Merry Christmas!

Will be celebrating Christmas with the family tomorrow through Thursday. See you then!
Have a Very Merry Christmas!

Meet Our Family / Friends Saturday

 

This is my Sister-in-law Claudia. She is my brother's wife. At a really bad time in my life, they took me in and allowed me to live with them for 6 months. I will never be able to let her know what she means to me. She is an extraordinary woman and I love her so much. She is a great cook, a good Christian lady, and a wonderful Mom.

She is the Mom of my three beautiful nieces, from left to right- Samantha, Scarlett, and Sarah. I have a very special bond with Sarah. For many reasons, she owns a piece of my heart. Claudia is one of the best Moms I know.

 

This is my baby brother Chuck (most people call him Charles) but to us he has always been Chuck, and Claudia. They have been together since she was 15 and he was 16. They live in CA, and I miss these people so much, no words can express it.

Claudia's birthday is Tuesday the 18th, so an early Happy Birthday to you Claudia. Have a great one!

It's OK Thursday

 

..to be excited about my new camera.

 

..to have a hard time staying away from the scales. I want to weigh all the time. Who knows, I may have lost an ounce, lol.

 

..to be upset that hubby can only get off one day, the day after Christmas. That means we will leave after he works on Christmas Eve to go to AL, a 5 hr drive, stay at David's, off to Dennis' the next morning, and home again Christmas night. Shortest trip ever!

 

..that I'm just not into Christmas this year, but am very excited about the New Year.

 

..to keep buying myself things I find as great deals, when I should be shopping for the family.

 

..that I love all the Christmas movies on tv. I could watch every single one...and some twice.

 

..to be happy that hubby got really Nice things at his Holiday work party Sunday night.

 

..that we are having spaghetti for the second time in 7 days.

 

..that it is Grey's Anatomy night!!!

 

..that my house is a total mess. Just don't care today.

 

..to be thankful and Thank God for the Amazing week we had last week. It was GREAT!!!

 

You can join "It's OK Thursdays" by clicking here.

The Sunday Currently

Currently Sunday

 

link up your edition of The Sunday Currently with Lauren

 

reading    The Secret Keeper by Kate Morton  

writing     my blog posts for the the weekend, and a long letter to my sister Tracie

listening   to my hubby snoring in the next room and the sound of the radio in the background. He can't sleep without it. I just love early mornings.

thinking   about how much I have to do tomorrow and looking forward to a day of rest on Sunday.

smelling   the still lingering smell of fresh baked cookies I made for my neighbor tonight

wishing    that Christmas would be over already. I know- bah humbug!

hoping     that all my granddaughters like what I got them for Christmas.

wearing   my comfy nightgown my DIL bought me while I was hospitalized.

loving      my new desk chair that hubby gave me for an early Christmas gift. It's so much more comfortable than the old one.

wanting   to be able to have enough willpower to stay om my diet journey during Christmas

needing   grand kid hugs, soon.........

feeling     very emotional this time of year. I still my my Mom so much. It's hard to believe she's not here. And missing my brother and sister who I wish I could see this yr, but can't. See , I told you...Bah humbug!  lol

clicking   Pinterest.... I am SO addicted, I need to stop clicking, and get up and do!

 

This is my first Currently and I love it! Hope all my friends join in.

Maddie the Pink Princess



Meet our Family/Friends Saturday

Tracey and Buddha

 

This is my sister-in-law Tracey and her man Buddha. Tracey is hubby's only sister. She has two sons whom we adore. Mitchell just got back from Iraq and married a really sweet girl named Kelli. Her youngest, Christopher, just graduated high school this year and is working and deciding what to do with rest of his life.

Tracey is honestly the sweetest hardest working woman I know. Her heart is HUGE. She loves camping, motorcycles, and photography. Her and Buddha have been together seems like a lifetime, and he is her soul mate. She has a smile that will light up your day and is always so positive.

They live in Washington state near Seattle, and their oldest that just married also just bought a new house in North Carolina.

Mitch and Kelli

 

Tracey and Christopher

 

We love you guys so much!!!!!

"It's OK" Thursday

 

It's OK.............

 

to post randomly when I am just not in the mood and have old lady brain farts

 

to stress daily because hubby hates his job so much, and never shuts up about it.

 

that my phone didn't work for two days and I didn't even notice.

 

that I had a very naughty dream about Blake Shelton last night...whew! enough said!

 

that I am so excited it's Thursday because it's a New Grey's Anatomy episode tonight!

 

that I will be glad when Christmas is over (bah humbug).

 

that I still have 2 major gifts to buy and have No idea what to get.

 

that that tomorrow is Friday and we are going out!

 

 

 

 

bah Humbug so far, lol

Hi, Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving weekend! I think I slept almost the whole weekend away, lol. I tend to get depressed on Holidays, because I'm not around friends and family. I slept all night Sat night, off and on all day Sunday, and most of today......and just like that, I'm over it. Yes, yes, I know I'm weird. Plus I probably needed all that sleep anyway.

Hubby and I cooked Thanksgiving dinner and ate alone. Passed some out to a couple of elderly neighbors, that made me feel good. We shopped just a little on Saturday morning, but could only find a few things I needed. Beginning to think buying for Christmas will never be over. I used to Love Christmas. My whole month of December would be full of parades, cookie swaps, parties, and just all around preparing. With it just being us, I struggle to like Christmas anymore. We put up our tree. Well, I woke up yesterday afternoon and hubby had put up our tree. He is so good to me. I think he thought it would get me out of my "mood" as he calls it, lol. It didn't help, but I pretended it did so he wouldn't feel bad. I woke up determined not to get up til I felt ok, and I do now. Sorry for all the Bah humbug, but Christmas shouldn't be about the money (gifts) and for my spoiled grand kids, it is. Of course who spoiled them? ME!!! lol

 I have NO idea what to get my daughter in laws for Christmas. Do you think they would like a gift basket? Jenny has just started sewing and I thought I could do her up a basket of sewing goodies, and Regina maybe a spa basket, since she is raising 4 girls and going to school full time. Is that something you would like? I need to make a decision soon. Would really appreciate your input.

~Sandy~

Happy Turkey Day!!!!

Wishing you all a great and Happy Thanksgiving!

Today is also mine and hubby's anniversary.

 

Very Blessed.

eye bags

I woke up at 5:30, checked Fb to talk to my DIL Regina. Lily had woke her up with a bug of some sort about 4 AM throwing up everywhere in bed. That means most of the girls, if not all, will get it. Please pray for them. Almost every time I go visit, I get sick, because I have basically no immune system now after the transplant, and if somebody has something, I get it. Last year after our Christmas visit, I wound up in the hospital with pneumonia and was sick for 6 weeks all because they had colds. I have to be careful.

Anyway, went back to bed for a few hours, just got up again with HUGE bags under my eyes. I hate that. Why don't they tell us when we are young that in our 50s things start to fall. Maybe that is what they mean by everything goes downhill. The boobs fall, and if you lay down, they head toward your underarms. Then my face fell. Literally the skin on my young tight face is now sliding downward. lol I always look like I am not smiling because my face slid into that position. People think I'm asleep while watching tv because the skin over my big brown eyes has slid and my eyes now look closed. Now I wake up with big ugly bags. The question is- would I get a face lift? In a heartbeat! OH YES!

Yesterday was a good day. I am beginning (trying hard) to socialize more. I have basically become a recluse to my apt and porch. Other than going to the grocery or Walmart, I stay in. Very bad for me. Anyway I had two neighbors visit yesterday, and Caroline came. She's being a lot more help that I thought she would. Then we went to do some shopping.
Christmas items bought-   0
junk bought I didn't need- 4
stuff I needed-                   2
time spent with hubby-     Great
We will go again on Sunday after church. Yes, I am going to church on Sunday. :)

Kind of blew the diet just a little- had a small grilled steak, baked potato (huge), and a big salad for dinner. It was good, but way too much food. I'm starting to notice I am getting fuller quicker.

Have an amazing day ~Sandy~

Amazing Monday

I just read on facebook that an old school friend, Eddy Tennison, passed away last night. So sad to hear that, and even sadder that I didn't keep up with most of my school friends. I remember Eddy as the red headed, freckled face guy that always had a smile on his face. Haven't seen him in 40 yrs, which is how long ago I graduated high school. That is the saddest part. I'm getting old! Praying for the Tennison family this morning.

It's a beautiful but cold morning in Arkansas. Rain is coming and you can see the darkness back towards the west. Hubby is off today and we are doing a little Christmas shopping. I wanted to be finished by now, but oh well, such is life. I always have these big plans to have lots of money saved for the holidays, and as always, that didn't happen. So we are struggling to buy Christmas again. It sucks. Lack of money just takes some of the spirit out of the holidays.

Hubby and I have been talking. Neither of us are very good savers. Starting the 1st week of January, that changes. Our goal for 2013 is to save, save, save. We need a new (used) car. Ours is a 1994 and is slowly getting more and more things wrong with it. So our first goal is to buy a car by April or May. After that, we'll see how much we can save.

Searching for a new church home. I'm not as religious as I should be, but I am trying. I now have some church clothes, so am looking forward to going to church. I grew up in a small Baptist church in north AL with the Rev Elzie Jones as our preacher. He was my granddaddys fishing buddy. The teens at that church were some of the meanest kids I ever knew, lol. Naughty kids.

Have an amazing Monday!!!!  ~Sandy~

A Silly Saturday

Follow my blog with Bloglovin Joined the bloglovin' community also. Been a follower a long time. Jumping in.

Yesterday was like any other Saturday, or so I thought. I woke up at 5:30 and was afraid hubby had forgot to set the alarm. He leaves for work at about 5:15 and ALWAYS kisses me goodbye. This time he had not woke me up or kissed me. I tried to call him thinking he was still on his way to work, and he didn't answer. At this point I was a little upset.

So I proceeded with my day, took my bath, brushed me teethe, took my morning meds. I have a lot more meds that I take in the morning(13), and only 3 in the evening. I then cooked my breakfast- some scrambled eggs and a little thing of mandarin oranges. Piddled around the house a little- then to the computer.

Tried to call hubby again, still no answer. Finally by this time, it was about 7:30 and I wondered why it wasn't getting daylight out. Was still totally dark. I tried to enter a contest that I do daily. It said I had already entered. Talking about being Discombobulated!!!!!! Yes, that is a word, lol. My word.

I finally discovered it was 7:30 PM not AM. I had eaten breakfast twice, had two baths, and taken my morning meds at night having already taken them in the morning. Hubby was busy at work as he was working the afternoon/evening shift. I had taken a nap ( a long 5 hr nap) after he went to work at noon. Crazy, crazy me. It's official, I've lost it!

Happy Sunday!

My youngest just turned 36 on Thursday and this is their new family portrait. Left to right-
Regina (Mom), Kelsi (16), Kenzie (12), Lily (6), Maddie (4) and Dennis (my baby).
I love them all so much.

Life has been good this week. I only had 2 bad days, and 2 out of 7 is good for me. Carolyn has actually helped out a lot and gives me a new reason to get up and be happy, and not bored all day.

Very cloudy this Sunday afternoon, rain is moving in for tonight. Hubby is working, and I need to decide about dinner. Do you ever just have no idea what you want to eat?

I'm into a book and can't put it down, so headed back to finish it............. til tomorrow..
~Sandy~

Great day

Today has been a great day, except for all the election stuff. I have decided to put that behind me for now, as there is nothing that can be done at this point anyway except pray.

Thanks to Carolyn, my house is clean, really clean. That took about an hour, then we sat and chatted about an hour. Her cousin, who is my friend Janette, came by, and that made it fun. She is a very funny person.

I sat outside for quite awhile today. Beautiful sunny day with just a gentle breeze in the air. I figure I should enjoy it before the cold gets here again. All in all, it been a great day.

And best of all, I weighed today. 294 people. That's 10 pounds gone. "10" . Loving the bandwagon!



Happy Election Day!

Maddie got a new bicycle! She is 4.

It's been a very good day. Got the voting done, and am so happy all these negative ad campaigns can now be done. No lines. One of the perks of living in a small town (population 724).

I got a package in the mail from a new friend that totally made my day. She is truly a good person. What a fun surprise!

Went to the doctor on Monday and he ran lots of labs and a chest x-ray, and I have to go get a cat scan next week. He says my liver is doing great, and he is going to help find out why I have hardly any energy at all. My magnesium is low, but that is not unusual for a transplant person. So, we'll see.

My in home caretaker showed up today for the 1st time. She was supposed to start two weeks ago, but oh well, that's ok. I feel so strange about it. I have nothing for her to do. I need help getting in and out of the tub, because my tub is so high from the floor, but hubby helps with that. I may sound stupid, but I do not want to get naked in front a stranger and have her help me bathe. Geez, I'm just not 'that' bad off. Plus she can help me do small chores like wash dishes, dust, things like that, but the house was clean. So anyway, she is supposed to come every day at 11 AM for 3 hours five days a week. THAT IS CRAZY! Plus, I like my free time to read, and play on the web, talk on the phone to my daughter in laws, etc. Tell me, what do I do with this person every day?  Her name is Carolyn.

Everyone have an amazing evening!  ~Sandy~

Is it Saturday already?

Is it Saturday already? Been sick and running a small fever the past few days. Felt like crap, but feeling much better today. It started Halloween night, and oh well.....blah, blah...

Going to get the girl's Christmas off layaway today. I am determined to be done with my shopping by the end of November. Have any of you started your shopping, or are you through? I have to start early (like in Sept) to afford it all. Geez, toy prices are CRAZY these days. Lily wants a set of Monster High dolls. They look like Barbies that are all painted up weird. A set of them are $40. And yes she is getting them, lol. I tend to overdo at Christmas.
This year hubby cannot get off work at Christmas so we are going to Bama on the 19th. It will be good to see them, but won't be the same as watching the girls on Christmas morning.

We also laid away a new camera for our Christmas gift to each other. Cannot wait to get it out in Dec. Great photos ahead!!!

Happy Halloween!!!!

 

Have a safe and fun Halloween!

Made my day!

Got a phone call this afternoon from my almost 3 yr old granddaughter Kaysen. Totally made my day. She acts so grown. lol  She said "Hey Meemaw. Daddy said I had to say thank you so here I am." Then silence. Daddy comes on phone. I had mailed the little girls coloring books and candy for Halloween. Back on the phone- Kaysen says "Meemaw do you like green?" I said yes. Back to Daddy. He informed me she was painting a new pic for my fridge. So I can honestly say I cannot wait to have that glorious Green cat hanging on my fridge door soon!

Life is wonderful!!!!! Hope you are having a great day. It's beautiful here but very chilly outside.

Long Time No See

I really have no excuse for not writing. I have been in such a crappy mood all month, and nobody wants to hear about that, so I waited, and I am determined Nov will be a better month. October has just sucked around here.

Medical Update: Well, the doctor said I am not doing so great. Well, duh! I have been telling him that for months. I have got to lose weight. I fell so far off the bandwagon, I think it ran me over. lol  But today is a new day. Back up to 304 this morning. Back on the bandwagon, and excited about it. Sleeping better, ate a scrambled egg for breakfast with tomato slices. Yummy! But what started this messy month was that the doctor has ordered me an in home care person. She starts tomorrow. I do not think I need one. As a matter of fact, I don't need one. But we shall see how it goes. My new liver is doing ok. My weight is causing most of my problems. Under all this fat lies a small frame, and my body is just wearing out from carrying an extra grown person around every day. So please wish me luck, and pray if you are a praying person.

On a brighter note:
I am going to be a grandma again!!!! After 5 granddaughters, I am so hoping for a boy, but we will see. Sex ultrasound is in Dec. This will be the last grandchild.This one is from Jenny and David who have Kaysen (almost 3). Due the 1st week of May. Very excited!

Do you guys give out trick or treat candy? I have done it every year, but not this year. When we lived in the city, we had hundreds of kids. out here in the boonies, last year we had 3, and they were friends kids. So this year I am just fixing a little treat bag for those kids, and turning off my porch light. My BOO days are over!

Oh, never made the wreath, and just basically did nothing this month. What a waste!

My goals for November:
Finish Christmas shopping (almost done)
Lose at least 10 pounds
Walk a little every day - baby steps
Read 1 book.
Organize my photos (hundreds) on the computer

I usually overwhelm myself with so many goals that I give up, so this time I am not doing that.

Also, our nephew Mitchell, who just got back from Iraq and is stationed at Fort Brag, NC is marrying the love of his life that morning- Kelli. We love them so much and hope they have a long and wonderful life together.

Saw this tattoo on Facebook and am still laughing. Hilarious! I guess I have a wicked warped sense of humor.

Have an amazing Monday! ~Sandy~

Happy Monday

I'm late as usual. Woke up with a bad headache this morning, so laid back down and slept all morning. I have got to stop that.
Truth time- I had not yet weighed since I jumped on the bandwagon last week. I know, I know, that shouls have been the first thing. But I just did not want to know. So I weghed a few minutes ago. Last time I did it, I was ...ready for it?  310 pounds, yep over 300. Scary! Today I weighed in at 297. So ladies, I can tell you- I will NEVER see 300 again. I am going the other way. I have set small goals for myself. I want to lose 12 to 15 pounds by Halloween. I think that's reasonable at my weight. Hubby and I have also started walking every day. Just a little ways, but without my walker and it feels good.

 

Saw this yesterday on Pinterest. Now wouldn't this look great in the backyard of my low income apt? LOL I think so. A girl can dream can't she? Maybe one day.................

~Sandy~

 

It's Fall Y'all

Today is the first day of fall, and it is beautiful outside. Fall is my favorite season. Everything is so pretty, it's cooler, and the holidays are coming which make me want to do crafty things.

I can't believe it's almost October already though. Geez, where did this year go? Hubby is off tomorrow. He has different days off each week which makes me Crazy! We can never plan anything.

I saw this wreath on FB and I love it for Halloween. They want almost $200 for this. Are you kidding me? Anyway, my goal is to make this next week. I think I can make it for about $25 or less. We'll see. I'll post it when it's finished.It may not look this fancy, but it won't cost a fortune either.

Have a great weekend!!!  ~Sandy~

Kaysen

This is Kaysen. She is my oldest son's daughter, and is 2 and 1/2. Not sure why, but they don't take many pictures like I do. So this is rare. They were on vacation in Washington DC last week.  Kaysen is named after me, as my middle name is Kay.

Kaysen and her Mom Jenny. Until I saw this I didn't realize how big that statue is.

My oldest David in front of the white house. Sun was in his eyes, lol.

Jenny in front of white house.

I always wanted to go to DC. My senior trip was there. My grandparents raised me along with my single Mom, and I wasn't allowed to go because we didn't have enough money. I was really upset and have never forgotten that. Oh well, one day.............

Still sticking to the diet, but girls, I am Hungry!!!! Are any of you on Facebook? If so, friend me- sandym204 or Saundra McKenzie

have a great weekend, ~Sandy~

Is it Thurday already?

                                                           Kenzie on the trampoline

 

 

Yesterday I slept so much I thought surely I must have a sleeping disease, lol. Then last night fell asleep right before Royal Pains (which I really wanted to see) and slept sound all night. I guess my body needed it. No exercise yesterday, but a much better attitude. Drank my water and ate much smaller portions.

 

I'm debating on whether or not to cut my hair and how short to go. I like it long and short, but I hate the 'growing back out' part.

 

This is my Uncle Chuck (Mom's brother). He turned 84 yesterday.

He lives in Long Beach, CA and is a great artist.

Happy Birthday Uncle Chuck, I love you!



Our Weekend

 

It has been gloomy all weekend, but no rain.

 

 

I love how God plants pretty weeds on the sides

of the road to see. The picture does not do these justice.

Very pretty ditch of Pink!

 

Never a good sign. We have an old car and our

'check engine soon' light is always on.

 

Filled up on gas. It's $3.79 here. How much is yours?

 

Lunch at McDonald's. Woohoo!

That's what we call going out to eat!

 

 

Spent a few hours at the Isle of Capri casino (about 35 minutes from home).

Won $22.50

 

Then to Walmart for a few groceries.

 

Today is lazy Sunday. Hubby is working. I am doing, well, nothing, and it feels good. Hope you've had a great weekend.











Sad Saturday

We woke up to a sad day. My hubby's boss, Mary, and her family need our prayers. Their house burned down today and they lost everything. It was caused by bad wiring in the air conditioning. Only 3 blocks from my house. Here a few photos.

Is it Friday already?

 

Dexter, my chihuahua, always sits under

 my chair when I am on the computer.

 

The sun was in my eyes.

 At the hospital getting my monthly labs.

 

We stopped at this man's watermelon sale on the way home.

Hubby got us one for $2 and it tastes so sweet.

 

 

Maddie and Lily got their box of goodies yesterday.

They were excited. I send them a box monthly.

 

Have an amazing afternoon, ~Sandy~

 





I'm geting old, lol

Went to the hospital to get my labs done this morning. The reminded me (while almost laughing) that my appointment is next month. Geez! Old age is creeping up the rear fast, lol.

A funny for today! .......................

Soon, ~Sandy~

Just Another Lazy Sunday

Latest pics of Lily and Maddie. As you can see, the tooth fairy has paid a trip to Lily's pillow this summer, not once but twice.
Maddie has so much energy and personality, it just spews out of her.

Lily's picture was chosen at her school as the 1st grade entry into the "Art on the Square". It is a shown done yearly on the town square for art projects, not just from school kids. I am SO proud of her. Drawing is what she loves to do and for 1st grade, I think it's pretty good. I thought it was a penguin at first. They were asked to draw their favorite thing. This is her CraZy bird she sleeps with every night, and it does look like it. I do love the pink bow she added to CraZy's head.
Just another lazy Sunday at my house. Grilling out tonight. So far that is the highlight of my day. It's a great day with absolutely gorgeous weather!

The Past Came to Visit

We had a visitor this week. Our dear friend, Jim, came to visit. He was our next door neighbor and great friend when we lived in Phoenix. We had not seen him in 6 yrs. Way too long. We keep in touch on Facebook but its not like being in person. It was a great time. 
Jim was on his way to a wedding in Florida and stopped here. He is now living in Kansas. Strange where life takes us sometimes. It was just so good to see him and chat for hours. I already miss him.

Who would you like to visit that you haven't seen in a long time?

I want to see my brother Chuck. Haven't seen him in 10 years. Wow, I can't even believe I said that. Way too long, but it takes money to travel that neither of us has. Have a great Friday!!!!

A to Z Meme

A. age : 58 ( wow got that out of the way 1st)

B. Bed Size: King (love it)

C. Chore That you Hate: Dishes (no, we do not have a dishwasher.)

D. Dogs : Dexter (our hairy chihuahua)

E. Essential Start to Your Day: Cold sweet tea (I am a southern girl)

F. Favorite Color: pink, easy one

G. Gold or Silver: I will accept whatever I get, lol.

H. Height: 5'4"

I. Instruments You Play: Zilch, nada, none (I wish)

J. Job Title: retired Disabled Wife, Mom, Grandma, Meemaw, Sister, Aunt, and Friend

K. Kids: 2 grown sons, and 5 granddaughters

L. Live: in a very small town in Arkansas, pop:724

M. Mother's Name: My Mom was Charlene.

N. Nicknames: Mom, Grandma, Meemaw, Honey, Sweetheart, baby

O. Overnight Hospital Stays: 3 babies, hystorectomy, liver transplant

P. Pet Peeves: Liars, and waiting in long lines to do anything

Q. Quote from a Movie: "Go ahead, Make my Day".

R. Right or Left Handed: Right

S. Siblings: a sister Tracie in CA, and a brother Charles, also in CA

T. Time it Takes to Get Ready: about 30 minutes from start to finish

U. Ultimate Vacation: Ireland

V. Vegetable You Hate: boiled okra, but love it fried

W. What Makes you Run Late: I'm never late unless we have car trouble.

X. X-Rays you've had: TOO many to count

Y. Yummy Food That You Make: lasagna

Z. Zoo Animal: Monkeys

Do you love ice cream sandwiches?

I have been craving ice cream sandwiches for a week or so. Finally found some recipes I like Here on Postcards and Pretties .com complete with links to recipes. Yummy!!! Going to try making the coconut and almond ones first.

Then next week we will try the raspberry ice cream sandwich found Here.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
What is the sweetest thing anyone has said to you today?

My daughter in law called to tell me how forward she was to me coming to visit this weekend. I will be in AL for two weeks. Cannot wait to see the kids and grandkids. I need to get away from this small town life just for a little while. But  then I'm always ready to comehome.

How about you. Going anywhere else this summer, or are you done traveling for awhile?