Dedicated to Owl Mema!

Went to my second painting class last night - so much fun! I highly recommend this for anyone who just loves to have fun and challenge yourself just a bit. The place is called Painting with a Twist....the "twist" is the wine that you drink while you paint. One problem though - I get so wrapped up in the painting that I forget to drink....but thats why the instructor dings the bell and reminds you to take another drink! Hilarious!

This painting was definitely harder than the first one I did, but I wanted to do this one so bad as this one is dedicated to my Mom...aka Owl Mema...the all time collector of owls! She probably had over 100 owls in her collection. I now have several of those and this one will go into that collection! Thanks Mom for the inspiration!

Temporarily Sidetracked

I can't believe August is almost half over already. I've definitely been on a sidetrack since May. As you know Dad got sick in May from the chemo - long story short ended up in the hospital for 10 long weeks. The track has taken a turn for the better though - he is now in rehab and doing great. He's been going to therapy twice a day and is able now to transfer from the bed to the wheelchair and back. He's even walked a little bit.

It amazes me how we manage to make it through lifes struggles when we are already so busy with life itself before we hit the roadblock. It goes to show that the saying really is true that God doesn't give you more than you can handle. I've really tried to put more focus into my faith in God during all of these challenges with Dad. It's always been hard for me to understand why we have to go through rough times and this time I'm really proud of myself for focusing on faith! It's definitely made a difference.

Cancer

I HATE CANCER!!!!!!!

Why do those we love have to be affected by this terrible disease. It's so hard not to let this demon rule your life. Then if matters aren't bad enough we have to throw in the treatment. Chemo - ugh. Dad is starting to experience side effects again from the chemo. I'm trying hard to be positive to help him get through this, but some days its just really hard to focus on the good. Thank goodness for all my supportive friends that have listened to me over the past year.....I honestly don't know how I would get through it if I didn't have someone to tell! I HATE CANCER - I HATE CHEMO.

Baby Tripp

We have a new baby! Tripp Elliott Davis was born Saturday morning at 8:45 am 6 lbs 10 oz and 19 3/4 long. He such a sweet little baby. He spent the first two days in the NICU with a slight little lung problem but yesterday he got moved to the regular nursery. I visited yesterday afternoon and got to hold him for about an hour. It was so awesome. He just makes your heart melt he's so cute. He may be grandbaby #8, but everyone it still just a special and precious as the first one. They all hold a special place in Nana's heart.....It's so funny because I can remember when I first became a Nana - I didn't really think I was old enough to be a grandma and I didn't really think I was ready for it either. But from the first minute that I held Dakota, our first grandchild, everything changed. Now I can't imagine not being Nana. Its such a great feeling! I can't wait to see how many more I end up with - I still have 3 girls that haven't even started having babies yet!

Catch up

Well obviously I haven't posted in A WHILE!!!! No way to catch up now other than to just jump in.
Here's the latest -

1. We're having grandbaby #8 this Saturday! Tripp Elliott Davis will be born via c-section this Saturday morning. I'm so excited for Jed and Petra and really all of us......Send all your thoughts and prayers our way please.

2. We got a new puppy this past weekend for Lyn's birthday. She's an 8 week old boxer, fawn with white and black markings. Her name is Maggie May. She's so cute and sweet. We are still working on adjusting to new puppy life and Layla is still wondering what the heck happened to her little world of being "in charge" and having all the attention. She's beginning to adjust to us and I think things are going to be just fine.

3. This coming Friday Lyn and I will be attending the Jeff Dunham show. So excited about that - if you've never seen him, he is hilarious! My favorites are Achmed the dead terriorist and Walter of course. Should be a fun nite.

4. Mom's day coming up this weekend too.....I'm looking forward to spending time with my kiddos (last year they planned a really fun day for me) so we'll see if this year lives up to that. :)
I will also be reflecting on time that I had with my Mom while she was on this earth. I still miss her terribly and think of her every day.

4. Next weekend is a big weekend. On Friday our team "Night Owls" will be walking in the Annual Relay for Life hosted by the American Cancer Society. This walk not only represents the struggle my family has gone through the past 3 years starting with my Mom's diagnosis of Lung Cancer in 2005 to my Dad's current fight against the disease, but it also is a celebration of sorts in the fact that there are survivors out there - my Dad being one of them - this year marks the 12th year of his survival over colon cancer. It's truly a special night. I'm collecting donations for our team if anyone would like to donate.

5. Then on saturday - Kristen and Sebastian are getting married! yeah for them - even though I've been married for 15 years, they are truly an inspiration for me. I love the way that I see them communicate about each other and to each other.

6. Next Sunday - wow - don't think I have anything planned yet. hmmmmmmmmmmm

anyway - that's a quick catch up - hope everyone is doing fine - we'll talk again soon. take care....D