation time since our trip to Nebraska in June 2007, 18 months ago. I had requested this particular week off last month but didn't think it would be approved, so you can imagine my surprise when I saw it marked on the calendar at work :) I was ecstatic to say the least!!

So...on my vacation of doing just about nothing, I have actually accomplished quite a bit. This house is cleaner than it's been in a while, even the dreaded bathroom where someone is bound to die from kucamonga disease (that's actually a word my Dad so creatively made up years ago!) is now fairly sparkling! The floors are vacuumed and swept so there's no need to have shoes on to walk across the floor for fear of stepping on something foreign. The bedding has been washed and those flannels are so comfy and inviting especially on these cold winter's nights. The counter in the kitchen is actually clean as I have energy to wash dishes because I cook supper before 5:30 p.m. rather than after 7:00. Amazing.

Let's not forget the Christmas baking, the REAL reason I wanted vacation for this particular week. Yesterday I mixed up so many batches of cookies, the batter was a flying! (The amount of spilled/excess ingredients may have been the real reason for sweeping the floor!!) My list of baked goods included: peanut butter, snicker doodles, chocolate chip, double chocolate chip, oatmeal, holly cookies, peanut butter rounds, puppy chow, and a single loaf of bread. I made up several plates and dispersed them around town to businesses and friends. It's always nice to put a smile on someones face :)

There's also the matter of needing time off to relax and deal with the stress that has beat me to the ground, really, it is kicking my @ss. The great news has to be I haven't had a headache in over a week, which was occurring EVERY single day for over a month. I have energy and am not tired. But the GREATEST news of all has to be the fact that this girl is sleeping. Finally. Seriously, my head hits the pillow about 10 p.m. and I wake up with the alarm at 5:20 a.m. this is solid sleep and I have been waking up in the same position I fell asleep in. I bounce out of bed, shower and have an abundance of energy! And those of you that truly know me, know that Tammy does NOT sleep very well. I am tired but my body won't unwind and relax enough to sleep and if I do, it is a constant tossing, turning, going from the bed to the recliner to the couch and this vicious cycle repeats itself probably 6 nights a week. AND if I'm lucky, I sleep for 3-4 hours solid in one stretch, otherwise I will lay wide awake and never fall back to sleep. It is frustrating. I've thought about going to a doctor or sleep clinic but over analyze that it is MY problem so I should be able to fix it on my own. I don't want to be medicated. Maybe all I needed was a vacation!

Speaking of sleep, it is nearing the ten o'clock hour so I must get to bed or Santy Claus won't fill the stockings that should be hung up but are currently lost! That is not a joke...I packed them away in a new box or secret spot or empty drawer and they have vanished into thin air. Not sure what to do...will Santy deliver if it's a plastic bag instead of a stocking? Hmmm...I'll let you know tomorrow :)

Hardy and Elaine

Hardy and Elaine, Chris's dad and step mom popped in Wednesday afternoon, spent the night, leaving early Thursday morning. They are on their way to spend a couple days in Branson and then they will stop back by on Saturday. We had a nice visit with them, Hardy picked on the boys, like Grandpa ALWAYS does!!

BIOPSY

Yesterday, I went to Dr. Craig Naugle in the Hulston Cancer Center in Springfield to have a biopsy done on my right thigh. The path report with be back Friday afternoon. He seems to think it may be basal cell carcinoma, which is the 'good' kind of skin cancer. As for the spot on my temple that just won't heal and is growing. It is precancerous. He used nitrogen on that particular spot and said if it wasn't fully healed in about a month, then he will have to do surgery to remove it. I hope this does the trick because I still fully remember how it felt the last time I had surgery on my head for skin cancer. My eyes were blackened and nearly swollen shut...but I am thankful!!! So, there's the update, sorry if the picture is too graphic, by the way...it hurts like a big dog this morning :(

Marshmallows, please!

One of the greatest simple pleasures that cold weather brings is enjoying a cup of hot chocolate. Of course, it has to be brimming with marshmallows! Some of my fondest memories of those cold Nebraska winters involve hot chocolate. We'd get done hauling or cutting wood and go into the house to get warm. Mom would already have the water boiling! We would all sit in front of the wood stove sipping our scalding hot chocolate, marshmallows sticking to our noses, as we waited for our toes to thaw. Somehow, Mom always managed to have this sweet treat on hand for us during freezing winter's days. Mmmmmm....

Paintball Season

DSC01145, originally uploaded by trlrover.

Bryon called last week (over the boys Thanksgiving break) wanting to borrow some paintball equipment as his family was in for the holiday. The boys sprung into action and next thing you know the paintball maniacs were at it again!!

Tammy's Countdown

This was a recent post on my friend Heather's blog. It made me stop and think about my 'countdown' and I must admit, not only was it eye opening but humbling as well.

TEN THINGS I WISH I COULD SAY:

*** Take your political views elsewhere, I have my own and am fine without you shoveling in your opinions!

*** A bar of soap isn't that expensive, go bathe!

*** I appreciate your hunting efforts, love the pictures but I am NOT interested in the stories!

*** That really did not taste all that appealing.

*** To the teenager with a gawd-awful amount of make-up, I'd tell her to wash her face, she is pretty enough without it, as it is what in one's heart that measures true beauty :)

*** To those parents who are continually screaming at their kids in front of me, I'd love to scream back "SHUT UP! DO YOU REALIZE HOW NASTY YOU SOUND AND HOW UGLY YOU LOOK WHEN YOU SPEAK LIKE THAT, NOT TO MENTION HOW DEVASTATING THAT IS TO YOUR CHILD?"

*** I don't want excuses, it will lead to a lie, just get the task done!

*** I'd say "GET A JOB" don't bitch about how much food costs as you hand the cashier a FOOD STAMP card to purchase soda, candy, chips and have a fit because you don't have enough random change to buy cigarettes. Good grief.

*** You have bad breath, back up or brush your teeth.

*** You don't have a clue.

NINE THINGS ABOUT ME:

*** I love my family. Unconditionally.

*** I don't particularly like to cook but LOVE to bake.

*** I love music, the louder - the better :)

*** I can spend hours working on something crafty

*** I adore time with me, myself and I.

*** I am terrified of the dark.

*** I get up very early but am NOT a morning person. Don't talk to me!

*** I am very emotional, cry easily but can also be EXTREMELY hateful. (I need to work on that, sorry!)

*** I have a lot of faith and cannot live without GOD.

EIGHT WAYS TO WIN ME OVER:

*** Don't EVER say anything negative about God.

*** Show Respect for not only me but those around you.

*** Be yourself, I want to know the real you!

*** Don't use the F-Word, it is ugly.

*** Absolutely, under no circumstance be a racist. We are all created equal. After all, God chose our race, our country and birth parents for us. Don't think for a moment you are any better than anyone else!!!

*** Laugh, I am a goof ball, just roll with it :)

*** Go to Hobby Lobby or Michael's with me and please don't rush me through the scrapbook aisles...

*** Don't talk behind my back, if you have something to say, let me know. Whether it is positive or negative, I'd rather hear it to my face.

SEVEN THINGS I THINK A LOT:

*** That I need to lose so much weight.

*** What bills need to be paid?

*** About my Dad.

*** Did I take something out for supper?

*** How much I love Chris and my boys.

*** How tired I am...if only my body would allow me to sleep.

*** About my friends that mean so much to me.

SIX THINGS I DO BEFORE BEDTIME:

*** Hug my boys and tell them how much I love them!

*** Put my jammies on.

*** Go potty, brush my teeth.

*** Lock the doors.

*** Fluff up my pillows

*** Pray

FIVE PEOPLE THAT MEAN A LOT TO ME:

*** God, Jesus

*** Chris - my wonderful husband

*** Austin and Aaron - my two amazing sons!

*** My family - each and every one of you!!

*** My fabulous friends - Rock On!

FOUR THINGS I AM WEARING RIGHT NOW:

*** Bear Country Market shirt

*** glasses

*** a smile

*** wedding ring

THREE SONGS I LISTEN TO A LOT:

*** Mamma Mia Soundtrack (I know,it's more than three!)

*** Whatever is on my favorite radio station, KGBX 105.9

*** The CD that plays over and over (and over!) at work.

TWO THINGS I WANT TO DO BEFORE I DIE:

*** To make sure my friends and family KNOW Christ and have their places secured in Heaven.

*** To make a positive impact on someone's life.

ONE CONFESSION I HAVE:

*** I spend way too much time on this computer :)


Now that I have filled in my countdown, let me know what you think (there's a comment space for a reason!) Also, I would love to hear from you and know what your countdown would consist of. Email me or create a blog...it is fun and addicting!

Until next time,
Tammy

Friendship

In 1995, when I was seven months pregnant with Aaron, we moved just outside of Niangua. We shared a private drive with the people in the white house in front of us. We were moving in and they offered to help unload, brought over cold drinks, just basically helped in any way they could. We would stop and visit and learned she was four months pregnant - their first child. We had that common thread...

Over the last thirteen years we have developed a very strong friendship with the Grissom family - Billy, Becky and Jessie. Becky and I share a love of craft making and what I can't do, she can and vise versa. I can easily talk to her about whatever comes to mind, I have shared Robin with her from the beginning. I can tell you this, I have been blessed with many, many friends, I have a handful of true friends, but I have two best friends...Robin and Becky. I have often teased Becky about her being my MISSOURI best friend!! It was precious to me when three years ago, Robin and Becky were able to meet face to face. Oh, how I dearly love them.

Billy, Chris and the boys have the thrill of hunting, guns, fishing...well anything outdoorsy. Billy spent HOURS throwing darts with the boys, teaching them patiently how to throw a good game. We have made 'traditions' with the Grissom's over the years. We have cried, laughed even harder and cooked enough food to supply a small army. We have learned a lot from each other, we've also gone through circumstances that only friends could endure. Leaning on one another when we didn't possibly think we could take another step. We have a friendship that will last a lifetime. I'm sure of it as the last 13 years have been quite a journey!!

Goofing Around

This is Jessie and Aaron goofing around Saturday night...the laughter was contagious!

In the Christmas Spirit

Aaron wearing the hat Nanny bought him Thanksgiving evening. He wore it everywhere and we even sang Christmas songs on the way home...the hat kinda put us all in the Christmas spirit.

Don't Go Pokin' Around

This is the dinner roll that Aaron stuck his finger in...the moment that caused major chaos in the kitchen...that caused the mess that I am STILL cleaning up. (sigh)

Thanksgiving 2008

Yup, this is all ya get...just one is all it takes...so enjoy this dysfunctional Huggler family portrait.

Don't play with your food unless......

This Thanksgiving, I decided to buy some Rhodes frozen dough that was already cut into dinner roll size, thinking I'd save time, of course! They didn't thaw correctly, sure didn't rise and they definitely didn't bake worth a darn! Mom ended up running to the Bear just a couple minutes before we were to eat so we could have bread of some sort.

Immediately upon taking them out of the oven, Aaron stuck his finger directly in the middle of one thus causing an eruption in this house that was not a pretty sight. Between Aaron, Austin and Grandma (yes, I did say GRANDMA), bread debris is covering the kitchen table and floor...those poor little rolls were smashed, trashed, torn and worn....

....yep, that's what I get for thinking I could save time!

Fruit Loops

Today the Sassy Sisters gathered at my house this afternoon, minus one as Miss Brenda was under the weather. (We missed you, Sister!) Wanda had called a couple of nights ago 'requesting' enchiladas for our lunch date. The rule is, whoever hosts, makes the dinner. I informed her I would make something fast and quick and when she got a bit mouthy, I suggested she would be eating a bowl of fruit loops. My Mom added fuel to the flame by writing her a note reminding her to bring her own bowl for her cereal!! Ha..ha...it was too funny :) Anyway, we happily shared a meal of enchiladas, salad and a pineapple dessert, YUMMY! (Wanda, you are soooooo spoiled)

Seriously, I give thanks for these Sassy Sisters, even though they sucked me into their group without me knowing what I was getting myself into. Whew, they are like an addiction...one I can't live without.

EMMET OTTER'S JUG-BAND CHRISTMAS

When I was a little girl, I suppose around nine or ten years old, I watched Emmet Otter's Jug-band Christmas for the first time. This animated/puppet movie was a Jim Henson production and it ran over and over on HBO. Every single time it came on (when I was able to watch it, that is) I was glued to that big ol' console t.v. set. My whole family enjoyed this heart warming movie. The cutest line in the movie is "you got mashed potatoes?!" My Dad and I found the humor in that for some reason and we would recite THAT line each time and then bust up laughing...it was great. Emmet Otter was absolutely my favorite Christmas movie, hands down.


I believe it was on the Christmas that I was fourteen that my Dad presented me with a little rectangle shaped gift. I tore into it to find a copy of Emmet Otter! (Dad had one of his R.R. buddies copy it off t.v. so the video and audio wasn't the greatest) This girl was overjoyed!! I watched that movie until there absolutely wasn't anything left of it. The day it no longer would play, I threw it in the trash and it broke my heart. What a beautiful childhood memory...and it was gone, just like that.

Today, I was at Wal-Mart waiting for some film to be developed. There, mixed in amongst the Christmas movies was a whole stack of Emmet Otter. I had to take a double take as I have never seen this in stores until now (and believe me, I would've noticed) so with one quick swoop, it was immediately deposited in the cart! I am anxious to share this precious childhood memory with my sons...

...and fondly remember the gift my Daddy so lovingly gave me, so long ago.

LOVIN' TOUCHIN' SQUEEZIN'

Every morning just a couple minutes before 9:00 a.m., my favorite radio station KGBX 105.9 out of Springfield, plays basically the first beat of a song for the listeners to guess. I have tried several times to get through as I knew the song but the phone lines would ring busy as Woody would announce, 'we have a winner!' Yesterday, I called and it was busy so I kept redialing and after hearing two incorrect answers, I was surprised to hear Woody answer the phone. The song was LOVIN' TOUCHIN' SQUEEZIN' by Journey. This time, I was the WINNER!! Boy was I incredibly excited, Woody told me to contain my excitement as I was about to blow his ear drum (sorry!).

I won a $50 gift certificate to Michaels Jewelers!!!! Hmmm...I can see those sapphire earrings already :)

Gas Prices

They say a picture is worth a thousand words so this must speak volumes! This is what gas prices were on November 12th directly across the street from our home. We are very thankful for the relief at the gas pump...considering gas topped $3.89 a gallon not that long ago.

Daddy defeated

Ya know, at some point Chris had to have known his boys were gonna grow up and one day be strong enough to wrestle him down. That is exactly what happened tonight! I am in the kitchen when the hollering began. "Mom, bring the camera" "Mom, hurry!" When I finally decided to grab the camera and check out the situation, it was quite comical when I opened our bedroom door. Chris was in a choke hold by Aaron and Austin was holding his legs and feet. I started snapping away as Chris was struggling to get free. He couldn't hardly catch his breath due to laughing so hard. This went on for several minutes, and no matter how hard he tried, Daddy was defeated.

Jeff and Tonia

Tonia called Tuesday evening as I was peeling potatoes for supper. She was happy as a little clam and announced she is seven weeks pregnant! I asked her to repeat that and she again, in plain English made her announcement. Then, I burst out laughing. Really. I couldn't stop. I eventually gained my composure and congratulated them. This is the woman who made it very plain that she would like to have another baby (a few YEARS ago) but had decided that it was extremely nice to have the kids at an independent age so there would only be two Morgan off spring. Ha...ha...ha...see Tonia, this is what happens when Jeff pokes at you in fun :)

Jeffy on the other hand hasn't said a word...he's still in shock!!

1st fall frost

Not the greatest picture but this is the 1st fall frost of 2008. Chris came in this morning (5:45 a.m.) saying he couldn't find a windshield scraper. His truck has a mega heater in it so not a big deal to rid the layer of frost. Austin struggled a bit more with his truck this morning and Lord knows how my temperamental car will react. It was in the Garage here in Conway yesterday and hopefully the heater is now fixed...I guess today will be a good test!

Ladybug was quite impressed apparently as she was lying on her side in the middle of the yard, basking in the sunshine. When it's really cold, she won't come out of her house so this is an indication all is well :)

Maybe with as cold as it got (25 degrees) the pollen making plants will be done for. Hopefully all the crap floating around in the air will die or at least calm down and give my guys some relief from their allergies and asthma. Plus, being the great hunters that they all are...this will be welcoming for inviting deers to come out in the fields to eat. Oh, in case there are any PETA people reading this...we EAT the animals we harvest. It is definitely a sport for Chris and the boys but they are also respectful and it provides meat in the freezer for winter.


Winter...yuck...that's next...hope this season doesn't bring ice. The only ice I wish to see this winter is in my tea glass :)

EIGHTEEN YEARS

Chris Huggler and I met in our Freshman year at Hemingford High School in biology class. I will be honest here, I didn't like the long haired kid who had a potty mouth, with a hot temper and deliberately knocked my books off the table. Ugh...then I got to the point I'd razz him back but I still didn't particularly 'like' him. My parents announced we would be moving to Bridgeport during the summer of '86 between my Sophomore and Junior year. That was the end of Chris, never saw the kid again.

My parents went on vacation in the Fall of '89 and I hijacked my Dad's Toyota truck. The keys were left for "just in case, sissy". Well, I loooovvvveeeddd that truck! It was a 4x4 so it was tall and I could see EVERYTHING when I was in the drivers seat, unlike in my Nissan 200SX. So, one evening I got all showered and powdered and perfumed and grabbed those keys off Dad's dresser and away I went. I have not a clue how many miles I put on that truck, seriously. All I know is I ran nearly a tank of gas out of it and that is when gas was still under a buck a gallon...so it was cheap enough for me to not worry about. I was just about ready to call it a night and I stopped at a stop sign and next thing you know, out of nowhere comes this motorcycle with this guy all in black behind me. I take off towards home and he FOLLOWS me...I'm thinking this guy is NOT gonna find out where I live so I turn here and there and speed up and things get faster and faster...Not a clue who this man behind me happens to be but he is FREAKING ME OUT HERE!!!!!!!!! He won't quite following me! Then it is revealed, this once long haired (well, yeah he still had long hair) kid had grown up and bulked up. I still didn't like him, though.

Still didn't like him even after Jeff would invite him over night after night to play cards or work on Jeff's old truck. Still didn't like the long hair or the fact he WOULDN'T GO HOME! It just so happened there would be a place setting for him (and whoever else Jeff would invite) at the supper table. Of course, HIS plate was placed directly beside mine. What I didn't know for a long time was my Dad LOVED this young man and that's why the place settings were designed as such. Dear old Dad!

One very cold winter night in early 1990, I was sent home from work from Herberger's in Scottsbluff due to blizzard like conditions. Never did I, in my wildest dreams, would I have ever guessed what would transpire that night. It was freezing cold. True to the forecast, it was definitely blizzard like conditions as I could barely see the highway and the defroster/heater was doing overtime keeping up with the snow freezing against the windshield. I remember my Dad always told me to keep my rpm's up when driving during a snow storm as you don't want to down shift and take a chance on spinning. Honestly, I heard those words a bazillion times and thought I had things under control...until the cars in front of me slowed so much my car was trying to die so I pushed in that clutch to down shift and spun my little heart out all the way across both lanes. My little red sports car ended up in the ditch, on the opposite side of the highway, facing the opposite direction. The car engine died, the headlights were on but you couldn't see them as my car was buried. Out of nowhere this man shows up (I cannot recall his name) but he had seen the accident happen and in that moment of being terrified beyond belief, I bear hugged this total stranger. He then offered me a ride to his house (yep, I knew NOT to ever take a ride from strangers but I really had other things on my mind) when we arrived, I immediately called my parents, crying in a total panic.

Of course, my Dad was playing trains as usual, normal when something REALLY went wrong. Jeff and his good buddy, Chris rescued me. Jeff drove the 4-runner, they pulled my car out and I was obviously too shaken to drive so Chris drove me home. Ok...I was the perfect backseat, or in this case, front seat driver! I told him all the what toos and why fors. Finally he told me in so many words to sit back and shut up, he'd get me home. He did. Safe and Sound. In my eyes, something changed that night...for I saw Chris Huggler in a different light.

Eighteen years ago today, I married this wonderful man. He has promised to take care of me, love me, keep me safe and sound. He has. So, today as I reflect on how it all began with 'us'...I am thankful that Jeff invited him over, thankful that Dad sensed something to warrant a specific place setting. Thankful for the rough start we had and not knowing if we'd survive the first couple years...

...thankful because Chris Huggler, I love you with all my heart and I'd gladly do it all over again!

Helen, the little too happy scarecrow

Eddy and Mom hosted a hayride for their 'family' on Saturday out at Eddy's farm. This is the 3rd annual, I believe...anyway, the boys have so much fun because Eddy has spoiled them with 'toys' they don't normally get to play with. They left early with Nanny and played all day at the farm. When Chris and I got there, the hayride was just pulling back in the yard...there were about 15 on the trailer and Mom and Eddy of course, in the cab of the truck. They looked as if they were half frozen but bounced off of the trailer with gusto. We had brought the chili that I had started at 7:30 a.m before I went to work in the slow cooker. It was a welcoming meal as it warmed them up!

Then, Mom a.k.a. Nanny, the little too happy scarecrow, came tooling around the corner between vehicles dressed like this. Ok, people. Now you know WHY Jeff and I never had friends!!! When growing up, no-one knew what to expect when opening our back door. Not even us. Call it creative or a little weird or maybe it had to do with the sanity factor...either way, we couldn't pin point it exactly. We just got used to her 'work in progress' as something was always under construction. Always.

It didn't matter if it was some cutesy-wutesy craft, a wood shop production, a hand painted quilt, handmade log mirrors...whatever it was, it was bound to be something a 'normal' parent was NOT doing. That's what makes her so unique, I suppose. That would be how I ended up with the world's most infamous haircut, right there in our kitchen in good old Nebraska. When you have two 'beauticians' each with a pair of dull scissors working on the same head of hair, at precisely the same time...yep, it was unique alright...right down to the fact that Mom liked LONGER hair and Aunt Brenda like SHORTER hair...uh, huh...I wore a brown paper bag for months. M-O-N-T-H-S, I tell you. All for the sake of my Mother's crazy creative genius. Except this wasn't creative, definitely wasn't genius but it was CRAZY to think she could cut hair as easily as she could a piece of material or oak, perhaps. Yeah, she's unique all right...just don't let her in your back door and if she has a pair of scissors, start running as you don't want to be sucked into her unique ways.

Nanny! Hold Still.

Aaron adjusting Nanny's 'hair' after the hayride. October 25, 2008.

But, Dad.....

Austin explaining to his Dad how he accidentally slid the 'bike' under the trailer...uh, huh! But, Dad...it was GREAT!!

Tire Swing

Aaron just hanging around.

Rainbow

God's Promise. I feel at peace. I am blessed. I am loved. Enough said.

The story of Sally, the great escape artist.

If you look closely inside the little square plastic container a.k.a. Sally's pond, you will indeed see Sally. She is our very tiny pet box turtle rescued out of Pokey's mouth in April of 2007. Yep, she's lived in an average sized plastic 'shoe' box ever since then, safely at the Huggler house for approximately the last 18 months.

Sally is certainly a great escape artist. Not once but twice she had somehow scaled the side of the 'shoe' box and jumped ship. I'm sure she didn't expect to fall off the side of Austin's dresser and nearly knock herself out of the shell. Twice she did this but the first time she was only an escapee for a day when she was spotted in the living room. She had traveled quite a distance for such a tiny turtle. The second time she escaped, she was traveling around this house for nearly a week. Austin was about in panic mode, Aaron was searching and I was beginning to wonder if someone had squished her along the way, not realizing it. We pretty much thought she was a goner and figured we'd find the remnants of her eventually.

I was getting ready to leave for work when I noticed I had left the bathroom light on (oops! not always the boys to blame) anyway, I walked through the living room, flipped the light off in the bathroom as I walked through it to the back hallway. As I rounded the corner, I nearly stepped on a rock. I was thinking to myself 'boys, this would ruin my vacuum' and as I went to pick it up, the rock casually moved. I flipped the hallway light on and there she was, the great escapee had been captured once again! When I picked Sally up, she was as dry as a bone and extremely light. I took her in the bathroom and ran some warm water in the sink to let her swim for a minute as I prepared a much larger home for her to live. I found a bigger plastic container and found a very small, shallow container, filled it with rocks and water for her own personal pond. Then grabbed a dab of lettuce, piece of diced tomato and a chunk of red cabbage. Upon re-entry to the bathroom, there sits Sally in the basin, drinking water and taking her front legs and 'washing' her face as if she were a cat. I watched her until it nearly made me late for work. I then placed Sally in her new habitat, sat it on the coffee table and proceeded onto work.

The boys had meandered to the Market after school that day, not realizing the great surprise I had for them! They hurried home, grateful she was alive and thriving. So for now, Sally the Great is living happily in plain site for all of us to watch. It's incredible how entertaining a turtle the size of a fifty cent piece can be, it's even more amazing how much we adore her :)

Still Pickin' Peppers

We are still pickin' peppers, only now they are bright red ones! These have been picked off the plant yesterday and today. Actually, the pepper plant itself has several hanging there, nearly ripened, ready to be useful in this kitchen :)

Tammy's 39th Birthday!

I celebrated my 39th birthday last Friday. Everyone has teased me endlessly about this being the LAST year BEFORE I reach 'old'. They are perplexed when I tell my age and admit that I LOOOVVVEEE birthdays! I do. I want to grow old and become wiser with each passing year. Why don't some people get that? Why do they think getting older is such a horrible thing? Why aren't they enjoying the fact that they have had another year behind them, that in itself is reason enough to celebrate. It makes perfect sense to me. I have NEVER had a problem with growing older, getting a few (ok...a lot!) of gray hairs, or making an occasional potty run in the middle of the night. I have watched my Mother grow older gracefully and she gets more beautiful and youthful with each additional birthday that SHE celebrates...so I've had a great example to observe!

Maybe it is the fact that my Dad struggled to celebrate each additional birthday after he reached the 41st one. Perhaps it was his enthusiasm and humbleness as April 16th approached. He celebrated and gave thanks graciously, not only to us for the birthday surprises but to the Lord for granting him just one more.

So..back to me. I am grateful that I was able to celebrate on October 17th with good health, a precious family, fabulous friends, and all the excitement and wonder that each birthday brings. It means more than I could possibly try to explain, so I won't. I just hope those of you that read this, the ones who DON'T want to admit your age or you think it's such a burden to grow older...stop for a moment and reflect on the time since your last birthday until today, has it been that horrible? Look at all the cool things you would've missed out on if God hadn't granted you just one more. Stop and reflect. Count your blessings because they will add up way faster than however many birthdays you've had. Trust me, I am still counting and oh, so blessed!!

An erruption of laughter

My Mom, Helen came up with an idea a few years ago to form a 'group' with her best friends Wanda and Brenda, and get together with them once a month. I think it was Brenda who suggested they needed a 'name' for themselves. After some pretty weird ideas, Brenda came up with "Sassy Sisters" which, by all means, is the PERFECT name!! I, somehow got sucked into this little group of crazy women. Ummm, those of you that personally know my Mother, well, you know that she cannot do anything seriously or without silliness involved. I can guarantee if any one of us is having an off day, it won't matter once we are all in the same room! Or car...for example, a while back Brenda took us to Bennett Springs where she works. It was a very relaxing evening, having a really nice picnic and laughing so much our sides hurt :) Afterwards, she drove us around the park and we were truly enjoying ourselves. Wanda and I are in the back seat taking in the beautiful scenery, listening to the chatter in the front seat and all the sudden Brenda tells us there is a fugitive living in the park. A freakin' fugitive!! Wanda and I are intensely weighing every word of which comes rolling out of Brenda's mouth...all the while Helen is backing up EVERYTHING Brenda is saying. They told us it was according to the noon news. Then her car comes to an abrupt stop...telling us all the while this fugitive has been spotted in these woods earlier. My skin is crawling and of course, we both (Wanda and me) reach for our cell phones...NO SERVICE! I am about to panic here because I am terrified of the dark and dark is about to be upon us! I don't like the word fugitive and Wanda is freaking out like a wild woman with rabies and squeezing the door handle as if she's gonna rip the door off and use it to beat someone to the ground...

Then...a tinsey, tiny, almost silent chuckle escapes my dear Mother's lips. Then Brenda lets out a chuckle...at that moment there's no holding back, they both erupt in hysterical laughter. While Wanda and I sit there... in the backseat... as Brenda starts her car and takes off as if nothing ever happened...we (Wanda and me) know we have been had by some sadistic, warped plan that had been premeditated by the two not-so-innocent looking gals in the front seat....

Sassy Sisters

The Sassy Sisters during their monthly meeting, hosted by Wanda (in blue/green dress), beside her is Helen and Brenda (in front of window). These girls are Helen's best friends. I can tell you this, they are all insane, that is why they are all such SPECIAL friends!!! Love you guys!

Walnut picking

Walnut picking season is in full swing! Our house is no exception. Austin and Aaron have been picking these black walnuts up on and off for a week now. They were traveling the dirt roads in search of places that hadn't been harvested yet. Most of the people they have asked have been nice and let them pick but some have been snots about it. Good grief, they are just kids wanting a little extra spending money and right now is the highest they've been at $13 a hundred after hulling. They are messy, leaving black icky crap that permanently stains clothes and hands as well. Picking walnuts is not HARD work but it is tiresome and hurts one's back by the end of the day. Not to mention being covered in ticks and mosquito bites! But...by the time they travel to Letterman Feeds and weigh in, it is worth the effort :)

Chris and I were talking in the kitchen last night as we were cooking supper about how yummy those walnuts would be in baked goods this winter. Then the light bulb moment happened! I hopped on this wonderful 'information highway' and read how to hull, cure and store black walnuts. Yep, I am gonna try it folks! Not sure of the result but at least I'll have tried and as expensive as they are in the grocery stores...well, it seems like a little effort on my part sure won't hurt. So, whether it's apple crisp, or banana nut muffins or whatever creation comes to mind...those walnuts sure will be a nice treat!

Just SCOOTING by.....

Scooter mania has hit this area and you see someone buzzing by quite often. Our friends, Ronald and Heather ordered their scooters about three months ago and have been patiently awaiting their arrival. Ok..so maybe Heather isn't the most patient person in the world but I will give her an 'e' for effort as she REALLY tried to understand the delays :) The way she explained it, the demand is so high right now due to gas prices, that scooters are easily back ordered. Heather has kept me updated on her scooter situation and this week they finally made an appearance in this tiny town!! Heather's enthusiasm is so contagious, it's been fun to share in this little adventure! I have laughed so much over these two scooters.

They (Ronald, Heather & Kayli) came scooting on by with them this week after I got home from work. I heard the horn and went flying out the door. They are sooo cute!! Ronald, of course, had to show off the deafening alarm system while Heather was excited she has 'trunk' space. We all stood in our driveway aweing and oohing over both of these brightly colored machines. Yep, it seemed a pretty silly thing to do , oh but after all, we are like the dorkiest people...ha..ha..ha..

Ronald's is a lime green and Heather's is a very pretty blue. But, those of us that know Heather, know she is a girlie girl. She is all about pink so we must come up with some ideas to help her pretty blue scooter turn into a fabulous bling machine! She already has a pink helmet:) well, that's a start!

Fair Grove Heritage Festival

My Mom and I don't get to spend much time together even though we are just six miles apart. Our schedules are full, evenings are crammed with housework, chores, supper and what extra time we do have, well it just doesn't coordinate. We hastily planned today just a couple days ago to attend this good size craft festival. We met up with Lisa and her Mom, Judy along with the life of the party, Grace!! It was such a great, relaxed day...I loved it!! It is amazing how many crafty-talented people are in this corner of the world. The fun of these festivals are enjoying the different booths and what they have to offer. To see the unique creations, to taste the yummy treats (LOOOVVVEEE the funnel cakes, roasted pecans, fried oreos, grilled corn on the cob...) not to mention bumping into those acquaintances that you may see only once or twice a year. We saw a few of those today!

Grace really kept the excitement up and us on our toes as she set the pace...racing to each and every jewelry booth! Yep, that girl looked glamorous by the time she was finished layering on every bracelet and necklace she purchased. We really got a kick out of her, she would look and look. Once she spotted what she wanted, her little purse couldn't get unzipped fast enough for her to pull the money out. But what cracked us up was that she would pull her money out BEFORE she made a final decision on WHAT to purchase!!!! She also modeled her butterfly face painting and stopped abruptly to pet EVERY single dog she spotted within reach...the child fears nothing! She waved at us during the pony ride as if she were Princess Grace of Missouri :) She was a little burst of energy and it was fun to see the festival through the eyes of a child, enjoying the simple pleasures of small town life. Thanks, Grace for filling this afternoon with such wonder. Like I said, I loved this day!!

Letter received by the City of Conway

I was at work yesterday afternoon when the city clerk came walking in with a single piece of paper in her hand. I really thought it was something she wanted to hang on our bulletin board, instead she said she was specifically looking for me. She handed me this piece of photocopied paper and said she thought Chris and I would appreciate a copy. This is verbatim what the letter said:

City of Conway -

Again this year I write to tell you what an enjoyment coming to your Comm. Days was. We had the Democrat Tent and we were treated courteously and your people were very friendly and helpful.

But mostly I would like to make you aware of something that happened to us there. My friend and I were trying to get stuff set up. She has had a heart device implanted and I'm 65 years old. We were managing and quite well but 2 of your community - an Austin and Aaron Huggler - both kids - came 4 different times to see if they could help us in anyway - unloading the car, setting up the tables, etc. They were so nice - so many kids these days don't know respect or being helpful, etc. but those 2 were a delight and wanted nothing from us. So many people call to complain and I thought taking a few minutes to let you know if your community has very many young people like these 2, you should be very proud! I don't know what kind of family life they have or parents or anything but someone has done something very right.

Thank you,

Judy Uebinger
Eldridge, MO


After reading this letter at that moment at work, my heart swelled with pride and my eyes filled with tears. Chris and I have always said, "we don't really care how you act at home but when you are in public you better 'straighten up and fly right, or ELSE!'" Our goal when having these precious babies was to raise them to be respectful, productive, Christian men that society could be proud of...I guess we must be doing something right after all. We have been blessed by two awesome sons!!

Fall Front Porch

This is the majority of our porch that my Mom decorated. Scroll down to see more of the creative things she did tonight as well. It was a nice surprise when I got home from work (she does this yearly for my birthday).

Sunflower bag

This huge sunflower bag was created by my Mom just for decoration on my front porch. It is so colorful! The two shoe planters sitting beside it are actually part of my flower bed. We needed something heavy to kinda hold this bag in place so when the winds decide to gust, it hopefully won't be across the street :)

Helen's Creative Genius

I've always wanted a front porch to decorate and when we moved into this house, I got my wish! Fall is my favorite season. Maybe, in part because I am a fall baby as I celebrate my birthday in October. The month when the leaves are just brilliantly colored and showing off nature's vivid beauty. It could be the different shapes and hues of pumpkins, gourds and mums that grace the pumpkin patches, the creative mazes,dried out corn shucks...then there's the food that invites fall, like big pots of chili, hot apple cider, and those 'oh, so yummy' caramel apples! Then it's time for the hayride down a long, dusty country road. And who can resist jumping in the crisp, fallen leaves that only comes once a year? How can I not mention the great fall festivals swirling in each small town, so inviting and being able to socialize with those you may only see occasionally? I must mention those cute-faced scarecrows that grace so many yards or porches during this season. The list goes on of things to truly enjoy in this latter part of the year.

A fall tradition at the Huggler house is when my Mom, Helen comes over to decorate the front porch, as if to encourage this marvelous season. She has a gift. A gift that enables her to take a whole lot of nothing and make it into a whole lot of something. And that 'something' is usually spectacular!! I see that in so many projects she dives into. Mom definitely has a crazy creative genius...and I'm glad she's passed that onto me. So, I just want to say "THANKS, MOM! It's fabulous!"

Magnificent Mushrooms!

These magnificent mushrooms were also found in our front yard this morning. I searched the internet this afternoon for identification of this particular one but didn't have any luck. If anyone knows what this mushroom is called, I'd appreciate your input. They sure are pretty!

Mushrooms Galore

Chris and Aaron discovered these mushrooms in the front yard today, not sure what kind they are but we left them alone.

But, I'm always SO busy.....

I received this very funny (and true) email this week and it was too good not to share. Hope everyone that reads it will get a good laugh!!

Thank goodness there's a name for this disorder.
> Somehow I feel better,even though I have it !
>
> Recently, I was diagnosed with A.A.A.D.D. -
> Age Activated Attention Deficit Disorder.
> This is how it manifests:
>
> I decide to water my garden.
> As I turn on the hose in the driveway,
> I look over at my car and decide it needs washing.
>
>
As I start toward the garage,
> I notice mail
on the porch table that
> I brought up from the mail box earlier.
>
> I decide to go through the mail before I wash the car.
>
> I lay my car keys on the table,
> put the junk mail in the garbage can under the table,
> and notice that the can is full.
>
> So, I decide to put the bills back
> on the table and take out the garbage first.
>
> But then I think,
> since I'm going to be near the mailbox
> when I take out the garbage anyway,
> I may as well pay the bills first.
>
> I take my check book off the table,
> and see that there is only one check left.
>
> My extra checks are in my desk in the study,
> so I go inside the house to my desk where
> I find the can of Coke I'd been drinking.
>
> I'm going to look for my checks,
> but
first I need to push the Coke aside
> so
that I don't accidentally knock it over.
>
> The Coke is getting warm,
> and I decide to put it in the refrigerator to keep it cold.
>
> As I head toward the kitchen with the Coke,
> a vase of flowers on the counter
> catches my eye--they need water.
>
> I put the Coke on the counter and
> discover my reading glasses that
> I've been searching for all morning.
>
> I decide I better put them back on my desk,
> but first I'm going to water the flowers.
>
> I set the glasses back down on the counter,
> fill a container with water and suddenly spot the TV remote.
> Someone left it on the kitchen table.
>
> I realize that tonight when we go to watch TV,
> I'll be looking for the remote,
> but I won't remember that it's on the kitchen table,
> so I
decide to put it back in the den where it
belongs,
> but first I'll water the flowers.
>
> I pour some water in the flowers,
> but quite a bit of it spills on the floor..
>
> So, I set the remote back on the table,
> get some towels and wipe up the spill.
>
> Then, I head down the hall trying to
> remember what I was planning to do.
>
> At the end of the day:
>
> the car isn't washed
>
> the bills aren't paid
>
> there is a warm can of Coke sitting on the counter
>
> the flowers don't have enough water,
>
> there is still only 1 check in my check book,
>
> I can't find the remote,
>
> I can't find my glasses,
>
> and I don't remember what I did with the car keys.
>
> Then, when I try to figure out why nothing got done today,
> I'm
really baffled
because I know I was busy all damn day,
> and I'm really tired.
>
> I realize this is a serious problem,
> and I'll try to get some help for it,
> but first I'll check my e-mail....
>
> Do me a favor.
> Forward this message to everyone you know,
> because I don't remember who the heck I've sent it to.
>
> Don't laugh -- if this isn't you yet, your day is coming!!

Scrabble Queen Tammy is dethroned by King Bryon

Ya know, I faithfully click on the links that connect me with blogs that belong to personal friends. I really enjoy catching up on what they've been doing and here I sit, struggling to find something to blog about as I've neglected to post in nearly 3 weeks. Imagine! Me, not having anything to say....ha..ha...I'm the Queen of talk.

Oh, I guess I could tell you about me being Queen...Queen of Scrabble that is...or was! We were invited over to the Medley's for a serious scrabble game(s). I had told Bryon months ago to 'bring it on' as I am the QUEEN and I would kick his butt...whatever! I sat down, snacks on the table, fuzzy navel in hand and, well, we let the games begin. I was doing great...I had the pieces right where I needed them to fall and the points were racking up...yeah, baby!! I was pumped, I was energetic and talking trash (of course it was the fuzzy navels, I'm sure of it!) Anyway, Lisa is keeping score and updating us after each play...I was stoked as I knew for a fact, Bryon was gonna regret challenging this scrabble queen. That is until the final score was read...I was dethroned by six points. SIX stinkin' points...ugh! King Bryon made it known that he rules the castle now. At least until the next challenge, I plan to study the scrabble dictionary and bombard him with some idiot word, like the one he used: "qat"...hello? Anyone ever heard of this? Yep, didn't think so...that dictionary is made up of pretend words...well, I have to have some kind excuse :)

T E E N A G E R

Aaron is celebrating his 13th birthday today! Nanny made his favorite meal, chicken and dumplings...mmmmm, they were delicious. His Dad took him this afternoon after school to buy a gift as Aaron never told anyone what he wanted for his birthday. They picked out a new Diamond Edge Bow (by Bowtech). He has been practicing a lot, possibly entering a bow competition in September. This bow came complete with all the accessories he could possibly wish for! Happy Birthday, Aaron!!

Springfield Cardinals Baseball Game

August 2008 082, originally uploaded by trlrover.

Sunday evening we attended the Springfield Cardinals baseball game with Bryon, Lisa and Grace. The weather was absolutely perfect for it with a cool breeze and clear skies. We had great seats, thanks to Lisa's employer, Community Blood Center of the Ozarks. Grace was soooooo excited to see Louie, the mascot. She about stroked out when she saw him in person...bless her heart, she just shrieked LOUIIIIIEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!! Her eyes just danced and she was full of awe when her daddy took her down to meet him, face to face!! Oh, my! The excitement in that child was priceless.

We all ended up leaving early due to having to get up for school and work the next morning. When we left, the Cards were losing. When we woke up Monday, we found they went into ten innings and WON!! Hooray for them! That would've been a great game to be able and stay for the entirety.

MAMMA MIA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

MAMMA MIA, HERE I GO AGAIN! MY, MY, HOW CAN I RESIST YOU?

Shelly and I went to see the movie Mamma Mia (based on ABBA's songs) yesterday in Springfield. WOW! This is such a fun, fast paced musical that is a must see, girls (and guys too!) it is a fantastic burst of energy and enthusiasm from start to finish. It will definitely make you Laugh Out Loud! Meryl Streep is a delight! Let me tell ya, the guys in this musical are so FINE! Oh, yeah.

There was a man sitting directly behind us and he was laughing so hard, it was funny! He also knew the words to every ABBA song on the soundtrack....he was having a blast, and so were we. If you get a chance and you want a good laugh along with great music, don't hesitate to watch Mamma Mia!

Meeting Michael Waddell

On Sunday, August 10, 2008 the Huggler boyz were able to meet one of hunting's finest. Mr. MICHAEL WADDELL, tv host of "Realtree Road Trips" and "We Live Outdoors". He autographed their CABELA's hats (we were in the Bass Pro Shops!) and video cover. We then went out to watch his Bushnell demonstration. The Michael that you see in his videos is portrayed in person, very genuine with a GREAT personality! Thanks, Michael Waddell, we all enjoyed the day!

C+H+E+C+K point

Tonight Chris called me after work to ask if I'd like to join them at Hannah's in Niangua to have a hamburger for supper. I thought it would be a fabulous idea as I would get to visit with Lisa (and you too, Bryon!) as I hadn't seen her for a couple weeks. I also had 'pig food' in the trunk of my car for Bacon and Pork Chop. So, off to Niangua I went in my purdy green car.

Austin had mowed Zach's yard after school, getting caught in a downpour. He ran home for a quick change of clothes and was also off to Hannah's in his little blue truck.

Chris ended up getting off work early and swung by Conway to pick up Aaron after school while Austin was mowing and I was working. They headed to Hannah's to have coffee with 'the guys', in his dark green truck. So, in a round-a-bout way, the Huggler's made the short trip to Niangua in three separate vehicles. So much for SAVING gas today!!!

After eating and a short visit with the Medley's, we headed out to their house to deliver the 'pig food' taking just my purdy green car. Grace about wore me out!!! She's such a little burst of energy and I was struggling to keep up with her 'games'. We all had a great visit, well..Lisa and I did. She (you go girl!) put the guys to work moving exercise equipment upstairs and a couch downstairs. Chris said that was the hardest he had worked all week...ha..ha...anyway, after cheering on Michael Phelps in one of the Olympic swim heats, it was time for us to head home.

I drove to Hannah's to drop my guys off. I was the leader of the pack as Austin was in the middle and Chris was following behind us. We topped the hill just coming into Conway and there are a bizillion neon red and blue flashing lights bursting into the darkness. I saw that they were directing traffic, I really thought there was a wreck or maybe fire (the firemen were also there) but it was a check point. I was greeted by our city cop and he asked for license and insurance card. Checked my seatbelt, etc. He then asked if that was my son behind me, I told him 'yeah, and my husband behind him'. He then hollored something at the other officer and away we all went. Horray....the Huggler's passed the test!!! Glad there wasn't a wreck after all.

In the zone

We were at the Bass Pro Shops in Springfield this weekend and Aaron purchased this deer target with money he earned this summer. Aaron took the first shot and this is where the arrow stuck! Aaron's mama even took a shot, actually shooting a bow for the very first time ever and hit the target two out of three!

Together After Five Years!

The Lord has blessed me with some incredible friendships in my 38 years of life. I make friends easily and have many but there is only a small handful that I count as my close friends. The friendships that I share with these girls are as individually unique as they are. One thing is sure, I can count on my 'handful' for any obstacle I may face and vise versa. I can truly say, I love these girls and my life would not be complete without them.

In September 1992 we moved to Missouri approximately 850 miles one way from my best friend, Robin in western Nebraska. I was devastated knowing she wouldn't be within reach at any given moment. We're two peas in a pod, she's my sweetheart. I didn't think I could possibly live with her being such a severe distance from me. So, I would write her letters, so many letters in fact, they were too numerous to count. It was routine to make my daily journey with baby Austin, to the teeny tiny Niangua Post Office to mail these envelopes packed with emotionally charged material. I didn't think I would ever make another friend again, although I prayed for one. Just one.

Little did I know that the Lord would so graciously place Shelly, the Niangua Post Master directly in my path. He hand picked her and I didn't realize all of those prayers and tears to send me a friend, one to confide in, to laugh with, to understand my loneliness had been there each and every time I mailed a letter back home. She greeted me with her beautiful, welcoming smile. I would find myself mailing letters to Robin and leaving the post office later each time as Shelly and I would get caught up in great conversation. Sharing life experiences, hopes, dreams and developing a precious friendship.

We've also shared some very personal, heartbreaking experiences together. Eventually helped the other heal their shattered heart, not realizing how strong the friendship would become. I found myself making trips to the Post Office over the next four years to just visit. No particular reason, just to say 'hi' and be near her. Shelly always had a way of making me feel like I was the most important person who had ever walked through the door, always offering a kind word, a warm embrace and a heart full of Christian love.

Shelly later transferred from the Niangua Post Office and we kept in close contact. That is until I moved to Conway and she moved to Springfield a little over five years ago. We lost contact with one another. I missed her. Then a few weeks ago, I was in Marshfield and ran into the Niangua Post Master. She made mention that a friend of mine asked about me. I immediately knew it was Shelly!! I found her on myspace and we set up a 'date'. I was so excited, I about couldn't wait. Like a little kid on Christmas morning!!! Well, Shelly and I had our 'date' last week. After five very long years of separation. We just hugged and hugged, we talked forever and it was as if we never missed a beat in the last five years....it was incredible!

I have a handful of close friends, Shelly is one of them. I love her dearly. God has brought us back together and for that I am genuinely grateful and extremely BLESSED...

Migraine, an inturruption of life.

Migraine. A simple word. A horrific pain. An interruption of life. I can honestly say migraines are a part of my life I absolutely hate. Absolutely.

When I was approximately five years old, the pediatrician diagnosed me with migraines. These horrible monsters that can absolutely bring life to a near screeching halt. I do know when one will strike, never the less, as I get one of those 'auras' as they say. A migraine, in me, always...ALWAYS starts with an excruciating pain directly behind my left eye. Never a pain in my temple, right eye, top of the head, just in the left eye. It's a very distinct pain. You can bet when this pain starts, which feels like something sharp is being jabbed into my eyeball, I am reaching for the painkillers and preparing for battle. Because I know in the matter of a few minutes, it will go from a severe headache into a full blown migraine.

I read when I was a teenager, in some magazine, that a person that has migraines should name it. Give it an identity and face it head on. So, when I was about fifteen years old, I named her Molly Migraine. I don't know why I picked such a sweet name for such an unkind hurt. I don't think it has ever helped to name her, I still hate migraines, I still hate the pain and feelings that ravage my body. I still hate the fact I have had to fight Molly for nearly 32 years of my life. What a waste of my time!!!

If you've never experienced a migraine, you are blessed. If you haven't you don't know how bad the pain can catapult. If you have experienced a migraine, I'm sorry that you also know the excruciating pain associated with these.

I do seek help though. I have been prescribed an array of pills, been given a variety of shots, have used everything from over-the-counter cure alls, to herbal remedies, and everything in between. Amazing what my body has endured trying to just cope. I do get irritated at the people that say they had a 'migraine' and took two TYLENOL and it was gone in a few minutes....oh, P-l-e-a-s-e!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yep, wish it were that simple, folks....

I try to avoid the circumstances that can trigger them in me. Like the heat, too much sunshine. Cigarette smoke. MSG, an ingredient found in a lot of foods. My stuffy sinuses can also play a key part. The ultimate factor...S-T-R-E-S-S. I am usually wound for sound and it takes a lot for me to wind down. I worry about everything from money (who doesn't), my children's safety (a typical mom), our jobs (thankful we are both still employed), and the list goes on for miles. I really need to learn to "Let go and let GOD". I do know, through faith, the only reason my migraine goes away is because of the Lord's healing touch. When I am in the quiet, still moments of fighting, when my ears just possibly cannot handle another noise, my eyes cannot filter anymore light, my head cannot handle the slightest movement...I feel HIM comforting me. I know for a fact that HE gives me the strength I need to battle against this entity that has entered my body, uninvited. And I know that eventually,'this too shall pass'.

I battled against Molly Migraine's excruciating pain once again. I woke up at 3:30 am Friday morning with an intense pain drilling my left eye and I knew that before the alarm sounded, I was in trouble. It is routine for me to vomit during the really intense ones. If i do, it will generally allow the pain to let up and eventually release. I have been desperate enough to induce vomiting myself with the results being not what I had hoped for as it will make it much, much worse. My body has to induce itself. That's what happened in the middle of the night (early this morning) and now I am bounced back to near normal. I experience a bad headache after it's gone and feel extremely weak the next day. Usually exhausted from my body doing battle against itself. That is exactly what it feels like too, as I feel like I've been dragged behind a truck!!

But like I said, "This too shall pass" and it always does. In the big scheme of things, it only hurts for a 'little while', it's just that when during that 'little while' it feels like forever!!

Sloppin' the hogs

Tonight we traveled out and about to the country. The little piece of country that harbors our wiry pig. Bacon and Pork Chop greeted us by running behind their house. They eventually came around the corner when the realization of food was apparent. The BCM has graciously provided our pigs with their spoiled produce. Let me tell ya, those little piggies went crazy! Bacon absolutely LOVED the plums, he just couldn't seem to put them down. Pork Chop snatched up and ate part of an apple. However, neither one seemed too enthusiastic over the green peppers! They did enjoy the bucket of scraps that we had saved all week, including the mac and cheese, potatoes and peas. It was so comical to hear them snort and squeal as they ate. It was even funnier to see Pork Chop (he's bigger) try to root Bacon out of the food bowl. Bacon decided that wasn't about to happen and nearly knocked Pork Chop on his side....it was great!!

BACON and PORK CHOP

This is Bacon and Pork Chop. Bryon and Lisa went to the Fordland Small Animal Swap scouting pigs. They brought these two little pigs home yesterday. One for them, one for us. The boys laid claim to the little white spotted one and named him Bacon. The other one belongs to Bryon and Lisa - he is Pork Chop. They are both living on the Medley Farm as we don't have what it takes for Bacon to live at our house.

We met them this afternoon as Bryon needed help in order to castrate them. Those little pigs are strong! It took all four guys to hold each pig down. Bryon was the surgeon, Chris held the back legs, Austin held the front legs but had to turn his head as the incision was made. Aaron was a great supervisor!! Lisa video taped it but we thought that those PETA people would hate us for sure, so it is not blogged. It was definitely a learning experience for us all!!

Now, little piggy...grow, grow, GROW!!! Hmmm...ham sounds great for Thanksgiving dinner, doesn't it?

Hey, Chick!

We were preparing to leave the Medley's farm when we stopped to look one last time at Grace's new lop eared rabbits. Somehow, the subject of feeding chickens came up. Their chickens are so tame, they don't run when you approach, they just continue with what they're doing. Mentioning they will eat out of your hands if you sit still on the ground, Aaron immediately wanted to try this. So, he and Grace sat right down with filled little hands full of chicken feed. They were very still, very quiet then THIS chicken is RIGHT THERE!! It was so cool!! Truly, it is the simple pleasures we treasure in life.

GUITAR HERO(ES)

Aaron has wanted Guitar Hero since playing a friend's several months ago. We told him to save his money...then his mama told him that we would pay half of it if he would agree it was for his birthday. Aaron has worked diligently this summer and has been super patient. I told him to watch the sales and find the best price. When I brought the Springfield News Leader home last Sunday, he spotted Guitar Hero at Kmart for $89. He drove us nuts all week about going to Springfield for the possibility of purchasing this prized game. Well, today was the day(it was the last day of the sale ad)! Kmart was the first stop we made this afternoon and he was filled with so much excitement, it just rippled throughout the car. He was more than anxious to get home and it nearly drove him insane when we visited other stores. A stop at Mickey D's for a quick supper, a final stop for that precious commodity of fuel and we hit the interstate. Of course, he kept asking 'how much longer' as if he'd NEVER made the trip from Springfield to Conway before! His excitement and anxiousness grew as each mile landed us closer to our front door.

After carrying all of our purchases in, Guitar Hero was quickly connected to the living room TV. Austin and Aaron have alternated turns and have had a relatively fun evening. Chris even got caught up in the 'rock star' aspect!! Those guys have been jammin' for hours. Hmmm...I wonder if this mama will get ANY sleep tonight. Well, at least the songs are good ones!!!