Mi Abuelito

Yesterday, I was feeling a lot better. A lot better than I was feeling on Monday. A little more rested. A heck of a lot more alert. And just in a better mood. So I decided, to go see my Tatie.

You know, after all that drama that happened a few weeks ago, I was a little uncertain. But determined. I wanted to see my Tatie. To make sure he was OK. And to let him know that I love him. I'm praying for him. And I'm on his side.

I drove to his house. And I found him sitting outside. With my Nanie and aunt. I was not rude. Or "in your face." I could have been. But what would that have accomplished? I was there to spend time with my Tatie.

After a while, it was just the 2 of us. I didn't ask questions. Or even wonder how they allowed us this time. Instead, I thoroughly enjoyed our time alone. Hearing from my Tatie, that he was doing well. He ate. We talked. We moved around. And honestly enjoyed the fresh air.

I did tell him about what happened to my parents. He asked me for some phone numbers. He told me to pass along some messages. And to try and get him a few more phone numbers. Why? Because he wants to talk. To have communication with his family. Not just the ones that are "controlling things." But all of his family.

I assured him, I'd get the messages out. I'd try and track down phone numbers. I told him, not to hesitate to call me. No matter what. And I'm so glad, that we got that chance to talk. And that it was just between us.

I feel like I owe so much to my grandparents. You know, for everything they did for me growing up. Especially my Tatie. And whatever it is, that he needs, I'll try and do it. My heart feels so much more at ease. Just because I got to talk to him. We were honest. He asked me some honest questions. I told him everything I knew. It was a good time.

And when I got back to my parents' house, I found out, my Auntie had called. A good one. To talk about everything that's going on. And to find out about my Dad. And to make sure we had my cousins' phone numbers. I'm so glad! It's nice to hear from them. To know that we're all on the same side. Our grandpa's side.

But the thing I will take away from yesterday, more than anything else, is my Tatie telling me, "You belong here. I love you. I'm so happy we got to talk." That's all I needed. I'm still on cloud 9. And I'm so happy that he's doing much better! ♫

Fun and Family

On Sunday, we had my niece's graduation party. Honestly, it took forever to get together! I'm not going to lie. A lot of hard work. And not many people to pitch in. But we got it together. I was going through sales flyers for weeks! My parents were running around town. Buying hot dogs, fruit, and whatever else I could find on sale.

And I was running from Dollar Tree to Dollar Tree. Looking for plates, table clothes, and utensils. So much to do. So little time to do it in. It's a long story. But last minute, the party was moved to my parents' house. And all of a sudden, they had a crap load of stuff to do. And do you remember, I went to NC to work...

But it everything was coming together. K came to help us with the yard. And after 3 days of cleaning, the yard looked good. Not great. But good. I cooked for what felt like days! And eventually, everything got done. K was a HUGE help! Along with my brother R. Who put up tables, chairs, BBQ grills, decorations, and the tent. All right before the party. Thanks so much!

Did I mention the cake issue? COSTCO told us to pick up the cake on Saturday at 6PM. Well, they close at 6PM. A new policy or something. We almost didn't have a cake. And we didn't get our last minute stuff either. :( But it all worked out. We had to wait outside while an employee got the cake.

We were also calling people on Saturday night. Yes, the night before. To come to the party. I have to tell you, we have some amazing friends. Because they showed up! Wow! And everything seemed to work out. I'm actually quite shocked. But it worked out. Last minute things, well if they didn't get done, I didn't worry.

We all had an amazing time. At least I think everyone did. There was a ton of food left over! But my Dad is one of those people, that would rather have a lot of food leftover. Than for us to be short food. It's not so bad. Lots of people took home food. We froze the extra hot dogs and hamburgers. And well, my parents are sending me home with a bunch of fruit and veggies. All is well. :)

Honestly, I wish I would have had more time to talk to people. But I was cooking. And just trying to stay alive. I was so tired. And I ended up sleeping half of Monday to recover. I'm still exhausted. But a lot better.

So many people told me that they want to come back. Lots of kids want to come over and play. And we've already planned a BBQ for Father's Day! I really do enjoy my parents' house. And their backyard. It's so peaceful and relaxing.

But the day was fun. And I got to see lots of family. That I normally don't see. And I spent time with my nieces and nephews. Chatted with lots of little kiddos. And well, I think we all just enjoyed life. At least for a few hours. Hmmm, I think we have 2 years until the next big graduation... ♫

Top Styler

Have you ever heard of Top Styler? I hadn't. Until M brought them to work one day. And well, they've become my new best friends! They're an amazing new hair tool. And for someone like me, they're perfect. Because I'm not going to sit there and curl my hair, with a curling iron.

M got them for free. To try them out. As a MUA/hairstylist, she gets lots of new things. Things to try out before they are available to the public. Well, we've used them for 3 big shows. Actually, 3 big weeks of events. Possibly 4. And this system works so well!.

After our trip to NC, Ol' Blue Eyes sent me a set. I think I may have mentioned to him, that this curlers had changed my life. I just needed to cough out the $100. But I didn't have to. I told you I had an amazing boss!

Anyway, this product is amazing! Essentially fool proof. You stick your hair in the clams, and let them cool. Your hair, well it stays amazing all day long! The curl lasts for hours. Which for me, is a big deal. The curl usually doesn't last.

I don't recommend much from infomercials. I don't purchase much from infomercials. But I would have purchased these curlers. No lie! They're that good. A little steep in price...$100 for the set. But well worth it. They make my life so much easier! ♫

Sugar and Spice #23

Sugar

♥Amazing friends!
♥K's help in getting ready for today.
♥GREAT finishes to NASCAR races!
♥Summer fruit. :)
♥Yummy hamburgers...3 hours after the party.
♥Seeing lots of old friends.
♥Having old friends drop everything, last minute, to come to the party.
♥My aunt and uncle. They are so cool. I'm glad we got to see them.
♥Seeing my cousins. We don't get to see each other often. And it was nice to catch up.
♥Cute babies. My niece is adorable! So is my little cousin J.
♥Fun aprons.
♥Unexpected nights at the casino. :)
♥Long phone calls with 'Ol Blue Eyes.
♥Finding lost treasures from my childhood.
♥Beautiful flowers.
♥The smell of clean laundry.
♥Fun BBQs.
♥Getting to see my older aunts and uncles. I'm glad they were able to come over. And that they're doing OK.
♥Trips to the Dollar Tree.
♥New graduates!

Spice

★My Tatie being sick.
★Rude employees at COSTCO.
★COSTCO closing early. Not being able to buy the last minute things that we needed for the party. And almost not getting our cake.
★Not getting to meet with my sister.
★Rude family.
★Not sleeping in 3 days! I'm so tired. I'm going to sleep until noon tomorrow!
★This awful smoke! When is it going away? It really is horrible.
★The crazy wind that picks up, in the late evenings.
★Lots of driving...
★Not eating today at the party. Not getting any baked beans. Or frijoles for that matter.
★Family drama.
★Being the cook. And not eating. That's not cool!
★The amount of pasta salad we have left to eat...
★The time going so quickly today.

It's been an incredibly long week! Today, just flew by. And I'm ready to sleep for a week! But it was all well worth it. I'm glad my niece enjoyed everything. And I hope the trip to Disney is a lot of fun. As for me, I'm going to finish my cheeseburger, and head to bed. Happy Sunday! ♫

My Love of Teal

The weather is getting hotter. Much hotter. I spent 1 night in my house this week, I wanted to die! 101 outside. 115, in my bedroom! That's with the windows open, fans on, and at 8PM. Lord, it's going to be a hot one!

But with the heat, comes my love of color. I've been so drawn to the color teal lately. Actually for the last few years. Especially in the warmer months. Why? I don't know. Maybe because it reminds me of a cool, and clear ocean.



I'd LOVE to add a few of these things to my closet. Or a nice flowy, summery dress. Heck, I'd even go for the nail polish. Anything that is just a little summery. You know, the weather knows it's summer. It's time for the rest of me to catch up! ♫

Ranunculus

Last year, I literally stumbled over flower bulbs at Dollar General. I never knew that they sold them. When did this happen? And I ended up buying a few packages. Some lilies, gladiolas, and ranunculus.

I planted them all! Almost immediately when I got home. And I had such hopes for them. I watered every other day. Waited. Pulled weeds. Got rid of the grass that was trying to take over. But nothing. No flowers. Not even a hint of a flower.

So I did some research. I had planted the bulbs according to the package directions. But after reading some information online, I realized I hadn't done something important. Something that wasn't on the package. I hadn't placed the bulbs in warm water, before planting.

Then we had that horrible freeze in February. My neighbors lost all their roses. Some of my bulbs didn't return. My tulips froze. But there was some hope. Like my palm tree. Which is fighting to live. I've seen signs of my ranunculus.

Yes! I might actually get a few of these beauties. I'm so super excited. I think they're such a pretty flower. And like my peonies that magically appeared, these little guys are growing. I have so much hope for my flowers. Maybe that horrible freeze wasn't so bad after all! ♫

Lion King Iris

Right before leaving for NC, M gave me some Lion King Iris bulbs. Literally, it was minutes before we left. There was no picture. Just a name. And I was dying to plant them. The minute we got home, I had to tackle some yard work.

And after mowing the lawn, pulling some weeds, and watering everything, I finally planted my bulbs. But I was still interested in what the flowers would look like. When I looked them up, this is what I got.



I think they're so pretty! I have purple irises now. That's it. I want more variety. And I think this is a good place to start. Now I just need to be patient and let them grow. I wonder if any of them will flower this year. It generally takes a year or two to get a flower. And I'm feeling a little impatient at the moment. ♫

Friday Fill In #22

I have an extremely busy day today! All the preparations for my niece's graduations party this weekend. So much to do! But here are my Friday Fill Ins. Happy Friday!

1. Hey! It's almost summer. :)

2. There is a kernel of truth.

3. Eat yummy fruit.

4. I'm always in the middle.

5. First thing to note: I'm going to be super busy this weekend.

6. He's such a good distraction.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to baking some cupcakes, tomorrow my plans include lots of grocery shopping and a birthday party and Sunday, I want to have fun at the BBQ/graduation party! ♫

Faith in God

I haven't updated you on My Lil' Southern Belle. For quite a while. But in her nearly 8 months, my little angel has been through so much. Do you remember her arrival? Ya, it's been tough.

And My Bestie, H, she's been struggling a lot too. Both of them have endured countless operations. My Bestie is now refusing anymore surgeries, until her little girl is doing better. And that worries me. So much!

The two really bright spots are, her brother is now with her all the time! And there is a particular man, that is just madly in love with H. And so desperately wants to be a Daddy, to this perfect little princess.

But life has not been easy. Unfortunately, I don't get to see them very often. Actually, it's been months since I've seen them. Because H lived in NC. Then a few weeks ago, she and her baby girl, were moved to TN. All for treatment. So, I don't get to see them. Not nearly as much as I'd like.

I do get to talk to H. And her brother. And this truly amazing man that loves her. The funny thing is, were all so deeply connected. My best friend, she married my boss/friend. We were the MOH and BM for the wedding. Then they separated. I became closer to Ol' Blue Eyes. And he hired H. Then we found out about My Lil' Southern Belle. Shortly after, there was this new man. Another good friend of Ol' Blue Eyes...

He and H became so close. He helped her with everything. Putting together her new house, moving, getting ready for the new baby girl. He spoiled them rotten. Bought them everything their hearts could desire. He is madly in love! Then, tragedy struck. We were all in Vegas. Except for H and her baby girl.

Now, Ol' Blue Eyes and I are Godparents, to this little angel. My friend has such an amazing support system. And a man that truly loves her. For her. And loves her baby girl. As if she were his own flesh and blood. H also got her little brother back.

On Tuesday, I got the biggest surprise ever! We were heading home. You know, our gig was over. I needed to get back to my hometown. For my niece's graduation party. And next week, on of my friends/band mates is getting married. So we loaded up some private plans. To head west.

What I failed to notice was, most of the luggage was going into our boss' plane. He told us, that he was going to head west for a few days too. Spend some time with the guys. They're going camping this weekend. And J's 2 planes were being loaded by the band and all our "crew." You know, wives, My Care Bear, Maestro G.

I boarded. Didn't think anything of it. And everyone was set to go home. What I failed to notice was, Ol' Blue Eyes and I, we were the only one in his airplane. Why? Because we were headed to TN, to see our Goddaughter.

By the time I realized, that we were the only 2 people there, the other planes were preparing for their departure. I really had no time to react. And when I found out we were going to TN, I cried. It was a short trip. And I knew it was going to be. But I was just so happy to see H and My Lil' Southern Belle.

No one knew of our plans either. Well, besides M and J. I was filled with excitement the entire flight. Just waiting to see My Bestie. The one woman, that is truly my sister. We've been through so much in our 23 years of friendship. It's unbreakable.

And the minute we walked into that room, my heart was overflowing with love. Pure emotion took over. My Bestie, all bandaged up. The unmistakable look of pain, worry, and anxiety on her face. I just hugged her. Held her as she cried. I was the strong one for her. Everything that she needed me to be. No words were shared. But everything I needed to know, I knew in that very instant.

When I got to hold that precious baby girl, I swear, I felt like God had wrapped his arms around us. She is no more than 9lbs. Not growing. Looking every bit like a newborn. Her head wrapped in bandages, and a small helmet. Tubes, IVs, and monitors surrounding her tiny body.

You'd think, with the work I do, I'd be used to this. But I wasn't. I clearly wasn't. Because this baby, I knew her. Personally. I loved her. I waited anxiously for her arrival. I prayed for her. I held her in my heart. And I was with her in the very beginning. For the first few days of her life. it was me and her. This was clearly different.

We spent a few hours there. I got to speak with her doctors, nurses, dietitians...anyone and everyone that was taking care of her. We talked about new treatments. The plans. The goals. What was next. What I thought might help. We consulted with other physicians. And I came out of it, feeling more at ease.

I wish that I had more days to spend with these 2 amazing people. Which I love so much! I wish that I could sit by that little crib, and sing lullabies, until my Goddaughter was fast asleep. I wish I could be there every single day for H. To help her through this. To make her stronger. And her daughter stronger. I wish I could. But life isn't like that. But for those few precious hours, I got to do just that.

I rocked this precious little girl. We talked. I sung my favorite lullabies. We read books. And I sat and listened to all those perfect baby sounds. I smelled her sweet baby smells. And watched her eat. I took in every second that I could. I needed to. We needed this.

And I did everything I could for H. Helped her shower. Washed her hair. Helped her to get dressed. Combed her hair. Got her good food. Made her bed a little more comfortable. Made sure she had snacks, magazines, and anything else she needed. We talked. We cried. We laughed. We hugged. And she told me that she was scared. So we prayed.

There are very few times in my life, when I've been this scared. But I was as strong as I could be. For this woman, my best friend, and her little girl. We'd walk through fire for each other. And on this day, I would have done anything that she needed. Anything.

And all there is left to do, is have faith in God. He knows best. He knows why we go through, what we go through. And only he knows why. So I told H, we must give him all of our pain, fear, and anxiety. We must trust, that he knows what's best. For all of us.

I do believe this. Deep in my heart and soul. Only God knows. And we must have faith in him. And trust him to do his work. Only he knows if this precious little girl, will ever live outside of a hospital. Or will be a normal little girl. To grow up, to be a normal woman. Only he knows.

But I still pray. And I ask for your prayers. For this little angel on Earth. And her Mommy. At the end of the end, they are really the only people that each of them has. And they need our love and prayers. Pray that God will do the best he can for them. Give them the best lives, that they can have. Please pray. ♫

Same Sky

This is a bracelet from Same Sky. Such a great organization! Just think about it in terms of "women helping women." You are not giving a "handout." No, it's more like a "hand up." I wish I had more money, to help these women. But honestly, this organization has touched my heart. You should go read about it too! ♫