So let me start off by saying it has been a while since I have been here as you can see! We have been busy, out of town and just been notified by my hubby...that he was getting worried I had post-partum depression!! Can you believe that! I know I have been down lately but post=partum depression!! Where is his mind!

We got to have our first babysitting outing on Tuesday night! James & Scarlet went to church for Passover and yes they let us keep Lauren. Stoney & I ventured out to there house to keep her and she was the sweetest little one ever. I held her as much as I could....she would look at me and just "Coo" She would smile and try her best to talk to me. I know she was saying Grancie lets go shopping...but I was under strict instructions that we could not leave the house! She was fine until around 9:10 and she decided she might be hungry..so Stoney got to hold her while I heated her bottle. Needless to say she was crying a little, but he talked to her and calmed her down...it was so sweet. So I got her bottle down her and she was ready for sleep, well her body was ready, but her mind says NO WAY STAY AWAKE, I MIGHT MISS SOMETHING! Yes she fights sleep just like her daddy did...I feel sorry for Scarlet. She would nearly dose off and jerk to wake herself up. She was not going to sleep, not if she could help it! So I walked around with her and then mommy and daddy came in...Mommy took her and she went right to sleep! All this and I forgot to take my camera with me, so no pics for this post!

We really enjoyed keeping her and look forward to many other times! I can't wait till she gets old enough to fill her with sugar and send her home!!! Just kidding kids!

A Load of Happy Birthdays!!

Well today is March 24, and today Lauren is 6 weeks old! I can't believe how fast she is growing. I saw her yesterday and she is really filling out, she is watching as you talk to her and following with her eyes with movement. Before we know it she will be grown. So here's a shout out to Lauren...Happy 6 weeks birthday!

Well on to older people.....as most of you know tomorrow is MY Birthday!! I am not going to tell how old I will be....let's just say old enough! I actually remember when I though the age I am going to be was OLD! Now thats a different story...it is a very young age!! So Happy Birthday to myself!!

Now, My only brother who is 4 years and 1 day younger than I...his birthday is on Thursday...So Happy Birthday to Rusty!! I bet you thought I was going to say how old he would be....ha ha...no such luck! I know he is feeling old...he says it all the time! I say age is just a number its all in how young you act!

I hope that the next few days are good ones, it has rained here most all day. When it does that it makes for a dreary old day. But I did go get my hair cut off today....it is short..and I love it. Makes me feel younger, Friday I am going back to get hi-lights. It is amazing to me that taking the time to get a fresh new look will make you feel so much better. Now if I could get back to getting this weight off....however I have started my walking CD's again...if I can just make it the 21 days that makes a habit I will be doing good!

Guess I better get off and get something done around this house...Obama is on and I really don't care to watch him tonight...tired of all this mess!

Happy Birthday to all!!

I am awake...really I am!

So on fri night I got a text...with Lauren's photo wide awake....James & Scarlet are always telling me that she doesn't sleep much at night I am not convinced! (LOL) Everytime I am there she is sleeping.

This morning Scarlet called me at 10:45 to tell me that Lauren was wide awake if I wanted to come see her...she had let them sleep in this morning. What a sweet little girl to think of her parents needing all that sleep! Of course, Grancie put on some clothes and headed out to see her. She is so precious, loveable and kissable. She would look at me and grin, as I was talking to her. She now weighs 10# 5 oz. She is a growing little girl! Oh and did I mention how precious and beautiful she is!

Here she is in her little jeans....isn't she the sweetest little one!

Work, work, work...NOT

I know I haven't been here much lately, with Mom, the business and to top it off I have not felt well the last week. This past week was the first that I have actually worked since the first week in Feb. But I have made it back into the shop, with new rules.....we are only to work 5 days a week and with decent hours..this last week I worked M-F, actually took a lunch hour to watch my soaps and quit between 5-6 each night. Wow that is a big step for me! But I have realized that work is all we were doing and we must take time to enjoy each other and our family!

I know there will be times we will have to work much harder but Lets just wait and see how long this lasts....

Coming or Going?

Well...that is a good question, one I am asking myself a lot lately. Folks it really seems as if my life is being pulled in so many directions, I don't know which way I am going!! This is why I haven't been here and posted lately!

BUS RIDE!!
You see Stoney and I drove to the other side of Orlando, FL to help dad get mom back home to TEXAS! It was 1054 miles-0ne way...and we did it in about 17 hours driving straight through. When she made her recovery out of ICU-she did it in fast forward. They released her from the hosp 2 days out of ICU. We got there Sun night around 7:30and left the next day to head home, pulled out around noonish. Stoney followed dad in the motorhome or bus as Mallie calls it! Stoney pulled the dogs and four wheeler with our truck. I rode in the bus...to take care of mom. I couldnt sleep as I was worried much about mom, she was so weak. I wanted to be there for her every little whimper. I know we drove her crazy, but we wanted to make sure she was taken care of. We finally got home on Tues afternoon around 4:30 pm. LONG TRIP, LONG RIDE

All Smiles

What can I say but every time I think of Lauren I have a smile on my face. I can't believe that I am a Grancie and I am so excited about it. She is so precious and such a blessing to us. James & Scarlet are the best parents I have ever seen. They are so caring and gentle with Lauren, tending to her every little whimper. I spent the afternoon holding her and stealing her kisses. She is just absolutely perfect. I can't say enough good things about her, and certainly can't get enough time with her. I think James and Scarlet might get tired of me before she is grown!


This weekend I also got to see my favorite little niece Mallory, she came down to see Lauren and welcome her into the world. Of course my sister, Jen brought her! It was so nice to see them both, espcially with all that has been going on with mom. I love having our girly times together. No men allowed! Mallory loves coming to Aunt Cheles to sleep on the "Wavy bed" (that is what she calls our waterbed) Of course she also loves the fact that she gets to sleep with Winnie! She is such a joy and I love her beyond words. She makes my heart melt with those big brown eyes... she reminds me so much of her mommy..I remember so much of her childhood being that I was nearly a teenager when she was born. My family is such a blessing to me.

News on Mom!!!

I am so relieved that words can't tell you how I feel...My mom has been taken off the ventilator!! I am jumping for excitement right now-and the good news is that she is holding her own (with the help of a Bypap machine). She seems to be coming out of this nightmare we have all been living in -it has been a week and half but it seems like several months.

Today she recognized my dad and she also knew her birthday-She also wanted to sit up and when asked if she would like her hair washed she shook her head yes! This is a day I have been dreaming would happen. The nurse also asked dad to bring moms dentures as she wanted to eat something soft....I understand it was a piece of cake! Mom when you get home we will bake you all the cakes you want-

I called dad and his spirits were pretty high today-you could hear the relief in his voice. He put the phone down to moms ear so I could talk to her-of course she couldnt talk back due to the by pap- but I told her I was laying on the sofa with Little Lauren on my chest-dad said she shook her head yes. I can't wait to get down there so I can see my mom and help my dad with the recovery process.

All I can say is that God does work miracles and he answers prayers

May I Introduce.....

My most beautiful Grand daughter.....Lauren Michele Ellis, she was born on Tues 2/10/09 at 1:49 am. She weighed 7# 14 oz and 20" long. She is absolutely the most beautiful baby ever. She has the same little dimples that her daddy has. She is so adorable, I just cant get enough of kissing her and loving on her.

Lauren's arrival couldn't have come at a better time, as we had been off working a show in Oklahoma City this past weekend. I was terrified she would come while we were out of town. She has been my strength this week with all that is going on with mom. My mother will absolutely adore her when she gets to meet her.

I have been spending every waking minute with little Lauren, holding her and spoiling her as much as I can. I spent the night last night-she wasnt a happy camper-she had a little tummy ache...thank goodness for Gripe water per the kids-they finally gave her some after being up many hours listening to her cry and trying to console her. This morning we went to Tyler to the Dr for her first weight check,
she weighed 7# 10oz-the same as when she left the hospital 2 days ago...that is good news since Scarlet is nursing her. However-while we were at the office Lauren wanted
everyone to know she was there, she was screaming to the top of her lungs.
Dr Melton was examining her and told us she was pooping her diaper-can you believe that the Dr. changed her diaper..I thought you wouldnt find that much. Once she got it changed-well Lauren filled the second diaper while Dr was still messing with her! She changed that very messy diaper as well! Lauren has to go back next Friday for another check up. She is so perfect in every way!

A Daytime Nightmare

Well let me start by saying that yesterday...was the most Horrific day in my life. It started out to be very good, but gradually got worse and worse.

As most of you know my mother isn't in the best of health as it is, but yesterday she really gave us a scare. Her and Dad are off traveling in the wild blue yonder. She wasn't feeling well over the weekend when I spoke to her, she said she thought she had the flu. So she was laying around, I told her not to get too bad because of her episode last winter when they finally put her on oxygen. I gently remindedher how she felt then...dont let it go there again. She promised me she wouldn't! Well so I called yesterday morning around 10:30 our time, dad answered her phone. He said she hadn't slept much the 2 nights before and she had finally gotten to sleep Sun night around midnight. She was very lethargic and could barely stand on her own. He was going to let her sleep a little bit longer and then wake her up...if she wasn't feeling well he was taking her into the ER to be checked out. Well he went to wake her up and she wouldn't wake up...he called 911, the ambulance picked her up and took her in. She wasnt in good shape none at all. Her blood pressure was 41/25...yes that is right...she nearly had no BP. She was in a terrible state. They had to intubate her as well. Apparently the Dr.s told dad it wasnt good....he called me very upset and very emotional....Mom isn't doing good he said...of course, my heart just sank into the bottom of my feet. First of all that my mom was barely hanging on and second that my dad was so upset. The worst part of it all is that they are in FLORIDA...to far to get in the car and reach them in 10 minutes like when they are at home. I immdeiately said I am coming down there...I will call Jen my wonderful sister and we will be on our way. He said NO not yet. I said you need your family to be with you, which thank god some of their friends are there and went to the hospital with him.


So I called Stoney and told him what was going on...he was very quiet and worried..of course being that he is a paramedic he knew the duress her body was under and said it doesn't sound good at all...I knew in my heart, but just couldn't imagine life without my mother. The tears flowed and flowed.

Ok, so I finally got Jen to give her the news, her coworker drove her home and she got on the phone with me and dad trying to make sense of all this. I also called my Aunts Linda and Brenda, they immediatly came to my rescue along with my Mother in law. They did not want me to be here alone. I called my best friend Sandy and asked for her to pray for mom. I called my brother also...I had so many phone calls to make, I am not sure who I talked with and who I didn't. However, after working on Mom for several hours, they managed to get her BP back up. They had told dad she had internal bleeding as well...in her stomach.

Jen decided to go down and be with dad as well as Rusty went also. Thanks to Cheryl who is one of Jen's college friends that works for the airlines...she got both Jen and Rusty a buddy pass so they could get down there reasonable. They were both able to fly first class... I feel terrible that I did not head down there, but I have so many different directions I am spinning and don't know which way to turn. I don't want to leave as Lauren is not to far from being here, sure as I left she would come, we are suppose to go to OK City this week, which that can be cancelled. But Jen and I decided that she would go down and then when she came back I can go down. This way someone will be with dad at all times...I just hope my mom understands why I am not there. Mom is a fighter and doesn't give up...she has survived 2 bouts with cancer.

The last report I got last night was that she has Pneumonia, a blood infection, bladder infection and congestive heart failure. They were draining the fluid off of her and going to move her to ICU. Dad went back to the bus to get some rest as he was up with her all weekend, I know he was physically and mentally exhausted. So it will be good that Jen and Rus are going to be there.

Once I knew what the prognosis was, I called my boys to let them know. I know I should have called earlier but I didn't know what to tell them. I did not want to upset Scarlet since she is having problems with her BP as well. They were both so sweet to me, and wanted to come take care of mom...which is just natural for a child to want to take care of their parent...it is hard to see or hear them soooo upset. James called back to offer me a ticket to fly down there, I told him it wasn't that I couldn't get the ticket, I just dont know which way to turn. Both he and Justin were so very consoling, it made me realize that when we get old they will have some compassion with Stoney and I.

So here I am this morning, went to bed at midnight and awake by 4 am. I can't sleep, my eyes burn so bad that I can barely close them. I never want to relive a day like that again. It was horrible beyond words...I don't know if I will ever be comforterable with mom and dad traveling again. They need to be close to home so we can get to them and take care of them. We might be grown adults, but what I realized yesterday is that You will ALWAYS NEED YOUR PARENTS. Life is fragile and we should all appreciate the fact that God gave it to us. I ask everyone to stop and say a prayer for my mother that she has a miracle recovery and that she makes it home to see my baby grand daughter Lauren make her way into the world. She was so excited about being a great grandmother, I want to share that experience with her.

Once again...today is another busy day for me. I had planned on getting out to run errands and wouldn't you know it is raining! So I started the morning at 5 am, dont ask me why I got up so early. I cooked my ground beef to make Chili (taking with me ti Canton, made brownies, done 2 loads of laundry and it is just 7 am! I think I might get some things accomplished today!! YEAH! I have to get my clothes together and put in the 5th wheel so we can get up tomorrow and leave for Canton. It is suppose to be NASTY, with sleet and freezing rain....I hope that Dodge can go in the sleet..pulling the 5th wheel none the less.

Ok so my news....Scarlet had her Dr appointment yesterday, she had her first physical exam, only to find out that she is dialated to 3cm and 50% thinned...the Dr said she thinks Lauren will not wait until the 27th. She thinks she might arrive a couple of weeks earlier! YEAH!! Well we all know that she will get here when she gets ready to make her appearance. We all are getting so anxious to meet her and show her just how much we already love the little one. I get emotional when I think about having a grandchild. Ok so now...I need everyone to say a quick prayer..this is the deal, I will be in Canton this weekend and come home 2 days and leave for OK City for a show. We will not be back until Feb 9th, I am keeping my fingers, legs and anything I can think of crossed that she doesn't arrive while we are in OK City, you all know how bad I want to be there when she arrives. SO PLEASE say a prayer....I know it is not about me, but, it would be so sad for Grancie to not make there.

I went out to the kids house on Sun to see what they got at their last shower which was Sat night. I helped them go through everything and Scarlet made her list of things she hasnt gotten she needs. So here is Lauren's Closet...this does not include her onesies or sleepers!! It is ashamed that she has as many clothes as her Grancie and she hasn't even made it into our world yet!! Also here is a picture of the nursery.

When the boss away......

Ok so as most of you who really know me... know that it is hard for me to sit still and do nothing. Today was pretty much a day of leisure. I did go out in the shop for a bit this morning to pack up a few things for Canton. Yes it is that time again! This is the time of year that isn't that much fun...it is normally COLD!

But back to veggin today....it was nice, but hard for me to do! Today was all about me....Stoney was at the firestation, so no one here to tell me what to do or how to do it! I watched the Miss America pageant..it wasn't what I remember it being as a young little girl who always said she was going to be a part of that show one day! I always wanted to be a performer on the pageant, not a beauty queen! I finished my book..Nights in Rodanthe-it was a very good book...of course I cried! So now I am off to Amazon to find me another book to read...I have never really been a reader, but I have started to enjoy reading, when I take the time.

My schedule the next few weeks is going to be very busy...we go to Canton, come home for 2 days and leave for Oklahoma City..Affair of the Heart show, suppose to be a big one! Let's hope so...I need to make some money....I have a grandbaby nearly here!

Preparing..what fun we are having!

Ok so this post is a few days overdue! We had a shower for my DIL Scarlet this past Sunday afternoon....she got so many things for little Lauren...it is really overwhelming. There were about 35 people at the shower, many friends and family. I couldn't believe the turn out we had. She got clothes, bedding items, wipe warmers, bibs, socks, several health kits, blankets, handmade shawls, did I mention more clothes. Erin, my youngest sons girlfriend made the cutest diaper cake. Also she got the pack-n-play,her travel system and her glider. She got so many things, and we are so appreciative. She couldn't believe it. Afterwards we went out to the house to start going through the gifts to see what she might have gotten duplicates of, that was fun because she let James open up each bag to see what was in it...he put the pack-n-play together, the travel system together and hung pictures on the wall...etc. He had a lot of FUN! They have a couples shower this Sat evening so it isn't over yet. This will make the 4th shower. They are very fortunate and they know it. She was out of school on Mon for MLK day, so she updated all of her registries. We are getting closer to the date and the excitment is building. I know it can't get here fast enough for Scarlet..and James too.

Oh one funny thing...Scarlet got up Monday and found Peanut (my grand cat) in the pack-n-play underneath the bassinet part, he was sleeping...needless to say, he got in trouble! He is very curious about all this stuff being brought into their house. He is used to being the only one...and he is a little spoiled, just like all our little four legged kids! Another funny...Jen and the kids went out to see them on Sun morning before the shower...Mallie kept telling us that she missed Lauren. In the car on the way back to the house Mallie said....The doctor needs to take Lauren out of Scarlets tummy...we got a kick out of that!

I had my first guest sleep in my guest room too! Jen & Truett slept in my new bed, Mallie slept with Uncle Stoney and I...he informed me last night that Mallie didn't give him much room in the KING size bed that night! She slept right up next to him.
However, she has to sleep with us...she is fascinated that our bed has water in it! I think she calls it the wave bed!!!

Well I have rambled on and on...and could even more, imagine that! Of course I always do when I get to talking about my niece and nephew who are the sweetest kids ever! Just wait until Lauren gets here....!!!

Love y'all-

A day in history

Yesterday Stoney (aka Papaw) got my flat panel TV in service out in the shop...so now I can work and watch tv at the same time!

So being the person I am loving history and believing everyone should be patriotic, I decided to watch the Inauguration of Barack Obama...even though the real reason I watched was to see George and Laura in their final moments of office. I was out in the shop working and watching with tears...I don't know why I get so emotional when watching history in the making. Thank goodness I was alone...Stoney would have laughed at me and given me a hard time about it. The whole time I was watching GWB I was wondering what he was thinking...was it bittersweet or was he glad it was over...wondering if he was thinking how in the world is Obama going to do all he has promised! Who knows, but I know he is glad to be back in Texas..as he put it...It is good to be home! being a Texan we are glad to have him back! I wish him and Laura the best in their transition back into civilian life.

I hope everyone got to see this moment in history! We will see where we go from today forward.....catch ya later!

Adding some Flair!

Well as you can see I have found the cutest blog on the block! Yes I am trying to glam up my blog...I'm not so sure I have it all figured out but I am trying! Let me know what you think about it. I have added and taken off and added more and taken off...you see the problem for me is that the site has all the links but no pictures of what I am adding, so I am adding to see what it is and if I dont like it I remove it....all of you who know me, well you know how long it takes me to make up my mind! A giziiion years! ha....well I am going to stop for now...I have a big day tomorrow, my sis and the kids will be here and we have some plans to go to Tyler and baby shop!

A few extra won't hurt anyone!

Well today was a very busy day for me...I ran all day looking and buying things for the baby. The family shower is this Sunday and I'm very sure I had enough gifts to take....but a few extra couldn't hurt anything. So that is what I did....just a few extra...Lauren is going to be so SPOILED...but I have always heard that is what grandchildren are for to spoil!! So I am going to do my fair share! I also had lunch with a couple of friends that I used to work with...we had Mexican food and I very much enjoyed the visit and all the conversation! Sometimes I miss being around the girls....since I am working at home now...I am either by myself or Stoney with me 2 out of 3 days!

With the shower being this weekend I am also getting ready for my sister to come in..she will be staying here with Stoney and I...along with my neice and nephew. I went to Michaels today and got a couple little projects for them to do while they are here...maybe occupy them a little bit. I am thinking that Mallie and I might make some cookies..if we have time. Jen will be in on Sat morning and we are going to go to James & Scarlets so she can see the Nursery and then off shopping in Tyler. I look forward to my sister time...I wished we had more together than we do, but when we are together we have FUN!

So tonight I went down to my MIL house to see exactly what the plans were for the shower...where the tables were going to go...where the food was going to be placed...etc...when I came back....guess what I started doing...I came to BLOG!
I am going to start getting the gifts together and get them wrapped and taken care of so I don't have to worry about that any longer. Also because Jackson and Winnie our doggies...seem to like the toys and think they are for them!

I also wrote to Cee...my cousins daughter who was due 3 weeks before Scarlet, but due to complications they are inducing her labor on Wed, so Cannin..a little baby boy will be here 3 weeks early...please everyone keep them in your prayers.

Well I gotta go get my duties done for the night....till next time...

Celebration Day!

So let me start by saying..."I'm a day late and a dollar short" I think that is how it is said. Yesterday, January 8..was a milestone in my life it is the day my oldest son James was born. He was born at 8:37 pm after a long day of hard labor trying to get him here. He just turned 26 and it seems like it was just yesterday. I can't believe he is going to be a parent himself.

This year he & Scarlet spent his birthday starting their birthing classes to get ready for the arrival of their little one! I am so proud of both of them, they are going to make terrific parents. I think they may be getting a little nervous about the upcoming arrival. They will never know life as they do right now, but the changes are all worth it.

Tonight I worked on the wall hangings that will be in Lauren's nursery...They are in a white frame and have a Giraffe, Elephant and Zebra on pink polka-dot fabric in each one. Each are out of the fabric of her bedding. We went earlier in the week to pick up the changing table, but wouldnt you know it Babies-r-us was out of it....James ordered it and should be in within a week or two. The nursery is coming together and looking really cute.

Scarlet had a shower last week given by her church, there were approx 40 or more people. She received so many gifts it took her 2 hours to open them...of course she took her time too...she doesn't like being center of attention. She got several handmade blankets and quilts..lots of clothes..piggy bank, blankets, books to read to Lauren...which they already do! She was so worried that there would not be enough clothes...but Lauren's closet is full. She got some of the cutest little church dresses and cardigan sweaters. They also got the swing delivered to their home. They are very fortunante to have the friends and family who love them.

Well...I think I am getting the hang of being a Grancie...you see I started out talking about James and his birthday and ended up bragging on Lauren!!!

Excitement in the Air!

I am starting this so I can keep everyone updated on the upcoming arrival of our First Grand daughter! Yes it is our first....and I am so terribly excited. The first thing I had to do was to decide what I wanted to be called....You see I don't want to be a Grandma or Granny...I just don't think it fits me. I had a Nana and a Mawmaw and the Nana part is good but I wanted something different. So I have a friend that her kids called their granny....Grancie....so I thought this was fitting for me! It has some Flair to it. Something a little different and unusual....I know Lauren will never be able to find birthday cards that says Grancie...But who cares about the name on a card!

Well I just told you that her name will be Lauren Michele Ellis....Can you believe the excitement when I found out she was being named after me! I honestly think that is one of the most precious honors that a person can be bestowed of. Once again I got more excited. Her due date is Feburary 27, 2009....which is her other grandmothers birthday. If she comes on the due date that will be 2 very special memories we will have. Being born on a grandmas birthday and being named after the other one! She is going to be a very special blessing to us. Scarlet is doing good and showing her pregnacy very well....she looks beautiful and has such a glow about her. I love to see her smile and laugh when talking about little Lauren. She likes to rub her belly and get her moving around and talk to her. I have felt her many times she has some strong punches that is for sure, though I am not sure if is her arms or legs. James is very excited and he too has a great big smile when talking about Lauren. We have been getting the nursery together and this too has been a lot of fun. I will post some pictures later of the room.

Well now lets talk about the shopping.......Oh my gosh! I can't seem to resist all the cute little girl things you can find. I get so overwhelmed that I just buy it all ! Stoney tells me I am going to have to go back to work if I don't quit buying so much...but I can't resist. I had this much fun with my precious little neice Mallory too. She is now 4 years old and I can't believe it. I think I have succeeded in persuading her to be a Girlie-girl. Of course I showed her all the sparkling things and she loved them. She is my carbon copy or so my sister says! What can I say...a girl likes things that sparkle and they should start young so they never forget. She is a special little girl to me, she was the first in our family.