Looks Like We (Jarod) Made It!!!!

Ok, so technically Jarod did all the hard work, but we really all did make it through the last 2 1/2 months of hell. Jarod had his last chemo treatment this morning...YAY...and now it's time to heal (both literally & figuratively). He will go back to see the oncologist in about 2 1/2 weeks at which time they will schedule his follow up CT scans, schedule removal of his port and give them the protocol for his particular follow-up regiman for the next 2-5 years.

We, as a family, are so grateful for Dr. Filip, Nurse Kim, Nurse Tina, Nurse Robin and the entire staff at Atlanta Hem/Onc for the wonderful care they gave to not only Jarod, but our whole family. They are ANGELS and there was never a day or time when they didn't go above and beyond for Jarod. They have made this journey a little easier, especially for Jarod and Lindsey, and for that I am so thankful. We are also extremely grateful to all our wonderful family and friends for all the well wishes & prayers sent Jarods' way. He will continue to heal in the months ahead and he and Lindsey will figure out where the next path will lead them to. Life will never be the same for them after this experience...it will be better because of it and he will do all this CANCER FREE!!!

Jarod and Mama 5/24/10...last day of chemo!!!

Jarod and Nurse Kim...she truly is an Angel!!!

Lindsey and Jarod...last day of chemo 5/24/10

Jarod, Lindsey and Mama...last day of chemo 5/24/10.

We decided to celebrate with lunch at Front Page News after Jarods' short chemo today and while Jarod and I were putting money in the meter (yeah, it took 2 of us to figure it out!) Lindsey was walking onto the sidewalk and all of a sudden says, "Did a bird just crap in my hair?" Sure enough, it did!!! We laughed (Jarod and I) til I thought my sides would split and she was gagging and practically running to the restaurant to wash her hair out in the bathroom sink! Anyhow, supposedly that's good luck so before we got back to their house we stopped and bought lotto tickets...I think today might just be our lucky day!!!

Although he doesn't look it in this picture...he was VERY happy today was his last treatment. He's looking forward to not being bloated from all the steroids, not having bones/joints ache til he feels like crying, not being nauseous and just looking forward to Life. God I love this kid...

Mothers Day 2010

So this post isn't just about Mothers' Day, but also about family and what a great support system they always are for us. My sister, Pam, was able to fly out from Wyoming for a week and spend some time with us. She is my only sister and we NEVER get to spend enough time together but we always know each of us is there for the other, especially in tough times. I was SO happy she was able to come and to see Jarod and Lindsey and just "hang out" with me for a week.

We had a great Mothers Day weekend with Jarod and Lindsey spending the entire weekend (as well as Georgia Pooch) down here in Newnan. Jarod was feeling pretty good coming off the end of his 2nd cycle of chemo. He and Cleo just hung out on Saturday while Pam, Lindsey and I went shopping. Lindsey got her cartilage (ouch!) in her ear pierced and we just walked around Ashley Park and then to Old Navy. It was fun to hang out with the girls. That night, Cleo cooked turkey tenders, mashed potatos and gravy (technically I did that part!) and rolls for dinner. It was so yummy...there's just something about fresh turkey and the way Cleo cooks it is so yummy! On Mothers' Day, Cleo and Jarod got up early and went turkey hunting...no luck this time. It was such a beautiful day and we were able to be outside all day, playing some cornhole and enjoying the sunshine...especially Pam who came from a temp of 29 in Wyoming the morning she flew here!!! Jarod cooked Gouda stuffed pork chops on the grill that were absolutely fabulous!!! It was so nice to spend Mothers' Day with those I love the most...just wish my other kids could've been here :(

On Tuesday, Pam and I got up early and drove to Atlanta and took Jarod to chemo. This was the start of his third (and hopefully last) cycle of chemo. We spent the night and took him again on Wednesday. He didn't do too bad, but by the time we left Wed. night and started to head back to Newnan he was feeling pretty crappy. He had a bad night Wed and again on Thursday so they gave him IV ativan both Thursday and Friday to try to sedate him and allow him to sleep through the nausea. Cleo was able to be with him on Friday and even though there's nothing any of us can really do for him at least he's never alone and I think that helps. We will know for sure next week, after his blood levels come back and Dr. Filip confers with Dr. Einhorn @ Indiana Univ, if he will only require the 3 cycles or possibly need a 4th. Lindsey has been having her own struggles with her oral surgery...she had the stitches out on Wed and there's still infection so she's on another 10 day round of antibiotics...I know the stress of all this isn't helping and I pray that she will get over her infection soon.

I have always LOVED being a Mama, but this year was more special because I realize just how precious life is and you should always embrace life and show and tell those you love how much they mean to you...not just on Mothers' Day, but every day and live your lives to the fullest. I will always strive to be an inspiration to my kids and laugh more and love even more if that's possible...

Pam and Marcy...May 2010

Pam and Marcy...May 2010

Lindsey getting her ear pierced...ouch!!!

Jarod and Mama on Mothers' Day 2010

Aunt Pam, Jarod and Lindsey...Mothers Day 2010

Lindsey and Jarod...Mothers' Day 2010

Pam and Marcy playing cornhole...

Jarod and Lindsey playing cornhole...

Jarod grilling stuffed pork chops.

As you can see, Cleo wasn't in any of these pics...guess he was the official photographer this weekend..haha! I guarantee you, he was there and supervising us all :)

My Wish...

This song by Rascal Flatts...My Wish...is the song that Jarod and I danced to at his wedding to Lindsey in November 2006. The words are more powerful to me now than ever and I just wanted to share one verse.

My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to,
Your dreams stay big, and your worries stay small,
You never need to carry more than you can hold,
And while you're out there getting where you're getting to,
I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too,
Yeah, this, is my wish.

Jarod...you are so strong and although my heart aches every moment of every day for the struggles you are facing right now...I know that this too shall pass and ALL those dreams Will come true.

I Love you my son....

Matt & Kaitlyn Visit Georgia

Matt (Cleos' nephew) and his daughter Kaitlyn came from Texas this past weekend for a quick visit. I picked them up at the airport Thursday night...what a fiasco...and we headed down to Newnan. Poor Kaitlyn was so exhausted but she was a good sport about the whole airplane trip and then another 30 minute car ride to the house. Friday morning Matt, Kaitlyn and I headed up to Atlanta to see Jarod. After visiting at his house for a little while, we went to lunch at a great BBQ place. Jarod came back down to Newnan with us and spent the night Friday (Linz had to work late so didn't come down until Sat. morning). Cleo got home from work late in the afternoon and took Matt down into the woods to show him our property and where they hunt. We just relaxed and ordered pizza that night.

Sat. morning they got up early and went turkey hunting over by the Peachtree City airport...no luck there so they went to breakfast and headed back to the house. When they pulled into the driveway, they saw turkeys in the woods behind the house so Jarod and Matt got out and "snuck up" on them and Jarod shot one!!! That's a whole other story for Jarod and Matt to tell so I'll just leave it at that..LOL!! Kaitlyn had fallen asleep at like 7:00 Friday night and didn't wake up until around 9:30 Sat. morning so her and I didn't get much time to hang out alone before the guys got home but it was still fun to have her by myself for a little while. She is such a good little girl and I just love having kids around...they light up my day!! Jarod and Matt went to town to get fixins' for turkey poppers and then to Dicks and Walmart...funny they got some shopping in over the weekend and I got NONE...bunch of skirts anyhow!!! Linz and I ended up running back to town later to exchange a Braves tshirt but that was the extent of our shopping :( We all just relaxed and watched the Masters and hung out on the patio that afternoon to enjoy the warm sunshine. Matt fixed turkey poppers with the fresh turkey breast meat and Jarod grilled filets...it was all super YUMMY. Cleo and I always love it when Jarod comes down because we know we won't have to cook :-) Anyhow, thanks you two for fixing a great supper. Jarod and Linz headed back to the city around 7:00 as Jarod was exhausted and we just chilled for the rest of the evening.

Cleo took Matt and Kaitlyn to the airport this morning and now the house is SOO quiet again! We miss them already but are so glad they got to come visit. Jarod and Matt were very close growing up in Wyoming and have always been more like brothers than cousins. Thanks Ashley for giving them up for a few days but next time you and Kyle need to come with!!

Jarod, Kaitlyn, Matt and Lindsey

Matt and Jarod...

Look at all them turkey poppers...too Good!!!

Marcy and Kaitlyn

Kaitlyn was "watering my grass" for me

Oops...guess this one made it twice and I don't know how to delete it!!!

Before the big hunt...I LOVE my boys!!!

The turkey kill...I just love the grins on their faces!!

We had a great weekend and I was so glad that Jarod was feeling good. He has another chemo tomorrow then has the rest of the week off before starting his second cycle. He will probably get weaker and feel a little crummier after the second cyle so it was a good time for Matt to visit. I will keep y'all posted on his progress, but so far he's doing pretty good.

Love to y'all...

Path Reports, Chemo Schedule, Etc.

This week started off with a visit to Jarods' oncologist for the path reports and to set up his chemo schedule. Although it hasn't been confirmed yet from Indiana University the path report from Piedmont showed it to be Embryonal Carcinoma and this is a pretty rare form of testicular cancer. Of the men who get Testicular CA, only 10% get this with only 3-4% being a pure embryonal carcinoma which is what Jarods' turned out to be. It doesn't change the treatment plan other than he will definately have to do 4 cycles of chemo rather than 3. The prognosis is still just as positive with a cure rate of 85-95% with surgery and chemo. This was caught so early and although it showed in some lymph nodes, this chemo is so effetive in treating this cancer that Dr. Filip expects the tumor markers to drop drastically within the first wk of chemo...Yay!!!

Jarod, Lindsey, Janice (Lindseys' mother) and I all met with Dr. Filip and his nurse Kimberly and we all just felt such relief to hear this news. We were very concerned after reading on the internet, etc. and thinking because this was such a rare, aggressive cancer that this would change things...but very glad to hear it didn't. They are still waiting confirmation from Indiana Univ to confirm this diagnosis, but they don't feel their will be any conflict with Piedmonts' path report. Our daughter in law Lindsey has updated their blog as well (jarodandlindsey.blogspot.com) and she has put many other details into her blog so please feel free to read that for more details. She is great and Cleo and I are so greatful for her and her strength. Jarod is still in for a long and sometimes grueling 12 weeks of chemo starting the 29th, but he is young & strong and has a very positive attitude. Jarod also saw his surgeon for a post op appt. after the oncology appt. and he said everything looked good and that Jarod could start driving again. Jarod and Lindsey have lots and lots of friends as well as many family members praying for them and that has meant the world to us all.

Jarod and Lindsey are coming down here on Friday night for dinner and then Cleo and Jarod are going turkey hunting Sat. morning. I was concerned this might be too much for Jarod after surgery and all, but Cleo told me last night that basically all you do is sit in a spot, use your various turkey calls to try and "call one in" and that's pretty much it. Imagine that...I always thought it was kind of a strenuous thing to hunt, no matter what you were hunting! Guess the truth is out now and Cleo can no longer tell me how tired he is after a day of hunting...LOL!!! I am glad the kids will be able to come down and enjoy some "normal" activities before Jarod starts his chemo on Monday.

Once again, we are so blessed to have so many friends and family pulling for Jarod. Your prayers, phone calls, emails, cards and FB messages have not gone unnoticed and if I haven't had the chance to personally thank each of you that sent them to Cleo and I in particular, I'm sorry. It's been a crazy 2 weeks but we do appreciate you all very much!!!

Kenleigh Comes to Georgia

Sara and Kenleigh were able to fly out to Georgia on Sat the 20th to spend a few days with us. Sara really wanted to spend a little time with Jarod before he starts chemo and she also wanted Kenleigh to meet her Grandpa and Uncle Jarod. Lets just say...she was a big hit!! Both Grandpa and Uncle Jarod absolutely loved hanging out with her. She is at such a fun age and would just smile and laugh all the time. She was a little fussy a couple nights but as it turns out, she got 2 teeth buds coming through...such a big girl!!!

We were so happy they could come spend a little time with us but fear they will never fly out again due to the fact they spent the night in the Denver airport last night after what should've been just a short layover. Guess they had a typical spring blizzard there that pretty much shut down the airport. I felt so bad that Sara was stuck there all night with a baby, but sounds like she made the best of it and they did arrive safely in SLC yesterday afternoon.

Here are just a few pics of their visit...don't know why I didn't get any of Aunt Lindsey with Kenleigh...maybe Sara has some on her camera and if so, I will get them and post later.

Thanks for coming Sara...we sure do love you both so much. And a BIG thanks to Zach for giving up a weekend with y'all. He's the BEST!!!
Sara and Kenleigh Mae at Jarods' house

Mama, Jarod and Kenleigh with Georgia looking on...Kenleigh LOVED the dog!!!

Sara, Jarod and Kenleigh Mae

Uncle Jarod and Kenleigh...she is hanging on his shirt for dear life!

Grandpa, Nana and Kenleigh...looks like she was waving for the camera

Kenleigh knew the only way to get Grandpas'attention at night was to sit with him and play on his computer!

Bath time...looks like Nana needs to buy some bath toys for the poor little girl :-)

Kenleigh and Grandpa after he went turkey hunting. He was sad Sara didn't bring her camo outfit that he bought for her...LOL!!

LiveStrong...

It is 1:30 Tuesday morning and I just couldn't sleep so thought it a good time to sit and reflect on the past couple days in our life. As most of you know by now, our son Jarod was diagnosed with testicular cancer this past Thursday. On Friday Cleo and I were able to meet Jarod and Lindsey and go with them to meet with the surgeon and oncologist who will be treating him. They have found a small tumor in the right testicle that has spread to some of the surrounding lymph nodes. Although they feel it is in the early stages it is aggressive due to the fact it has spread already. They recommended surgery ASAP followed by 3-4 rounds of chemotherapy. We were all in agreement that this was a good plan.

Jarod and Lindsey have had so much to process in such a short time but they are both such strong individuals and they have such a positive outlook. Although this will be a hard battle, it is one that can and will be won with the love and support of their many friends and our wonderful family. We have all felt your prayers these last few days and know they will continue.

So Monday afternoon was the day...Cleo and I, Lindseys' mother Janice and Jarods good friend Chad were all able to be at the hospital with Jarod and Lindsey. Their minister came and led us in a prayer before Jarod was taken back which made us all feel very peaceful. Jarod did wonderful right up until they were ready to take him to the o.r. and he got pretty nervous, but he has never had a surgery before or gone under anesthesia so that was to be expected. The surgeon and anesthesiologist reassured him that all would be good and they promised to give him good drugs...which did make him smile :)

They removed his right testis and tube but did not touch the lymph nodes as they feel the chemo is a more aggressive way to treat them. They said the tumor was small but definately malignant and they have sent the pathology slides to Indiana University for a second opinion. This is the hospital which treated Lance Armstrong so we feel pretty confident they are top notch. Jarod was able to go home and although he is in quite a bit of pain, his spirits are good and we all know he will get more rest there than at the hospital. He will go back to the hospital Friday morning for insertion of a port-a-cath which is how his chemo will be administered. He had an appt. Monday (22nd) with the oncologist to go over the final path and get his chemo schedule...but he is tentatively scheduled to begin on the 29th. They will know for sure after they receive the final results which chemo drugs will be used, but it looks like he will have 3 kinds and be on a 3 week cycle...wk #1 will be Monday thru Friday 8 hrs a day of treatment...wks #2 & #3 will be only Mondays with a short 1 hour infusion and that will complete cyle 1. He will need 3 to 4 cycles depending on how he responds to treatment. This will be grueling for him but he knows this is what has to happen to cure him.

Jarods doctors are all really wonderful and we all feel very confident in their abilities. The support staff, i.e. nurses, office staff, etc. have all been really great to, not only Jarod, but to the whole family and this can only make this process easier for Jarod and Lindsey.

Once again, thank you to all for your prayers, phone calls and emails over the past couple days. It is so reassuring to know that we all have someone to lean on when we need it. Between Lindsey and I, we will try to keep our blogs updated as things progress so keep checking back.

Meeting Miss Ellie...

I recently spent a week in Salt Lake City meeting our newest granddaughter Ellie Quinn. Of course I'm prejudice, but she really is BEAUTIFUL!!! She seems to be a pretty good baby but Cori is nursing so I couldn't be of much help to her...she is a Mamas' girl. Her 2 big sisters LOVE her so much and are always wanting to hold her and play with her...sometimes a bit too much but it is so sweet to watch them interact with her. I thought Teiha might be bent out of shape a little with not being the "baby" anymore, but she's just so excited to be the Big Sister that nothing else seems to really matter.

My sister was able to come down from Rock Springs for 2 days and hang out with us which was really fun. I sure miss her a lot and wish we lived closer, but I will take what I can get when I can get it. She spoiled the girls rotten...as usual...and we all had a good time together. On Thursday Sara was able to take off work and we went to meet Brooke and Michelle (Cleos' nieces') and have lunch with them...it was so fun to see them again. Brookes' little guy Luke is about 8 1/2 months old and he was completely infatuated with Kenleigh who is 6 months old. He wanted to hug and "kiss" her and all she wanted to do was play with his zipper...it was so cute!! Thanks Brooke and Michelle for meeting us...it was good to see you.

All in all it was a great week except, once again, I caught the "CRUD" about half way thru the week. Went to the dr. when I got home and was put on steroids, an inhaler and cough syrup with codeine (amazing stuff!). I'm not really sure what it is about SLC...maybe the poor air quality...but everytime I go I get sick and not just the sniffles sick, but full blown, kick your butt sick...it really is annoying.

Anyhow, thanks to my girls for a great week. I love you both so much and wish we were closer and could do these things more often but...It is what it is....and makes me appreciate our times together so much more. Was fun to see Kyle and Mikell also on Friday night..just wish we could've spent a little more time together.
She is changing so much in just her few short weeks here!!

Sound asleep...their couch makes such a great backdrop for pictures!

Me and My Girls...Love them so much

Sara, Kenleigh and Nana

Luke and Kenleigh...kissing cousins

Launa and Teiha playing hairdresser...they really are close sisters and besides the occasional argument, get along great!!

Happy New Year!!!

I decided I needed to blog again as I've kinda been out of practice lately and since it is a New Year, what better title for the blog?? It seems that a lot of people sit down each January and set goals or make resolutions, something I've never really done, so in trying to "keep up with the Joneses" I've decided to give this a whirl this year. So here goes:::

Top 10 List:

10. Show random acts of kindness to total strangers
9. Make a new friend (maybe more than 1!)
8. Help raise money for a good cause
7. Get at least 30 minutes of exercise daily
6. Eliminate people/things that cause undue stress in my life (legally, of course!)
5. Go hunting with Cleo---only with a bow :)
4. Sit on a beach and watch the sunset
3. Learn to eat AND like deer meat (this one will require lots of work!)
2. Conquer my fear of dark places

And the #1 thing I want to do this year is---LAUGH MORE---it makes people wonder what you're up to or really ticks them off, either way, that in itself will make me laugh more!!!

I know this is a pretty random post and there's no really deep, philosophical goals but I think it's a do-able list of things to work on. I hope that y'all have a crazy-fun 2010!!!

Christmas 2009

Well, another Christmas has come and gone...I swear 2009 just flew by!!! My parents were able to fly out on 12/17 and so we really enjoyed spending Christmas with them. Jarod and Lindsey came down Christmas Eve day and we all went to 5:00 candlelight church services then came home to enjoy Cleos' homemade cheese soup, shrimp cocktails and misc. goodies. We then opened one present each (which has always been a family tradition of ours) and then it was off to bed to wait for the BIG GUY to make an appearance. And an appearance he did make...we were spoiled (well at least me!) and enjoyed opening presents with the family. Jarod cooked a prime rib on the outdoor cooker, which was really yummy, and then he and Lindsey headed back up to the city to have Christmas night with her family. It was a really great Christmas and we are so thankful that my parents were able to be here with us to enjoy it. The only thing that would've made it better was having our other kids and grandkids home with us---maybe next year (hint, hint!!).

So today, I drove my parents up to Jarods so they could spend the day/night with him and Lindsey. I came home and decided to finish taking my Christmas decorations down---the tree came down on Saturday because it had been up for 5 wks. and was getting pretty dry! I love Christmas, but when it's over--it's over and I like my house to be clean and clutter free again. I have the downstairs completely done and am waiting on Cleo to get home and help me put everything in the attic then I can finish cleaning the upstairs.

2009 was REALLY good to Cleo and I. Cleos' kidneys are hanging in there and still not at the transplant stage yet and he continues to feel great. We are looking forward to a new granddaughter sometime in February and getting to see family in May when we head to Wyoming. We pray that 2010 will bring much happiness and good health to each and everyone of our family and friends.

Thanksgiving 2009

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend with family this year. Cleo and I drove up to North Carolina (near Winston-Salem) on Wed. afternoon to spend Thanksgiving with his niece Stacie and her family. His sister Tami and her husband and youngest daughter Kylie flew out from Idaho and so it was really nice to get to see them all. Tami and Eric cooked a super yummy traditional turkey dinner complete with her wonderful homemade rolls and 3 different kind of pies...Cleo and I were in heaven!! They went to a lot of work and we really appreciated it all. We stayed up pretty late Wed. night catching up and then ate and relaxed on Thanksgiving Day. We did go for a walk (before dinner--not sure why we didn't go after!) around the neighborhood and that allowed us to not feel as guilty eating so much for dinner :) Thanks Stacie for inviting us..we sure do love y'all.

We had to leave on Friday morning and head back to Georgia because Cleos' brother Tom was headed our way on Saturday afternoon. He had been in Florida with his wife and their 3 kids and all their grandkids at DisneyWorld and they decided to drive back to Texas thru Georgia...yes, I know it's out of the way...that's what made it so special for us. Anyhow, they arrived on Sat. around 4:00 and their daughter Amber and her family came too. They (Ambers family) only stayed for dinner and then headed out as they needed to be back in Oklahoma on Sunday. We thought that was super sweet for them to stop by as well. Thanks Amber and Wayne...we sure love you guys!! Cleo and Tommy went out and checked out all of Cleos' hunting spots behind the house and by his job at the PTC airport on Sunday and Cindy and I went shopping. Cleo put a pork butt on the spit/grill Sunday late afternoon and it turned out yummy. After dinner we watched 4 Christmases and ate popcorn and chocolate. We sure do miss having Tom and Cindy close as we used to do tons of things with them when we all lived in Wyoming. We love you guys and want to say thank you for coming our way...we're headed your way next!!

It was just a really great 5 day weekend for us and we just want our family (all of our family) to know how much we love you and how thankful we are for you in our lives. We are also blessed with wonderful friends and not a day goes by that we don't give thanks for ALL our blessings. We hope that each of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving as well and that this Christmas season will bring good health, happiness and prosperity to each of you.
Cleo had his belt attached to Elizas' scooter so she wouldn't get away...Eric pushing Addie in stroller

Uncle Kevin (Cleo) and Eliza napping

Kylie, Tami and Eric relaxing after dinner

Tami and Cleo

Cleo, Royal, Wayne, Mitchell, Amber, Spencer and Marcy

Cleo and Tommy

Cleo, Marcy, Cindy and Tommy

Texas Nativity that Audrey made for Cleo and I...how stinkin' cute is it???

What's Cookin???

Well, in my house it's anybodys' guess anymore!! We had to buy a new grill a few months back and although Cleo does most of the grilling at our house I have been known to grill as well. Our old grill was a gas grill but you could also use charcoal which we did most of the time. So a while back I decided to cook some ribs on the grill...how hard can it be right? I put them on this new rib rack I bought and was so excited to have ribs when Cleo got home from work...but, as you can see by the picture below things didn't turn out so well!! Really, that's an understatement...they completely burned in less than 10 minutes. I'm talkin' when I went to pull them off the racks, they totally disintegrated in my fingertips. I checked and I had the gas on low so I'm not sure what happened. Then last week I decided to try some veggie kabobs and fish on the grill. It was almost the same story...black veggies (not edible) and the fish was pretty crispy as well, although it was edible.

I used to pride myself on being a decent cook but lately this has not only been happening on the grill, but in the kitchen as well. I seem to overcook, burn or just simply ruin the most basic things. Maybe this is secretly my way of getting Cleo to start doing the cooking...LOL...we all know that won't happen!!! Anyhow, I hope this is just a "slump" and things will get back to normal soon..,but if anyone has suggestions on how to improve my cooking skills...DO TELL.

FASHION FAUX PAS!!!

I'm sure you are wondering what in the world this blog is about...bet you can't guess??? As it turns out, my daughter Sara has a sick and twisted sense of humor and along with her Dad they thought I needed to share this story with y'all so here goes...

I warn you this could be a long story as I'm kinda known for not being able to tell a short story--you just gotta get all the facts in there and set the mood, right?? So anyhow 2 weeks ago yesterday I was on the phone with my best friend Tammy, Cleo had just left to go hunting for the evening and all was well. As I was talking I started to have this really strange upper abdominal pain and thinking it would just pass I kept talking. About 10-15 minutes later it got pretty intense so I told Tammy I needed to hang up the phone. The pain got really intense, I started to get really sweaty and generally just hurting pretty bad. I decided to try to take a cold shower to see if this would help but by the time I got my clothes off I was getting really light headed so I layed on my bed. The pain got really intense and started to move into my chest so of course I panicked thinking I was having a heart attack. My neighbor wasn't home and I knew that I couldn't drive myself to the ER so I called Cleo and told him I was calling 911. By this time I was having a full blown asthma attack brought on by the panic and the intense pain. The Coweta county firefighters and the EMT crew arrived really quick (did I mention I was in the nude???)They worked really quickly to get my breathing under control but they were unable to establish an IV line so they were unable to give me the good drugs. Once again I must mention I HAD NO CLOTHES ON!!!---Sara are ya havin a little deja vue???(inside joke). By this time it was decided to give up on the IV and just get me to the hospital. One of the firefighters was so sweet and asked me if I had a robe he could put on me...after pointing to the bathroom (unable to talk at this point) he grabbed my cute little yellow terry cloth robe and put it on me. He then asked if I had slippers (which I do but they don't match!) well he couldn't locate them so just grabbed pink flip flops! So here is the fashion faux pas...a yellow robe with pink flip flops...SERIOUSLY???

Cleo had been in touch with the 911 operator this whole time and actually beat the ambulance to the ER. After blood tests, EKG and ultrasound it was determined it was my gallbladder that was seriously inflammed so they admitted me and the next morning I was off to surgery to remove the gallbladder. Now I gave birth naturally, without epidural and that pain didn't compare to this...but the good news is I healed really quick and feel great now. After 2 days in the hospital I was allowed to go home...lets face it with this flu season, the last place I wanna be is in the hospital with all those germs.

I have seen the Coweta County Firefighters around town lots...in restaurants, stores, etc. and have always said how young and good looking they are---seriously, they could definately make a calendar (if ya know what I mean). The EMT's weren't bad looking either---young and athletic and yet somehow knowing they all saw me without clothes makes me wish they were older and maybe not so easy on the eyes!!! So the moral to this story is: unless you wanna have your own fashion faux pas, i.e. fashion blunder---get a robe with matching slippers or better yet just keep your clothes on!!!

SCORPION...EWWW!!!!!!

So I have learned in my 21+ years of marriage to Cleo that I am in charge of killing spiders in our house. He is so skittish when he sees one and rather than kill it...he either tells me to or just ignores it. I am not usually afraid of them just kinda creeped out by them, but I'd much rather kill them than know they are in our house. So this morning as I walked downstairs past the front door, something caught my eye and as I looked closer I realized it was a small scorpion!!! Of course I yell for Cleo to come look and of course he doesn't budge so I ran to the kitchen, got a small container and lid and headed back to pick it up. As I was doing so, I realized it was still alive!!! and so I had to kinda squish the head to stop it and scrape it into the container because of course first thing Monday morning my "bug man" will be gettting a call from me and I need proof to show him. I'm not sure why the picture turned out so blurry, but you get the idea. Anyhow, thought this was an appropriate post for Halloween month.

P.S. Cleo and I got our flu shots and a pneumo vaccine yesterday and my arm is KILLING me! Did they put kerosene in one of those vaccines or am I just a wuss??? Just thought I'd add that little bit of info to generate some sympathy because I'm sure not getting any from Cleo :(