Celebrating the New Year in ICU

Thursday, December 31, 2009

Mark's Aneurysm Surgery

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Preparing for Surgery:


Waiting...


Recovery Room:


ICU:

Christmas Day Festivities

Friday, December 25, 2009

Opening Presents

Santa Visits...

Christmas Eve

Thursday, December 24, 2009

In the Spirit...

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Christmas Louisiana Style

Monday, December 21, 2009




Please see Santana's page for more info on how Christmas is done the Louisiana way...

Christmas Louisiana Style

Princess & Santana, cousins but could definitely be sisters...

Check out Santana's blog: My Everyday Life @ http://santanasmith.blogspot.com/ to see all the pictures and read her story about doin Christmas Louisiana style...it is funny, at least to me, knowing my family and all, and it appears that Santana knows them pretty well also. I was laughing quietly sitting here in my office because I didn't want to wake anyone up, but I did have tears in my eyes. I wish that I was able to share in those moments, they are precious and makes me miss them all even more... Merry Christmas Family!

Bathtime @ MiMi's

Saturday, December 19, 2009

2009 Christmas Photo Shoot

Saturday, December 12, 2009



PLEASE VISIT ALL THE FAMILY PAGES FOR MORE CHRISTMAS PHOTOS...

Girls' Night Out

Thursday, December 10, 2009







Nellie and I went to Arizona's Premier Shopping Extravaganza today. It is the hottest shopping party in Arizona where ladies can ultra-pamper themselves with the utmost in super-fab finds in 
Beauty and Fashion! Ladies can splurge on the newest and greatest in beauty products and the hottest fashion apparel and accessories! With specialty exhibitors all under one roof to make this event pure shopping heaven!Nellie & I did do a little splurging...





Sabriya's Christmas Musical


Please visit Sabriya's page for a few pictures and a video of her school Christmas musical...

A Blackberry Family...

Tuesday, December 8, 2009


We are a BBM Family! We all have some version of a Blackberry phone, and there are plenty to choose from. Each Blackberry has a separate PIN number and with this pin we are able to send messages via the Blackberry Messenger system making communication possible between two or more Blackberry devices in a single session.

For a family like ours who’s always on-the-go, instant messaging is the only way. IM gives us the ability to have almost instant conversations without having to use the phone or email. It is a very handy form of communication for asking a quick question, making plans for a family event, even sharing stories and pictures—all in real-time and we can even express ourselves and stay in touch in our own special way and boy do we do that…

We have these chats at random times, even when we are all sitting together at the dinner table. It is chaotic, fun. Sometimes it feels as if you are in a room full of people and everyone’s talking but nobody’s listening.

It is hard to keep up with the conversation at times, because there are so many participants and the conversation is flowing so quickly. If you are brave enough to try to type something in you better be a fast because you will lose track of the conversation very quickly.

You can see everybody’s personality in the conversations: there is enthusiasm, seriousness, sarcasm… our family is one of a kind. But all said, we do have a lot of fun IM ing one another.

2 Aneurysms

Monday, December 7, 2009

For several months now, Mark has been having problems with his knee(s) but typical of him, wouldn't make an appointment to go see the doctor so I did it for him. During the appointment he described his issues to the doctor and one of the things he mentioned was that his back was hurting from time to time and that he thought it was due to his knee hurting. The doctor decided to send him for an MRI to check out his knee but also his back to see what was going on there. The results of the MRI showed that he has a chip in the knee area and that it has to be surgically repaired. They also saw a spot in his stomach area which they felt was something that needed to be look into more deeply. He was sent to a specialist and sent for a CT scan. Today he went to the specialist to hear the results of the scan and found out that he has not one but two aneurysms in his stomach area that need to be removed IMMEDIATELY. Both aneurysms are twice the normal size. Surgery is scheduled for December 29th...

An aneurysm is a balloon-like bulge in an artery. Aneurysms can form in arteries of all sizes. An aneurysm occurs when the pressure of blood passing through part of a weakened artery forces the vessel to bulge outward, forming what you might think of as a blister. Not all aneurysms are life-threatening. But if the bulging stretches the artery too far, this vessel may burst, causing a person to bleed to death.

Where do aneurysms occur in the body?

In parts of the aorta. The aorta is the large vessel that carries blood from the heart to other parts of the body. Aortic aneurysms can occur in the area below the stomach (abdominal aneurysm) or in the chest (thoracic aneurysm). An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is usually located below the kidneys. Aortic dissection can occur in the aorta and its main branches.

How do aneurysms happen, and who is at risk?

Any condition that causes the walls of the arteries to weaken can lead to an aneurysm. The following increase the risk of an aneurysm or an aortic dissection:

Atherosclerosis (a build-up of fatty plaque in the arteries).
High blood pressure.
Smoking.
Deep wounds, injuries, or infections of the blood vessels

What Christmas is REALLY ABOUT!


THE CHRISTMAS SHOES
by New Song

It was almost Christmas time, there I stood in another line Tryin' to buy that last gift or two, not really in the Christmas mood. Standing right in front of me was a little boy waiting anxiously, Pacing 'round like little boys do And in his hands he held a pair of shoes, His clothes were worn and old, he was dirty from head to toe And when it came his time to pay I couldn't believe what I heard him say...

Sir, I want to buy these shoes for my Mama, please It's Christmas Eve and these shoes are just her size Could you hurry, sir, Daddy says there's not much time You see she's been sick for quite a while And I know these shoes would make her smile And I want her to look beautiful if Mama meets Jesus tonight.

He counted pennies for what seemed like years Then the cashier said, "Son, there's not enough here" He searched his pockets frantically Then he turned and he looked at me, He said Mama made Christmas good at our house Though most years she just did without. Tell me Sir, what am I going to do, Somehow I've got to buy her these Christmas shoes.

So I laid the money down, I just had to help him out. I'll never forget the look on his face when he said Mama's gonna look so great!

I knew I'd caught a glimpse of heaven's love As he thanked me and ran out, I knew that God had sent that little boy To remind me just what Christmas is all about!

The Results r N!

Tuesday, December 1, 2009


Well the results of my MRI are finally in and the diagnosis... Fraying of the Labrum.

The labrum is a type of cartilage that surrounds the socket of ball-and-socket joints. A labrum is found in both the shoulder and the hip joint. The labrum forms a ring around the edge of the bony socket of the joint. It helps to provide stability to the joint by deepening the socket, yet unlike bone, it also allows flexibility and motion.

Injuries to the labrum have long been recognized as a possible source of pain and discomfort. Labral injuries in the shoulder are much more common, and the treatment of shoulder labral injuries has been more carefully investigated. With the recent development of arthroscopic techniques to surgically manage the hip joint, there has been increased recognition and awareness of hip labral tears.

How Does a Tear Occur in the Hip Labrum?

There are two general types of hip labral tears: degenerative tears and traumatic injuries.

A degenerative tear is a chronic injury that occurs as a result of repetitive use and activity. Degenerative labral tears can be seen in the early stages of hip arthritis.

A traumatic hip labral tear is usually an acute injury as a result of a sports injury, fall, or accident. Hip labral tears can be seen in association with episodes of hip dislocation or subluxation. They are commonly associated with sudden, twisting maneuvers that cause immediate pain in the hip.

Treatment of Hip Labral Tears
The treatment of hip labral tears is evolving quite quickly. Only a few years ago this injury was rarely recognized. Now it is becoming increasingly common to hear of athletes having their "hip scoped" to have their labral tear treated.
In general, the treatment of a hip labral tear usually starts off with some simple steps. Typical early treatments of a hip labral tear include:

Rest
The torn labrum in the hip can cause inflammation around the joint. Allowing the inflammation to settle down may alleviate the symptoms of the labral tear and allow return to activities.

Anti-Inflammatory Medications
Anti-inflammatory medications can be helpful in diminishing some of the inflammation in the joint. If the inflammation subsides, the symptoms may resolve.

Physical Therapy
Physical therapists can use various techniques to improve hip function by strengthening and balancing the muscles around the hip joint.

Cortisone Injection
A cortisone injection is useful not only as a treatment of the labral tear, but it can also be performed at the same time as a diagnostic injection the help determine the cause of the hip pain.
If these treatments fail to alleviate the pain associated with a hip labral tear, a hip arthroscopy procedure may be considered. During a hip arthroscopy, your surgeon places a small camera into the hip joint to see the labral tear. Your surgeon can also evaluate the cartilage of the joint, important ligaments, and other structures.

Treatment of the labral tear usually consists of shaving out the torn portion of the labrum. In some larger tears, located in an accessible area of the joint, a repair of the labrum may be attempted. Recovery from a hip arthroscopy depends on the extent of work that needs to be completed, but usually lasts 6 to 12 weeks.

Putting up the Christmas Tree

Friday, November 27, 2009

For years now, I have always put up the Christmas Tree(s) the day after Thanksgiving because the kids are out of school and there are no scheduled activities so this is the perfect day for me to just stay home and get it done. I had all the kids help drag the trees and decorations up stairs from the basement storage room last night so that I could get an early start this morning. So this morning Mark & I put the main tree together and I got right on it, first shaping it which takes a couple of hours then decorating it which is as least 3 or more hours. Well after I placed the final ornament on the tree, I stepped back to take a look and kept thinking that the tree wasn't looking right. While I was standing there contemplating that thought Shamesha walks in and asks, "Why does the tree look lopsided?" I said, I was just standing here thinking the same thing. Then I said, "Oh well, I am not taking it down, so it's just going to have to stay that way." That thought lasted about 5 minutes and I knew that there was no way I was going to be able to leave that tree up like that for the next month. So I called the kids together and told them that they were going to have to help me take the tree down, but first I needed a nap... We got the tree down and I spent the remainder of that day decorating the tree for the 2nd time. That will NEVER happen again!

Get the flash player here: http://www.adobe.com/flashplayer

Thanksgiving 2009

Thursday, November 26, 2009

A very quite Thanksgiving this year and our very first without Santana (sad for me). Mark, Shannon & Trey were also away this year spending the holiday with the Loomers in Utah. Please visit their blog: http://smithfamily-az.blogspot.com/ for pictures of their snowy Thanksgiving. Mark spent the morning cooking at the restaurant with friends and brought our dinner home which we ate at 4pm with Kirk, Lisa & the boys; Eddie, Joyce & their boys; Reggie, Ken & last but not least Jenny. We so enjoyed have Jenny with us this year, since she grew up and works now we never get to see her.

Get the flash player here: http://www.adobe.com/flashplayer

The Twilight Saga: New Moon

Friday, November 20, 2009



Lorrie, Me & the Girlz: "GIRLS NIGHT OUT" we got to go to the advanced screening of The Twilight Saga: New Moon last night. The movie didn't start until 9:30PM, we arrive between 6:30-7:00PM and took our place in line behind roughly 300+ others. They did end up letting us into the theater around 7:30PM so we just sat and visited for 2 hours while waiting for the movie to begin. The movie was GREAT and worth the long wait, and I didn't fall asleep; but even better was being able to spend time with one another. Can't wait until June 2010 for the release of Eclipse, WE'LL BE THERE!

Sabriya's 11th Bday!

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Today we celebrated Sabriya's 11th Birthday, please see her page to view the slideshow of this very special day...




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MRI

Monday, November 16, 2009



I HATE HAVING TO GET THESE DONE! I am claustrophobic, and never more than when I have to have an MRI done. I've had several over the years and it never gets better. I get through it by closing my eyes and trying to fall asleep and if that doesn't work then I PRAY! Somehow I always seem to survive but it's rough. So, I did survive, now I have to wait until Thursday for the results. The worst part about all of this is that I'm not able to workout.

Emergency Room

Saturday, November 14, 2009


I wasn't able to sleep last night, I tossed and turned for hours because my right leg was in extreme pain. I couldn't move it in any direction without causing the pain to shoot throughout my entire body. I finally decided to get out of bed around 4:30AM only to find out that wasn't such an easy task, I did make it but not far. Aftering placing both feet on the floor I quickly found out that I wasn't able to put ANY pressure on my right leg. I wasn't able to move, I just leaned against the wall for about 20 minutes taking deep breaths trying not to pass out. Since I couldn't climb back up on my bed (it's very high & I couldn't bend my leg) I hobbled over to the chase lounge and laid on my side and tried to stretch my leg but the pain was just too much. While lying there my thoughts were that I was somehow going to make it to the bathroom, take a shower, get dressed and drive to the emergency room. It probably took me about an hour or more to accomplish that list but I did it; made it to the car and drove straight to the hospital but it wasn't easy.

I arrive at the emergency room just before 6:00AM, and they could see that I wasn't doing very well. They had me sit while they completed my paper work, they had me back into a room within minutes. After examining me as best she could the doctor gave me a shot for pain, but it took about an hour to start working and didn't completely take the pain away. They did xrays and a CT scan but neither showed any problems so the next step was to do an MRI but not until Monday. After a few hours the doctor decided to give me some stronger drugs via another shot and some prescriptions to take home to get me through the weekend.

This Weeks Events in Lyfe as a Smith

Friday, November 13, 2009

Please visit Trey, Shamesha & Sabriya's pages to see events from this week.

MiMi & Trey's Playdate

Reggie's 21st Birthday


Speech Meet

Reggie's 21st Birthday

Thursday, November 12, 2009

MiMi & Trey's Playdate

State Fair

Sunday, November 1, 2009

We took the kids to the State Fair tonight, they had a blast. We Skyped Santana before leaving for the fair and that set the mood for a fun filled evening of joy & laughter. (We miss you Tana!) It is truly a blessing to see your children (especially the young adult children) enjoy each others company.

Halloween 2009

Saturday, October 31, 2009

October Events for Sabriya

Friday, October 30, 2009

Take a look at Sabriya's page to see more pictures and videos of these 3 events:

JOG-A-THON
SPIRIT WEEK

LIL'GYM SHOW

My Random Thoughts While Missing TANA

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

DAY 14

Daughter . . . If ever you need to talk, to share a laugh, a dream, a smile; to be comforted or reassured, to be understood . . .  Remember, my shoulder is there for your head, your secrets are safe and my door is always open.

DAY 15

Dear Daughter, I worry sometimes that I pushed too hard when you were growing up - wanting so much for you and trying to make sure you had all those things that I didn't when I was a child. But I hope that I never made you feel that I expected too much . . . for no matter what you become or what you achieve, what matters most to me is that you're happy and that I'm never without your love.  I'll always be here for you . . . no matter what you do.

DAY 16

When you are happy, I'll love you with a joyful heart. When you are sad, I'll love you with a heart made a little heavier by your tears. When you are right, I'll love you with a heart filled with pride. When you are wrong, I'll love you with a heart that has learned acceptance. When you succeed, I'll love you with a cheering heart. When you fail, I'll love you with a heart that rewards the efforts you've made. When you dream, I'll love you with an encouraging heart. When you give up, I'll love you with a heart that is strong enough for both of us. When you are simply you, in whatever mood or phase of your life, I'll love you with all my heart and more than you'll ever know. L. Morrison

DAY 17

When you encounter difficulties and contradictions, do not try to break them, but bend them with gentleness and time. . .

DAY 18

You have the ability to become all you are capable of becoming. Forget problems that don't matter anymore and worries that will wash away on the shore of tomorrow. Determine your own worth by yourself, and do not be dependent on another's judgment of you. Dare to dream, and live those dreams, for it is then that you can begin to realize your true destiny. Live life fully with thankfulness and joy for all the gifts you've been given.

DAY 19

It is so important to choose your own lifestyle and not let others choose it for you. S.P. Schutz

DAY 20

May there always be happiness in your life. Happiness cannot come from without. It must come from within. It is not what we see and touch or that which others do for us which makes us happy; it is that which we think and feel and do, first for the other fellow and then for ourselves.

DAY 21

Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadow.

DAY 22

Your life can be what you want it to be... You'll make it through whatever comes along.  Within you are so many answers. Understand, have courage, be strong.

DAY 23

"Special" is a word that is used to describe something one-of-a-kind like a hug or a sunset or a person who spreads love with a smile or kind gesture. "Special" describes people who act from the heart and keep in mind the hearts of others. "Special" applies to something that is admired and precious and which can never be replaced. "Special" is the word that best describes you. Teri Fernandez

DAY 24

I am always here to understand you. I am always here to laugh with you. I am always here to cry with you. I am always here to talk to you. I am always here to think with you. I am always here to plan with you. Even though we might not always be together please know that I am always here to love you. Susan Polis Schutz

DAY 25

Santana's offical 1st day on the floor. She begins her 12 hour shifts. I think she enjoyed it but maybe a little tiring!

DAY 26

It's been a little more than 3 weeks now, and she's settled in to her routine and of course I've settled back into mines here but I'm starting to feel that I need to plan a visit. Maybe in about another month or so...

DAY 27 ~ some news from Beaumont, TX

Kohl's plans to reopen next Wednesday  By THE ENTERPRISE  Beaumont's Kohl's department store - heavily damaged by an Aug. 18 tornado - is scheduled to reopen next Wednesday, a company spokeswoman confirmed Tuesday.  Store workers have been compensated for time lost because of the storm and have worked during the store's down time to repair damages and prepare for reopening.  Non-commercial damage estimates from the storm - which also struck Wal-Mart, Parkdale Mall and other stores along the Dowlen Road corridor - are less than $500,000, according to estimates from the Southwestern Insurance Information Service.

DAY 28 ~ Texas News

Texas woman dies, had 300 grandchildren  By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS  Gregoria Martinez, 94, might seem like your typical grandma. She made quilts for her grandchildren, encouraged them to go to church, prayed for them, and gave advice.  Except the Vernon grandma didn't have just a handful of grandchildren when she died Tuesday.  She had nearly 300.  Ninety-eight were grandchildren; 164 were great-grandchildren and 16 were great-great-grandchildren - all descendants of her own 11 offspring.  That's without counting her three stepchildren or any of their descendants - or the three great-great grandchildren currently on the way. The family purposely underestimated the total count, but felt if all were included it could be as high as 500.  Actually, they have been losing track. Now, with nearly half the family attending the funeral Wednesday, family members passed out index cards to update names and phone numbers while they had their chance.  Martinez's survivors packed the 500-seat St. Mary's Catholic Church in Quanah.  "Her numbers are pretty astounding," said Jesse Jalomo of his mother-in-law. "It's not no misprint."  The devout Catholic woman, whose husband, Ponciano, died at the age of 94 sometime after their 50th wedding anniversary, "could fill up our elementary school in Quanah with all the great-grandchildren and the great-great-grandchildren," Jalamo said.  And she knew practically all of them.

FOR MORE ON THIS STORY PLEASE SEE THE LINK:
http://www.beaumontenterprise.com/news/local/texas_woman_dies__had_300_grandchildren.html

DAY 36

She was off today and so decided to take care of picking her health insurance plans, etc. We needed to do a 3 way call with the advisors, but neither her or I could figure out how to accomplish a 3 way. She called the advisor and had her 3 way me in and we got busy. We picked her health plan, dental, vision, life insurance, disability insurance , long term disability, etc. She will have some awesome coverage and it will only cost her about $108 a month, she is so lucky...

DAY 37




Rain, wet streets and cars just don't mix well. First car accident, only a "fender bender" thank God and in Lake Charles so at least she was close to the family. Police report filed, no citations given, what a nice police officer especially since she rear ended the other person who had slam on their breaks at the last minute and she slid into their bumper. No major damage, just a cracked bumper on the other vehicle as I understand.

DAY 101 ~ Adventurous




Today, Santana decided to drive to Lafayette, Louisiana, to look up some family members who she hasn't seen (or better yet, who hasn't seen her) since she was a really little girl. She visited her grandmothers twin sister, brother and others. I think she had a really great time and from what I remember of all of them, I know they smothered her in love.

DAY 105


My heart is filled with excitement and joy as Santana journeys her way home today for a visit. I can't wait to see her and to be able to gather the family together for a few memorable days before she has to return to Texas... God be with her and keep her safe as she travels via car to Houston and then via airplane to Phoenix.





DAY 109


She just arrive and now she has left to return to Texas... I HATE THIS and I will never ever get use to it. I want her to come back home, please God open a job for her somewhere in Phoenix. This hurts way too much and I don't feel as if we had enough time together. I don't feel as if I hugged her enough or told her how much I miss her enough or whatever, it just wasn't ENOUGH and now I have to face the Thanksgiving Holiday and possibly Christmas without her. Please God keep her safe as she travels.

Waiting for Boston

Monday, October 5, 2009

Sabriya's 1st BB Tournament

Sunday, September 13, 2009

Please take a look at Sabriya's page for pictures and videos of her 1st basketball tournament.

Catching Up

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

I haven't been able to blog as much lately so I'm catching up. These are the 4 events that I just posted, hope you enjoy them:
Anna's 45th Birthday - July 17th - Mark & Anna's Page
Trey's 1st Birthday - August 2nd - Trey's Page
Louisiana - August 3rd - Lyfe as a Smith Page
Air Force One - August 17th - Lyfe as a Smith Page

Honey Bear's BBQ Live on CBS 5 News

Friday, August 28, 2009

If you missed the live broadcast this morning of Mark on CBS 5 News visit our blog for 3 of the clips: http://honeybearsbbq.blogspot.com/

DAY 13 - A TORNADO

Tuesday, August 18, 2009



BEAUMONT, Texas -- A tornado swept through a Beaumont shopping district without warning Tuesday, collapsing a department store roof, overturning vehicles and leaving several people in stores and parking lots with minor injuries.

The tornado hit a Kohl’s Department Store— collapsing its roof—skipped over a Wal-Mart and continued on to Parkdale Mall, leaving a trail of destruction about a half-mile long

In the parking lot, cars and trucks were tossed like toys, shopping carts were twisted into a mess and huge sections of roofing material from another store hundreds of yards away were flying around like missiles.

DAY 12 ~ Tana's Move

Monday, August 17, 2009

Her first day of orientation and she's finding something fun about it...

Orientation was not in held in Beaumont, so she had to drive to Port Arthur, Texas but she carpooled with her friend Charmine. Did I mention yet that Charmaine graduated from nursing school with Santana back in October 08 and that Santana had told her about the job openings in Beaumont and Charmaine applied, accepted and moved there. So I do feel somewhat better about her having someone there that she knows. Charmaine even moved into the same apartment complex as Santana. Well anyways they carpooled over to Port Arthur together and that's a good thing in my book.

Air Force One

DAY 11 ~ Tana's Move

Sunday, August 16, 2009

Today I go back home to Arizona, and I leave her here in Texas. I can't see her to say good-bye, it's just to hard and I will make her to upset. I can't control the emotions no matter how hard I try. I know she'll be fine but my heart just doesn't like the separation. I send her a text to let her know that I'm at the airport getting ready to board the plane but I won't make the call, I can't make that call...

Once I'm on the plane and it begins to taxi I want to scream "STOP" let me off, and I want to run and grab her and bring her back home with me. But I don't, I sit and look out the window and I cry, and cry, and cry...

When I get to Houston, I make the call but the tears are in my voice and she knows it. She tells me to please don't call her crying because I'll make her cry. I knew this, I know this, but I had to try. We hang up and I tell her that I'll send a text when I'm land in Phoenix.

@ 8:00PM she calls to say goodnight because tomorrows a big day, she begins orientation for the new job and she has to get up at 5AM. I can sense the excitement in her voice and I like that. She'll do well, I know it.

DAY 10 ~ Tana's Move

Saturday, August 15, 2009

Slept in a little today, then we started framing the family pictures for the "Photo Wall" that I will put together so she will have all of those she loves as close as possible in memory.

These quiet moments, working together on this project are priceless to me. Memories we are making of even the simple things will carry me through the endless long days of having her live so far away. So far we have figured out how to put air in her tires, shopped for decorating items for the apartment, groceries & other supplies, put together a desk, hung draperies, sprayed for bugs, created our "Photo Wall", got her book for next class, picked up her uniforms for work, . . .

I think her apartment is so adorable. She has wood floors, so we put a pretty rug down in her living room and it was the perfect touch for the room. Took her ottoman and used it as a coffee table/center piece instead of just an ottoman. Draped the windows just a little and you have a warm little home away from home.

Happy 24th Birthday, Santana!

Friday, August 14, 2009













24 years ago this day, I gave birth to my 1st daughter. What a wonderful day that was and what a wonderful day today is, being able to celebrate her beautiful life and the joy that she has brought to my life all these past years.

When you were born I held you in my arms and just kept smiling at you. You always smiled back your big eyes wide open full of love. You were such a beautiful, good, sweet baby. Now as I watch you grow up and become your own person, I look at you, your laughter, your happiness, your simplicity, your beauty and I know that you will be able to enjoy a life of sensitivity, goodness, accomplishment, and love in a world that hopefully is at peace. I want to tell you that I am so proud of you and I dearly love you.

DAY 8 ~ Tana's Move

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Today is a very happy day for me, I will be getting on a plane heading to see Santana for a few days. Tomorrow is her 24th birthday and we will get to spend some mother-daughter time together decorating her apartment, etc. My heart is filled with joy, can't wait to get there...

Sabriya's 1st Day of 5th Grade

Wednesday, August 12, 2009


Please visit Sabriya's page to see her back to school pictures . . .

DAY 7 ~ Tana's Move

Santana was really frustrated today because life just wasn't working out as she had planned. As you know her car is enroute to her. She received a call from the transport driver informing her that he would make the drop tomorrow (Thursday) between 2-4pm. Well she had her day planned and that window for the drop just ruinned the entire plan. Something about picking up Ebony (cousin) to have her braid her hair but needing to get her back home by 3pm in time for work, etc. Well I tried to offer her help by talking through other possible solutions but every single thing I came up with wouldn't work so I finally gave up and told her that she was going to have to figure it out on her own.

When you come to the end of your rope, God is there to take over.

DAY 6 ~ Tana's Move

Tuesday, August 11, 2009







They picked up her truck today, it is being transported across the states as I write this. She should have it sometime tomorrow or Thursday at the latest. I know she'll be happy about that because 1) it is not fun to drive a vehicle you are not use to driving and 2) the cost for a rental won't have to continue rising...

Shanel's on You Tube

Monday, August 10, 2009

3 Videos of Shanel singing is now on her page via You Tube, check it out....

DAY 5 ~ Tana's Move

I drove her truck today to run some errands. I listened to the music she listens to (since I couldn't figure out how to change the station). I could smell her scent, it made me feel as if I was wrapped in her presence. It made me miss her just a little bit more but gave me a sense of peace as well.
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