Happy New Year!

January 1, 2012!  Just after midnight - may this be the start of a  happy, blessed year.  Dear Lord, give me opportunity to serve You.  AND help me to be ready and willing.

A Different Sort of Christmas!

I have been waiting to write about this because I needed time to focus my thoughts and get a little bit past all the emotions!  I'm still emotional about it all, but do have a little more perspective.

This year I have my mortality to think about more than ever.  Believe me, it is not easy to face.  At first when Dr. McFadden mentioned a transplant to me my mind was blown.  It took all of the Christmas spirit out of me in one big whooosh!  The next day at school was pretty hard for me to get through.  I had missed several days of school so all the teachers (a wonderful group of caring people) were asking if I were feeling better.  It was pretty hard to respond without tearing up.  Talking to Mark Van Meter, my principal, was probably the hardest.  He is a wonderful, caring, man and handled this emotional wreck (ME) in a wonderful way.

When class started I had scheduled to practice carols with 2nd grade.  We sing 2 songs every morning at opening during the Christmas season and have an hour of caroling on the last day before school is out for break.  Therefore, we learn lots of Christmas songs!  2nd Grade proceeded to minister to me with their sweet voices.  Before long I was able to act more like myself.

Since that day all of my students have lifted my spirits in a way I couldn't have foreseen.  There is nothing in this world sweeter than children's voices singing!

I am in a more reflective mood this year.  I haven't gone as far out with the decorating, but have decorated.  I have gotten my Christmas spirit back to some extent.

As for Dr. McFadden, I told him that I pretty much DO NOT LIKE him anymore.  Doesn't he know that patients want to hear good news at their appointments?  I definitely need to straighten him out!
Seriously, I am grateful for him.  He is a great doctor.

I am finding that my mind is dwelling on the sacrifice our Lord and Savior made for  us, all starting at Christmas.  I am clinging to the fact that I am God's child and His plans for me are for my good, whatever they are.

All you really need is love, but a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt. -- Lucy Van Pelt

I'm sure you know how much I love the Peanuts Gang.  I have my favorites (Schroeder & Lucy), but really enjoy all of them.  I was just looking through a devotional that uses thoughts from the Peanuts Cartoon Strip and just had to reflect a little on this quote.

Lucy is my kind of girl.  My sisters used to snidely call me "Lucy" when everyone knew I was much more like Mary Poppins, (practically perfect in every way)!  Calling me Lucy wasn't too much of an insult to me, though, because I loved her so much.

I have spent a blue afternoon reflecting on some things that are making me sad.  When I saw this quote I told myself to snap out of it.  Life does change, sometimes against our will, but who knows what joy is ahead - maybe even chocolate!  :D

I will miss those things that are changing, but the future is always exciting.  

Back To School, Part 2

I've been back at school now for three weeks, four if you count the inservice week.  I've had time now to reflect on whether I did the right thing or not.

I'm not going to say it has been all roses.  It has taken me a while to get used to the routine of a very busy morning with virtually no time to rest.  I am happy to report that I have been adjusting.

The students continue to delight me every day.  I do have my discipline to maintain, but their sweetness far exceeds any minor discipline problem I have had to handle.  I am constantly amused by their comments and am trying to store them in my memory.  Last Wednesday a second grade boy told me after opening that he loves to hear the piano "sing".  He stole my heart.

As far as my health goes, I have fared pretty well.  I have only had two of those days where I am so tired I can hardly function.  I haven't worried about those because I had them when I was staying at home, too.  They are just something I have to deal with, and fortunately they don't come very often.  I am suffering right now with allergies.  Being able to stay home hidden in my house would probably help with this, but that is absolutely no fun.

You may remember a post I did about a year ago about trying every year to fill out my grade book without a mistake.  I recently filled my grade book out, and I wasn't successful this time either.  My perfectionism is just going to have to accept this blow to its ego!  :D

Right now I feel I made a good decision to go back, I am enjoying it a lot, especially listening to children sing.  Last Wednesday we sang "Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah" at opening.  The children did such a great job that I felt like having them sing it again just so I could enjoy hearing it again.  Made me smile all day!

Back To School!

Today the teachers reported for our in-service week.  I was excited to see everyone again.  In-service meetings can be long at times, but I generally enjoy the week of reconnecting and getting everything ready to go.

Mr. Burchfield, our superintendent of schools, gave me my motto for the year.  He probably has no idea how much his comment meant to me. When he was welcoming me back he mentioned my health issues, and that we were going to work things out for me to have a great year.  Then he said "Francy can get  some healing joy from the students."  That hit me right into the core of my being.  I have taken that to heart.  I'm sure you know how much I love to hear children sing.  Healing joy is exactly what I'm expecting.  Those precious children will bring me joy every day.  I will be looking for it and finding it, I'm sure.  Thank you, Mr. Burchfield!

The "Abbott" Hotel

Dennis & I spent the night in OKC at the "Abbott" Hotel  (Hayley and Aaron's house).  I'm not sure how well I can recommend it.  First they turned off all the electricity just as we were going to bed.  They blamed it on the weather, but.......?

Because of the lack of electricity Dennis couldn't use his CPAP machine. Therefore, he snored like a freight train.  AND it was HOT!  Yes, people, I even thought it was hot.  :D

I finally moved to a recliner in another room and slept on the floor for a little while in the early morning!  I think they were trying to insure that we never book another stay there.  However, the HOSTESS is precious and darling.  She is such a drawing card that they are going to have a tough time ever getting rid of us!

60th Birthday - Part Four!

Sunday morning, July 10, we loaded up and headed from Dallas to El Reno.  We were all anxious to meet Emmy's sweet baby, Liv.  She is a doll, almost as adorable as Molly!  Must be that "Smudrick" blood!  :)

This picture is almost all of my parents' great-grandchildren.  We were missing Sydney & Corbin.  Left to right we have Molly, Kline, Turner, & Liv.  It was a little hard to get Liv to look at the camera. We'll be able to get better pictures soon!  We have plans to take a picture of all the great-grands for Mom & Dad to use for their Christmas card.  Hope it works out!

This was a birthday weekend for three of us.  It was my actual birthday.  Emmy's birthday is July 11, and Betty Jean's is July 17.  Hayley went all out making decorations for my 60th birthday!  I have included a picture of them.  I really felt special!

I think you can tell that I had a wonderful, unusual birthday.  It took all the sting out of that "60"part!  :D

6oth Birthday - Part Three!

This is the most exciting part!  After a lovely, fun, HOT, day in Dallas we retreated to our hotel room.  We were staying in the beautiful Hampton Inn at Allen, TX.  I fell asleep at about 11:00 P.M.  Dennis put on his  sleep apnea rig and lay beside me watching TV.  After he turned the TV off  he put the remote control on the bedside table.  As he did that he accidentally pushed a button on the phone.  He didn't think too much about it because he hadn't lifted up the receiver.  A little later the phone rang.  Dennis still thought it was because he had pushed that button so he just lifted the receiver and put it back down.  That seemed to do the trick.

Then the phone rang again.  By now I am wide awake and put out with Dennis for waking me up.  By the time he got the CPAP stuff off and answered the phone, no one was there.  So, we settle in to go to sleep.  It wasn't very long until I was thoroughly awoken!  Someone was banging on our door and yelling that they were the Police.  They were yelling to open the door immediately.  Dennis was trying to get that CPAP stuff off again and put on his jeans.  He yelled back to let him get some clothes on.  I told Dennis not to be snotty, it's the Police!  We couldn't imagine what they could possibly want!

Well, in case you didn't know, there is an Emergency button on hotel phones.  It dials 9-1-1 even if the receiver is still on the hook.  Somehow Dennis managed to hit that button when he was putting the remote control on the bedside table!  The front office called us twice to check on us, but couldn't get us.  So in come the Police.

One very kind officer came in the room with me, and the other took Dennis out in the hall.  Here I was sitting in bed in my nightgown with the covers pulled all the way up!  The first thing he asked me was if I was ok.  Then he asked if Dennis had tried to hurt me in any way.  I told him I was fine and that Dennis had not tried to hurt me.  Then I told him that we were terribly embarrassed!  He proceeded to tell me that I was safe now and could talk to him.  I assured him that Dennis in no way would ever try to hurt me!

Next he asked me what exactly had happened.  I had been asleep during the first part so I told him that Dennis had accidentally pushed a button on the phone and all that had happened from there.  Then he wanted to know why we were in Dallas.  I told him Dennis had brought me there shopping for my birthday.  Next he wanted to know how long we had been married.

After checking our licenses and calling them in (thank goodness we didn't have any outstanding warrants!) he went out in the hall and told the other officer that everything was ok with me.  They came in and showed us what button Dennis had pushed.  I imagine they laughed all the way back to the police department!

Dennis was understandably upset when they left.  I told him he might as well get over it because I thought it was hilarious and that this was the most memorable birthday I have EVER had!  I am still laughing about it!

I did learn that I need to sleep by the phone from now on!!!!

Hayley and Aaron were across the hall from us.  Hayley told us that earlier some people had gotten off the elevator and were really loud. Then the next thing they knew the Police were banging on a door.  She wondered what kind of people were staying on that floor.  She went and looked out the peep hole on their door and saw that the Police were at OUR room.  Of course they worried immediately that something had happened to Nicholas and Brooke.

Poor Dennis, all he was trying to do was give me a great 60th birthday weekend.  He was so embarrassed, but might live it down someday. That is IF I ever quit talking about it!  :D

60th Birthday - Part Two!

Hayley, Aaron, & Molly took Dennis and me to Dallas for my birthday gift.  I had a choice between a party or a trip.  The trip won - hands down.  None of my other friends had done a party so it really wasn't an option for me.  Besides, I love time with my family.  The only thing that could have made it better would have been Nicholas and Brooke being able to come along.  July is a very busy month for Brooke.  She always takes her students to the National FCCLA Convention.

We left bright and early on Saturday, July 9, for Dallas.  It was a little bit close quarters for those of us in the back seat (except Molly).  Her car seat took up a lot of space.  I wasn't too uncomfortable, but I'm afraid that Hayley was.  Nevertheless, she bore it cheerfully, and we made it in good time.

First stop was close to Southern Methodist University.  There is a charming shopping district there.  We ate breakfast at Kuby's and shopped all around.  Two favorite shops were "Unmistakably Molly" and "Baby Bliss".  Of course Hayley and I both begged for one of "Unmistakably Molly's" ink pens.  They were PINK and had Molly's name on them so, of course, I loved them!

I totally love Sprinkles cupcakes.  Sprinkles was close by so I was treated to a Key Lime cupcake for my birthday cake.  LOVED IT!  Molly had fun there, and the cute little table just her size was adorable.
I just had to hit a few shops in this area, too.  Dallas is a shopper's paradise!  :)

I won't bore you with all of the shopping we did, but we hit a lot of our favorite stores that we enjoyed in Phoenix.  Sure wish they were in Oklahoma City.  I do believe there is hope that they will be coming.


Lunch/Supper was at In-N-Out Burger, another of my favorite places. I just love it that their cups, burger boxes, etc.  have Bible verses on them.  They are Rev. 3:20 on the burgers, Prov. 3:5 on the green shake cups, and John 3:16 on the red coke cups.  One time in Phoenix I asked a worker there what the verses said since they just say John 3:16 (for example). He didn't know the answer to that question.  That made me sad.  If I owned that restaurant, I would insist that everyone who worked there could quote them in case someone asked.


We finished the day with a salad supper from "Whole Foods".  Yummy!  More to come in Part Three!


(Rev. 3:20 - "Behold I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me." 


Prov. 3:5 - "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding." 


John 3:16 - "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in Him  should not perish, but have everlasting life.") 

60th Birthday - Part One!

I'm not too crazy about turning 60 years old, but if you have no choice - grin and bear it!  It doesn't hurt if your family spoils you completely that weekend, too!

I was totally delighted by the birthday weekend I had.  It was memorable as you'll discover later on.  First I want to start with Friday night.  I knew that we had a trip to Dallas planned for Saturday and El Reno on Sunday.  As far as I knew Dennis and I were going to run a few errands in OKC Friday and then spend the night with Hayley, Aaron, & Molly so we could get an early start Saturday morning.

Dennis, Hayley, and Aaron were cooking up another plan.  Dennis told me that he wanted to leave at 1:00 on Friday.  When I was getting ready he told me I needed to dress up a little.  That certainly peaked my curiosity.  When we left I wanted to go through Fairview first, but he told me we didn't have time.  We had to be there by 4:15!  Now I was really wondering.  What could possibly start at that hour, too early for dinner, a concert, or anything else I could imagine?

When Dennis told me he was worried about rush hour traffic, I decided it must involve downtown OKC, but still no clue!  I tried not to notice too much what was around us when we parked because I didn't want to spoil the surprise.  Well, Dennis totally pulled it off.  We had reservations for The Melting Pot.  Ever since Hayley and Aaron went there I have wanted to go, but knew it was very pricey!  I never really expected to go there.
  
The Melting Pot is fondue at its finest!  We leisurely enjoyed our 4 course meal.  It took about two hours.  So much fun!  It was a once in a lifetime experience that I think Dennis even enjoyed!  He didn't even have a heart attack over the bill.  Obviously, he had been warned in advance.  As usual I got in trouble with Hayley because I didn't take a camera for a picture!


This is just the first part of a fabulous weekend!  More to come!  Hayley did take her camera so the rest of the trip was photographed!

I Am Sixty!

    Silly and goofy.

    In love with Dennis.

 EXcited to be entering a new decade.

   Thankful for each new day.

   Young at heart.

My Life in Pictures

I have never considered myself photogenic.  Far from it!!!!  However, there are a few pictures of me that I do like.  This is one of them.  I think I am about 6 months old in this picture.

I love the little curl on the top of my head.  When I looked closely at this dress, I realized that mom had quite an ironing job when she laundered it.  Look at all of those ruffles!

I look at this picture and try to see my children in it.  Nicholas has my nose (poor kid), but actually both of our children take more after Dennis.  That's a good thing!  I do think that Molly has inherited my big eyes!

Wow, there's been a lot of water under the bridge since this picture.  Some things I sure wish I could do over, but for the most part, this little girl has had a very happy life.

Heat, Part Two

I have written before about how much I love it when it is HOT outside.  I just love to bask in it.  I spend far too much time being cold.  I totally love sitting on my front porch in my rocking chair and soaking the heat in.  Sometimes I don't stay out there very long, but even spending a short time out there seems to revive me.

Dennis says that I'm expensive in the winter because I need heat, but I save him a lot in the summer.  It doesn't take too much air conditioning to keep me happy.  I know you'll die when I tell you this, but I sit around with my fleece shawl on in our house so that it can be cool enough for Dennis.  Sad, but true.

So forgive me the next time you are fed up with the heat.  It must be all my fault, because God is sending it down for people like me, and I'm thanking Him for it!  

Doctors I Have Known, Part Three

My personal care physician is Dr. James R. Garner.  He has been with me through all eight years of my liver illness.  I saw him for the first time in January of ’03.  I was seriously ill and went to see him.  I remember being so weak that I had to lie down in his examining room and was impressed by how kind he was to me.  My other doctor was sick himself so I took a chance on Dr. Garner.  He is another of my doctors who is young enough to be my son.

I liked him immediately.  I knew him a little because his family attended our church, and I had his precious little daughter in school.  He has stood with me through this whole battle.  Even when Dr. Gurakar released me, Dr. Garner insisted that I have blood tests until my enzyme levels were normal.  I really appreciated that and felt that he had my best interests at heart.

In spite of my liver illness I am blessed with pretty good health so I don’t see him too often, especially since he is in Woodward now.  He still wants me to have copies of my other doctors’ reports sent to him so that he can keep up to date on me, and I do try to see him at least once a year so that we can catch up on my condition.  It is always a treat for me to see him, his wife, and precious daughter.  By the way, his daughter now towers over me in height!

Dr. Garner has an easy smile and a sense of humor.  That is just the kind of doctor I need.  I also feel that he cares about me.  Sometimes I have to scold him because he doesn't have a picture of his daughter for me to see.  Occasionally, though, he surprises me with having her there in person.  It makes my day!  

I feel special when I have an appointment because he and his wife both seem genuinely happy to see me.  They are wonderful people.  I finally got my picture made with him when he attended his niece’s graduation here at Fairview.  I took a camera to my last appointment but he sneaked away before I thought to have a picture made.  This is a terrible picture of me, but really good of him.  I think you can tell by looking at him why I like him so much.  His kindness shows on his face.

If you need a PCP, I highly recommend him.  Obviously, I think the world of him.    

Fathers' Day

Last year I did a tribute to my dad, Dennis, & Aaron.  This year I just want to focus on Dennis.  I have had the privilege of watching him father our two darling children, Hayley and Nicholas.  I know that he would say he did a terrible job of it, but I know the truth.

Anyone who knows Dennis knows that he cares very deeply about things.  His children have been deeply in his heart since the day he heard they were on their way.  Dennis is a quiet man who leads by example.  I am positive both Hayley and Nicholas would agree with me on these next things I am going to list.

1. He is a man of his word.
2. He is a Christian and tries very hard to live a life pleasing to God.
3. He has shown them his tender side.  (It makes me tear up to think of all the things he has stood by and helped me through.)
4. He is a hard worker and good provider.
5. He doesn't show his emotions too often, but he has an emotional side.  If you know him well you can see that heart on his sleeve.  :)
6. No man has ever been prouder of his children.
7. He has shown them love for their mother and an example of a strong marriage and family life.
8. He is humble and patient.
9. He was an example to them of taking care of the elderly.  The way he took care of his mom was very sweet.
10. He loves his family and would do anything in this world to protect them.

I thank God every day for giving me this man to go through life with.  He is truly a blessing.  Oh, yes, I should say that I could have made a much longer list!

Miss Oklahoma Pageant

I don't know why but I have always loved beauty pageants.  When we were little girls we would pick one of the contestants and pretend we were them.  We did that with movies on television, too, but that's another story.  I'm sure you are all shocked to find out that I never competed in one.  :)  That might have taken some of the glow out of it for me.  That's my story, and I'm sticking to it!

These past few years, though, I have been attending the Miss Oklahoma pageant.  It is so much fun.  The talent, of course, is my favorite part.  Evening gown runs a close second.  I don't really like the swimsuit part too much.  I feel nervous for them.  It has to be the hardest thing to walk out in a bikini like that.

I attend now because of this beautiful young lady, Brittany Jo Bisel.  She is our daughter-in-law, Brooke's sister.  Let me tell you my sister-Joyce, niece-Kourtney, and I are quite a cheering section for her.  Yes, you'd probably say we are obnoxious.  The first picture was on the posters on sticks that we were waving.  So pretty!  Kristin is a red coat for the pageant so she is backstage with the contestants.  She's always cheering for Brittany, too.

Brittany sings like an angel, the kind of voice I only dreamed of having.  I'm not prejudiced either.  The whole crowd roars when she is finished.  She actually gave me chills.

I enjoy all of the talent, but have to say I have realized that I am totally nervous for all of the pianists.  I know how it is when your nerves take over, and you start to lose control of your fingers.  I can feel the vibrations coming from them.




I just had to include this picture of my beautiful daughter-in-law, Brooke, and Nicholas.  I don't get to see them this dressed up very often.  Such a cute couple!  I know I'm prejudiced and proud of it!  :)







The picture of Nicholas alone was taken after it was all over.  It is Nicholas to a T!  :D  He said he'd had enough of that tie!

Motherhood!

I love this picture for so many different reasons.  First of all, Joyce is sitting in a nice chair, and I'm sitting on a crate!  :)  Second, Joyce's doll is almost as big as she is!  And third, somehow I must  have known at a very early age I would have two children.  I wonder which one is Hayley, and which one is Nicholas!

I mentioned in an earlier post that good mothering runs in our family.
I absolutely love it that I am holding one of my babies upside down, and they are naked!  I also have such a serious expression on my face! Mothering isn't for sissies!  :)

My fourth reason for loving this picture is that we have on our footed pajamas.  I remember hating those things.  Now I think they are adorable!

Reason # 5:  Joyce is sitting there like such a lady.  Then look at me.  I wonder if that was an indication of our futures.  :D  Also take a good look at our hair!  Neither one is too great, but I think I look like Eddie Munster!  :)

Tornadoes!

Yesterday afternoon we were weather watching pretty carefully.  The weathermen were warning people in our area to be on the look out and to be ready to seek shelter.

Dennis was sitting on the porch looking out to the southwest and called me to come out and look.  We saw a huge tornado!  It looked as though it might be heading towards us so when it became rain-wrapped we headed for our safe room.

I called on friends and family to pray for us, and God answered our prayers.  The tornado went a mile west of us.  It is heartbreaking to see the damage it caused to our neighbors and a nearby church.  Also, the brother of one of my dear friends was severly injured and had to be airlifted to a hospital.  I'm sure his family would appreciate your prayers.

Whenever we had a tornado drill at school the children were always afraid that a tornado might come some day.  I told them that I had lived in Oklahoma all of my life and had never seen a tornado.  Well, I can't say that anymore!  I saw one way too close, in my opinion.

My thoughts are with everyone who has suffered from one of these dangerous storms.  Their power to destroy is mind-boggling.

(P.S.)  Danny Giager took some amazing video and photos.  I know him and will ask him if I can use one of his photos on here.

Doctors I Have Known, Part Two

If you missed part one, scroll down a little.  I have an explanation of the title there.  I can’t think of any other title that suits.  When you have liver disease, you know a lot of doctors.

I recently had an appointment with Dr. Robert S. McFadden.  He is my liver specialist and a wonderful man.  I have been going down this liver specialist road since 2003 when I had my first attack after stupidly taking those two diet pills.  Since that time I have had three different liver specialists.

My first specialist was Dr. Ahmet Gurakar.  He treated and released me in 2003.  Dr. Gurakar was a kind man, but very serious and all business.  I did have a little trouble understanding him sometimes.  I don’t think he was too fluent in “Okie” English!  ☺   Even though I hadn’t seen him in quite some time, I was sorry to see him leave and go to Johns Hopkins.

In 2009 when I had my second attack, I was sent to Dr. Sajid Jalil, another one of my doctors who is young enough to be my son.  I liked Dr. Jalil immediately.  He seemed to understand my quirky sense of humor and treated me kindly.  Also, I could understand every word he said.  That is a big bonus!  Somehow, though, I managed to run him away, too.  He moved to Fargo, ND.

That brought me to Dr. McFadden.  The minute he walked in the door I knew that I would like him.  Sorry, Dr. McFadden, but I don’t think you are quite young enough to be my son.  ☺  In fact, I’m pretty sure we are about the same age.  I’m happy about that.  He also speaks “Okie” English (or something pretty close to it).  I heard somewhere that he came here from Texas.

I love Dr. McFadden’s sense of humor.  Even though I have a mini nervous breakdown every time I have an appointment with him, he always makes me laugh and feel at ease once I’m there.  Personality in a doctor is very important to me.  I don’t feel like a number when I go see him.  I respect him greatly, but don’t feel intimidated.  Again God’s leading is very clear to me.

I think you can tell that I highly recommend him.  I hope none of you ever need a doctor at the Nazih Zuhdi Transplant Institute, but if you do, you’re in good hands if you get Dr. McFadden as your doctor.

Parts three and four are yet to come.  I see Dr. Dexeus in September.  It will be hard, but I’m going to try for a picture then.  I guess God will decide when I see Dr. Garner next.  He is my personal care physician.  I took my camera with me last time I saw him, but he managed to sneak away before I got a picture.  I tell you these doctors are even more camera shy than I am.  I didn’t think that was humanly possible!  ☺

Doctors I Have Known, Part One

The comedian, Jerry Clower, did a hilarious routine called, “Dogs I Have Known”.  For some reason that title has always stuck with me.  When I was thinking about writing about my doctors, this title came to my mind and wouldn’t leave.  I don’t plan on equating my wonderful slate of doctors to those dogs, so don’t worry.

Since I have been diagnosed with liver disease, my life seems to be filled with doctors!  I feel that God has blessed me with each one of them.  They are all wonderful men who treat me kindly.  I am grateful for that and highly recommend them to anyone needing a caring doctor.  I plan on writing about each one of them, but they have to have their picture made with me first.  J 

That brings me to Dr. Cristopher D. Schultz, just one of my doctors that is young enough to be my son!  Amazingly, I am still able to trust him.  I have no doubt that it was God’s divine leading that brought me to him.  When I was taken ill with my bezoar, I went to the Fairview Hospital Emergency Room.  I vividly remember my dear friend, Debbie Wiens, telling me in the ER that they were sending me by ambulance to Enid to Dr. Schultz.  I was, of course, nearly beside myself with what was going on.  Besides that, I totally hate riding in an ambulance.  It is an experience that I hope never to have again!  Debbie leaned down and said, “You will love Dr. Schultz.  He is a wonderful doctor.”  Well, she was right.

When I got to my room in Bass Baptist Hospital at Enid, he came right in to see me.  I was scared to death, and he comforted me immediately.  I could tell he would take good care of me.  It was Spring Break, and the poor man had plans to spend a lot of time with his sons.  That is as it should be!  Nevertheless, he kept me on as a patient and saw me through a really tough time.  Even though I say that I was practically loony when I was in the hospital, I do remember that he showed my family and me great kindness and consideration.  His mother brought him up right.  This young doctor has been gifted with bedside manner.  I can’t say enough good about him.

I remember asking him early on “Where do you see me in one year’s time?”  I’ll never forget his answer.  He said,  “I predict that you will be as good as you are now or even better.”  I was afraid I wouldn’t even live another year.  I can still feel the flow of relief that washed over me.  That was two years ago.

Nearly every time I had an appointment I took my camera because I wanted my picture made with him.  He managed to weasel out of it every single time.  At my last appointment I finally pinned him down.

I'll be seeing Dr. McFadden soon.  I  have taken my camera to appointments with him before, too.
Maybe this next visit will be the one where I get a picture with him.  I'm on a roll now!  

Fun with Molly!

Yesterday Dennis and I had such a fun time with Molly.  She is growing up entirely too fast.  One of Aaron's co-workers gave her a belated birthday present, a baby Cabbage Patch doll named Merrily.  Molly actually plays with her like a baby doll and calls her "baby" in Molly language.  I am enchanted.  This is new.  We have seen her play with her play center table but mothering a baby doll is something else.  I especially love it when she walks around carrying Merrily upside down. Hayley did that, and there is a picture of me with my baby doll in my arms upside down.  Good mothering must run in our family.  :D  I don't think I actually carried Hayley or Nicholas upside down, though.  I guess I got the hang of it by the time they were born.

Molly also LOVES to play outside.  That is Grandpa Dennis' time.
Molly points to a certain cement block on the patio for Dennis to sit THERE.  They also have yelling matches.  They take turns yelling.  It is priceless to watch.  Dennis' face couldn't smile any bigger.  He also puts her up on his shoulders so she can see over the fence into the neighbor's yard.  They have dogs there.  Molly is a dogaholic just like her parents, Grandpa, and Uncle Nicholas.  She definitely didn't get that from me.

I was so tired that I was about to drop when we went there, but a dose of Molly is good for what ails you.  I'm sure you can tell that being a grandmother is one of the biggest blessings I've ever received in my life. Thank you, Heavenly Father!  (And please send me some more if you don't mind.)

Spring?

Someone needs to tell the weather that is actually Spring!  We've had a few really nice days, but I'm sure wishing for milder temperatures!  I'm happy for the rain, but not the cold temps.  I can tell it is Spring in one way, though ~ the WIND!  Oh, well, it is "O----klahoma, where the wind comes sweeping down the plain!"  And the weather can change at any time!  We all know that!  :D  Just know this ~ if a day comes soon that you are thinking "wow, it's hot out", I am rejoicing!


Update:  The weatherman just said that warmer weather is coming this week!  If I can survive tomorrow, life should improve!  I am delighted at this news!  :D

Easter Egg Hunt!

Yesterday I got a flashback memory of how precious little children can be during an Easter egg hunt.  It has been a long time since I had little children so I had forgotten.

All of our children's lives they have had an Easter egg hunt at Grandma Belle's and Grandpa Homer's house.  Hayley and I are pretty sure they even had one when they were in college.  Grandpa Homer would fill a prize egg for each, and they loved it.  One year he even made up clues for them to find their eggs.  Hayley still has some of the clues in her scrapbook.  To anyone who knows Hayley, that will not be a surprise!  She is very sentimental.

Well, back to yesterday.  The great-grandchildren hunted eggs in the back yard.  Turner is 3, Kline is 2, and Molly is 1.  It was totally delightful to watch.  Of course there were prize eggs for each.  Turner and Kline were so excited about how many they found.  Molly didn't quite understand what was going on.  After she had one in each hand she was happy.  When she found more she didn't want to put the ones she had in her hands in her basket.  Her mommy told me that she has been playing with the eggs all day today. She knows that they open up so she is having a ball.

Remember the old wicker Easter baskets we had.  Well, all 3 of them had the cutest baskets.  Turner and Kline's were alike.  Molly's was a little bitty white bunny.  Now we can't wait until next year when our newest addition, Liv, will join the hunt.  We were sad that Sydney and Corbin weren't there.  They are totally adorable, too.

Do I sound like a doting grandmother and great-aunt?  I certainly hope so.  That was my aim!!  :D

Spring Spheres!!!!????

Spring spheres?  Give me a break!  There are people in this world that totally blow my mind!  I heard on the news that in Seattle the elementary school wouldn't let a high school student bringing Easter eggs for the children at the elementary school use the name "Easter".  They had to call them "spring spheres".  How ridiculous!  What was even funnier was that the children all called them Easter eggs anyway.  Just shows - little children are smarter than adults!

Palm Sunday

Things are on my mind lately.  People we care a lot about are desperately ill.  We are working on landscaping.  Tri-State Music Festival is coming up soon.  I have doctor appointments to try to keep up with.  These are just a few of the things crowding my mind.  There's nothing wrong with any of them.  They do need my attention.

But, am I really willing to dwell on these things and forget about what my Lord and Savior did for me on the cross?  Do I really stop and focus my mind on Jesus' resurrection? Sadly, not near enough!  There is no greater sacrifice than the sacrifice He made to atone for my sins.  I am so flawed that it amazes me that He found me worthy of this sacrifice.  I should definitely not take that lightly.

So, with that in mind, I am challenging you to join me this year in rejoicing.  Rejoice that every year Spring comes to remind us of our new lives in Christ Jesus.  Our blessings flow over us like a river.  So along with our prayers to God for healing of our precious loved ones, let's don't forget to thank Him for His overwhelming love shown to us by sending His Son to die on the cross.

He is risen!  He is risen indeed!

(If you don't know what I am talking about and want to know more, contact me.  I would love to share my faith with you.)    

MOLLY!

This is the birthday girl.  From the day she was born people all seemed to call her "Miss Molly".  I think that suits her to a "T".  She's quite a little "miss".

This picture was taken at her birthday party.  Dennis & I gave her the dress.  Just couldn't resist it, and Linda was no help in stopping me.  She loved it, too!

I love how much joy a little child can bring to your life.  I can't think about her without smiling.  Dennis and I both feel that our lives are so much richer now.  I love grandchildren so much that I am anxious to have lots of them.  Somehow, I don't think our children are going to cooperate too much in that, though.  :(

This has all reminded me how quickly time flies.  I get melancholy when I remember how it seemed that our children started high school one day and graduated the next.  The college years went even faster, and the next thing we knew they were married!  Molly also reminds me of my children when they were little.  Things they said and did are flooding back into my memory.  Precious times!

This all reminds me to savor the moment.  My cup runneth over and joy overflows!

Happy Spring!

I don't remember a time that I've welcomed Spring more than I have this year.  I don't even care that it is windy!  The warmer weather revives me.

April this year means so much more to me than ever before also because of our precious Molly's birthday.  See my other posting to read more about that.  Just thinking about her fills me with delight.

So send on the storms, wind, whatever.  This year I'm just rejoicing, no matter what

Seiling Music Festival!

Well, it's been quite a day.  For more years than I want to count, I have gone to the Seiling Music Festival.  Seiling is a very small town, but they do such a good job of this festival.  Seriously, I have never noticed a hitch when I've gone.  My piano students through the years have performed there.  Then later I became an accompanist for the elementary and junior high students taking instrumental solos.

All of this makes for an exhausting but fulfilling day.  I start going to the school to rehearse with the children about 2 weeks in advance.  I have played the brass solos so long for Seiling and Tri-State that I sort of know them without much rehearsal.  I even have a favorite trumpet solo, "The Pedlar".  I can hum it.  Just ask me.  I'm always ready to perform it.  :D

The last  few years I switched to woodwinds so that Bev Heinrichs could play for the brass.  Her son, Matt, is a brass player.  It was a big sacrifice for me because I've had to learn new solos! :)  Some might say that trying something new is good for me, and maybe they are right.  My secret is, though, that I'm starting to learn them by heart now, too.  :)  One of them is actually a song the choir sings on one of my favorite "Andy Griffith" shows.  I can't help but grin while playing it.  It's the episode where Barney is so off-key that they get him to sing a "solo" on a special "soloist" microphone.  I'm smiling just thinking about it!

Anyway, I'm tired and happy.  It was a good day, and I am thankful that I am still able to do things like this.  Also, Larry Beeby was one of the judges for the band performances.  It was good to see him!

Tomorrow is Nicholas' birthday.  He will be 29!  I have always called him "my darling angel".  His friends have given me a lot of grief through the years about that, but "What can I say?"  :D

Nicholas has been a source of joy.  I vividly remember the day Penny Payne took the watermelon picture.  It was at our first Kusch Cousin Reunion.  The picture pretty much sums up little Nicholas.  I  particularly like the gun, holster, and flip-flops!  We have picture after picture of Nicholas as The Lone Ranger, Zorro, or his major hero, Roy Rogers!


Now he has grown into an admirable man.  I love the way he handles things in his life.  Nothing seems to rattle him.  He still maintains a lot of his bratty ways, I'm sure Brooke would agree, but they are actually what delight us about him. You never know what he will come up with.  Just check Facebook for his trivia facts if you want proof.  :D

I wish my "darling angel" son a very happy birthday.  He means the world to me!  I can't imagine my life without him.

SPRING!!!

Well, I've had a lousy week.  I try to maintain a positive attitude, but once in a while I just can't seem to do it.  The time change always throws me for a loop.  I do like having daylight last longer in the evening, but it is still an adjustment.  Another reason for my lousy week was my EGD.  I have been feeling great so I went innocently into the scope expecting a good report.  When I came out I discovered that I had 2 varices banded.  My throat hurt.  It wasn't killing me, but it was pretty uncomfortable.  The doctor told Dennis that I will have to have 3-8 more of them, depending on how I do.  They already scheduled me for my next one on June 14.  Whatever they gave me to put me out has made me sleepy for three days now.  And, you know what, a yogurt and ice cream diet gets old!

Enough with the whining.  Today was a warm day.  I saw a temperature of 85 degrees on my car!  What a delight.  You may remember how much I love the Vernal Equinox, Summer Solstice, Autumnal Equinox, and Winter Solstice.  I even love the sounds of the words.  This Sunday is the Vernal Equinox.  You know what that means ~ lovely, glorious Spring!  Just thinking about it lifts my spirits.  Oh, yes, the fact that my throat is finally feeling better helps too!  :D

38 YEARS! 1973 ~ 2011

My oh my!  Where did those years go?  It doesn't seem possible that we could be married 38 years.

When I look at this picture, I have to smile.  Those two people had no idea what was ahead for them!  It's been a wild ride.  I went from never even knowing Fairview existed to living there                                                                               for 37 years so far.  :D

Reflecting back I can see God's leading in everything.  I have loved this town.  I didn't know anything about the Mennonite Brethren Church or Fairview when I went to college.  First thing, though, I made quite a few friends from Fairview, many of whom grew up in the MB Church.  Here I was "Baptist to the bone", as they say.  Who would have guessed that I would become a Mennonite Brethren?  Of course, I always say I am doing mission work here.  :D

God has blessed us with friends.  I can't imagine our lives without them. They have been with us through thick and thin.  My mom often tells me she thinks they are wonderful.

When I look at the second picture I wonder who those old people are. They have life experience obviously!  :D  I do have to say they look happy and content.  Our biggest blessing, our precious family, is a big part of that happiness and contentment.

At this time in our lives we are praising God for all the blessings He has poured out on us.  Every good and perfect gift comes from above!

:D :D :D :D :D

March is finally here!  I feel the hope of Spring!  More later!

Happy 65th Anniversary, Mom & Dad!

Thursday, February 17th, is Mom and Dad's 65th Wedding Anniversary!  I think that is amazing.  What an example to their family.

We have celebrated their 40th, 45th, 50th, 55th, 60th, and now 65th.  A lot of things have happened since the 40th.  Their grandchildren weren't even all  born yet then.  In the 40th Anniversary                   picture Betty Jean is expecting Ryan.  In the 65th her daughter, Emberly, is expecting Liv.  Seems kind of fitting.

I'm pretty sure we are all in agreement that we hope our marriages are as successful as their marriage is.  So far we are coming along pretty well.  Joyce and Stephen just celebrated their 40th Anniversary.  Dennis and I will celebrate our 38th in March, and Betty Jean and Lowell will celebrate 32 years in November.

Stopping By Woods On A Snowy Evening by Robert Frost

This is one of my all-time favorite poems by one of my most favorite poets!
Whose woods these are I think I know.
His house is in the village though;
 He will not see me stopping here
 To watch his woods fill up with snow.
 My little horse must think it queer
 To stop without a farmhouse near
 Between the woods and frozen lake
 The darkest evening of the year.
 He gives his harness bells a shake
 To ask if there is some mistake.
 The only other sound's the sweep
 Of easy wind and downy flake.
 The woods are lovely, dark and deep.
 But I have promises to keep,
 And miles to go before I sleep,
 And miles to go before I sleep.

Snow Day!

I love snow days!  I am disappointed when the weatherman predicts a big snow, and we only get a light sprinkling.  I want it to cover the ground.  Blowing snow does NOT count!  I don't want any of my family out in it, though.  I want them all safe and sound in their homes!

This is what I found when I woke up this morning.  When I went to bed we had a little snow and I figured that was it.  Who knew this glorious sight was being prepared for me while I slept?  We had 10 inches!

I remember loving snow days as a child.  Once we built a snow fort in the front yard.  Dad helped us.  Mom was always ready with hot chocolate when we came inside.  She also made us snow ice cream. Such fun memories.  Mom told me the other day that she always enjoyed it when we had a snow day, too.  :D

As you all know, my illness makes me tend to be cold most of the time.  I don't venture outside in the cold weather much, but I sure can enjoy looking at the snow from my cozy house.  I don't think Dennis enjoyed the snow too much.  He got stuck in our driveway and couldn't make it to work.  Got to ride the tractor back to the house in the freezing cold. Then later he went to try to get the car out and check our mail and got stuck again!  Now the Vibe and the tractor are blocking our drive.  This time he got to walk the half mile back to the house.  Thankfully I had a nice hot stew nearly ready for him when he came in.  I think it hit the spot.  He ate 3 helpings.  You know "eatin' speaks louder than words". That is one of our favorite quotes from Mr. Darling on the Andy Griffith Show.  Yes, it's true.  I know that show so well I can quote it!!  :D  Oh yes, these pictures are of our back yard.

Happy 87th Birthday, Daddy!

Today is my dad's birthday.  He is 87 years old.  I am happy to say that he doesn't seem that old.  He is still out and about much like he always has been.  Maybe moving a little slower, but still "Homer".   

There's simply nothing that can replace your daddy.  He still takes care of us when we need it.  Plus I've mentioned before that he is mom's chauffeur, date for lunch, errand boy, and all-round good guy!

I love to watch dad usher at church.  If someone tries to leave after Sunday School and miss church he blocks the door like he won't let them out.  There's simply no one else like him.

As you can see by the picture, He is still a handsome man.  You hardly ever see him without a smile.  His merry spirit shines through.  He tried a different haircut for a while, but we made him go back to his old style.  He just didn't look like our dad without his "Ronald Reagan" hair.  


Dad loves to travel.  I get that from him.  I always tell him that he and I need to go on a trip and leave mom and Dennis at home.  They are both more homebodies.


Joyce, Betty Jean, and I owe him a lot.  We don't tell him that often enough.  Dad, I love you and hope you have a happy birthday.

Love, Francy

Groundhog's Day!

Here it is, Groundhog's Day!  I hoped against hope that he wouldn't see his shadow, but the sun is shining brightly outside.  Six more weeks of winter!  I'm not looking forward to it.

On the bright side, the sun IS shining!  Out here in the country no one has spoiled the beautiful white snow.  The sun glistening on the snow is dazzling.  What a view to look at from my cosy house!

Last night I was thinking back and wondering if it ever happens that the groundhog would not see his shadow.  You know, I do remember a year or two when that happened.  I don't remember an early spring those times, though.  It was many years ago and I'm not kidding!  It was probably when I was in elementary school so you know it was MANY years ago!  :)  I know we are all supposed to go by Punxsutawney Phil but I never do.  I figure he doesn't know anything about Oklahoma weather!  Wait a minute!  I just checked the news and saw that Punxsutawney Phil predicts an early spring.  Maybe this year I'll go by him after all.  They did say, though, that  his accuracy is about 39%.  Not too reassuring!

I'm probably just going to have to endure and make the most of the warmer days when they come.  My beautiful warm weather is just around the corner!  :D

Happy 2nd Anniversary, Nicholas and Brooke!

Wow, I can't believe it has already been two years since these two got married.  Time really flies.  We have enjoyed watching them grow into a married couple.  They offset each other so well.

Dennis and I wish them a long happy marriage and God's blessings.

Much love, Mom

Happy 3rd Birthday, Turner!

Happy Birthday to precious Turner.  Just look at him.  He's a bundle of joy.  Great t-shirt - Prince Charming.  That's just what he is.  I think you can tell he had a blast at his birthday party.

Uncle Dennis and I hope his birthday was as delightful as he is.  What a cutie!

Happy 5th Birthday, Sydney!

Happy Birthday to our sweet Sydney.  Isn't she a beauty?  She is the perfect age to love Disney Princesses, Hello Kitty, and magic glow in the dark wands.

Uncle Dennis and I hope she had a very happy birthday filled with lots of fun and surprises.  She's a treasure!

Happy Birthday, Kline!

Happy 2nd Birthday to our precious great-nephew, Kline.  Isn't he just a doll?
That big smile is always on his face and he charms everyone he meets.  Uncle Dennis & I hope he had a fabulous time on his birthday.  :)

"Discipline is remembering what you want." ~ David Campbell

I found this quote and used it on my other blog, but it is so simple and brilliant that I had to use it here, too. It applies to everything in my life.

I want to be closer to God - I need to discipline myself to read my Bible more and spend time alone in prayer.

I want to lose weight - I need to be disciplined in my diet.

I want to save money - that takes discipline.

I want to be healthier - I need to discipline myself to keep up with my walking.

I could go on and on!

I see that discipline brings happiness.  Thank you, David Campbell, for this quote!

Keeping Up With Our Pact!

I don't know if any of you besides Rhonda decided to make a pact with me for the New Year, but I have been trying to makes some strides in that direction.  I am reading the Bible through again this year.  Dennis has received as gifts the Bible (Old & New Testaments) on CD.  The New Testament came out first and we listened through that as we were going to sleep several times through.  This last summer he got the Old Testament.  As we have been listening to it, I have had times of thinking "Is this in the Bible?  I don't remember it."  I am ashamed to admit this because I have read the Bible through at least 4 times in the past in several different versions!

That got me thinking "I need to read it through again!"  So I started reading it on January 10, 2011.  The way I have it figured out I should finish next December 31.  When you see me ask me if I am keeping up with it.  I need accountability.  :D  Last night the Peacemakers gave us an assignment of Bible study to do for a few weeks.  All of this should help me center my mind on things above.  That is my desire.

As far as my health goes, I had an encouraging Dr. appointment with my liver specialist.  Everything seems to be going well.  I haven't been very faithful with my walking, however.  That is first on my list of things to do to get back on track with a healthier me.

Here's hoping you are doing well on our pact.  Let me know how you are doing!  :D

Oh, yes, Bud & Candy gave us an assignment to pray a list of wonderful things for our small group friends and our family.  I am totally willing to add you to that group if you want.  Just let me know.  Family need not apply,  I've got you covered!  :D

Happy Birthday, Regina!

Today is our beautiful niece, Regina's birthday.  Love that girl!  Just look at that face.  You can tell what a great person she is.

Since the day she was born (which I remember vividly) she has been a treasure.  What a darling little girl she was!  I can still see her toddling around at our wedding rehearsal dinner.

She is a busy young woman with her family's busy schedule to manage.  She handles it all beautifully.  Linda has done an amazing job of training her daughters.

Not only is she a fabulous niece, she is a loving wife and mother of some of my favorite kids in this world!

Uncle Dennis and I hope she had a delightful day and evening out with her honey!

Happy 2011!

A new year is here.  I have always loved the idea of the fresh start and all, but these days I cherish each new year even more.  I know I sound morbid and I don't mean to be, but every year (actually even day) that God gives me seems like a real blessing.  This doesn't mean that every day is pure delight.  Of course I have hectic days occasionally that aren't fun, but I'm grateful for time to spend with family and friends.

I'm a quirky person in a lot of ways and I know that.  One of my quirks is that I love when a new decade starts.  Just having the new year end in 1 fills me with that fresh start feeling.  What can I do this new decade to make the world a better place?  How will God use me?  I pray that I'll be open to His leading.

I'm planning on taking better care of myself this year.  I know that in the last few weeks especially I haven't followed doctors' orders very well.  My strength level was pretty low at times, but the joy of the season carried me through.  Besides, when you have someone like Molly to play with, you just can't pass up the chance!  :D

Lets make a pact.  We're going to have a healthier year this year and draw closer to our Heavenly Father. We can't help but be blessed if we do that.  Happy 2011 to all of my precious family and friends!