NANA NOTES

REMISSION!!

That was the word I heard today!  Sounds good to me. No more chemotherapy but for "insurance" I will have six weeks of radiation.  The faslodex shot will be a permanent fixture in my life.  The Dr. said that in the next two years there are some greatly advanced treatments coming out and if they could help me in any way he would consider them for me--anything to keep the cancer from returning.  I figure I've given almost fourteen years to fighting this disease [for myself this year--for others for the last thirteen years with Relay for Life]. I can give another six weeks.  After that I will continue the fight for Donna.  Right now we're just singing praises to God for the work He has done!

TAGGED

by Stacy @ Simply Stacy 

Eight Things:

Eight shows I like to watch

1- Grey’s Anatomy (don't like the changes though)

2- Survivor

3- The Unit

4- How It's Made

5- House

6- Raising the Bar

7- Dirty Jobs

8- Army Wives

Eight Favorite Restaurants

1- Outback

2- Zaxby's

3- Char

4- Middendorfs

5- Back Yard Burger

6- Nick's

7- Mango's

8- The Original Oyster House

Eight Things that Happened to me Yesterday

1- I made pancakes for Ed and me.

2- I went to Walmart and bought groceries.

3- I rode around the farm and saw deer and turkeys.

4- I packed my bag for the beach. 

5- I walked 2 1/2 miles.  

6- I arranged for the tent for the church bazaar (or had someone do it).

7- I should have given Dooley a bath.

8- I realize how boring my day was.

Eight things I’m looking forward to

1- going to the beach

2- the church bazaar

3- Thanksgiving

4- Thanksgiving- food and family

5- seeing the proofs of the photo shoot

6- The Christmas Season, even though it is hectic

7- getting the painting finished at the house

8- doing Christmas cooking for friends


Eight Things I Love About Fall

1- cooler weather

2- Change of wardrobe (if I had any)

3- Holiday cooking 

4- different foods

5. fall flowers

6- Christmas

7- wildlife

8- Thanksgiving

Eight things on my wish list

1- A date with Ed

2- An all girls trip to Savannah

3- My Hobby room cleaned up and organized

4-  Not to have to take radiation

5- Not to have to take radiation

6- To lose about 10 pounds. 

7- For really cold weather

8- For really, really cold weather

Eight things I’m grateful for

1- My God

2- My husband

3- My children

4- My grandchildren

5- My extended family

6- Great friends

7- My church and church family

8- Our freedom and the rights to enjoy that freedom such as VOTING!

Eight Things:

Eight shows I like to watch

1- Grey’s Anatomy (don't like the changes though)

2- Survivor

3- The Unit

4- How It's Made

5- House

6- Raising the Bar

7- Dirty Jobs

8- Army Wives

Eight Favorite Restaurants

1- Outback

2- Zaxby's

3- Char

4- Middendorfs

5- Back Yard Burger

6- Nick's

7- Mango's

8- The Original Oyster House

Eight Things that Happened to me Yesterday

1- I made pancakes for Ed and me.

2- I went to Walmart and bought groceries.

3- I rode around the farm and saw deer and turkeys.

4- I packed my bag for the beach. 

5- I walked 2 1/2 miles.  

6- I arranged for the tent for the church bazaar (or had someone do it).

7- I should have given Dooley a bath.

8- I realize how boring my day was.

Eight things I’m looking forward to

1- going to the beach

2- the church bazaar

3- Thanksgiving

4- Thanksgiving- food and family

5- seeing the proofs of the photo shoot

6- The Christmas Season, even though it is hectic

7- getting the painting finished at the house

8- doing Christmas cooking for friends


Eight Things I Love About Fall

1- cooler weather

2- Change of wardrobe (if I had any)

3- Holiday cooking 

4- different foods

5. fall flowers

6- Christmas

7- wildlife

8- Thanksgiving

Eight things on my wish list

1- A date with Ed

2- An all girls trip to Savannah

3- My Hobby room cleaned up and organized

4-  Not to have to take radiation

5- Not to have to take radiation

6- To lose about 10 pounds. 

7- For really cold weather

8- For really, really cold weather

Eight things I’m grateful for

1- My God

2- My husband

3- My children

4- My grandchildren

5- My extended family

6- Great friends

7- My church and church family

8- Our freedom and the rights to enjoy that freedom such as VOTING!

WIND IN YOUR HAIR. . .

Dooley came with Libby and me to the beach.  He didn't like riding in the back seat of her new convertible.  He did however, love riding between the front seats with his hair blowing in the breeze!   If he wasn't sitting there, he was in my lap sleeping. Talk about one spoiled dog.  We have already walked by every lamp post on the property and left our mark! :)  Have I mentioned that Dooley loves the beach?  I think that he just loves riding the elevator to go outside! 

GOD'S PLAN FOR THE DAY

One of my friends at church spoke one Sunday morning. She started her talk with "If you really want to know what God wants for you, make plans that you want to do." That may not be the direct words but you get the idea.  I had my plans for today--they had been made for about a month and included a very pretty day with nine grandchildren dressed and in a good mood.  The photographer was coming to take pictures for a portrait that was LONG overdue [a post in itself!].  We woke up early and Ed told me it was raining! Not a good day. I was not in a good mood and had just a bad feeling in the pit of my stomach all day.  I talked with the photographer's office several times trying to cancel. Each time they said, "Oh, no, everything's going to be fine. We'll adjust. It will work."  Oh, ME of little faith!! :)  I told Jennifer and Tiffany that God was testing me.  He had His plan for my day and I should just go with it.  It was raining and cold but the children were great and I know that the pictures the photographer took are much better than mine.  Here's a sample of what I took. 

 

 Everything turned out fine. God took care of the day-His way. I can't wait to see what the pictures look like. We have a special place just waiting for the portrait! I feel sure that Jennifer and Tiffany will post something they took too.  Check it out and get their version of the story!  

WHAT DO YOU CALL THIS? QUESTIONS!

Diana, at Kudzu and Coal Dust gave me two awards today that required only for me to answer some questions.  The first four concerned friendship.

1. Do you have the same friends since childhood? Several

2. What do you value most about your friends? Their loyalty and ability to take me just like I am.

3. Are your friends sounding boards? Most of them.

4. What is your favorite activity to do with your friends?   Shopping at Target, eating at Zaxby's and BYB and going to Hobby Lobby!!

The others concerned things I value and don't value.

Six things I value:

1. My faith-I couldn't have made it this far without it.

2. My husband-he has been there for me when I needed him.

3. My family-they are there whenever I need them.

4. My friends-no one has friends like I do; they are the best.

5. My church family-they have become my family.

6. I agree with Diana-angels-seen and unseen.

Six things I don't value:

1. People who lie, cheat and steal.

2. Disloyalty.

3. People who aren't "real".

4. When good people aren't treated fairly.

5. "One call, that's all" lawyers!!

6. Politicians who get away with evil.

Well, that was easy. Thanks, Diana! I'll pass it along to  Jennifer,
Tiffany, & Stephenie.

THE LATEST ADDITION

Papa and Graham went squirrel hunting Saturday morning.  This sweet puppy was at McCaskell yesterday and still there this morning. Papa said she was just waiting for him and Graham when they came out from hunting.  You know what that meant--she came to Cotton Branch and had a good [or several] flea baths and a good feeding [t-bones for supper!!]. Graham had decided to name her Dixie but Josh said she looked like the dog in "Annie" so we'd like for you to meet SANDY!!  Dooley doesn't think she belongs in his territory!!

FRIDAY GARDEN CLUB

Third Friday is always Pine Burr Garden Club meeting.  This Friday we had a wonderful design program featuring a friend from Hazlehurst-Joanne Newman.  She brought another friend who will do a program later in the year.  We had a great crowd and a guest or two.  Here are some of her designs.  The refreshments were good too!  :)

   

SURPRISE BIRTHDAY FOR RYAN

Haleigh surprised Ryan with a birthday dinner at Santa Fe last night. Although Jeanne and Tim got "busted" Ryan was still surprised when he came in and saw all the people there for his "surprise"!  He was sweet and did not get embarassed when we sang to him.  His cake was chocolate and had a John Deere tractor with a hay bailer on it. He was a happy boy.  It's hard to believe that he's 17 years old.     

 I apologize for the quality of the photos. "Nana forgot her camera!!!" Ms Jeanne had hers and took lots of photos.  Maybe I'll be lucky enough to get some of those.  So sorry!!

A SONG I LOVE

I found a CD that I really enjoy--Jim Brinkman Valentine. The song copied below is on that CD.  When I was going through chemotherapy and felt so bad I would listen to this song and think about how God was watching over me and protecting me-always there for me.  I realize that He always has been there for me and always has been protecting me but this song really touched me.  Last night when I was driving home from town the moon was really bright and beautiful.  This song came on and I heard it in a totally different way.  I thought about my family--children and grandchildren and Ed.  And really if you think about it--you want these things for everyone you know.   I tried to find a link so you can hear it but you know I'm "technically challenged". Find one if you can and listen to it.  You'll love it as much as I do.

Never Alone                                    

                                                                  
May the angels protect you
Trouble neglect you
And heaven accept you when its time to go home
May you always have plenty
Your glass never empty
And know in your belly
You're never alone

May your tears come from laughing
You find friends worth having
With every year passing
They mean more than gold
May you win but stay humble
Smile more than grumble
And know when you stumble
You're never alone

Chorus:
Never alone
Never alone
You'll be in every beat of your heart
When you face the unknown
Wherever you fly
This isn't goodbye
My love will follow you stay with you
Baby you¹re never alone

Well I have to be honest
As much as I wanted
I'm not gonna promise the cold winds won't blow
So when hard times have found you
And your fears surround you
Wrap my love around you
You're never alone

Chorus

May the angels protect you
Trouble neglect you
And heaven accept you when its time to go home
And when hard times have found you
And your fear surrounds you
Wrap my love around you
You're never alone

Chorus

My love will follow you stay with you
Baby you're never alone

HEAVENLY NUDGES

Our TV only goes on the financial and news channels these days.  The news of the global economy seems to be on everyone's mind.  Everyone is concerned about the future of our nation [not to mention their families and communities].  Whenever we are listening to television the words of this hymn keep running over and over in my head.  I've been wanting to post it and I keep pushing it away. Sometimes I ignore the "heavenly nudges" and regret it.  I decided to post the words to the hymn.  Maybe if we all have these words in our heads [and hearts] God will know we are serious--that we want our country to be strong, independant and financially secure--that we want leaders who will stand up and do the right thing for the people they represent and not be guilty of working for their own good.  I am praying; I urge you to pray as well.

       If My People

If My people who are
Called by My name
Will humble themselves
Humble themselves and pray.

And seek My face
Seek My face
And turn from
Their wicked ways.

Then will I hear from heaven
And will forgive their sin
And will heal their land
Heal their land.

HOMECOMING PARADE

No, I'm not a football fan and I didn't have anyone involved in the Homecoming Parade [but Jennifer who organized it]. Our friends from Natchez came over in their Dusenberg to drive one of the girls. I guess that's my only connection. It took me longer to drive from home to get there than the parade lasted but it was fun.  Jimmie Lou, Libby, Sam and I sat in the back of the truck and took pictures.  All the kids on the floats were hollering out, "hey Sam"! He just grinned! :)  All the girls looked pretty and the floats were nice.  The ROTC and band did a good job too.                                                             

Franklin County ROTC

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Franklin County Band

 Freshman Maid [in Libby's new car]

Freshman float

   

Sophomore maid

   Sophomore maid

Sophomore float

Junior Maid

  Junior Maid

Junior float

    Senior float

Future Bulldogs float

FHS Cheerleaders

   

The Dawgs

 

 

 

 

 

 

Football maid

 

 

 

Homecoming Queen

 

 

Football Princess in the Dusenberg!

 

 

 

Let's hope the Bulldogs win tonight!

 

 

 

 

 

EXCITING SATURDAY MORNING & WONDERFUL SUNDAY NIGHT

I've always said that "football was NOT my life" but this soccer thing could get to be!  I attended my very first soccer games on Saturday morning.  I didn't really plan to; it just sort of worked it's way into my morning.  Sam and Ben both had games and I had never been to one.  Some of the other grandchildren play and now I've just got to see them play!  I know that Sam scored in his game [they won] and I know that Ben's team  won.

 

 

 

 

 

 

  After breakfast I rested while Ed worked the bees and bottled honey.  Sunday came fast--I don't remember going to sleep!  Church, lunch, rest and then to a concert by Allin, Sarah and Anna Grace at the Bude Baptist Church.  Too good for words--you just had to be there!!

BECAUSE. . .

When I got home today there were five GORGEOUS flower arrangements on the counter. I was so overwhelmed by the beauty that I called Debra [who lives very close by] and told her to come look.  I called Ed and he said we were celebrating a milestone--no more chemo for me! What a sweet, thoughtful man I married.

Each one had a card with a handwritten note--in Ed's handwriting.

 "Because your friends love you"

 

  "Because you are so special"

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                         

"Because God loves you"       

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Just Because. . ."             

 "I LOVE YOU"

Aren't they beautiful and wouldn't that make your day better?

Just a short update on the next round:  a couple of weeks off and then another CAT and PET scan. A visit with the oncologist and a visit with the radiation doctor. Six weeks of radiation following the visit. Continue faslodex shots forever and routine visits with oncologist. Nothing I can't handle after the last five months.

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.  Phil. 4:13

LAST DAY OF CHEMO

Today is my last day of chemo.  Several of the usual "Chemo Crowd" were here.  I wish I had my camera to take pictures.  These are people I will miss.  We have become friends over the past several months.  We have watched people come and go and we have celebrated with them.  Today is just like an ordinary day.  No big deal around here--life as usual.  Several of the people that have left have wished me well and said they would miss me.  Maybe they will and maybe they won't.  What's important to me is that I have made these friends and I will truly miss them.  They have walked through my life for a reason and I treasure these friendships.  The common denominator is cancer.  We are all fighting the demon and if they are in my fight, they will win!

FUN TIME WITH FRIENDS

Last week Ed and I had a fun evening with Matt and Mary Kay--she cooked dinner for us and we got a tour of their home.  Their home is actually the home that my Mom lived in. The house was redone last year for them to move here from outside Chicago.  It was truly a step of faith for them to move to MS but I think they are enjoying the pace of "Southern living".  Dinner was delicious-right down to the home canned peaches and awesome dessert.  We had some lively conversation and MK told us about her Ebay yarn business [Ed was saying "no Barbara" the entire time!!].  They recently had made a furniture purchase and the story was amazing-truly a "God thing".  Ed and I enjoyed sitting in the "snuggler" that they brought back from Tuscaloosa.  I could get used to having one of those!  We look forward to many more dinners with the two of them--at our home or theirs!