Pink Piggy Lux

So Sick

2012-01-30T07:07:00.000-08:00

Tuesday was a busy day. We had an appointment at the Social Security offices, Ashton had dance class and Karsen had a 6pm doctors appointment.

It was her 3rd appointment in less than a month.

She has felt terrible lately but not running any fever. Her ears have been fine, and we were told her lungs were clear.

What was bothering me were her eyes. They were always so red and bruised looking. And she wasn't sleeping well. I knew something was wrong.

At her appointment, her Dr. said everything seemed to be fine and maybe try a different antibiotic. I wanted more done so I asked for him to order a CBC blood test and I wanted her chest x-rayed. We were sent to the ER since the labs at the office were already closed.

We sat in the ER for what seemed like hours. Finally, they did the chest Xray and took blood. No easy feat. Karsen was not having that. Another hour passed and then I was told she had swelling in her lungs and would need to be transported to a children's hospital about 30 miles away.

My heart sank. My worst fears were coming true. I immediately prayed for her. John met us at the ER. By this time it was already midnight. The ambulance got her ready and off we went to Cabell Huntington.

The ambulance ride was slow. We weren't in any danger. She was breathing ok. We got to the hospital and immediately was sent to the children's ICU floor. More blood was taken. More prayers were said.

We didn't sleep much. She wouldn't go near the crib. She laid on me and slept and I stayed up and just prayed. In the morning the Dr told me that she had the x-rays re-read and they thought they looked fine. More x-rays were taken just to be sure. She was going to be ok. She probably had a viral infection that was causing her so much pain. Thank you God. I was so overwhelmed with joy.

We were discharged that morning and they let her keep her hospital gown.

It felt so good to be back at home. She is still coughing and not sleeping well and has another follow up appointment tomorrow. We are praying it goes away and our little Karsey gets back to being herself again!

Little One @ 17 months!

2012-01-24T11:36:00.000-08:00

17 months?

How in the world has it been 17 months since you brightened my world?

Brightened is an understatement. What you bring to our lives is a miracle in itself. The grief that washed over us after the deaths of two beloved family members was devastating. But we had you to look forward to and with your arrival, you brought back the joy that had been absent for so long.

It pains me to know that you will never meet your Papa Bud or Pawpaw Hanson. Those two men were the best Grandpa's around. I will do everything in my power to make sure you know as much about them as possible.

This month you have learned so many things.

My favorites are:

You know everything now! If we say, "Go get your toothbrush" you go get it. "Go get the hairbrush", "Throw this away", "Go get your Elmo toy"...you know all of these things!

You are so smart!

You hate hairbo's. You pull them out faster than I can put one on you.

You love to wear shoes still.

You love to go bye bye too.

If we tell you to "cross your arms" you will. Its your favorite pouting stance!

You are very bossy. Very. If we don't do what you say, you scream. Really loud.

You will also take our hand and lead us to where you want to play at and then you pat the ground so we sit exactly where you want us.

You LOVE McDonald's french fries.

You LOVE lotions. You like to put them on.

My only complaint about this month has been your health. You have felt HORRIBLE all month. We have been to the dr. several times now and have tried different medicines. Your little eyes stay red and bruised looking and you are cranky. I am a little nervous it could be something more serious so we are heading back to the dr. this afternoon and I am going to make them run some blood work. I am praying everything will be ok.

You are an amazing gift, Karsey. We all love you!

PS. You still won't say mommy!

Karsen's little red eyes. We don't know what is causing this.

So Sweet, Nancy Ann's

2012-01-20T20:50:00.000-08:00

Dreaming of Him

2012-01-19T08:10:00.000-08:00

I had the most wonderful dream of Papa Bud last night.

In it, me & the kids were visiting Mama Jo and we were getting ready to leave.

We were outside packing up my min van and my mom told me I should go and tell Papa Bud goodbye. "You're right" I said and I go inside.

At the doorway I am met by my Uncle Clyde, who died suddenly in March of 2003.

He is standing at the door --just like he always would do when he was alive, just watching us all pile into the car to leave.

He gives me a big hug and in his voice he tells me to "be safe" and he loves me.

I go into the kitchen and there is Papa Bud. He is sitting in his chair at the kitchen table. I lean over him and hug him tightly. It is him. I smell his cologne. I kiss his cheek. His face is scratchy where he needs to shave. He tells me in his voice "I love you". I hold onto him tightly. In my dream I can hear myself thinking "this could be the last time you hug him so make it count". I can tell I am about to make him cry so I stop hugging him and I pick up a few of my sons crayons on the table and get ready to leave.

I go into the living room and think to myself I am going to leave him a note (we used to leave each other notes). I write him a note with one of the crayons and I go to lay it on his table beside his recliner and I see he has written me a note.

It simply says "1 John 1:4". Even though this is a dream, the handwriting is his.

I tear it off the paper it is on and stick it in my pocket and leave.

This is where I wake up. I instantly googled 1 John 1:4.

We write this to make our joy complete.

Wow. A message from Papa from Heaven.

The part before verse 4 is this:

That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life;

For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us; that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.

And these things write we unto you,

that your joy may be full.

I am walking on air today.

I miss him so much. I don't know what God allows from Heaven. I think Heaven is so complete that our loved ones who are there don't see the pain and agony we are left to deal with. But I do feel God sends us signs, wonderful signs from our loved ones. And this was my sign from Papa and Clyde.

Thank you God for a message from heaven.

Repairing my Nancy Ann's

2012-01-16T10:18:00.000-08:00

I was never a big doll collector growing up. My dolls consisted mainly of my Barbie's and See Wee dolls. My sister Raini loved collecting dolls. She liked the Hamilton Collection dolls and every Christmas would get a new one.

It wasn't until 2007 when I fell in love with Nancy Ann's.

My first Nancy Ann was #157, Queen of Hearts. And she stole mine. I loved her sweet little pouty face and her beautiful dress. I started buying as many as I could afford on Ebay.

I soon discovered the Nancy Ann's I liked most were not the frozen leg ones I had been buying, but the more expensive (and rarer) jointed leg dolls.

My budget is often limited to what dolls I can buy, but sometimes I find a real bargain. often, she needs to be restrung and cleaned and over the last couple of years I have developed a really good knack into fixing them up.

It is sort of sweet therapy for me to get a dirty and limb missing doll in from the mail and begin her restoration.

When all is said and done, and she is a beauty again, I feel very accomplished.

Certain rules must be followed....you never, ever iron a Nancy Ann Dress. Ever. The fabric is so delicate that it will ruin the garment. Mohair wigs cannot be brushed. They will fall apart if you do. And the restringing of arms and legs is tedious. Tweezers are a must!

My jointed collection has grown. Every now and then I resale a doll to buy one I want more. I have also bought and resold for extra money such as Christmas & birthdays. I hate reselling the rare ones. It always depresses me but my family must come first.

here are a couple restores I did:

Before (Summer)

After

Before (Cinderella)

After (Cinderella)

It's becoming addictive buying the broken dolls and restoring them! It's like a hobby within it's own hobby!

Happy 2012!

2012-01-06T09:44:00.000-08:00

I have been MIA lately. Christmas, along with a quick trip to NC and a touch of some bad colds has kept me away!

Here are some pics of our holiday.

My first little girl

2011-12-24T09:04:00.000-08:00

She was born early on the morning of Christmas Eve 2002.

She stole my heart even before that wonderful day.

I remember being in the hospital with her. Just me & her. Watching "The Grinch Who Stole Christmas" and eating cookies.

They brought her to me in a little red stocking. She was the best Christmas present I had ever received.

We came home on Christmas Day. It was truly magical!

Meeting you for the first time

I love you Ashton! Happy Birthday!

Little One at 16 Months

2011-12-24T08:48:00.000-08:00

Little one isn't so little anymore.

She turned 16 months old yesterday.

She weighed 22.0 lbs and was 30 inches tall!

Her doctor was very impressed with how alert she is and how much she knows already.

*If we tell you to go brush your teeth, you run to the bathroom sink and try to get your toothbrush!

*You love to tell Runt he is "bad, bad, bad"

*You love shoes. We can also tell you to get your shoes and you run to the closet to get them.

*You picked up a coat hanger the other day and tried to put it in the closet too, I hope this means you will be neat and clean unlike your sister!

*We took you to see Santa this week and you freaked out.

*You love to look at books and you love to watch Tate & Ashton go to the bus stop.

*You can say "school bus" BUT NOT mommy????

Happy 3 Years blogging to Me!

2011-12-16T13:56:00.000-08:00

Wow. 3 years! So much has changed!
In the 3 years since I began my blog I have lived in Kernersville, Richmond and now West Virginia!
I have lost 2 very dear men, my sweet Papa Bud and my father in law, PawPaw Hanson.
I have given birth to my 5th child! Karsen Rylee is a light in my life.
Thank you followers for joining me in my journey!

Christmas Cookies

2011-12-16T13:52:00.000-08:00

Ashton and I always make and decorate Christmas cookies as part of our holiday tradition. This year, being in West Virginia and close to our family, my sister in law Barb, decided to make it a big family cookie decorating party. We had so much fun. We used my mother in laws sugar cookie recipe and it was soooo good! We also celebrated our family's December birthdays. It is wonderful being close to family again. We also paid a visit to PawPaw's grave to decorate it for Christmas. It is so sad not to have him here to join in on the fun. He loved having all the family together.

I Didn't Know

2011-12-08T10:17:00.000-08:00

*that over two years later and I am missing him even more

*that when he visits me in my dreams, its like he is really there. Its his voice even.

*seeing his name on his grave is still soooo bewildering to me

*holidays without him make it hard to celebrate the holidays

*how hard life would be without him. I imagined it, I thought I would know, but it is harder than I ever thought.

*hearing his voice on my cell phone makes me smile, then cry

*living so far from home is sometimes a blessing. It would be even harder being reminded of him and the many places I have memories of him if I was in Kville.

Dear Papa,

Another Christmas season without you. This one finds me in West Virginia. So far from home. I miss you so much. This world isn't as fun without you in it. But I am trying my hardest to be strong and to enjoy the many blessings I have. Would be nice if you would give me this weekends lottery numbers. =) I would buy us the nicest Cabin Crusier I could find.

I love and MISS you SO much it hurts.

Recap

2011-12-06T11:32:00.000-08:00

The last few weeks have been really hard. The fiasco with the Nancy Ann dolls has basically blown up into such a disaster that I am walking away from ebay for a while until I can regroup. It is crazy how some of these women act over a doll. =*(

Despite the baby doll drama, I had a really good time in North Carolina. Raini and I thrift shopped our hearts out and we had a great time and found a lot of cool things.

I love going to antique stores during the holiday season, so many shiny brites and santa's!

Gracie Turns 5!

2011-11-24T18:52:00.000-08:00

My sweet little Gracie turned 5 last weekend!

She is such a little priss pot!

So much like Ashton. =)

It was so much fun to help Raini plan her party.

We used a vintage Strawberry Shortcake theme and I found her a vintage Strawberry Shortcake miniature set for her birthday.

We made a cake shaped like Strawberry Shortcake's house and even the paper gift boxes were shaped like strawberries!

We all had a great time!

Raini even made all the little girls matching t shirts, hair bo's and tutu skirts.

New Nancy Ann's Just Listed in my Ebay Store!

2011-11-24T18:32:00.000-08:00

My Japan sold, then the sale had to be cancelled. Then she was sold again, but the first buyer found out about the second sale and was so infuriated that she contacted and convinced the 2nd buyer to cancel. It is now a big old mess. I now have had several women from the NASB doll forum sending me the meanest emails telling me I am dishonest and will never sell another Nancy Ann doll again. It has been so disheartening as all I want to do is find good homes for these dolls and what I make barely covers the expenses of listing them. I am trying to keep my head up but being cyber bullied by the Golden Girl's of this club has not made for an easy week! I will put my hope and my faith in God that they will sale to the right buyers. Whom Shall I Fear? Psalm 27:1 has been my verse this week.

Little One at 15 Months

2011-11-23T13:38:00.000-08:00

15 months have flown by.
I love you so much!
You are such a silly little girl who loves to be on the go.
We love watching you toddle around.
You are still Mommy's girl and you love being with me.
You still won't say "Moma" but you do say "BAD" for Runt when he is acting crazy.
We just got back from a visit to N.C. and everyone loved seeing you.
You are my special baby!

Nancy Ann's

2011-11-16T11:11:00.000-08:00

Its bittersweet to get your hands on a Nancy Ann & then have to sell it but such is the life of a mom of 5 children.

This week I have had to say hello.....and then goodbye to some very special Nancy Ann dolls that I hope & pray I will be able to "re" collect one day.

The first one I will have to ship out is a VERY RARE made in Japan NANCY ANN.

She is SO rare that she isn't even identified in the NASB Encyclopedia.

She was purchased by a wonderful collector (who ironically has dolls pictured in the NASB book) so at least she is going to a good home.

The other wonderful dollie is an exceptional "Pussycat,Pussycat", complete with box, wrist tag, pamphlet, neck brace and the cat with eyes and nose.

Totally rare. Totally sad.

I'm sad.

The Gift of Goodbye

2011-11-11T11:10:00.000-08:00

There is a blessing that comes with being able to tell a loved one, one last goodbye.

I can't describe the closure I felt the last time I told Papa Bud goodbye.

As I walked out of his hospice room, something was telling me that this would be our last goodbye. And it was. He died barely 12 hours later.

I felt an overwhelming sense of peace that I was able to share that last goodbye with him.

When I heard Billy was in hospice on Sunday, I didn't think I would get a chance to tell him goodbye. But on Monday evening I received an email from one of his sons.

It read simply, "Dad is almost home, if you want to tell him goodbye, call this number".

So I did.

They held the phone up to Billy. I could hear his labored breathing, it sounded so much like Papa Bud's and PawPaw's........for a second it took me off guard .........."Billy, I love you", I said it loudly. "save me a spot up there when its my time" I said. And then Tate, who loved Billy too, said to him, "Billy, it's Tate....Put it in the hole".

His family in the background said he opened his eyes and it seemed he knew who was talking to him.

I hung the phone up and cried. Tears of joy that we got a chance to say goodbye. Billy has raised a family of fine people who even in the midst of their grief, thought of me...a friend...and allowed me such a tender moment.

I was able to watch Billy's memorial service on the internet today. Another blessing.

What our Pastor Pete said about how "one of The King of King's soldiers is now standing beside his King" made me smile.

The gift of goodbye is truly sweet.

Goodbye dear friend

2011-11-08T09:51:00.000-08:00

Dear Billy,

You met Jesus almost 2 hours ago.
I bet you were so happy.
I can see you now smiling from ear to ear.
I bet you have already requested "Victory in Jesus" to the choir of heavenly angels and I bet you sang it the loudest.
You loved to sing.
And now you are HOME. Truly home.
I am a little jealous but I know, I hope i will be where you are someday.
You were the best thing that happened to me during my time at FCC&A.
We had so many good times.
Thank you for always sticking up for me.
You always knew what to say, or when to just give me a hug. Give my Papa Bud a big hug from me.

I love you, I truly love you.

I wrote this poem for you just now in honor of your special day. I hope you like it.

I'm going to miss you dear friend.
But I know one day I'll see you again.
Go ahead of me and I'll soon follow.
But I can't tell you I won't have sorrow.
Because I'll miss you ever so.
but God said it was time for you to go.
So for now we must part,
but your love remains in my heart.~

My Dear Billy. My Best Friend.

2011-11-07T05:31:00.000-08:00

Sometimes, God takes over your life.

I realized that in the summer of 2002. I was searching for a part time job, and I was 2 months pregnant with Ashton.

I gave my Aunt my resume at church one Sunday. She accidentally left it on a church pew and a few days later I received a phone call from the Associate Minister wanting to know when I wanted to come in for an interview.

I tried to explain to him that I wasn't applying for the church secretary job but he insisted I come in and interview....his rationale was they needed a part time secretary and I needed a part time job. This was God stepping into my life, putting me firmly where He wanted me to be and I couldn't argue with God.

So, I found myself working there as a church secretary for several years, and I loved it. Truly loved it.

The absolute BEST thing to happen to me while working at First Christian was meeting someone who became my best friend, my partner in crime (as we both loved playing pranks).

It didn't matter to me that Billy Keene was a good 30 plus years my senior, or that he walked with a cane, or that he could be a little grumpy in the morning if I didn't have his Pepsi waiting. Billy became my best friend.

What I loved about Billy was that he would try anything. No fear. He even mastered (sort of) the new fancy phone system our church had put in (no easy feat, it was hard). He learned to use a computer. At one time he was responsible for printing out and cutting all of the birthday's for our Children's Ministry (over 50 birthday's a month!). He moved into my office and we were a team. He helped me thru some rough times. Billy had my back. I grew to love him tremendously.

Billy's faith was rock solid. His favorite hymn was "Victory in Jesus". He loved to hum it while he worked and I loved to listen to him as he did. We were a perfect pair and we were happiest when locked away in our office working for God.

He was a huge DUKE fan, major plus, and we liked to give the UNC ministers on staff a hard time...even if DUKE wasn't having a winning season. The way me & Billy carried on, you would have thought DUKE was winning.

He walked with a cane and if you got in his way, he would lightly (sometimes not lightly) give you a tap with it.

My mornings were made better because of him.

Billy was a one man Church Army recruiter. He brought more people, other seniors, into our Church office to volunteer than anyone I had ever known. And he put them to work. Billy saved our church hundreds of thousands of dollars over the years because of his volunteering and the others he brought into the church to volunteer. He was my hero.

And he would put them to work, stuffing and folding bulletins every Friday. It was like a weekly party to Billy. He loved being surrounded by friends and fellow followers.

One thing that stands out to me was how Billy could interact with Tate. When Tate was 2, before the seizures started, we were seeing a child therapist thinking he may have Asperger's syndrome (a form of autism). Tate didn't interact with people, he didn't talk much.

But he did with Billy. Billy would always talk loudly and directly to Tate. He would say, "Tate, give me high 5", and Tate would comply. He would say. "Tate, put it in the hole" and he would hold his hand out and Tate would place his tiny hand into Billy's. This interaction was HUGE. And to this day Tate remembers that.

As all good things must come to an end, so did my time at FCC&A in the spring of 2006. It was bittersweet for both of us. We knew our special bond would survive even if I wasn't working there but it never was quite the same. But I was proud of him. He kept at his work and my mom, who also worked there, took him under her wing and he flourished even more...even getting his own computer to do work on!

Still, I knew Billy loved me and I loved him and that would never change.

Billy came to Papa Bud's viewing and he knew how much that meant to me. Papa also knew how special Billy was to me. How blessed am I to have had the love and support of two Godly men like that?

I saw Billy this summer. He was frail and in a wheelchair but as I approached him, a big smile broke out on his sweet face. "I love you, Billy Keene and don't you forget it" I told him. "I love you, too" he said and then he told Tate to "Put in in the hole, Tate!" And Tate did.

I got word last night that Billy was in Hospice and they aren't giving him long. Part of me is crushed with sadness, but the other part of me is so happy for him.

He will finally be rewarded with that "Victory in Jesus" he has long sung about.

My Dear Sweet Billy,
Promise me that you will be one of the first to welcome me home on my sweet day, and save me a desk in your new heavenly office.
I love you and will miss you every day until I see your sweet, happy face again.
Love, Trinity

My best friend was over 70 years old. And we were quite a team!

Halloween 2011

2011-11-04T09:42:00.000-07:00

The weather started out really icky. It was cold and drizzling rain. Karsen has been battling an upper respiratory infection so I wasn't sure if she would be able to even go.

Luckily for us, the sun broke through and warmed things up and we all headed out for some treats.

The very first house we hit there was the sweetest older man waiting in his drive way for trick or treaters. He reminded me so much of Papa. He was a little heavy set, he was wearing a gray zip up hoodie, tan pants and white velcro shoes. Just like Papa. He reached into his bowl of candy and his hands looked like Papa's. His mannerisms were so similar that I almost cried right there.

It hits me like that sometimes. Just out of the blue something triggers my memory of him and the tears flow before I can stop them. I wanted to hug this old man but I didn't. And we soldiered on.

Before long the buckets were full and we headed home.

Another successful Halloween and our first in West Virginia!

A life too short....but not to God

2011-11-03T09:06:00.000-07:00

Photo from Stesha Warren Facebook

This morning I have a baby on my mind.

It's a baby I will never meet. Its a baby born to a family I don't even know. And her story is heartbreaking. She was born early via a c-section due to a car accident. And even though she was almost 35 weeks gestation, and she weighed almost 6 lbs, this sweet two day old infant died last night.

Her parents are devastated. What should have been a time of such happiness and love has turned into a dark storm of sadness.

It makes you want to cry out to God and scream WHY!?!

As the baby breathed her last breath, the parents held her and sung, "Victory in Jesus".

Now THAT is faith in God. When you can sing THAT song as your baby breaths her last is an AMAZING testimony of faith. Heartbreaking and heartwarming all at once. God bless them!

Every life lived is a life that has meaning and according to God, Psalm 39:4 " Show me, O LORD, my life's end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting is my life."

No matter if you die at 101, or 2 days. Your life has a purpose.

He knows every second. He knows the beginning and the ending and every life matters.

It's hard to grasp that as you prepare to say goodbye to your only baby, but I pray this family feels God closest now.

Max Lucado says it best:

But her days here were so few . . .

Her life was so brief . . .

To us it seems that way. We speak of a short life, but compared to eternity, who has a long one? A person’s days on earth may appear as a drop in the ocean. Yours and mine may seem like a thimbleful. But compared to the Pacific of eternity, even the years of Methuselah filled no more than a glass. James was not speaking just to the young when he said, “Your life is like a mist. You can see it for a short time, but then it goes away”
(James 4:14 NCV).
In God’s plan every life is long enough and every death is timely. And though you and I might wish for a longer life, God knows better.

Nancy Ann's Everywhere!

2011-10-27T07:24:00.000-07:00

It felt like Christmas had already come to my house this week.

I found a gentleman on the internet t who was selling his deceased wife's Nancy Ann Doll collection.

Over 42 dolls!

I snapped them right up. Some I will keep, but the majority of them will find new homes via Ebay.

A few were quite rare. Such as "Goldilocks" and "I have a little pet". They were all gorgeous!

It has taken several days just to unwrap and admire the dollies.

Little One @ 14 months

2011-10-24T09:33:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, Karsey bear turned 14 months.

Never in my life has 14 months flew by so quickly!

And life has so much changed in such a little amount of time.

If you would have told me 14 months ago that we would be living in West Virginia, I would have laughed. But here we are and we are all adjusting.

I LOVE being closer to John's family. Karsen really loves it too. She gets a kick out of running around MawMaw's house and being the center of attention.

Here are some of her things she has mastered in her 14th month:

*STILL will not say MaMa but loves to say Tate
*Picks up her pink cell phone, puts it to her ear and says "hewwo"
*Walking and running are a MUST. No more crawling
*Loves to play in the closet with all of her toys
*Loves to push her baby in her baby stroller
*Loves to dance
*Still sleeping with Mommy
*Refuses food unless she can feed it to herself
*Loves to brush her teeth (and they are big and only 4 of them!)
*Loves to brush her hair
*Tries to put on her shoes, pants or anything that resembles clothing
*Has a little temper!

Vintage Cabbage Patch Kid Finds

2011-10-18T09:01:00.000-07:00

It seems lately wherever I go, I am finding tons of Vintage Cabbage Patch Kids things.

Ashton & I have a small collection of the dolls, an original 1985 dollin the box and some of the smaller dolls you hang on the wall but for the most part, I resell them on Ebay.

These 3 pairs of CPK shoes went for over 15.00.

And last year I found an original CPK dress (minus the doll). It sold for over 25.00!

I found these figurines at the flea market last weekend and have just listed them on Ebay too.

They are so cute! Hopefully, they will find a good home!

Halloween @ Etsy

2011-10-13T15:06:00.000-07:00

What's Your Pumpkin?

2011-10-13T12:57:00.000-07:00

What's the fun of paying $10 for a pumpkin if you are just going to carve a generic face onto it?

I always try and come up with creative pumpkins.

You can find some free templates here

Here are a few of my all time favorites we have made:

VIntage Christmas Finds

2011-10-10T10:49:00.000-07:00

These are a few of the vintage Christmas items I have found at area flea markets, yard sales and thrift shops over the last few weeks.

Some I kept, some I resold.

I love finding vintage Christmas items!

Old Becomes New

2011-10-06T09:31:00.000-07:00

This is an old side table I found at a local Goodwill for $5.00.

I used some new paint, some light sandpaper for distressing and I will be ordering new hardware for the drawer pull this week.

It should look pretty shabby chic by then.

Indian Summer. Boo. =(

2011-10-06T09:20:00.000-07:00

Just when Karsen & I thought Fall was here, BOOM. Welcome Indian Summer.

=(

I for one, do not like temps in the 80's when I go to a Pumpkin Patch.

Last weekend was perfect. The high here last Saturday was 49. It even snowed in some parts of West Virginia. But BOO. Indian Summer found its way here.

It's supposed to be in the 80's today. And the Indian Summer trend is going to be here for at least a week as a Low Pressure has set in over the Mid East. To that, I must say Boo. =(

Kids & Fall

2011-09-29T09:53:00.000-07:00

It's finally fall, my favorite season of the year!

I love the golden hues of the season. Pumpkins, corn stalks, college football, church bazaars, cooler weather, and of course school starting back!

All wonderful reasons why I love fall.

The fall leaf colors should begin to really pop in a few weeks but already we are seeing dazzling reds, oranges and yellows in the trees.

It's been a busy September. Raini came up for a few days and we had so much fun going to new antique shops together and planning her daughters birthday party for November. Of course, the time flew by way too fast but having her here was so good for my soul.

The kids have been extra busy this September too.

Ashton, my oldest daughter, started dance class and she loves it. She wasn't able to take dance in Richmond so I was so excited for her to find a dance studio near our new home in West Virginia.

Jonathan has just applied to his first college! I am so proud of him and I know wherever he chooses to go, he will bless many lives just by his presence.

Tate will soon start playing fall basketball in a youth league next month. He misses his buddies back in Richmond so hopefully this will be a great outlet for him to make some new friends. He is loving being a 5th grader and I can't believe how far he has come since being taken off of his seizure meds almost 2 years ago.

Justin has been practicing with the high school basketball team (non formal practices). Tryouts are in a couple of months and we are all praying he makes the team. He is almost 6'3 and still growing. Making the team would be a huge lift for him. Moving 3 different times since middle school is not an easy adjustment. He is a trooper.

Karsen is walking and it is so cute. She reminds me of Papa Bud when she walks. She makes us all laugh and she has been so good for all of our hearts after we lost Papa Bud and Papaw Hanson. I don't know where we would be in our grief if it were not for her.

This weekend the temps are supposed to be in the 50's! I am so glad fall is here!

Little One @ 13 months

2011-09-25T10:45:00.000-07:00

Dear Little One,

You are now 13 months old. We are finally all moved in and settled into our new home in West Virginia. You love the attention that your MawMaw and your Aunts show you.

*You took your first steps a few weeks ago and (September 6th) and have been trying to master the art of walking ever since. (But if you need to get somewhere quick, you aren't afraid to drop back down to crawling to get there).

*At your one year checkup you weighed 20lbs and were 29" long

*Last week you started to say "Tate". He is your best friend.

*You still don't say MAMA! =(

*You are an early riser. Up by 7am and you like to be in bed by 7pm. You still won't take an afternoon nap.

*Your favorite songs are the crazy ones I have made up (I should have been a writer for Sesame Street). The one you like most goes like this:

Precious Princess, Your the best! The best dang girl from North, South, East or West! Precious Princess your simply the best. Simply, Simply, Simply, Simply the best! Yeah!

*You love to dance. Anytime music is on, even if it is just a commercial you start bouncing. Its so cute.

*Your tiny personality is starting to shine through. I love you so very much. I eagerly look forward to watching you grow and develop into the young girl God intends for you to be.

Happy Birthday, Papa!

2011-09-19T15:23:00.000-07:00

Dear Papa Bud,

Happy 79th Birthday to the most wonderful grandfather a little girl could be blessed with.

For 35.5 years you loved me. And I don't know how I'll be ok living without you for my next 35.5+ years................. but I know I won't have to go without you forever.

There are so many things I miss about you. Your quick wit, silly jokes, pranks and stories always put me in a good mood. I miss just sitting down and talking to you about everyday stuff. Just knowing you were there was a comfort to me.

It's so hard without you Papa. You are missed so much by all of us. Our family just isn't the same without you here.

I love you.

Happy Birthday. I hope you are eating lots of pineapple chocolate cake.

My Tiny Treasure

2011-09-14T12:34:00.000-07:00

Sometimes the best treasures are the tiniest!

This little bisque cutie is smaller than my pinky.

She has no markings but I think she is an early German style Kewpie.

I'm going to have to do some research to see what she is.

Seems Like.....

2011-09-12T16:22:00.000-07:00

Seems like yesterday when I was a very young mom to a very chubby baby.

He was my only child and we had so much fun together. Days were spent watching his favorite Disney movies. We enjoyed 21 months of each other before he started to have to share me with Justin, and then a few years later came Tate, Ashton and Karsen.

And now, my baby is a senior in High School. When did this happen? It seems like yesterday that I was tearfully dropping him off for Kindergarten.

I am so proud of the young man he is, and I know I will be even more proud as he continues on his journey of life. He is a great kid----young man.

LAST first day of school breakfast!

My New (old) Nancy Ann's

2011-09-09T12:03:00.000-07:00

My new (old) Nancy Ann's came today and they are so cute!

The brunette is a 1939 Bridesmaid. She even came with her wrist tag and box. Another surprise, she has the silver shoes!

The little blonde is also from around 1939. She is Mistress Mary and she is missing her hat and her round gold sticker. She has the cutest chubby legs.

I was never into doll collecting until I saw the Nancy Ann's. I guess their small size and sweet faces won me over. My collection has grown to over 30 but I have sold the rarest of the ones out of my collection.

I bought these two for a great deal but will probably be listing them on my Ebay so that we can prepare for the Christmas crunch.

I told my husband one day when the kids are all grown and gone is it going to cost him a lot of money for me to buy back all these old dolls I had to sell! =)

Thinking of Him

2011-09-08T08:52:00.001-07:00

I am making Jonathan a scrapbook filled to the brim with mementos & memories of his life. I hope to have this completed by early spring. I thought it would be a nice present for him when he graduates.

I'm going thru tons of boxes filled with pictures, cards, school drawings and such and I ran across this:

And instantly, I cry. Just seeing his handwriting does this to me.

It feels like forever since I last heard him call me #1. And while I am in no rush to leave this earth anytime soon, I long for the day when I will see his sweet face again. He was my world, my rock. My grandpa was the best friend a little girl could have asked for.

What would he think about me living in West Virginia? I am sure he would have plenty of West Virginia jokes to tell me.

And I think about what he would have thought of Karsen.

He would have loved her silly.

Looking thru all these old papers and cards makes me realize how much I miss being called #1.

Yard Sale Pickin'

2011-09-07T07:16:00.000-07:00

Vintage spice rack with flip open doors.

2.00

I heart yard sales.

Fall is the Best!

2011-09-06T06:33:00.000-07:00

It's a cool, rainy day here in the hills of West Virginia.

The leaves on the trees are beginning to change hue's. The nights are becoming crisper and the dew on the grass in the morning is always heavy.

Fall is on it's way.

Fall is my favorite season.

I love it when the leaves are golden and it's cool outside. I love it when Saturday's are spent watching college football.

Fall means church bazaars and chicken pie's will soon be for sale. And Halloween is just around the corner. I cannot wait to spend our first fall in West Virginia as a family! The mountains that surround our home will be so awesome covered in gold and red hues!

It's almost time to get out the vintage fall decor!

You Had Me At Spun Cotton, Mica Santa!

2011-09-01T09:10:00.000-07:00

Tonight is a great night.......

because tonight is when college football returns. Fall to me is football.

Fall to me is also when I start to look thru all of the vintage Christmas decor I have scored at Goodwills, yard sales and Ebay over the year.

And nothing screams vintage Christmas to me like spun cotton, mica Santa's!

They were all the rage back in the 1940's and 1950's and are usually found attached to their original florist wire or chenille stems.

Most were used as decor for floral arrangements.

There is a simple sweetness to spun cotton cuties that I can't resist.

I love all vintage Christmas items. Even the kitschy plastic Santa's and snowmen below.

Vintage Cow Made in Japan Salt Pepper Set

2011-08-30T06:10:00.000-07:00

How cute are these bovines?

I scored them at the local flea market. This flea market is so old school and AWESOME. I have found several treasures at very good prices.

This set includes a creamer, salt & pepper shakers and sugar jar.

I love their little faces!

Mermaid Madness

2011-08-27T14:27:00.000-07:00

In the thrifting world----mermaids are HOT.

Popular in the 1950's and 1960's, mermaids, seahorses and fish were all the rage for bathroom decor.

Now these same pieces are bringing record prices to Ebay.

I recently came across a cute mermaid planter at a local flea market. She was only $12.

She sold for 76.00.

Lefton's usually go for the higher amounts but names such as Shafford, Bradley, Holt Howard, and Norcrest always bring a pretty penny too.

So if you are out thrifting and come across any mermaids, be sure to snatch it up!

Thankful to Be Here

2011-08-25T10:30:00.000-07:00

Today is one year since I was discharged from the hospital after giving birth to Karsen.

I was so excited to be going home with my new baby and I was super excited to see my children who had been at home waiting for me.

During my 2 day recovery stay, I was having back pains which I mentioned to my nurses. They brought me a fancy heating pad and gave me extra motrin.

I also noticed a weird sound when I was laying down breathing but I thought maybe I was getting a cold.

The day after Karsen & I got home I felt miserable. I hurt. I felt like I had been hit by a truck. I attributed it to not taking my pain medicine as regularly as I had in the hospital.

Two days after being home from the hospital, I knew something was wrong. I could hear myself breathing and it sounded really bad. My feet were swollen even worse than they were at the hospital. I had no energy. I couldn't even yell for my son, Jonathan to come help me.

John made an appointment for me that day to see a Dr at the hospital where I gave birth.

I could barely make it to the receptionist desk before I was out of breath.

They rushed me into a room and my blood pressure was a staggering 183/110.

I was scared. I thought I must have developed a blood clot.

The Dr heard what he thought was a heart murmur and I was sent to the ER immediately by wheel chair.

I was taken into the ER and bypassed all of the awaiting people who looked pissed that I was getting to go before them. All I could think of was, "I'm dying here so cut me some slack!"

An EKG was administered as I was wheeled into a triage room and the results were not good. Something bad was going on with my heart. I also had tons of fluid on my lungs. This was no joke.

John was told it wasn't best to have our 3 day old Karsen in the ER so he had to leave me there in the ER alone. I was a wreck emotionally. Karsen had never had a bottle in her 3 day life...how was he going to manage? I cried and cried as he left with my tiny baby.

I was so scared. All I knew was I didn't want to die. Karsen needed me. All my babies did.

After a long wait in the ER, I was taken to the ICU floor. No bathroom, no shower, the toilet slid out from under the sink bedside my bed. The walls are all glass. All I could do was cry. This was a scary floor. Nothing like the maternity wing I had just left 48 hours earlier. I was by far the youngest person on this floor.

The next day I was given a cardiogram and it showed us what had happened. I had mitral valve regurgitation and it was putting me into congestive heart failure. I was put on blood pressure meds and kept another day. Slowly my heart rate improved, they got 20lbs of fluid off of me and my oxygen levels slowly returned to normal.

My phone didn't work in the hospital so no one outside of my immediate family really knew what was going on. I was so isolated and angry that no one caught this before I was discharged with Karsen.

By the 2nd day, I was begging the doctors to let me leave. My kids, especially my baby needed me home. They finally relented and for the 2nd time in less than a week I was discharged from the hospital.

I came very close. Had I not listened to my body's warning signs that something was off who knows what would have happened.

It was scary but I am ok now and even have come off the blood pressure pills. I went to the Dr last week and my blood pressure was 110/83. =)

I have to give thanks to God for keeping me here to see my baby grow up this year. Today is kind of bittersweet. I had no idea one year ago going home with Karsen was something I should treasure as much as the occasion deserved. Not every mom gets to go home with her baby.

Karsen's 1st Party

2011-08-25T06:20:00.000-07:00

Raini's song to Papa

2011-08-24T11:47:00.000-07:00

Papa & Raini loved fishing.

It was "their" thing. Sometimes they would let me tag along but Papa would get annoyed at me because I didn't like touching the bait and if I did catch something (which was rare) I wouldn't take it off the line. I was too prissy sometimes.

I loved how Papa gave all four of us grand-girls so much of himself.

He made us all feel like we were his #1.

And fishing with Raini was his way of spending precious time together.

This song is soooo them, expect for the part where they throw back what they caught.

Papa would never throw back anything big enough to fry.

And she thinks we’re just fishin’ on the riverside
Throwin’ back what we could fry
Drownin’ worms and killin’ time
Nothin’ too ambitious
She ain’t even thinkin’ ‘bout
What’s really goin’ on right now
But I guarantee this memory’s a big’in
And she thinks we’re just fishin’

Little One is ONE

2011-08-23T04:53:00.001-07:00

One year ago today, I met her.

And she healed a very broken heart.

The labor was relatively easy. Pushing was a breeze.

She was perfect. And I was in love.

We were all in love. The year has gone by so quickly.

This month you are:
*you shake your head "no" when you are dancing
*you still say "da-da", not MOMA!
*you are crawling but not on your knees, but on your feet.
*you love ice tea from Nanny's cup
*you still love sleeping with mommy
*you are covered in bruises on your little legs where you climb over everything.
*you are starting to recognize your west va family and love them
*you still aren't taking an afternoon nap unless I lay with you
*you love spaghetti
*you love your new bathtub with the jets turned on and lots of bubbles

Party Perfect

2011-08-21T14:49:00.000-07:00

What a great party we had yesterday for Little One.

Even my mom & moma jo drove up from North Carolina to help us celebrate.

It's hard to believe that last year, on this Sunday, I was preparing to enter the hospital to be induced for her birth!

What an amazing year this has been. God truly healed my heart with her arrival.

Karsen's Party

2011-08-17T08:30:00.000-07:00

The cupcake toppers turned out so cute that I had to list them in my Etsy store!

My Sidekick is Sick

2011-08-16T07:31:00.001-07:00

My sidekick is sick.

Really sick.

She may have gall stones trapped in her bile duct. She has been in pain for the last month or so.
She was supposed to travel to WVA this week to help me with Karsen's 1st birthday party.

But the pain was pretty bad and I didn't want her to drive so far without knowing what was causing the pain. So I urged her to see a specialist instead of making the trip here.

She goes for a CT scan tomorrow.

I am so worried about her and I hate being so far away.

She is my sidekick. She "gets" me. We always have so much fun together. We laugh until we could pee ourselves at the craziest things. I miss her so much.

We always try our hardest to NEVER let one another down. I feel like I let her down by telling her not to come.

I am worried sick about her. Please say a prayer that everything is OK and the Dr's can diagnose and fix whatever is causing my sidekick to hurt.

I love you, Raini and I miss you to infinity.

Summer Fun 2011

2011-08-13T08:18:00.000-07:00

This summer has been a little stressful.

We knew in early June that we would be moving to West Virginia. Which meant we needed to find a new home ASAP. Luckily, we had never considered buying anything in Richmond so at least that part would be easy. It took over 9 months for our home in NC to sell.

It also meant that in between all the packing we would need to sprinkle in some fun for the kids.

We did the best we could at doing that.

We enjoyed an extended trip to North Carolina, a trip to Virginia Beach & Busch Gardens, trips to Belle Isle, the Civil War Museum and the Holocaust Museum in Richmond, and the boys took in a Reds game in Cincinnati.

One of the downers of being in WV is that school will begin next week. In Richmond, school doesn't start until after Labor Day. So, the kids are bummed about having a shortened summer by 3 weeks but we are all ready to begin this new adventure in our new home state!

Painting

2011-08-11T08:01:00.000-07:00

gnome I painted in 1997

I'm going to start painting again.

My dear friend Corby has inspired me to pick up my brush.

I sadly quit painting after my kids were born. I miss it.

Corby even gave me some paint. No excuses now!

Corby is an incredibly blessed painter. He works in watercolors like no one I've ever seen before.

I have two of his paintings in my home and I love looking at all the details he paints.

Thanks Corby for the inspiration!

Internet Finally!

2011-08-10T09:32:00.000-07:00

We finally have internet again!

yay!

The move went well. The movers lost my drawer of Pampered Chef utensils and broke some stuff but hopefully they will reimburse me.

How do you lose an entire drawer of utensils? That was frustrating....not being able to cook. My mother in law gave me a couple of spatulas but you realize how much you do use all those gadgets when they are all gone!

Just a quick update, I have so much more to post later.

PS The picture is what I am using for karsen's bday!

Today is hard

2011-08-05T11:37:00.001-07:00

Today is the 2nd anniversiary of Papa's death.

Its hard.

I'm far away from my family. Far from his grave.

And I am missing him so much. So much it hurts. Looking thru old pics and cards he had sent. What would I give to hug his neck and tell him what he means to me.

He was my hero. He could do no wrong in my life. He was the only person i could always count on. He would not ever let me down. To lose that security is hard. He was my safety net.

I will shed tears today. I will also be thankful such a man existed in my life. How blessed was I to be his #1!

Moving in has taken a bit longer and I wont have internet till next week.

I miss my mom and sister.

Today has been hard.

I Wasn't Ready, but He Was

2011-07-30T05:29:00.000-07:00

It was the phone call I had been preparing myself for. The call that would inform me that Papa Bud was nearing the end.

As much as I had tried to prepare, nothing can truly prepare you for the the end of a life so loved.

The phone call came on Friday, July 30th 2009.

My mom had just taken Papa to the dr. They informed her that his care would require hospice. The end was near.

Heart disease is cruel. It slowly robs the body of a full life. Papa had suffered for a long time. He was ready.

That night he told me he was going home soon.

Indeed he was. Just 5 days later he would be home. He would be restored. We would be left behind to miss him but he would perfect.

I miss him. I especially miss him on days like today. Hot, sunny days were his favorite.

"I wasn't ready to say goodbye. To let you go, to watch you die. I miss you more than anything, your laugh, your smile even your teasing. Your bright blue eyes had so much warmth. You were the best grandpa I ever could have wanted. Now you are gone and its been too long, since I heard you sing to mama jo your favorite song. "I'll always love you"

-you sang to her, You are my sunshine were the words.

Papa, I miss you so. I never wanted to let you go. Until we meet again one day, I will think of you with love today"

Little One at 11 months and the move!

2011-07-24T10:28:00.000-07:00

Karsen, as of yesterday, is 11 months old!

*loves to stand ---but no steps yet!
*still mama crazy!
*still waves her hands when nervous
*was taught by Raini to blow kisses
*was taught by the boys to "high 5"
*loves to dance
*visited the beach for the first time and loved it!

We spent the morning of her 11 month birthday swimming at a hotel pool in Midlothian, Virginia.

We had to stay at a hotel because we moved this week. It took the movers until 8pm Friday night to finish up. It was too late to drive to North Carolina so we stayed at a hotel and had a girls weekend. (I had sent the boys back to NC with Raini).

Moving was HARSH.

The heat index was 112. Our house wasn't much cooler with the doors being left open to accommodate the movers.

But we survived and spent a fun Friday evening ordering room service and Saturday morning swimming before leaving Richmond.

I have mixed feelings about leaving Richmond. The schools were excellent. And our neighborhood was great. We will certainly miss our house there.

But we are excited to be near our WV family and are looking forward to our new adventures!

Farewell Richmond! Thank you for the memories!

Moving Mishaps

2011-07-18T06:41:00.000-07:00

My daughter Ashton loves watching Billy the Exterminator.

One episode in particular always stood out to me. He was trying to trap a family of squirrels in an attic when he almost falls through the drywall of the ceiling below.

Well, I reenacted that episode Friday. Except I fell through.

I was moving boxes out of the attic to our downstairs when I stepped onto a piece of plywood. I took another step and thought I was still on plywood but SURPRISE I wasn't and my right leg went straight thru the insulation and ceiling below me.

The fall was really scary. I thought I had broken my leg. My toes immediately went numb and I had a huge egg lump on my shin.

My heart was racing and for someone who went thru heart issues just a year ago, it is so scary to have your heart race like that. My nerves were already shot thanks to a not so great visit with my mom the day before so this was really the last thing I needed to happen.

I made it down the attic stairs and onto my bed. Luckily for me, John had flown home that morning and my son Jonathan was there too. Jonathan grabbed some ice, elevated my leg and wrapped it. We all thought it was broken but I refused to go to the ER. We gave it a few hours and I was finally able to put a little weight on it. It is still very sore and bruised but thank God, not broken.

I will never go up in that attic again! Moving is not fun!

This has been the worst week. I will be so glad to finally be in West Virginia surrounded by supportive family! We can't get there soon enough!

Home to Rest

2011-07-09T17:32:00.000-07:00

Matt McAlexander and Joshua Rowley arrived home last night in Kernersville.

This wasn't supposed to be how they came home from vacation.

It breaks my heart. But thank God for our little community of Kernersville.

The hot dog supper held in their honor last night was such a huge success, despite the rainy weather.

We will continue to lift the family up with prayers and contributions.

They arrived home treated like the beloved heroes they are. But this isn't how it should have been.

Moving Stinks

2011-07-09T08:47:00.000-07:00

Although John's company is graciously moving us, my OCD cannot have strangers packing my antiques! I have forgotten how much moving stinks. It's like child birthing.....you go through it and your mind somehow blocks out how much it hurts so that you can do it again if needed.

My nails are already broken and bleeding and I have only packed away my office.

I am nervous and excited. It will be nice to be near family again. I'm nervous because the home we are renting is more expensive than we wanted to pay...but it was literally the only house available in that town!

My mom is on her way to help out this week and my sister will be down the next week.

If all goes according to plan, we should be officially moved by August 1st.

This time around is going to be harder.....Karsen is making it very difficult to pack!

Please keep us in your prayers as we journey on this new road set before us.

Also, please keep the Rowley & McAlexander families in your prayers.

They flew home to North Carolina on Friday and the services for their boys will be Monday at First Christian Church in Kernersville.

Their bravery and absolute faith in Christ is astounding and what a legacy they are creating.

Please consider donating to the Josh & Matt benefit page. All money goes to the family and every little bit goes a long way! You can use paypal, too.

A Very Sad 4th of July

2011-07-07T05:36:00.001-07:00

I awoke Monday morning with a very sad text on my phone.

It was from my church. The text read that two of our church members needed prayer badly.
12 year old Joshua Rowley had perished from a boating accident and his older half brother, Matthew McAlexander was in critical condition.

It took a few hours before I was able to learn what had happened. A drunken boater had run over Josh & Matt while they were tubing on the Sherman Lake Reservoir in Nebraska.
Joshua was killed instantly. Matt was in very critical condition.

The family was in Nebraska to visit relatives for two weeks. Matt had even brought along his high school sweetheart of two and a half years. This was supposed to be a fun fourth of July weekend. And because of a careless, repeat drunk driver offender named Brian Packer, it turned into the most heartbreaking weekend of their lives.

The Rowley family has seen tragedy before. In November 2004, an angry ex neighbor opened fire on the families he had been feuding with over property lines. Denny Booth had already killed two neighbors when he confronted reserve sheriff deputy James E. Johnson, Matt and Josh's grandfather. Johnson's son in law, Jeremy Rowley (Matt & Josh's father) heard the gunshots and raced outside to confront the shooter. Jeremy shot and wounded the shooter and was shot himself but James Johnson died. Our town was in shock. This kind of stuff just doesn't happen in Kernersville.

Our church encircled the Rowley family. This was such a tragedy for our little town. Mr. Johnson was my son's school crossing guard so I had a white cross placed at the school in his memory. I was a secretary at First Christian Church at the time and was working the day of Mr. Johnson's service. Flowers filled every corner of our church. We all stood silent when the casket was brought in. I will never forget the image of his grandsons standing by his coffin.

Later that year Joshua became a student of my 1st grade classes held at our church on Wednesday night. He was a happy little guy. Always smiling and not shy at all. I was so impressed by this family and their faith. That Christmas Jeremy Rowley, still healing from his gun shot wounds, was the Grand Marshall at our Christmas parade. His sons rode in the convertible with him. They were happy, smiling, waving it was what our little town needed to see.

And as time does, the family's wounds were healing until this weekend.

Matt held on for almost 72 hours before succumbing to his injuries. He was an organ donor. And as his mom so eloquently put, "We prayed for a miracle to come for Matt, instead he is able to provide a miracle for other families."
Over 60 people will benefit from Matt's donation of life.

And once again, our little town is left to grieve with the Rowley family. But this time, its going to be much harder to heal.

What this drunk boater stole from this family is devastating. Matt was on his way to being a fireman. Joshua had his entire life ahead of him. Instead of taking full responsibility, Mr. Brian Packer, according to police "lawyered up". Mr. Packer's family should urge him to do the right thing and help investigators determine what lead to this horrific accident.

If you would like to help this precious family as they begin to rebuild shattered lives, please consider contributing to the Josh & Matt benefit.

A Hot Dog Supper has been planned if you live in the Kernersville area.

Bracelets are also being sold to help raise money for the family.

Prayers are also deeply appreciated. A Caring Bridge page has been set up, too.

July 4th, the night before Matt passed away, this was the sky in and around our hometown of Kernersville, a double rainbow.

(photo credit Shira Friend)

This is a poem Matt's girlfriend shared on her Facebook page. She seems so much more mature than the average teenager. Her grace is inspiring. And this poem is truly uplifting:

When I come to the end of the road

And the sun has set for me

I want no gloom-filled room

Why cry for a soul set free?

Miss me a little-but not too long

And not with your head bowed low

Remember the love that we once shared

Miss me-but let me go

For this is a journey that we all must take

And each must go alone.

It's all part of the Master's plan

A step on the road to home

When you are lonely and sick of heart

Go to the friends we know

And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds

Miss me but let me go

Our town and this family has been shaken, but our faith remains as strong as ever. We believe in God and we believe in reuniting with our loved ones in Heaven.

As the line in one of my favorite Chris Rice's song goes:

And with your final heartbeat
Kiss the world goodbye,
Go in peace and laugh on Glory's side...and
Fly to Jesus,
Fly to Jesus,
Fly to Jesus and live!

My Sister, my soul!

2011-07-01T15:52:00.000-07:00

Raini & me at a wedding in 1984

My little sister is my rock. In her I find my strength. When I am lucky enough to be "home" in North Carolina, I try to spend as much time with her as I can.

We LOVE, and I mean LOVE shopping at antique stores and thrift shops. We have also recently begun yard sale shopping. We bring baby Karsen along. She is our mascot. At least until her eligibilty runs out when she begins talking and walking.

Raini is a Geriatric nurse and loves her elderly patients. She treats them so good. I am proud of her for so many things, but her kindness to these very ill, very old patients makes me the proudest.

Why must we have to be so far apart in distance? I need her and she needs me.

I hope, I pray that my daughters are this close one day.

I hope and pray I live near my sister one day.

In thee my soul shall own combined the sister and the friend. ~Catherine Killigrew

Little One @ 10 Months

2011-06-23T11:48:00.000-07:00

10 months ago today, I gave birth to a beautiful baby girl.

Karsen Rylee is a joy. A real Momma's girl.

She likes to:

*Still says Dada
*Can sort of say "hey there"
*Clap and even dance when she hears music

*Play in Nanny's pool (but hates getting a swimsuit on)
*Crawl
*Pull herself up onto just about any surface
*Wave bye bye
*Has nervous hands when she is uncomfortable
*Won't let many people hold her (mainly Mom, Dad and Big Brother Jonathan)

*Loves to feed herself

*She loves to climb and explore. She has lots of bumps and bruises due to this!

*Loves to ride in the stroller
*Still only has 4 teeth
*Loves to shop!

Planning a Party

2011-06-22T06:33:00.001-07:00

I am thinking of having Karsen's 1st birthday party with a GNOME theme!

I love Gnomes!

Ever since my mom gave me the Gnome book by Will Huygen when I was about 8, I have always collected and loved these little guys!

Here are some ideas I have ran across the web this morning that I would like to incorporate into Karsen's party:

Gnome Soap

Gnome Cookies

Gnome Onesies

Gnome Invites

This should be a lot of fun!

Happy Father's Day

2011-06-19T06:34:00.001-07:00

Happy Father's Day to all the Dad's out there!

It is our first Father's Day without PaPa Hanson and we miss him so much. He was such a wonderful father to his 5 children. He truly was what a DAD is supposed to be and my life was forever enriched by knowing him.

I also visited Papa Bud's grave yesterday. It was decorated in Red, White and Blue. He would have liked that. I miss him so much and Father's Day is always harder knowing he isn't here to celebrate with.

My Dad, thank God, is still alive and well. He has had a rough 2011. A fire destroyed his home last year and things just don't seem to be getting any easier for him. I love him very much and would ask that you keep him in your prayers. I hope that my dad will turn to his heavenly Father and call out to Him during these rough times. My dad is a great guy with a love for his family like no other and his relationship with God has always been a private matter between him & God so I just keep praying that God will hear my dad's cries.

In Him are hearts rejoice, for we trust in His holy name. Psalm 33:21

On the Move

2011-06-15T10:42:00.000-07:00

Well, our dry spell is over.

John was offered not one, but two jobs!

One was in North Carolina, the other--Charleston, WV.

After much prayer, we decided to take the Charleston, WV job offer.

John will begin work in July. In the meantime, me and the kids are headed to NC for some much needed family time. Come July, we will begin looking for a new home in WV and hopefully be ready to move by August.

Believe it or not, I will miss Richmond. The schools here are fantastic. Living so close to the fabric of American History has also been wonderful.

Please keep us in your prayers as we transition this new phase of life.

God is so GOOD!

Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you. Deuteronomy 31:6 NLT

Mark 11:24

2011-06-07T13:27:00.001-07:00

John was laid off in April and despite positive feedback from reputable companies like CAT, Liebherr, and other large heavy equipment companies in our area....we haven't been able to land a job.

The job market in the heavy equipment industry is super stressed right now and a lot of companies are down sizing. We have survived this now three other times before. Each time it has set our family back financially substantially. It is a hard climb back when you lose a job, and even after you land a new job, you have your pay slashed by thousands.

The last 2 weeks, John has had the opportunity to interview with 2 great companies. One is in Charleston, West Virginia where my mother in law lives. The other is in Greensboro, NC 15 miles from my hometown. Both interviews went well. Both companies are promising us that we will know something soon.

PLEASE pray one of these works out. Being without health insurance is so scary. Being without a full paycheck is scarier.

As Jesus says in Mark 11:24, "I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you've received it, it will be yours." I am banking on that promise. Please keep my family in your prayers!

It sure won't be easy to move again, especially for my oldest son Jonathan, who will be a senior this year. But you have to go where the money is. And hopefully the money leads us HOME!

Little One @ 9 months

2011-06-06T08:24:00.000-07:00

My little one is 9 months old! So hard to believe.

Last year at this time I was 7 months along and wondering what kind of little girl she was going to be.

Here are some of her tricks:

*patty-cake
*saying (and screaming and singing) DA DA!
*waving bye bye
*tries so hard to pull herself up and stand
*loves a warm bubble bath
*loves to snuggle
*MaMa crazy----loves her mama soooo much she doesn't let a lot of other people hold her
*4 teeth!
*picks up food with her fingers
*likes to rub our dog Runt
* 3 ear infections under her belt
*loves to take a paper towel and shred it
*laughs
*Nicknames to date: Precious Princess, Little One, & Karsey

She is a blessing. All of my babies are. But she came at just the right time when my heart couldn't have been more sad and in need of a baby's love.

She makes our family better by being in it.

Thank you God for this baby and bringing her to us at the time when we all needed a gentle reminder that life goes on.

Yard Sale!

2011-06-04T15:57:00.000-07:00

I hate the heat of summer unless I am poolside or at the beach but ONE thing I do appreciate about summers are YARD SALES!

I love to find a bargain. And yard sales are about the cheapest way to find a treasure anymore. Goodwill has become expensive. And most of the "finds" at Goodwills are promptly put online. If I wanted to shop like that, I would stick to Ebay! So yard sales have become the only place to score a real vintage treasure without paying out the nose.

Today I went to 3 yard sales and 1 estate sale.

Among my finds, a vintage floral frog, 8 vintage cake decorating books by Wilton, Gnomes, Lefton Christmas Tree (with the original box), vintage cookie cutters, and some vintage chalk ware birds. I spent less than $20.

I came home feeling very happy with my vintage finds!

A Year and Some Tears later

2011-06-02T10:15:00.000-07:00

Last Memorial Day weekend was awful. John took the kids to West Virginia to visit over the holiday weekend while me & Jonathan (my oldest) stayed home in Virginia.

I was about 7 months along in my pregnancy and was beginning to feel the full effects of my anemia.

We didn't know as John left early that morning, that life was about to take a drastic and awful change.

Pawpaw had been battling lung cancer but had been keeping his spirits up. But at one of his last doctor appointments, he had been told that further treatment of his cancer would not be successful. A few days after this appointment, the day John left to go to Wva. Pawpaw's health took a horrible turn for the worse and he was rushed to the hospital. Over the next four weeks, Pawpaw slowly started his journey to heaven. It was devastating.

Fast forward to this year. We all made the trip home to Wva. Our nephew Ryan was celebrating his upcoming high school graduation with a luncheon.

The entire family was in town. We had a horseshoe tournament, we ate BBQ, we had a whiffle ball game, and we all visited PawPaw's grave and helped lay the cement for his Air Force plaque.

The weekend was full of smiles and laughter. A few tears were shed, but mostly laughter.

It was one of the best weekends we could remember. Pawpaw would have loved this. What a difference a year makes.

A Poem for PawPaw Hanson

2011-06-02T10:08:00.001-07:00

Where he is, is not here. And life has forever changed.

His chair still sits in his room, but empty and it's not the same.

We miss his laughter, and we miss his smile. The warmness that it gave.

A great man has left us for awhile, that we hope to see again someday.

Tate's Awful Anniversary

2011-05-22T13:17:00.000-07:00

Tate at age 2.5

Today isn't only my mom's birthday....it's also the 8th anniversary of my 10 year old son Tate's first seizure.

My mom was watching Tate on May 22, 2003 while I was at work.

She walked into her living room and found Tate on the floor unconscious, already turning blue. He was not breathing.

Since he had never had a seizure before, my mom thought he had choked. I was at work 10 minutes away when I got the phone call that 911 had been called and my mom was trying to resuscitate him. I thought he was dead. It was the darkest moment of my life being driven to my mom's house not knowing what I would find.

By the time I got to my mom house, he was breathing again. We went to the ER that day and Tate was later released that same evening. What a nightmare!

Over the next 4 years tate had over 10 seizures and was on a large amount of anti seizure meds which made him very disoriented. It was very hard for him to keep up with his peers in school. It was frightening wondering when the next seizure was going to strike. It was scary not knowing when or where the next seizure would take place. It was also scary knowing the medication he was on was possibly handicapping his learning ability.

But God is so good and has healed him. Tate hasn't had a seizure since October of 2007. He has been completely off his seizures meds since April of 2010. Now that he is off his seizure meds he has caught back up to his peers in school and reads at grade level....a feat we never knew if he would ever accomplish.

This date is always a reminder to me of how precious life is and I thank God for Tate everyday!

Tate this year

Happy Birthday, Momma!

2011-05-19T08:17:00.001-07:00

You are precious to Me and honored, and I love you.
Isaiah 43:4 TLB

Have I told you lately, how much you mean to me?

You were my first best friend.

My first memories I have are of me and you sitting in the swing on the front porch of our house in Walkertown listening to the rain. I think that is where my love of thunderstorms came from!

And driving in the car singing, even though I would cover your mouth because I didn't like the way you sung!

I remember you teaching me to ride my very first bike at Mama Jo's house when I was 5.

In my teens I remember going to the mall and you buying me my first outfit from The Limited. I felt so special and loved by you. After shopping, we would always eat at Annabelle's restaurant. I felt so grown up!

You put up with a lot of angst from me over the years and no matter how much we argued, I always knew you loved me.

When Clyde died in 2002, I thought I had lost you as well. He was your baby brother and the guilt you carried from his death changed you. You were so sad but you showed it in other ways.
It wasn't until Papa Bud died that you finally allowed all that grief to show. It was good that you cried it out for so long. Your body and your soul needed that cleansing. And we finally got our 'old' mom back. I had missed you so very much.

You are a even better grandmother and my children love you so very much. Living so far from you is the hardest thing we have ever had to do. We miss you so much. It has forced me to realize how much I took you for granted. I promise I will never do that again.

I wish I could be with you on your birthday, you know I would be there if I could. But know that you are loved--- as much as love can ever be felt--- and that I thank God for such an incredible, loving Mother whom I am so blessed to call my best friend.

I love you forever!

Love,
Trinity

Vintage Baby Planters

2011-05-19T07:53:00.000-07:00

Another love I have is collecting vintage baby planters.

My favorite ones are pink and blue baby booties and the lambs.

One day I dream of having a shabby chic, all white office with built- in shelving just for my baby planters.

Napco ones are the cutest but I also am found of the ones simply marked 'Made in Japan'.

My sister, Raini finds me a lot of them.....or at least she did until she started collecting them too! =)

At my baby shower last summer, Raini used her planters to hold napkins and silverware. It was precious!

This Old Hat

2011-05-16T14:43:00.000-07:00

It belonged to Papa Bud.

And a few weeks ago, during our Easter visit to North Carolina, I asked Moma Jo to give me something of Papa's.

She went to her keepsake drawer and pulled out this hat.

He loved this hat, (actually, he loved this style of hat and had several tam o'shanters long before Payne Stewart made them so popular!)

He wore it when occasions called for a casual dress. I remember him wearing it to the hospital when he came to visit all the babies when they were born. He wore it when he went shopping at the mall or to doctor appointments.

He wore it a lot. Its quite worn. And it has his smell.

I buried my face into it and took a deep breath and it was Papa. I can't describe his smell, only it is a little like Mennen cologne and his shampoo. But it was HIM.

It instantly brought tears to my eyes. Lord, how I miss that man.

I miss him wearing this hat and his Members Only coat. You knew he was heading someplace special when he pulled that outfit out!

I placed the hat into a ziplock bag. I want to capture his smell for as long as I possibly can.

Shiny Brites

2011-05-13T13:10:00.000-07:00

My love for vintage items began innocently enough.

One of my very first collectibles was a white bone china Christmas Mouse that my dad gave me when I was very little.

For as long as I could remember, I always have loved vintage Christmas items.

One of my favorites Christmas items to collect is vintage ornaments. Shiny Brites are my favorite.

During my Easter trip to NC, I was lucky enough to score a set of 10 for $5.00.

I can't wait to put these on my tinsel tree this winter.

Sick House

2011-05-11T09:35:00.001-07:00

A very determined stomach bug is making its rounds thru our house this week. Its a typical 24 hour stomach bug that just makes you puke till you can't puke no more.

It started last week with Ashton. She threw up at school--in the school library (poor kid, that will haunt her forever) and then my oldest son, Jonathan came down with it Tuesday.

Early this morning (because it has to be before 4am, right?) Tate woke up puking.

Poor John, he got to clean that one up as I was with the baby (thank you, Karsen).

I'm hoping it ends with Tate as puking is just so hard to deal with! Yuck!

Some Things I Like to Collect

2011-05-10T14:16:00.000-07:00

Carnival Dolls.

These were little dolls given out as prizes at carnivals and parties.

You could also buy them for nickels and dimes at local drug stores. Most of them are plastic and have moveable legs and arms.

My favorite ones are the jointed bisque dolls that resemble Nancy Ann's.

Most are marked "Japan" or "Made in Japan".

They are usually about 4" tall or smaller. And they make me smile.

For My Mommies (Mama Jo & Mom)

2011-05-07T07:00:00.000-07:00

Me & my beautiful mom (1975)

My mom, me, Dad and my brother Chris (1977)

My beautiful Moma Jo 2 weeks ago. Papa Bud would be so proud!

Me & Moma Jo (1976)

I am extra blessed for when I was growing up, I had two mommies.

My mom, Sandy and my grandmother, Mama Jo.

Thru the terrible twos and some rough teenage years, these two mommies never left my side.

Two strong, beautiful women God gave me to help compass the map of my life. With these two mommies, how could I ever fail?

It's so sad that it took moving so far away to truly appreciate the love I have for them.

If you live close to your mom or grandmother, don't take it for granted as I did.

Dear Mom & Moma Jo,
I love you. Happy Mother's Day!
How I wish I was with you today to celebrate the love I have for you both.
I miss you and let's pray that soon we will be a reunited family again!
I love you,
Trinity

Being Your Mommy

2011-05-07T06:39:00.000-07:00

It isn't an easy job.

But it's one I love and would never trade for anything in the world.

Kissing away boo-boos, sleepless nights when you were sick. It's all worth it to me.

Taking you places you have never seen before and watching your eyes light up at each new discovery is something I will never tire from.

Watching you achieve your goals and plan for your dreams ----it's better than whatever dreams I ever had planned for myself.

You are a part of me and I am a part of you. Always.

I am not perfect and there are many moments I can look back on and wish I had handled better.

But there are many more memories of moments of us being just perfect. And the love I have for you is far greater than any imperfection I hold.

I watch over you when you sleep and I probably always will.

I love you. Jonathan, Justin, Tate, Ashton and little Karsen.

Thank YOU for making me a mommy.

Forever.
I'll love you forever,
I'll like you for always,
As long as I'm living
my baby you'll be. (by Robert Munsch )

Taking "No" for an answer...

2011-05-06T11:21:00.000-07:00

As I child, I often remember being told "NO".

NO, you can't have that candy.
NO, you can't have that toy.
NO, you can't treat your little sister like that.
NO, you cannot take the car.
NO, you have to go to school.

I could go on and on. I heard many NO's as a child and even more as a teenager.

As a parent, now I am the one dishing out the NO's. And 5 kids means A LOT of them!

And, I officially became my mother when I dealt out the "You have to learn to take NO for an answer" bit to Ashton recently.

But sometimes NO is NO. And sometimes NO is a blessing.

For example, if you were to indulge your child into every sweet, and sugary treat they asked for...what would happen? Terrible stomach ache. So saying NO was for their benefit.

Well, sometimes God says NO for our benefit too.

My husband John lost his job 3 weeks ago. This is the 3rd lay off in 5 years. He makes a very handsome salary but when you divvy it up between 6 children, not much is left over. It takes a lot of money to run this family we have made.

We have been praying so hard for a job that would take us back home to NC or WVa. Now, weeks later, we are just praying for any job.

But so far, God has been silent.

Interviews have gone well and he has had good feedback. But there is not much work available for what he does in his industry (Product Support Manager for Heavy Equipment).

His salary has already been reduced by thousands since his first lay off in 2006. It's a scary roller coaster. Because of the turmoil of lack of income, and then income slashed by thousands...we were forced to sell our home and take the job in Virginia. Not having insurance for 5 kids is another headache. It is a hard life right now.

I had to move away from my entire family. And now, being stuck here and no job is just beyond depressing. I read this daily devotion dated May 3rd from a Max Lucado book (I love him) and it has given me renewed hope:

Can you imagine the chaos if God honored each request?

"For God has not destined us to the terrors of judgment, but to the full attainment of salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Thess 5:9)

Note God's destiny for your life. Salvation. His itinerary includes stops that encourage your journey. He frowns on stops that deter you. When His sovereign plan and your earthly one collide, a decision must be made. Who's in charge of this journey?

If God must choose between your earthly satisfaction and your heavenly salvation, which do you hope he chooses?

Please say a prayer for our family that God will show us where HE wants us.

Cool, Rainy Days

2011-05-04T06:48:00.000-07:00

Are almost as enjoyable as cold, snowy ones!

Perfect Timing

2011-04-27T06:40:00.000-07:00

Danielle's wedding was to begin at 5:30.

But we were running a little late.

The ceremony started a little before 6pm.

And on cue, at 6pm, the church bells from across the street began chiming as the rain stopped.

And this is the song that chimed as my beautiful cousin Danielle went from being a bride to becoming a wife.

When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of Glory died
My richest gain I count but loss
And pour contempt on all my pride

See from his head, his hands, his feet
Sorrow and love flow mingled down
Did ever such love and sorrow meet
Or thorns compose so rich a crown

O the wonderful cross, O the wonderful cross
Bids me come and die and find that I may truly live
O the wonderful cross, O the wonderful cross
All who gather here by grace draw near and bless
Your name

Were the whole realm of nature mine
That were an offering far too small
Love so amazing, so divine
Demands my soul, my life, my all

Super Flea

2011-04-26T10:49:00.000-07:00

Raini & I visited the Greensboro Super Flea while I was in North Carolina.

Here are a few of the goodies I scored:

Little One @ 8 months

2011-04-25T08:49:00.001-07:00

8 months have flown by.

2 bottom teeth.

2 ear infections.

Began to crawl some this week at Nannie's house.

Loved more than ever thought possible!

Easter 2011

2011-04-25T07:46:00.001-07:00

We spent this Easter in North Carolina.

My cousin Danielle was getting married on Good Friday so we spent the entire spring break in North Carolina. The nine days flew by!

Danielle was a stunning bride. I pinned a piece of one of Papa Bud's hankies to the inside of her dress. It was so bittersweet not having him there for such a big family event. It rained most of the day but by the time the ceremony began, the rain stopped just long enough for the ceremony.

Danielle was married at the Harmon House. It was beautiful. I had so much fun looking around the home and all of the vintage qualities of the house. The bead board walls, the original black and white subway tiles in the master bath, the hardwood floors, the crown molding, the stained glass windows, I could go on and on about the beauty and charm of this home!

Raini and I had a wonderful time as always. I love my baby sister so much!

Bunnies!

2011-04-21T17:30:00.001-07:00

Today Raini & I made chocolate bunnies!

We had so much fun! It was so easy to do.

Anything I can do with Raini is fun.

He would be so proud of me

2011-04-14T06:09:00.001-07:00

In the days following Papa's death, I was in a very bad place.

I would wake up crying, literally. The heaviness in my chest was painful. My heart was truly broken. It was a physical pain as much as it was an emotional loss.

The sadness was nothing like I had ever experienced before.

It was very hard to just live. I wondered if I would ever recover, would ever be normal again.

God knew what I needed and so He moved us 200 miles away almost immediately after Papa died. Moving forced me to get out of bed and stay busy. Coming to a new town forced me to rely on myself because we didn't have family close by to help.

Although it was so hard to leave, God knew I needed something to move me away from the pain. It still hurt being in Richmond away from my family, but in a way I was removed from having to see Papa's grave, going to his house and him not being there. Things God knew I needed to be away from at that time.

When I re-read some of my posts that I wrote immediately after he died, I realize how far I have come and he would be so proud of me.

I miss him so much and the pain still lies pretty close to the surface but I smile a lot more when I think about him. And that is a huge improvement from where I was when this sad walk without him began.