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!!