Blessings ...Blessings!!

If any of you are unaware Chris had a little accident Wednesday while working in Alabama. To make a long story short, he was in a bucket truck working with an energized hot line (which is nothing out of the norm), but what his safety guys forgot and he forgot was that there was an extension cord causing a ground. Which mean when he grabbed an energized line, it was just like he was standing on the ground with it. He as electrocuted and received bad burns to his right hand. His left hand/arm received the flash back burn. This is a picture of his left hand...he has a couple more places like this up on his arm. Believe me when I say this is the GOOD HAND!!

The palm of his right hand is in bad shape. If any of you want to see the pictures let me know I'll be glad to forward them to you, but I don't think putting them up here for the weak stomached ones is fair.

His right hand has severe burns to the palm. He has a hole in his palm about the size of a nickel from where they think the electricity went in and out of his body. He is missing the tip of his pinkie, the tip of his middle finger and a portion of his ring finger ( like a quarter of the way down to his first joint). He can still move his hand, but it hurts really bad.

He complains from time to time about this $2000 suit he has to wear while working on these lines due to it being so hot, but that suit saved his life ...well and his angels were with him too!

He was released from the hospital that same day.. I'm very thankful to work for a company that when there is an emergency in the family it is not a question of "I need to go can I?".. It's my co workers asking "why are you still here?" I left Wednesday not knowing exactly how bad he was, when I'd be back or for that fact we didn't even really know what town he was in. He was actually on the Georgia line in Dothan, AL.

We got to bring him home Friday after doctor appointment and whirlpool therapy to remove more dead skin. He's back at work as of tomorrow, but only sitting in a classroom going thru Safety videos, OSHA investigation, and if they get thru with that he will point to his crew what to do. Bridget and the boys went over to help him. Bath time is nothing fun! He has appointments in Birmingham this week with I think a burn doctor and I know for sure they have set him up for more whirlpool therapy to remove more skin. He says that is the worst part of it all.

I want to thank all of you who prayed, called or offered help for us in this time. He still has a long road ahead of him with this right hand, but the Lord blessed us in many ways that one day and He will bless us with a working hand again... Thank you all!

Jan...Jan...Hey Jan.. look house pictures!!

This will be the kitchen (wall)...where there is no board will be where the fridge and air conditioner will be...under the window will be the sink, and the other side of the wall and coming out on that wall will be cabinets and a stove
Front door...kitchen will be on the left side of the door..living room on the right
living room..excuse the mess...work in progress
Trim boards that will offset the osb board look...

Bedroom Fan... This is my bedroom looking from the bathroom/closet/laundry roomCloset...or the framing for it...you sit on the toliet and look straight into the closet...remember we are conserving space here!! and this is going to be my utility room (which is right beside the closet and across from the shower).. speaking of shower.. here it is it's up and has been attached to the wall...see the blue sink...well lets just say we are cutting cost also so a donated blue sink works just as good as a white one... I figure a pretty shower curtain with blue in it will bring the blue sink into play...

It's not much to look at, it's rather plain and simple, but I know I'll appreciate it so much more than I have ever before. Daddy and I have put lots of time in here, not to mention everyone else that has donated their time...

Last night Justin came and got the plumbing started for the bathroom so we should be able to drop the false floor down hopefully by this weekend and have it done. Mom and I put up the trim work in the living room and bedroom until i hit my thumb so many times it was sore and I just had to quit. There's one thing I know...I'm not a carpenter

Hope you enjoyed the pictures

Gross or cute?

We took Daddy and Chris out to eat for Father's Day and on our way home I kept hearing what I thought was a "tocking noise". Which Colten had just learned how to make, so when I looked over at him this is the look I got: So no big deal, he's sitting there grinning and playing...then I hear it again and look over and this is what was causing the noise, and lets just say it wasn't him making a tocking noise either.

Now for a grown adult to be able to suck his/her own toe is just plain nasty... and for a 1 year old to do it is cute for the moment and cute for a picture but that's it! I'm still trying to figure out how his fat self got his toe to his mouth!! Kids...yea I don't have any and may not act like it, but I do love them!!

Inside walls are going up now!!! Front Door is on!!

Mom, the kids and I got insulation up, then Daddy and I began putting up my inside walls. Bathroom walls -done, bedroom one board from being done!! I call this my "straw house" the OSB board reminds me of a straw hut on the inside. I like the OSB board plain, so I think I'm just going to put a clear coat on this and go with it I'm not up for painting and matching this to that. Also I'm ready to get moved in.

Next:

Herring Gas to do the gas lines (you'd think I'd have pull in this department somewhere!!!)

Bathroom

Plumbing

Ceiling insulated and up

Cement stained and sealed

Baseboards

MOVE IN TIME!!! Might be a little more than the 2 weeks Daddy keeps saying...but then again this is week number 2 of him saying 2 more weeks!!!Daddy and Chris hard at it a few weeks ago

Front- sorry for the blurr

End of weekend number 2..as in 4 days into this project. I couldn't ask for better family and neighbors! Everyone has pitched in here and there to help out. Roof, windows, house wrap and electrical stuff is all done. back of house

Daddy is going tonight to get remaining insulation, boards for the wall and the bathroom supplies...He says I can prob live in it in 2 weeks. Won't be complete for another month or so...as in getting the vinyl siding up.. Daddy says I can live redneck for about a month....that won't be a problem with me!! (side facing mom & dad's .. it's my kitchen window!!!)

House update!!! (sorry for the pictures not being great..taken with camera phone)

Friday 5/23/08, Day 1: Daddy and I went to Lowe's to get the lumber, got home and got started on the front wall...after another trip to Lowe's for drill bits, front wall was up when I left for the sheriff's office. I called about 8 that night to check on everyone and Mom said that they had put up 2 more walls...Whooo Hooo!!!

Saturday, 5/24/08, Day 2: MOm and I got up and went to get the windows for the house along with some more stuff Daddy needed. When we got home there were about 4 or 5 men from the Brotherhood there helping Daddy and Chris. They got lots done! When I left for the sheriff office Saturday evening this is what I had.

Thanks to the men of the Brotherhood, my Daddy, my brother and Junior I should be in the house in a month at least!!! I can't wait!!!

The tin has been ordered for the roof and will be picked up Friday morning and I'm sure will be on if all goes well by Friday at 3pm. Junior will be in Saturday to run the electrical stuff. I'll update as things move along...

Please remember the Danny Tutor family in your prayer...
Mr. Danny the Chief of Police for Meadville passed away this evening from heart complications. Please remember his wife Karen, and two sons Kyle and Ryan as they face the next few weeks.

Mother's Day 2008

If any of you read my previous post (like last May) you will know I began getting Mother's Day gifts. There were laughs last year when I got a plant from Chase & Copper (the dog & cat), as this was per Cheyenne's idea. Well then Bridget who at the time was expecting Colten gave me a card asking me to be his Godmother.

I had no idea when i agreed to what this beautiful little blond hair blue eyed boy would mean to me. True he is my nephew, but much more than that! He has my heart!

I'm sitting here Friday minding my own business when a gentleman walks in with these. The looks from the people in my office as to "When and were did we miss you having a baby?!? " A few asked who my baby daddy was!! I have had some lets just say weird dreams about having children lately, so my first thought was Kevin was pulling a pratical joke on me. Then I read the card... "I love you! Colten" Bridget says since I'm his Godmother and I was with him when he was born therefore I am entitled to something on Mother's Day. Knowing that he is taken care of and loved is plenty for me.

Mother's Day for me was spent working a 12hour shift at the sheriff office. So tonight I will go and see Mom.

Stay tuned...very possible the little apartment for me at Mom's will get underway shortly!!!

Is there anything cutter than a little cowboy in his wranglers? This was the attempt to take Colten's 1 year old pictures. He didn't like the boots at all...3 min and he was bare footed... But check out that little Wrangler Butt!!!

He will be turn 1 on May 20th. Enjoy the pictures...I hope to have different and possibly better ones by next weekend!!

A great reunion in heaven!!

A week ago today I was in Jackson at UMC with the family of Joann Wallace. She was having complications from her cancer. We all knew in our hearts that the Lord was beginning to make his place for her beside him. When he would welcome her into those gates was the question. She had a good couple of hours on Sunday and later after everyone had left and it was just she and Mr. Phillip, she peacefully left this earth and a great reunion in heaven was beginning.

I sit here with tears in my eyes trying to put into words how awesome this lady was. A true Christian, a very loving wife, a devoted mother, a grandmother that would do anything for her grandbabies. Mother of 3 by blood and many more by pure love (myself and Chris included). Grandmother to 7 grandbabies that had her heart completely.

Joann as far as I could remember was always a part of my life, but about 6 or 7 years ago she became more that I ever expected. About that time, Joann's son Festus and I started seeing each other. I know it's not proper to bring up ex's especially since they are married and have moved on, but you have to know Festus was part of that closeness. As we were dating Joann's condition was getting somewhat worse. In this time I was able to witness what I believe to be "true love & the extent a person goes for their loved ones". God, thru Joann and Phillip opened my eyes to this. Thru this sickness I gained a best friend in her daughter Dustie, closeness with Lacey to my own family, and with Festus, I think he found what he wanted from life. They know I would do anything for them, but the love I witnessed thru their family rallying around this wonderful woman there are no words to describe!

For a mom to comfort the ex of her son's during the breakup is some kind of a wonderful woman. Without Joann I don't know that I could have moved on past my heartbreak with Festus. She told me I'd be fine and that regardless of what happened she felt Fes and I would always be friends. She was right, I did move on, as did he. He married and has a little step son and a beautiful girl named after her awesome grandmother. Festus was ready for what I wasn't, family and kids, and I think Joann knew that. There is a friendship that remains between Festus and I. With Joann's help we parted ways on good terms and were able to salvage a friendship. Festus has made with Tammy the family he wanted.

I remember the first time I saw her laying in her hospital bed after her surgery those years ago, Phillip holding her hand with one hand and a wet rag wiping her face with another one. She was in that hospital for at least a week, week & half, but he never left the hospital, sleeping on makeshift cots in the waiting room while she was in ICU. Once home from the hospital he was with her. Every trip from that point back and froth to the hospital, he made with her. When she was in isolation this past Nov/Dec, Phillip was in there with her. Unable to see family but able to be with her. Phillip was beside Joann thru "sickness and health & til death do us part". This is something in today's society I've said people hardly see anymore, but a blessing those two were to me and the dept of their love for each other. I hope that one day I will be blessed to have that in a relationship.

I know in my heart that she is in a better place where she is in no pain. I know she was welcomed into heaven with open arms by the Good Lord above and right behind him were her father Mr WT and her two brothers that have passed before her waiting for a reunion that we only hope to have when it's our turn. Knowing Joann she looked back at us for a moment, but in her heart she knew we were all going to be okay. She left the strength & knowledge behind to be a great family & to be great friends to each other. In the end, family is what she lived for. Friends were the extra blessings that enriched her also.

Bro. Marvin read Ecclesiastes 3:1-9. In his words were Joann thru and thru. She lived these verses:

"Everything on earth has its own time and its own season. There is a time for birth & death, planting & reaping, for killing & healing, destroying & building, for crying & laughing, weeping & dancing, for throwing stones & gathering stones, embracing & parting. There is a time for finding & losing, keeping & giving, for tearing & sewing, listening & speaking. There is also a time for love & hate, for war & peace."

I don't know that my words are any comfort to anyone. I know I have tired and tried to say things in a way that would portray her as the beautiful, amazing, caring, loving, free spirited, delicate woman that she was here on earth. Now she's a Heavenly Angel just as beautiful, amazing, caring, loving, free spirited and delicate as before, watching over all of us that she cared for. I am blessed and thankful to have had the opportunity to have had this woman in my life. I am thankful for her family, Phillip, Festus, Dustie, Lacey, MawMaw Jodie, & Uncle David for allowing me to be a part of this family throughout the years. I love each and everyone of you!!

Vacation day #1

Yesterday was my first vacation day of the year. It went something like this:
@ 7am - a very dear friend named WES BUFKIN decides I need a wake up call..he claims he forgot I was off... yea buddy whatever!!!
@7:30 got dressed and got on the riding mower where I stayed till 10:30 and still didn't get all the grass cut..
@11:30 went and visited with a very special lady..JoAnn Wallace. Mrs. JoAnn has cancer and could use any extra prayers you guys might want to send her way. So I was there till about 2 pm
@2:30 one of my best friends (Jennifer Ezell) and myself were sitting at Okhissa Lake where we stayed till 5:30!! She caught 2 and I caught nothing but a well deserved sun burn. I fed the fish every worm I put on my hook!! I must have been around a bed of little ones. Oh well, maybe better luck next time.
After we had supper I think I was in the bed by 9:30 that night. A WELL DESERVED VACATION DAY I THINK... What do you think??

I haven't posted in what seems like forever!! Things have been so crazy around here, but I know everyone's life is like that so we'll move on...

Work is work as usual. Monday-Friday Herring Gas. Friday-Sunday @ the sheriff office. And of course the usual EMT/First Responder stuff-- you all know this is my life. No complaints!!

Everyone is doing well. Colten has learned to "make the face"..

He's getting his personality down path. His feelings are in his rear end. You pat him on the behind, he cries... I haven't seen it yet, but he sure made Daddy feel bad the other day..

Thanks to Jennifer Cowart (Cowart Photography) I have pictures from the 2008 District 5 Bull Bash. I was working the gate and concession stand Friday night and unable to take pictures. And well Saturday night I worked the gate and then went and hid in the stands so I could witness a few minutes of the Bull Bash. She managed to some really good photos...

Some of the riders

Chris, Kevin Burns and Daryl Reditt "The arena guys"

Rudy Burns Rodeo Clown

A rider about to bite the dust... Hope he held on his 8 Seconds!!

We had a really good turn out for the Bull Bash this year! ! So that's a true sign we'll have another one next year!! Oh Boy!!

"Dirty Thirty?"

Yes, today I turn 30! Jay says now I'm a member of the "Dirty Thirty Club". I don't mind birthdays at all, it's another day. What I do mind is the day before, the 26th... For the last two year the day before has been like I literally walked into Hell with gasoline underware on. So next year, I'm skipping the 26th.

I'm behind on posting anything...quick update...Chris and Bridget are in their house, Nick's clothes and belonging are out of mine all but for his bed, when he gives me what he owes me in rent he will get his bed back. Brandy and kids are doing greats as far as I know.

I started working at the Sheriff's office on weekends dispatching. I'm enjoying it, I learn something new every shift I work. Lots to learn, but sheriff says I'll learn it as it happens. I've learned one thing quick..that is deputies cell phone numbers..they are always there to give directions or answers.

We have our fire dept Bull Bash this weekend. Begins Fri and Sat at 8. Come if you can. If not I'll be posting pictures next week

To live alone or not to live alone...that is the question

A million dollar question and I've been asking myself that very question the last few weeks. I've determined that I don't live well with others. The thought of having someone help with the bills sounded good to me. Now I'm rethinking this idea.

My 19 year old cousin (mom's nephew) has been staying with me since Chris & him got back from Arizona which has been since the 21st of December. Needless to say his rent is late and he's a messy boy. Don't get me wrong, by no means am I the cleanest person nor do I have a housekeeper, but I do ok keeping my mess cleaned up, but I WILL NOT clean up after anyone unless I give birth to them, are being paid to clean up behind them or they've asked nicely and I've got nothing better to do. I give credit where credit is due, he tries to sneak his laundry in with the towels, but I've gotten wise to that..eventually he'll see his pile of underware isn't getting washed and do something about it.

Anyone who knows me knows I don't answer to many people...ok yea Mom and Dad when I feel they need to know. But having a roommate does not mean that I have a keeper.. I will not leave a note letting anyone know where I am (I have a cell phone for a reason), nor will I call anyone and let them know when I'm headed home (long story)!! It is MY house and I'll come and go as I please with no notice(this will avoid things going on in my house that shouldn't be, hopefully)!

Ok so now I've vented some and hit the high spots, I guess as Mom says "there is a reason I'm still single", must be I don't live well with others!!

Jan 2008...all the kids sitting still...this didn't last long...ENJOY!!!

We all made it thru Christmas safe and happy. New Years is around the corner. Everyone will be surprised, but there are very few Christmas pictures for me to post. I simply forgot to take them. Besides all you would see is boxed and wrapping paper flying thru the air.

I hope everyone has a safe and Happy New Years!

So, for a first time photo shoot, let me know what you think..you should be able to double click on the pictures to enlarge them

Thanksgiving was a good weekend for us. It was just family.. Colby went to his dad's so he was missing...but no extras this year. Brandy, Chris and I all went hunting after we ate. No one saw anything, but we enjoyed ourselves. Friday night Hannah, Justin and I sat around the bonfire and listened to Franklin Co win a play off game. We play the for SouthState title this weekend (go dawgs!)

Chris and Bridget left heading back for Arizona Friday. I took Nick to the airport yesterday for his flight back to Arizona.

On my way back from Jackson, I stopped by Wes' to check on him and Tristan. Which I'm thinking was a good idea. Wes wasn't feeling real well and Tristan was running the house. So we got the baby dressed and away to McDonald's we went. Tristan ate and we rode to the park. We feed the geese and ducks at the park and just rode around for a while.

Wes has been shut up inside for 2 days and the walls were closing in on him. After we got back home, some friends rode up with their little girl and ate supper with us. They had fun.. with 2 the same age (like 4 mo apart), they played good for a little while and quickly got tired of each other. But before they did, I managed to get this picture of them in the toy box together! All in all, we had a good evening...when I left Tristan was waking up from his Power Nap. Needless to say, Wes wasn't thrilled.. So now everyone is up to date!