Scrapbook, Pets, and Kidneys

I said I was going to get better about posting more. Time just goes by so fast. Last weekend I went with the girls back to the river to scrapbook. I didn't get as much done as I would have liked but it was still a great get away. I did manage to start 2008 now to finish. :)

One of my friends Gwen always bring her two little pups Annie and Gretel to the river. They are cute little schnauzers. While we were there Annie seemed as if she was starting to feel bad. We were sitting around and next thing I knew Annie just fell of the sofa. She appeared to be stretching but just tumbled over. Seems poor Annie had a stroke right in front of us. She was partially paralyzed on her right side. She wasn't 100% but seemed as if she was getting some feeling back and strength. I sent a text to Gwen Sunday and she said Annie was doing a little better. I was so shocked when I sent her a text Tuesday to see what the vet had to say only to be told Annie was now in doggie heaven. Seems she had a tumor the size of a grape fruit and her heart rate dropped from 60 to 20 in a matter of minutes. Gwen's sister Teresa went and met her as Gwen made that hard decision. She didn't want to see Annie suffer. I know Gwen is hurting because she loved Annie like it was her child. My heart goes out to her and Gretel.

When I got back home Sunday I was met by my own little pup Abby. Daddy took her to get a much needed hair cut. She looks so good. I know she has to feel better. I just had to post pictures. :)

This past Monday was a special day for us. Ray has been blessed with his kidney for nine years. He actually had a dr appointment that day and was told his kidney function is great. If only his heart would get on the same page. Ray still has the pains in his legs if he walks or stands a lot. I can tell he also tires faster now. Over all he are very thankful he is doing as well as he is considering.

I hope you all have a great weekend. Stay dry and warm!

Donna

Freezing...

It sure has been cold. Rumor is we may thaw out a bit this weekend. They say 50's in VA come Thursday. I am so excited I am so ready for Spring. Seems like since the holidays are gone the cold weather should be as well. We already had a nice snow this year so I am done. I don't mind the cold when I can stay in and curl up with a blanket and watch Lifetime movies all day.

Funny how much you can change in a year. When I was laid off last year I didn't enjoy it at all it was so stressful knowing what was to come. This year I am working and feeling less stressed as I am looking forward of what's to come. We have been house hunting but no luck yet. Boy rent has really went up a lot. Our goal is to stay in the same school district for Eleni. I am praying we just can find something we can afford.

I'm off to the river again this weekend with the ladies for another scrapping weekend. I hope to get a lot done. Last go around I finished 2007 now to start 2008. I am looking forward to just losing myself in my pictures and memories. Maybe we will even watch a few movies. Anything goes no schedules and we eat when and if we want. It's so relaxing and quiet. I wish I could take you all with me. I will be sure to check back in and let you know how my weekend went.

Donna

Happy New Year

Hello and Happy New Year to you all. I haven't posted in what seems like forever. I wish I could say I had a good excuse but all I can say is life has kept me busy. I have missed blogging so I am going to try to do better this year. I have enjoyed catching up with every one's blogs and all the beautiful pictures. I really missed my tree and decor this year but we had a nice Christmas all the same. We cut back a lot this year for two reason's one money and two no where to put anything. We were very blessed my good friend Teresa and her hubby Tom let us use there house at the river to have a family Christmas. It was cold but great. We ate good and watched a lot of movies. The girls enjoyed having there own space for a few days.

It was a very relaxing and enjoyable weekend even Abby enjoyed Christmas at the river.

On our last morning there Abby woke Jessica up to go potty. She took some of the most beautiful pictures of the sun coming up. The view is gorgeous.

I just wanted to update you on a few things. Ray spoke to SS we should be hearing something from them real soon. I am still at my job. We are under new management not that I didn't like my old manager but I really like the new one. I am trying to learn as much as I can so hopefully I can transfer within and make more money. Ray and I have been looking for a house wish us luck. I am very excited about 2010 and what it may have to offer. Ray and I stayed in last night and the girls went out. I love the New Year's and being surrounded by friends but it was nice ringing it in on the quiet side. This year I want to stress less enjoy life more and MOVE!

Donna

Hello All

Wow it's been forever since I last posted. I don't get to read and post like I used to but I try to stop in when I can. Since my last post I have been back to the river and I finished my scrapbook for 2007. I was determined to finish and let me tell you lack of sleep this past weekend has gotten the best of me BUT I finished. Now to catch up and do 2008 and 2009.

I can't believe it's been 6 months since we had to move into my Mom's. Can I say I am thankful and grateful but it's been a long 6 months. I keep hoping and praying that we can still move before the holidays not sure I can pull it off but we are still praying. Still no word on Ray's SS. All they say when he calls or goes in person is it is still pending.

I have been on my job now almost 5 months and I never thought I would make it. I still don't like my job but I am just thankful to have one. I am hoping when my six months comes around I can post out into another department. Which will mean no phones hopefully and more money!

Several have asked about Eleni. She is doing as well as to be expected for a 16 year old. She has her days where she knows there is a light at the end of the tunnel. She has managed to keep her grades up and goes to school everyday. It's very hard for her she misses her room and her things. I am blessed to have such great understanding girls.

I am looking forward to seeing upcoming Christmas pictures of every one's home.

Donna

Great Weekend

Seems like forever since I have posted. I felt like my blog was becoming too sad and decided to not post unless I have something happy to share. This past weekend I went back to my friends Teresa's house on the river. The weather was perfect and the view from her picture window is to die for! We did some serious scrap booking this weekend. I completed 29 pages and have almost finished 2007. LOL! I'm still behind a year and some but that's ok I'm getting there. We ate home made soup and scraped away. It's so nice just getting away and leaving the stress behind even if it's just for a weekend.

This is what you see when you look out Teresa's picture window.  

This is the ping pong table we scrap book on. It's covered with scrap book stuff from top to bottom. This is Teresa and Robin taking a break.  We had a great weekend and will be going back again next month. Maybe then I can finish 07! :)

Well, here is an update on things. We are still at my Mom's which has been way too long for us and her! Still no word on Ray's SS. We are trying to hang in there and pray everyday things get better and we can move. Thanks too all of you who have stuck by me and to those who have started following my blog. I try to stop and read your blogs and comment when I can. I have been blessed with so many great blog buddies!

Donna

Happy Fall to All

Wish I had some pictures to share but I didn't take a camera with me this past weekend.  My dear friend Teresa emailed me about a week ago and invited me to her river house this past weekend. Teresa was having her Mom and the Red Hat Ladies down for a mini retreat and she invited her sister Gwen and I to come and help out. When I got there Friday they had already eaten but I did make it in time to help clean up. Then afterwards we sat outside by the fire.  There were 8 Red Hat Ladies and then Teresa and I there for the night. The weather was gorgeous! We slept with doors and windows opened as the breeze off the river knocked us all out. Most of the ladies were up very early to watch the sun rise over the river. I chose to skip this part. :) They had a quick bite of breakfast and they were off to Smithfield for lunch. The Red Hat Ladies were so sweet and such a delight to meet. It was an honor to have met each and everyone of them.

Saturday after the ladies left Teresa and I sat around and just relaxed awhile. It was so nice and once again the weather was to die for! You could just smell Fall in the air. Then later in the day we finally pulled out the scrapbook stuff. We didn't get a lot done because we were just enjoying the peaceful relaxing environment. It's definitely a great place to just get away if even for a day! We are supposed to get together again in 2 weeks. I have my finger and toes crossed I love it there and ALWAYS enjoy the company of Teresa and Gwen! There is nothing better than spending time with good friends!

My weekend was so relaxing. I think it was something I not only wanted to do but needed to do! I have been very stressed and tensed lately by the time Saturday came around I felt like my old self again. Teresa will never know how much that invitation meant to me!

Just a little update which really isn't one. Still no word on Ray's disability. I told him even if he doesn't get it I still would rather he not work. I know we need the money but I also know a full time job takes a lot out of him and I'd like to keep him around for awhile. I'm still hanging in there with my job. I don't like it but it's a job and sometimes you just have to do things you don't like to do. I have put the word out there that I am looking and have friends looking out for me. I'm just going to stay focused on the light at the end of the tunnel. I am so hoping we have our own place before the holidays. I guess that about sums it up for now. I hope you all are enjoying this beautiful Fall weather.

Donna

Hello Everyone

Seems as if I post less and less. I still try to read every ones posts and comment when I can. I can't believe the summer is gone and fall is fast approaching. I can only hope the new season will bring great things to me and my family. I am looking forward to the day I can post on here I am moving. I miss decorating and even cleaning. 

Eleni is doing better since school started. She still misses her own space and most of all her music. She has definitely been a great trooper through all of this and has made me proud. Jessica is also with us and been great as well. She is working more hours and helping us as well. I have been blessed with 2 wonderful beautiful girls!

You know I love all the pictures everyone posts but I am also loving the recipes. Thanks so much ladies sometimes I get tired of the same old same old. My goal is to learn how to make home made spaghetti sauce and stuffed cabbage. Please share any recipes you may have. Once again thanks to all who stop by your comments go further than you could ever imagine.

Donna