Life is tuff sometimes

2010 has not been a good year so far. Losing close ones in horrible car accidents, kids losing their minds, economy hitting us, etc... Tomorrow I attend the funeral of a sweet 22 year old that lost her life while driving at 2:24am, possibly falling asleep behind the wheel. My heart breaks for her family and friends. It is heartwrenching to see the loss of a life so young, full of life and with a long road in front of her ready to be tackled. Doesn't seem quite fair. I'm so happy I just saw her and gave her a big hug. She was not perfect, none of us are, but she was very confortable in her own skin and very honest about who she was. I admire her for that. Sweet Ashley, I will miss you and your bright eyes and shining smile. You touched my heart and I'll never, ever forget you!

Happy 40th from Jamaica

Nicole and I went to Jamaica to celebrate turning 40 and being friends for 3 decades! Our dream was to swim with the dolphins so we thought it was time to make that dream come true! Thanks for going with me and for such a great time, Nicole! LOVE YOU - MEAN IT!

Washington DC

Okay...it will take me a while to type this but here goes! My sis-in-law Diane and I went to D.C. for the inauguration because my daughter Melody was invited as part of the collegiate honor society. We didn't see Mel the whole time b/c she was with her group so we had our own fun! To let you know we didn't even know who would be running for Pres when we booked everything so to be there when history was being made was indescribable. The energy in the air was electric, to say the least. Everyone was so friendly and hopeful and excited. I will admit I got emotional a few times. It was freezing the whole time, especially for a southern girl...even with two pair of thermals on, hat, ear muffs, 2 pair of socks, gloves, toe and hand warmers, oh, and a big ole coat! STILL froze! So, we walked around everywhere and took it all in but actually watched the inauguration from the warmth of our hotel room while enjoying room service! Yes, you may call me high maintainance! The night before we attended a party at the home of the national director for adoption and foster care. She is the sister of a dear friend. It was a great time. The night of the inauguration Diane and I went to the Southern States Ball which was one of the official balls. Everyone was absolutely gorgeous there. VP Biden and wife Jill showed up first, talked to everyone and had a dance. Then Pres Obama and Michelle came by and did the same. It was very cool seeing them. I took tons of pictures and hope to post them on here later today. Anyway, the story you have all been waiting for...We were leaving the ball at about 1:30am, trying to catch the last Metro rail to our hotel. It was held at the National Guard Armory so right outside were these speedbump looking contraptions. The back bottom of my dress caught on the corner of it, which I did not know. After a few steps my dress pulled tight and i fell forward, didn't trip, went horizontal, and landed flat on my front. I couldn't move my arm b/c of my dress pulling so tight so I fell on it. Many came to my rescue but my embarrassment said I was fine. Well, until about 15 seconds later and the pain hit. I knew my arm was broken! They wheeled me back to 1st aid, put a splint on while I was sobbing and took me to the hospital by ambulance. They gave me morphine to examine it and more to xray it...screamed and sobbed the whole time! I broke the radial head, which is where it goes into my elbow and did who knows what to my wrist. Tomorrow I find out if I have to have surgery on it. We had no idea where we were so the amazing nurse Peg took us back to our hotel. We left the hospital about 8am that morning. It was a very long night. We slept a couple hours, got up and packed and were the last ones on our 2pm flight home! I'm getting pretty good with my left hand but am so frustrated most of the time. I don't sleep well at night and need a serious massage and adjustment! But, there you have it. My long but actually short story!

Nicole Newton Eason

This is to my friend Nicole...what is up with your email? I have tried to send you so many great pictures from that mudpit town we were raised in and everything bounces back! You guys didn't skip town and not tell me did you? ;) Of course, I could try calling you! I just never remember until it's either midnight or like right now when you are at work! I miss you!!!!

Thankful

My best friend, Nicole, made a list of what she is thankful for and challenged her blog readers to do the same. Here's my list...

T - Togetherness. Our family is very close and I am so thankful for that.
H - Hot weather. I live in Texas for a reason, thank you very much!
A - Applebee's. I eat there every Monday night with my two boys and enjoy our time together.
N - Noses...my puppies cute black noses that I love to kiss!
K - Kids...all our kids, nieces, nephews and those who touch our lives everyday.
S - Shelter. We are blessed to have a nice, warm home. Our soft place to fall.
G - Giving. I love the giving spirit of the season and watching in grow in my kids.
I - Ivory's...love to hear my kids play on the piano. It's music to my ears!
V - Voice. We all have a voice in this country of freedom.
I - Imagination. With our imaginations we can do, see, be anything!
N - Nature. In all it's beauty...enough said
G - God...

Happy Birthday, Grandpa

Today, November 17th, would have been my Grandpa's 91st birthday. Roy Franklin Johnson, Sr. passed away in March of 1991. I have missed him everyday since. The memories are very fresh in my mind today since I went to see my Grandmother this past weekend. I had the honor of going through tons of pictures and sorting them for her. In that I found several of my Grandpa that made me laugh and cry. He was an amazing man. He had a very giving heart and did so much for so many. He loved me more than life itself and took GREAT care of me. You see, I lived with my grandparents from age 2 to 18. So, he was a very integral part of my life.

Happy Birthday, Grandpa. I love you and miss you so very much.

MIlitary Man

This weekend Kevin went to Camp Bullis in San Antonio for a preview weekend of what it would be like in the military. He got to participate in a sample of boot camp and even got yelled out for not having a freshly shaven face! And...he loved it! He is speaking to his counselor at school today to see about getting out of swim and into ROTC. He is planning to attend boot camp in the summer between his junior and senior years of high school. Since he is 18 he can do that. I am sad to see the end of swim but I am so proud that he has found a direction for his life. This will be so good for him. Thank so much Hugo for making this happen!!!!