Who Does Abby Look Like?

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Me ~ Abby

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Rachel ~ Abby

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Wyatt~Abby

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Do you see any family resemblance?

Blessed

Today I was blessed.

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I took a vacation day today to go with my Dad to Morristown to visit with my great aunt & uncle and my cousin. My aunt Hassie will be 90 years old on September 18 of this year. My Uncle Clarence just turned 85 and my cousin Everett is 71. My aunt Hassie is my Papaw Buckeye's little sister.

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My earliest memories of them were when we lived up in the holler in Jett Valley and attended Child's Memorial Baptist Church. Clarence used to lead the singing at Child's Memorial. They lived down a little ways and across the road from us up in the holler. One of my favorite memories is from the time when I was about 6. Hass and Clarence were the first ones in our family to get a color tv set. Back when I was growing up (yeah, I know, back in the stone age) cartoons only came on on Saturday mornings. So, on Saturday mornings, me and Debbie would walk down to their house and watch cartoons. In color! They would always give us Cokes (in the little glass bottles), Fritos and cakes. We loved it! Uncle Clarence asked me today if I remembered the time he aggravated Debbie about giving her a cake. He offered it to her and then wouldn't let her have it. When he decided to give it to her, she refused to take it, said she didn't want his old cake. I could tell he enjoyed the memory. When my baby sister Kim was born, Debbie and I were so proud of her! We couldn't wait to go tell Aunt Hass about our little sister. I remember I drew a picture of Kim wrapped up in her blanket laying in the bassinet. To my seven year old eyes that drawing looked exactly like Kim! I have no idea what it actually looked like. I was so excited about it. When we went to Hassie's, I couldn't wait to show her my picture. I remember she exclaimed over it and told me how beautiful my baby sister was. Forty one years later, it's a memory I've never forgotten. Just a few weeks after Kim was born, we packed everything up and moved to California where we spent the next 8 years. I remember when we came home to visit, Aunt Hass always had a hug and kiss for us. Then she'd laugh and wipe her lipstick off our cheeks. By the time we moved back to Tennessee, Hassie and Clarence had moved to Morristown. We didn't get to see them as much, but we always enjoyed their visits. No matter what, Hass always had a hug and a kiss and a kind word. She used to chase my younguns around the porch at Granny's to give them a hug. She had to know about each one of them today, and Charlie. After Charlie & I got married, we discovered that Hassie and Charlie's grandmother Estie, had been girlhood friends and played together up in the holler.

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There was a lot of talk of memories today. She shared some with me that I never knew. Her daddy died when she was 2. My Papaw Buckeye was six, their brother Jack was 4 and her mother, who we called Maw (see post "Remembering Maw"), was six months pregnant with their little sister, Ann. She told me that from that day Lus (Papaw Buckeye) became like a daddy to them, always watching out for them. Such a huge role for a 6 year old! Maw used to have to walk to work. She said that one evening, Jack had went to meet Maw and Papaw was sitting on a stool in the kitchen holding Ann. Hass was sitting in the floor. She said that Papaw had thought he heard something outside and had got the gun. She said while they were sitting there, the gun went off and the bullet almost hit her and went in the wall above her head!

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Not only was there alot of talk about memories, but there was also a lot of talk about church and the Lord. Hassie's health is not very good. She had a heart attack a while back, had double pneumonia and had to be on life support for a while, and has just recently been diagnosed with breast cancer, which she told me is also in her bones. She's not able to go to church much anymore. She talked about how good the Lord was, and how she didn't know how people made it without him. Uncle Clarence told us about when he got saved 56 years ago. He left the room once and was whistling and singing "Amazing Grace" as he went through the house. Dad and Clarence went to get lunch at Captain D's. While they were gone, Hassie told me what good care Clarence took of her and Everett. Next month, they will have been married 61 years! She also told me that she was just waiting on the Lord to call her home. She said that sometimes she hurts so bad that she wishes He'd take her on home, but she knows she'll go when her time is right. She said "He's always there to hold your hand if you'll just reach up and take it".

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I went to Morristown today hoping I'd be a blessing to them by visiting. But instead,

I WAS THE ONE BLESSED.

I saw God's grace, and mercy, and His love in their lives.

I was humbled by the beauty of it all.

And I'm thankful, so thankful, I went.

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Before we left, I had Dad take this picture of me and Hassie with my cell phone. It's a little blurry, but, oh well, it's hard to see through the tears anyway.

Mother's Day

This Mother's Day has been different.

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A first.

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The first Mother's Day after Mom went home to be with Jesus.

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I sat on the porch swing this evening, listening to the quiet and the birds singing, and thought how different it was. I would always go to Mom's on Sunday evening between church services to wish her a Happy Mother's Day and take her a gift. I couldn't do that today. But as I was sitting there thinking about it, I also thought that this Mother's Day was a first for Mom too.

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This Mother's day, for the first time in 24 years, Mom could be spending it with her Mom.

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I know that today wasn't an easy day for my two sisters, either. We met yesterday and had lunch and then went to the cemetery to take flowers for Mom's grave. It was the first time since Mom's funeral that the three of us had been together. I truly enjoyed spending time with them. You know, of all the things my mother ever gave me, the thing I am most thankful for is my sisters, Debbie and Kim. I love you both, and hope you had a wonderful Mother's Day. I was hunting for this picture, one of the last made that we could find of our family, and came across this one. I just had to end this post with it. It made me smile and cry, all at the same time.

I Love You, MOM!

Congratulations, Debbie!

To any reader who went to my neice Stephanie's blog and from there voted for Debbie in the Mother's Day of a Lifetime contest, I say THANK YOU! The winner was announced on the radio this morning and it was Debbie! They also talked to her by phone on the radio. If you know Debbie, you know that speaking is not as easy for her as it used to be before the surgery. She sounded great! If you haven't yet read her story, you should. Just go to www.therewillbegrace.blogspot.com

CONGRATULATIONS, DEBBIE!!

Birthdays

Today is Charlie's birthday. He's 56 years young! He's spent the last 29 birthday's with me.

Happy Birthday, Charlie!! I love you!

Today is also my son-in-law Chris' birthday. He's not 56 years young!

Happy Birthday, Chris!

Tomorrow is my baby sister, Kim's, birthday. I won't tell you how old she is!

Happy Birthday, Kim!

I love you all!

Revival Meeting

We will be having revival services this week at Fellowship Baptist Church in Wartburg, TN. Services will begin at 7 p.m. nightly. The evangelist will be Pastor Allen Johnson of Calvary Baptist Tabernacle in Knoxville, Tennessee.

We would love to have you come and be in the services with us!

Check it out!

Check out my neice Stephanie's blog. www.kringangel.blogspot.com And vote in the mother's day contest.

~Bead-Attitudes~

For those who don't know, I make and sell jewelry in my spare time. It's a hobby that started in late 2003 when Rachel wanted a mother's bracelet. It's something I really enjoy doing when I have a free moment. I started a blog for it in 2007 but haven't posted much on it. I plan on changing that. Tonight, I posted some pictures of my latest creations. There is a link to the site on the right hand side of this page, or you can click here: http://www.beadatitudes.blogspot.com/ . Go check it out and leave me a message to tell me what you think.

Madison On Her Way Home

Just talked to Misty who had talked to Amanda, and they are on their way home with Madison. Please continue to pray for them as they still have a rough road ahead of them.

More Good News About Madison

Jeremy & Amanda posted this on Madison's care page a little while ago:

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"The doctor said I might get to go home tomorrow. Mommy and daddy have their work cut out for them taking care of me. I have to have medicine every couple of hours and I eat every three hours. I'm excited about going home and playing. Mommy and daddy can not wait to take me home. We are so thankful that she is doing well. Thanks so much for the prayers, money, and thoughts you gave us in our time of need. The nursing staff and doctors has been wonderful here to us. Thanks so much for everything you have done for us."

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and this:

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Praise the Lord

"We want to praise the Lord for what he has done with our child. He has carried us through this trial that we are going through. Jeremy and I have spent alot of time on our knees. We couldn't have made it without him. He gave us the strength to make it. The Lord has brought us closer than we have ever been going through this trial. It makes you more thankful for what you have. Jeremy and I want to thank everybody for all you have done. Praise the lord for everything, he is so wonderful. He's still working miracles everyday, our child is living proof.Praise you Lord. Madison is five months today. The lord sent us a angel when he sent her to Jeremy and I. She means everything to us. She is the light of our eyes. She's a very special little girl. We have been blessed with such good care, the doctors and nurses have been wonderful to us. The Lord knew what he was doing when he sent us here. We stop everyday and are so thankful for what we have. Praise the Lord!"

Care Pages For Madison

Jeremy & Amanda have established a Care Pages page for Madison You can access it at http://www.carepages.com/ You will have to establish a login and password and then search littlemadison. You can also leave them a message to let them know you are thinking about them or praying for them.

Good News About Madison

Debbie just called me to tell me that they have moved Madison out of the unit and into her own room. She is doing so much better than this time last week when the doctor didn't give them much hope. They are beginning to teach Amanda and Jeremy how to administer her medicines and monitor her heart. She will still be in the hospital for a while and still has a long way to go, but what good news! Thank you for praying for her and please continue to pray for Madison and her family. I know I've said it before but I'll say it again, ~ TO GOD BE THE GLORY, GREAT THINGS HE HATH DONE!

Madison

Madison is doing some better. They removed the temporary pace maker on Friday and her heart is beating on it's own, just slightly fast. As of right now there is no surgery planned. They are giving her oral medicines instead of IV meds. She is still in the unit. They said if everything goes as planned, she will probably be there a couple more weeks. Please continue to pray for her. Here are some pics from yesterday.

Madison & Her Mommy

I received this picture from Amanda & Jeremy late last night. When asked how she was doing, they said "a little bit better. She might not have to have the pacemaker". I heard a report yesterday saying that the temporary pace maker seemed to be regulating her heart, and if it continued to do so, they might not do the surgery today. Haven't heard anything more.

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Please continue to pray!

Change in Plans

I just talked to Debbie and they have again changed their plans for treating Madison. Now the plans are that they will run tests tomorrow, and then on Friday they will do surgery. The heart doctor wants to open Madison up and take a good look at her heart to see what is going on. He will also place the pace maker at that time. Please pray for them, as this is very serious surgery and will be a rough recovery.

CORRECTION

Madison did not have the surgery for the pace maker this evening. When Misty talked to Amanda, they were taking Madison back for tests and then into surgery. I talked to Debbie a little while ago and she said that they had taken her back to do the tests but because they were so booked up, they were unable to do the tests. So, they brought Madison back without doing the surgery and have it scheduled for 2 p.m. tomorrow. At that time, they will take her back to do the MRI and other tests and if they are okay, will immediately take her back to surgery. Debbie and Bennie are on their way back to Vanderbilt. Please continue to pray for this family and little Madison.

Madison In Surgery

I just received word that Madison is currently in surgery receiving a dual chamber pace maker. Please pray!

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I also received this email from Pastor Pallotta:

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"Mrs. Deb Miller called me a little while ago. They are getting conflicting reports from different doctors. I told you of the very bleak prognosis from the doctor last night. Well, another doctor came in today and told them the doctor who told them that was wrong. This doctor said that they hope to put a permanent pace maker in Madison's heart. This should keep her well until she is older (around 3 years old) and then they could consider a heart transplant or other options."

Madison

I got this message from our Pastor after he talked to Debbie last night. Please pray!

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"The heart doctor came in and told the family that the heart is not fixable. The only hope for Madison is either a heart transplant or a miracle. The heart transplant is only possible if all the other organs are functioning properly. Right now Madison's liver is not functioning properly. The doctor said that Madison will not leave the hospital without a transplant or a miracle. Please continue to remember her and her family tonight and tomorrow. The doctors are going to consult together about what course of action to take."

Latest Picture of Madison

Amanda sent me this picture of Madison a little while ago. Notice that the vent is gone. The doctors say she is still not out of the woods. She could be at Vanderbilt for several more weeks or even months. Please continue to remember her and her family in prayer.

Madison-Update

The pace maker is doing it's job and helping to regulate Madison's heart. They are going to try and wean her off the ventilator today. She's still a very sick little girl and still needs our prayers.

Amanda sent me these pictures and this message.

Im awake and happy and sayn hello to everybody

Madison

I spoke with both Amanda & Debbie a little while ago. Madison is getting a temporary pace maker to help with her heart. They are hoping it will help enough that they will be able to treat her with some heavy doses of medication. They have said that this is very rare in a child so young, and they are having to figure out how to treat her. She is a very sick little girl. Amanda said that she opened her eyes when Jeremy spoke to her and that she was squeezing their hands. Please pray for this family!

Madison Flown to Vanderbilt

Please continue to pray for Madison. She was flown to Vanderbilt this evening. The doctor's at Children's felt it was in her best interest to be moved. She really needs our prayers, as her life may be hanging in the balance. Jeremy and Amanda left driving to Vandy when she left. The flight should have taken about 45 minutes and drive time is at least twice that. I can only imagine how terrible that drive was. Please keep this family in your prayers!

Update on Madison

Please continue to pray for Madison and her family. She is at Children's Hospital in the ICU but she is currently stable, although they have placed her on a vent. Apparently, she had a virus that has affected the valves of her heart and she is in danger of heart failure. They will be doing some more tests in the morning to see how she is doing. Please continue to pray for her!

Pray For Madison

Jeremy Miller's daughter needs your prayers. Madison is 4 months old and is in pretty serious condition in the ICU at Children's Hospital. I do not know all the details, but I do know they need prayer. Jeremy is Malachi's best friend and has spent many, many days at my house while he was growing up. I have known him and his parents all his life. Please pray for Madison, Jeremy, Amanda (his wife) and Debbie & Bennie Miller (Jeremy's parents). Malachi and Misty are on the way to the hospital, so I will update when I know something more.

God Had A Plan

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

~Romans 8:28~

I have always considered this verse to be my life verse. Many things have happened in my life that I could not understand. This verse has always helped me to gain perspective when faced with these situations. There were times such as when Charlie was laid off and I was pregnant with our second child and we had no income or insurance, the time the doctor's told me that I might loose the daughter I carried or that she might have to have blood transfusions in utero, the time when we tried to buy a larger home for our family of five children (we were living in a two bedroom trailer) and were unable to do so, and the list goes on and on. At this point in my life, I can look back at those times and see some of the reasons God allowed them to happen the way they did. Some were to teach us lessons that would help us later on. Some were to just learn to trust Him more and be willing to accept His will, no matter what. I know that I don't know all the reasons for the things that have taken place, but I do believe that He has a reason for everything that happens even though I may not see it at the time. This verse has given me great hope and comfort through the years.

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There are things that have happened in the last couple of weeks that I do not understand. My mom dying unexpectedly the day before my sister was to have cancer surgery, my son and daughter-in-law loosing their baby, all in the same week my new granddaughter was born. But through it all, through all the grief and joy, I know that God has a reason, a plan, and that He will work it for our good.

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This evening, Seth and I went to eat at the Cracker Barrell. While we were there, I was speaking with someone I knew. They were expressing how sorry they were to hear of my mom's death and my sister's surgery the next day. This person said that they didn't understand why they couldn't put the surgery off. I explained that Debbie had talked about having the surgery put off, but we kept telling her that we didn't want her to, that she needed to get the tumor taken care of and then the doctor said it would be a month before they could reschedule it. Dad promised her that we would wait before doing anything about Mom's funeral until she was with us. It was a promise he was prepared to keep no matter what. Debbie had the surgery and it was a week from the day mom had the stroke before we had the funeral. Though in pain, Debbie was able to be there for the funeral and graveside services.

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I really had no idea why things had happened the way they had, so much in one week, so that things were delayed. That is, until later this evening. After leaving the Cracker Barrell, Seth and I went by to see Dad and see how he was doing. While we were talking, Dad said that he didn't think he could have made it through everything if we had had the funeral right away. He said that having everyone around for that week had helped him to accept the fact that Mom was gone. God, in His infinite wisdom, had a plan and He worked it for good. I thank Him for that!

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We have yet to see all that He has done but I believe that one day, we will be able to look back and see so much more. He's still placing the pieces of the puzzle together, but one day we'll see the whole picture, and what a beautiful work it will be!

My Newest Granddaughter

A Sure Sign Spring Is In The Air

Violets & Dandelions

Boys Working Husband Mowing

Dirt Bike Riding

Bike Riding And Grandkids Playing

Elijah

Owen

Kyra

And Keinzie

Debbie

Debbie is still having a lot of pain. It breaks my heart to think of her in so much pain. Please pray that the pain would ease and that she would be able to eat and sleep.

Praise The Lord!

Debbie got good news back from the pathology report. Wendell posted this on her blog:

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A little good news from Heaven. God has smiled on us again today with a taste of heaven for my soul. I have never posted before (this is Wendell) but I am bubbling over with joy and want the world to know. We received the pathology report back from Vanderbilt today and the news comes back as low-grade polymorphous adenocarcinoma (this by the way, if it had to be cancerous, is the one we wanted) and it was in the hard palate only. The soft palate was not affected, though they did remove a portion of it. We will know next Friday if radiation will be necessary so please pray. God has given us grace through all of this and his presence is so real and so sweet I can't even begin to explain how I feel right now. They say being saved isn't about feelings but it sure feels good to know you are saved and to know the realness of God and that He cares about us!! Shouting hallelujah......................................................

So Much To Thank Him For

I truly have so much to thank Him for. This week has been so hard, but He has abundantly supplied all the grace that was needed and more. We have truly felt the prayers of God's people and have seen His mighty hand at work. I honestly don't think I could list all the ways we have seen Him work. From the littlest thing we were concerned about in arrangements to the bigger things such as how He's worked in Debbie's life and allowed the pain to recede so that she could get ready to attend Mom's funeral. He has allowed so many people to bless us with their presence and their words, their kind deeds, but most of all their love. Pastor Jones, Pastor Parrot, Pastor Pallotta and Bro. Harvey have been there all the way from the hospitals to the graveside and everywhere in between. We are truly blessed with pastor's and preacher friends. And the church families who have supplied so much food that it is unbelievable! From the Tabernacle, Fellowship, Mill Baptist and so many more. The have delivered food to our homes and to Dad's. And then there are the special friends who have supplied food and services, but most of all a shoulder to cry on! We thank God for you, and know that He will richly reward you! Their were over 512 people who came through the church when we received friends!! This is but a beginning of all the things that I have to thank Him for, and I am truly grateful and humbled that He should care so very much and show that care through each and every one of you!! May God bless you all!

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TO GOD BE THE GLORY, GREAT THINGS HE HATH DONE!

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Dad

Please remember our family in your prayers today. We will be having Mom's funeral tonight and I know it's gonna be especially hard on Dad. He has done so well, so far. Remember Debbie as she will be there and it will not be easy for her physically or emotionally. Also remember Rachel, she is recovering from the c-section and is going to be there and Misty from the miscarriage. Aaron will not be able to attend the funeral as his plane will be leaving right before it starts. This has been a really hard week for me and my family, but we have felt your prayers and have seen God's hand even in the smallest details. We could never praise Him enough for His goodness!

Arrangements For Mom

Debbie was able to come home from Vanderbilt today. She looks good considering everything she's been through. Please continue to pray for her as she's gonna have a long rough road ahead of her. Especially this weekend. We have set the arrangements for mom. We will receive friends Sunday evening from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Harriman Baptist Tabernacle and the funeral will be at 6 p.m. Graveside services will be at Swan Pond Baptist Church Cemetery at 11 a.m. on Monday. Please continue to pray for my family.

GOD IS SO GOOD!

Abigail Joanna Harmon

Abby Jo was born on Thursday, March 26, 2009 at 7:31 a.m. She weighed 7 lbs. 5 oz. and was 19 inches long. She has chubby cheeks and a head full of black hair. Even through all this sorrow, God has truly blessed me!

Another Update From Steph

I texted Steph to check on Debbie. She said "She's hurting. Probably from them cutting the muscle. But nothing really to report." Please pray for the pain, and that God will give her His grace to deal with it.

Stephanie Posted Update

Steph has posted an update on Debbie's blog, www.therewillbegrace.blogspot.com and will try to update more later today.

After talking to the Doctor

The doctor told the family that the tumor, although larger than origianlly thought, was contained. The pathology report will determine if any other treatments are required. They are trying to get her to drink, and if she is able to, she will not have to have a feeding tube. PLEASE PRAY SHE"LL BE ABLE TO DRINK! When she gets to come home depends on being able to take the fluids and tolerate the pain. The doctor also said out of all the cases of this cancer he's seen, this was the best one. He said she had a bright future and we'd be stuck with her for a long time.

~TO GOD BE THE GLORY, GREAT THINGS HE HATH DONE!!!~

Please continue to pray for her!

Out of Surgery

Debbie is out of surgery and in recovery. That's all we know now. They haven't spoken with the doctor yet.

Update on Debbie

Debbie is still in surgery. They took her back at 11:30 our time. All appears to be well at the moment. I will post any new updates when I get them. Please keep praying.

New Home

My mom moved into her new home in Glory last night at about 7 p.m. and my sister is at Vanderbilt in Nashville being prepared for surgery right now. I wanted to be with her, but stayed behind to be with Dad. Please pray for her & dad today! Rachel will be bringing little Abby Jo into the world on Thursday and Aaron will be traveling home on Wednesday. Malachi and Luke are not going to be able to make it home. We could really use your prayers this week.

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GOD IS SO GOOD!

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O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever.

I Chronicles 16:34

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Elijah's 5th Birthday

Elijah's 5th birthday is Wednesday, March 25th. Since Abby Jo should make her appearance on Thursday, Rachel had his party yesterday.

This year, Elijah requested a Wall-E cake. This is what I came up with. I believe he was tickled with it.

You can tell by the expression on his face that he liked the gift from me, Charlie & Seth. The only thing he asked me for was a Club Penguin membership card. Made shopping easy.

He told Aunt Misty he wanted a volcano. So, he got a volcano and dinasours. You can even grow real grass with it.

Uncle Jace and Taylor got him hot wheels cars and a hot wheels garage. They were a hit with Elijah and everyone else. Owen liked the hot wheels too.

Here's Uncle Jace showing them how the garage worked. Hot wheels cars were Uncle Jace's favorite toys when he was little. He would sit and play with them for hours on end.

For Elijah's birthday, Kyra had picked him some flowers and put them in a cup of water. You can tell he liked the present from his big sis. Elijah with his gift from Kyra. Owen

Kyra and Elijah playing with the hot wheels garage. Owen and Mamaw Geraldine watching.

Taylor & Kyra playing with hot wheels.

Elijah and his Wall-E cake while we sung Happy Birthday!

Blowing out the candles.

Part of Elijah's gift from Mamaw Velvet.

Mamaw Velvet & Owen

~ I think Elijah had a really good 5th birthday party. He seemed pleased with everything. He's a really sweet boy and we love him lots!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ELIJAH!

WE LOVE YOU!!!!

Spring Fling Sale

If anyone is in Wartburg tomorrow, we are having our annual spring fling sale. I will be set up selling my hand made jewelry. We'd love to see you there.

~ You’re invited to our 8th Annual SPRING FLING SALE ~ Come join in the fun and excitement, fellowship with friends, and do some summertime shopping in one stop! Shop for Easter, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, graduation, wedding gifts, or for yourself! Lots of products that you can take home with you that day! ~

WARTBURG CIVIC CENTER Solomon City Park – Boys & Girls Club Gymnasium ~

Saturday, March 21, 2009 From 9:00 am – 1:00 PM ~

Door prize drawings and lots of SALES! Please come and bring your friends! ~

Featuring:

~ A Touch of Country Décor (by Glenda Galloway)

~ Avon (by Katie Knox)

~ Bead-Attitudes Handmade Jewelry (by Teresa Francis)

~ Beauti-Control (by Marcia Stringfield)

~ Close to My Heart Stamping/Scrapbooking (by Marjorie Barnett)

~ Creative Memories Scrapbooking (by Cathy Bird)

~ Good Ol’ Country Scents Homemade Candles (by Tammy Pallotta)

~ Home Interiors and Gifts (by Tuti Thomas)

~ La te DA Bebe (by Amanda and Regina Underwood)

~ Lake House Creations (by Valerie Lake)

~ Mary Kay Cosmetics (by Missy` Longmire and Judy Redmon)

~ Pampered Chef (by Misty Biddle)

~ Premier Jewelry (by Rosie Brown)

~ Silpada Jewelry (by Jennifer Collins)

~ Tastefully Simple (by Charlene Silvey)

~ Tupperware (by Becky Tapp)

~ Two Too Cute Boutique (by Jennifer Mullins) ~

Directions: HWY 62 in Wartburg: Turn directly across from the Wartburg Central Elementary School into Solomon Park. Take a sharp right up the hill and gym will be at the top of the hill beside the baseball fields.

Weary

Today, I am weary. Weary of the things that I cannot change, weary of the things I have no control of. Weary of well meaning people (who have not walked in your shoes) who say things that attempt to steal your hope. I am struggling for balance. I know that God is not finished. As long as there is life and breath, there is hope. He is still in control and He has a plan. Sometimes, with His plan, bad things are allowed to happen in order for His good and His glory and His honor to be brought about.

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My hope is in Him.

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For in thee, O Lord, do I hope: thou wilt hear, O Lord my God. ~Psalm 38:15~

Surgery

My aunt, Bonnie, will be having outpatient surgery on Tuesday, March 24 at 2 p.m. in Maryville. Please pray for her. She has had a battle with mouth cancer and has had some new places come up. They will be removing these and checking them to see if the cancer has returned. I know she would appreciate your prayers.

Date for Debbie's Surgery

Debbie will go to Brentwood, near Nashville, Wednesday, March 11 @ 1:00 to the prosthodentist to get started on making the obturator. From there she will go to Vanderbilt for an appointment with the anestheseologist @ 3:05 pm and then for a CT scan a @ 4:40. Her surgery has been scheduled for Tuesday, March 24, 2009 @ 9:00am.

Please continue to pray for her and her family.

Visit her blog at www.therewillbegrace.blogspot.com

Update on Debbie

Talked to Wendel earlier and he gave me the update and Debbie posted this on her website:

Back From Vandy. We arrived back home from Vanderbilt at 11:30pm. It was a long day. We were very impressed with Dr. Netterville and his associates. The resident came in first and took pictures of me and my tumor, actual pictures! He used a dentists mirror to look down my throat, felt of my lymph nodes, checked my ears, and then the big unexpected surprise…..he ran a camera up my nose and down my throat! Are you holding your nose while reading this? I’m still holding mine when I think about it!!!! He sprayed numbing stuff up my nose first and it wasn’t physically painful at all, just psychologically uncomfortable!!! Stephanie thought it was cool watching it on the screen, Wendell couldn’t watch at first, but was rubbing my leg so hard I thought he was going to shake me to the point the camera was going to pop out my ear!!! The good news is there was no sign of tumor on the back of my tongue (too much internet researching let me know this would not be good), or my throat, or my vocal cords.Then Dr. Netterville and another Dr. joined him and they all hovered over my mouth like I had ate an alien or something! (That’s when I wanted to tell Stephanie to get behind me and take their picture from my prospective:)After all their poking, prodding, and my gagging, this is what we found out…The tumor is large. It has involved my hard and soft palette, which is unusual. It goes to the center of my hard palette. We will not know which cancer it is until surgery. The best out come: Low Grade Adenocarcinoma…The tumor is contained and all cancer can be removed during surgery, no radiation will be needed. The not so good outcome: Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma…The tumor has spikes that spread out, radiation will be needed. Either way, after surgery, I will be left with a big hole going up into my nasal cavity which will make eating difficult. So I have to see a prosthodentist to have an obturator made (a devise kind of like a retainer ) to cover the hole left in my mouth, where the tumor is currently residing, all this, in the hope that I won’t be left blowing spaghetti out my nose :) (another thing Stephanie would think cool!!!) Then I need another CT scan, Dr. Netterville believes the tumor is moving bone. I didn’t ask if this was the reason for my massive head aches lately? I also have to meet with the anesthesiologist. Then surgery will be scheduled. All of this hopefully within the next two weeks. No appointments were scheduled today because it was so late, they will be calling me in the next few days to set things up. Hopefully things will move a little faster now, the future of my bathroom scales depends upon it! You see, for the first time in my life I am eating everything I want, not worrying about the weight gain, because after surgery I will have a feeding tube for at least two weeks, probably longer. I’m thinking unless I can figure out a way to shove a white chocolate Reece’s down the tube I will lose the extra poundage!!!All humor aside… I still desire your prayers. Although I know this will not be an easy journey I am still trusting God. His grace continues to be sufficient in my life. And for this I rejoice. God is good

http://www.therewillbegrace.blogspot.com/

Nashville

Today is the day that my sister, Debbie, goes to Nashville to speak with the surgeon, Dr. Netterville. Please pray for her. She's not sure what to expect, whether they'll schedule the surgery or order more tests. Pray God will give her His grace to face whatever lies ahead. You can check her blog here www.therewillbegrace.blogspot.com