GreatWhitePaw.com

RIP Steve Jobs

2011-10-05T20:46:00.000-05:00

Thank you Steve for everything.....You will be missed.

Will Never Forget

2011-09-11T10:42:00.002-05:00

2011-08-22T17:02:00.000-05:00

Dear Mom,

Today your Granddaughter starts her first day of Kindergarten.

I did okay until we were almost to her new room and she said "I love you Mom" I had to keep on walking and hold back the tears. I made it to the van and cried.

I then took Bubbaman out to get Starbucks and got your sign that I needed to hear.

Thanks for letting me know that "It's alright"

Please watch over the future member of the Class of 2024!

Preschool Pictures 2011

2011-04-12T16:50:00.000-05:00

Na na na na na na na na Na na na na na na na na BATGIRL!!!

2011-02-17T12:00:00.011-06:00

When I was a girl I had my heroes. Women who didn't need to be saved or stand there and scream. They are the following

Batgirl (from the 1966 TV show Batman)

Jamie Summers (Bionic Woman)

Wonder Woman

Princess Leia

I got to see Carrie Fisher in Oct 2005.

On January 30, I got to meet Yvonne Craig (AKA Batgirl).

I got my Batgirl glass signed by her. I told her that I had been a fan since I was five years old. I also told her that my daughter was thrilled to find out that I was going to meet Olivia's Grandmother (from the TV cartoon show Olivia) and she was excited to hear about that.

She did a Q&A that afternoon and Kathy (A friend of ours and one of the people in charge. She is also a friend of Yvonne Craig since high school) asked me if I asked the question that she told me to ask about a week before. When I told her no she told me to get up there and ask her.

Me: "So I was wondering...How is Dexter doing?" (Dexter is her dog)

Now I didn't expect this response:

Yvonne: "You must be Bridget! I was told you were going to ask this question"

Holy Crap Batman! Batgirl knows my name!

That made my day.

Just found out that Carrie Fisher will be at Dallas Comic Con on May 21-22!

Twas' the Night Before Christmas......

2010-12-24T20:00:00.001-06:00

How the Grinch Stole Christmas By Dr Seuss

2010-12-24T12:00:00.000-06:00

Connor Harold Garfield Keenan-Eakins

2010-11-10T19:27:00.001-06:00

It's a sad day in our house. We lost a member of our family that was loved very much.

When I got Connor it was on Oct 4, 2002 at the Grapevine Animal Shelter. I was on Petfinder.com and saw this adorable orange fuzzbutt with the look of 'Will you be my Mom?' and after 4 days of deciding if I wanted another cat (since I had Satine) I decided that I would be his Mom.

And then the roller coaster life began....

He put up with Satine beating up on him reminding he that no matter what he was still a "guest" in the house.

He adored Adam.

I called him my weather vane because 10 minutes before it started thundering and lightening Connor was looking for a cabinet to hide in.

For the past couple of days Connor has been acting up (more than usual) and we decided to bring him to the vet to see what was going on.

We found out that Connor was very sick. Adam and I talked to the Doctor this afternoon with all the options. He told us it was our decision and what ever we decided it was up to us. After talking about it again we decided to let him go.

We stayed until it was time to do the next step. I rocked him and told him that he was a good cat (even if he was a pain in the butt at times), that we would miss him a lot, to make sure and see my Mom and other family members in Heaven and not to poop on Gods floor.

He will be missed.

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

Five years ago today.....

2010-10-31T08:02:00.001-05:00

Baby's First Picture
Originally uploaded by FlipSide3

Adam and I took the day off and he went with me to meet the baby Dr. She said "Lets see what this little peanut looks like" and this is what we saw...

My Mother's Day Gift....

2010-09-28T20:18:00.000-05:00

I finally got to have my Mother's Day gift. I got tickets to see one of my favorite bands RUSH (yes they are still together...yes they still make records...yes I am a fan)

The last time I saw Rush was November 1996. They were wonderful. But I am a little bias because I've seen them every two years or so since 1988.

Since 1997 when they come to town they have been playing at Superpages.com center.

So what is different from this tour and the one 14 years ago? Only this...We're all 14 years older.

They were AWESOME and like wine BETTER WITH AGE!

They did two new songs from their new album "That we are going to work on when ever we find the time"

They look like they are having a lot of fun but they always do when I see them.

Neil: when it started I told Adam "now you will know why I call him the drum god". He said after it was over "seeing him play is worth the money"

Geddy: still has the voice and those high notes

Alex: great solo before "Closer to the Heart" and tore it up on 'Working Man'

Set 1:

Video Intro (Rash: The Real History of Rush Act 1)

The Spirit of Radio
Time Stand Still
Presto
Stick It Out
Workin' Them Angels
Leave That Thing Alone
Faithless
BU2B
Freewill
Marathon
Subdivisions

Intermission ("we're getting older by the minute so we're going to take a break" Geddy Lee)

Set 2:

Video Intro (Rash: The Real History of Rush Act 2)

Tom Sawyer
Red Barchetta
YYZ
Limelight
The Camera Eye
Witch Hunt
Vital Signs
Caravan
Drum Solo (Love 4 Sale)

Closer to the Heart (with Alex acoustic intro)
2112 Overture/Temples of Syrinx
Far Cry

Encore:

La Villa Strangiato
Working Man
Video Outro (I Still Love You Man)

I really cannot wait until I see them again!!! Thank you Adam for the wonderful Mother's Day gift!!!

and while everyone was filing out they played "Closer to the Heart"....POLKA STYLE!

Kate Smith - God Bless America

2010-09-11T10:32:00.000-05:00

So did you cry when you dropped your kids off at their first day of school???

2010-09-07T11:42:00.000-05:00

So...First day of school start off....

I wake up at 7:18AM...Because my phone alarm doesn't go off at 7AM because it's set for 7PM. Great.

Katie is up, eats, gets dressed.

I get lunches ready.

It is raining!

Adam goes to work.

I get Randal up, dressed and fed.

I remember I have to clean out the van... I clean out one side and go to the other side.

Won't let me in.

Realize that the van inside lights are on...

BATTERY IS DEAD!

Call up Rick who says "I'll take them don't worry"

Randal is running all over the place.

Get a hold of his "bak-pak!" and brings it into his sisters room and takes EVERYTHING out. There he is holding his diapers and saying "ath-oom Mommy!"

I get the "bak-pak" and put everything in. toss it in the kitchen and put the gate up.

I try the car again (because I can't believe I was that STUPID to leave the lights in the car on!) and then go to the door where my son LOCKS the door! I have my keys (THANK GOD) and open the door.

I ask Katie to find her brother. He is in the "ath-oom" sitting on the tiny "possessed" potty (it makes music when you actually do something) saying "ath-oom Mommy!" get him out of the bathroom, put him in the living room put the gate up in the hallway.

I call up Adam and leave a message.

Rick comes over, get the kids in the car drive to the preschool. Just about at the preschool when I hear my phone go off...I know it's my brother because the ring tone is Katie saying "Mommy! Uncle Bill is on the phone!" I tell him to call in an hour. Phone rings when I get off with him and it's the dentist reminding me that I have an appointment tomorrow at 9:15.

Go to Starbucks (since I have a dentist appointment tomorrow and I was planning on doing this if the VAN WORKED) then go to the house and get the van out of the garage. Get the jumper cables, get the car jumped, thank Rick again, and drive around.

Come home and turn on the radio. Doesn't work. Going to put the van in the shop on Thursday (needs an oil change anyways) and see if they can work on that (and the check engine light that has been on)

Call up my brother (who I find is also having a crappy day) and talk to him for over an hour...I really needed the laugh.

So in answer to everyone's question NO I didn't cry...not because I was strong...it was because I had stuff going on I didn't have time to cry...

But tomorrow is a different story.

In Celebration...of Katie

2010-08-09T07:03:00.003-05:00

Remembering my daughters namesake Katie Johnson...

We miss you Katie...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

2010-08-06T23:59:00.001-05:00

Happy 9th Birthday Satine!!!!

Like my Mothers come to past, eleven years has gone so fast.

2010-07-12T03:12:00.001-05:00

Song of the day.....

For My Mom....It's been 11 years since she died.

I miss you Mom....There isn't a day that I don't think of you.

With Love,

Bridget, Adam, Bill, Ana, James, Katie Ellen, and Randal

Like a band of gypsies we go down the highway....Day 2

2010-07-11T07:00:00.000-05:00

Song of the day.....

Joplin, Mo to Coal Valley, IL

Like a band of gypsies we go down the highway....

2010-07-10T06:00:00.000-05:00

Song of the day....

We are on our way to Il to visit Grandma B. We will be stopping in Joplin, Mo tonight and then be in Coal Valley tomorrow night. Check the site for updates....

4th of July

2010-07-05T16:31:00.002-05:00

Bubbaman is a Cool Dude!

Katie caught two fish! One catfish (about 6 inches long) and a Sun fish

Katie had smores...

Update.

2010-06-21T10:30:00.001-05:00

So it's been a LONG time since we have updated this....

December:

Eakins Family Picutre

The Rader Twins

(I made the stockings)

Christmas

It SNOWED Christmas Eve/Christmas Day.

Enough to make this snowman and for us to have a snowball fight!

then it snowed again in Febuary! (more than in December)

Two weeks after that Adam and I were in Las Vegas!

In Celebration of me turing 40 I went to see Donny and Marie in concert when we were in Vegas. Since Adam didn't want to go (and I wasn't going to make him) I decided to spend the extra money and get better seats. I was 5 seats away from the stage! Donny Osmond shook my hand when he walked across the table (yes SHOOK my hand!!!)

Connor (our LONG haired cat) got a hair cut

Katie turned 4!

Randal turned 2!

November 2009

2009-12-05T17:26:00.000-06:00

Yes I know I haven't posted since Halloween. Been a busy month.

the TWINS are HOME!!!!

I'm now working at the Grapevine Library. Got a sign from Mom welcoming me there. the first book I saw checked in was a book about the Chicago Cubs with Harry Carry on the cover.

Donny Osmond won Dancing with the Stars!

Thanksgiving was busy!!

Oh and did I mention THE TWINS ARE HOME?

I decided on Tuesday that Randal should have a winter coat. I'm glad because the next day it SNOWED!!!

Happy Halloween!!!

2009-10-31T00:00:00.002-05:00

Welcome to the world.....

2009-10-25T17:51:00.004-05:00

WOW what a week!

The past couple of weeks Amber's blood pressure has been high but would get better when she was lying down so they put her on bed rest. She also had been going to the Dr three times a week to get checked. On Wedsneday her blood pressure was high enough where the Dr wanted to monitor her in the hospital for 24 hours. She has been there ever since.

On Satuday they gave her a steroid shot to help the babies lungs develop.

This morning she started having mild contractions and when ever she would sit or stand up her blood pressure would go up and Zachary's blood pressure would go down.

The Dr said that it was time.

So I would like to have everyone meet our new NEICE!!!

Bethany Elaine Rader
Born October 25, 2009 at 12:37 PM. Weighing 4 pounds 18 oz and 19 1/2 inches long

and

Our new NEPHEW!!!

Zachary Evan Rader
Born on October 25, 2009 at 12:38 PM. Weighing 4 pounds 7 oz and 17 1/2 inches long

Both Mom and babies are doing fine. The kids are breathing on their own and will be in the NICU for awhile.

Great Way to start the month!!!

2009-10-02T16:08:00.002-05:00

Okay so does everyone remember that I won on Sept 11 all 14 Beatles CD's remastered? Well that started on 09-09-09 and ended on Sept 30th. They had 3 winners every day (not including weekends) and they had a grand prize of:

-The collector’s edition Mono and Stereo Boxed Set Catalogs
-The Beatles: Rock Band game, with an X-Box 360 gaming system
-A limited edition gold record, commemorating 9-9-09, etched with your name!

So this morning I'm listening to the radio with my headphones on (because Katie is watching her show while eating..I cannot take Dora at that hour of the morning) and the DJ says "We're going to call the winner of the Beatles prize in a couple of mintues" Since I am in the drawing I decided to get my phone (and put it on normal not meeting) I then went in to check on Randal and went to get something. Then I heard my phone go off....

and I thought "If this is Adam I'm going to be upset!"

Then I saw 214 area code

oh my GOD!

Teresa (Second Momma's) name not above it....

I answered and it was the producer of THE MORNING SHOW I LISTEN TO!!!

"Hang on Jody wants to talk to you"

OH

MY

GOD!!!!!

I WON!!!

I tried to be very calm while talking to him. After I got off the phone I called up Adam and just said "TURN ON THE RADIO!!! TURN ON THE RADIO!!! I WON!!! I WON!!! I WON!!! WE GOT IT!!!" I was squealing (and squeeking because I have a cold)

I was first going to drop off Katie and then go straight there but decided to wait until Monday. I need to have this sink in and I need help getting stuff in my car since Randal will be with me. So Teresa, and Rick (father in law who has an SUV), Randal and I will be going over there on Monday to pick up stuff.

Will post pictures on Monday.

I LOVE 98.7 KLUV!!!!!

2009-09-11T12:26:00.003-05:00

So KLUV is having a contest all month long in celebration of the ENTIRE Beatles albums coming out on 09-09-09. They tell you what song to listen to and at 11:35, 2:35 and 5:35 they will play it. AFTER the song is over be the first caller and you will WIN the BOX SET with all 14 CDs and a $50.00 gift card to go to Hard Rock Cafe.

Todays song was "The Long and Winding Road"

So today I dropped of Katie at school, got Starbucks, went over to where I used to work and see the girls, Bubba had has 15 month appointment (and 3 shots) and I got out to the car and heard the song of the day. Put the number in and drove over to the other side of the parking lot because I didn't want to dial and drive. The song was over and Jenny Q said "Call now" and I pressed CALL on my phone.

One Ringie dingie

Two Ringie Dingie

"Hello this is Jenny who is this?"

OH

MY

GOD

"This is Bridget"

"Bridget...do you know what I am going to tell you?"

OH MY GOD!!!

"Oh my God! Did I win?"

"Yes you DID!!!"

YEAH!!!!

I will be picking them up on MONDAY MORNING!!!

She asked me "So when you get the set and rip of the plastic which song are you going to listen to first?"

"When I'm Sixty-Four! It's my husband and my song"

I'm also in the contest at the end of the month where I could win

-The collector’s edition Mono and Stereo Boxed Set Catalogs
-The Beatles: Rock Band game, with an X-Box 360 gaming system
-A limited edition gold record, commemorating 9-9-09, etched with your name!

THANK YOU KLUV!!!!

We will never forget...

2009-09-11T08:26:00.001-05:00

We're....Going to the school!!!!

2009-09-02T09:00:00.003-05:00

KATIE

STARTS

SCHOOL

AGAIN!!!!!!

At 8:20 I will sing the following song:

To the tune of "Farmer in the dell"

We're going to the school
We're going to the school
Happy Happy Happy day!
We're going to the school!

We're going to get dressed
We're going to get dressed!
Happy Happy Happy Day!
We're going to get dressed!!!

We're going to have some fun!
We're going to have some fun!
Happy happy happy Day!
We're going to have some fun!

We're going to the school
We're going to the school
Happy Happy Happy day!
We're going to the school!

Twist and Shout!

2009-08-19T19:30:00.002-05:00

tonight Sir Paul is at Cowboys stadium...I've tried getting tickets off the radio since it was announced....I'll be at home tonight.

So Sir Paul...on the chance that you read our blog (Hey it could happen you never know!). Please do me a favor and dedicate this for your biggest fan up in heaven (besides your wife Linda) my Mom...who when we saw you in 1990 was almost in tears and said "I can't believe I just sang 'I saw her standing there' with Paul McCartney!!!'" Then grabbed my arm and said "Oh he is SO CUTE!!!!"

In Celebration of Katie Johnson

2009-08-09T18:30:00.001-05:00

We miss you!

Pink Ladybugs

2009-08-01T19:38:00.003-05:00

On November 7th Katie and I are going to particiapate in a walk to raise money for brain tumor reasearch. We are doing this in memory of her namesake Katie Johnson. The team name is "The Pink Ladybugs". Because Katie Johnson loved the color pink and ladybugs. For more information:

http://www.braintumorcommunity.org/site/TR/Events/BTW-TX?px=1656633&pg=personal&fr_id=1450

Forty years ago today....

2009-07-20T07:47:00.000-05:00

Birthday

2009-07-13T17:26:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday to my Dad who is 63 today

Happy Birthday to Harrison Ford who is 67 today

"[To cinema owners in Las Vegas] "I`ll make you a deal. I`ll try to keep making films that put people in your theatre seats and you try to keep their shoes from sticking to the floor." Harrison Ford

Somewhere your Grandma Ellen is laughing at me!

2009-07-12T08:00:00.005-05:00

I revised the line from Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. At the end of the movie Indy says to his son "Somewhere your Grandpa is laughing at me"

It gets me every time I watch it...because I say the same thing to my kids.

Ten years ago Mom past away...It doesn't seem that long ago. There isn't a day that I don't think of her or I don't look up and say "How in the world did you do this???" (believe me my brother and I were a handful) I wish she got to meet her Grandkids. I see some of her in all of them. I know they would be spoiled rotten.

So I dedicate this video to my Mom....One of her favorite John Denver songs and I know one of her favorite Christmas Albums. We knew it was Christmas when this came on and she sang the entire album.

We miss you Mom.

With Love,

Bridget, Bill, Adam, Ana, James, Katie and Randal

OW!!! My Hip!!!!....I think..... Part 2

2009-07-04T20:16:00.000-05:00

So about two weeks ago I had the epidural shot. I don't remember much. I felt someone touch my back about four times and then I heard "Okay we're done"

I still have some pain but not as bad as it was two weeks ago. Still taking Tylenol but not as often as I have been.

Over the past two weeks I have signed up for a membership over at the City of Grapevine's community center and I found out that they have CHILD CARE!!! $2.00 a kid and they will watch the kids while I work out. I've been walking (about a mile or so) and trying not to push it.

Thursday I went to the Dr and she said I had two choices: Leave and come back when it flairs up and have another shot or do physical Therapy and come back in 6 weeks. I will be starting therapy on July 14th. She did warn me that sometimes while doing this it could flare up (lets pray it doesn't)

In other news....

Katie is done with swimming!!!

Randal is getting all of his upper teeth at the same time..poor kid

The cats are still insane

Deb/Flo the peacock is still living in our back yard and has decided for almost a week to HONK about 6:30-7:00 EVERY MORNING. I am not happy.

Adam is still keeping Euless safe.

R.I.P Michael.....

2009-06-26T08:17:00.003-05:00

Happy Father's Day!!!!

2009-06-21T12:36:00.001-05:00

Chad Vader...brother of Darth...who is the day shift manager at Empire foods...very funny stuff

OW!!! My Hip!!!!....I think.....

2009-06-12T16:00:00.000-05:00

For the past three years I've been in the hospital for something during the month of June. I had a goal this year NOT to do that. Well...I'll have to try again next year.

In January I woke up feeling that I pulled a muscle around my hip area (okay I thought I pulled a muscle in my butt!). In February I went to the Dr and he told me that it was my sciatic nerve and gave me some medication. I went to a Chiropractor in Feb and it seemed to help. I was going to go again but then life happened and I never got around to it. When I was up in IL it seemed to be getting worse. I called for another chiropractic appointment for when I got home.

Two weeks ago I was in enough pain where I had scheduled an appointment with my Dr for Monday and then decided 5 minutes later to call back and see if I could get in that day. I went to see another Dr in the group and he told me that he thought it could be a pinched nerve. He gave me some steroids, a muscle relaxer and asked if I wanted an MRI. Since this has been going on since January I decided that this would be best. The steroids seemed to help. The muscle relaxer did not help at all.

I had the MRI on June 2nd, and decided that if I EVER had to do that again it would have to be in an OPEN MRI or they would have to dope me up. I did not like it at all!!! On June 4 I found out a had a bulging disc in my back and they scheduled me to see a back specialist.

Wednesday I went to Spine Team Texas in Southlake and the Dr told me that she thought I should go and get a lumbar epidural steroid injection. She told me that the disc in my back was pressing up against the sciatic nerve on the left side that was also pressing against the bone. I'm scheduled to do that next Thursday at Harris Methodist Southlake. Then in two weeks I have to go back to the Dr to see how I am doing. If it is better then I can do physical therapy. If not I may have to do the shot again. I have three chances to do this shot. After that then they will suggest surgery which is something I don't want to do.

this is what I'm having done http://www.spineteamtexas.com/ViewMedica.aspx?section=000102cervepisteroid

In other news....we found out that the Rader twins are going to be.....a GIRL and a BOY!!!! Their names will be Bethany Elaine and Zachary Evan

Cake

2009-06-09T10:51:00.000-05:00

Videos of Birthday Party

2009-06-09T10:50:00.001-05:00

Birthdays

2009-06-08T23:05:00.003-05:00

Two years ago Katie was like this....

Yesterday Randal was like this....

Now I know that it looks like he didn't eat much but he did. The cake had a HUGE HOLE in it from him eating. Katie also had an easier time because it was a store bought cake. I made the ugly blue cake that Randal ate.

UP

2009-06-08T17:48:00.001-05:00

GO SEE THIS MOVIE!!!!!! Best picture Pixar has made!!

Happy Birthday Katie!!!

2009-06-06T12:42:00.001-05:00

Originally uploaded by FlipSide3

2009-05-21T10:05:00.001-05:00

On the road again..good freaking GOD we're on the road again...my butt is sore and bubba has pooped again. And i can't believe we're on the road again!

2009-05-20T19:44:00.001-05:00

Got to emporia ks around 530. Ate at applebees.

2009-05-20T11:49:00.001-05:00

On way hm. Driving to emporia ks

Arrangements

2009-05-15T15:10:00.003-05:00

Here are the arrangements for Grandpa B.

Sunday Visitation at Trimble Funeral Home 1700 1st St, Coal Valley, IL 61240-9336
from 4-7pm

Monday Funeral at Trinity Lutheran Church 2815 W 3rd St, Coal Valley, IL 61240-9661 Service at 11am.

For more information go to www.TrimbleFuneralHomes.com and click the name William E. Burgess. The complete obituary should be up tomorrow morning online.

Oh and I think my Nephew James said it best about Grandpa's life....

"Well you just have to think, he had a good long life, a great wife and daughter, 2 awesome grandkids, and 3 really attractive great-grandkids...what more could a guy ask for?"

I'll Miss You Popeye.....

2009-05-14T16:02:00.003-05:00

There is no easy way to say this so here it goes.

This morning my Grandpa Burgess died in his sleep.

We were told by G&G's Pastor who came to the house. The hospital had been trying to get a hold of us. They called my phone five times only leaving one message to call right away. I took the phone at home off the hook because Randal was sleeping and I am so mentally and physically exhausted I needed to rest and not have people calling to see if we had decided on a nursing home. I told Pastor about the phone situation and he told me "It's okay you have every right to do that. Randal needed his sleep and you need to take care of yourself"

When we saw Grandpa Tuesday he was doing really well. Knew who we were and looked good. Randal was in his stroller bouncing around, talking, and smiling. Grandpa looked at him and said "Gosh...He is so adorable" He mentioned Katie and I showed him the latest pictures of her. He just beamed and said "She doesn't look like she's almost three"

On Weds I talked to his nurse Susie (I love Susie...Susie will get stuff done and doesn't take garbage from anyone!)and she told me that he was doing good in the morning and then started to get worse. Told me that he was trying to get out of bed. He knew that we were there but was very tired. Asked when I was going back to Texas and I told him "In a couple of days" Yesterday was just an over all bad day and I don't want to talk about the whole nursing home situation because it just makes me angry.

I talked to Grandpa's Dr today and asked him some questions. One of them was how long do you think he has? He told me that he thought maybe a couple of days to a couple of weeks. We all knew the outlook wasn't good. I knew Sunday with the signing of the DNR that it would not be long.

Grandma is hanging in there. I'm keeping an eye on her (except when Randal is asleep and I get to go to the library to post on the blog) and her friends, family and church has (or will be) coming over to see her.

I'm glad I listened to the vibe and didn't go home yesterday. I knew that if I did I would be making the trip back up.

I want to thank you all for the prayers and vibes for the past month. I just ask that you keep them going for the next couple of weeks or so. Adam has a flight out on Sunday to come up here and we will probably leave a couple of days after.

We love and miss you all...

B and Bubba Randal

2009-05-13T14:09:00.001-05:00

Happy Birthday Katie Johnson! We miss you.

2009-05-12T22:42:00.003-05:00

to gma about hospice. Will be going there in a couple of days.

2009-05-12T22:42:00.001-05:00

Ok day today. Gpa more alert. Knew who we were. Bubba was adorable trying to get his attention and talking to him. Still talking some nonsense. Dr talked

Update

2009-05-12T10:48:00.003-05:00

I lasted 5 days without the Internet. I went to the Library yesterday and got back on the computer. I'm sorry I haven't updated more on from my phone. This is what is going on. I'm sorry it's so long.

Thurs: Got to Grandma's at 5:30. Had dinner. Watched Bubba basically bask in the attention that we were both giving him. Put him to bed around 9. Talked to Grandma until 11:30. She told me that his general Dr called up and told her that Grandpa is a very sick man. Thinks that he may have pneumonia. Grandpa is still talking some nonsense. Told Grandma that he wanted her to go to Texas with me and stay there.

Friday: Got a meeting with the cancer Dr's nurse Dan on Monday at 9:30. Went to the hospital in the afternoon. He was breathing heavy. He knew we were there. He told me that I should have driven up here but he was glad that I was here.

Saturday: Went to the hospital. Seemed worse. Knew that we were there. Getting worried. Didn't like nurse because I felt she was talking down to Grandma and calling her "Honey".

Sunday: Grandpa's Dr called up and told her that he was in no condition to take the ride to the other hospital for the meeting on Monday. (we agreed). Then mentioned dialysis for his kidneys. Told Grandma that we he walked in Grandpa didn't know who he was. Met one of the Dr's at church. I told him what the other Dr told me. I then asked where is the cancer (since no one will tell us). He told me the pelvic bone, some ribs and in the bladder. The reason why is kidneys are failing is because the cancer is blocking them from emptying into the bladder. My friend Darwynn came to visit and we all went to the hospital. We got there and he was worse. The nurse talked about DNR. I had Darwynn take Bubba out (and for her to get my phone that I left in the car). He knew we were there. I went out and called Bill and left messages. Text paged Adam and told him I was not coming home Weds. When we left I told him we would be back on Monday. He started talking about Mom...which had me start crying. Told me that he did love her even if she bossed them around.

Monday: Dan called to tell us that he would not be at the meeting but someone would be there to talk to us about the test results. Got in right away and then waited for 30 minutes. The Dr came in talked to us for 5 minutes and then left. I was LIVID but decided it wasn't worth getting upset about it. We decided that if we had any questions we would just call Dan. This is what the Dr told us "Radiation or pain pills for the pain." I couldn't look at him because I probably would have screamed "Have you even LOOKED at this man!?!" He then talked about how cute Randal was. Grandma asked how long and he told her "radiation for three weeks" Told us to tell him he said Hello and "you know your way out right?" and then left.

After lunch we went over to the hospital. Bubba sucking up all the attention from everyone in the hospital. Grandpa was sleeping. A friend of Grandma's was there and just about to leave. I noticed on the board that there was no nurses name so I went and asked for his nurse. Told her who I was and asked how he was doing. She said he had been sleeping most of the day. He did sit up and did eat some food but was not feeding himself. He would open his eyes and then go back to sleep. Breathing heavy. We left after ten minutes.

Got home and Grandma said "I don't know how much more I can take of this." I put Bubba to bed and went to Walmart to get stuff. Grandma called her friend who was at the hospital and asked her what she thought. Her friend is a retired nurse and she said that the nurses were talking about him while she was in the room. She told Grandma "You better tell your granddaughter not to go home yet."

Tuesday: Going to see Grandpa later in the day and then have dinner out with my cousin Virginia. Went to Walmart and now here to type up the novel of what is going on.

Sunday I told Adam what his Dr told Grandma on the phone. He told me that if I wanted to stay I could. I told him that I would see how he was doing and have the meeting with Dan on Monday then I would decide. After Darwynn left I told Grandma that I talked to the nurse and got her opinion on if I should call Bill or not. I told her that I called him and told him to come up if he could. I also told her that I was not leaving on Weds. I've had this vibe since Saturday that if I left I would be getting a phone call telling me to turn around. (and you all know I don't ignore the vibes!)

So that is what I can remember of what is going on now. Adam told me that Katie is doing well. Thursday night he fell asleep watching her on the TV and within 15 minutes she got out of bed, found some sparkly lip gloss, covered her hands in it, played with the computer mouse, then went into our bathroom to wash her hands and while getting her stool to the sink she woke Adam up. He also told me that Friday night he looked on the TV and she was not in her room. He looked all over for her, started to panic, and then found her BEHIND HER DOOR! I am THANKFUL that we have family in the area who can watch Katie while I am gone and Adam is at work. I'm also thankful that I brought Bubbaman...He has been a Godsend and has been taking our minds off of things.

I will try and update in a couple of days. Please continue the prayers and vibes. I miss you all.

Love,

B. and Bubba Randal

2009-05-10T06:42:00.001-05:00

Happy mother's day. I miss you Mom!

2009-05-09T17:23:00.001-05:00

Saw gpa today. Had sono on kidneys. He is having problems breathing. I Did not like the nurse.

2009-05-09T10:47:00.001-05:00

Should have brought my knitting. No cable. No internet

2009-05-07T17:38:00.001-05:00

At grandmas

2009-05-07T15:20:00.001-05:00

Took break to stretch out. Bubba needed to get out of the bucket. Eta now after 5

2009-05-07T14:17:00.001-05:00

At rest stop past des moines

2009-05-07T13:09:00.001-05:00

In iowa around noon. Eating lunch

2009-05-07T10:55:00.001-05:00

At rest stop near holt missouri.

2009-05-07T07:57:00.001-05:00

Bfast. Car packed. Get gas and starbucks then on the way. Prob get there around 4

2009-05-07T06:52:00.001-05:00

Morning. Did not sleep well. Up every two hrs. Getting bfast. Est leaving 8

2009-05-06T22:06:00.001-05:00

Going to bed. Plan on leaving around 8 or so. Goodnight!

2009-05-06T20:33:00.001-05:00

Trying to watch lost and get bubba down for the night

2009-05-06T17:03:00.001-05:00

Watching princess bride on bravo

2009-05-06T15:24:00.001-05:00

At hotel in emporia

2009-05-06T12:26:00.001-05:00

Lunch!

2009-05-06T12:04:00.001-05:00

Pit stop near still water.

2009-05-06T09:38:00.001-05:00

Taking a break

2009-05-06T08:30:00.001-05:00

At rest stop in oklahoma.

2009-05-05T21:29:00.001-05:00

Said goodbye to katie. She is staying with grandma tonight

2009-05-05T21:26:00.001-05:00

Test

Road trip

2009-05-05T10:08:00.004-05:00

image014
Originally uploaded by FlipSide3

Tomorrow morning Bubba Randal and I will be taking a road trip to Coal Valley, IL where my Grandparents live (Mom's parents). We will be staying over night in Emporia KS Weds night and then get to IL sometime Thursday afternoon

The reason why we are going is because Grandpa B has been in the hospital now for over three weeks. The first week he had two surgeries on his kidneys for blood clots. This was something due to Prostrate Cancer that he had back in 1999. He had been cancer free since fall 1999.

Then Saturday Grandma told me that Grandpa now has bone cancer in his lower back. Right now we have no idea what type or what stage it is at.

I have talked to my cousin who has been helping out and keeping me updated and we decided the night before Grandpa's second surgery on his kidneys that I should go up there. (I also got a vibe that told me that I needed to go...and you know me I don't ignore the vibes)

After looking at prices and many options I have decided that I was going to drive up there and bring Randal with me. I will be staying there for a week. Adam and family will be taking care of Katie (and she still has school).

So if you can please send vibes and prayers for my family. I will try ( or Adam will) and do updates every couple of days.

Meet Pinto

2009-04-29T19:23:00.002-05:00

Last Saturday we had Randal's 10 month pictures done with the Bluebonnets (it's a Texas thing)

The green thing is a plastic dog that Uncle Bill gave Katie about two years ago. Katie started taking interest in it about two months ago and decided to 'name' the dog. But didn't tell us the name so we got confused when she told us that she wanted to play with "Pinto".

First Home Game of the Season!

2009-04-13T13:20:00.001-05:00

Go Cubs Go!!

Happy Easter 2009

2009-04-12T17:25:00.000-05:00

March Pictures

2009-03-25T14:33:00.003-05:00

Oh and if you haven't checked yet....Check out it's all about us for a video of what Randal can do!!!!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!!!

2009-03-17T08:16:00.001-05:00

Just Between Friends sale/ New Stroller

2009-03-03T23:38:00.004-06:00

As you know spring is around the corner and you know what that means. Scarborough Faire will be here in about a month. A couple of weeks ago Adam and I were talking about getting a new stroller that could handle what the Faire throws at us (rain, heat, sun, mud and snow) I said that the only thing that could probably handle it would be a double jogging stroller with big wheels. So I was off on my mission....

Well tonight Carolyn and I went to the preview sale for Just Between Friends a consignment sale. Walked in went to the strollers and saw this

Now this is an almost $300.00 stroller going for about $150.00! I called Adam told him what it looked like and said "yeah it can fit in the car" and for the rest of the night hung out with Carolyn looking at clothes and chatting away.

So I paid for the stroller and went to the door to get it. Then tried to figure out how to get this thing folded and into the trunk of my car. Took about 5 minutes to figure that out and another three with me saying "please get in my car please get in my car" as both of us were shoving it in there. I am proud to say that it fits.

So now we are ready to go to the Faire. First test drive will be over at Grapevine Mills Mall on Thursday morning. It will also get both the kids used to being beside each other.

8 Month Pictures

2009-02-19T16:50:00.002-06:00

More on "It's all about Us" soon..... (after I chase a toddler doing something she is not supposed to do!!!)

The Chair of many colors.....

2009-02-16T19:20:00.006-06:00

This chair has been in our family for over 50 years. It has been many colors over the years. This picture is from around 1974 with my brother Bill and I.

This was taken today with Katie and Randal.

39....UGH!!!!

2009-02-07T09:21:00.000-06:00

Miss you Murphy

2009-02-06T21:03:00.003-06:00

When I was up in NY I was able to see Murphy Dad (and Teresa's) dog. He had been living with Dad for almost a year. Today I got a phone call letting me know that Murphy died in his sleep this morning.

Will miss you Murph! I'm sure Hamlet, Rocky and Lieutenant are showing you around with Mom and Grandpa Keenan.

Miss you Grandpa

2009-02-01T17:33:00.008-06:00

(From www.newsday.com)

KEENAN - Joseph T., of Mt. Sinai, LI on January 18, 2009 at the age of 89. Beloved husband of the late Margaret. Loving father of Patrick, James, Michael, Victor, Vance, Russell and the late Kevin and Joseph. Cherished grandfather of three and great-grandfather of four. Friends may call at the Bryant Funeral Home, Inc., 411 Old Town Rd., Setauket, LI. Visiting hours Thursday, 6-9pm. Funeral Friday 11am at the funeral home. Interment to follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Coram. Memorial donations to the L.I. State Veterans Home, 100 Patriots Rd., Stony Brook, NY 11790 would be greatly appreciated. www.bryantfh.com

This is a poem written from my Nana to my Grandpa Keenan before she died....

Remember...

When it's time for us to say good-bye
Please my love, please don't cry
We have so many days to be thankful for
I never could ask for more.
Remember all the good times we had
forget the few times that were bad
There were times I know I made you mad
Remember all the times I made you glad.

Remember the first time I said I love you
No words were ever spoken that were more true
The days we spent together I shall never forget
why do my eyes feel so wet?
We both knew the time would come
when we would have to part
Why to I have such pain in my heart?
How do you say to someone who made your life?
My happiest day was when you made me your wife.

Remember my love even though we have to part
You will always be in my heart
Remember we shared a love that was so rare and true
I know in my heart I'll never be apart from you.
So kiss me my love and say good-bye
I don't want you to see me cry
Remember my love I'll always love you
and thank you for a love that was so rare and true.

7 Month Pictures

2009-01-27T12:26:00.001-06:00

06.jpg01
Originally uploaded by FlipSide3

We decided not to go to our usual place this month. Their service has not been to our liking (new management/waiting for 30 minutes) and we decided to have someone come over and take pictures of Bubbaman.

Thumb

2009-01-27T12:23:00.004-06:00

This is how he usually is now. With his woobie (blanket) and his thumb in his mouth.
I love this picture!!

09
Originally uploaded by FlipSide3

21

2009-01-27T12:23:00.001-06:00

21
Originally uploaded by FlipSide3

15

2009-01-27T12:22:00.001-06:00

15
Originally uploaded by FlipSide3

New President

2009-01-20T12:19:00.002-06:00

Doesn't matter if you voted for him or not today history was made. Now lets get to work!!!

Remember When the Music
by Harry Chapin

Remember when the music
Came from wooden boxes strung with silver wire
And as we sang the words, it would set our minds on fire,
For we believed in things, and so we'd sing.

Remember when the music
Brought us all together to stand inside the rain
And as we'd join our hands, we'd meet in the refrain,
For we had dreams to live, we had hopes to give.

Remember when the music
Was the best of what we dreamed of for our children's time
And as we sang we worked, for time was just a line,
It was a gift we saved, a gift the future gave.

Remember when the music
Was a rock that we could cling to so we'd not despair,
And as we sang we knew we'd hear an echo fill the air
We'd be smiling then, we would smile again.

Oh all the times I've listened, and all the times I've heard
All the melodies I'm missing, and all the magic words,
And all those potent voices, and the choices we had then,
How I'd love to find we had that kind of choice again.

Remember when the music
Was a glow on the horizon of every newborn day
And as we sang, the sun came up to chase the dark away,
And life was good, for we knew we could.

Remember when the music
Brought the night across the valley as the day went down
And as we'd hum the melody, we'd be safe inside the sound,
And so we'd sleep, we had dreams to keep.

And I feel that something's coming, and it's not just in the wind.
It's more than just tomorrow, it's more than where we've been,
It offers me a promise, it's telling me "Begin",
I know we're needing something worth believing in.

Remember when the music
Came from wooden boxes strung with silver wire
And as we sang the words, it would set our minds on fire,
For we believed in things, and so we'd sing.

Do you like Bread???

2009-01-13T09:10:00.002-06:00

Every so often I get on this cooking kick. Well yesterday I was looking at a friends post and saw the site to Hillbilly Housewife and how to make bread. So yesterday afternoon I decided to try it. It didn't turn out well. Adam liked it. I knew that I was missing something. I found out I totally skipped a step. OOPS! So this morning I'm trying it again.

We have also decided to save a pamper diaper tree and went with Cloth Diapers. I have checked with friends and asked them worked for them. Bubbman is now wearing Bumgenius 3.0 cloth diapers and they work wonders! We will still use pampers every so often but not as much.

Pictures will be posted soon!

I've seen that look before....

2009-01-05T22:56:00.004-06:00

We are getting some slides from my family transferred over (small groups at a time) and I got some back today. I saw a picture of me when I was six. I was living in IL and I think it was for a birthday party for some kids in the neighborhood.

This is the picture of me:

Now when I was looking at it I kept on thinking 'I have seen this look before...where have I seen this look...' After digging I found it.

Yeah...the kid doesn't look like me.

Lawson Deck

2008-12-25T21:27:00.001-06:00

Merry Christmas Lawson!!! Welcome to your new home!! Can't wait to meet you!

Piggy Tails

2008-12-25T21:10:00.003-06:00

Merry Christmas

2008-12-25T11:13:00.000-06:00

CONGRATS!!!!

2008-12-24T18:25:00.002-06:00

CONGRATS to Betsy and Stewart Deck on the birth of their son Lawson born 12/23. (Betsy is Adam's boss). Pictures soon to follow.

Satine...Is now Plotting my DOOM!!!!!

2008-12-24T13:31:00.002-06:00

Poor Satine.

Tuesday I was trying to give Katie her meds and down for a nap. I was in a hurry because Bubbaman was screaming that he was hungry. Satine came in the room and I told her to go away which she did. I got the drops in Katie's eyes, sang "Lion Sleeps Tonight", picked her up in my arms and turned off the fan light. I then (without looking) went and shut the door...HARD!

No Cat Tails in Subway Doors!
Originally uploaded by lindagaulke

and heard scratching right away. I knew what happened. I opened the door put Katie down and ran after Satine saying "I AM SO SORRY!!!" she went into the kitty room and when she saw me she ran past me and went under the bed. Katie and I both tried to get her from under the bed. I have to admit it was kind of cute hearing Katie say "Come out Satine. My Mommy says that she is sorry!"

After I finally got Katie down for a nap I looked for Satine. She was not happy with me. But she let me pet her.

We went to the inlaws for dinner. When we got home I was getting Katie for bed and Adam came over and told me that he thought we should call the vet in the morning. He said that Satine's tail had a kink in it. :( More guilt. I called up my friend Darwynn who has always had a cat and I got her opinion and she told me to take Satine to the vet to make sure that there wasn't any nerve damage. There was a good sign when I was on the phone with her when Satine jumped onto the dresser. I called the vet in the morning and got a 3:50 appointment.

I called Mam-Maw to see if she could watch the kids and then I tried to figure out how to get a cat in a carrier, a toddler ready, a baby ready and get everyone at the house by 3:30 and then the cat to the vet by 3:50. I decided to get Satine in her carrier around 2:45 so I wouldn't be running around. Adam called at 2:20 telling me that the City Manager told him to go home and to have a Merry Christmas (THANK YOU GARY!!!) When he got home we double teamed the kids and got them ready and in the car. Then got the Satine in the car and listened to her cry all the way there!

The vet took a look at her and then watched her tail. The good news was the tip of her tail was moving. That meant NO NERVE DAMAGE!!! If there is nerve damage then they cannot feel it and they will try to get rid of it themselves. We did not want that to happen. She felt her whole tail and said that there was swelling around the area (where we saw it bent) and said that there could be a broken bone. There is really nothing that they can do about it. She gave us pain killers (in liquid not pills) for her and sent us home. Then we listened to her cry all the way home and went to the inlaws for dinner and took the kids home.

So now I am looking over my shoulder because I know that she is plotting my DOOM!!!

Happy Birthday Mom....

2008-12-22T07:55:00.002-06:00

Every time I hear this song I hear her singing along with it. It's one of my favorate Christmas albums (or CDs)...

Miss you.

Hee Hee Hee....I've done that...

2008-12-20T09:29:00.006-06:00

Back in 1976 (I think) my parents had a party for the group that my Dad worked with. It was the first (and last time) that they mixed drinks. While all the adults were having fun..my brother and I were trying to watch one to the holiday shows (can't remember which one). Well I walk up to my parents (again can't remember which one) and told them that I couldn't hear the show because they were being too loud. This reminded me of that.

Satine

2008-12-17T22:42:00.002-06:00

When I got Satine she was a kitten and a Diva. A year later I got Connor and I realized that she wasn't as bad of a cat. She's not the typical lovable cat. If she wants attention she'll go to you. If she is hungry she will bother you. If you are not up at the crack of dawn she will run around the room and wake you up. If you are upset she will bug the crud out of you and not let you out of your sight. If you are sick she will be next to you in bed the whole entire time. If you are pregnant she will be by your side and go with you to the bathroom at 3AM.

Today Katie was sent home because she has pinkeye. It was after 2pm, Katie had a little bit of a fever and was very grumpy. I was rocking her and singing Christmas songs. Satine was outside the door wanting to come in and meowing like crazy. I realized that she wanted to come in not for me...but because Katie wasn't feeling well.

She may be a fuzzy little Diva sometimes...but in her own twisted way she does care about her humans.

Granddaughter to an Army and Navy Man. Daughter of a Marine. Sister to an Airman.....

2008-12-16T08:11:00.002-06:00

From KLUV 98.7FM

Merry Christmas.

Tagged

2008-12-14T23:12:00.003-06:00

I was tagged…
The object of the picture tag is to:
1) Choose the 4th folder where you store your pictures.
2) Select the 4th picture in the folder.
3) Explain the picture.
4) Tag 4 people to do the same.

This is a picture from 2000 of Charlie and I at the Euless Musical Competition. We won first place.

Speaking of awards Congrats to our Brother in Law Aaron who got "outstanding analyst" 2008 for his region....

And....

Today I got an award for being in Belly Dance for 5 years.

Christmas 2008

2008-12-09T20:34:00.001-06:00

Christmas 2008
Originally uploaded by FlipSide3