What's happening in "Hazard County" you ask?....

Just some good ole' boys...never meaning no harm
Heck, if they can fit through the windows of the General Lee...surely they can fit in the armoire.

Luke says, "Cuff Em' and Stuff Em' Beau"....

Crazy whirlwind...No warranty

The last couple of days have been crazy. I've been recruited for the Christmas play at church. Which I'm totally excited about, it's going to be a hoot. 50's diner theme, a complete ensemble of hilarioty. I'm not looking fwd. to all the practices, but it'll be well worth it in the end.

On to the torrential downpour we had Sun. night which produced 5 inches of rain (per father-in-laws rain gauge) and a wicked lightening storm that woke both Hubby and I up. Luke slept through the whole "event"...don't ask me how!

On to Monday....when my Expedition decided it was going to go on "sick leave". It's driveable, check engine light and all, but only when necessary. So, it should be interesting to see how long we can all share Hubby's mustang convertible....When we round up the dinero necessary to fix it, we'll fix it. No warranty left...isn't that Murphy's Law. That Murphy will get you every time. In the meantime, I'm praying that God will provide as only HE can do. I do have my craft show coming up in 2 wks., which I'm hoping will sell all of my fabulous necklaces that I've handmade. Can't wait to see how God comes through on this one. I feel like I'm being a good steward of the talents He's blessed me with. So, may ALL the glory go to HIM and HIM ALONE. I can already see him answering my prayers. He's always faithful.

On to the toilet.....not quite the "flushing" success I was hoping for. It overflowed into the bathroom floor yesterday after I flushed it. But I'm choosing to look at the positive side and say, "Hey it could've been 2 inches of water"...instead only 1 inch.....Whew (wiping brow). Plus, God has blessed us with an overabundance of bath towels that quickly did their job. I almost felt sorry for them, thinking about how well they've held up for us over the last 10 years....and what do we do, just toss em' on the floor....we're such mean towel owners. They even told me so....I heard them whispering as they were all heaped together on the floor, saying things like....10 years of loyal toweling off we've provided.... our lush fibers cushioning their skin and calming "out of the shower chills"....and THIS is the thanks we get. One of them even devised a plan to "fray"out at the seams, a little more then it already had. If they're not nice I might just replace them soon. Which brings me to this question. How long do you expect a nice set of towels to last you? These have definitely had 9 lives....By the way Peeps, I DO have new towels...but I wasn't going to toss them down in the pee pee.....ya dig!

Finally, my friend Allie at Baylor is still hanging on...I had a great conversation with her yesterday. It seems like her spirits were lifted a bit. Please continue to pray for wisdom for the Doctors to figure out why 5 ft. of her bowels have a white fiberous substance on them. So far, they haven't been able to figure it out. She's in a lot of pain though.

Speaking of Dr.'s., I found out some less than stellar information about a "certain" Dr. (not naming names here due to pending litigation) but basically, I can say is that his license has been revoked at a "certain" hospital due to operating under the influence of cocaine. I may not/MAY be talking about my Dr. (most likely the latter). I cannot reveal any sources, but let's just say it adds a lot more credence to my already valid lawsuit. Crazy huh! Guess it gives a little glimpse into why he jacked me up so badly, and others. I've never been a "sue-happy" person, by any means. Now, I consider myself the voice for all those who he's harmed, that may not be around anymore to have a voice. My mission continues for them....and to pay the $500K+ worth of medical bills I've accrued. Being hospitalized for 2 months and having 9 surgeries can run into some serious dough. I'm very thankful to have my life. God isn't finished with me yet.

I close with this: God is good all the time, all the time God is good! Have blessed day friends.

Heather

I knew it would not be in vain....

Seems that all I went through with all my surgery complications was not in vain.

I've made a new friend in the same boat as I was, only a whole different set of circumstances. She currently resides at Baylor University Medical Center on day 70 since her gastric bypass on April 23. She did NOT have my Dr. perform her procedure (THANK GOODNESS) However, she's in a fight for her life, with some less than stellar news rec'd today.

If you could please lift "Allie" up in your prayers. I know she would appreciate it greatly.

Thanks,
Heather

Pumpkins Galore...

My little pumpkin. Watching Barney in his blue bucket. The bucket usually reserved for train track pieces.

GranDee Pumpkin-carved by hand. Accessorized with a slighty psoriasis-ed carrot nose.

Pretty Pumpkin--decorated by Mommy with ribbon, marabou feathers and black tulle. Eat your heart out Martha Stewart.

Luke's School Pumpkin (hand-picked by him at the schools pumpkin patch yesterday. Also Angel Allie Pumpkin (Luke tore off her eyelashes, wings and halo-we were able to salvage her teeth..borrowed from Mr. Potato-Head...hey a veggie's gotta help a fellow veggie out...

Salsa (behind the ivy) & Plastic pumpkin GranDee bought

Wierd dream...

I have a tendency towards strange dreams lately...prolly cuz I'm reading a strange book right before hitting the sack.

Any way...last night's dream was this: I was transported back to my college days, where I was a drive-thru bank teller. Only this time, my teller partner was Owen Wilson. Yes, fresh from a suicide attempt, he moved back to Dallas to avoid the scrutiny of Hollywood.

Exposing his freshly scarred wrists (not covering them up with tennis wrist bands or long-sleeved shirts, like he did for The Enquirer). I praised him for getting out of L.A., I reiterated how proud I was of him for dealing with his "issues/demons". I kept telling him how impressed I was with his willingness to take a lesser paying job, so that he could get on with his life. I mean hey, it's not like he needs the money. Which is good because we only made $9/hr. as a teller. How I supported myself with a car payment and apt. rent on that salary is beyond me. I do know that I no longer have any type of affinity whatsoever to Ramen Noodles or Kool-Aid...hmmm..I wonder why?

Any way..I digress....back to Owen....Who is commonly referred to in our household as, "LighTING McQueen"....for his voice over roll in the Cars movie.

So, after my praises went out to Owen for his life rehabilitation, I did ask him one favor...

I said, "Owen, could you do me the honor and say KA-CHOW?" He obliged....

Heather

P.S. I just remembered another part of my dream. Instead of people sending their deposit slips up through the tube, they would forego the tube altogether and just "shoot" their laundry up instead of checks and cash. What did they think we were the NationsBankomat?

Confessions of a Panera "addict"...

As I sit blogging tonight my taste buds are craving a cinnamon crunch bagel with hazelnut cream cheese. I want one RIGHT NOW!

Guess I'll have to wait until I drop Luke off at school tomorrow before I can partake of my "guiltly pleasure".

Another confession...is it wrong to drop your kid off in the play-land at IKEA while you eat breakfast in their cafe'? That's exactly what I did last week. Luke LOVED playing in the "balls"....I heard him say, "Ready guys" before he jumped in to the ball "pool".

Another random thing...this morning I realized Luke had gone to bed with his car that "talks"....How do I know you might ask??? Well...at 7am on the monitor I heard, "Burn Rubber Boys" emanating from the car.

One more thing I've been wondering about and it's about as random as it gets. But...if you have a dog that's blind do you get em' a seeing-eye person?

I went to a CAbi (Carol Anderson By Invitation) clothes party tonight at my friend Jennifer's house. It was so fun. We got to try on lots of outfits. Now if I can just talk my hubby into letting me pay $88 for a shirt....I might have to Ebay my kidney or something....it would be worth though, don't you think?

We've officially got about 5 pumpkins living in Rice-A-Roni-Ville....I'll have to take the pic's tomorrow to post. Luke LOVES pumpkins. Love's not the word. Obsession might be a more accurate description. He even sleeps with the plastic one GranDee bought him this weekend. I couldn't figure out why he had these orange spots on his cheek and inner arm. I figured it out...pumpkin paint had rubbed off.

Auntie--You feeling any better?
Tammy--Started that book yet?
Trina-Pearson should be getting a special little gift from Luke by week's end. Mailed it today.

Ah...that's about it for now...gotta go read the latest book I'm into titled, "Running With Sissors"...you might have seen the movie....Very interesting to say the least.

Later friends.

Heather

BIG NEWS.....no I'm NOT pregnant!!!

MY LONG LOST BUDDY "FRANKIE" OF FRANKIELIVE.COM

I'M SO GLAD WE RECONNECTED GIRLIE. CALL ME WHEN YOU RETURN FROM L.A.

THE WHOLE "CREW"

STACY'S FIRST TIME TO HOLD A BABY AND WE CAUGHT IT ON FILM. (THANK YOU LAURIE JANE FOR MODELING) YOU'RE A NATURAL...DON'T YOU HAVE LUNCH/DINNER PLANS ON OCTOBER 15th? HMMM....

"LOVE-BIRDS" +1 (SCOTT'S SWEET SIS STACY)

THE "LOVE-BIRDS" SCOTT & JENNY OUR NEIGHBORS TURNED BOYFRIEND/GIRLFRIEND. YEP, THEY MET ON OUR PORCH, AHHH HOW SWEET! WE BETTER BE INVITED TO THE WEDDING. LUKE ALWAYS PICKS FLOWERS FOR "AUNT" JENNY AND TAKES WALKS W/"UNCLE" SCOTT. UNCLE SCOTT LOVED THE MARGARITA'S....ALL 11 OF THEM HE DRANK!

HOW DO YOU LIKE MY DECORATING?

MARGARITAS, SALT & LIME

WADE & JANNA-OUR LONG TIME FRIEND'S, PARENT'S OF LAURIE JANE (AND ROBERT)

RICHARD (UT ALUM) AND SHERI WISER-MORE FRIENDS

JASON ENJOYING THE FOOD

LUKE'S "HOOK EM' HORNS" POSE (WORLD'S CUTEST LIL' LONGHORN FAN)

My little niece is a "celebrity"...Hop on over to my sister, Brooke's blog and see the feature article the Kentucky newspaper did on my sweet niece Emery Kate today (she was born 14 wks. premature, Sept 22, 2006). She's a miracle, but we already knew that! I'm so proud of you sweet Emery baby, I wish I was there to kiss those sweet little cheeks of yours.

In other news....Our LONGHORNS didn't fair too well yesterday in the Red River Shootout. Oh well...there's always next week. We had fun anyway. Had lots of friends over, margarita machine, lots of food. I also go to reconnect with one friend I hadn't seen in a couple years. Her name is Frankie and she's an accomplished model and professional singer. Her second cd is being released by year-end. Drop on by her website Frankielive.com and listen to a snippet of her title track.

Luke spent the night with GranDee last night and he had a blast. They (well SHE carved) a pumpkin. Luke would have nothing to do with pumpkin "guts" because they were "too dirty" he said. He did love the carrot nose and battery powered tealight candles that flickered inside Mr. Pumpkin. He always loves to spend the night w/GranDee because as he say's it's, "Pun"(fun).
Thanks Mom for watching our boy so we could have an adult party w/o kiddos.

In other news Fall Break at Luke's school is tomorrow so he'll have one day off this week from big boy school. When he returns on Wed. they're having a pumpkin hunt, he's gonna have a blast. This boy LOVES pumpkins. Just wait until I take him back to the pumpkin farm in a few weeks.

That's about it. I've posted some pic's for your viewing pleasure. For all you who didn't make it to the TX/OU party, we missed ya. To those of you who were sick we hope you are feeling better. For that one, down right "slacker" who said they'd be there but never showed up (you know who you are) You better watch your back (wink).

Heather

HOOK EM' HORNS!

Yeah it's Friday..

Which means tomorrow it's Sat. Our big TX/OU party at our house. We're having lots of friends over, we've rented a margarita machine. It'll be a fun time. Hook Em' Horns! I just have to get the last minute cleaning items done.

In other news...I touched base with an old friend yest. She is on the kidney transplant list in Houston so if you'll remember her in your prayers. She's been through more than any human being I know. This will be her 3rd transplant, as the previous donor's organs failed. We're excited to see her in a few weeks.

Last night we (Sun. School girls) had our girl's night out at Petra Essence of Mexico restaurant...New place in McKinney with authentic Mexican food. I know the owners, it's just awesome. Their chorizo-queso ROCKS!

Not too much else going on...oh, yes there is. Heather and Amber are both under the weather. Sore throats, achy, fever's and all. Please pray for them too. And I have a friend that had lapband surgery on Wed., she's in pain right now which is to be expeced, but pray for her healing and adjustment to her new "lifestyle"-I speak from experience it is a totally new way of thinking and living post-op.

That's about it for now...time to start the day. I have to run to IKEA to get some new curtain rods to replace the one's Luke ripped down, when he pulled the curtains down.

Later taters.
Heather

Wednesday's agenda...

School for Lukey
Mommy has her token cinnamon crunch bagel w/hazelnut cream cheese at Panera's. My treat to myself on day's Luke's in school.
Mommy cleaning house
Mommy taking Lukey to get an ice cream cone w/Beau and Auntie after school.
Luke throws tantrum at "Feel-A-Chick" (Chik-fil-a) we go home.
Naps (Luke sleeps for 3 hours) YEAH, so does mommy. Guess we were both tired.
Hair cut at 6:30PM for Mommy (it has been 6 wks.)
Drive thru dinner at McD's for Luke at 6:25PM
Sucker for Luke for being a good boy while mommy got a hair cut. He ate all his chicken nuggets. Amazing how that works when you withhold the choc. milk until the end.
Home to bed
Well..bloggin' then bed!

Fun day huh!

Heather

I hope it's not..

Is peeing in the parking lot of a US Postal Office punishable by law?

I hope not....because that's exactly what I instructed Luke to do today.

The set up: Standing in line to mail Ebay pkg. I was next in line when I hear, "Mommy, I need to go tee tee". The man and women behind me laughed and said, "Hold on buddy, you're almost through". When Luke persisted, holding himself and squatting I decided to do what the 2 people behind me said which was, "just take him out beside the building, he's a boy--let er' rip".

Up until now, Luke has never peed anywhere other than a toilet, a diaper, a pull-up or underwear. Welcome to the big leagues son. The people even saved my place in line for me. Two birds with one stone...

Heather

What is the wierdest item you're holding on to...

Ok, I was inspired by another blogger on this one.

What is the wierdest thing you're holding on to?

ME: Luke's umbilical cord "stump"....I put it in his scrapbook.

How bout YOU??? Be honest...I know you've got SOMETHING wierd stashed somewhere.

Heather

Beginning of ear infection season.

Well, 3rd Dr. appt. in 2 weeks. Luke now has an ear infection. He kept telling me last night he heard doggies in his ear and today a butterfly. So, to the Dr. we went after church. Sure enough, he has an ear infection, in the ear that the tube has fallen out of. Antibiotic's again....Gosh, I hope this isn't a repeat of last years ear "issues". He may end up having tubes put BACK in, if this continues.

That's it!

Heather

WHAT THE H.E.Double Hockey Sticks..

Let me preface my blog for today with a statement in my defense. I usually have the patience of a saint with Luke. He's done some minor things to peeve me in his 3+ years on this earth. Most being a matter of inconvenience. This takes the cake though. At my own admission when I saw this I wanted to fly into a fit of rage and pinch his little head off. Because for 3 days now he's gotten spankings for doing this....Today he sent me over the edge when I saw him hanging from the floatie, which was hanging from the chandelier in our dining room.

You see he decided to use the picnic table Nana and Poppa got him for his bday as a "step stool" to hang from the light fixture. Not only is the fixture bent, but where it is attached to the ceiling is coming out too. I don't think the mfg.'s designed it to hold a 37 lb three year old. This whole incident royally pisses me off, because I've told him 3 times in the last few days to STOP DOING THIS!

So, for now he's being punished in his room w/door closed until daddy get's home and we can talk about proper punishment for this "crime". I know he's definitely getting his cherished McQueen cars taken away all weekend. We were going to go to the mall tonight in Frisco for a family time together that Jason planned. We were going to take Luke to ride the carousel...Not now! I still think we'll go to the mall, but let him see what he's missing by NOT getting to ride it. Maybe that will be punishment enough! Sorry, but I HAD TO VENT!

The Office...

Today Luke told me he needed to go to the office to do his job. Then as we were leaving the Target store we passed the customer service desk/line and he told me that was the Post Office..Plus today he's been noticing and identifying circles all day. They must be studying that in school. I'll have to ask his teacher.

Update on Jenny...she did pass a kidney stone and is doing MUCH better. Thx for your prayers for our sweet neighbor "Aunt Jenny".

That's it for today.....

Heather

Life...

Not too much happened today. We (Luke and I) went to Mom Time at church this morning. Luke did well playing with others. Last time he got in trouble for throwing toys and pushing down a little girl. We talked about "the rules" and what was expected of him.

In other news...Beau is sick w/croup. I feel bad because I feel like Luke gave it to him even though 2 Dr's. said he didn't HAVE croup. The barking seal cough is a dead give away to me though. Please pray for Beau to get better. Also please pray for Amber who passed out in the kitchen at 2am this morning. They don't know why, she just got nauseated and passed out. Jeff found her on the kitchen tile and Beau was sitting on the kitchen counter. He told Amber, "mommy you fell down right there". Wierd....

Also, please pray for Jenny our next door neighbor who was rushed to the ER where she is right now having tests run for possible kidney stones.

Heather

Great Compliment....Some Things Just Aren't Right...

Thank you all who prayed for Luke. He's feeling great today. So great, he got to go to big boy school since he was fever-free. Today, his teacher paid him a great compliment. She pulled me aside when I picked him up and said, "He has got the best manners." She elaborated with, "Every time we give him a snack he says, 'OHHHHH Thank you'!'" I was so proud of him. I remember one time my mom told me that I was a very thankful, appreciative child. In fact, she said that people in public places would comment on my manners. She recounted how proud she was of ME for saying please and thank-you. What a joy that is as a parent to see the fruits of your labor. A compliment is the highest form of flattery, to a job that often goes without recognition. So, Mom I know what you felt like now. It's a great feeling....

And....I digress to the 'Some Things Just Aren't Right' portion of today's blog. While Luke was in school I visited my favorite thrift store for 2 hours UNINTERRUPTED. I perused the aisles in peace without hearing, "I want this, I want that!" It was really nice. But, one thing that really disturbed me was an item I found hanging on the pegboard. The pegboard w/it's shiny metal hooks usually houses what-nots/items for resale that have been bagged up w/like items... i.e. hotel lotion and shampoo/conditioner samples, hair clips/scrunci's/barrettes, wallpaper borders, child-proofing fixtures, unused thank you cards/stationary....you catch my drift....
Today I found..............get ready.....A RECTAL THERMOMETER.

Okay, people if you have to purchase your rectal thermometer at a RESALE shop you must really be hurting...

I'll leave you w/that nice image this evening.

Heather

Doing better.

I guess the TLC given to Lukey today paid off. He's been doing well. However, we did take him to the Dr. again tonight (twice in 3 days) and they still said he looks fine. My response, "Well..he doesn't sound fine!"

Dr. diagnosed it as a common cold, ears clear, throat clear, chest clear. Dr. did prescribe 5 days of a liquid steroid to reduce swelling in the bronchial area. Thanks for your prayers.

If no fever Doc says he can go to school tomorrow. He's still hoarse, but is acting fine.

So, we'll see. In other news, my niece Emery turned 1 yesterday. Check out Brooke's blog for the pic's. Word on the street is she was elbow deep in cake frosting...Wish we could have been there to witness it all first-hand. Maybe next year huh!

Heather

Sicky Sickerson...

Well...little Winky is under the weather. We took him to the Dr. and they listened to his chest, breathing, checked his ears (for doggies) and he came through with a clean bill of health.

However for the "strange" cough (that he didn't hear while we were in the office) the Doc recommended I get him on Robitussin Night Cough and Cold. That was Friday...Sat. he ran a temperature and was very fatigued. The biggest thing is his cough. He's officially the "barking seal"....you mom's know what that means...CROUP...That's my personal diagnosis and one the Dr. said could be a possibility, however his age dictates that he's at the end of the spectrum for getting croup.

The cough is unmistakable... so, Sun. when the Dr's. office open's we'll be returning hopefully this time to get an antibiotic or steroid or something....He's miserable and has thrashed around in bed all night.

How do I know??? Because he's sleeping w/me, as daddy is at Uncle Jeff's house tonight because of an early morning return from Austin's UT game. Which I might add, UT pummelled RICE. Hook Em' Horns....Luke kept telling me that Daddy and Kunkle Jeff were at the Hook Em Horn's HOUSE.

Please pray for our sick boy and that an official diagnosis will be made and an appropriate treatment administered. I HATE to see him like this. I would take his place in a heartbeat...as long as they didn't make me stay in any hospitals.....Thanks.

Heather

HAPPY BIRTHDAY OLDY OLDERSON...

Today is my sweet hubby's 36th birthday. I can hardly believe that when we met we were both 25. Seem's like we were such young pups then. So much has happened in 10 years.

I hope that this year brings you much happiness, fullfillment, joy and love.

We love you so much.

Winky and Mommy