Month: May 2008

  • How My Saturday (Friday) Turned Out

    Okay, so it wasn't as bad as it started out to be - other than the way the house still looks.

    I began to have a headache and called my doctor.  He said to NOT take the anxiety pill (that pretty much translates in my book to "tranquilizer") that I'm supposed to take 2 or 3 times a day, but to take the Fiorinal and Codienne I have on hand for headaches, instead.  I have taken them off and on since I was 17yo, and know I can function with those in me.  I took one at 11am and another one around 3:30 and it has held the "almost headache" at bay.

    I picked up Stephanie and JanaLyn at her apartment, explained to ALL children my head hurt and they were to use quieter than "inside" voices and they were actually very considerate.  We went directly from Stephanie's work to our favorite eating place, McDonald's (snicker and rolling my eyes) and I asked them to please all order 99 cent cheeseburgers. this time  I DID order a coke for the caffeine benefit (my headache) and they got the usual water.  I shaved 70cents off the usual bill and if I hadn't order that coke, it would have been less than $10 to feed all five of us.  They played for 45 minutes, while I was in a "quiet" room area because the tables in the play area were taken (I think God was helping me out regarding the seating availability!).

    We went to the girls' therapy appointment and the therapist was SO glad to hear how things went with Luci at church.  We discussed seeing how Luci does between now and the 29th when Luci sees the physician again - the one who prescribes her medication.  If she does well (and she has been doing GREAT! - even the therapist noticed a huge change), then I will ask him to remove her from all medication and see how it goes for a while.

    Stephanie called when we were almost finished with the appointment to say they were letting her leave work early.  The timing was perfect and we left the therapist's office and headed directly to Bath & Body Works to pick her up. 

    To tell me "thank you" for all I had done, Stephanie presented me with this.

    Two "Fresh Lemonade" scented candles.  I adore the smell of fresh apples and fresh lemon.  I like candles and cleaning products that smell fruity rather than flowery, I guess.  I prefer ALL of my cleaning products to be lemon - right down to the lemon oil I use on wood furniture.

    Next, we went to Wal-Mart - a fiasco  at 4pm on a Friday.  But, we needed to go - so watcha gonna do?

    After fighting the crowds and keeping a head count of our 4 children who whined about being tired, and hungry, and thirsty, and needing to go to the restroom THREE times . . . we made it out of Wal-Mart and I took Stephanie and JanaLyn home.

    When I came home, the girls helped me carry in OUR groceries, but I was disappointed to find the "fairy maid" (whom I'm beginning to think doesn't really exist!!!!) had not visited my house!

    The kitchen sink area was still untouched.

    Well, not exactly untouched because now the kitchen sink included this
    That's two bowls of wasted breakfast cereal!

    And now my bar included the newly purchased grocery items - cluttered once again.  THAT BAR!!!!!!!
     
    You can't see it, but behind the boxes of Ramen noodles I found something I didn't know existed . . . PineSol comes in lemon scent (and, of course, y'all now know my passion for lemon scented things!).

    I'm happy to report my bathroom sink area was redeemed to it's usual "look" and wasn't quite as overwhelming to look at!  I managed to pick up stuff this morning while I was getting ready to leave.

    And, last (but certainly not least), without saying a word, Luci chose to wear a dress and sandals  (I think the dress is a little short, but hey! it looked better than a nightgown) and she was very well behaved today.
     
    I think she was just messing with my head this morning, not that someone who has just gone through a migraine the night before needs their head messed with - but that's my little Luci!

    Leftovers are for dinner tonight, because Jesse will be late and I just plain don't wanna cook!

    All and all, the Lord saw me through the day, gave me wisdom, some good headache pills, and children who were considerate and well-behaved.

    Thanks, God!!!!!!   I love You, too!

  • My Perfect Life

    First of all, let me explain that I had a migraine from the pits of hell descend upon me, completely out of the blue, yesterday evening.  I told Jesse I felt like I had been in a car wreck, thrown from the vehicle, and my head had hit the pavement and split open in the back.  I asked him to check my head to be sure it wasn't cracked open.  He assured me I "just" had a migraine.

    I took two migraine pills - they were totally ineffective.  So, after four hours, I gave in and asked Jesse if I could try his migraine shots (Imitrex) and gave myself (I know . . . who could believe I had the guts to do that!!) a shot in the arm.  The syringe cap (that holds the needle) wasn't securely tightened to the syringe's body.  I guess when I pulled the cap off the needle, I accidentally pulled some of the needle cap away from the body.  Some (I think VERY little)  medicine went *in* me but most of it dripped down my arm.  I tightened the needle cap back down onto the body of the syringe and grabbed another vial of Imitrex (also known in our home as "Liquid Gold" due to it's cost - something like $200 for six vials) and tried a second time, using only part of the bottle of Imitrex - maybe 3mls - not really knowing for sure if you could "overdose" on Imitrex.  I eventually (after an eternity of writhing in pain) fell asleep.

    I'm happy to report that my head is just fine this morning.  This new problem with migraines (so the doctor says) is just another thing that *can* occur during the pre-menopausal stage in some women's lives.  Oh, yay!  Let's stand up and applaud womanhood!

    So, I woke up feeling fine this morning, thinking it was Saturday.  I relaxed with a cup of coffee and then questioned Jesse as to why the weekly (and not the week-end) people were hosting "The Today" show.  That's when Jesse gently informed me today was actually Friday.

    I have to take Stephanie to work today (she needs to be there at 12:30) and Annamarie & Luci to their therapy appointment at 2pm.  I'll have JanaLyn in tow the whole time.  I have to grocery shop AND pick up Stephanie at 4:30, then come home, unload groceries, and magically cook something for dinner.

    Before I end this post, I want to share with all of you who have commented on what a lovely and beautiful home I have, because I want you to see my "Perfect Susie Homemaker" abode that I woke up to this morning.

    Now this first picture is MY fault, because Stormy cries to go outside and then cries to come back in about 92 million times each morning, so the muggy weather is pouring into our home right now.  If I keep the door closed, she claws at the weatherstripping.  You can see it ripped from the corner of the door.

    Here is my tidy and clean den.

    And yet another view of my spotlessly clean den.

    As I turned to the kitchen, I found this dying dandelion had mysteriously appeared on the den's carpet. (???)

    My girls were "happily" arguing over how much cereal one should put in a bowl and who "HAD" to pour Luci's milk into her bowl this morning.  It seems it was NO ONE'S turn.   Notice the clothes hanging to drip dry in the doorway????
    Don't let their sweet cherub smiles deceive you . . . they WERE arguing!

    Here is my "pass the city's inspection code" kitchen.

    All of this because of one headache rendering me helpless for ONE evening??????!!!!!!! 

    I felt quite overwhelmed and went back to my restroom.  Yes!  THIS is my bathroom sink and counter!!!!!

    As I walked out of my bathroom, I noticed my dresser was in competition with my bathroom sink.

    I'm not really sure (because I don't remember much about last night) HOW all of this came to be.  And I really have no idea how this will all be UNdone with my schedule being what it is today and my being needed everywhere except at home.  Maybe the "fairy maid" I so often dream of will come today?........

    Oh, one more thing.  Luci has announced to  me this morning (probably about 5 times, already) that she intends to wear her nightgown while we go to our appointments this afternoon.
    Despite her pleased look, I'm not as equally impressed or pleased by her defiance of wearing her nightgown everywhere we go. 

    Then again, aren't we supposed to "pick our battles" when it come to our children???  AND, is it *really* that wrong for an almost six year old to travel in her nightgown all day?  I may just leave this one alone and ask her to put on a pair of bedroom slippers. 

    I'm having an odd premonition about the rest of this day . . .

    LOL!!!

  • Thursday Thirteen #23

    Thirteen Things
    I Do
    TO GUARD MY HEART
    FROM BEING HURT

    1.  Fortunately, I am in a stable marriage now, but I used to have a problem picking men who were really bad for me and abusive.  Trust became an "issue" for a long time.

    2.  I have learned to be polite and kind to people who are consistent back stabbers and gossipers.  But my trust in them is zero.  And I (the natural born talker) zip my lips around those a don't trust.

    3.  As a foster parent, I've given love to each child we've had in our home.  Yet, I've always remembered deep in my heart they "belonged to the state of Oklahoma" and my relationship with these children was a "job" only.  I was to nurture and protect them as *if* I was their mother.

    4.  I try to tell everyone who is special to me my fond feelings for them.  Yes, I can get really overboard mushy at times; but, you never know when their last day on earth might be.  If a sudden death should happen, I *NEED* to know, in my heart, that they knew how much they meant to me.  (That's why I get sappy with some of you readers!)

    5.  I immerse myself in God's Word in the hopes that when a difficult or trying situation arises, my flesh doesn't rise up, too!  I think my flesh ALWAYS rises up when I'm provoked, but God's Word is on my tongue and I have to choose (sometimes VERY quickly) how I will respond.

    6.  I'm a little slow in getting really close to people.  I like most people I meet, but I've become very cautious about speaking too much about myself to new people no matter how genuine they appear.  I've been deeply hurt when gossip has made it's way back to me and it was completely unfounded.

    7.  I've had to come to terms with the fact pets just simply do not live as long as we do and they WILL die and that WILL break my heart.  I just went through the death of my dear cat (almost 20years old) and miss him terribly.  BUT, his last months were full of cuddles, kisses, and sweet words telling him what a wonderful pet he had been. Facing the inevitable made his final death much easier.  But I still hate it when a pet dies!!!!!

    8.  When faced with a challenge, I'm tenacious about doing all I know to do to fight.. (Like: what is the best thing for Luci right now?)  That way, I know in my heart, I did all I could have possibly done, even if things don't turn out successfully.  In other words, I always try my hardest and go above and beyond what most people would do.

    9.  I try VERY hard to give and expect nothing in return; and, in most areas, I follow that rule.  B-U-T . . . I'm still irked when I send a birthday check/gift or wedding check/gift and don't even get an acknowledgment.  Sending a sunshine box to someone who is ill and is inundated with cards and boxes is totally different.  I have never expected someone to gush over me, but "Hey, thanks!" or "Your package arrived in yesterday's mail"  just doesn't take that much out of ANYONE's busy day.  Not in my opinion, anyway.  I guess I expect manners rather than the gushy stuff!  I honestly don't care if someone wants to take my gift back and get something they like better.  Doesn't hurt my feelings one bit.  But waiting weeks and then me calling to say, "Did you ever get that box from me?" and the response being, "Oh . . .yeah, I got it. . ." I think that is just plain rude.  So, I quit sending to people who can't take the time to acknowledge receiving something.  I have to assume receiving something doesn't really matter to them, so why take my time????  (Yes, I struggle with this a lot, as you can tell!)

    10.  When I'm in public and I'm gawked at (because I dress in long dresses with a headcovering), I try to look people in the eye, smile my most sincere smile, and cheerfully say, "Hello!"  I've only been whispered about (behind my back) a few times.  Even though my appearance is a conviction of mine, it still hurts.  Especially when I hear, "She's just one of those dumb religious cult groups!"  You'd think if we were on the soup aisle, they'd at least wait to make their comment when they were on the bread aisle!

    11,  I take great pride in being an above average & versatile cook  I try to laugh when things turn out awful (and I can really ruin a complete meal sometimes!!!), but it tears up my heart to think I've served something to my loved ones that even the dog won't eat.  I guess I'm overly sensitive because I want people (and myself) to really enjoy eating wonderful food.  I go through a feeling of embarrassment and trying to tell myself EVERYONE makes mistakes, but my heart still rips a bit.

    12.  Words of flattery are often not taken seriously by me.  It embarrasses me.  And, I'm always appalled to find out that many people say words of flattery only to cut you to the bone once your back is turned.

    13.  No matter how hard I try to guard my heart, unexpected tears can flow - either from being horrible hurt - or from unexpected tender words.  I received the sweetest card from a blog friend in South Africa this week.  The note she wrote my children made me choke up as I read it, because it was from her heart to our situation.  PERFECT WORDS!  My husband's jaw dropped as he watched me stumble and try to read the note to my girls, because it's so rare for any of them to see me cry.  I'm just not (and never have been) a crier.  This card was such a sweet gesture from someone who only knows me from our blog world.  But she got to my heart and made me cry!!!!

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  • Wordless Wednesday's Answers

    The answers to yesterday's Wordless Wednesday pictures . . .

     


    Rissy, with NO help from me, made a recipe called "Mystery Muffins" for breakfast.  You can make the filling whatever you want it to be, and she chose current jelly for six of them and butterscotch drops for the other six.  I don't know if she put too much mystery filling in them or if she shorted the amount of flour.  The taste was great - they were just VERY fall apart.  She DID use cooking oil spray in the pan before adding the mix.  This kind of happened the last time she made them, very crumbly.


    Yes, this is me, as a baby.  Didn't have much hair back then, either!  And, did you notice my mouth is open?  Must have been talking up a storm then, too!

  • Almost Wordless Wednesday

    A few things before I post pictures:

    1)  Besides trying to write each of you (a tremendous number of people) who came to our aid yesterday, I must aoplogize if any of you didn't get a personal "thank you" from me today.   I truly tried to reach each of you.

    2)  Happy Birthday to my oldest sister, Penelope (no age will be revealed!).

    3)  I will spend the day with my little ones catching up on housework that's been neglected for approximately 4 or 5 days - no pictures of THAT!

    So here goes my otherwise Wordless (when have *I* ever really been "wordless"???) Wednesday . . .

    Annamarie & Luci have a new shoe organizer- freeing up two of their dresser drawers.

    Rissy also received a shoe organizer and some utility shelves for her closet toys.

    (SUCK IN A BIG BREATH HERE!!!!)   Rissy's closet actually has a floor!!!!

    Now to the wordless part!

    Happy guessing on the last two!

  • Thank You So Much!

    When I saw almost 250 people had visited my site this morning I felt covered in prayer and so much love and sincere concern from people who are virtual strangers, except for our common ground - being brothers and sisters in Christ.

    Basically, things went calmly.  The pastor had been praying and studying God's Word before our meeting and mentoring with another pastor.  He said he had no peace in his spirit about asking any others from the church to attend, so it was him, Jesse, me, & Luci alone in a small room.  He first read scriptures of the times Jesus cast demons away.  Jesus didn't ask God to do it - He commanded them with his own authority (the same authority we hold).  The pastor said God spoke specifically to him about Luci being plagued by demons that would "like to" gain entrance into Luci's spirit (from her bio-family and the fact she was a foster child & ours was the third home), but they couldn't reach her completely because of her living in our Christian home and us praying for her daily.  He felt sure that if God hadn't placed her in our home, she would be in a state institution right now.  (those are the same words a doctor and our therapist have said about her)  He said the three specific things we were to deal with today were  1) fear, 2) insanity & 3) neglect/abuse.

    He directed some very specific questions to us first, which he had discussed with another pastor he holds in high esteem (the one he had been praying with) and the answer to all of questions was "YES!  That' fits her to a "t"."

    Luci was neglected and abandoned.  So was Luci's bio-mother, Victoria.  Victoria was taken into TX custody when she was 2 because her parents were drug dealers and still serving time in prison.  Luci's bio-dad was a drug dealer involved in the Mexican mafia in TX.    The father is a diagnosed schizophrenic and her mother has an anxiety disorder, among many other violent traits that caused her to be expelled from high school AND the military.  Victoria, Luci's bio-mother, was in a mental institution from age 5 - 6 when a nurse wanted to adopt her and she did at age 6 1/2.  Luci, on the other hand, came to us when she was only 5 months old.

    The pastor believed Luci's fear and neglect have been handed down from her bio-family.  He knows us well and how we treat our children and said it HAD to be a source from her past NOT from our home.

    The praying and use of anointing oil was calm.  Luci became resistant and rigid at one point when he said none of the spirits that were trying to afflict Luci would ever be allowed entrance again.  She clawed at my arms and moaned.  But that was as "scary" as it got.

    He also prayed for us about the condemnation we had received from others and the "well-meaning" advice others had felt necessary to give to us.  He prayed for us to have wisdom from this point forward.  Then, he had Luci look him in the eyes and say to him, "I belong to God and I choose Jesus."

    He said he had asked God, before we met this morning, if there would be any deception or violence on Luci's part.  He said God had assured him Luci would be peaceful, yet deliverance WOULD be won and very real.  Just because we didn't "see" spirits and evidence of ugly demonic activity, didn't mean she hadn't been called into the kingdom of God and the door of the enemy closed.

    We discussed afterwards the fact that her behavior wouldn't change immediately because she has some ingrained habits and those should be expected as we teach her how to properly act and react.  We also discussed medicine versus a complete healing where all medication becomes unnecessary.  He said we should pray and do what God led us to do about her prescriptions.  We have until the 29th (when she goes back to the physician) to assess her behavior and pray about what is best for her.  She may well NEED an anti-anxiety type of drug until she has been trained to deal with life's everyday little nuisances!

    I can't think of any more to write.  I'm just just so grateful for every one of you that prayed for us today and the fact our story was believed.  I was afraid to be honest about this because I was afraid we would be criticized for copping out, using the "devil" as an excuse, when the fact was we were really insufficient parents.  Now that I know so many were willing to stand with us, I realize it was another ploy from the evil side to keep us from getting the support we so desperately needed.

    Thanks you!  Thank you!  From the bottom of my heart.  May God bless each and every one of you!

  • Please Pray

    Today has only one thing on its agenda.  We are taking Luci to the church to have the elders and pastor pray for her.  I don't know how long it will take - I don't think they have a set guideline for doing this.  I stipulated I DID NOT WANT any screaming or hollering that would terrorize Luci.

    The doctor yesterday (our pediatrician since 2001) said she felt medication AND behavior modification was the right way to treat Luci and told me her suggestion of drug combinations to tell Luci's regular doctor (the one that dispenses the medicine) when I see him on the 29th.  The other two doctors disagreed that medication was appropriate.  I'm VERY confused.

    I'm not implying my child has demons, but the behavior and escalation of the fits into a scary rage (she doesn't even look or sound like herself) made me agree to have the church pray for any evil influences to leave her, our marriage, our house, etc.  This is severe - or I would never write about such a thing.  She told me last week she wanted to kill me.  When I "whispered" she was a child of the living God and no evil could live within her, she screamed (with a distorted face) she wanted to break my mouth so I could never say those words again.  I promise, there is no way (over her screaming and loud angry words) she could have heard a word I said.  I sat in the driver's seat and she was in the third seat of our Suburban and my voice was firm, but very quiet.

    We are going there at 10am (CDT) this morning.  Please pray as you are led.  Our family needs pray and guidance in dealing with the viciousness of her outbursts.  These are more than "temper tantrums" or what I have been calling "fits" because she throws herself against walls, etc. and hurts herself.

    EDIT:

    I JUST SPOKE WITH OUR PASTOR AND THE TIME HAS BEEN MOVED TO 10:30.

    HE SAID HE SPECIFICALLY PRAYED FOR GUIDANCE AND HE BELIEVES GOD TOLD HIM TO PRAY AGAINST INSANITY AND ABUSE AND A THIRD THING I CAN'T RECALL AT THIS MOMENT.  I ALSO ASKED IF HE WOULD PRAY FOR US AS PARENTS AND FOR THE CONDEMNATION THAT HAS COME FROM OTHERS - ESPECIALLY FAMILY MEMBERS AND SOME CHURCH MEMBERS.  THEY DON'T THINK "POOR LITTLE LUCI" IS THAT BAD AND WE ARE MAKING THINGS UP BECAUSE WE EXPECT "PERFECT CHILDREN" - TOUGH TO HANDLE, ESPECIALLY WHEN IT COMES FROM FAMILY MEMBERS.

    THANKS TO ALL WHO ARE PRAYING - YOUR SUPPORT IS OVERWHELMING TO ME!

  • Make that "Melting Monday"

    They weren't kidding when they predicted hot temps for today.  My Suburban said it was hovering between 99 and 100 degrees in the late afternoon.

    We didn't get out of our 11am doctor appointment until 1pm - she was running late AND we just took a long time discussing Luci.

    From there we went to the Post Office Box and argued (no kidding, "argued") about who wanted to eat what and where.  We ended up at a Chinese buffet.  We left there and it felt sultry hot. 

    From there, we visited 3 thrift stores looking for bargains mainly for next fall/winter.  Found a few pieces for now, but I'll show pictures and THEN tell you how much I spent.

    I found a pink velveteen nightgown and lavender long sleeve t-shirt.

    Found 2 other long sleeve t-shirts in pink & blue with small flowers around the neck, and a cute striped sweater.

    Found a darling yellow fleece top with a bicycle embroidered on it and a white t-shirt with little flowers across the chest.

    Last of all, I found a darling printed green sun-dress that can be worn to play in NOW, and some cute sleeveless summer tops for them to wear now while playing.  One is blue checked and the other is small pink roses - VERY Rissy!  There was also a denim skirt with embroidered flowers in a size 7, so either Rissy or Luci can wear that in fall.

    Last of all, I found two more dresses (one red print & the other solid navy with some flowers at the neck) that will be appropriate this fall. And also a pink t-shirt for now or fall.


    My grand total??????   $21 or $22 dollars!!!  Despite the heat, I felt it was a profitable day.

    We came home, dying of thirst, and I made a gallon of lemonade.  I hate to tell you, but it's almost gone!

    I had planned some chicken with asiago cheese and spinach sausage, and beef smoked sausage, for dinner.  Right now the only thing that sounds appealing for dinner is ice water!  I can't imagine how Jesse is mowing out in this heat.  He said he had two more customers to do and they were large properties!  Maybe he'll only want ice water for dinner and I won't have to cook at all!

  • Mundane Monday News

    Not much on the agenda today.  I have to take Luci to an 11:15 appointment for a THIRD medical opinion about medication being appropriate to treat her ODD.  We go back to her "medication dispensing doctor" on the 29th.

    I have the usually laundry and kitchen clean up to do today.  Neither of those things are ever finished!

    Yesterday, I retrieved 3 huge plastic bins from the attic.  I have really not wanted to do this (due to the inconvenience) but I will be storing my winter clothing in the attic.  It will loosen up the closet space.  I went through my children's "spare nightgown" drawer and handed out nighties to Rissy and Luci and saved a few for JanaLyn.

    Jesse made the garage more tidy.  I grabbed some homeschool books that I thought Luci and JanaLyn might be able to use and a cursive handwriting booklet for Rissy.  I have a real library of old homeschool textbooks out there!  I even have government, home ec., and biology textbooks!

    I think I'm going to move the king bed into Annamarie's and Luci's room and put their double bed in the guest room.  We are hearing too many complaints of one or the other taking too much room in the double bed!  We are VERY seriously considering becoming foster parents again.  Not babies this time.  I'm completely "babied" out!  I'm thinking of taking sibling groups, which are very hard to place in foster homes because most people only want one child at a time.   I think an average age of an 8-12 year old bracket would be the best for us.  I could easily fit another twin bed in the that huge guest room if we received three children.  My only stipulation would be female foster children.  I can't take a chance on a troubled boy hurting my three little girls.  Somehow I think it would be comforting for the foster siblings if they came as a group and had each other for support in their strange new home.  Can you imagine how discomforting it must be to children when they are removed from their homes and placed with strangers?  If there WAS a brother, and he didn't appear to have any huge behavioral disorders, I WOULD consider taking a brother in the group.  I think the ages of 8 - 12 would fit in well with my own girls.

    We ate Mexican food for lunch yesterday at what USED TO BE our favorite local restaurant.  They must be in a financial bind because the food just wasn't any good - for the third time.  We won't be gong back.

    We discussed new carpeting, some new thermal windows, and painting those rooms I've mentioned.  I think with the real estate market doing a belly flop nationally, it is bound to hit here eventually.  If we hang onto this house five years, prices should be back up and our home's value increased.  My way of thinking is:  "Why make home improvements so you can easily sell your house?  Why not make improvements and US enjoy the money that was spent on home improvements WHILE we are still living here?"

    Anyway, that's what we've been up to and the things we've tossed around in our heads these past few days.  Despite all of our interesting pipe dreams, the dog still needs kibble and fresh water and I need to grab something to eat and take a shower!

  • Flowery Saturday

    Well folks, the finally diagnosed peony plant has bloomed over night.  It isn't as full of blooms as I had first guessed.  I thought six, but there are actually only four.  It's next to a bird bath to give you an idea of the smallness of the bush.  That's monkey grass around it.  (BTW I hate that stuff!)

    In the same front plant area (my front porch) there is a bush I LOVE but can't identify.  If I knew what it was, I'd buy more.  It's grows all on its own and quite prolifically, stays green in the winter (VERY unusual for  ANYTHING in Oklahoma!), and the "needles" are actually very soft fern-like leaves.  Can anyone identify this bush?

    The final thing I can show you that I grow (only because it's hardy and requires nothing from me!!!!!) is my climbing roses in the back of the house.  They were here when we bought the house and do very well all summer long.

    If you look closely you can see that the wine red roses are intermingled with a peach or coral colored rose.


    Apparently a former homeowner planted two plants or this one just grew two colors like fraternal twins!

    Now I will share with all of  you the flowers I "CAN grow" the best.  I would even go so far as to say they are my specialty!!!! 

    The silk arrangement I used on my birthday table in April.  Actually this was made in spring of 2007.  See how well they are still doing????!!!!

    The silk wedding bouquet Stephanie carried in 1992, which resides on Rissy's dresser.

    And finally the two wall florals Rissy has on a wall at the side of her bed. 

    They are almost as old as the bouquet pictured above.  This one has birds in it (you can see one at the bottom) and is covered with silk ivy and silk flowers.

    And the last one was a heart-shaped wreath made from twigs and I covered it with silk flowers.

    The wedding bouquet, and the two wreaths fit in perfectly with Rissy periwinkle painted bedroom and floral bedspread.

    THESE are my successful plants.  Poor Jesse got a gift of a bonsai garden for his birthday one December and it was dead by March.  How in the world do you kill a bonsai garden?  They require almost no maintenance!  And to think, I used to grow indoor plants and had more cuttings to give away from them than Carter has little liver pills!

    I guess now I raise children and not plants.  Yeah!  That's a good excuse! 

    I raise CHILDREN!!!!!!