Mom's 85th Birthday

February is a busy month for our family. First of all, my parents 68th anniversary and my sister and husband's 44th anniversary falls on February 2nd. February 10, '68 is when Wayne and I met. Valentine's Day is special to me because Wayne, after just knowing me 4 days, ran thru pouring freezing rain to hand deliver a valentine to me. I cherish that memory. Then there's 16th, which is my mom's birthday followed closely with our grandson, Phoenix's 2nd birthday, on the 19th. And even though she's not with us in body, Wayne's mother's birthday is the 21st. She would have been 78, I believe. She passed away of lung cancer October of '95. She always had something good to say about everyone. We used to joke, saying she'd probably have something good to say about Ted Bundy. She just couldn't believe O.J. Simpson could do such an awful thing. Now THAT's seeing the glass not just half full, but overflowing. ha!

Wednesday, the 15th, I traveled to West Monroe for my mom's upcoming birthday. In a get well card she had sent me in September, she mentioned her favorite songs were: It Is Well, Peace In The Valley and He Touched Me. I decided then, if I could get the keys lowered enough for me to sing melody, I would team up with my sister who is an alto and we would sing these for her birthday. I have a sweet friend, Mary Fowler, who was delighted to take part in this. She recorded the songs on piano for our accompanying music to sing by. It was not an easy task, as I am an alto also. Getting too low would make it hard to sing the very lowest notes and also make the harmony too low. We compromised on a certain key and she completed the task.

Thursday, we met other family at the local Cracker Barrel (at mom's insistence)for the birthday lunch. Suspicions of wanting to use up her gift cards from there, were spot on. They paid for everyone's meal. She's sneaky like that. We argued it was her birthday and she argued back, "that's right, I'll do what I want." How do you argue with that?

Family who joined us were my cousin, Gwen and husband, Charles; my cousin, Marilyn; my Aunt June and my Aunt Bernice. And of course, my sister Deby. We enjoyed a good time together but one missing was my favorite Uncle Henry, Marilyn's dad. He passed away last summer at 96 yrs. old. It is this family I spent so many of my summers with, growing up. He called me- Wibby and I called him- Slim.

So we get home with just our parents and prepare to sing the 3 songs. I was getting over a sinus infection, so on top of being an alto, my part of the mission was a bit to be desired. Hard to reach notes and being emotional didn't help my cause at all but Hey- it was just the 4 of us, so no critics were present to pass judgement. She was sweet to thank us and started discussing how we would present these songs at her funeral service. So we assured her we would take care of it.

I have to mention, we had Johnny's Pizza, Wednesday night when I arrived. And leftover pizza, Thursday night.

Friday, I woke up at 6 a.m. to be back Conroe by 12. Mary Ann and I were leaving for Austin for Phoenix's party the next day. He's usually real shy with us because he doesn't see us very often. In his own surrounding, he was quite the friendly guy, letting me hold him, running around the den, throwing himself on us and babbling on about all he knew. The next day at noon was a "Cars" theme party with a cars cake Lisa made and pizza galore! Soon after the party cleanup, Ashleigh, the kids and I were on the road to Conroe. I kept the kids while Ashleigh went to the benefit Matthew was playing at. We had some play time the next day before their little family were back to Austin. I opted not to go to church, exhausted after such a busy week.

This past week has been emotionally exhausting for reasons I will not go into.I am praying God's will and God's best.

So there you have it...labeling as I see it, once again.

Just My Memories

Mother's Day night, my dad checked in the hospital with pneumonia. I left Monday to stay for the week. We brought him home Wednesday night. There was a surprise birthday party for one of my cousins 70th (J.E.) the following Sunday, so I stayed for it, headed home from there.That was my dad's first day out. We went to church, then to the party in Ball, La. just north of Pineville. Shocked that no one else from the family went to this. We were the only family that showed up. This could have served as a family reunion as well.

About a month later, I was back in Monroe for the Girod Reunion. I love going to reunions and catching up on all their lives, reminiscing old times. We were missing quite a few, this year. Thankfully we are able to rent the air-conditioned fellowship hall at the community's Bethany Baptist Church. Same price as renting a pavilion outdoors at Kiroli Park in hot hot weather.

I have very fond memories of the reunions being held at Bernstein Park and Zoo. In those days, all of us cousins would run free over to the zoo and the playground. Older cousins watching the younger cousins. It must have been hot then too, but it never slowed us down. Many years, I would go home with an aunt and family for a 2 week stay. If VBS was not over yet, then I'd have to wait to go. The zoo had an elephant that made the national news a few years back. Now, see if I had been blogging then, I would have written about it, but as it is, I don't remember. I know she was old and she was being moved somewhere else to be cared for. As I've said before, the blogs are more for my memory bank.

As I write this, being July 4th, our Wilks reunions have always been held on this date. The cousin who took these over was very sick last year at this time and passed away not long after. Needless to say, no one has picked up the responsiblity of holding it since. I miss seeing my family from that side. There's another one on my dad's mother's side on the first Sunday of June held at an old country church and cemetery, but my parents are the only ones I know that go. Don't know all the distant kinfolk. Wayne and I make a day-trip sometimes and go, mostly for my parents. The church members give up the church for the day. When I was a child, most of the Wilks family went to this, so us cousins would have a good time together. The dinner was always held outside under the trees with make-shift tables nailed to the trees. Literally it was the old fashioned "Dinner on the Ground".

I am so grateful I grew up in a family oriented environment. There is history from all of these families documented and still being gathered today. My sister is enjoying researching our family's past.

Father's Day was the next Sunday, so more family time was enjoyed. Otherwise, it's been a rather lazy hot dry month.

The month ends with Wayne's birthday (the 30th) turning him over to the big 60. We went over the following Saturday at Mark and Lisa's for swimming and grilling steaks. We pitched in together to give him a grillmaster grill for his own. Hoping this will spur some good cookouts at home like we used to have.

So today, July 4th has not been anything to shout about as far as activity around here. Wayne got called out to work b/c of an oil-spill and is still out as I write. Mary Ann and I went to Tailgators and shared a super good hamburger and fries.

My 59th Birthday & My Dad's 87th Birthday & More

It seems so long ago, my memory is failing. Ha! My birthday was April 15th, on a Friday. I met Barb at Vernon's Katfish for lunch. Matthew, Ashleigh, Maya and Phoenix arrived around 6 that evening. It was great to see them again. Last time had been 2 months ago. The next evening, Saturday, we all met Mark, Lisa, Rebekah and Alex at Pappasitos for my birthday dinner. Wayne was at work, (he's too tired to go out on work days) so we ordered fajitas to go for him. We had a great time and even saw friends from church there. Got home to have ice cream cake and open gifts. Great cat gifts (no surprise). Sunday was singing at church and heading over to Incredible Pizza for eats and kids playing. I missed being with my bestie, this year. I got some wonderful birthday cards and bookoos of birthday greetings on facebook.

My Dad's Birthday

Wayne had another week of training in Mississippi the next week, which Daddy's birthday was in. So after lunch with Mary Ann, Monday, I headed up to spend the week with my parents. My mom, sister and I did some running around like always. We took Mom to visit one of their close friends in a nursing home, while we waited to pick up Johnny's Pizza. We soon discovered she was back in the hospital with pneumonia, but visited with her husband.

Wednesday I bought a couple of shirts from Academy for Daddy's gift, then a little later we met the "usual suspects" for birthday dinner, which he wore one of his new shirts to. Those present were Debby, Ralph, Gary, June, Charles, Gwen, Cheryl, Bruce and me.

Thursday, I had plans to meet with my high school class valedictorian. Alice had been on my mind for a few months. She has cerebral palsy. She has been in a wheelchair for as long as we all have known her. I was once put in a group with her for a project. We met at her home after school. We neither one can remember what the project was about, but I remember just laying low, being so intimidated by her. (my problem, not hers)

Back to the visit---she is bed-ridden now, but still looks for ways to be productive whether it be tutoring, a spokesman for challenged people or working from her bed on the internet. She is in much pain as she lays there. I have no complaints anymore. She has a wonderful optimistic attitude. Her parents have passed away and is cared for by rotating home-health aids. She wanted to know all about my life and family and I, hers. We visited for a couple of hours. I was hoping to convince her to get on facebook. I am willing to help her. She's a bit hesitate, but said she'd think about it. I hope to see her again in June when I'm back in town.

And of course, while at home, I enjoyed watching westerns with my dad, Wheel of Fortune, Dr. Oz, and The Doctors with both of them, then late evening tv with my mom, while flipping thru magazines and doing crossword puzzles.

Friday morning my parents, my sister and I set out west on I20. Just north of Minden is where my dad's oldest brother lives. He's 92 and is suffering from colon cancer, choosing not to do chemo. This is the uncle who lost his only daughter (my age) just 2 days after his 92nd birthday in February of this year. It was very unexpected, and I hurt my back the day before the funeral and did not get to go. So seeing my aunt and uncle was two fold. We visited about an hour and left. Me going on to Conroe and they back to Monroe.

Thank you Father God, for blessing me thru Alice and for my heritage. I am so thankful for my parents and their thumbprints on my life.

It was a very fun, busy and surreal week, all in one. And that's how I label it.

HE IS RISEN, HE IS ALIVE

Because He is risen, because He lives---I can sing-

"What a day, that will be, when my Jesus I shall see.

When I look upon His face and see the wonder of His grace.

When He takes me by the hand and leads me to the promised land.

WHAT A DAY, GLORIOUS DAY, THAT WILL BE"

and

"Blessed Assurance, Jesus is mine, Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine.

Heir of salvation, purchased by God. Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.

This is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior, all the day long,

this is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long."

AND many more...I could go on and on. I love to sing about my God and

what He's done and is doing and will do in my life;

of His mercy and grace, His provision, His peace and comfort,

His deep unchanging love, His compassion and understanding,

His patience and forgiveness, His faithfulness in my unfaithfulness.

And I'll close with this taken from a favorite song--

"He is Holy, Marvelous, Strong Tower, Righteous, He's my Living Word,

Sacrifice, Restorer of my broken life, faithful, All Mighty King, Omnipotent, He is Everything;

The ONE who WAS and IS and IS to come---The bridge from earth to Heaven.

BEHOLD THE LAMB, BEHOLD THE LAMB OF GOD..

BEHOLD THE LAMB"

There's a saying I love----Those who sing, pray twice. The worship service for Easter was awesome this morning. I was still basking in the love of our MOST HIGH GOD!! So this is me just putting a label on it!!

If I had to work to get to heaven, how much would be enough? Who would measure my worth? Jesus Christ measured my worth by stretching his arms out on the cross. And He said "IT IS FINISHED!" Thank you Jesus.

Visiting Betty Boobs

This is a couple of weeks late, but just couldn't muster up blogging time, as I've heard it could appear one being narcissistic. I think twice about it now before blogging. I just want to document my times that are important to me. Maybe I should make this a private blog. Still thinking. Made it public to begin with to document my best friend dying of cancer, for other friends to stay updated with the latest. That's over now...so now what??

Wayne had some training to do in Mississippi last month. Traveling would take him just north of Slidell, La., where my friend Betty lives now. So the plan was to be dropped off in Slidell. As it turned out, she was closing on sale of her house in Walden the Friday before the training. So I was able to ride back to Slidell with her, Monday morning. (she loves having me drive and I love doing the driving) Didn't have to put up with 8 guys on the road or wait while they toured the plant in Denham Springs.

By default, we stopped in Lafayette to eat a little lunch. Ended up downtown at Don's Seafood. There was a couple seated near us. She looked really familiar, so much that I followed them exiting the place and asked her if she was Phyllis Foster. (a girl we went to school with in Monroe) Why yes, it was!!! We had a great little visit. It was really a big coincidence to meet her there as we had missed our original place to eat in a previous town and they up from Morgan City for a follow-up visit from cataract surgery. And I had forgotten also they she married Harvey Hammonds, an older brother of a schoolmate of mine from elementary.

On with the trip, Slidell bound. We just rested that night, eating take -home red beans and rice with sausage and chicken. Oh, and bread pudding, all from Don's. That night was the first night of Dancing With the Stars and we both love it.

The next morning, we were at a clinic for her 2nd mammogram. Fun times indeed, I tell you!! ha! Afterwards we scoped out "old Town Slidell", ate lunch at a great place, can't remember the name. (see that's why I want to blog, I forget things!!) After lunch, we visited the Who Dat store, followed by antique and consignment stores.

Pretty much the same thing the next couple of days. She had her sights on furniture while I had my eye on "cat things" and shelf to display cat salt & pepper sets. I specifically did not want to eat at chain places. I wanted to feast on the cajun specialties. Well, Vera's place took care of that notion. I had Seafood Gumbo and OMG! Well, never mind.

All in all, I had a wonderful relaxing time with my friend Betty. We wore ourselves out in the daytime, all we had energy for at night was a bite to eat in front of the tv. She has a wonderful townhome on a bayou off Lake Pontchartrain. Think that's how it's spelled?? She has settled in quite nicely and I'm happy for her. I've known Betty for a long time and have taken many trips to New Orleans with her. We have many memories and she still puts up with me.

It all came to an end, Friday afternoon when we met Wayne and the guys on Interstate 12 headed back to Conroe. I should also mention Wayne's boss is originally from Houma, Louisiana, and he had us stop in Lake Charles at Steamboat Bill's Seafood. Mind you, this was on a Friday night. This place is so busy, they have parking attendants directing the parking. A most unusual place, one I suggest anyone going thru to try.

Although I missed not seeing my cats and dogs, husband and daughter, it was a nice weird just taking care of me. Thank you Father God for great Christian friendship, and give Kathy a hug for me. I do miss her terribly. She's still the first person I wanted to call and yakadeeyak about my visit with Betty. Labeling as I see it.

Phoenix Turns One yr. old & Making Way For Camden

We (Mary Ann and I) started our trip to Austin with a pedicure Saturday morning. Wayne had to work, so this trip gives me one up on sweet talking Phoenix to loving me. Otherwise, he wouldn't give me the time of day. His birthday party was themed around "balls", since he seems to really like balls alot. Ashleigh made little cake balls, a fantastic job, I might add. There were cheese balls, melon balls, blueberries, grapes, and trix cereal to munch on along with the #1little sandwiches. The older kids later made balls out of Rice Krispy mix.

There were all sizes and colors of balls to play with, including the kind you punch over and over. I must say, Rebekah was key in playing some games with them. Duck, Duck, Goose being one of them and another one I don't remember. The other grandmother had them play Mother May I.

When they put his little personal size birthday cake in front of him to sing Happy Birthday to him, he wasn't a big fan of getting into it. He did, however like the idea of his mommy feeding it to him a bite at a time. If you see any pictures of him with cake all over him, it wasn't his doing. Others were trying to encourage him to dive into it, by placing his hands on the cake. No matter how ya look at it, he was and is adorable.

He wasn't to comfortable with me so I never forced myself on him. He did take to Mary Ann pretty quick. After the party, we went to their house where he was more comfortable in his surrounding. Hung out a bit, 'til deciding to go out to eat. Matthew picked a great place called Phil's Icehouse. Had a great playground and outdoor eating spots. The kids loved the playground and again Beka was great about pushing Alex and Maya around on the equipment. Adults loved the food, at least I did. May be the best burger I've ever had. When I was finished eating I offered to try taking Phoenix so Ashleigh could eat. (they had messed her order up) Surprise!!!!! He came to me with no fuss and I held him in a cuddled position (wind was rough) for about an hour or more, watching the kids play. I was loving it!

We said our good-byes to Mark, Lisa and kids who were going back to Conroe from there. It was very late and I hate 290 so I worried about them. On a side note.... Mark texted me the next morning to let me know they had made it home. Only Beka beat him to it, b/c I saw her on facebook that morning. It was good to know, just the same.

I slept with Maya in her room after I read a very long version of Cinderella. Maybe it just seemed long b/c I was so tired. The next day we got ready to go south of Austin to a baby shower Mary Ann was giving for her best friend of 20 years, Michele. She's due around my dad's birthday April 20th, so maybe.... how 'bout it Camden??

Because Michele's maiden name was McBee, the shower theme was honey bees. Mary Ann had worked very hard on this and I think she did a great job. Her friend, Jennifer helped her with the adorable diaper cake with an occasional bee bib, or bee washcloth and other little items. (sorry, I should have paid better attention to it) The edible cake was shaped as a honey beehive and they both had little bees attached to it here and there. The grandmothers were in charge of the food and it was delicious. Maya just happened to have a bumble bee costume which she was very eager to wear, but not so eager to enter into a home full of unknown faces. It took some coaxing from mom, and finding out her friend Madelyn was there dressed as Minnie Mouse.

Most important of all (not really) I was able to again hold Phoenix for an hour or so while Michele opened gifts. Yes, you say...an HOUR or SO?!? Yep, that little "Momma to bee" was really showered that day. I loved sharing this day with Michele, and Camden's grandmothers. I wish Michele and Christian the best.

I'm probably leaving stuff out or got something wrong, but it's how I remember it. Correct me if I'm wrong, but until...I'm done labeling.

My Mother's 84th Birthday

Wayne and I went to Louisiana, Monday evening. Spent the next 2 days with my parents. My mother and I sometimes get giddy about nothing, it would seem to an outsider looking in. For instance....

Tuesday night I saw her fooling around with one of her curtain rods in their bedroom. It was a tension-rod and had fallen from the window. She was attempting to tighten it. Enter me to help of course....She was trying to move the screw that tightens, down the rod a bit, but all she said was "I need this to go that way" So being the helpful person I can be sometimes... I pulled on the other end of rod and pulled it out of the other rod. She cracked up and of course I cracked up too. She's laughing so hard she can't tell me what went wrong, which makes me laugh harder, which makes her laugh harder, which makes...well you get the picture. Ha! When she could finally tell me what she meant...I said "say what you mean and mean what you say" not thinking it would send us to "ha ha land" again. It did!!! We got the job done, but what could have taken 5 minutes took about 30 minutes because we couldn't stay out of "ha ha land".

She had 12 people all together for her birthday lunch and she insisted on cooking for this occasion. I said "why cook on your birthday????" She said "I want to cook while I still can." If I didn't look so much like her, I'd have to wonder if I was adopted. I didn't inherit any of those genes. Gracing her with their presence was:

her sister, Aunt June

her brother-in-law Uncle Henry (95 yr.old widower of her deceased sister, Margie)

her sister-in-law Aunt Bernice (widow of her brother, Russell)

her niece Gwen and her husband Charles (daughter of Russell)

her niece Marilyn (daughter of Henry and Margie)

her daughter Debbie and her husband Ralph

me and Wayne

my dad Chester

niece Cheryl (daughter of June)

She was on her feet from the time she got up that morning. She prepared a glorious meal consisting of: her famous hamburgers, fruit salad, coldslaw, green salad (hers), all the fixings for hamburgers, her famous strawberry shortcake (her mother's recipe), little individual pecan pies, and probably more that I can't remember. She had worked most of Tuesday on this also.

I hope she finally ate something. It was a lovely time but Wayne and I had to leave about 3:30 to get home to Conroe.