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Friday, December 21, 2012

Friday 12/21

I can't believe it's almost Christmas!!  We are ready, for the most part.  It has been hard getting into the spirit of things this year.  Mom and I were talking about this time last year we were bringing Dad to Heber and we were so excited.  I remember he came to the house on Christmas Day.  It was a wonderful day for all of us, yet sad at the same time.  He tired so easily and didn't get to stay but an hour.  I remember he asked mom for a cup of coffee while he was there and it broke our hearts that we couldn't give him any.  Hopefully he has been enjoying all of the coffee he wants. :)
It is late and I am exhausted, so I'm going to make this short.  I mainly wanted to post this update so I could remember this time in our lives.  Gracie says some of the greatest things and if I don't write them down, I forget them!  These past few months Gracie has mentioned Pop some.  If we drive past the nursing home (which I try not to do very often...still too hard) she will say, "There's Pops house!"
The other day she was listing all of the people she loved.... "I love Daddy and Mommy, Baby Carley, Dede, Pop, Caroline, Uncle B and Kay!"  I was so touched that she included Dad.  I asked her if she remembered where Pop was.  She said, "Pop is with Jesus and the angels in heaven.... up in the sky."  She was so excited the other day when I picked her up from school.  She said, "Mommy, Mimi has Jesus and angels at her house(nativity scene)... like Pop." :)  We talk about how much we love and miss Pop and she will say and Dede really misses Pop, too.  It just amazes me how much she picks up, at the age of 3.
I hope that everyone has a very Merry Christmas!  We love each and every one of you!!!  :)

Monday, November 19, 2012

Playing catch up

Well.... I'm here to try and play catch up again!!!  Time just gets away from me these days!!! =)  We are usually running non stop till about 8 at night.  I get the kids in bed and have all the fun laundry to wash and fold and dishes to wash and by this time I'm pooped and just want to lie in bed and watch TV. (And cross my fingers that Carley decides to sleep through the night on that particular night)
Anyway, we are doing well.  I celebrated my 31st Birthday back on the 2nd.  I am thankful for all my wonderful friends and family that made it a great birthday!  Mom watched the girls that night and Josh and I went to dinner.  This definitely doesn't happen very often AT ALL, so we really enjoyed it.
self portrait from our night out!
 
Mom and I have been busy the past 4 months writing Thank-yous and I'm soo happy to report we are officially finished!  Mom was stressing over the fact it was taking us so long, but there just isn't enough time in the day... esp to write over 200 thank yous!  We are still just blown away by all of the generosity.  Dad was truly a well loved guy!!!
Gracie and I enjoyed "Disney Live" with our besties, Taylor and Jasmin!!!  The girls were soo cute and had lots of fun!!!
Not the best pic, but the only one I got that night!
 
We enjoyed a Fall Festival at the girls school.  Gracie spent the majority of her time in the bouncy house and had a blast!!!

 

This past weekend Caroline was in a wedding in Jackson, MS.  I went with her and Mom kept the girls!  She is truly super DeDe!  We FaceTimed with them the first night... Carley wasn't too sure what to think of seeing me on the phone!!! 
We had a good time!!  I missed my babies, but I enjoyed my "me" time.  Caroline was busy the majority of the time with wedding stuff, so I just did my own thing and it was very nice and relaxing!!!
 
It was fun getting all dressed up!!!
On the way home, we stopped in Lake Village and took a stroll down memory lane.  It was a little sad... we drove past my grandparents old house.  We have so many memories in that house growing up.  If anyone was watching us, they probably thought we were crazy stalkers, because I was taking pictures of the house and every where else we went!! ha!
We stopped by the cemetery to see my grandparents graves.  It's so weird to think that my dad died 5 years after his mother.  I would have never imagined.


We drove by his old office and then to the lil park they dedicated to my grandfather after he passed away.  He was Mayor of Lake Village for 33 consecutive years!!  What an honor!!  That really says a lot about him, cause you just don't normally see someone in office for that long.  He was truly a well respected man and reminds me so much of Dad.  They were a lot alike.

I have to say, I was soo happy to get home to these lil sweeties, though!!!

I hope everyone has a Happy Thanksgiving!!!!!! 

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Happy Halloween

Mom and I took the girls trick or treating tonight. We went to like 5 houses and I'm pooped! Ha!!! Gracie would have been ok with just trick or treating at our house and filling her bucket up, but we wanted to make a few stops at some friends houses.
Of course, I didn't get any pictures after we left the house! Ohhh well!!!!!
Luckily Gracie is in bed watching Cinderella and Carley is asleep in my lap! I must say I am not too far behind her!!!!!

Happy Halloween from my Princess and pumpkin!!!! :)



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Thursday, October 18, 2012

Thursday 10/18

It's been busy around here these past two weeks. Last week I was in Little Rock for my life/health insurance class. Josh had the girls and I'm happy to say they all 3 survived, with the help of our wonderful DeDe! :) Josh's Birthday was on Thursday. I hate that I wasn't with him to celebrate, but Mom made up for it and took him and the girls to dinner. I've decided I need to get away more often..... Josh got Carley to sleeping all night and my house was even clean when I got home! :)
We went to Tull this past Sunday to see Dads headstone. It's weird to say its beautiful. Just about as weird as it was seeing his name on there.
















I told Mom the other day I only wish I could see Dad with Gracie AND Carley right now. They would both have their Pop wrapped around their little fingers!
I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend. We are headed to Benton for the weekend. My cousin is getting married and Gracie is one of the flower girls and Caroline is singing. I know Caroline will do great, I'm just a lol nervous about how Gracie will do! We've been practicing what to do, so hopefully she won't "freeze" up!!!! :)
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Sunday, October 14, 2012

Happy Birthday, GRACIE

Happy 3rd Birthday to our sweet and sassy lil Gracie!!!!!!!


She woke up and got to open the gift her Gigi set her!


We then headed over to Dede's to open gifts and are now heading to Benton for the day! :)


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Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Tuesday 10/2

Wow! I've really been MIA. I didn't realize it had almost been 2 months since I updated last. Hopefully I didn't run everyone off and someone will see this post! :)
I don't even know where to start! Not too much has been going on with us, yet we've been soo busy! Josh and the girls and I moved yet again this past weekend. It wasn't too bad this go around, but I'm sure glad it's behind us! We are still in Heber and the girls and I (and Josh when he's in town) have dinner with Mom pretty much every night. I'm so thankful we live close and are able to be together so much.
We've celebrated Dad and Moms birthdays since my last post. We went to the cemetery on Dads. It sure was a hard day, seeing the fresh grave without any flowers. Everything from the service had died due to the the hot hot weather. We took some flowers and stayed and visited for awhile. We hope to go back this weekend and his headstone will be up. It will be hard seeing that, but at the same time I'm ready for it to be there. It's still so surreal. I haven't fully accepted it that my Daddy is gone. I know people say it will get easier with time, but for now, I can't say I fully believe that. I miss him more than ever.... We all do. Mom and I sit and talk about him constantly. We picture the way he would hold his head when he would laugh, the way he would say things and the looks he would give! (Both good and bad, lol) I found some videos on mom and dads laptop the night dad passed away. We watch those constantly and just laugh. Mom told me the other day she watches them every night. One is of Dad singing and goofing off. He had us all rolling. The other starts off with Dad singing and dancing in the kitchen, then Mom joins in! I'll have to remember to post the one of Dad (Mom would kill me if I posted the one of her! Lol) I wish everyone could have known Dad as the way he acted in that video! He loved to have a good time.
Moms birthday was the 24th. The girls in her office had a lil surprise party for her and we went to surprise her as well! We also went to Copelands for dinner
for her birthday. Unfortunately it was dinner from hell! lol Both of my kids decided to act crazy! Carley screamed and Gracie fussed the entire time. After all of us taking turns walking outside with them, I finally had my meal boxed up and we drove around the parking lot while Mom and Caroline ate! Ugh! One day we will look back at this and laugh, but for now, I said we may never go out to dinner again until the girls are 13!!!!
Everyone is doing well. Caroline is still living and working in Little Rock and loves it. She has a new beau. :) Brett is still in Heber as well and helps me out with things quite a bit, especially when Josh is gone. Mom is still working. Thank you notes and the girls and I are keeping her busy when she's not. :) (I can not tell you all how touched and honored we were by everything people have done since Dads passing. We are seriously floored and cant express our appreciation enough) I'm still working as well and loving my job and my coworkers. They are the best!!!!! The girls are growing everyday!



Gracie will be 3 on October 14th and Carley will be 4 months on the 12th. Time sure is flying by. I only wish Dad was here to enjoy everything with us.
I took this picture 4 days before dad died. I wanted to have a picture of Carley with her Pop and I'm so thankful that I have this.


I hope all of you are doing well. I promise to update more often!


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Monday, August 6, 2012

Monday 8/6

I can't believe it's been two weeks since Dads funeral. There has been so much going on, and we've been so busy. It's helped to keep us preoccupied, but we all have a good cry at least once a day. Sometimes it's more. I'm remembering Dad before he got sick. I thought it was kind of odd I wasn't thinking of him being sick, but then Mom and Caroline told me the same thing. I guess that's a good thing and that's how he would want us to remember him.
Gracie still talks about Pop and going to "Pop's house"..... Oh how I wish she would have been able to know him longer. One thing is for sure... She was all about her Pop and vice versa. Seriously, if you knew Dad, I'm sure you heard lots of stories about Gracie and probably even had the luxury of watching some of her videos if you went to visit him at his office! Lol
We went to the cemetery last weekend and we ordered his headstone. Talk about weird. Just didn't seem like we should have to be doing that. It doesn't seem fair and all this definitely doesn't make sense. I know one day it will. If you were at Dads funeral you've already heard this amazing song. The night Dad passed away our good friend (and my boss! :)) stopped by to see us. We had already asked her to sing at Dads service and she wanted us to hear a song she had heard. Mom, Caroline and myself sat around the laptop and watched the video on YouTube. We had goosebumps and cried like babies as we listened. This song was sooo fitting. I just kept picturing Dad following the words. We knew after hearing it had to be played at his service. I've listened to it over a dozen times and it still brings tears to my eyes. Here is a link to the video.... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ivM1ytYswNA&feature=youtube_gdata_player

One of Dads friends, Mr Wes, sent us this picture today. We all had the best laugh!!!!!




Love Dads badminton and love Mr Wes's navy plaid shorts!!!! Haha!!!!
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Sunday, July 29, 2012

Sunday 7/29

I finally have some free time to sit down and write a post. I have sat down to do this several times the past few days, but I always end up doing something else. It's hard. I've devoted this blog to Dad for the past 15 months, even though it was created a few years ago to keep family up to date on us Morgans..... mainly Gracie! =)
We want to thank each and every one of you for all the love an support you have given us these past 15 months. It's amazing to me to look at my blog and see several entries that had over 200 hits!!!!!!! It was very clear to us at Dad's visitation and funeral how many people cared for him. We were in awe! His service was wonderful and we know Dad would be so proud and honored. The words people have said about my father prove he was an amazing man. Of course we always thought this, but it's nice to know so many others felt the same!
Dad became sick and took a turn for the worse on Friday, July 13th. We knew then that our time with him was limited. I am so thankful our family of 5, along with many other close friends and family members were able to spend quality time with him that week. I'm not gonna lie..... I felt like I was between a rock and a hard spot. I wanted to spend every moment with my Dad, and had two kids to take care of at the same time. Thanks to my hubby for rushing back to Arkansas to be Mr Mom for a few days and to my family and wonderful friends for coming to the rescue an helping out with my kiddos. You all mean more to me than you will EVER know.
As you all know, Dad passed away on Thursday, July 19th. He had been sooo alert that morning, so this really shocked us. We had kinda started taking shifts on staying with Dad (except for Mom.... She was there 24/7... Only left for like an hour a day to run home and shower). However, it just so happened we were all with Dad when we knew he was passing away. The four of us were around his bed as he took his last breaths. I know God had a hand in all of us being there. He was so peaceful and we are so thankful for that. The Hospice nurse said it best.... He lived until he died. It still doesn't seem "real" to me. Even after seeing him in his casket, I just can't believe my daddy is gone. This past week has been hard on us. We have good moments and sad, sad, sad moments. Mom was saying today she feels like this is a bad dream and she's going to wake up to him walking in the house. I so wish that would happen. I would give anything.
We want to thank you for all of the phone calls, texts, emails, cards, food, flowers, donations and everything else all of you sweet friends have done for us. I can't tell you how blown away we have been by all of the things people have done for us.
I'll apologize if this post jumps around and doesn't read smoothly. I've had to stop and start back where I left off several times and I've lost my train of thought! I'll leave you with a picture. This is the reason for my interrupted blog post! Sooo worth it though!



I have to add that Gracie does not like to see anyone upset. She will see one of us crying and do her best to say or do something to make us laugh. I was weepy the other day and Gracie saw me. I dried my tears and showed her some smiles. She quickly asked me, "Mommy, you happy now?" Love her! =)

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Saturday, July 21, 2012

Directions to the Graveside Service.....

Below are directions to the Graveside service in Tull, Arkansas departing from the Methodist church.

From: 1099 W Pine St, Heber Springs, AR 72543-2432 US
To: Ebenezer Methodist Church, 8319 N Main St, Benton, AR 72015 US

DRIVING DIRECTIONS
--------------------------------------------------
A) 1099 W Pine St, Heber Springs, AR 72543-2432 US
--------------------------------------------------
1. Start out going west on W Pine St toward N 11th St. (go 0 miles)
2. Take the 1st left onto N 11th St.
- First United Methodist Church is on the left
- If you reach Morton St you've gone a little too far
(go 0.24 miles)
3. Take the 1st left onto W Main St/AR-110.
- St Barnabas Anglican Church is on the corner
- If you are on S 11th St and reach W Searcy St you've gone a little too far
(go 0.27 miles)
4. Take the 3rd right onto S 7th St/AR-5/AR-25-BR. Continue to follow AR-5/AR-25-BR.
- AR-5 is just past S 8th St
- Smoke House Restaurant is on the corner
- If you reach N 6th St you've gone a little too far
(go 1.56 miles)
5. Turn slight right onto Heber Springs Rd S/AR-5/AR-25.
- Heber Springs Rd S is 0.5 miles past Estate Dr
- If you reach Bypass Rd you've gone a little too far
(go 1.17 miles)
6. Turn slight right onto Heber Springs Rd S/AR-5/AR-16/AR-25/AR-337.
- Heber Springs Rd S is 0.6 miles past Woodlawn Dr
(go 0.81 miles)
7. Turn slight left onto Little Rock Rd/AR-5. Continue to follow AR-5.
- AR-5 is just past Evergreen Dr
(go 9.9 miles)
8. Turn right onto AR-5/AR-36. (go 0.06 miles)
9. Take the 1st left onto AR-5 S.
- If you are on AR-36 and reach Hassel Way you've gone a little too far
(go 28.32 miles)
10. Merge onto US-67 S/US-167 S toward Little Rock. (go 16.94 miles)
11. Merge onto I-30 W via EXIT 153B on the left toward Little Rock. (go 21.79 miles)
12. Take EXIT 121 toward Alcoa Road. (go 0.14 miles)
13. Stay straight to go onto I-30 W Service Rd/I-30 W. (go 0.42 miles)
14. Take the Alcoa Rd South ramp.
- If you reach Deer Dr you've gone about 1.4 miles too far
(go 0.13 miles)
15. Turn right onto Alcoa Rd. (go 1.84 miles)
16. Stay straight to go onto Benton Pky. (go 2.59 miles)
17. Benton Pky becomes AR-35. (go 5.1 miles)
18. Turn right onto AR-190.
- AR-190 is 0.3 miles past Jensen St
- If you reach Kitchen St you've gone about 0.1 miles too far
(go 3.8 miles)
19. 8319 N MAIN ST is on the right.
- Your destination is just past Birch St
- If you reach W Cherry St you've gone about 0.1 miles too far
(go 0 miles)
--------------------------------------------------
B) Ebenezer Methodist Church, 8319 N Main St, Benton, AR 72015 US
--------------------------------------------------
>> TOTAL ESTIMATED TIME: 1 hour 58 minutes | DISTANCE: 95.08 miles

Friday, July 20, 2012




Jack Raymond Rhodes, Jr. died July 19, 2012. He was born on August 18, 1945 in Warren, Arkansas to the late Jack R. Rhodes, Sr. and Rita McClendon Rhodes. He grew up in Lake Village and graduated from Lakeside High School. Jack graduated from Hendrix College and attended the University Of Arkansas School Of Law in Fayetteville. He was in the insurance industry for 42 years and was owner of Jack Rhodes Insurance in Heber Springs, Arkansas.

Jack was active in civic and governmental affairs including serving as President of the Heber Springs Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club of Heber Springs, where he was a Paul Harris Fellow, Panther Booster Club and Thunderbird Country Club. He served on the Heber Springs Planning and Zoning Commission and The Civil Service Commission. He represented Cleburne County on the Board of The Delta Health Systems Agency and was appointed by Governor Bill Clinton to the Statewide Coordinating Council. Jack was chairman of the Board of Saline Memorial Hospital in Benton and Cleburne Memorial Hospital in Heber Springs. He was chairman of the Board of the Cleburne Health Foundation and board member of the Community School of Cleburne County. Jack served as a board member of the Cleburne County Library System. He was also president of The Old State House Museum Associates Board of Directors, member of Arkansas Independent Insurance Agent Association and a member of the Red Apple Country Club.

He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Dicey Jacobs Rhodes and three children, son, Brett Rhodes, Daughter Anna Kathryn Morgan and her husband Josh, all of Heber Springs, and daughter, Caroline Rhodes of Little Rock, as well as two grandchildren, Gracie and Carley Morgan. He is also survived by his brother, Marty Rhodes and his wife, Tricia of Little Rock as well as nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held at the First United Methodist Church in Heber Springs on Sunday, July 22, from 5:00 pm till 7:00 pm.

The funeral will be held at First United Methodist Church in Heber Springs on Monday, July 23 at 10:00 a.m.

Interment will be at 3:00 p.m. at the Ebenezer United Methodist Church Cemetery in Tull, Arkansas.

The family would like to thank the Staff at Seven Springs Health and Rehabilitation Facility and Cleburne County Hospice for all the loving care they provided.

Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church (1099 W Pine, Heber springs, AR 72543) and Cleburne County Hospice.

Thursday, July 19, 2012

Arrangements

My sweet Daddy passed away today around 4:35 pm. All 3 of us kids, Mom, our preacher and the Hospice nurse were with him and he went peacefully.
The arrangements are as follows:
Visitation Sunday 5-7 pm Heber Springs First United Methodist Church
Funeral Service 10 am Monday Heber Springs First United Methodist Church
Graveside service 3 pm Monday Ebenezer Methodist Church Cemetery Tull, Ar
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Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Tues 7/17

9:00 am
Not really any change in things. Dad is still holding on, but he is so weak. He slept really well last night and he's sleeping now. He opened his eyes a bit ago and asked me for some ice chips. He tells us "thank you" for everything we do and tells us he loves us each time we talk to him. His voice has now become a faint whisper. Yesterday morning he was using hand motions with Mom and I. He had us giggling!
We thank you all for the phone calls, texts, emails, visits, food, love, prayers and support. We can't reply to them all, but please know we've received them and appreciate each and every one.

Caroline and Dad just did the "Hotty Toddy" chant! Dad mouthed all the words and he said he was ready for football!!

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Saturday, July 14, 2012

Saturday 7/14

Things are about the same. Dad has been resting the majority of the day. He has had his eyes open some and been mouthing words and pointing to us. He is very weak. My friend Sarah was here this afternoon and said something about the Razorbacks and real faintly he said "Wooo Pig!" =)
We sat as a family of 5 around Dads bed early early this morning. I think we all said "I love you" to each other a thousand times. We are all cherishing this time with Dad. What a long long 15 months it has been.... Dad has been through so much. He is such a strong man and I couldn't be prouder of him. These past 24 hours haven't been easy for us, but we just want him to be comfortable and pain free and so far he is.... Praise the Lord!
My brother wrote this early this morning. Of course none of us have really had any sleep.... Can't seem to be able to close our eyes for long.
To my dad.... I love you so much and I know that youre dying and its killing me to let you go. I knew this would happen one day, but I didn't know it would be so soon. I know we haven't spent a lot of time together over the years, but I do love you and I know that you tried to be the best father that you could be to me and for that thank you and you're always in my heart. I love you my dad.




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Friday, July 13, 2012

Friday 7/13

11:30 pm
Dad is still holding on. He has been resting so peacefully today and we are thankful for that. We know our time with him on this earth is coming to an end and we are cherishing these final moments with him. He has had periods of alertness today and has been mouthing words and pointing his fingers at us. We are just so thankful he has had a peaceful day. We are with him tonight. He keeps opening his eyes and occasionally waves across the room at us.
We thank you all for the prayers. Dad is truly a well loved man!

3:30 pm
Please say a prayer for my family. Dad is not doing well and things aren't looking good. We are all with him now. Won't be long before he passes.
I love my Daddy sooooo much.
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Sunday, July 8, 2012

Sunday 7/8

Better late than never is my motto these days!!!!! I've started writing posts 3 times now and I've been interrupted or fallen asleep, so let's try this again!
Dad is about the same. He's lost more weight and it's harder for us to understand him. He does seem to be a lil more "there" mentally. I haven't been able to see him daily like I used to and I hate that. I cherish the time I do get to spend with him though. We've both shed some tears together over everything that's happened.

We brought dad home a few weeks ago and we all enjoyed his visit. We sat on the patio and he checked the backyard out. He gave Josh instructions to cut limbs down from a tree and water plants more! Lol






Here he is "instructing" away!!!

And here is the main reason for my lack of blogging!



This little girl is the queen of our world these days!!!! Thank goodness she's adorable! =) We are ALL enjoying her!










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Friday, June 15, 2012

Friday 6/15

Dad got to meet his newest Granddaughter yesterday afternoon. We got to the nursing home and Mom and Caroline wheeled him out. He was all smiles!!! I got several pictures of them meeting. He kept telling me he was proud!


Look at that face!!!!!





I love this next picture. She hasn't been opening her eyes very much and when she does, it's not very wide for very long. Well yesterday she opened her eyes nice and long to look at her Pop before we left!



I told Mom I want us to bring him home on Monday so we can visit more. Hopefully we will be able to!!!
First night home complete.... Now I'm ready for a nap! Ha

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Tuesday, June 12, 2012

She's here!!!!! Carley Ruth Morgan arrived this morning at 9:49. She was 7 lbs 15 oz and 21 in. She is perfect and we are all in love!!!!!!!!












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Sunday, June 10, 2012

Sunday 6/10

Welp.... We have one more day as a family of 3!!!! I still can't believe she's almost here! Nerves are definitely starting to set in. Dad has been pretty alert and with it the past couple of days. He's talked a lot about the baby and how he is going to hold her and lay her on his chest! =) I told him we were going to stop by on our way home from the hospital and he said you better! We are going to try to bring him home for a few hours week after next so we can all spend some time together.
I found this picture in Dads car this week while I was cleaning it out.



I sent it to Caroline and she said, "Well thanks for making me cry". I told her it made me smile!! Our parents truly love each other and that is something to be proud of. =)
Hope everyone has a good week. The next time I post, I'll be introducing the newest member of our family!

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Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Tues 6/5

Not much new to report. We did find out about a week ago Dad had a UTI infection. This may have been a lot of the reason for some of the confusion he was having. They weigh him once a month, so we should find out soon if he's lost anymore weight. He looks like he has to us. It's becoming harder to understand him at times. I try to take Gracie by daily, but sometimes it just doesn't work out. However, the days we do go, Dad really enjoys her! She likes to throw the ball to him and dance for him! I love watching him when he's watching her. He always has a smile on his face. =)
Next Tuesday we will welcome baby Carley to our family. It is very bittersweet. I can't wait to meet my newest daughter, but at the same time I'm sooo sad my Daddy won't be there. Definitely another "first" for us. I look at this picture and get so angry that I won't be able to take this picture with the birth of my 2nd child.



Geez I miss him so much.... We all do!
We just take one day at a time..... It's really all we can do. Some days are good, others are so so and some are bad days. We pray for lots of good days.
I know starting next week, I'm gonna be even busier than I have been this past year. I will continue to update everyone on Dad. Sometimes, there just isn't really anything "new" to post, so I'm at a loss at what to write. However, I know I'll have lots of new pictures to share soon!!! =)
Thanks again to each and every one of you for keeping up with our family. We love you all!!!!!!!



Dad posing with his newest picture in his room! This is an inside joke with a friend, and sure has gotten a lot of smiles and laughs from him! Thanks Mr Don!!!! =)
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Monday, May 21, 2012

Monday 5/21

I saw these pictures on Moms phone the other day. She doesn't remember taking them, but they sure cracked me up! Wanted to share these with all of you. Here is Mr Jack, cool daddy, Rhodes! Haha!!!!!





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Thursday, May 17, 2012

Thursday 5/17

Dad is about the same. He's been confused quite a bit this week. He's lost more weight. He's lost about 17 lbs since Dec, and about 40 lbs all together. It sure is hard seeing him the way he is. I don't know if it's pregnancy hormones, or that I've just started to "grieve over the daddy I have lost". Yes, he is still with us, Praise the lord, but he is not the same Daddy that I have known for the past 29 years of my life. I can't help but shed a few tears after almost every visit with him. I guess my you could say I'm finally "mentally" accepting all this. I'm realizing my daddy won't be there for the birth of my 2nd child like he was my first. He's not there for me to call up and ask for his advice. I no longer receive those phone calls asking how in the heck he does certain things on the computer or anything else technology related. =) I miss having to remind him he has a cell phone for a reason, and there is no reason to have one if you keep it turned off when you are out and about. There is no better way to put it, other than
This sucks. None of this makes sense to any of us right now.... Hopefully one day it will. Something a dear family friend said to me back in August has stuck with me ever since. He said God is good all the time, but that doesn't mean there isn't suffering in this world. And amen! That is the truth. I remind myself of this almost daily. Thanks, Mr Don.
I was given the Jesus Calling app by another one sweet family friend. I love this app! It's a daily devotional and I feel like so many of these are just for us! I'll send Mom some from time to time and they always seem so fitting for how we are feeling. This is one of my favorites.....

Keep your eyes on Me! Waves of adversity are washing over you, and you feel tempted to give up. As your circumstances consume more and more of your attention, you are losing sight of Me. Yet I am with you always, holding you by your right hand. I am fully aware of your situation, and I will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able to bear.

Your gravest danger is worrying about tomorrow. If you try to carry tomorrow’s burdens today, you will stagger under the load and eventually fall flat. You must discipline yourself to live within the boundaries of today. It is in the present moment that I walk close to you, helping you carry your burdens. Keep your focus on My Presence in the present.

Gosh.... I tear up every time I read this. Friends, please take a moment and let your loved ones know how much you care for them. You never know what tomorrow may bring.

Before I sign off ( I have been interrupted 4 times while writing this post by a certain 2 1/2 year old), I want to share a few pictures. Gracie and I had Pop duty last wkend since Mom was in Oxford. Gracie and Pop did some coloring and she decided she wanted to hold his hand while she colored.





If that doesn't melt your heart, I don't know what will!!!!!



Dad sent Caroline a picture Sat morning letting her know he was thinking of her and cheering her on back in Heber.
I hope each and every one of you has a wonderful weekend. We are 3 weeks away from welcoming Baby Carley, so lots of "relaxing" is in order for us this weekend. (Is relaxation even possible with a 2 1/2 year old?!?!?!)

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Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Tuesday 5/8

Since Dad became ill, I've learned of many stories from his Lake Village and Hendrix days. Some I had heard bits and pieces of before and others I had never heard of. Some of these stories I wish I would have known of while I was younger, so I could have reminded him of them when I was in trouble (which of course hardly EVER happened!). Anyway..... Dad received a card in the mail yesterday. I'm not sure if the author of this card reads the blog or not, but if you do, please know we all got a good laugh.... Especially Dad! It involved some boys and the Mississippi River/Greenville bridge back during Dad's Lake Village days. It does us so good to see Dad happy and reminiscing like he did today after reading the card. He had the biggest smile on his face! =) He also reminded me not to believe everything I'm told.... Especially stories from Wilson Bynam! Ha! Although his stories are the best!!!!!
I'm attaching a video of Dad getting down with his air guitar. Mr Bill Johnston brought him some CDs on Friday and he has really enjoyed them! One of the therapists said he passed his room and saw him "strumming his guitar" and had to stop and join him for a second! Lol
Caroline graduates from Ole Miss this weekend. This is such a happy time as well as sad for our family. We never would have dreamed Dad wouldn't be there to see her walk across that stage. If you know Dad, you know his love for Oxford and Ole Miss. I am staying behind as well to check in on dad and traveling long distances is no fun when you are 8 months preggo. My Aunt Terri is going with Mom and they are heading out Friday morning.
I'll end with a picture of the little girl that keeps our world turning. I honestly don't know that any of us could have made it through this without her. She is a light for all of us and definitely keeps us going.


 

Monday, April 30, 2012

Monday 4/30

Dad is still not feeling well. He stayed in bed all weekend and slept the majority of the time. He tells us he feels lousy. =( Gracie and I just left from seeing him and he barely opened his eyes the entire time we were there, which is not like him at all. Gracie wanted to "play catch" with Pop.
We worry so much when he gets sick and doesn't feel well. His body is so weak. Please say a lil prayer that he is better soon.



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Thursday, April 26, 2012

Thursday 4/26

I'm sorry I don't update as often as I should. There isn't really anything "new" to report on, so I am at a loss of things to post! I find myself writing a post, then realize it sounds like I'm being negative and trying to have a pity party, so I usually delete it. We did find out today that Dad has a respiratory infection and they have started him on antibiotics. He sounds hoarse and says he doesn't feel well. He has had a lot more mucus than he normally does. We worry about him chocking cause of this. Also, they have stopped therapy on him. We learned this a couple of weeks ago. His knee was hurting him tonight and Mom went to move it and he made the worse face. I know it hurt, since he's not moving it as much. We have to start working with him on that.
I went to see him today around lunch and I walked in his room to find him sitting in his wheelchair with the tv off just looking around. We worry he gets lonesome during the day when we aren't there. Today I pushed him up and down the halls. He waved to everyone we passed and said hello! =) Just like my Daddy! They had a guy singing in the dining room and we sat and listened to him for awhile. I hated leaving him, but I wasn't feeling so great myself. Gracie and I usually go visit him after I pick her up from school and Mom is up there with him every afternoon after work until he goes to sleep. (usually 9 or so) We are wanting to get the house handicap accessible so Mom can bring him home. That is our plan for late summer, lord willing.
Josh and I celebrated our 5th anniversary Saturday! We celebrated by moving!!! Lol! Sounds fun huh?! Let me say that moving, unpacking and all that jazz is NOT fun when you are 7 1/2 months preggo! I thought I was super woman and did so much yesterday that I have paid for it today! I got in bed at 7:45 tonight. That NEVER happens, but I'm so thankful Gracie allowed me to do so! =)



I learned last week that Gracie is NOT a fan of the automatic car wash!!!!! Look at that face!!!! Ha!
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Friday, April 20, 2012

Friday 4/20

I can't believe we are nearing the 1 year mark. Still seems like a dream and I keep hoping I'll wake up. Sunday, the 22nd, will be a year since our lives all changed. It's been a rough, weepy week. I think we all thought by this time, things would be much better and we are hurt and discouraged that they aren't. I can't help but fight back the tears when I'm sitting listening to my daddy talking to me. Half of the conversation I can understand, the other half I usually can't. He doesn't get too discouraged, but it sure breaks my heart.
However, the main reason of this post, was to inform everyone of Dads new room number. He moved to room 508 on Wednesday. Same hallway, just closer to the nurses station on the right side of the hallway instead of the left. We have all his cards and pictures hung up and one of the aides said it looked like a lil dorm room! Lol



Saw this on Facebook the other day and thought it was pretty fitting.

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Saturday, April 14, 2012

Sat 4/14

Lil funny to start the day........ Mom went to see Dad after work yesterday. She noticed he was picking something out of his mouth, so she started looking on his hands and in his mouth and saw a few orange "speckles". She went up to the nurses station to ask if anyone had given him something to eat. Of course they said no and mom proceeded to tell them about the speckles he was picking out of his mouth. One of the aides then told Mom about a resident that carries around orange slices (the gummy candy) and stops to visit Dad often. Yesterday she stopped by to visit him on her way out to smoke (Dads room is right by the smoke door). Well mom was telling me this story and she said when they put him in bed, I'm gonna look in his chair and see if I can find the rest of it. Dad looked at her and said, "You won't, I ate it all!" We laughed and she asked him if it was good. He said, "Real good!" Soooo..... In the past couple weeks, he's enjoyed a sucker and an orange slice! Lol. I told mom we needed to talk to therapy about the fact he ate the candy and didn't have any issues after the fact!!!!!
Gracie and I are in Memphis for the weekend packing things up. We move next weekend.... moving 7 months preggo is not very fun!! At all!!!!!!!!
Hope everyone has a great weekend!!!!!!



G and Pop during one of our afternoon visits last week!!!!

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